Tannis Spencer

TANNIS SPENCER

WRITER/DIRECTOR/FOUNDER OF THEMICOLE.COM

NEW YORK, NY

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

I think my personal aesthetic has actually influenced my craft more. I adopted a minimalist aesthetic early in my adult life and that comes across in my work relatively strongly. I’ve really tried to focus on noise reduction in everything I produce and hopefully that’s what sets my work apart.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

Women have been immeasurably instrumental to both my life and career. I’ve been surrounded by such excellent examples of strong women all my life. From my mother being my first role model and someone I attain to consistently make proud to the women I work with professionally who inspire me every day. I joined a sorority in college and have been fortunate enough to literally be surrounded by women that are excelling in every industry. They push me to do my best. My linesisters are a constant motivating factor in my life; we’re all very close. We push each other, we cheer for each other’s victories, and support one another in our downfalls. It’s a friendship I wouldn’t trade for the world. Women are among the strongest, smartest, and resilient people on earth, so I’m rarely surprised when we succeed. I just applaud and hope we keep doing it.

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"Two" Trailer - Directed by Tannis Spencer

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

First off, I hope to be a participant in these cultural changes so for me it’s always about being authentic and present. Thanks to social media it is a bit easier to stay connected, but to stay ahead of the curve I have to surround myself with people that know more than me. I try to have a diverse group of people in my life that can offer me perspectives I wouldn’t normally think of myself. It’s those sometimes idle conversations that can lead to creating something really innovative and pushing the culture forward.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

My notebook is over flowing with ideas and projects, some of which will likely never see the light of day. I’ve learned to be selective with what I give energy to so that helps keep me on track. Staying creative can be super difficult! We all go through creative droughts but I get inspired when I see other people doing awesome things. That keeps me creative, other peoples success. It makes me try harder.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

I think mentors are very important. Having someone that can help point you in the right direction when you’re at a crossroads can be invaluable. My mentors are generally for less professional needs but they’re people I speak with to find grounding in a lot of my decisions. They’re typically family or very close friends.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

No matter, do what you love. I’m still figuring things out myself but what keeps me going is that I’m working towards something I love. I’d also advise other women to really do their research in their craft, do your due diligence and really articulate how you plan on contributing to the culture of whatever it is you’re doing.

Place that inspires me the most... I love sitting on the subway! It’s so fun to imagine what everyone’s life is like, and I draw great inspiration from that. I come up with tons of stories and ideas based on what I think I saw or experienced on the train. You never know what to expect on the subway and I love what that uncertainty can create.

I feel most powerful when... When I’m with people that love me. Not in the authoritative sense but that I feel my most capable, smart, and confident when I’m with those people. That’s powerful to me.

I love what I do because... It makes my heart happy. A funny phrase I know, but it is genuinely true. I’m so fulfilled by my brand and the work I produce because they come from such a pure place. I’m always trying to make my heart happy.

Best advice I have ever received... People are watching even when you think they aren’t.

Connect with Tannis Spencer on the themicole.com!!

Ariel Lopez

Image of Ariel Lopez c/o Innov8tiv.com

Ariel Lopez is a career coach at General Assembly - and founder of 2020Shift, a social enterprise that is designed to educate black and latino millennials on careers in the technology space. I was most impressed by Ariel's work with 2020Shift - dedicated to setting students and recent graduates up for success, but most importantly filling the diversity gap with talent by providing resources and professional development. As an avid public speaker, Ariel enjoys sharing her expertise in digital media and technology and loves connecting people to opportunities. Luckily for Ariel, the things she loves the most is reflective of her day job, which allows her the freedom to cultivate her passion into profitable and innovative ideas to inspire others to pursue their career goals. 

ARIEL LOPEZ

CAREER COACH AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY & FOUNDER OF 2020SHIFT 

NEW YORK, NY

"I think it's just about putting yourself out there. A lot of business connections have happened because of a tweet or a LinkedIn message. You have to find what channels work best for you/your brand and be active in them."

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

My craft reflects the things that matter to me the most. I've always had a passion for helping people and as a coach I get to do that. 2020Shift is designed to help people elevate in their careers so I'm doing the same in that regard as well. I would also say I fell in love with tech as soon as I started working in the industry. It's extremely important for me to be a catalyst to help others find success as well.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

I would say my mom has been the most influential person in both my life and my career. My drive and work ethic are a reflection of how I was raised. My mom always said that you can be whatever you want to be and that your current circumstances don't define your future. I held on to those words and it helped shape the determination that has carried me through my career thus far.

"In terms of finding a mentor, network as much as you can and don't force any relationships; let them happen naturally. You'll have a gut feeling on who should be a mentor or not."

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I think it's just about putting yourself out there. A lot of business connections have happened because of a tweet or a LinkedIn message. You have to find what channels work best for you/your brand and be active in them.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

I make a point to have vision boards for every year; you'd be surprised how things magically come into fruition. I also recently went Being Mary Jane-ish in my apartment - hanging up small affirmations. Success is definitely a mental battle; if you can stay positive and on track, you'll accomplish your goals much easier.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are super important and I have a few. I have advisors that are mentors, students and friends. I'm usually giving people advice, but learn the most about myself in those conversations. In terms of finding a mentor, network as much as you can and don't force any relationships; let them happen naturally. You'll have a gut feeling on who should be a mentor or not.

"I have a love-hate situation with NYC, but it's the most inspiring city in the world. When I wake up I automatically think: hustle. It's becomes a way of life."

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Go after what you want and negotiate what you deserve (for those entering creative fields). For women starting their own business, keep your purpose and mission top of mind; that helps with riding the crazy roller coaster that is entrepreneurship.

Place that inspires me the most...

I have a love-hate situation with NYC, but it's the most inspiring city in the world. When I wake up I automatically think: hustle. It's becomes a way of life.

I feel most powerful when...

I'm teaching or speaking in public. I love engaging with people and hearing their feedback; it's also an amazing feeling to hear, "You inspired me to do XYZ."I love what I do because...I live in my purpose and I make an impact at the same time

Best advice I have ever received...

"You attract what you believe you're worth." I make an effort to shift my mindset to things that I want and believe I'm capable of doing.Connect with Ariel Lopez on 2020Shift, General Assembly, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Darling Chuck

ANDREA "DREA" RAMOS AKA DARLING CHUCK

DJ

QUEENS, NEW YORK

I met Drea at a mutual friend’s Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Brooklyn about three years ago. Back then, she was a fashion casting director who juggled a couple of DJ gigs after work - but despite her hectic schedule, Drea kept it going. As we kept in touch over the years, her hobby evolved into a career; she continued to cultivate her love for music and eventually left her 9 to 5 to pursue DJ'ing. This move for Drea was now... or never.

There's just something about women that feed and empower your soul, and it should be reciprocated.

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

My professional background for the past 10+ years has been in fashion, but it wasn't until recently that I decided to turn my hobby and love of music into my craft. I had a pretty cool job as a fashion casting director, working with the biggest designers, brands and talent around the world. Through casting, I was able to meet a lot of awesome folks, and make some lasting connections. I was lucky to be in the position I was in. But I think the stress to maintain and keep up with the industry finally caught up with me so I decided to pick up DJ'ing on the side. The newness of it felt so exciting, that I found myself inspired to make moves with it. A year later, I quit my day job and dove into this new world of DJ'ing that I barely knew anything about. I'm a lot happier and lighter these days, and it's because I feel like I can be more like myself.

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How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career? 

I grew up in a single parent household, having been primarily raised by my mom, my grandmothers and my aunts. My mom worked multiple jobs, and made a ton of sacrifices just so I could live comfortably and have a proper education. In this man's world, my grandmothers (R.I.P. Inang) are the most emotionally and physically strongest women I know, not letting life's road blocks stop them from achieving what they've aimed for. My aunts have always offered advice and lent their care whenever I needed it without question, teaching me the real definition of friendship. Their teachings are a reflection on how I am towards other women. There's just something about women that feed and empower your soul, and it should be reciprocated. I've been so lucky to share connections with so many other strong women because they inspire me to be better. If it wasn't for these women in my life, I really believe I wouldn't have the guns to be where and who I am today.

Use your resources and research people in the industry that you admire and are doing what you want to do and reach out to them. Make connections with them. People are generally willing to help if you just ask. Stay curious. Realize you don't know it all, and have an open mind. Consume as much as you can, and make it work for yourself. Take risks.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve? 

Working in fashion taught me to keep up with trends, and with the help of social media, it's made it much easier for us to stay connected. I pride myself in having good taste and knowing how to cut the fat with all the extra crap out there, so the real challenge is being able to mute the noise while managing to staying relevant. I love pop culture, and I stay curious. I like to keep it moving. Nostalgia is good, but there's also so much cool, new shit out there - especially with artists and music!

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)? 

It can be way challenging to keep track of both personal and business goals as a creative, but being freakishly organized while developing good habits has helped. I own stacks of notebooks and jars of pens because I like to physically write things down, and if I don't have a pen and paper on hand, I'll write it down in my phone or in my laptop. It's the only way to regulate all the chaos going on inside my head. You can have a long list of goals, but having the discipline to formulate and execute those goals is how you're really going to achieve them. Understanding that if you're hungry enough and have the drive to want to see your ideas come into fruition is essential. Being a DJ nowadays is more than having great taste in music and having the technical skills to back it. You sort of have to be a "social personality" to add value to your brand; you almost have to treat it like your business.

Staying creative is an ongoing struggle, but I'm fortunate to live in a city that inspires me every day. A lot of people in NYC have this "I'll sleep when I'm dead" mentality, but sleep is fucking awesome! I think it's important to stay in tune and listen to your body. As long as you eat right, stay active and allow yourself to be open, you'd be doing your future self a huge favor. You can't create if you're feeling restless or exhausted. The stress just isn't worth it in the long run. Disco naps are fun, too. It's all about maintaining a balance.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor? 

Mentors are extremely important. I'm smart enough to know that I don't know it all, and it's silly to think that you don't need anyone to make it in life. We all need each other to get by. Embrace the people that inspire and challenge you so you can grow. I learn something different from each and every single person I keep close in my life - young and old.

My main mentor is my mother. She's my number one. She is everything.Shawndub and TAP.10 have been my DJ mentors since the very beginning. They've pretty much taught me everything I know about DJ'ing, and the ropes of industry. I admire those two so much. They're possibly the most patient and intuitive people I know.

My boyfriend, Mike Baker has been my life mentor since we started dating. He's really helped me through a lot of shit, and has shown endless support with what I want to do and who I want to be. He is literally my best friend, and I can't imagine life without him.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business? 

Figure out what exactly it is you want to do in the creative industry because there is so much to contribute to this world, whether it be in fashion, design, marketing or music. Use your resources and research people in the industry that you admire and are doing what you want to do and reach out to them. Make connections with them. People are generally willing to help if you just ask. Stay curious. Realize you don't know it all, and have an open mind. Consume as much as you can, and make it work for yourself. Take risks.

Place that inspires me the most... 

The beach and being near the ocean. It reminds me how small I am, and allows me to open my mind to immeasurable possibilities.

I feel most powerful when... 

I can help empower other women.

I love what I do because... 

It makes me feel good, and it allows me to make others feel just as good.

Best advice I have ever received... 

Nothing is free. Everything comes with a price.Connect with Darling Chuck on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Soundcloud!

Rana Campbell

RANA CAMPBELLCONTENT STRATEGIST & FOUNDER OF RANACAMPBELL.COMORANGE, NEW JERSEY

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Rana Campbell, Princeton University alumni and Founder of lifestyle website: RanaCampbell.com. Rana and I instantly bonded over our passion for bridging the gap between vision and reality – as she shared her website’s mission to help individuals shine in their personal and professional lives. Rana’s work has been featured on FOX 5 Good Day New York, The Huffington Post, Princeton Alumni Weekly, and many more.

I tell this to everyone: be a student of your industry. Understand the space well. Understand your future customer's pain points and work on building relationships with them. No one can want your dream more than you want your dream. A lot of people talk about this in terms of “passion”, but I think this goes beyond passion. If you want to enter a field and create something that you actually want to see some tangible results from, you need to really be involved in the system and process of figuring out how to see something from ideation to execution. I think that’s where a lot of people have it wrong. They think talent alone will cause success. It may, but I think that having a larger bird’s eye view of the industry and the little intricacies can help insure long-term success.

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

I've always been a storyteller, talker, and question-asker. These parts of my persona have definitely translated into what I do now. For me, my site and brand is all about empowering and sharing the stories of others. That’s always been intriguing to me. I’m the type of person who admires and wonders “Why?” How did things get to be the way they are? At the same time, I’ve always wondered, “What’s the best way to share this and share with others? Perhaps that’s why I love marketing so much.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

The women in my life have shown me resilience and strength. I think one of the most influential women in my life has been my mother. When I think of her I think of sacrifice and resilience. My mother went through alot in her life, and despite almost dying when I was a baby, she is still here with us. All along she has supported me and through her sacrifice I have been able to accomplish so much.

Other important women in my life such as teachers, mentors, and even former bosses have been instrumental in my life because they both believed in me and pushed me. They showed me new possibilities for my dreams and also showed me the ways that I can navigate those open waters as a woman.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I’m obsessed with reading. I always try to have a book in tow, if possible. I’m always trying to find new information to consume via blogs, news, film, social media, networking events, music, etc… I am like a sponge and revel at opportunities to learn new things. I think if you’re constantly seeking new knowledge, staying ahead of the curve is easy. This is where my love for asking “why?” comes in.

Rana Campbell

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

This one is a bit hard for me. Personally, I try to make sure to write everything down and revisit my goals from time to time. By keeping myself accountable, I’m able to keep track. For me, keeping track of my goals and staying creative don’t always go hand-in-hand. I feel that sometimes I have too many creative ideas which can cause an overload, which may cause me NOT to focus on my goals. There you have it… staying focused is what I find to be the most important thing. At the end of the day, I always try to remain positive. Burnout is real.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are everything. Having someone who did it already and can show you the ropes can save you a lot of time and also guide your own journey. Mentors are another part of your support system- which every creative needs. One of my mentors is Gabrielle Simpson, who is a director of Communications at NBC. I’ve known Gabby (as I call her) from when she worked at CBS Corporate and I as an intern. She’s always been a great support to me and has pushed me to pursue new opportunities. She also helped open up alot of doors for me, which I would have a really hard time gaining access to (quite literally.) Gabby sees greatness in me – having someone who sees that in you and wants you to achieve that is the best thing ever.

Rana Campbell

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

I tell this to everyone: be a student of your industry. Understand the space well. Understand your future customer's pain points and work on building relationships with them. No one can want your dream more than you want your dream. A lot of people talk about this in terms of “passion”, but I think this goes beyond passion. If you want to enter a field and create something that you actually want to see some tangible results from, you need to really be involved in the system and process of figuring out how to see something from ideation to execution. I think that’s where a lot of people have it wrong. They think talent alone will cause success. It may, but I think that having a larger bird’s eye view of the industry and the little intricacies can help insure long-term success.

My dad once told me, “As long as you’re awake and have the ability to think, you should never be bored.”

Place that inspires me the most:

I get a lot of ideas while driving without the radio on. There's something about being on the move that gets my mind going. Honestly, I can get inspired from pretty much everywhere. Everything is a story to me. You just have to want to see it. My dad once told me, “As long as you’re awake and have the ability to think, you should never be bored.”

I feel most powerful when:

This may sound crazy, but I love being naked. I think there’s power in loving your body in its rawest form. True power comes from within and I think that moment of nakedness where you have nothing to hide behind is where we can start to build that power.

For the more politically correct answer, I’ll say, I feel most powerful when I’m looking good, feeling good, and am prepared. Those things give me confidence.

I love what I do because:

I get to meet so many different people and hear so many different stories. At the same time, I love inspiring others and helping others accomplish their dreams. This may be because I’m an ENFJ, but I really enjoy seeing other people smile and feel good about themselves. I also like presenting ways that individuals can start challenging themselves to open their eyes to something new.

I read a quote the other day that sums this up perfectly: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.

Best advice I have ever received:

Don’t let what others think weigh you down. I say this is the best advice because it’s something I find myself working on every day. Having courage to pursue a journey that others may not fully support or understand is hard, but if you believe in yourself and start to care less about what “others” may say the possibilities are endless. I read a quote the other day that sums this up perfectly: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

Rana Campbell

Connect with Rana Campbell on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram!

Melissa Mercado

MELISSA MERCADOARTISTPG COUNTY, MARYLAND

Behind every artist is a muse; behind every successful man is a hardworking woman - and it takes a strong foundation for couples to thrive together in an ever-changing industry to help each other grow and stay on top of their game. I met Melissa through a good friend of mine, L aka Naturel, a couple of years ago - and I have always admired how she balanced motherhood & family and hustle as an artist. Melissa's artwork - "clean lines, minimal content and solid colors" - also reflects her energy: avant-garde - a modern woman who is not compelled to "choose", but "juggles" different aspects of her life, and never settles for anything less than great.

“I am inspired by all women, I feel like I celebrate who we are when I create - it's for us.”

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

I love to clean and organize pretty much everything. I'm a little bit of a minimalist as well. Those habits are such a big part of who I am that it carries over into my work. My artwork and design usually reflects clean lines, minimal content and solid colors. If you ask my family and friends, I'm a total Virgo! Even though it's not always achieved – I crave some type of perfection in anything I do.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

My mother is the reason why I even pursued art and design. When I was young, my teachers, principals and my mom created avenues for me to water my talent – they were all women. My mom pushed me to go to art/design school for college and showed me I can make a living off of my creativity. I am inspired by all women, I feel like I celebrate who we are when I create, it's for us.

“I don't think too much about staying relevant because that tends to fog up creativity.”

" Artwork comes from within, and it's hard to create if you are thinking about what everyone else wants from you - staying ahead of the curve is putting a piece out with a "fuck it, take it or leave it" attitude."

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I love pop culture and fashion, so keeping up with trends doesn't feel like a task. There are so many resources available like social media, blogs and just walking around your surroundings. I don't think too much about staying relevant because that tends to fog up creativity. Artwork comes from within, and it's hard to create if you are thinking about what everyone else wants from you - staying ahead of the curve is putting a piece out with a "fuck it, take it or leave it" attitude.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

I've said it before, I'm a Virgo but I'm also a mother – staying organized helps me achieve those goals; it's a part of who I am. My king and I made a culture of creativity at home and so as tired as I am, it's always in my face. Hanging out with our daughter stirs up all types of inspiration for us.

“We're not built to know it all, so we constantly learn from everyone around us.”

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are very important. We're not built to know it all, so we constantly learn from everyone around us. My very first mentor was my mom, instead of introducing me to a conventional career path, she introduced me to art & graphic design. College had a very intimate setting so I had a lot of one on one time with my professors – too many to name but they all made a good impact on my career path. There was a point in my life where I entered the world of makeup artistry, beauty & fashion. I learned so much from the artists and photographers I worked with. Currently, I am blessed with loving and living with a huge inspiration, my king –Naturel. I can't wait to work with and learn from other artists and designers – my list of mentors will never end!

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

No matter how difficult things get – because it will get pretty unbearable sometimes – push through! Faith, hard work, and passion breed good results even if the results aren't immediate. You can plan life all you want, but you can't control what happens. Everything you go through – good and bad – leads up to your dreams and goals… so don't give up!

Place that inspires me the most... There isn't a specific place but where I grew up (PG County, Maryland) has a lot to do with the pieces I cultivate; some are inspired from the music, street culture and experiences I've had. As far as art and style, I find inspiration traveling, decorating my home and even shopping – as crazy as that sounds! Lol.

I feel most powerful when... I feel good, look good, and hold it down for my family!

I love what I do because... I can wake up every morning and decide what I am going to do with my day.

Best advice I have ever received... Love and take care of yourself first and you'll be able love and care for others.

Connect with Melissa Mercado on Twitter and Instagram!

Riana Stellburg

RIANA STELLBURG AKA DJ TITTAHBYTE HONOLULU, HAWAII

Music connected me with Honolulu-based DJ Tittahbye a couple of years ago and I've been vibing to her mixes ever since from this side of the world (New York City).

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

For as long as I could remember music was behind everything I did. ​As a child I was exposed to different genres of music because of my older brothers and the hobbies that my mom signed me up for. Throughout middle school and high school, I would research and 'Mp3 dig' for music that I liked and would record songs on the radio and make mini mixtapes for myself to listen to and became very protective over my tracks whenever someone asked about it. For some reason I never liked revealing my sources because I felt like my music taste was what made me different. I grew up in a Filipino-dominant middle school where all my classmates were listening to Top 40 and there I was in the back listening to my Black Flag and Gorilla Biscuits. Eventually my music taste started to expand in college and I began to share the music I was listening to.

I went out to a lot of underground hip-hop and punk shows taking photos, wrote about them in my school newspaper, and then eventually started putting together and promoting shows. My main mission was always to shed light on those underground underrated artists...something I still focus on today.

​I started dating a DJ and that's when mixing music entered my mind. I was writing a piece for a magazine and I gave him a track list to mix and then he said, "Why don't you just mix it?" He ended up showing me the ropes starting from vinyl first and then taught me how to DJ on basically any format. He stressed to me that my music selection was important and that I should never lose that. People still ask me, surprised "Wow you DJ now?" but then in my mind it's like...​about time.

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How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

​My mother is your classic 63-year-old stubborn twice divorced Filipina, 1st generation to move to United States. Growing up she instilled great strength and determination in me and ​always made sure my back bone was unbreakable. She taught me that you could get anything you wanted as long as you made it your mission. One of the toughest generation barriers between us was that she was stuck in the traditional mentality of me becoming a doctor or lawyer to make money. Her rejection of my career choice just made me more determined to prove her wrong and it still fuels me.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

​I observe research, absorb and adapt. There are times I do feel defeated as if I'm going nowhere fast but then I snap myself back to reality and remind myself that nothing is going to happen if I’m not doing anything about it. ​

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

​I'm a die-hard fan of to-do lists and I have all kinds of them: short-term, long-term, daily, personal, business, etc. I'm a ​huge procrastinator and work well under pressure (even though I'm stressed out haha) and I always need a deadline. If I'm on a time-constraint for the day for example, I won't eat (and I do love to eat) or stop till the task is done.

My schedule is usually busy so I always make it a point to separate my personal and business environment. When I'm at home I try not to take my work with me and remind myself that my bedroom is for relaxing, unwinding, and taking a mental break, which is all very important to me.

As far as creativity goes, I can't force it or rush it otherwise it'll come out wack. If I’m stuck I’ll go do something that doesn’t require a lot of thinking until I’m re-energized to start again.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Extremely important. Without their influences on me, I wouldn't be who I am today.

DJ Revise is my mentor, who is also my boyfriend and business partner, inspires me to strive for my best potential not only as a DJ but also as a person.​

As far as people I look up to...Sosupersam, TOKiMONSTA, Miss Lawn of Hellz Bellz, all bad ass girls doing all things that I love, running with the boys and killing the game. DJ Delve for his music programming and music taste. His mixes are the only ones that I can run back to back all day and I never get sick of it.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

​Be prepared to work and to constantly adapt. Have true intentions and purpose behind what you do and don't ever lose sight of your roots.​

Place that inspires me the most…

Currently L.A. I went there back in April for my birthday and it was such a good break for me to get re-inspired and connect with some artists that I admire. I love the hustle that everyone has, it was very infectious.

I feel most powerful when... I'm DJ'ing on stage and everyone is dancing. ​I have such a great adrenaline rush and seeing people smile and move to the music I'm playing makes me crazy happy and just reminds me why I do what I do.

I love what I do because... it makes me feel vulnerable because I'm sharing my music taste with everyone and at the same time excited because the music I’m playing is making them dance and feel the way they do.

Best advice I have ever received… Do you boo boo.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/202448766" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]DJ Tittahbytes' Upcoming Events:+ June 24th – Green Leaf Check at The Safehouse [greenleafcheck.com/rsvp] + June 27th- Ginza Nightclub + July 2nd – Chitty Bang at The Safehouse + July 3rd – First Friday at Fresh Cafe + July 11th – White Rabbit at The Safehouse + July 30th – Green Leaf Check at The Safehouse [greenleafcheck.com/rsvp] + August 20th – Kehlani at The Republik [bampproject.com]Connect with DJ Tittahbyte on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Noël Descalzi-Fiorentinos

NOËL DESCALZI-FIORENTINOSFOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF WORK IT OUT HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY

Thank you to Noël for sharing her journey as an entrepreneur on HIMYB.com - and personally inspiring me to choose a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Tell us about Work it Out and how long you have been in business.

Work it Out is a healthy lifestyle studio that offers fitness classes and wellness packages that are customized specifically for our community. With two Hoboken locations, our studios are like no other. We’re far removed from the world of impersonal big-box gyms, our unique facilities and wide variety of classes and offerings let you set your fitness free, while throwing away thoughts of a lonely unguided road to health. We also offer a children's gymnastics program that is organically intertwined within our model. We are approaching our 4 year anniversary.

How did you come up with the company name?

Let me give you a visual:

You’re getting ready for a night on the town with all of your friends. You had a hard week at work but it doesn’t matter because you look fierce and feel amazing. All of a sudden your most ‘fabulous’ friend yells out (with a Z shaped finger snap) “GIRLLL…you better Work it Out!” You take one look in the mirror and have all the confidence in the world.

What is your company's mission?

Our philosophy is steeped in the belief that our diversity in our offerings will shape your body, energize your spirit, and empower your soul.

And what do you think sets Work it Out apart from similar businesses?

Set your fitness free has been a tag line of ours that we’ve embraced and lived by since our start. We gradually came to the realization that keeping up with our changing needs as women is a big part of maintaining that freedom. So we asked ourselves how we could support our client in their evolution, whatever direction it took. The answer was clear – by offering fitness that evolves with them. Whether you are working your tail off, getting married, having a baby, had the baby or have a growing child – We’ve got you covered. All of this paired with studios that exude positive energy. We go out of our way to make sure each person that attends class is happy and content.How does your current role reflect your personal aesthetic?

In every sense possible - I’m the oldest of 3 girls, with 6 and 9 year age differences between both sisters which meant, I was always the boss. For about 15 years my household revolved around my gymnastics career. For the most part, Work it Out was built on two stages of my life: During and After Gymnastics. The fundamentals of our gymnastics program come from everything I’ve ever learned from my time with the sport, like hard work, goal setting, confidence building and perseverance. The adult classes come from everything I learned after it was over like understanding how to juggle real life and healthy living. Also - I’ve always had a creative side with particular taste. Classic, clean. I think that shines through in the visuals of the brand.

Who are the women who inspire you and how have they been instrumental to your career growth?

Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice Founders of SoulCycle. Also, Lauren Boggi Goldenberg Founder of Lithe Method. These women inspired me to start Work it Out 4 years ago. I was living in Manhattan and used to take SoulCycle classes in the original Upper West side studio and saw how magical bringing together a community of people was. I grew up in a gym environment and understood that working out could not be forced. There had to be something special that people identified with in order to keep them engaged and coming back. Their studios made me understand that your work out is personal and you need to connect with it in order to stay committed.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I’ve always had an eye for trends. For one, just taking a step into NYC and opening your eyes to the culture, the fashion, the risk taking, can help inspire you. Being aware of people, places and things around you. I’m very visual, so naturally I connect with Instagram. I love following personalities in my industries, all different types, from all over the world. I find it interesting how certain countries are so ahead.. I always feel this way about Australia for some reason. I keep Work it Out relevant by picking and choosing trends that inspire me and remixing them into something that makes sense for the brand.

With that said, how do you keep track of your personal and business goals? How do you stay focused (even when you are exhausted)?

I’ve found that I am a big picture thinker. If I have a clear vision of the big picture, it makes it easier for me to set smaller goals. Staying focused is difficult for me in an ever-evolving business because the big picture is always changing, depending on what opportunities come your way. It’s important to be nimble. Being patient, trusting your gut and making smart, well thought out decisions is something I live by. An occasional risk here and there is also important.

Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they?

The closet thing I have to mentors, are my start-up savvy friends. These are people that have gone through similar business obstacles and triumphs or are in the process of going through them.

A recent study found a lack of mentorship among young women. How important are mentors to you?

I lean on this group of people quite frequently. It’s comforting to have supporters in your corner that will give you unsolicited advice that you are not afraid to hear. I like that they’re relatable.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Go for it! Just know – it’s difficult to do everything on your own. There is power in numbers. Do your best to find a team that believes in your mission. Be patient. Also, mistakes are bound to happen. Don’t let them discourage you.

What place inspires you the most?

Central Park.

When do you feel most powerful?

When I bond and feel connected with my team.

Why do you love what you do?

Because it is an extension of me. There is something so fulfilling about creating a place that people love. It’s a part of their everyday lives and makes them happy. I feel indebted to them and a responsibility to grow it.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Concentrate on your team. A solid team equals a solid company.

Connect with Work it Out on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram!

Work it Out's signature classes include: Ride, Zumba, Barre, Bands, Interval Training, Pilates, Toning, Go Mommy, and more. If you would like more information, please check out their site: Work it Out - and join Noël and her fitness loving team.

Hannah Garrison

Hannah Garrison

HANNAH GARRISONMOTHER, DESIGNER & CO-FOUNDER OF WEAR YOUR MUSICNEW YORK CITY

Best Advice I Have Ever Received: "Do what I love.  I know it sounds cheesy, but if you are doing something you love then you are helping the world turn."

Hannah Garrison is the co-founder of Wear Your Music. She started out handcrafting bracelets made of recycled strings for family and musician friends. Her hobby eventually expanded into a profitable business whose philosophy celebrates music, style, and philanthropy. Wear Your Music bracelets are collected from earth-conscious students and budding musicians around the world, including used guitar strings donated by acclaimed musicians such as John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Joan Jett, etc.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/RMEmKMU0Az0]

Describe a day in the life of Hannah Garrison.

Can we start with the fact that I am mostly in bed by 9 PM? Yes, that's what running a few businesses and having two kids under 4 will do to you.  My days start and end early.  My time is split between my home office and Wear Your Music office.  I love that the Internet has made all of this possible.  My days are busy, but also flexible. There is a lot of nursing the baby, many, many emails, lots of healthy food, a bunch of social media, number crunching, and the occasional burst of creativity to keep things fun. I love my life.

How did you get started with Wear Your Music – and how does it reflect your personal aesthetic?

Wear Your Music was my first baby.  I met my business partner on Craigslist before we knew there might be crazy people on there. =) I was a creative maker and he was a savvy businessman.  Now, he's creative and I'm all business-y.  We rubbed off in each other.  But as far as aesthetic, it is totally reflective of me.  It's jewelry for the person who doesn't wear jewelry.  It’s simple, unique, elegant, and gender neutral.  I love subtlety – and it is that.

Wear Your Music

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

I've found that with women it can go either way.  Either you grate up against each other with evil or you lift each other up.  I've been lucky enough to have a village of women that lift me up.  In my life and career (which are so linked) there have been women who've shown me that it is all possible; that you can have your cake (work) and eat it too (family).  This subject is so fraught, but it is important too.  We bring our personal values along with us to our businesses, so we better be damn clear about what they are.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

If you wear yoga pants you will always be relevant... No! Did I just type that? Crap! Yes, culture is ever changing.  (Oh no! Are yoga pants here to stay?)  But truly, I think the best thing I know how to do is to be in touch with all different types of people and all different ages.  I am friendly, and care about people in a genuine manner.  Different people are my go-to for different things.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

Number 1) I am always exhausted. That means 2) I am über focused.  Like, laser focused.

I have to make use of all of my clarity so I need to work fast and efficiently.  I tend to pick a task that suits my mood.  If I am all drifty and far out, I write a copy, think, draw, and come up with ideas.  If I am fully caffeinated and settled in, I do numbers.  Picking a task that you are in the right state of mind for is key.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

I think mentors are super important.  I've had many people who've influenced me.  But I am on the lookout for a serious mentor.  So if you have one, send them to me!

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Take care of yourself!  Self-care and work/life balance are really important. All the other shit matters, but it won't happen without you – so you come first.  Eat breakfast, save some money, hire a coach.

Wear Your Music

Place that inspires me the most:

The passenger seat. Seriously, with someone else at the wheel and the world spinning by...

I feel most powerful when:

I launch something beautiful into the world.  I love seeing ideas come full circle. Birth. It's magical.

I love what I do because:

What I do helps people. That's what I am here for – to figure out ways to help each other and lift each of us up.

Best advice I have ever received:

Do what I love.  I know it sounds cheesy, but if you are doing something you love then you are helping the world turn.

Follow WearYourMusic.org!

Twitter.com/WearYourMusic | Instagram.com/WearYourMusic | Facebook.com/WearYourMusic

Quiana Parks

QUIANA PARKSNEW YORK CITYDJ & FOUNDER OF DJ FOR A CURE

DJ Quiana (Quiana Parks) describes a day in her life as, “… a roller coaster of art, music, and expression, but focus is the essence.” Although Quiana never has a set schedule, she has her daily rituals: fitness routines and above all – prayer.

Music started at home for Quiana and it does not come as a surprise that she would eventually follow her path as a DJ, "Growing up everything in my household came with a personal playlist: cleaning, homework, family time, summer gatherings, and everything else in between. I owe it to my parents for my wide span awareness of different genres and the development of my love to DJ."

Quiana has been cancer-free for nine years, but when she was diagnosed with lymphoma – she remembers feeling completely numb, “I did not feel anything until I looked in the mirror. I would not look at it. But, when I did – that was when it really hit me… I hate chemo. Chemo was not my friend. I know it helped me, but it was more like a mean teacher there to help. I could not stand it.” It was a challenging time, but Quiana drew her strength and resilience from a higher source: God. She was not DJ’ing during her chemo sessions, but when Quiana overcame the battle in 2005 – it propelled her to start DJ For A Cure, a foundation that aligned her craft with a cause that she strongly believed in. DJ For a Cure aims to educate, support, and raise the awareness of cancer - by gathering DJs, visionaries, and survivors who use their creativity to empower patients and connect them through the power of music.

PUMA® and DJ Quiana Parks will kick off the summer with DJ For a Cure's 2nd event on June 26th in New York City (flyer below). There will be board games, prizes from Krink, music by DJs Austin Millz and Charles Browne, and hosted by DJ Kiss and Chef Roblé. Quiana will also be auctioning off one of her oil paintings as a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

As a cancer survivor, what advice would you give to women who are going through the same thing you went through? Put yourself in the mind frame that you are cured. No matter how things look, there are two ways you can come out of a situation: feeling ugly – with a veil of fear OR having faith – and the beauty of never giving up.

Where can we learn more about DJ For A Cure? How can we help out? www.djforacure.com and www.twitter.com/djforacure – for more info check out the website and please donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career? My mother introduced me to music. My sister supports me in everything I do. My mentors DJ Kiss and Sapphira M. HIll guide me along the way.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve? I just try to be myself and never worry about the trends.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)? My sister Qyera keeps me balanced with all that I do!

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor? DJ Kiss and Sapphira are amazing and influential women who have helped me when Google could not, haha.

What place inspires you the most? Art Basel for their amazing music and artists.

When do you feel most powerful? When I am behind the DJ booth and everyone is dancing – even that one person in the room that you never thought in a million years would bust out a move, haha – that is when I feel most powerful.

Why do you love what you do? I get to live for a living.

Define your idea of success. Happiness.

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Follow Quiana Parks on Instagram!

A Tale of Two Biddies

NIK ADAMS & EBONI MERRIMANNEW YORK CITY LIFESTYLE BLOGGERS, A TALE OF TWO BIDDIES

Describe a day in the life of Nik and Eboni of A Tale of Two Biddies.

Both of our days typically start really early. We try and get in some stretching or sun salutations and really reflect on what we're trying to accomplish. Words of encouragement to ourselves in the mirror or writing out our gratitude mantras are super important to us. It's a form of self-care to really prepare us to face this jungle of a city. During our commutes, we're clutching coffee, looking over emails and exchanging ideas to one another via text, really mapping out A Tale of Two Biddies for the day. After work, we have school! Both in degree programs, Nik has a class twice a week and Eboni is taking courses online so we give attention to that and then it's Biddie time. If we have an event, we refresh and head to that but if not we'll work on what's next for the blog and brand. Eboni's job allows for her to work on ATOTB things during the day while Nik is the night owl and tackles a lot, burning the midnight oil, with a pot of green tea by her side.

How did you get started with A Tale of Two Biddies? How does your lifestyle publication and brand reflect your personal aesthetic?

We started the blog as a platform for "the unknown"; we wanted to shed light on the talented people we came into contact with. The small businesses we support (Small Business Spotlight) and more personally, to have a space that is ours to publish with no restrictions – to be our own boss. Since then it's grown into so much more but the site and brand really reflect what we love or what we are into at any given time. It's a big hub for any creative person to find new things to try and places to go. Even the blog layout reflects our personal aesthetic; we're lovers of anything black and gold and that's engrained in our logo and site design.

Define "biddie".

"Biddie" is a slang word used mostly in the 90s. It describes a very feminine woman - sometimes sexual, often intoxicated. And like many slang words, we wanted to take back this word and use it for something positive.

YES, WE ARE VERY FEMININE. Yes, we've taken hold of our sexuality. Yes, sometimes, we're intoxicated. But, a "biddie" is much more than this.

We have tangible dreams and goals. We're all about pulling up our fellow (wo)man to help them achieve their goals as well. We love hard and we care about the world around us and its issues.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

Cultural trends change so often that we think it's important to do your own thing. When you find the thing that you love, own it and don't stray just because society is moving a certain way. However, because of the blog we have, we know it's important to stay abreast of everything that's happening. We do that by being active users of our social media outlets, staying current with various blogs and being Tumblr enthusiasts.

How do you balance your personal and business goals and stay creative at the same time (even when you are exhausted)?

We feel like balance is super important to stay on track. We both keep daily to-do lists and utilize the notes and calendar app on our phones.

Nik uses her time at night before bed to meditate and reflect on her goals.

Eboni uses her early morning time to work on gratitude and putting goals into the Universe.

How important are mentors? Who are your mentors?

Mentors are essential to everyone! Find one if you don't have one.

Nik's mentors are her aunts. They taught her self-love, work ethic, pride, and the importance of education. Also Jodie Samson is a friend of hers, she was one of the first people who truly believed in her dreams and motivated her to work for them.

Eboni’s mentor is her mother. She's always been a businesswoman and so wise about life, being creative and pushing until you reach your goals. She was one of the first people that told her she didn't have to go the conventional route to be successful.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Don't ever be afraid to take a chance. Your dreams should always scare you! Always remember that. You have to really just take that initial leap of faith and put fear in the backseat because the fear doesn't go away, you have to find a way to push past it and believe in what you're adding to the world. Don't let people put you in a box either. Go for yours.

Place that inspires us the most:

Nik is inspired by Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There's something about North 5th St Pier that reminds her that she has a major purpose to fulfill in life and never to let anything or anyone get in the way of that.

Eboni is inspired by the bookstore. It's one place where she can take her laptop, spend the whole day, and get more work done than she would anywhere else.

We feel most powerful when:

We feel most powerful when we click publish and another article is published in A Tale of Two Biddies. We know that with each article, we're supporting someone else's dreams in some way, expanding our reach, introducing people to new things, making folks think, and changing the status quo. It's a thrill.

We love what we do because:

We inspire people more than we think. Our drive, our consistency, professionalism, and our enthusiasm about what we do are uplifting to folks that rarely see two African-American girls in their 20's doing. Plus, we're breaking chains! We're letting young girls and women anywhere know that it is okay to love and BE themselves.

Define your idea of success:Our idea of success is happiness, peace, doing something you love, but also being able to give back to your community. Traveling, being free to be as creative as possible and bringing our friends along for the ride are also high on our list.

Best advice we have ever received:

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever" - Mahatma Gandhi

ABOUT A TALE OF TWO BIDDIES

A Tale of Two Biddies is a lifestyle publication and brand started by two young women on a quest for creative freedom and independence. We cover a variety of subjects such as art, culture, events, trends, food, music and much more. We aim to enrich our community by highlighting creatives within our reach, contributing to organizations dedicated to uplifting our environment and spotlighting all types of small businesses. We hope to spread positivity and a message that women can be multidimensional and the only thing stopping you from breaking from society's box is that initial leap of faith. We hope you come away with from Biddie experience with a new way of thinking, new connections and unlimited inspiration.

Shawna Strayhorn

Photo Credit: Amelia Alpaugh

SHAWNA STRAYHORN | NEW YORK CITYDIRECTOR OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AT REFINERY 29

How did you get started with your career? How does your current role as Director of Business Intelligence at Refinery29 reflect your personal aesthetic?

I graduated from Harvard in 2007. From there, I went into management consulting, a ripe business training ground. I quickly pivoted into e-commerce marketing and finally, just over 3 years ago, landed at Refinery29, coming onboard as the first marketing hire and the 13th employee. The ethos of Refinery29 is to cultivate personal style by mixing high and low and distilling down to only the very best. My personal style aesthetic draws on the same principals - mix designer with 125th street, vintage with so-this-season pieces. But, in the end, tie a look together with one eye-popping element, many times in black, and let the look sing.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I believe there are two types of people in the "world": those that use the Internet to connect, explore, and discover in a true and deep way and those that do not, simply. What do I mean by true and deep -- that is, a rejection of the rinse-and-repeat nature of social media that engages only with the ideas, people, music, style, and friends that one is already familiar with in the human world. What is the point? Why sit at a wellspring of information and culture only to redraw the lines of your locality time and again? I use a reader to comb through content voraciously, follow links liberally, and seek inspiration for essays to read and songs to listen, etc. In addition, my city and neighborhood are fully-formed pillars of inspiration; many New York men and women style with effortless cool and Harlemites embrace pattern and bold shapes. Lately, I have been drawn to album art for inspiration. The project of bringing music to visual life in a small square is lofty (i.e., seeing sounds) and limiting (i.e., fixed space).

How do you balance your personal and business goals and stay creative at the same time (even when you are exhausted)?

I let technology work for me and eliminate the white noise. I am laser-focused on what needs to be done now and, in doing so, free myself up to dream, to fellowship. I use an email app to keep my inbox at 0 messages as frequently as possible. I push email reminders to myself (i.e., drinks, dates, plays, networking events) and delay messages and to-do items until they are absolutely time-critical. I save music, files, inspiration images, and documents to the cloud. I consume my news from RSS feeds in one central place (Feedly). My approach is not to let how I do the work impede me from doing the work. Mitigate the friction, make it easy, and get to the good, creative stuff.

I do my best thinking in the mornings. I rise about 5:30 each morning and take an hour to read, answer emails, and do some of the big picture thinking that only a good night's sleep can afford.

In my transition to business school, I faced the seemingly daunting task of committing my business goals to essays - a cathartic experience. In hindsight, I'm thankful for the exercise - my goals in 500 words double-spaced. Do I expect to pursue them down to the letter? No. But, the path as it stands, is mapped out. I expect detours.

Photo Credit: Amelia Alpaugh

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are mission-critical. The best mentors, personal or professional, have a point of view that they want to impress upon you. It is simply not enough for a mentor to be someone "who achieves." A mentor not only achieves, but also has a credo on how she gets the job done and the language and perspective to pass on her knowledge. My life mentor is Jennifer Nash, Assistant Professor of American Studies at The George Washington University. I met Jen at Harvard; she was pursuing her PhD and I was pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Define your idea of success.

Success is legacy - what positive thing will people remember you for and did it have impact beyond yourself.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?My advice for those looking to get into fashion marketing is to have an editor’s eye for impeccable style and value, to sharpen your business acumen and analytical skills, and to be results driven.

Place that inspires me the most:

A specific place does not inspire me. However, I feel most inspired when I give myself time to think. It seems so intuitive. But, in the rush of life, time to "just think" is precious. If I have an hour, I'll spend nearly 45 minutes thinking about the problem -- what went wrong, what is up, what is down, and why. In a phrase, I like to put the problem back into problem-solving - don't rush the solution. Get intimate with the problem, get what the real rub is, and get it right.

I feel most powerful when: 

I wear lipstick and arrive 20 minutes early.

I love what I do because: 

I have the pleasure of gazing upon stunning, beautifully composed images daily. I derive such pleasure from being able to refine and focus my taste overtime and to appreciate and prop up things that are beautiful and special to me. My most rewarding career experience is leading Refinery29′s growth efforts. Through aggressive acquisition efforts, I lead Refinery29′s audience development growing the email database by 200% in one year.

Best advice I have ever received: 

Your inner-circle should be filled with people who are willing, able, and esteemed enough to challenge you and tell you "no."

About Refinery29Refinery29, the largest independent fashion and style website in the United States, is a lifestyle platform that delivers nonstop inspiration to live a more stylish and creative life. In addition to its global and local newsletter editions and 24/7 original editorial content, Refinery29 connects over 10 million visitors every month and over 1.25 million subscribers with content, commerce, and community, giving them all the tips, tricks, and tools they need to live a more beautiful life – and share it with the world.

Marinell Montales

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Image c/o Marinell Montales

MARINELL MONTALES | JERSEY CITYPHOTOGRAPHER & FOUNDER OF DOWNTOWN, NATCH!

Describe a day in the life of Marinell Montales in one sentence.

I wake up, check Instagram and Twitter feeds, then my two go-to fashion blogs (manrepeller.com & whowhatwear.com before getting to The Warehouse Cafe -- once there, I drink coffee, read/send emails, start/finish graphic design jobs, update Facebook pages I manage as a freelance social media strategist, drink more coffee, check downtownnatch.com, have a late dinner with boyfriend, and watch HGTV until I fall asleep.

How did you get started with Downtownnatch.com – and how does it reflect your personal aesthetic?

Back in college, a friend of mine, Rachel, started her own personal style blog and I was her photographer. But it was tough to keep it going consistently because we were both busy in school and I didn't have my own camera (we were borrowing her dad's point and shoot digital one), so that blog only lasted a few months. I got the shutterbug from that whole experience, so I saved up some money and bought myself a nice Sony NEX-5 and created Downtown, Natch!

Running a streetstyle blog is an opportunity for me to find inspiration and clarity of thought with regard to my own aesthetics. I pick up tons of design cues by photographing so many people, each with diverse styles, and some with similar styles that they've reinterpreted in a unique way. This keeps my aesthetic fresh and helps me stay away from having a cookie-cutter approach to my graphic design work.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

Man, oh man, it is not easy. Admittedly, I have yet to reach the top of this statistical bell curve, especially in the world of streetstyle blogging. You have your household names -- The Sartorialist, Street Peeper, Tommy Ton -- we're talking about heavy hitters here that I can't even dare to imagine being ahead of even if I take Downtown, Natch! outside the bounds of Jersey City and go international, which I don't plan on doing.

On a smaller, geographical scale, however, I think it's safe to say that more and more people are taking note of Downtown, Natch! But that makes staying relevant and ahead of the curve even more challenging. With overactive Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds, everyone is drowning in each other's enterprise, and trying to stay ahead of the curve ends up becoming counter-productive. Sometimes it's good to put the blinders on and have that tunnel vision to just keep doing what I do for as long as it feels right.

Downtown Natch

Image c/o Marinell Montales

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

I don't. Ha! I'm trying out this new thing where I set commitments instead of goals. A few months ago, I found this NYT interview with Hugh Martin where he talks about the concept of goals versus commitments. He made a lot of sense, and his advice really resonated with me. What I took away from it is that setting goals is like creating a bucket list of things that you wish you could achieve -- they mostly lie sometime in the hazy future and are very vague. Committing to something, on the other hand, is like "a firm handshake"--you hold yourself accountable and reap the consequences of failing to meet that commitment.

So now I often ask myself "which projects can I really commit to?" This has been a good exercise for staying wildly, creatively ambitious without being delusional. So far, it has allowed me to keep myself in check, measure my accomplishments, know my limits, and stay true to my passion of creating and making things happen.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are definitely important, especially for creative folks like me. It's so easy to talk yourself out of things and very difficult to police yourself as a freelancer, so having one or two people who can be your voice of reason and protective figures is one way to keep sane. I have three people whom I call mentors:

My former boss, Danae Ringelmann.

Danae is one of the founders of Indiegogo. During my time with Indiegogo, she instilled in me that being happy at work is fundamentally important. You have to like/feel connected to what you do everyday because your attitude towards what you do make your impact greater and your own personal happiness higher as well.

My boyfriend, John T. Trigonis.

I don't know anyone else in the world who's as determined as this man. If one of these days, he wakes up and tells me he's going to be a storm chaser because it's his new passion, I wouldn't doubt him for a second. His approach to life is so fucking admirable that I have to use profanity to talk about it. He is my voice of reason. He gives me the mental push I need whenever I feel reluctant about jumping into new adventures and making crucial decisions. This guy is a prize, and I'm lucky I won him over.

My parents (okay, technically this makes the number of people I call mentors four, but I consider them a tag-team).

My mom and dad put the hustle in my genes. I'm a hard-worker because I come from a hard-working family. My parents don't usually say much about my personal and professional choices, which doesn't mean that they don't care. I know that their quiet yet confident nod of approval is their way of telling me that I'm onto something meaningful. My mom and dad are precisely the pillars for which my self confidence is built on. They keep me going.

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Image c/o Marinell Montales

What is your advice for women interested in getting into photography?

Commit to it! The initiative is not gonna come from anywhere but yourself, so just get up, go out, and start shooting photos. Even if you don't own a camera, you can still use your phone's camera and practice composition. Once you get the camera that you want and you're willing to spend more money, take classes. If you're an introvert like me, find tutorials on YouTube and teach yourself how to use it.

Every skill that I have now –– from graphic design and photography to social media marketing –– I learned by doing. It's not about the resources, it's about your resourcefulness.

Place that inspires me the most: Coffee shops.

Most cafes in Downtown Jersey City have that environment that is conducive to creativity and therefore attract creative minds. I love to eavesdrop and listen to what other people are dreaming up. I also enjoy meeting new people, and although I'm that person who wears a DND (Do Not Disturb) face to avoid small talk and other distractions because I'm usually a bit timid, I appreciate time spent talking to others and learning about his or her creative process, habits, plight, etc, because ultimately, it leaves me motivated and inspired.

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Image c/o Marinell Montales

I feel most powerful when: I stick to my guns.

Sometimes I can be very accommodating as far as executing my ideas when collaborating with other people, mainly because I want to avoid friction. This attribute that I've always known to a be a good trait to have turned out to be hurting my personal growth. When I say "sticking to my guns," I mean having the power to say "no." I learned that it's okay to disagree with someone especially if it means refusing to compromise on something that speaks to your authentic self.

I love what I do because:I do what I love.

My idea of success is: personal gratification.

Since turning 28 this year, I was blinded by the idea of notoriety, so I made a personal goal to make it into some 30 under 30 list. (See what happens when you set goals?) And then I asked myself: "Self, why would you want anyone else to validate your achievements but you?" If everything we do is catered to appease others and solicit recognition, we'll never achieve happiness, would we?

Best advice I have ever received: Don't take anything personally.

Follow Marinell on Instagram and Twitter --- and check out Downtown, Natch!

About Downtown, Natch!Downtown, Natch! is currently Jersey City’s first and only streetstyle blog. In addition to photographing around town, Marinell is a freelance social media strategist and graphic designer. You can also spot her sipping on Intelligentsia coffee at The Warehouse Café.

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Image c/o Marinell Montales

Jelynne Jardiniano

image c/o nj.com

JELYNNE JARDINIANO | JERSEY CITY OWNER & FOUNDER OF LITM (LOVE IS THE MESSAGE)+AUTHOR OF RESTAURANT FROM SCRATCH

How did you get started with your career - and how does your current role reflect your personal aesthetic?

It all started with a simple job that I got at the age of 19: hostess of a small seafood restaurant in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I was taking a year off from college to rethink my initial plans to be a lawyer. During that year, I discovered my love for restaurants and returned to school and switched majors to hospitality.

Even though I have played (and continue to play) many roles in my business, I am a hostess at heart. I enjoy making people feel welcome and cared for.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

The marketplace is packed with noise on the topic of cultural trends and how to stay relevant. The pressure to implement the next best thing is a constant bug in the entrepreneur's ear. I am obviously speaking from experience. But what time has taught me is this: first know who you are and stay true to that. Once you accept that, listen to the people who matter: your customers, your employees, your community. Staying connected is the act of being open and humble. And staying ahead of the curve, I believe, is achieved when we let the moment inspire us.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

Time is essential. In this digital world of instant gratification, we forget what nature has always offered to teach us: the tree takes time to bear fruit. I believe that it is in our haste that we are most susceptible to losing track of our goals and suffering from burnout. Creativity cannot be forced.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

I find that anyone who inspires me (whether I know him/her or not) is a qualified mentor. I've worked closely with a few professionals in the field of restaurant operations and even had a life coach. And while I have taken much of their advice, I cannot say that there was one person who had my sole focus. You need other people to help develop perspective. But to have true impact, you must act out of your own sincere desire.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Enjoy yourself, enjoy the process and take risks. Whatever the outcome, know deep down that there was nothing to prove, nothing to gain and nothing to lose. You came into this world complete, and you will leave complete. So why not make the world your plaything?

• Place that inspires me the most... Nature.
• I feel most powerful when... I'm on a horse's back.
• I love what I do because... I have creative freedom.
• My idea of success is... When you can take delight in yourself, without needing a reason.
• Best advice I have ever received... Pray.

Follow LITM on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @LITMJC!

About LITM:

An acronym for Love is the Message, LITM is Jersey City’s neighborhood destination for seasonal cocktails, American food and the local art and film scene.

Monthly art shows and film screenings are home to LITM, with over 100 exhibitions to date.

LITM140 Newark Ave.Jersey City, NJ 07302(201) 536-5557