Archivi categoria: Highlights

Highlights

K-LAB

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“I don’t see myself as a disabled but as a brave young man differently skilled like anyone else in doing some things well and others badly”

 

WHAT IS K-LAB

K-Lab is a very special differently creative laboratory, which develops high profile design and communication projects thanks to the unexpected skills of differently able young people, recognising their professional value, channelling their recourses productively toward the business world and giving their talent the dignity and economic recognition it deserves.

A project where different becomes a resource.

HOW IT STARTED

The project has emerged from a mum-designer in love with the mind and heart of her special kid, an art director with the desire of shaping a dream, plus a bunch of other sensitive people that were able to listen, to see beyond the appearances and believe in the project.

It was born from the desire to not let down and not leaving alone the families and the kids, but most of all,  the will was not waste their professional talent.

THEIR GOAL

To promote the culture of the uniqueness of the individual and promote diversity as a resource. To give a voice to the rich and profound inner world of those who had been forced into silence due to different disabilities.

To economically support the activities that these special young people do: philosophy groups, publishing of their work (written with the use of the Facilitated Communication technique), theatre projects, sport activities, assisted homework and training courses. The dream is to create a social cooperative that can become a workplace worthy of these differently special young people and to give them a daily life that is full, creative and stimulating.

This projects gives back to the economy and business a new ethic soul. It is not charity nor assistance but a financial investment that is reflected in credibility and transparency. It is a working project but also a human growth path. Working alongside these kids fill the heart and the soul.

PROJECTS

All the design projects are thought of and written by K-Lab young people. They are a group of young people that can’t speak due to motor handicaps or behavioral disturbances and who are able to express themselves and tell their story only through writing thanks to FACILITATED COMMUNICATION. This is an Alphabetical Augmented Communication Language technique which allows them, after training, hard work and a lot of practice, to break their silence. A staff of designers, architects and professionals coordinates the creative management, the graphics and the projects.

HOW TO SUPPORT US AS…

A COMPANY: work with us in the production of design objects o special communication projects.

AN INDIVIDUAL: you can purchase a product, you can make a donation or become friend with K-Lab.

 

Ask information or send an email to: info@k-labdesign.it.

Photo credits: all the pictures are property of K-Lab

 

Highlights

PAWS UP! Charity Event

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PAWS UP! was founded by two group of animal lovers who aims to lend an extra hand to animal shelters who are in need for an extra boost to raise awareness for the good work they do. They believe that by channeling our love to animals, makes us a better and tolerant society.

Currently, PAWS Animal Welfare Society, a local shelter fostering over 500 abandoned animals is adopted charity for PAWS UP. Their hope is to find these animals a permanent home!

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About PAWS Animal Shelter Malaysia

PAWS (Paws Animal Welfare Society) was founded in 1987 by a small group of local and expatriate volunteers. Through their generosity and imagination, PAWS was constructed on a patch of land on the Subang Airport Road. The organisation depends entirely on the generosity of the public through donations or proceeds from charitable events organised and run by volunteers.

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Kuala Lumpur, 28th December 2016

PAWS UP! Malaysia’s first shelter community project by two animal lovers em- “barks” (all pun intended) on its second photography fundraiser for the shelter dogs series entitled “Woof of PAWS Street”.

As part of its campaign, PAWS UP! a community project co-founded by Restauranteur Lyn Siew of Ruyi & Lyn and GoBear Malaysia’s Marketing Head, Amelia Lim organized the first of the two-part series to showcase collective works of rescued cats that were up for adoption from PAWS in a different light. The  first installment entitled “Paws Up! Meow Around the City” in collaboration, Zungz Photography raised RM10,000 through the auction of 13 photographs.

This second series will feature 20 of man’s best friend. Shot by Kim Mun, whose works has graced many local as well as International magazines and also print commercials for Malaysia, China and Vietnam.

  His back to basic in his style of photography, goes right to the heart of the subject he shoots thus bringing out their truest and most natural emotions which reveals in his works.

Held at RUYI&LYN in Bangsar Shopping Centre, this cocktail evening encourages “competitive compassion” where the photographs will go to the highest bidder. As part of this cause, cocktail sponsor, Ruyi & Lyn, printer and framers- Colorific Printers, Creative Design Agency – Option 5, Extreme Limousines and GoBear Malaysia generously sponsored their time and resources toward the cause.

“This is indeed a different way to showcase our shelter dogs in a different setting. Kim Mun’s simplicity in photography really brought out the undiminishing spirit of our shelter dogs. We were greatly encouraged by the generosity of the supporters in the first round and we are looking forward to a great night with the founders and supporters of PAWS UP!” says Chia Ern Leong, Shelter’s Administrator, PAWS Animal Shelter Malaysia.

paws6“PAWS UP advocates “The Mutual Rescue” concept because we believe that rescued animals are more than just a pet. They are educators of life’s lessons: they teach honesty, loyalty and unconditional love. They hold an integral role in society as lifelong companions and therapists to the less fortunate” says Lyn Siew, co-founder of PAWS UP!

In 2017, PAWS UP! looks to expanding it initiative with bigger plans and beside advocating pressing issues such as the compulsory micro-chipping of pets nationwide, PAWS UP! is now on a lookout for a donated piece of land to run a self-sufficient mutual rescue animal shelter.

The urgent plight of shelter animals that are in need of adoption is high and where even more animals (these are the lucky ones) are left at the doorsteps of the shelters. The hope is that one day we can move to a society where shelters are no longer a necessity.

So, if you are in Kuala Lumpur, we invite you to visit this charity photo exhibition and auction featuring rescue dog portraits by renowned photographer Kim Mun. It will be held on 9th January 2017, from 6pm onwards at RUYI&LYN, Bangsar Shopping Center. Everyone is welcome to be a part of this fundraiser by submitting donations or placing a silent bid in acquiring one of the iconic photography works. All proceeds go to PAWS Animal Welfare Society, Petaling Jaya.

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For any inquiries contact:

Amelia Lim, Co Founder +60125951243 Ameliamy.lim@gmail.com

PAWS UP! Facebook Page

Highlights

HELEN HENDERSON

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HELEN HENDERSON

 

March 12th, 1992, Boston. Model for Karin Models, Fenton Model Management and Script Supervisor of the documentary about Pauline Kael entitled “What She Said”.

You told us that you are working with your team on this doc which shows motion picture history through the eyes of famed movie critic Pauline Kael. Coming in late 2016: this job gave you the chance to meet a lot of interesting people. Would you tell us about the most exciting experiences you lived so far?

The film’s director, Rob Garver, has interviewed 44 people for this film, and I’ve met some wonderfully interesting and inspiring filmmakers, actors, authors and critics (you can find a full list of participants on our website www.whatshesaidmovie.com). Besides breathing the same air as some serious movie legends, I think the most exciting experience for me has been watching a film, and then reading Pauline’s review of that film right afterwards. It’s something that anyone can do at home because a lot of Pauline’s reviews are online, as well as in her collections, and it’s really special. In the past I never felt the need to read a piece of criticism after watching a movie that I either loved or hated, but now I think it enhances the filmgoing experience. I recommend watching a movie by Altman, De Palma, Coppola or Scorsese (some of Pauline’s favorite directors) and then reading her review of the movie afterwards. You’ll see what I mean.

You interviewed the One and Only Quentin Tarantino, how was he and what did you bring home from that experience?

Quentin Tarantino was warm, friendly and very enthusiastic. I think he knows more about film than anyone I’ve ever met. He seems to have an encyclopedic cinematic knowledge that can probably only be matched by a few people (ahem, Pauline Kael). His zeal was infectious, but the most compelling thing that I took away from his interview was that you can’t let a lack of resources get in the way of your passion. Tarantino wasn’t able to go to film school. He couldn’t even afford to buy books about film. He told us a story about how, as a teenager, he saw Pauline on a late night television show, then went to a B. Dalton bookstore in Los Angeles and read her When the Lights Go Down in the aisle. He went on to read all 12 of her books.

“Pauline Kael (1919-2001) was likely the most powerful, and divisive, movie critic of the 20th century. Her love of movies was revealed in her ruthless pursuit of what made a movie or an actor’s performance work, or not, and why — which made her both admired and despised amongst her readers. The latter golden age of movies of the 1960s and 1970s are the focus of this film that pursues the question of what made Pauline Kael’s work so individual, so influential — and so damned good.” There are any words you would like to describe the doc and to add about Pauline Kael?

Pauline Kael was a remarkable critic and writer, and our film will show how she found her distinctive voice, and her struggle to make a living as a writer and to be widely read. It’ll also pair Pauline’s voice with the movies of her era, and show 20th century films through her eye. The film is about this one woman’s obsession with the movies and her impact — 15 years after her death, it’s still felt in the way people see and talk about movies.

I hope this film brings her work to the attention of people my age. She was extraordinarily influential, and honesty was of paramount importance to her- she could be brutally honest, but she was just trying to do right by the movies she watched. When Pauline loved a film, it really meant something. Some films that we consider classics today, like Bonnie and Clyde, were dismissed by other critics and then given new life by her rave review. She championed directors like Scorsese and Spielberg at crucial points in their careers. I think film as we know it today could have looked very different without her influence.

How did your passion for cinema start and what has been the best way to follow your dream in this industry?

My passion for cinema started on the small screen at home when I was a little kid. I treasured my VHS tapes and watched them over and over again. I spent so much time in front of the tv as a kid that my parents had to take the tv away one summer, hide it in a closet and make me play outside.
I guess I convinced them to bring it back at some point. When I was 10 or 11 I started catching old movies on public television. I remember being particularly taken with Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious, and I began making my way through Hitchcock’s hits. I watched whatever I could find at my local library – Spellbound, Dial M for Murder, Rear Window. At some point my family got Netflix and I ordered lots of DVDs to watch (remember when that was how Netflix worked?) A few years later my family got cable, and I watched tons of movies on the Sundance Channel, IFC and Movieplex.

When I got to college I decided to take a film class just out of curiosity, but soon I switched my major from anthropology to film studies. I’d been passionate about cinema my whole life, but taking the passion seriously and making the choice to change my major was an important step for me.

What challenges have you faced so far in order to pursue your dream and your career?

I think one of the difficult things about the film industry is that there’s no tried and true path to success. There’s no guidebook that says ‘if you take these steps and work hard you will succeed.’ People come to the film industry from so many different angles, and working on this documentary really underlined that for me. A lot of the people we interviewed didn’t go to film school, or they worked in one facet of the film industry and then found success doing something else. Pauline didn’t earn a living writing about film until middle age- she supported herself and her daughter by doing odd jobs for a long time, and only truly became financially stable when she was hired by the New Yorker in 1968. I’ve learned that you need to be tenacious if you’re serious about film.

How do you combine your modeling work around the world with your job in New York?

A lot of the work I do with the documentary can be done from anywhere – I’ve worked on this doc in New York, Milan and Paris. So long as I have my laptop on hand and some internet access I can transcribe interviews, make social media posts, edit documents etc. Recently I’ve been doing some research at the New Yorker archives at the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan. A lot of my castings take place nearby in the Garment District, so sometimes I head to the library after a casting or a job. I’ve shown up to the library in sleek model-y outfits on several occasions, and I don’t think the librarians know what my deal is. They must think I’m a real piece of work, getting so dressed up for the manuscripts and archives room.

What is New York offering you? Why have you decided to move to this city?

After I graduated from college I didn’t know where I wanted to move. I thought that I might live in London or LA. Then a spot opened up in a friends’ apartment in New York, and I moved in. I personally think that New York is the best city in the world for modeling, and it’s probably only second to Los Angeles for film and television.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Geographically, I don’t know, but as long as I’m working in film or television in some capacity, I’ll be happy.

Follow The Documentary starring Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, Alec Baldwin, David O. Russell:

WHAT SHE SAID: 2016 PAULINE KAEL DOC or www.whatshesaidmovie.com

Follow Helen here: Helen Henderson Instagram Profile

Highlights

LYN SIEW

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Date and place of birth

6th July 1983, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Education:

BA (Hons) Art history and Film Studies – University of Nottingham

MA in Art history – University College London

Please, tell us more about your project; how would you define it, what is the main goal and what do you expect from it.

We designed Ruyi & Lyn to be an ultra cool and hip Modern Chinese Restaurant with an unusual dance club ambience. It’s the first innovation of its kind in Malaysia, to bring people together regardless of race, religion and societal background into one ambitious project.

How much and in which way a business man like your father (and your mother) influence your career and your life? What has been his/her best teaching so far?

My father is a highly successful restaurateur with decades of experience; hence he has given me ample support, and a fast track initiation into the FnB business which made my career jump from TV to FnB much easier. His enterprising and generous spirit is an inspiration to many budding entrepreneurs such as myself. My mother is almost my PA – she organizes my personal life while I am too engrossed with work! Both parents are my biggest role models; they have instilled the importance of generosity, honesty and having a good heart as an integral part of my upbringing.

How have you spent these years abroad and how did these long trips changed you into the woman you are today?

I lived and built a career in Europe during my 20s – First moving to Munich, Germany where I knew no one to work for a media company back in 2005. From then on, I have travelled, played, lived and grown within a global sphere of friends and society. To date, I have lived in Italy, Spain, UK, Switzerland and Holland and have built this surreal lifestyle where you only see in movies! All these experiences inspired me to return to Malaysia and to give back my home country in the form of creating employment and influencing lives with a difference through Ruyi&Lyn

Your relationship with your country: how would you define Malaysia? How is to be back after all these years?

I love Malaysia, although I must admit we have created some negative press lately. My core value is to believe in the good of people, and of a country in a bigger scale, we are a progressive society which needs time to develop the confidence of a first world country. My decision to give up my Germany residency and career to return to Malaysia has raised many eyebrows – my friends thought I was crazy! I have no regrets though, as Malaysia is home and I see prospect in my contribution to building the society here. Home is home and I have had my share of fun! ☺

What about doing business in Asia and in Europe: in Asia everything seems to go so fast, people work a lot, and everything is growing up at a incredible speed. Is this the truth or the first impression of a foreigner?

There’s a saying in Europe: “We work to live” and in Asia, it is “We live to work”. That’s true.

We can admire a stunning installation by the Designer Melinda Looi in your new spot, Melinda is one of the top 10 famous fashion designers in Malaysia. Considering that Mr. Jimmy Choo is number one, we can definitely tell that Malaysia has great talents! How did it come to your mind this collaboration ?

Melinda is one of the most innovative fashion designers in the country, hence I am very proud to showcase her work as it correlates with the branding of Ruyi&Lyn. The restaurant is designed to be versatile, ever changing and innovative hence our patrons can always expect something new each time they return to the restaurant. Same goes for Melinda’s creations!

Connect with Lyn and her dynamic team:

Ruyi & Lyn Facebook page

Ruyi & Lyn World!

Highlights

SAMUEL SOHEBI

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             He started his professional adventure with the best statement ever:

“YES, I CAN DO IT”

Name: Samuel Sohebi

Profession: Celebrity Stylist & Owner of the shop Kult By Samuel Sohebi

Born in Munich in the 1988 and started as a Stylist for Philipp Plein.

He started his professional adventure as a fashion stylist with the best statement ever: “YES, I CAN DO IT”. Even though it was a new experience for him, he is convinced of the fact that you must be able to sell yourself even when you are not able to do something, and just GO FOR IT.

He started with Philip Plein, and from there the people and the press started to notice him, by taking pictures and talking about him. He has worked with Naomi Campbell in Ibiza, the Russian Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour in Russia. He has prepared several campaigns for jewels and perfumes, and also provides styling services in Cannes for L’Oreal during the Film Festival event.

Furthermore, he has worked for Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica, to prepare them for the red carpet.

Of course, social networks played a big part on his success, people are always interested in which party you are going to, and which people you are hanging out with; you always have to keep the public informed and keep the magic alive.

In comparison to other stylists who start as Magazine editors, he started by styling models at events. For Sam, styling is not something you can learn; it’s a talent, something you do with passion and that needs inspiration. You have to combine the magic of the creation of the designer with the personality of the celebrity you work for.

In 2012 he opened his shop, Kult by Samuel Sohebi. The dresses he sells are purchased personally by him from around the world, especially from Italy (Bologna, Florence, Milan) and famous designers. Samuel cares not only about the quality or the brand of the dress, but about the aesthetics.

He realizes that not every woman can afford a designer dress since they can be expensive, but also, since every woman does not have the size of a model, he tries to mix and create a combination of the most beautiful dresses, taking into consideration that every woman needs to feel like a princess but in her own skin. There is no pressure to sell, every client must feel free and feel at home.

Something that always surprises him is when some famous women in the fashion or showbiz industry ask for his opinion on their look, and the best compliment for him is when clients come back to tell him about the event, show him pictures of the dress, how well it fit, and how satisfied they were.

What is the difference between a styling job for a magazine and a celebrity?

“In the first case, there is a story to tell the public, while in the second case, you dress a woman that wants to look and feel sexy. She wants to be the star under the spotlight and her goal is to get into the magazine or blogs in the best way possible. In order to do a great job as a stylist on the red carpet you have to study the trends of the moments, you need to know who is the designer of the moment.”

What are the difficulties of this job?

“Attitudes. A lot of attitudes are not coming from models or celebrities, as you could imagine, but from the staff, managers, photographers, who in some cases don’t know anything about fashion.”

Fashion in Europe and USA:

“I will like to move to New York to work as an intern for Vogue. I wouldn’t mind starting from scratch by doing trivial things like delivering coffee and making copies as long as I am doing what I love and taking steps to get where I want to be. In Germany fashion faces hard times. Sometimes you feel there is no progress like everything is moving in circles, and this is the unpleasant sensation I feel every time I come back from Milan or Cannes. In America it’s totally different, there is a lot going on and coming out and as a young man I know that professionally I can really grow up fast.”

WATCHING, LAUGHING AND TALKING ABOUT SOME OF SAM’S PICTURES:

4 men walking in suits

This photo depics Sam, his brother and two of his best friends headed to a sale event for the shop. It’s an unusual photo in Munich, where women love to be fashionable but it s more difficult to see guys walking like this along the street. The pic was taken with a simple phone but looks great and it captures a great moment for Sam.

Chanel Iman with a light blue dressabito lungo azzurro argenteo

They met each other at Elie Saab backstage in Cannes back in the 2009; Sam went to Iman because he noticed her cool tattoo on her back, from there they started talking and exchanged contacts to be friends. Sometimes Sam brings her dresses, she is really an easygoing and simple person. The dress she is wearing is from a Prêt-à-Porter dress (Versace).

Samuel on a catwalk

We jump back to 2009, the first year of life of the shop Kult by Samuel Sohebi and his 24th Birthday. He decided to launch this event, and while organizing by himself for the first time in his life, he realized how difficult it is to prepare an event for 600 guests, and manage the staff including photographers, models, and the press. But he took this event as an investment to let people know him, his job, his passion, and his shop, and you know how social networks of course do the rest by sharing the event, pictures, tags, hashtags, that is the way people get to know you faster and search for your name around… who is this guy? Just click on it.

Be always ready.

Sam and Redfoo moment LMFAO

The pic was shot in Cannes in 2013. It was 10 am on a beautiful sunny day and probably Redfoo from LMFAO partied all night long in the same distinct and colorful outfit, and as he was not interested in sleeping, he decided to look around for someone to play tennis with. Guess what? Sam is always in the right place in the right moment, you know that thing called… TIMING! Even though he was not able to play the game, he always finds a way to be over the top. And by the way, who would say no to LMFAO?

Mr. Bentley and Sam

The name of his dog has a reason!

Once, he worked for P. Diddy during an event promoting his perfume UNFORGIVABLE cologne by Sean John and the White Party, which took place at Nikki Beach in Saint Tropez. He remembered how P. Diddy’s family members were all absolutely nice to him; with his mother being the funniest woman in the world, and P. Diddy himself being one of the coolest party people ever. While Sam was having the best working experience of his life, the only person that was repeatedly rude to him without reason was the guy holding P. Diddy’s umbrella. His name was Mr. Bentley, that’s why he decided to Name his dog after him!

How did he get this job?

It was faith; Sam was in Saint Tropez when he met a guy he knew from the US who was kind of desperate because the stylist he wanted for the event was sick. He needed a replacement, so he just asked Sam if he knew a good stylist? SERIOUSLY?

At this point, we all know that Sam tends to have perfect timing, so he just suggested himself, and took the chance to show what his mama gave him! In every game played something unexpected always pops up, and in Sam’s case, he was able to meet Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton and received the chance to work with them.

Hotel Room with Model

sam hotel modelThis shot was taken in the room of Costes Hotel in Paris. It was a dress fitting for Alessandra Ambrosio and Sam needed to find a model the same sizes as her to see if the dress would fit her well.

In this picture you can see everything; Sam in the back, tired and doubtful about whether the client would like his choice or not, the model in front of the mirror, and last but not least, a dog, fearless of what is happening in the lives of the people there, as he hatches happily out of the window.

Alessandra Ambrosio loved the dress and we can totally understand why.

Samuel and Andre’ Leon Talley (Vogue)

This pic was shot at a Chanel event at Gran Palais. Sam designed the white fur bag is grabbing in the pic, André Leon came to him to ask who was the designer of the bag and Sam was surprised to receive his attention. For Sam, André is a really good advisor when it comes to the professional life.

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You are free to follow him and his celebrities here – SAMUEL SOHEBI FACEBOOK PAGE

Highlights

Jesús Cañadas

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“As you can see, there have been many changes in my life in the last twelve years, but one thing has always remained the same: my passion for literature. I have been reading for almost as long as I can remember. At some point, I also started writing my own stories.”

 

Let’s start talking about you, who is Jesús Cañadas?

I was born in the south of Spain in 1980, in a small city called Cádiz. I lived there since I was 23 years old. At that time I left to study in Venice. I was going to leave for just one year, but it turned out that I never came back. Since then, I have lived in 13 different cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Osaka, Lecce, San Sebastián, Göttingen, Frankfurt… right now I spend most of the time in Berlin. As you can see, there have been many changes in my life in the last twelve years, but one thing has always remained the same: my passion for literature. I have been reading for almost as long as I can remember. At some point, I also started writing my own stories.

When did you start writing and how did it happen?

I guess these things just happen. I have been a huge fantasy / horror fan since I was a teenager. You start day-dreaming about writing the same stories that touch you in any way. Then you imitate your favorite writers and, needless to say, you write crap. You spend an indecent amount of time writing crap, until one day something switches in your head and you understand how to write something that is neither plagiarism of those authors nor crap. That is the beginning. After that you have to learn how to write for real.

I wrote my first crappy short story when I was fifteen, I think. Luckily for the whole world, it has been lost for ages. I spent the next twelve years trying to figure out what makes a good story. Writing a novel seemed too far away for me. I used to tell myself I was not ready yet. Until one day, while I was living in Göttingen, I said to myself: “You stupid fuck; when do you know you are going to be ready? Come on and give it a try!” The result was my first novel, which I finished in Osaka: “El Baile de los Secretos.”

I guess that was pretty much it. I have not stopped ever since.

Which kind of writer are you?

Until the present day I have written three books: “El baile de los secretos”, a dark fantasy heavily inspired by early Tim Burton’s works or films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, was published in 2011.

Then came “Los nombres muertos”, a sort of classic adventure novel starring H.P. Lovecraft himself, where he is forced to travel around the world to find a book that does not exist. That one was published by Penguin Random House in 2013. It will be translated into Portuguese and published in Brazil at some point in 2015.

My third novel “Anochece” could be described as a murder mystery with a strong fantastic component. It will also be published in Spain in 2015. I am currently writing my fourth novel, from which I still cannot tell you much. But this much I can tell: there is fantasy, there is horror, there will be blood!

As you can see, fantasy is my favorite genre. It is not the only genre I read; I actually do not advise to read only one genre. But no matter what I write, some fantastic element ends up finding its way into the story. However, even though you can find monsters, demons, cults, nazis, cannibals, giant squids and whatnot in my stories, I think at some level they all deal with one simple topic: family.

Hobbies – Interests – Passions

People usually think that authors have intense, amazing lives. The truth is we are regular ordinary folks who wake up, sit in front of the computer with a coffee mug for a couple of hours and then go to work. The amazing things happen inside my head, but from outside it could not me more boring. My interests are most ordinary: I like travelling, I consider myself a decent cook, I am also a big cinema fan… … Hello? … We are in an interview! WAKE UP!

Where do you get the inspiration to write? How much of you and your life is in your books?

Literally everywhere. It can be a film, something I read in a book, a comic, maybe a conversation… actually, all of the latter together. Everything mixes in your head and lays there for hours, days, whatever. Then you go jogging or do the dishes and, bam! you get the idea. However, the idea is not the problem. The difficult part is sitting your ass down and turning that amazing idea into an amazing story. That part is hard as fuck; that is why writing has much less to do with inspiration as it has to do with work.

Everything from me and my life is in my books. I am part of all the characters, even though something it is incredibly difficult to control them.

Can you “describe” us how it works when you write?

Exactly as I explained before: boring. I wake up at 7.00 a.m. I pee. I make coffee. I am grumpy and feel like shit and complain about everything and my back hurts and I ask myself what I am doing with my life and why I don’t sleep more. I drink coffee. I feel better. Much better, actually. It is 7.30, so I better start hitting the keyboard. Then I write for two hours. Sometimes I hit 2.000 words, sometimes I do not even reach 400. Sometimes every single sentence sucks and I fell that I do not know how words match together anymore. But other times, and this is why I everyone writes, the story is alive and you feel like it comes through you, that you are really just a channel. This state of mind is called “the flow” and it is almost like a drug.

I also have a day job, so at 9:30 I stop and pretend I am working. I work from home, so this is not difficult. I will spend the rest of the day thinking what happens next in the novel. After work I will try to read at least other two hours. I keep a notebook close to write down any idea.

That is basically it: Wake up. Write. Repeat.

What do you miss from Spain? How is your life in Germany; what do you like more and what would you change?

Even in this question I am boring, you see? I miss the food, the sun and my friends, just as every other south European living in Germany. However, I cannot complain: I have a good job that leaves me enough time to write. I enjoy life in Berlin; I would not change it for any other city in Germany. Plus, my writing career is going pretty well: my second novel was shortlisted for every single fantasy award in Spain, plus it has been translated. Critics have listed my name among a new wave of writers that people should pay attention too!

As I said, I cannot complain. Nevertheless, I do complain, for complaining is a part of a Spaniard’s identity: I wish I had more time to write and more opportunities to visit my family in Spain. And I wish winter were not so cold in Germany!!

Let’ s talk about your last book: feel free to promote it!

Well, I can gladly promote my last book: “Los nombres muertos” (The Dead Names).

Website

Donatella

Highlights

Fiorella Migliore

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“Time teaches you to focus on the things that matter, take the positive and leave the negative aside…“

Fiorella Migliore, born on 27th January 1989, also known as Fio, former Miss Italia in the World 2008, represented Paraguay in the Miss World Pageant in China in 2012. She is a young and successful entrepreneur who in 2013/2014 launched her Restaurant Be Okay. Rated 4.5 of 5 on TripAdvisor, Be Okay has been ranked number 6 out of 189 restaurants in Asuncion, Paraguay.

How did you changed through the years: Fio the university student, Fio former Miss Italia in the world 2008, Fio the actress, Fio the Entrepreneur?

I am the same person. I just feel more mature after all the experiences I lived. I always tried to find  and learn lessons from the past and I understood that everything happen for a reason: to learn how to be stronger and the best version you can be.

Disappointments, frustrations, failures experienced so far in this long professional path.

When I left for Los Angeles to study acting and to continue the career I started in Italy as actress, I had to face a very lonely life, sorrounded by evil people, even though some were really beautiful, I had to confront the craziest situations with a difficult manager who tried to pull me down, I choose to put an end, or a pause, to that special “dream” of mine. Afterward, I realized that was not MY dream but a nice fairy tale I was telling myself. So, I settled in Paraguay where I encountered my happiness and now I am happy more than ever.

Your greatest fear and your real strength.

My biggest fear is breaking down under fear. My biggest strength is the endless energy that created us, I prefer to call it God but I can also call it LOVE.

What astonish the people that meet you is not only your beauty but this wave of energeti10349216_718294108259907_6272566354967206386_nc vibes that you spread. What is your motor, how do you stay so positive?

Time teaches you to focus on the things that matter, take the positive and leave the negative aside. It is a daily exercise for me also; I try to improve the quality of the words that come out from my mouth, my thoughts,  the way I visualize the day and life, furthermore  I try to be contagious to others.

The motor is inside me and inside you, if you want and if you are prepared, you can do it. It is very important, having wonderful people around; in my case, my family is my strength since I was a kid. My brother is my angel, and thanks to God, I have found my partner of life and adventure, Juanjo. I met him three years ago, and he is my fiance’ and business partner for one year now. He pushes me harder and helps me to find a solution to every issue I’m faced with.

 What pushed you to open the restaurant “Be Okay” in Asunción?

My head was exploding with all the information I have been feeding myself; about how to improve health, about how we harm the little ones, and how we damage the planet. We could not find a better option than to put ourselves in the first row and act directly, now we are ready to offer our personal solution.

What do you dream for your future and for Paraguay?

I would like to spread the seed of Love and get to every city of the World. I visualize also part of my life also in Italy with Juanjo and with my future kids. I would like my family on my side in this path and all my fellows to become brothers and sisters. For Paraguay I wish a strong conscience and wake up to be better human beings in order to reach happiness.

What about your bond with Italy?

I learned in Italy how to be independent, I grew up faster. I became more attached to this land which I already loved so much. I am confident that one day I could live a bit there and bit here.

Who inspired you professionally and personally?

Professionally I haven’t followed anyone so much so far, but I could tell that there is one name which inspire me in a peaceful way, Angelina Jolie and also Natalie Portman. In my private life, what gives me more inspiration is the oriental philosophy assimilated through Yoga discipline, it brought me peace and self- confidence. I will mention my brother, my fiance’, my parents, my friends Titi, Sofia, Jade, Emma and a lot of other friends that are always by my side. And, I always refer to that energetic strength I told you at the beginning… LOVE.

Highlights

Johnny K. Palmer

Galleria

“The biggest lesson I learned is that you can’t do everything alone!  You need a good team around you.“

Born in Budapest, Hungary, as the eldest son of a Jamaican pastor, Johnny was raised with music all around him. His earliest memories of performing were those of his family of eight caroling in their Austrian neighborhood on cold Christmas nights. As caroling is mostly unknown in Europe, they were often greeted by bewildered stares upon ringing the doorbells and had to convince the confused neighbors that they were not singing for money. “Whenever we sang I would see people’s faces light up and I realized that it only took so much to make someone happy.”

Growing up mainly in Vienna, Austria, as well as regularly traveling all over Europe while accompanying his father on his many journeys, gave him a multi-cultural worldview. This approach had a meaningful influence on Johnny’s style of performance. His openness and ability to create an almost immediate connection to his audience is fascinating to experience. It is impossible to be a passive bystander once Johnny makes his entrance.

The first step toward his musical career began through his love for dancing. At the age of thirteen he formed his first HipHop dance group, and soon started composing his first rap lines which eventually led to more. After receiving an offer for a record deal with Universal Music Austria as part of a boy-band project, he consequently went on to sign with Universal releasing 2 singles, an album, and touring Austria as one of the 4 members of the group “JetztAnders”.

Johnny played countless shows and events in Germany, Holland, Rumania, France, Belgium, England, Switzerland, USA, Jamaica as well as his native countries Austria and Hungary. He gained experience and “know-how” by sharing stages with big names like Delirious, T-Bone, Jermaine Jackson, Kevin Max and Kirk Franklin and worked with TV networks (RTL, ORF, Puls4…etc) as well as major companies (McDonalds, Nike, YWAM Kayiko,…etc.). Johnny Palmer starred in the German-Austrian Motion Picture “Kottan Ermittelt” (2010). And the video for his single “Break Away” made it into the top 10 charts all around Europe. This lead to his nomination for the 2012 VIVA COMET AWARD in the Category BEST NEW ARTIST.  Also a very active songwriter, he has worked for internationally known TV formats like XFactor, The Voice, Megastar and the Eurovision Song Contest.

 “Lightyears”  official video :

Date of birth

I was born on May 30th 1984 in Budapest.

Was a beautiful initiative as a family to go door by door and sing for the Austrian Families during Christmas, why this choice?

Christmas Caroling is an American tradition that we were already accustomed to from television and other American Culture media references. My father didn’t have to explain anything to us. My mom’s family lives in America and in Jamaica they have a lot of American traditions too so I guess that’s how it became part of our family traditions as well!

 What would you suggest to who is out there and would like to follow your same career?

Be diligent and never give up! Talent alone will only get you so far but talent paired with commitment and hard work will go a long way!

What do you feel when you are on stage?

When you are on stage it is about transmitting an emotion and getting a response! So if the audience responds well you feel energized and are able to give back an even higher emotion. But there are always cases when the audience does not respond well (or at least not in the way you expect them too) in this case being on stage can be very frustrating! Generally I think people come to a music event to shift the focus from everyday trouble and the worries of life… so when on stage our mission is to help the crowd to do that! We take them away into a different world with us where they can forget their everyday life for an hour or two. Also often music brings up memories from the past, memories that tie you to big emotions.

Each one of us face several obstacles on the way to reach our dreams: which obstacles gave you troubles or difficulties and how did you manage them?

The main obstacles are lack of knowledge and experience, then you have lack of contacts and off course money! The biggest lesson I learnt is that you can’t do everything alone!

You need a good team around you.

Only then can you make progress! Over the years I studied myself and made a honest assessment of what it is I am good at and where it is that I need help. And then I went out and looked for people that do those things better than I do. A big point also is you have to be a good communicator, you have to know what you want and be able to convince people to join you in the mission of achieving that goal. Find out what it is that makes you valuable and find people that are willing to trade that value for something they have that is valuable to you!

You find Johnny K. Palmer on FACEBOOK, MYSPACE and YOUTUBE