Showing posts with label Luxury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luxury. Show all posts
The Hypegolf Clubhouse Classic Brings Competition and Culture to Long Island
A First for the New York Golf Scene
For the first time ever, one of golf’s most spirited team competitions landed in the New York metro area. To celebrate its five-year milestone, Hypegolf took over Harbor Links Golf Course on Long Island for the debut of the Clubhouse Classic, blending sport, style, and community in a way only Hypegolf could. Since late August, Hypegolf Clubhouse has been active in NYC with drops, retail hours, and community events. But the Classic raised the bar—introducing a competitive edge to what has traditionally been a lifestyle-focused experience.A Unique Competition Format
Unlike the casual fun of past Hypegolf Invitationals, this event embraced competition with a 6-6-6 format:Holes 1–6: four-person best ball
Holes 7–12: two-person scramble
Holes 13–18: four-person scramble
What might have seemed intimidating on paper turned out to be a crowd favorite, keeping energy high and play dynamic throughout the afternoon.
Style Meets Performance on the Course
Players checked in to find thoughtfully curated gifts: Oakley sunglasses from a fresh collaboration and Melin bucket hats that came in handy against light rain. PXG showcased the latest clubs with expert fitters on-site, while Technics kept the beats flowing from a custom DJ booth. Notable attendees included actor Evan Mock, cricketer Steve Smith, photographer Diggzy, Kith COO Nick Annacone, Hypebeast CEO Kevin Ma, and golf creators Holein1trickshots and Kaitleen Shee. Along the way, players found Johnnie Walker Blue Label minis and Michelob ULTRA waiting in Yeti coolers at nearly every hole.From the Fairways to the Clubhouse
By late afternoon, the competition wrapped, but the celebration was just beginning. Guests gathered indoors for happy hour, dinner, and prizes, supported by partners including Whoop, Hyperice, Dimple & Divot, and Ninja. The Clubhouse Classic not only marked a milestone for Hypegolf but also underscored how golf culture is evolving—fusing sport with fashion, music, and community to create experiences that feel as social as they are competitive.Larry Ellison Surpasses Elon Musk to Become World’s Richest Person
In a historic shake-up at the very top of global wealth rankings, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has overtaken Elon Musk to claim the title of the world’s richest individual. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Ellison’s net worth has soared to $393 billion USD, surpassing Musk’s $385 billion and ending his nearly year-long reign at the summit.
A Record-Breaking Wealth Surge
Ellison’s sudden leap is tied to a record-setting single-day wealth increase—the largest ever tracked by the index. The surge came after Oracle shares skyrocketed by more than 40%, fueled by stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings and an optimistic outlook for the company’s AI-powered cloud services.With Oracle securing multi-billion-dollar contracts with heavyweights like OpenAI and Meta, investors are betting big on its role as a core provider of the infrastructure driving the artificial intelligence boom.
The Shift in Tech’s Wealth Landscape
While Musk’s fortune has dipped following a decline in Tesla’s stock, Ellison’s meteoric rise underscores a larger trend: the new wealth frontier in technology is not in social media or consumer gadgets, but in the backbone of AI computing.An 81-Year-Old at the Top
At 81 years old, Ellison’s ascent to number one reflects not only Oracle’s successful reinvention but also his enduring influence in the tech world. His wealth surge highlights how the AI revolution is reshaping markets and rewriting the map of global billionaires.Larry Ellison’s story is more than a milestone in personal fortune—it marks a new chapter in the race to dominate the digital infrastructure of the future.
From Villa to Vision: The New Blueprint for Real Estate Investment in DR Focuses on Wellness and Opportunity
Written by Sixteen Ramos
In the changing landscape of luxury real estate investing, boutique villas in the Dominican Republic are experiencing an exciting moment. Once only thought of as vacation homes have now become holistic investments in wellness and generational wealth. Across the Dominican Republic, a new blueprint is taking shape: one that prioritizes personal well-being and smart financial planning.
“People are rethinking what luxury truly means and seeking homes that go beyond aesthetics to support living in a more intentional way. The Dominican Republic is emerging as a destination that embodies all of this, offering natural beauty, cultural richness.” says Kathy Colon, founder of Nova Lux DR Properties.
A Founder’s Vision, Informed by Business and Public Health
Colon holds an MBA and MPH (Masters in Public Health) which fuels her vision. Her journey into real estate began while caring for a loved one and traveling frequently between New York and the Dominican Republic. During her visits, she stayed in a range of villas, quickly falling in love with the island’s natural beauty, but also discovering how difficult and fragmented the process of buying and outfitting a property could be.With years of executive experience at major global companies like Microsoft, IBM Watson, and Salesforce, Colon brought a high-level operational mindset to the challenge. Drawing on her business expertise and background in public health, she saw an opportunity to reimagine luxury real estate in the DR while offering a wellness-centered, client-first approach that felt both sophisticated and deeply personal.
Focusing on Punta Cana and Las Terrenas
From Punta Cana to Las Terrenas, buyers want homes that support a full spectrum of living, including working remotely, aging gracefully, and raising a family.Punta Cana is one of the Dominican Republic’s most accessible and well-connected destinations, with direct international flights arriving daily at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Las Terrenas, on the Samaná Peninsula, offers a more serene, nature-driven lifestyle and is best reached by car.
Compelling advantages for buyers:
- No annual property taxes on qualifying new developments through CONFOTUR incentives
- No land transfer tax on eligible purchases under the same program
- A resilient, tourism-driven economy that continues to attract international interest and long-term growth
Investment Strategy Meets Lifestyle
From a financial perspective, the Dominican Republic has emerged as one of the most compelling international markets. Part of this is due to the CONFOTUR tax incentive program, which grants foreign investors up to 15 years of property tax exemption, income tax reductions, and capital gains relief. This is an unusually generous offering compared to the U.S. or Europe.Rental yields are another key draw. In Q2 2024, average gross yields in the DR reached 6.74%, with some Punta Cana properties topping 7.9%, and 15% in Punta Cana. Tourism continues to break records, over 11 million visitors in 2024 alone, driving strong demand for vacation rentals and short-term stays.
The Rise of Wellness and Sustainability as Infrastructure
As global real estate trends shift toward more conscious living, the Dominican Republic is emerging as a leader in sustainable luxury. At the same time, wellness-focused amenities are embedded, not bolted on: think spa-like bathrooms, open kitchens for whole-food cooking, walking paths, meditation decks, and smart home systems that sync lighting and temperature to the body’s natural rhythms.Here's what’s fueling the movement:
- Luxury Reimagined Through Wellness and Sustainability - biophilic design at the core: maximizing natural airflow, daylight, green views and walking trails. A focus on minimizing environmental toxins through low-VOC materials
- Design That Works With Nature, Not Against It - Developers are embracing biophilic design and sustainable materials and using solar panels, cross-ventilation, native landscaping, and natural building elements. Including nature-inspired textures and tones to create calm, harmonious and restorative interiors.
- Supportive Government Policies - National incentives for renewable energy use and eco-conscious construction methods are helping make sustainable development more accessible and attractive for both local and international developers.
- Environmental Stewardship as a Value Add - With its stunning coastlines and biodiversity, the Dominican Republic draws buyers who want to preserve the natural beauty they came to enjoy.
- A Magnet for Wellness-Oriented Buyers - From North America to Europe, buyers are gravitating toward properties that offer both tranquility and thoughtful design. Aging-in-place and multi-generational principles are kept in mind, such as step-free entryways, wider hallways, first floor master bedrooms, and flex rooms that can adapt to future caregiving or mobility needs
So, what’s next?
Colon believes the future of boutique hospitality lies in hyper-intentionality. Less mass production. More custom, curated experiences. Boutique villa developments will be smaller in scale but bigger in impact and offer concierge-level services, integrated wellness features, and community connections that extend beyond the physical space.As global uncertainty drives more people to rethink where and how they live, the Dominican Republic presents a rare mix of value, vision, and vitality.
Cambridge Audio Upgrades Melomania P100 SE Headphones with Better Sound and Comfort
Cambridge Audio Refreshes Its First Over-Ear Headphones
After last year’s successful debut of the Melomania P100, Cambridge Audio is back with a special edition update. The new Melomania P100 SE promises enhanced comfort, richer sound, and comes in an all-new blue finish, joining the original black and white options.Premium Features Still at Sub-$300
The SE edition retains all the standout features that made the P100 such a hit, including a 100-hour battery life, multipoint connectivity, and hi-res audio playback support—specs rarely found at this price point.Inside, the headphones continue to use custom 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets, but Cambridge Audio says they’ve been carefully retuned to produce more dynamic sound at higher listening volumes.
Designed for All-Day Listening
Comfort has also been given an upgrade. The Melomania P100 SE introduces a newly cushioned headband designed for extended sessions without discomfort. The company describes it as being “luxuriously cushioned” and “designed for boundless listening.”Adding to the listening experience, the SE features Cambridge Audio’s DynamEQ technology, which automatically adjusts sound to maintain balance across all volume levels, ensuring that even at low listening volumes, no details are lost.
A Special Edition Worth the Wait
With subtle refinements in both sound and design, the Melomania P100 SE strengthens Cambridge Audio’s position in the competitive mid-range headphone market. For listeners who want premium features without the premium price tag, the updated SE looks set to hit the right notes.Apple to Manufacture iPhone 17 Lineup in India for U.S. Market for the First Time
Apple Expands iPhone Production to India
Apple is making a historic supply chain shift, moving the bulk of iPhone 17 production to India to meet demand in the United States. For the first time, all new models—including the premium Pro editions—will be produced in India from launch, making it a milestone moment for the tech giant.A Strategic Move Beyond China
The decision reflects Apple’s efforts to reduce dependency on Chinese manufacturing while protecting against tariffs and geopolitical risks. Five major factories in India are driving the expansion, including new facilities run by Tata Group and Foxconn Technology Group.India’s Role in Apple’s Global Strategy
Apple’s investment has already reshaped India’s export profile. Between April and July, iPhone shipments from India hit $7.5 billion USD—nearly half of the prior fiscal year’s total. The United States has emerged as the top destination, signaling the deepening importance of India in Apple’s production network.Implications for the Future
This move goes beyond tariff avoidance. By diversifying its manufacturing base, Apple is creating a more resilient supply chain while elevating India as a global production hub. Industry analysts see this as the beginning of a long-term strategy, one that could redefine the balance of global electronics manufacturing.Google Debuts Four-Device Pixel 10 Series With Tensor G5 and Gemini Nano AI
Google Unveils Pixel 10 Lineup at Made by Google Event
At its latest Made by Google showcase hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Google introduced its 10th-generation Pixel series, revealing four new models: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Each device is powered by the brand’s most advanced processor yet, the Google Tensor G5, and features the next-gen Gemini Nano AI built directly into the phones.Gemini Nano AI and Tensor G5 Power the Future
Google claims that Gemini Nano now operates 2.6 times faster and twice as efficiently thanks to the upgraded Tensor G5 chip. The AI features are designed to make the Pixel 10 series the “most personalized, proactive and helpful” phones in the company’s history.Introducing Material 3 Expressive UI
Alongside the hardware updates, the Pixel 10 series debuts Android with a redesigned Material 3 Expressive interface. The new UI emphasizes personalization and smoother user interactions, complete with spring-like animations and a more fluid design language.Pixel 10: A Feature-Packed Entry Model
The standard Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch Actua display reaching 3,000 nits of peak brightness, wrapped in a sleek metal frame. Available in Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass, it introduces a 5x telephoto lens at this tier, offering Super Res Zoom up to 20x with enhanced autofocus performance.Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL: Premium Performance
For advanced users, the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL elevate the experience with larger displays at 6.3 and 6.8 inches respectively. Available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, and Jade, the duo delivers Google’s most powerful camera system yet, with 50MP photography and Pro Res Zoom pushing magnification up to 100x.The Pro devices also boast the largest Pixel batteries to date, 16GB RAM as standard, upgraded speakers, and support for the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. To complement this, Google is rolling out its Pixelsnap accessory line of chargers and add-ons.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold Joins the Lineup
Rounding out the series is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, expanding Google’s commitment to foldable technology while offering the same Tensor G5 performance and Gemini Nano AI capabilities in a versatile form factor.Tiffany & Co. Unveils Black Edition Race Car & Diamond-Encrusted Plane Clock
Tiffany & Co. Expands Its Time Objects Collection
Continuing its tradition of transforming timekeeping into high art, Tiffany & Co. has introduced two extraordinary horological pieces that blend mechanical mastery with striking design.Time for Speed Clock – Black Edition
Inspired by automotive elegance, the Black Edition takes the form of a sleek race car finished in glossy black. Powered by a manually wound L’Epée 1839 mechanical movement with an eight-day power reserve, it displays time via rotating hour and minute disks set into the car’s side. A Tiffany Blue® “57” on the hood pays homage to the brand’s New York flagship store.Tiffany Airways – Diamond Edition
The Diamond Edition honors Tiffany’s diamond heritage, featuring 511 round brilliant diamonds totaling 4.5 carats. This plane-inspired clock also houses an L’Epée 1839 eight-day movement, with hours and minutes displayed on cockpit disks. Displayed on its stand, an innovative clasp gives the illusion of flight. With these additions, Tiffany & Co. continues to redefine luxury horology, merging whimsical artistry with precise craftsmanship.Pauly x Cotodama Bring Lyrics to Life with “Lyric Sync Technology”
Pauly x Cotodama: Where Music Becomes Visual Art
At the turn of the millennium, albums like Hybrid Theory offered deep, tactile connections—liner notes, graffiti art, and lyrics to pore over. Today’s streaming era has shifted how we consume music, often losing the storytelling intimacy of physical releases. Tokyo-based creative tech company Cotodama aims to bring that connection back, blending art, music, and technology. Their name—combining “koto” (words) and “dama” (spirit)—reflects the Japanese belief that words hold spiritual power.Lyric Sync Technology
Cotodama’s signature Lyric Sync Technology makes music visible, projecting lyrics in perfect time with songs. This transforms home devices into living art pieces, where words dance in sync with beats, creating an immersive multi-sensory experience.Art Imitating Life
The Pauly x Cotodama collaboration expands this vision, encouraging listeners to pause, focus, and get lost in music again—just like flipping through a beloved album booklet. It’s a fusion of nostalgia and innovation, making each track a piece of interactive visual poetry.tm:rw Launches a Bold New Tech Retail Concept in the Heart of Times Square
tm:rw Opens in Times Square, Reimagining the Future of Tech Retail
In the heart of New York City’s Times Square, tm:rw is introducing a radical rethinking of what a tech store can be. Opening on Tuesday, July 29, inside the historic Candler Building, this bold, 20,000-square-foot retail destination is designed for inventors, founders, and future-shapers—and for curious consumers who want to experience “what’s next” in an immersive environment.Founded by retail innovators Nathalie Bernce and Jacov Nacktailer, tm:rw is more than just a store. It’s a multi-sensory experience created in collaboration with architect and artist Harry Nuriev, where innovation meets design and product discovery feels like an adventure.
Where Design Meets Discovery
Spanning three floors, tm:rw is divided into unique zones, each curated around different aspects of tech-enhanced living. From gaming to grooming, visitors are invited to test products in fully interactive environments.Notable installations include the world’s largest 3D retail hologram by HYPERVSN and one of only three Transparent 4K Smart TVs in existence—the LG OLED T.
Inside the Experience: Zones of Innovation
The Playhouse: A gamified wonderland where guests test e-sports, VR, and console games in real time. The Studio: A cozy karaoke lounge experience powered by Vizio’s MicMe, blending entertainment and tech. The Barber Shop: A grooming space featuring smart mirrors and high-end tech beauty tools. The Sanctuary: A curated space for premium audio experiences, showcasing cutting-edge speaker systems and music tech.Building on a Decade of Retail Transformation
tm:rw is the product of nearly ten years of global retail innovation, with the founding team having worked on boundary-pushing store concepts for Selfridges (London), KaDeWe (Berlin), and Rinascente (Rome). Now, their vision finds a permanent home in New York.“tm:rw was designed to evoke curiosity and adventure,” said CEO Nathalie Bernce. “This is a space where innovation enhances—not replaces—the human experience. We’ve built a home for those who think differently.”
Creating Connections Through Innovation
Unlike traditional retail, tm:rw focuses on making tech personal and meaningful. According to Jordan Traxler, Global Head of Marketing, “We’re not about spectacle for spectacle’s sake. Every display is meant to answer a deeper question: How does this product enrich my life?”The space is envisioned as a platform for both iconic brands and emerging creators to showcase innovation and connect directly with consumers in a way that feels tactile, human, and forward-thinking.
A New Landmark in Experiential Retail
Officially opening its doors on July 29, tm:rw marks a new era for experiential retail in Times Square, one of the world’s most iconic commercial hubs. By combining immersive design, smart product integration, and a strong community-driven narrative, tm:rw positions itself at the crossroads of tech, culture, and creativity.Whether you're a trendwatcher, investor, or casual shopper, tm:rw promises an experience unlike any other.
An Inside Look at the Life of Las Vegas Real Estate Mogul Richard Crighton
Very few people manage to conquer the real estate business, especially in a market as selective and competitive as Las Vegas; Even fewer accomplish this at a young age, but for Mr. Richard Crighton, nothing seems to be impossible.
The Las Vegas socialite and iconic entrepreneur became the youngest person in Nevada to open a real estate brokerage – The Rothwell Gornt Companies – when he was only twenty years old. Since then, Crighton and his team have amassed a series of accolades that include over half a billion dollars in real estate transactions, completed single transactions exceeding twenty million and the successful acquisition of multiple assets across the iconic metropolis, becoming a local legend in the process. People in Vegas love this man because he handles himself in a way that sparks joy and lifts the spirits of everyone around him, no matter what the external situation might be.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Crighton and a group of close friends took matters in their own hands and implemented a series of initiatives aimed at helping local businesses weather the storm and the city was certainly grateful. Since then, he has launched a popular podcast and the YouTube channel “Super Vegas Life” in which he shares some of his adventures with the audience and provides a glimpse inside the life of a young overachiever.
The secret to Crighton´s success can be described as insatiable hunger coupled with unwavering tenacity and determination in the face of adversity and what seems to be the “Midas touch” when it comes to all things real estate. His expertise includes development, commercial management and leasing as well as acquisition and disposition of distressed assets.
Mr. Crighton sold one of his businesses to boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, and proceeded to launch and co-found several other businesses; But Richard is as passionate about living on his own terms as he has always been about his multiple business endeavors.
A lover of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Richard Crighton certainly exists on a higher level, but money is only one part of the equation.
Oftentimes, people who achieve great success in the business world are powerless as the joy of waking up every day is robbed by an erroneous mindset. Not Richard. He wakes up to his dream life every single morning and is adamant about sharing his success with those who surround him, he believes that this is one of the keys to real and profound success.
Recently, Mr. Crighton has shared with his Instagram® followers a series of videos which he titled “Travel with Me”; In these videos, he documents his adventures around the world, from Croatia to Mexico. Israel to Scotland and everywhere in between.
Through sharing a behind-the-scenes look at his unique lifestyle, Mr. Crighton has effectively become a source of inspiration for an entire generation of up and coming entrepreneurs who wish to learn from a man who built his own destiny, refusing to settle for anything but the very best that life has to offer.
This New 600-Foot Luxury Cruise Liner Offers 50 Suites With Private Balconies
Despite the influx of lavish new cruise ships on the horizon, Aman has decided there is still room for one more.
The luxury hotel group has joined forces with Cruise Saudi to develop an exclusive 600-foot liner that is slated to hit the seas in 2025. Codenamed Sama, which means “tranquillity” in Sanskrit, the exclusive floating hotel will allow up to 100 passengers to cruise the globe in the five-star comfort.
Penned in partnership with Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design, the vessel artfully incorporates Aman’s eastern heritage with a minimalist aesthetic for a timeless yet contemporary feel. There will also be a focus on privacy, space and “gracious hospitality” throughout to ensure a superyacht-like experience.
As for accommodation, Sama will offer 50 generous suites that each sport a private balcony for uninterrupted sea views. While onboard, seafarers will have access to an all-day restaurant with “international dining options,” as well as a club and lounge slinging your favorite cocktails. Elsewhere, the Aman spa comes complete with an zen Japanese garden for a spot of restorative relaxation, while the beach club stern offers direct access to the ocean for swims. Sama also has two helipads to facilitate comings and goings.
On top of that, guests will have the opportunity to venture to far-flung destinations. Although the itineraries have yet to be confirmed, the routes will likely explore Saudi by sea.
“Project Sama will provide transformative experiences within the revered Aman setting and service which is unlike any other yacht experience, ultimately creating a whole new category in on the water discovery,” Aman’s chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said in a statement.
Aman is not the only big name getting into the luxury liner game. Virgin Voyages launched its new cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, this year, while the Ritz-Carlton’s three custom-built yachts are expected to set sail next year. Hey, there’s nothing better than a little friendly competition on the high seas.
How Bruce and Amber Steele Created America’s new Favorite Vodka
Just outside Houston, TX a young and energetic couple makes modern day entrepreneurship look fun. For Amber and Bruce Steele, crafting a new breed of premium vodka has become their professional mission.
As parents, the young executives - who also actively participate in community affairs - have learned to become proficient at managing their time. And time is precisely the driving force behind their award winning brand: Timeless Vodka.
A silver medal winner of the prestigious ‘World Spirits Competition’ and one of the fastest growing independent premium vodka brands in the market, this product finds its unique roots in the hearts of its founders and sole owners.
When Amber and Bruce have time to relax (which admittedly, is not very often) they certainly make the most of it. Creating memories as they share an intimate gathering with close friends or some much deserved one on one time.
The founders quickly realized the power of the word “Timeless” and how it fits perfectly into their own lives, and the lives of selective consumers across America. And so, a new icon was born.
In only a few months, Timeless Vodka has gone from an idea to one of the new contenders in the space, with more and more connoisseurs choosing the white bottle brand over its better known competitors.
For Bruce and his wife Amber, the path forward is clear. We had a chance to speak with them about their goals and here’s what they told us:
Do you think the current vodka aficionado is looking for a more personalized consumption experience?
I do! People want a tailored experience and to feel connected while also being able to create their own unique Vibe. Timeless Vodka gives you that! We want every person and moment enjoyed with Timeless to be, well, Timeless! We truly want to capture the message in our bottle, Moments Matter, Make Them Timeless!
What are your goals for Timeless Vodka in the short term?
We have pretty lofty short term goals but I would have to say our number 1 goal is growth in the marketplace and gaining market share, while still maintaining a positive and unique customer experience. We value our retailers, restaurants, and bars just as much as we do our consumers so a positive experience for them while we grow is also a short and long term goal of ours!
Can you share with our readers what makes your product unique as far as ingredients and manufacturing process?
I would love to! Timeless Vodka is produced from corn using fresh mineral rich water. After we have distilled our product 4 times we use a unique coconut carbon filtration process to not only smoothen out our vodka but also remove additional impurities. Timeless is a uniquely smooth and gluten free vodka with a very light and neutral taste which has allowed this vodka to quickly become the product of choice from the seasoned mixologist to the first time buyer! Timeless is extremely diverse and crafted from bar to home!
From Milan to Miami: Rising Star Nina Miucci
Originally from Milan, Antonina Miucci, better known as ‘Nina’ by her friends is a carefree and naturally beautiful young woman that has always embraced her inner sense of adventure.
As she explores her talents and consolidates her vision, countless young Italian women who dream of making it in the global fashion industry feel inspired by Nina, a fearless and deeply charismatic young woman who is not afraid to fight for her dreams.
After leaving her hometown of Milan, Miucci embarked on an exciting journey, setting her sights on conquering Miami. It didn’t take long for her to make the city her own.
As she continues exploring the seemingly endless possibilities after securing the attention of influential industry insiders, Nina remains true to her radiant nature and gracefully shares her vision with our readers in this exclusive interview:
Did you always want to be a model?
I wanted to be a model since I was a child, when my parents took me shooting for some kids fashion brands and slowly as I grew up I always did castings in Milan as a model.
Can you share your fitness routine with our readers?
Yes, sure! In my social networks I share my lifestyle and my fitness routine with my followers.. I’m a fitness addict and I like to share with others my routine!
You lived in Miami, did you like the city?
I lived in Miami for 4 months and I fell in love with the town. I like everything about Miami! I like it because it is very similar to me...radiant, energetic, sparkling and fun but also elegant and quiet at the same time. I love Miami!
What are some of your favorite fashion brands?
My favorite luxury fashion brands are Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Nice question! I am a transparent and mysterious person at the same time. I am a girl who knows how to make real decisions, I don’t care what people think... I put myself out there in pursuit of new experiences! My strong personality allows me always to ask for more from life...and I’m always ready to challenge myself to achieve new goals.
The Rise of a New African Top Model and Entrepreneur Named Naomi
Naomi Chepkemoi embodies a new generation of ebony top models.
Originally from Kenya, the 21 year old is a Bachelor of Science in Community Resource Management and holds a deep understanding of her country and its natural resources and macroeconomic trends.
However, her natural beauty and effortless charisma have propelled Naomi to the international spotlight, as she has been approached by major brands and organizations that feel as if their core audience will feel close to the young businesswoman and centerfold.
For Naomi, the rennaissance of African fashion and thus, African top models is a vibrant reality. She granted us an exclusive interview, here’s what Ms. Chepkemoi had to say:
Did you always want to be a model?
Yes i always wanted to be a model since i was young.
With the rise of a new generation of African top models, how would you want to inspire other women who look up to you?
I would like to bring a change and improve on some things that other models haven’t done yet, like educating girls about early marriages, FGM and providing them with ways to deal with menstruation problems.
You live in Kenya, what do you love about your country?
I love the culture in my country, the nature and the friendly people!
What are some of your favorite fashion brands?
FashionNova, Pretty Little Thing, Victoria’s Secret, and Calvin Klein.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people dont know that i like to help the poor and change the world to a better place by sharing and being kind.
My mindset is to change my country especially for the less fortunate people who are uneducated, I also think of starting my own online store especially a brand that will mainly be African.
Her Name is Aga, and She´s a Top Model With Chef Skills
The fashion industry is temporarily shut down, which means no runway shows, photoshoots, or castings. What has the transition been like from working nearly every day to not at all? How has it made you feel?
As a person working in such a creative industry, I can definitely see how a lack of work impacts me personally. It is quite stressful not knowing when it will be safe to get back to work. I started to feel like I have to do everything that I can to use this time productively, and for me, it is focusing on developing my own personal interests and staying healthy.
How are you coping with financial setbacks, if any?
I have always tried to make sure I have money saved away for a rainy day, which has been a big help lately. All models in the industry, at one time or another, go through slow periods. So I have learned you have to be committed to saving money on every job. That mindset has helped me through my career and even more so now.
What are you doing to stay busy?
I have been focusing on my social media, where I am trying to share my passion for cooking. I am creating new recipes each week, and it has been really exciting to be able to share them! I am also reading a lot more; I love being able to dive into a good book.
How has promoting your cooking been received by your followers? Do you find there is more wholesome engagement?
My friends and followers seem to really like the idea and have been incredibly supportive. I keep getting positive messages from my followers, and some of them have been recreating my recipes, which is awesome! I have definitely seen higher engagement after going in a healthy lifestyle direction with my profile.
Why did you choose to show the world your cooking skills?
I think seeing what other people eat has always interested me, and helped me as an individual. My followers ask me all the time about how to eat well and be healthy. I know there is constant pressure in my industry, and I want to show people you can eat, be healthy, and be happy. It may just take a little creativity. I want to set the right example.
This Luxury Property is the Best Kept Secret in Arizona
Surrounded by magnificent landscapes in peaceful Scottsdale, AZ this Elite Property approved AirBnB rental is the ultimate social distancing destination.
Few properties attract trendsetters and tastemakers on a consistent basis, but this plush Scottsdale estate is simply to good to pass up.
Whether you plan on chilling by the pool and work on your tan, or you’d rather enjoy the tastefully decorated living spaces, this one of a kind mansion has everything a selective traveler might need.
About Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert at the foot of the scenic McDowell Mountains. ... Scottsdale's vibrant Old Town is considered the finest urban center in Arizona. It is home to more than 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops and more than 80 art galleries.
Explore this Elite Property approved getaway
One Sotheby´s Understands Shifting Market Dynamics
The real-estate agency is by nature a business model oriented around a local ecosystem.
That’s why most standout real-estate firms are considered as powerful local institutions, yet quickly lose all relevance the minute you venture outside their territory.
However, one force in luxury real-estate has eschewed being pidgeon-holed to just one region and has created an international gold standard that people can trust for the best luxury properties on the world scale.
This brand is none other than One Sothebys - who through the innovative, big picture strategy of President Daniel De La Vega- has made the brand name synonymous with the top of the real-estate pyramid in every region it is found.
How Did De La Vega Do It?
Rather than taking the same approach as competitors and competing with them in One Sotheby's local market of Miami, De La Vega set out to find the best specialists across all of the various markets his luxury clientele traveled between.
That meant taking frequent, trips to Brazil, Latin America, and Western Europe. As he traveled, De La Vega began to bridge the best localized specialists to something greater- which was the emerging banner/umbrella brand name of One Sotheby’s- which he conveyed would instantly elevate the perceived value of the international specialists' respective local properties.
In a business like real-estate, where perceived value is everything, De La Vega turned this open-architecture system of hiring and connecting the best independent real-estate specialists into a vehicle that would create the first consistent, comprehensive gold standard.
Once connected to One Sotheby's organized system, De La Vega was also able to institute and maintain a consistent level of customer service, marketing, packaging, and growth across all divisions of the company by fostering a corporate cultural that would promote open, honest feedback and cross-sector collaboration.
When asked personally how he was able to build and manage a sprawling real-estate enterprise when it never had been done before, De La Vega expounded: “It boils down to two factors. Seeking out and empowering experts who are smarter than you in various capacities or markets and creating a transparent company culture where honest feedback and interactive collaboration flourish, across all company levels.”
Thus, for the ambitious and entrepreneur seeking to build out a successful business model on a broad scale, De La Vega's cornerstone attributes- a strategy of open architecture and open, cross-company feedback- will be vital to implement.
Louis Carreon Makes A Mark On Contemporary Art
Throughout the ages, art has served as mankind´s primary way of individual and collective expression. To tell the stories of our world, artists have found inspiration in nearly everything around them.
With the rise of digital and social media, not surprisingly today’s art forms have been increasingly shaped around the rise of “Instagrammable” culture.
This over-simplified and hyper-connected lens through which we have come to perceive the world around us has threatened the contemporary art world in more ways than one.
Seeing the void of sophistication and continuity with the past that this has created, the visionary and academically grounded contemporary artist Louis Carreon has set out to inject the profundity of the historic into today’s iconoclastic pop art.
Carreon’s body of work carries religious iconography and salient historical vignettes into modern designs that dovetail with today’s more gritty and rebellious art movement.
For instance, his new sculpture, the Rise of David inspired by Bernini, takes a classic foundation of the original religious sculpture and overlays it with modernist motifs of materialism and street style.
In this manner, Carreon is able to restore the potency of religious iconography in current culture, and also show a rare glimpse of how the two modalities would intersect and intertwine if they appeared contemporaneously.
For more information on Louis Carreon and the Rise of David, visit his Instagram page.br/>
Dan Bilzerian´s Ignite Cannabis Is Poised To Succeed In The Canadian Market
When it comes to overcoming obstacles and accomplishing seemingly impossible goals, die hard entrepreneurs will stop at nothing.
Dan Bilzerian´s company Ignite is accomplishing goals to ensure the trust of customers globally. Being a horizontally integrated company, Ignite has solidified partnerships with exceptional growers and manufacturers in Canada, while thanks to unquestionable brand penetration and awareness, the company seems poised to capture a large share of the market.
Dan Bilzerian and his team are known to be product oriented, which accounts for Ignite´s cult-like social media following and the brand´s meteoric rise in the legal cannabis space.
Ignite's Global Head of Cannabis, Gene Bernaudo, discussed some of the challenges the brand has faced and how they are overcoming each, to show how consistent Ignite is in all aspects of the business.
Q: What was the process and timeline for CX Industries to sign the exclusive agreement with Ignite International Brands to supply premium cannabis & CBD products?
Bernaudo: As some may have heard, we are no longer doing business with CX Industries. I can’t really discuss the circumstances of the split. What I can tell you is, we have since partnered with CannMart a leading processor and distributor of cannabis in Canada. This was very strategic in nature. One of the reason we chose CannMart as a partner is because they do not have a grow. I bet you a bunch readers are scratching their heads right now. Yes, you read that right, we did not want to partner with a large commercial Licensed Producer, producing the same mediocre product as everyone else in the industry. A partnership with CannMart solidified processing and distribution channels which allowed my team and I to focus on sourcing product from craft growers who are producing small batch, high-end cannabis. With this strategy we were able to move very quickly. We finalized our partnership with CannMart in Dec 2019 and are launching Canada with 10 skus on March 13, 2020. We chose to start with the infamous BC market and scale our way across Canada.
Q: Canada’s ad industry has strict laws against celebrity endorsements for pot products. Did this play a factor in the naming of the company? Has Dan Bilzerian had to make any sacrifices to get Ignite into Canada?
Bernaudo: Dan is the CEO of Ignite International Brands, Ltd. This allows us some leeway in how he can speak about the products. I would say our approach is similar to the approach Bruce Linton took back in the early days when he was out doing roadshows and promoting Tweed. As far as sacrifices go, I wouldn’t call them sacrifices I would call them strategic adjustments. We have had to adjust the type of content we post and ensure we are compliant in all markets we do business in. To me this is a great sign, it means we continue to grow as a global brand and evolve as a business. At the end of the day, we are a cannabis company but we are also an International FMCG company (Fast moving Consumer Goods) which means we have to be able to pivot and adjust strategies based on regulations in jurisdictions we are doing business in. When you have one of the best marketing teams in the world backed by a social media genius it’s easier to get the job done.
Q: Ignite has plenty of celebrity endorsements posts on social platforms such as Nikita Dragun, Cardi B, and Jake Paul. Is this the most effective marketing strategy for Ignite? If so, how has Canada’s Cannabis Act been an issue?
Bernaudo: The celebrity endorsements you are referring to are not for our cannabis products. Most, if not all of your references endorse our CBD line and in the U.S. there is no rule against that. It’s a pretty level playing field up here, the only real issue the Cannabis Act has imposed on us is we cannot use our iconic Goat Head logo as it depicts an animal or fictional character and can be deemed to appeal to children. Rules are rules and we have been happy to abide by them.
Q: Dan Bilzerian highlighted having one proprietary device that holds THC, CBD, and Nicotine all in one so, he decided to attack the Juul market. How will this translate in Canada, knowing they have a temporary halt on the production of flavored e-cigarette pods?
Bernaudo: Great question, the vape market in Canada from a nicotine perspective has been a disaster from the start. I 100% agree with Health Canada’s stance here. Nicotine use amongst young people is the highest it’s ever been and its largely due to flavored e-liquid in all its forms. I don’t agree with a ban, but what I can tell you is Health Canada is consistent in how they regulate. Similar regulations will apply to nicotine. E-liquid flavors and or packaging/logos cannot “evoke a positive or negative emotion or ‘way of life’ such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring.” We do have a nicotine strategy for Canada, its largely based on waiting for regulations to be implemented, waiting for trade to open up again in China (due to Coronavirus) and of course, for the ban to be lifted. We have made major headway with the device in question and it will most likely be introduced first in Canada with THC and CBD pods as regulations permit its use.
Q: Dan Bilzerian markets Ignite Cannabis as an active lifestyle to sway from the original stigma of laziness. Canada’s Cannabis Act prohibits pot companies to “evoke a positive or negative emotion or ‘way of life’ such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring.” Luckily, Ignite is still able to conduct this kind of promotion in the US. Do you believe this was a loophole that helped the brand’s message reach Canadians?
Bernaudo: I think having a social reach of 43 million followers definitely helps get our message out there in any form we want to deliver it. I wouldn’t call it a loophole as we are not using it as such. We are an International company and post content and product placement ads on social channels conforming to regulatory requirements where the particular product we are advertising is being sold.
Q: What other obstacles have Ignite faced in expanding into Canada?
Bernaudo: The only obstacle we have faced in Canada is product procurement. The biggest challenge has been securing products out here that meet our team, including Dan’s, criteria. We are happy to recently have forged some solid partnerships with amazing craft growers that will ensure we are able to distribute quality, consistent cannabis products across Canada. All the retailers and Provincial boards have been very supportive, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring our products to consumers.
Q: What are Ignite’s launch plans for this week in Canada? Will Dan Bilzerian be in attendance?
Bernaudo: Our BC launch event will be held this Friday, March 13th, at Bar None in Downtown Vancouver. Dan will be on the ground the day prior to meet with partners and industry leaders as we continue to grow relationships north of the border. He will also attend the launch event alongside hundreds of partygoers eager to celebrate Ignite’s Canadian Launch.
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