Non-Profit

Sakhi for South Asian Women

Founded

June 1989

Website

www.sakhi.org

Name

Purvi Shah
Executive Director

Age

34

Hometown

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Current residence

New York City, New York

Education

Rutgers University
Masters of Arts in English
(2000)

University of Michigan
Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology and Comparative Literature
(1994)

Work Experience

Sakhi for South Asian Women
Executive Director

Various arenas including education, non-profit, and media.

Ethnicity

Indian

About the non-profit

Sakhi for South Asian Women, a community-based organization in the New York metropolitan area, seeks to end violence against women in the South Asian community. We work to empower women, particularly survivors of domestic violence. Sakhi strives to create a voice and safe environment for all South Asian women through outreach, advocacy, leadership development, and organizing.

The organization was founded in 1989 by a group of five South Asian women from diverse professional fields such as banking, film, law, and public health. Sakhi, meaning "woman friend," was created to fill a critical need – in spite of an abundance of religious and cultural centers, professional associations, and ethnic-specific groups within New York's large South Asian immigrant population, there was no place for women to address the silenced subject of domestic violence.

Sakhi structured its programming to follow a two-pronged approach in addressing domestic violence within the South Asian community:

We create a safe place with support, friendship, and a full range of culturally-sensitive, language-specific information, services, and advocacy to South Asian women facing abuse in their lives.

We work to inform, actively engage, and mobilize the South Asian community in the movement to end violence against women forever.

After 17 years of working with and being an integral part of our community, we at Sakhi know that in order for families to be healthy and happy, violence and oppression must be eliminated at the heart and root of our communities. We know that community members themselves must be aware of and participate in the dialogue in order for true and sustainable change to occur. Our vision of a society without domestic violence lies within the community's ability to take ownership in the fight to end violence against women.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

My day-to-day responsibilities range from strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, and staff supervision to communications and external relations.

Each day is different and full of deadlines: one day it may be presenting at a conference or finalizing a press release; on another, it may be speaking to funders and expressing the impact of Sakhi's work. Or it may be reviewing our finances or preparing for various audits.

Or most often, it's any of these things all in one day! Each day includes a sensitive juggling act of time-sensitive activities as well as staff supervision, project definition, and ensuring all our important work continues and grows with maximum impact.

My favorite aspect of my job is to be able to learn and contribute in each of these arenas. But I especially love speaking on ending violence and the power of Sakhi's work: watching a community member discuss this taboo issue for the first time and come to a new level of dialogue is priceless.

Most notable milestones

June 1989
Sakhi, the second South Asian women's organization in the US, is founded to promote women's rights by offering services and facilitating community education. Volunteers meet in schools and learn how to serve orders of protection.

1990
Sakhi organizes its first Support Group for survivors of violence.

1991
Sakhi gets temporary office space and hires first staff member. It conducts its first awareness-raising tabling event in Jackson Heights as part of International Women's Day, and marches in and leaflets at the India Independence Day Parade for the first time.

1992
Sakhi premieres its film festival of women directors from South Asia, a unique venue which brought powerful South Asian women's films and films about South Asian women to the New York City public for four years in a row. Sakhi also its hosts first community fundraising dinner and marches in the Pakistan Independence Day Parade as the first women's organization to participate in this community event.

1993
Hosted at Columbia University, Sakhi and Manavi co-organize "South Asian Immigrant Women: Our Social Realities," the first South Asian women's conference in the US.

1994
Sakhi challenges the status quo by ensuring immigrant women are able to self-petition for green cards under the Violence Against Women Act and by inviting SALGA (the South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association) to join Sakhi in the India Day Parade. Sakhi also premieres Life Without Fear, the first docudrama about domestic violence in our community and launches ESL classes for survivors.

1995
With artist Margot Lovejoy, Sakhi helps to stage Break the Silence, a public memorial to heal the wounds of domestic violence at the Queens Museum of Art.

1996
Sakhi organizes a public demonstration in front of the family home of Mohammed Mohsin, who was charged with attempted murder and arson against his wife, Syeda. Mohsin is found guilty of criminal charges four years later.

1997
Sakhi staff attend national meeting hosted by the Center for Third World Organizing in order to develop strategies for recently-launched Court Interpreter Campaign. Sakhi spins Domestic Workers' Committee off into an autonomous organization, which then becomes Workers' Awaaz.

1998
Sakhi organizes first March Against Violence in Jackson Heights to call for an end to abuse and to open a space for survivors to speak out within our communities.

1999
The Women's Health Initiative is formed to provide health access to survivors and to educate providers on abuse. Sakhi helps to launch the national South Asian Coalition Against Violence listserve in collaboration with partners in the anti-violence movement.

2000
The first and only book-length research project focusing on domestic violence within the South Asian American population, "Speaking the Unspeakable: Marital Violence among South Asian Immigrants in the United States," is published by researcher and former Sakhi board member, Dr. Margaret Abraham.

2001
Sakhi organizes peace rallies after 9/11 to advocate against further violence and to decry backlash against South Asians and Muslims as well as domestic violence survivors from these communities. It also hosts its first Celebrating Women's Lives annual gala event.

2002
In memory of a beloved volunteer who passed away in the 9/11 attacks, the Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund is launched to provide small grants to qualified survivors to further access to education.

2003
Three South Asian court interpreters are hired as court employees by the Office of Court Administration due to Sakhi's Court Interpreter Campaign.

2005
Sakhi integrated its media efforts through the redesign of its website and semi-annual news magazine, now called Community Bol, to feature interactive elements for community members, and innovative topic and discussion opportunities.

2006
Sakhi proved to be a key player in motivating the Office of Court Administration to roll out an action plan in April 2006 to address court interpretation; organized the first South Asian community meal in Richmond Hill, Queens attended by 750 community members and 40 community-based organizations; testified at a state assembly hearing on suicide amongst Asian women, a forum which got covered in the New York Times, India Abroad, and India West; presented on the opening plenary of the National Coalition to End Domestic Violence conference as well as at national conferences such as National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators; received the National South Asian Bar Association's Community Service Award; and, received the Award of Excellence from Study Sphere for our website.

Elaborate on your position in the organization

I currently serve as the Executive Director of Sakhi for South Asian Women, a community-based anti-domestic violence agency in New York City.

As part of my role, I present routinely on Sakhi's 17 years of work to build community awareness and change attitudes which perpetuate violence. I have been a featured speaker at national women's conferences, government convenings, and policy panels. I also provide the oversight, management, and leadership in developing the strategic focus of Sakhi's programs and operations. This includes our direct services and support, community engagement and education activities, fundraising, and general operations. I began working with Sakhi in 1996 as an active volunteer in the Literacy Committee.

What's the niche?

Sakhi is unique because of its methodology which focuses on transforming individuals, communities, and institutions through service delivery, outreach and media work, and policy advocacy.

Sakhi is the sole organization to have served individual survivors, produced numerous films and a public service announcement on ending violence in our communities, as well as fostered state-wide reform on language access in the courts. Sakhi's reach ranges from grassroots activities in Richmond Hill, Queens to national policy development. Very few community-based organizations can stake such a claim.

Sakhi leverages its expertise in anti-violence work in related arenas. Sakhi's depth of expertise in addressing violence gives the organization insight into issues such as women's rights, gender violence, immigration, and the South Asian community.

What makes Sakhi unique is its approach, its continuous determination to build a stronger community, and its persistence in developing programs that are vital, effective, and a model for other South Asian women's organizations as well as mainstream communities.

What's the biggest challenge?

Sakhi has a wealth of talent, ambition, and energy. What we lack is resources – financial, technological, and human. The scope of our work always exceeds the small team of people who make the results happen: our success shows our determination. With more resources, our impact would be deeper, sustainable, and even more far-reaching.

Other challenges include gaps in systems that we need to navigate to support survivors. Whether it is gaps in immigration law, health care, or clinical services in South Asian languages, we work to provide as many options as exist – and create those that don't or foster alternatives.

At the community level, there is still resistance to understanding the pervasiveness of abuse and how it impacts whole families and communities. While more community members are stepping up to address the issue, many still shy away. When our community begins to take accountability, violence will end. But it can be difficult to convince community members of the importance of prevention work and to proactively provide ways to foster healthy relationships.

What's in store for the future?

Over the past five years, Sakhi's new requests for support have more than tripled from 201 in 2001 to 685 in 2006. In the first quarter of 2007, we responded to 198 new pleas, which means we may reach 800 new requests by year-end, an all-time high.

As the community demand of Sakhi's services increases and as we offer more programs, including innovative community campaigns such as our Richmond Hill project. Sakhi will look to strategically define its goals for the next five years. We seek to deepen our community and policy impact as we develop more ongoing and long-term programming for survivors.

Sakhi would like to further its policy success to have national impact and to ensure the voices of our community are reflected in larger institutions and policy arenas. We hope to make our language access campaign in the courts a model for other states so that all immigrant survivors can access justice.

The horizon is limitless: what we aim to do at Sakhi this year is create a strategic plan that deepens our impact while being mindful of our resource level to ensure sustainability. What is guaranteed is that our work will always be relevant, energetic, and innovative.

Best way to keep a competitive edge

Sakhi has managed to have amazing success each year through the dedication of the whole organization. We succeed due to our talent, our commitment, our willingness to always learn and grow, and our capacity to celebrate our community's strengths!

Our success comes from building a team committed to the mission with each person contributing different skills, leadership, and insights. It is my honor to lead Sakhi because the organization, every one from the survivors we serve to staff, board, volunteer pool, partners, community members and donors is singularly dedicated and thoughtful in ensuring Sakhi's programs and continued impact.

Sakhi succeeds because it is not afraid to change and grow and to keep learning as our environment and community's needs shift. Our success also builds energy and enables new goals to be set.

Guiding principle in life

Change is necessary though human beings are resistant to it. But change, the strive for something better and a path to make that happen, is what makes life worthwhile. Change is very slow, though, and progress measured over years. What keeps me going is my focus on change over time and having patience.

In addition, joy is essential. In the midst of sorrow, it is amazing to see what art, creation, sisterhood, and love is in the world.

These beliefs help me to focus on the big picture, get beyond the everyday frustrations, and keep an eye on the prize: the long-term march to ending violence and having a world we can all enjoy to the fullest extent.

Yardstick of success

I measure success by seeing if we've met our goal or target or responded as fully as possible given our resources.

Most importantly, I see if a year later whether there is quantitative and qualitative advancement in terms of our projects, activities, and goals, especially our ultimate mission to end violence.

In the work that we do, given Sakhi's empowerment model, it's also important to realize that each person has a different definition of success and that it is the act of decision-making which is key, rather than feeling obliged to society's conceptions of success.

What is important to us is to set goals and see the progress, both in the short and long-term.

Goal yet to be achieved

To end violence.

And all the smaller goals along the way to that goal: serving individual women and responding to the changing needs our community, fostering community leadership to address the issue, and ensuring institutions respond to survivors of violence.

What is exciting is to be constantly achieving goals and also setting new ones: it keeps the work active and moving forward.

Best practical advice

To get a good night's sleep. And exercise. What helps me face the challenges of the day is getting rest the night before and dancing/exercising regularly so that I get a physical release to the day's stresses, challenges, and regrets.

I try to approach each day as a new horizon of possibility. Rest and exercise help me frame each day with some level of promise.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

I've had a lot of support from friends and family though not everyone was so convinced by this work at the beginning. But what has been amazing to see is the level of awareness and support increasing over the years. My family and friends not only support my work but they also foster donations and awareness in others. It is incredible to have such support not only in words but in deeds.

Mentors?

People I work with, women we serve, community partners, my friends, and many others – the list is too long.

Every one has something to teach and I like to learn from everyone around me.

My biggest mentors, though, are my parents whose amazing integrity, truthfulness, compassion, commitment, and partnership is an inspiration.

What motivated you to get started?

When I was a young girl visiting my grandparents in Ahmedabad, India, a woman on our block was burned to death. Rumors suggested her in-laws were responsible. Even as people spoke in hushed comments about this, no one in that family (or anyone else) was ever held responsible, charged, or convicted. It was a failure of justice and our community.

From that experience, and numerous others, I realized the injustices women still face and the cost of silence. So I choose to, in whatever small ways I can, advance women's standing and justice in this world.

Like best about what you do?

That I get to make a difference in people's lives, our communities, and the world. To lead an organization that does the life-changing work that Sakhi does is an honor and privilege. Even on the long, difficult days, it's nice to feel as if I am making a positive difference.

Like least about what you do?

Having to curtail goals, activities, or programs due to a lack of resources.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Either an astronaut, a teacher, or a writer. I've always been fascinated by a number of things and the world around me.

While I never made it up to space, I did get to the NASA site in Alabama as a kid, do some teaching in grad school, and publish my first book of poetry, Terrain Tracks, last year. So I guess some dreams do come true!

What was your first job?

As a babysitter in my neighborhood and then working retail. Not glamorous but I learned a lot from both these teen jobs!

Biggest pastime outside of work

Writing poetry and dancing. While there is so little time for reflection in our fast-paced world, poetry offers a slant of illumination and contemplation. For me, poetry brings joy to the world and a deeper level of feeling, important especially since we go through the days not feeling but in the motion of work.

I also love dance, from girlhood garbas to my starting to learn Kathak dance a decade ago. Recently I've also begun taking Bollywood classes for fun. Dance, like poetry, brings the soul to celebrate.

Person most interested in meeting?

I like to meet all sorts of people but especially big thinkers. This would include folks like Tavis Smiley or Adrienne Rich. But I also love to just listen to conversations on the street and hear people's stories that way.

Leader in business most interested in meeting?

I would be interested in meeting a number of women of influence including Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, and Barbara Boxer. But I'd also love to meet women advancing micro-credit and small business opportunities.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. I grew up mainly in the South (Virginia and Georgia).
2. I've had a book of poems published, "Terrain Tracks."
3. I love science and math (enough to get Scientific American at home!).

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Sparkling
2. Intellectual
3. Ambitious

Three greatest passions

1. Conversation
2. Writing
3. Gardens

Favorite book

You shouldn't really ask a writer this question. My full list of favorite books is going to be in a write-up in the next edition of Poet's Bookshelf but I'll suffice with a few for now:

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen for the delicious wit.
"The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn for offering the paradigm shift. "Kartography" by Kamila Shamsie for being a piece of rapture.

And many other books and poems...

Favorite cause

Public radio. I love how stories can get conveyed via radio. The radio bears an amazing intimacy that TV and other media can lose. And there can often be a deeper conversation on radio.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Do check out Sakhi's website, www.sakhi.org and get involved. It takes a community to end violence!

Who would you like to be contacted by?

Anyone interested in ending violence in our communities. I love hearing from community members, other non-profits, and people we have touched with whatever their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions may be. I love when people choose actively to get involved: after all, change is up to us!

Want to get in touch with Purvi Shah?

It's not enough to just read about what young, driven, and forward-thinking individuals are doing out there. It's important to connect with them! Go ahead and send our profilee a quick email to say hello! If you have a question, want to give kudos, or just want to drop them a line - we encourage you to reach out!

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tcc-mag-all/~3/VDMDDoSVcSE/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/03/09/zachary-morad-mideast/#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:53:17 +0000 admin Entertainment The MidEastConnect The Young & Professional Profile http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/03/09/zachary-morad-mideast/ Zackary Morad is the Founder and CEO of yallatunes.com LLC, an Arabic music video web site that's making heads turn. The site uses a player that won an EMMY in innovation and engineering for video on demand in 2006. Obtaining the rights to the player was a big accomplishment for Zachary and there are definitely many more are in store. Currently Zackary is working to launch the website and bring Arabic music and culture to people across the globe. Yallatunes.com is unique because it brings a social networking component to a site that serves as a source of music and videos. Zackary's vision for the site is that it will bridge cultural differences through music. He believes "music is a message of love and understanding," and he believes yallatunes.com can spread this message. To find out more about Zackary Morad or to read more about his innovative venture, yallatunes.com, read on in this week's MidEastConnect.

Company

yallatunes.com LLC
Vegas Venture Capital LLC

Founded

April 2007

Website

www.yallatunes.com

Name

Zackary Morad
CEO

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Current residence

Beverly Hills, California

Education

California State University, Northridge
Finance studies, dropped out 7 units shy of a major in Finance.

Pasadena City College
Associate in Arts degree

Work Experience

yallatunes.com
Chief Executive Officer
2007

Stonewall Pictures
CEO
2004-2007

Lighthouse Films
CEO
2001-2004

Steamroller Productions
Office manager
Assistant to Steven Seagal
2000-2001

Ethnicity

Lebanese

About the company

Yallatunes.com is an Arabic music video web site that uses a player that won an Emmy in innovation and engineering for video on demand at CES Las Vegas in 2006 beating out major competitors. We aim to unite all Lebanese and Arabic speaking immigrants from around the world under one online social networking web site. We also wanted to introduce the Arabic music in all of its richness and fun tunes to the rest of the world. Music is the mirror to ones culture and we thought that Yallatunes.com will be able to achieve the goal of bridging cultural differences. Music is a message of love and understanding, therefore, yallatunes.com is a message of love, understanding and compassion.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

From the moment I wake up till the moment I go to bed I am on the move between phone calls and e-mails to various content providers, artists and business partners. I am close to announcing the birth of the web site to the world and there is a lot to be done.

Most notable milestones

Getting the license to the player from the inventor.
Getting contents from the Middle East
Having an award winning designer create the site for me.

What's the niche?

We have a really cool player playing really cool music and this site is dedicated to music lovers (we all are in essence music lovers). In effect, this web site is for everyone that enjoys fun tunes. The social networking functionality allows every user to choose their favorite music video. Once you do that, you can also click on your favorite videos and see who else has that same choice of music and connect with them and meet them. We also aim to have the largest Arabic movie library online for downloads.

What's the biggest challenge?

Getting adequate funding for technology build up as well as promoting and advertising worldwide. Also, getting the right content.

What's in store for the future?

Lots of cool music videos, lots of Arabic movies, and lots of fun interviews with major artists. For example we did one with Myriam Fares in Las Vegas this last May. See full interview on www.yallatunes.com. It's really fun.

Best way to keep a competitive edge

Always stay on the cutting edge of technology, innovate, and stay in touch with my users and their needs.

Guiding principle in life

Family first. Smart, honest and hard work. If a deal is not catered to what you like say it, don't lie and cheat. It's a big world out there with opportunities abound. A man's true wealth is the good he does in this world: make a difference. I help when I can. It always comes back to me multiplied tenfold.

Yardstick of success

I've never given up on a goal I set out to do.

Goal yet to be achieved

Being the number one music video web site in the world. If I am able to achieve that then maybe the whole world will be dancing to one tune, the tune of love.

Best practical advice

Never give up. I read somewhere in some book that 90% of the people who give up never know how close they were. If one door closes in your face, knock on another. Then go back to the first door and knock on it again. Erase impossible from your dictionary, impossible is nothing, it sounds redundant, but its true. well, maybe men will never be able to fly without the machine, that's impossible, well, you get my drift.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

I heard it from many people when I expressed certain frustrations. "Give it time, you're a good man, good things will come your way." I always had to go after good things. The gist of that is, "good things will come to good people who go after what they want."

Mentor

Carlo Kassar, a former executive with Carolco Pictures, the independent high flying movie studio that made such films as First Blood and Terminator 2, He is so real with his advice that many times he brought me down to earth from the clouds. I always had big ideas and big dreams. His advice and his approach made me reassess reality to my own advantage.

What motivated you to get started?

Don't know, always been motivated by success since I can remember. I always wanted nice cars, and nice things when I was a teenager. Now that I am older, I still want nice things. They are a lot more expensive though . In addition to the material things, I see how deeply divided this world is now that I am older and more mature. I am motivated by the need to make a change. I want to heal the wounds of so many people, to find common grounds for those who have different thoughts.

Like best about what you do?

It's fun, something new every day, and an ever-changing landscape.

Like least about what you do?

It's been a difficult road trying to get good content from the Middle East. You never get a straight answer. They always say yes because its polite, but they never really do it.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to create ideas for commercials as well as make movies.

What was your first job?

Helping my dad make plaster statues. At 14, I had a business making those statues and I had a few married women hand paint them for me at their homes; The top gift shops in Lebanon were my clients.

Biggest pastime outside of work

The movies, reading and soccer.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, I am fascinated by his road to success and his charitable work. I also admire Carlos Slim Helou, especially after an interview where he said,"family comes first."

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. Forgiving.
2. Always wanting good things to all around me.
3. I forget the bad things that people do and always remember the good things.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Honest
2. Driven
3. Well-read

Three greatest passions

1. My web site
2. Making independent films
3. Contemporary Chinese art

Favorite book

Rich dad poor dad

Favorite cause

Leaving this world a better place then what it is today.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

• Prince Alwalid Bin Talal
• Carlos Slim Helou
• RAI music artists and labels
• Spanish record labels
• Portuguese record labels
• Russian Hip Hop record labels
• French Hip Hop labels

Want to get in touch with Ziad Morad?

It's not enough to just read about what young, driven, and forward-thinking individuals are doing out there. It's important to connect with them! Go ahead and send our profilee a quick email to say hello! If you have a question, want to give kudos, or just want to drop them a line - we encourage you to reach out!

Credits

Interview by Myriam Bouaziz
Introduction by Sabine Alam
Edited by Sabine Alam

]]> http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/03/09/zachary-morad-mideast/feed/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/03/09/zachary-morad-mideast/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tcc-mag-all/~3/ZMQCTusXdso/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/phnewfula-frederiksen-africana/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:08:40 +0000 admin The AfricanaConnect The Young & Professional Profile Entrepreneur fashion http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/phnewfula-frederiksen-africana/ A company merger isn't exactly an inspiration point for most, but for Phnewfula it was the perfect opportunity. She was working at MCA records when it went through a merger, which provided her with about a month of downtime. She decided to utilize the time and pursue her plan of opening a clothing store. Instead of going out and looking for real estate for her store, Phnewfula started a website. Her innovative approach is what made her business a success. The Red Lemon Store is a one stop shopping destination with clothes, beauty products and great gifts. Phnewfula shows that with a little ingenuity, determination and style you can achieve your goal.

Company

The Red Lemon Store

Founded

May 2003

Website

www.redlemonstore.com

Name

Phnewfula
(pronounced new-fa-la)
Owner

Age

30

Hometown

Yokosuka, Japan

Current residence

Los Angeles, California

Education

Clark Atlanta University
1999
Go Panthers!

Work Experience

Red Lemon Store owner

Ethnicity

I'm a plethora. My blackness is swirled with Native American, Dutch, and West Indian.

About Red Lemon

The Red Lemon Store is a one stop shopping destination. We have clothes, beauty products, and great gifts. We try and make your time here an experience rather than just a place to shop!

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Everything is my responsibility! On an average day work I open the store, check and return phonecalls until about 4:30pm, sift through the website to make sure everything is on the up and up. I also take meetings with clothing lines. I also deal with payroll, scheduling, and anything employee related. Then I check my honey blog (www.theredlemonstore.com) and wrap my day up so I can go home!

How did you get started?

One day while working at MCA records we went through a merger that turned us into Geffen records. I had almost a month downtime and I had been planning on opening a clothing store for the past 3 years. I figured why not get started. I'll just start online so I can learn how to actually run the business and learn the ins and outs. So that's what I did. I took that month and flew to NY to meet with clothing lines, got all my paperwork together and started my website.

What's the niche?

We put our personalities into everything. When your shopping online or in the store you're not just a dollar sign to us. Hopefully you can feel our appreciation and eagerness to actually make YOU happy.

What made you decide to open up in West Hollywood?

After spending 10 years in the music business, I figured the best place to maximize my contacts would be LA. The spot in West Hollywood just happpened to be the spot that spoke up and said, "Hey this is home." The city of West Hollywood great and business friendly.

What is the biggest challenge with have a shop in LA?

Everyone has a shop in LA. There are so many boutiques in LA you really have to work hard and love what you do to make your business stand out.

Who would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to do candle or sneaker collaboration. I could definitley do a Team Sexy Reebok. I love the 54.11s! I am also madly in love with Target. If I could do a Team Sexy for Target I think I'd be the happiest person on earth.

What is the biggest challange of running a clothing boutique?

Getting to know your customers. Being in West Hollywood I have a wide variety of customers, so I have to do my best to cater to all of them. It gets hard, but you have to pay attention and talk to people to see what they want.

Best way to stand out from other retailers?

Customer Service!

Your guiding principle for Red Lemon

Customers come first. I tell my employees when I hire them I will fire you for not greeting a customer when he/she comes in the door. People have a choice where they want to shop and we want each customer to feel appreciated because they are!

How do you select designers to carry? Do you have any favorites?

I try to stay with what is hot, not to trendy because trends die fast. I get influences from everywhere, my employees have pulled a few lines in the store, so have my customers by request. I do have favorites, I'm a jeans and tee girl so I have a closet full of Habituals and James Jeans. For dresses, Nicole Miller will make you look and feel like a million bucks.

How do you measure your success? Do you have goals yet to be achieved?

I have tons of goals that are yet to be achieved. I don't measure success. I measure happiness.

Best practical advice for people looking to get into the retail business

Get your mind right. It's no where near as easy as it looks. You have to be in it because you love, not just to get clothes. Trust me, if that is your angle your better off buying your clothes at regular price then opening a boutique.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

Too many to mention. My mom and my sister have THE best words of wisdom ever. Those two could talk me off a cliff if I was trying to jump. When things get really hard for me I call them and they both tell me God hasn't brought you this far to leave you. There couldn't be more truth every spoken.

As for my friends we have a group called the BOA, Board of Advisors. We all help each other in whatever venture we have however we can. Just having those women there as a support system has also been a favor from God.

Mentor(s) and why?

I can't say that I have a mentor in particular. There are a few people that I have gained valuable knowledge from that has helped me through my life journey.

• Chaka Zulu - CEO Ebony Son also Ludacris' manager
• Jerrell Allen - CEO Midnight Marauders my first boss in the music biz
• Garnett March - Senior VP of Black Music Interscope
• Kathy Brown - she has some new improved title at Radio One
• Cynthia Jonson - Promotions Diva
• The entire city of Atlanta
• And last but not least my Dad Wayne Moore - Daddy of the century

Do you have any favorite clientele?

All of my customers are my favorites.

Like best about what you do?

Being able to help people. I love knowing that I am contributing something to someone, be it my employees, and/or my customers.

Like least about what you do?

There is no dislike.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I have no idea. At age 13 I KNEW I was Naomi Campbell. I didn't realize I wasn't until maybe 16-17.

What was your first job?

Paying job with taxes? I worked at a Japanese shipyard.

Biggest pastime outside of work

Couchtime! By the time I get off work the couch is my best friend. After couchtime I would say eating out with my friends.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

I hate to sound like everyone else but I would have to say Oprah. For several different reasons. One to just tell her thank you, her influence has changed the way people view black women. I also need to hug her for "The Color Purple." I want to just sit down and have a conversation with her so she can see what the positive side of hip hop is. That its not all bad and derogatory. I'm a product of the hip hop culture and I'm a successful business owner. We are not all bad. Maybe I can help change her views on that.

Where did th name Red Lemon come from?

My sister and I made it up. We are WestIindian and my dad has many kids, so we've always called ourselves the queens of the starfruit clan. We figured most Americans wouldn't know what a starfruit was so we bounced around names and colors and came up with Red Lemon. My friend Sam was in on the naming ceremony but she kept coming up with corny names so we kicked her out, haha.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. I have 0 artistic ability
2. I love to dance, and cook
3. I'm about as spoiled as they get.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Happy
2. Goofy
3. Corny

Three greatest passions

1. Trying to get people to eat right!
2. The enviornment
3. My family

Favorite quote

Rverything will be allright.

Favorite cause

I have a lot of causes. I just don't have the time to dedicate to them all. I've tried to do what I can for foster children. They are kids who go through so much and didn't ask to be put in their situations. The enviornment, we have to save it. If we don't our kids will be wearing gas masks. Health. I wish all fast food restaurants would burn down and stop the death train.

Favorite magazine

• Nylon
• Us Weekly
• Complex
• Harper's Bazaar

Favorite movie

Imitation of Life

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for taking the interest in me and my humble store.

Want to get in touch with Phnewfula Frederiksen?

It's not enough to just read about what young, driven, and forward-thinking individuals are doing out there. It's important to connect with them! Go ahead and send our profilee a quick email to say hello! If you have a question, want to give kudos, or just want to drop them a line - we encourage you to reach out!

Credits

Interview by Elisha Greenwell
Introduction by Sabine Alam
Edited by Sabine Alam

]]> http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/phnewfula-frederiksen-africana/feed/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/phnewfula-frederiksen-africana/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tcc-mag-all/~3/ZQeRnaHDE58/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/andrew-gordon-africana/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:06:15 +0000 admin The AfricanaConnect The Non-Profit Spotlight International http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/andrew-gordon-africana/ Like many college students, Andrew Gordon participated in a study abroad program. The experience changed his life and led him to create Diversity Abroad. Diversity Abroad is a non-profit that is aimed at increasing minority, and low income, student participation in Study Abroad. Andrew believes that in a world that is becoming more global every day, it is imperative for students to have an understanding of different cultures. He works on a daily basis to bring Diversity Abroad programs to schools so that minority and low income students can learn more about going abroad as well as how to finance their trip. To learn more about Diversity Abroad please read on in this week's Nonprofit Spotlight.

Non-Profit

Diversity Abroad

Founded

May 2006

Website

www.diversityabroad.com

Name

Andrew Gordon
Founder

Age

27

Hometown

Poway, California

Current residence

Berkeley, California

Education

University of San Francisco
Business Administration
2003

Work Experience

Diversity Abroad
Founder
2006 - Current

Deloitte
Associate
2004 - 2006

Equifax
Iberica
2003 - 2004

Ethnicity

African-American

About the non-profit

Diversity Abroad (DiversityAbroad.com) is a new, innovative, organization. It works to change the trend of minority and low income student under-representation in study abroad and other international programs (like intern abroad, volunteer abroad, language programs abroad). For years study abroad has been perceived as a luxury for wealthy students. Now the world is smaller and all students must have knowledge of other people, cultures, and languages to compete in our global society. Study abroad is the best opportunity for young people to learn about this. Unfortunately study abroad hasn't been a important part of education in minority communities. The two main factors why more minority and low income students don't go abroad is lack of funding and awareness of the benefits and opportunities gained through international programs. Diversity Abroad addresses both of the issues (but primarily awareness).

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Day to day responsibilities...doing everything! We're still fairly new, so I am the only full time employee. There is a group of interns that work with me as well as an advisory board. Throughout the week I work on creating various products (some web based and other print) that we offer to school and universities to use as tools for reaching out to minority students for study abroad. I usually talk to faculty members from various school to arrange for Diversity Abroad to come on campus and talk with students about international education. Daily I manage our website, DiversityAbroad.com. I am constantly looking for ways to improve it to make it a better resource for students, parents, and faculty.

Most notable milestones

In May 2006 DiversityAbroad.com went live in January 2007 we launch the Diversity Abroad Initiative, which is a member based alliance between Diversity Abroad, colleges, universities, education abroad program providers, and public and private organizations interested in supporting the mission of Diversity Abroad.

This past September (2007) we started our official campus tour called the Go Global Tour. The goal behind the tour is reach out to students who traditionally haven't gone abroad and talk with them about study abroad.

What's the niche?

What makes us unique is that there are no other organizations (that I know of) focused on educating minority students, parents, and faculty about the benefits and opportunities gained through study abroad. In addition to using traditional methods, like brochures and on-campus presentations through DiversityAbroad.com, we give students a platform to learn about study abroad and hear about international study and travel from others like them who have done it.

What's the biggest challenge?

Staying focused. We can do so many things and go in so many directions, which is exciting, but we have to focus on reaching our immediate goals, while keeping our eyes open for new and better ways for reaching out to students.

What's in store for the future?

There too many things I want and need to do. When I took the name "Diversity Abroad," I realized that diversity includes much more than ethnic minority populations. We're working now and will continue to transform DiversityAbroad.com into an inclusive resource that is relevant to people from all walks of life who are interested in international study and travel.

What do you think prevents most people from going abroad?

Fear of the unknown and misconceptions about what going abroad is. Too many students think that going abroad is just for wealthy students, or if they go abroad they won't graduate on time, or that going abroad is just a luxury and has no lasting benefits. Unfortunately with many minority students there isn't a legacy of going abroad while in college, so no one is there to debunk these myths.

The short version of that is minority students don't study abroad due to lack of awareness. They do not know what going abroad is, or the benefits and opportunities afforded through it.

Why learning about other cultures is so valuable

Several reasons. Knowing about others helps us to learn more about ourselves. The more one knows about the world, the easier it is to understand it. Given that we live in such a global society, cross cultural understanding is of the utmost importance. Also understanding other cultures allows one to better relate and effectively work with people from different backgrounds.

Guiding principle in life

John Lennon has this great quote " Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." With that in mind, my guiding principal is live life as if tomorrow is your last day, but plan your life as if death is 100 years away. I'm not advocating living your life recklessly or taking crazy risks. Instead, I'm saying enjoy life, your family, friends. Do the important things in life today, because they can all be gone tomorrow. However, plan as if you'll be around forever because you don't know when your last day is.

Yardstick of success

Happiness. If I'm happy and satisfied with what I'm doing with my life, both personally and secularly, then I think I'm successful.

Goal yet to be achieved

Personal goals, I really want to learn four languages. I'm half way done, hopefully I can reach them soon.

Best practical advice for young adventurous people

Not to copy Nike, but just do it. Many people have great idea that never come to fruition because they are scared of the risk of taking on the unknown. I truly believe that many times we reap the greatest benefits when we take the biggest risk. If you have an idea, and your passionate about it, the only real failure will be inaction and not exploring your passion.

Before I quit working to do Diversity Abroad full time, I read over and over again the commencement address that Steve Jobs (founder of Apple) gave to Stanford in 2005. I thought the speech was great, but the one part that kept inspiring me to make the jump, was this question, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" Then he went on to say if the answer is no for too many days in a row, it's time for a change.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

My family and friends have been very supportive. There isn't one super profound thing that someone has said to me, but it's the small things that my family and friends do all the time to show their support... that's what I appreciate.

Mentor(s) and why?

Wow another tough one... I have a few. I would have to say my older brother and my parents. I respect them tremendously and they are able to give me good life advice which is a huge help.

What motivated you to get started?

The challenge. One of my favorite quotes is from Winston Churchill and it says " A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty"

There wasn't anyone really reaching out to minority students and other disadvantaged students for study abroad opportunities. I looked at the underrepresentation of minority students as a problem that could be surmounted.

The challenge along with my love of travel and cultures along with my desire to serve under-served young people is what motivated me to get started with Diversity Abroad.

Like best about what you do?

Talking with students; especially those (or just young people) who have never left the country and are ready to go study abroad. I always think about how exciting it was the first time I left the country (I still get excited) and what an amazing experience study abroad was. When I see the same excitement in their eyes, it's like deja vu. Knowing that I can have some small part in a student's choice to study abroad is what I like best and what is most rewarding,

Like least about what you do?

The day to day admin work. It's necessary, but it's my least favorite part.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a fireman growing up. I even made fireman business cards with a picture of a fire truck and my name and phone number scribbled on it.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a "bagger" at Ralphs grocery store. It was a great time. We were all 16 or 17 (the baggers) and it was just a fun environment for learning about how to work.

Biggest pastime outside of work

Just hanging out with my family. I have many things that I like to do, like travel and soccer, basketball etc, but I'm pretty close to my family, both immediate and extended and enjoy spending time with them. Growing up we would all just hang out, talk, crack jokes, I still love doing it.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

I can't just answer one person; it's three way tie between Bono from U2, Bill Clinton and Oprah. The breakdown, U2's music has been an integral part of my life for many years, especially while traveling, so naturally I would want to meet Bono. Bill Clinton is a very interesting person and the global work that he does now fascinates me. Oprah, well Oprah is Oprah and would be interesting to sit down with her and talk about her life story.

Favorite place you have traveled?

I really don't have a favorite. I'm very bias toward Seville, Spain because that's where I lived when I studied abroad, which was one of the most influential experiences in my life. I'm also a fan of Eastern Europe, specifically Croatia. Without question Argentina still is one of my favorite countries.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Open Minded
2. Compassionate
3. Ambitious

Three greatest passions

1. People/Cultures (I love being around people)
2. Travel
3. Languages

Favorite book

Rainmaker

Favorite cause

Anything pertaining to helping disadvantaged young people

Favorite Quote

A pessimist see the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill

Who would you like to be contacted by?

Any person or organization that works with young minority or disadvantaged students and sees the value in international education. These are the type of people and organizations we work with to help us in educating young people about study abroad.

Want to get in touch with Andrew Gordon?

It's not enough to just read about what young, driven, and forward-thinking individuals are doing out there. It's important to connect with them! Go ahead and send our profilee a quick email to say hello! If you have a question, want to give kudos, or just want to drop them a line - we encourage you to reach out!

Credits

Interview by Elisha Greenwell
Introduction by Sabine Alam
Edited by Sabine Alam

]]> http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/andrew-gordon-africana/feed/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/andrew-gordon-africana/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tcc-mag-all/~3/Gv2epBgjbxs/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/william-choi-asia/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 06:59:27 +0000 admin The AsiaConnect The Young & Professional Profile http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/william-choi-asia/ During his time as an entrepreneur, William Choi learned from experience that even people with a high degree of business acumen still need a "right-hand man" to give them trusted advice that will take their companies to the next level. With that realization, William, 32, founded CB Williams Business Advisors Group, which provides firms with the wise counsel they need to be successful. He assists businesses that include start-ups, companies in distress, and firms that want to expand. Whether the company needs help executing a strategy internationally or changing something within the firm itself, William’s consultancy is there to meet clients’ needs. To learn more about William, his consulting firm, and the personal travels that have taken him from Damascus to North Korea, check out this week’s Young & Professional Profile.

Company

CB Williams BusinessAdvisors Group

Founded

2004

Website

www.website.com

Name

William B. Choi
Founder & Managing Partner

Age

32

Hometown

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Current residence

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Seoul, South Korea

Education

University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada
BA Honors
1993

Yonsei University
Seoul, S. Korea
MBA, International Management
1999

Keio University
Tokyo, Japan
Graduate School of Business & Commerce, Research Fellow
1999

Work Experience

CB Williams Business Advisors Group
Managing Partner
2004-current

Ethnicity

Korean

About the company

Founded in 2004 due to the gap between independent consultants and global consulting firms, CB Williams Business Advisors Group identified the desperate need for flexible services between these two worlds. Companies of all sizes in need of help and advice had only "packaged" options rather than purely strategic ones that fulfilled their specific needs, for a lean customized advisory. On one hand, SME's (Small-Medium Size Enterprises) always longed for a rich network of resources and wise counsel to help them. On the other, Fortune 500 companies incurred high costs to access such services in order to retain abundant expert advice and excellence in a fiercely competitive global economy. CB Williams was born to achieve the innovative bridge business owners and companies have longed for. We tap into the client's greatest potential identifying innovative growth towards change in the market place, whether executing transnational strategies in the global arena or change within the organization itself.

We are versatile, and every client is our priority. Our team of 4000 top experts with impeccable track records of success with Fortune 500 companies as well as SMEs in over 18 countries, are at our clients' service. We belong to the new generation - young, smart, vibrant, brimming with energy, passion, and vision, shaping our industry in a changing world for the new millennium. With expertise in every industry spanning every business type imaginable, we bring truly valuable results equating excellence for our clients with integrity and confidence. This is the New World - the innovation and forward thinking of consulting modernity.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I am on the road quite a bit, moving from client site to client. Duties vary from impementing and advising on strategic processes with the CEO and/or entrepreneur, to working with top level management and managing my team of consultants on a project. Many times I help the client negotiate their positioning with third parties such as suppliers, partners, banks, investors or existing interested parties. The most exciting days are when complicated situations arise and it is imperative to have it fixed in a short period of time.

Most notable milestones

• Helped take a small local company with raw production to a global brand resulting in significant value-add, penetrating brand new markets, winning a prestigious international award and being the first in the country's history.
• Led the strategic team of a Fortune 500 company gain significant market positioning in a new market.
• Signficantly decreased cost of production to an SME and increased its output by 24% within 6 months.
• Differentiated a company's reputation in a fiercely competitive industry by introducing new products not yet introduced to the client's specific market, long before being discovered by a competitor.
• Negotiated the only accepted win-win proposal for commercial activity and industry development between high level government, the communities and towns being affected, and the business.
• Helped an ailing but brilliant internet company clean up its internal systems and management within a matter of months. Now it is in excellent position to aggressively launch taking social networking to another level.
• Negotiated and structured successful production contract for a client "on the brink" with one of the largest food manufacturers and distributors in the world.
• Managed and conceptualized from scratch the first and only production line of its type in the world, catapulting the company to instant unique positioning gaining an innovative reputation within it's own industry.

What's the niche?

Provide top level service with top level results. There are only two types of consultants in our world - the independent and the multinational. Independents lack strategic high profile resources and people, and prominent multinational firms have incredible overhead making smart, yet inexperienced MBA's advise the direction of multimillion dollar companies. We are the best of both worlds, providing the ideal of which clients expect. The model implemented will hopefully change the face or make a significant impact that will define consulting over time as we expand into other countries.

We are also on call 24/7. We do not limit ourselves in servicing our client. Especially for entrepreneurs and leaders of organizations, we are their most trusted advisor, and the best ideas and strategic minds arise early in the morning, in the evening, or over the weekend. Entrepreneurs don't have time to come up with their most brilliant ideas during the fast pace of the day. Our culture is molded much to identify with the heart of the entrepeneur, aligning our world very much with theirs. Because there are only 24 hours in a day, we must choose our clients just as they choose us.

What's the biggest challenge?

On the merchant banking side, the biggest challenge is to find the "home run" start-up company winners. The idea and business model would be great, but there are skeletons in the closet that are not identified until after the fact and it would take us longer to achieve the goals outlined in the business plan than we would have normally expected. There is no true and effective criteria for measuring a company's potential growth except for using my own instincts. We have worked vey hard to create specific tools to help us make our "home-run" decisions.

What's in store for the future?

We plan on opening offices in Seoul, South Korea, and the US. We also plan on offering real business professional programs to help employees and executives who are lacking in their performance due to alcoholism or other areas of "addiction" in the work place. The corporate world believes that personal and business life remain separate. The reality is, there is no separation of the two no matter how a business culture tries to cut it. There are tons of programs for marketing, sales, and "how tos" for business, whereas we offer a real comprehensive confidential program that pertains to life and that is effective and simple, increasing work performance signficantly whereby respecting the individual and attacking the roots of the problem to gain back their freedom and excitement when they first came on the job. There is no bridge that recognizes the gap of this very serious problem that is never talked about either because of embarrassment or pride, resulting in having developed a professional program to address it without disturbing the reputation of the employees or the company.

Best way to keep a competitive edge

There is always a need or demand in the marketplace, you just need to exploit it, and add SIGNIFICANT value or experience.

Guiding principle in life

Give hope to people and everyone around you.

Yardstick of success

As long as I am moving forward with action, I am always succeeding. There is no such thing as failure, mistakes, or delays, they are only events, it is not an identity.

Goal yet to be achieved

Start an academic and arts scholarship fund for orphaned kids in Korea, and expand it in orphanages across the globe.

Best practical advice

This morning is gone. I can never reclaim it. The future must be exciting and unknowing. Every minute must add value, whatever it is. Be yourself, have fun, and don't sweat the small stuff. The minute behind you is gone, the minute before you awaits.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

You will be succesful.

Mentor(s) and why?

Mr. Ahn Kyung-Tae, the CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers Korea. He believed in me from day one and took me under his wing, it was his inspiration that catapulted my potential. Mr. John Blackmore, Headmaster of St. George's School when I was in junior high. Plain and simple, he trusted me that no matter what, I'd make the right decisions and learn from my mistakes. He taught me valuable lessons for life not through lecture, but through events, and powerful stories he would tell me. Stories that remain vivid in my mind, and have had a considerable impact on the way I conduct business.

What motivated you to get started?

During my journey as an entrepreneur, I learned, not only from my faith, but also from business dealings that no matter how bright a person may be, one always needs a right hand man "to take it to the next level". Perhaps I had been lucky in business, but I longed for a trusted advisor. None were to be found, when I concluded that the reason why most entrepreneurs fail in business, rather than succeed, is because of this lack of advice.

From the core of my entrepreneurial experience, CB Williams Business Advisors Group fills this need, and today we have helped many start-up, distressed, and companies on the verge of expansion, succeed and experience not just incremental increases, but dramatic growth.

Like best about what you do?

Span all industries. The versatility of my work and being able to help any business owner's challenge in whatever situation, resulting in powerful growth and change.

Like least about what you do?

I can't think of anything right now, however, best to ask me again in a couple of months!

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The next Pavarotti (seriously!), having won several awards in junior arias.

What was your first job?

Sweeping the floors and grunt work at the family's manufacturing plant.

Biggest pastime outside of work

Music and Jazz. I loved playing my tenor saxophone in the big band and being in one.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

The quiet people who have made a difference in other's peoples lives, but we never hear about.

Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?

The quiet leaders who have made a difference to society we don't hear about.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. I want to smile and laugh as much as possible.
2. I love travelling by backpack and without a fixed schedule.
3. Inviting people over to my place for parties and events.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Motivated
2. Enthusiastic
3. Synergetic

Three greatest passions

1. Orphans
2. Life
3. To make a positive difference in someone's life.

Favorite book

The Book of Proverbs

Favorite cause

Orphanages. I want to help raise up a generation of talented men and women who will give hope and be a role model for the orphans of the next generation.

You have traveled to many places around the world. How did traveling affect you?

90% of the people in this world are good.

What was your most memorable experience from your travels?

Dahab, Mt. Sinai sunrise, Pyramids of Giza, Siwa Oasis, Alexandria, Petra, sleeping under the stars in The Wadi Rum, celebration in Aleppo, Damascus, the rainbow town of Hoi-An, Saigon, secluded beaches of Vietnam, Turkey, and Greece. The seven churches of Revelation, Paris, Monaco, Rome, Interlaken, Cinque Terre, Los Cabos, Bali, North Korea as NGO, Seoul, Korea.

In your opinion, what does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

Being the best of who you are.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Would like to say hi to my mom and dad.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

A company that is a startup, in distress, or seeking some advice and input, we'd love to hear from you. I really enjoy interacting with other young, smart, and driven entrepreneurs who want to make a positive difference in the world.

Want to get in touch with William B. Choi?

It's not enough to just read about what young, driven, and forward-thinking individuals are doing out there. It's important to connect with them! Go ahead and send our profilee a quick email to say hello! If you have a question, want to give kudos, or just want to drop them a line - we encourage you to reach out!

Credits

Interview by Candice Vance
Introduction by Preeti Aroon
Edited by Sabine Alam

]]> http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/william-choi-asia/feed/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/09/william-choi-asia/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tcc-mag-all/~3/tytXB5qVKo8/ http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/08/jaime-salm-latin/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 03:17:06 +0000 admin The LatinConnect The Young & Professional Profile Art & Design http://www.theculturalconnect.com/new/2008/02/08/jaime-salm-latin/ Creative Director Jaime Salm of MIO, a sustainable design lab based in Philadelphia, is living proof that the "trend" of green living is more factually a deeply rooted lifestyle. As designer, researcher, and manufacturer, he fills his days inventing feasible ways to merge the concepts of environmental utility to every day practicality. Jaime and his co-founder/brother, Isaac, focus on projects that develop wares which are easily recycled, shipped, disposed, and dissembled. Some of these products to date include wallpaper, lighting, shelving, and flooring, with tables and seating in the pipeline of developed products. Growing up with a hankering to tinker with objects around the house, Jaime never really foresaw that this everyday past time would become his sustaining career; but with business booming monthly, the pieces are in place for many professional sucesses to come. For more information on Jaime Salm, read on in this week's The Latin Connect to learn how MIO makes green design accessible, affordable, and fun!

Company

MIO, also known as Mioculture or MIO Culture

Founded

Summer 2001

Website

www.mioculture.com

Name

Jaime Salm
Creative Director

Age

28

Hometown

Medellin, Colombia

Current residence

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Education

University of the Arts
B.S. in Industrial Design
(2001)

Work Experience

MIO
Founder
2001

Ethnicity

Colombian

About the company

MIO is a design lab dedicated to creating the most sustainable, innovative and accessible design available today.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I am the creative director and lead designer, which means I develop the design briefs and work on them as well. This includes everything from sourcing manufacturers, to brainstorming, researching, sketching and testing designs out. It changes constantly and requires me to be on my toes all the time.

Most notable milestones

Having our PaperForms included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonians Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

Getting an Award for the Best Collection at the New York International Gift Fair.

What's the niche?

We have the most affordable and progressive collection of sustainable contemporary wares in the market and we are constantly re-thinking how sustainability can positively affect the market. We are leaders and we lead by example.

What's the biggest challenge as a sustainable designer?

I don't believe being sustainable is a challenge. I think sustainability is one of the most productive constraints imaginable in design. I guess the challenge is achieving simple, elegant, practical and lasting solutions within this incredible framework of human and natural interdependence.

What's in store for the future?

We are rapidly growing in offerings and expanding our presence beyond the US. We will keep growing and re-defining sustainability and sustainable design.

What are some projects you are working on?

We are working on some furniture pieces at the moment. They will be introduced soon. This is a very important category that we have been investigating for a while now.

What inspires a new idea or the creation of a new product?

New ideas are generated from research into materials, processes and behaviors primarily. I research materials and processes constantly but more recently we have been looking at our customers as a road map to success. The best questions and answers can be found in our customers. All we have to do is ask the right questions and observe.

Best way to keep a competitive edge

Never stop asking "Why?"

Never get too comfortable. I believe too much comfort will hamper creativity.

Guiding principle in life

Live and enjoy one day at a time.

Yardstick of success

Happiness is what motivates me. What I do and believe makes me very happy.

Goal yet to be achieved

I don't keep a list of goals, this way I can constantly dream and explore. I want MIO to become a very respected and well-known company for its commitment to the environment, society and for its design.

Best practical advice

Be very persistent and truly love what you do. Don't let the doubts of others discourage you.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

They have always been encouraging and supporting so it is hard to just pick a few words. I think that their patience and love speaks louder than any words they have ever spoken. I am very lucky and am grateful to know it.

Mentors?

When I was younger I had a mentor in Colombia. His name is Gabriel Jaime Londono. He is truly a renaissance man and possesses a very open and generous mind. Artistically speaking, I learned a lot from him.

All of my teachers and my parents have also been quite influential. I believe that a good education both at home and in school is really something life-changing. The important thing is to really be willing to learn, that way everything and everyone has something to teach.

What motivated you to get started designing, and ultimately starting your own company?

I have always been a "tinkerer" in one form or another. I started when I was very young with art classes of all sorts and it slowly progressed into a passion for the arts and more informal training before college. Right before college, I was interested in abstract sculpture. I was working with materials found in junkyards. I was looking at the work of David Smith back then and was fascinated with finding my own method of producing art. When I went to school all these ideas and training came into focus as I was beginning to deal with the "human" constraints of design. I have always been very independent, passionate and persistent and all of those years working as an artist made me into the designer that I am today.

Like best about what you do?

Having to re-consider what I do often. I like to ask questions and solve problems. Even when a design is complete I am already thinking of what we can do to improve it in some way. I am very concerned with the "other part of design", the part that takes place in the customers home or office, once something has been purchased. How is it assembled, used, discarded, recycled, handed down, etc, the part we rarely get to see as designers.

Like least about what you do?

I regard the more tedious parts of my job as necessary tasks that need to be accomplished in order to move towards important objectives. I don't like cleaning up after people or organizing stuff, but if it is necessary I will do it.

Why did you choose to pursue a sustainable business philosophy?

Because it became clear to me that sustainability is about common sense. Reducing our impact and contributing to a balanced relationship between the environment and society is not a fashion statement or a trend. I see it as a rational social and economic investment in the long term. Those who see it as a trend do not understand that sustainability is a long term investment in our way of life.

What was the first product you designed and made? Who was it for?

The first product I designed, manufactured and sold was my thesis.

Here is the link: www.fibrid.com

We were interested in matching Philadelphia's paper waste stream and infrastructure with students housing cycles and their transitional lifestyles.

Who or what has inspried you as a designer and an entrepreneur?

Every day I read about people and companies who are working towards sustainable goals and achieving a balance between business and ethics, nature and industry, technology and people and I realize that we are moving forward. I know that sometimes the world looks bleak and that the outcome is uncertain, but when I see what we are all capable of when we decide to change I am in awe and inspired.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I don't remember. I have good visual memory but that is about it.

What was your first job?

My first job was as an intern at Material ConneXion. It is a material research library in New York City. They like to describe themselves as "a material petting zoo" for creative people. It was an incredible opportunity and it fueled my interest in materials, processes and sustainability.

Biggest pastime outside of work

I like to jog and ride my road bike. I am also a big fan of the grill. Some of my bachelor specials are questionable but they are still fun culinary experiments.

Person most interested in meeting?

Noam Chomsky. I think it would be enriching to have a cup of coffee with him.

Leader in business most interested in meeting?

I would love to meet Sir Richard Branson and Ingvar Kamprad. I think they are inspiring, daring, and I bet quite fun.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. I ride my bicycle everywhere.
2. I am a bit of a chocoholic. I try to eat at least two chocolate chip cookies a day or the equivalent in sugar.
3. I have more energy than anybody I know even when I don't eat the cookies.

Three characteristics that describe you

1. Passionate
2. Adaptable
3. Persistent

Three greatest passions

1. Life
2. Family
3. Design

Favorite book

One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Favorite cause

I have lots of causes that I believe in and support. It would be hard to even make a list of favorites.

How are you and your compnay involved within your local community?

We are engaged with our community by helping keeping jobs local and by designing for the environment. We are also very involved in promoting the work of young local designers as a vehicle for change in our city.

On a personal level simple things like giving blood, buying local and recycling have a huge impact.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

"They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."
– Andy Warhol

Who would you like to be contacted by?

We are open to everyone. We believe anyone who wants to contribute to our goals should at least be heard. Being open minded is very important in design.

Want to get in touch with Jaime Salm?

It's not enough to just read about what young, driven, and forward-thinking individuals are doing out there. It's important to connect with them! Go ahead and send our profilee a quick email to say hello! If you have a question, want to give kudos, or just want to drop them a line - we encourage you to reach out!

Credits

Interview by Victor Corral
Introduction by Sara Ortega
Edited by Valerie Enriquez

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