“ As a professional dancer, you go out on stage and give it your all, feeling totally exhausted afterwards. There are moments when you give your whole soul to the audience, and that is very special and hard to describe.
”
Join us tomorrow evening at American Cut as we take the nominations for the Ten of The Most Stylish Men in Atlanta to battle it out and raise funds to bring holiday cheers to 200 senior adults throughout metro Atlanta for a time of pampering at Sugarcoat starting December 4th through December 15th.
"The holiday season is one of the most challenging time for most seniors. Some battle depression and loneliness. This is our way of giving back to our community." LaCrisha Saba, Mrs. Georgia America 2017 and Founder of With Love Global Foundation.
"We are honored to take part on this meaningful way of celebrating the holiday season." Peiru Kim, Owner of Sugarcoat
Join us tomorrow and make your nominations at American Cut from 6pm to 8pm
www.withloveglobal.org www.sugarcoatbeauty.com
Sabeeha Farhat, CEO & Founder of SF Aesthetic Studio & Institute headlines as the Keynote Speaker for F A C E S. The Art & Science of Beauty at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams at The Avalon Hosted by Maryan Aiken, Founder & CEO of PaperGlass Media and Victoria Garveigh, Designer at MG+BW with Wellness and Beauty Experts.
Tune in tomorrow to meet the Guest Speakers and the women behind the F A C E S!
Get Gorgeous at Sugarcoat!
Your Nails and Beauty destination in Atlanta has added one more posh and super fabulous location in Chastain right next to Goldberg's Bagels and Deli on Roswell Road making it super convenient for the Buckhead residents to lavish themselves from head to toes and for the business professionals to pop in for that much needed Express Mani Pedi under one hour with an optional lunch delivery from Goldberg's.
Entrepreneur, Georgia Tech grad and owner, Peiru Kim is the visionary behind this ultra chic sanctuary. Think clean lines, drop dead in your face gorgeousness design, warm & knowledgeable technicians, eco friendly nails and beauty offerings ranging from Express Mani Pedi, Waxing, Facial, Massage, Blow Dry, & Make Up to get you Gorgeus Ready for any milestones, special events or "I just want to feel fabulous" services!
And oh she didn't stop there. She also designed a fume free & pamper my senses environment {healthy for you and the Sugarcoat Team} so you can WOW your guests with your very own lavish Bridal Parties, Private Events for Teens or " I need to get together with my girls just because", Signature Networking Events and yes, she also created Unique Gift Certificates for Corporate & Personal Gift Giving, & Fundraising.
Sugarcoat Chastain 4365 Roswell Road NE Suite 4385 Atlanta, Ga 30342 404 600 8600 wwww.sugarcoatbeauty.com Monday through Saturday 10am - 7pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Jimmy Choo was the venue for Dr. Iyabo Ojikutu's Fall Book Signing Series of her first book, Permanent Happiness and the launching pad for the Circle of Influence. It was the hub for an intimate gathering for a select group of dynamic women to share their secret formula for Permanent Happiness.
Click the names to learn more about Auta Lopes. Eva Lane. Pitter Kalpak Goughnour.
On Friday Davio's Restaurant was the setting for a power lunch for Dr. Iyabo Ojikutu's upcoming interview on Atlanta & Company with TV Host and Atlanta luminary, Christine Pullara, Maryan Aiken, Founder and CEO of PaperGlass Media, and Atlanta's legendary make up artist, Nyssa Green of The Green Room Agency.
The ladies chatted about the upcoming interview set for Monday, August 14 at 11am on NBC 11 Alive. Dr. Ojikutu is a prominent pediatrician in Atlanta and oversees her practice with 11 staff and two physicians since 2004. She wrote her first book in just two months after finding herself journaling while grieving the loss of her father in 2015. Her first book Permanent Happiness is now available in soft cover and ebook on amazon.com.
Tune in on Monday and see how you too can apply her simple style of achieving Permanent Happiness and find out how she's giving back to the community with her book!
Katerina Taylor. Keynote Speaker. Beyond Beauty. Unity & Empowerment for PaperGlass Presents. The Five Series.
"As a female CEO, how do you approach and celebrate your femininity and still maintain and manage a well -oiled organization? I try and do everything gracefully but with authority. I keep my word, and keep negative energy at a distance. I wear a lot of pink and green because it’s the perfect blend femininity and power, I wear pearls because they are classic, and when I am serious I wear red lipstick. I tell corny jokes to myself because I never want to take myself too serious."
Read the full interview with Katerina Taylor here: http://bit.ly/2rI58ez
Interviewed by Maryan Aiken“I love updated classics. I live in dresses and open toe shoes. ”
Suzette Osaba Bryan Corporate Environments of Georgia Business Development Specialist Relationship Status: Single Georgia Native born to Cuban Parents
How do you define your style? I love updated classics. I live in dresses and open toe shoes. For professional attire think Jackie O. Elegant, simple and clean designs. For evening out, I love dressing up. Date night includes jeans, heels and a classy, sexy top. My everyday? I really like a polished look. A clean tailored dress with fantastic shoes and a great purse.
What are your fashion essentials? Snake skin pumps, animal print shoes, a black dress, pencil skirts. A wonderful white shirt. I love solid colors with a punch.
If I were to raid your closet what will I find most? Lots of dresses and shoes.
If you can indulge and you have unlimited budget, how will your closet change? I would go shopping more frequently.
Click the link to read the full interview.
Janet Powell with maryan aiken. founder. paperglass media. kim vaughn .pageant and image consultant. mrs. georgia america 1995. ambassador and national spokesperson for sjogren's syndrome foundation . suzette osaba bryan. bloomingdale's fashion maven. mrs. georgia america 2007. entrepreneur and inventor and cancer survivor.
Janet Powell
Mini Q&A with Maryan AikenBusiness Manager | Kenneth Lynch & Associates, AIA Hometown: After 25+ years, I consider it to be Atlanta.
Mini Q&A
If I were to ask your friends how would they describe your style? A girlfriend just answered "from fund-raising to fun night out, always on the mark".
What fashion pieces are you thinking of adding to your collection for spring and summer? A sunny yellow a line skirt. I wear a lot of solids, so maybe something in gingham or a fun print.
What is your prized possession in your closet right now? A lime green duster I can pair over skinny jeans or a mini skirt & stilettos.
What is your ultimate beauty secret? Eye contact & a smile!
Your favorite go to places in Atlanta and why? Regent Cocktail Club on Tuesdays to hear Deb Bowman. Northside Tavern - a dive with live blues & a pool table.
Favorite destination? Memory-centric so, many faves from Paris to San Diego. But the best destination still is wine music & friends.
Interviewed by: Maryan Aiken for PaperGlass
Wanda Barrett's photo courtesy by Kelly Embry Photography
For the last 6 years White Salon and Spa has been a part of my glam squad. From retro chic, bigger than life curls, keratin straight sleek hairstyle, to the alluring sexiness of Victoria's Secret velvety soft and come touch my hair style. White Salon and Spa has been there with my journey and has styled my hair for every soiree and for every event that I have been privileged to design and host.
With the launch of PaperGlass' Five Series featuring our collaboration with Bloomingdale's Fashion Maven & the upcoming Power Lunch Series both at the super posh and swanky Atlas inside St. Regis, we are ecstatic to partner with White Salon and Spa featuring master stylist and color expert Wanda Barrett as PaperGlass' official hair salon partner.
“My goal is to make sure all of my clients walk away with breathtaking color, cuts and hair extensions that are low-maintenance, versatile and suited for their personality.
”
Images by Kelly Embry Photography
Q&A: You recently joined the team at White Salon and Spa in Buckhead as one of the master stylist & color specialist, what exciting trends are there to look for this spring and summer? Spring and summer trends will be more of the bohemian look by adding braids or a micro plaits to your locks. It will be a simple way to chic up your hair. The very bold mushroom haircut is back, your will see it in many looks. From the very short and bold Vidal Sassoon look to the Michelle Pfeiffer's look in Scarface. The ponytail of course! The higher up on the head and sleeker the better. As for makeup the fresher the face the better, especially during the day. And at night, a bold lip color or eye color will add just enough pop.
Hair maintenance is a must to make your mane look healthy. How often should one visit their stylist and what special service does White Salon and Spa offer that is truly unique? Hair maintenance with your stylist is a must, but a good hair product regiment is the key when you can’t make it to the salon often. Hair cut every 4-6 weeks for women and men ever 3-4 depending on the client hair and schedule. Color services from 4-8 weeks. At White Salon and Spa the staff is very well rounded and the level of talent and expertise is off the charts. But I would say we are truly unique for our bridal services and color services and hands down the best blowouts.
You must be thrilled to be the chosen stylist to style the very first Bloomingdale's Fashion Maven and the models. What style do you have in mind for the Fashion Maven event? I am very excited and honored to have been chosen. We’re going very glam and avantgarde with the Five Series Grand launch!
What hair tips or hack do you have that we should know about? Shampoo at least 2-3 times a week or have a good dry shampoo on hand. Always condition the hair no matter what. Brush or comb the hair daily. Hair Products are the key to maintaining your style.
Atlanta is known for every night, there's a glamorous impromptu gathering to attend. What quick trick do you have to look fabulous from an everyday office look to a quick last minute glam evening style? Always have 3-5 hair pins or some type of hairclip in your bag, finger your hair loosely and just pin and you will have the best last minute glam look....
White Salon and Spa is one of the must go to hair salon in Buckhead and conveniently located near the Shops at Buckhead. What exciting things should we look for in the next couple of months at White Salon and Spa? White Salon and Spa is the official salon for PaperGlass and we will be attending the upcoming exciting events for the Power Lunch Series and the Five Series. All will be held at St. Regis Hotel and I will be offering complimentary haircuts with any color service! This is a limited offer and expires December 31, 2017 so be sure to take advantage of this special offer!
White Salon and Spa Buckhead Wanda Barrett. Master Cosmetologist. http://www.whitesalonandspa.co
Buckhead Atlanta. 2973 Grandview Ave NE, Atlanta, Ga 30305 404-816-7500i nfo@whitesalonandspa.co
Tidbits about Wanda 18 years as a hairstylist Home town is Greenville, NC >> Lived in Atlanta, Ga 11years >> Favorite Hangout with friends would be Basil’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar. The food and service is awesome!
Wanda Barrett's Images Courtesy by Kelly Embry Photography
Julie Smith arrived in Atlanta last summer from her home state Kentucky to begin reporting traffic on the morning news at CBS46. She also hosts CBS46's mid-day talk show, Atlanta Plugged In on Thursdays and Fridays. She lived and worked in Los Angeles from 2011 - 2014 before heading back to KY to catch up with friends and family and honestly, she just missed the South. Atlanta was a perfect happy medium between KY and Los Angeles when it came to life and career, so this is where she has been excited to call home. She's been hosting talk shows, red carpets and event stages since 2010 and loving every minute of it. Catch her in the mornings on your way to work or school on CBS46 where she'll help you navigate this crazy Atlanta traffic and get there safely.
What is an everyday look for you? Dewy foundation, a nude lip, a pop of cheek color and mascara.
Beauty secrets we must know about you? Not sure that anything is a secret.. ..but I love big hair and for volume, there's a product that I absolutely love by Aveda called Pure Abundance. Powder Play by Big Sexy hair is a very similar product at a lower cost. I use both.
Favorite must have to look fresh and radiant on television? WATER (it's a chore for me but dehydration doesn't look good on anyone) and sleep (also not easy because I'm a night owl and have to be at work at 4AMdaily.) Also, concentrating eyeliner and mascara in the middle of the eye creates the illusion of a more "opened" eye ... a doll like effect.
Beauty tricks that TV personalities use? Heavy paper clips to "tailor" clothing! You can't see it on air so it saves us the time and expense of tailoring if we only wear it to work. Otherwise, I will go for tailoring and I do often. It makes a world of difference. Also, when on the go or switching purses and forget certain makeup items, I'll let my lipstick double as a cream blush.
What are your beauty hacks? I will sometimes sprinkle loose highlighter (or scrape off a little of a pressed one) into my foundation or primer to add an all over glow. I do the same with body lotion. It also adds a cool pouty look to add just a dab in the center of your lips after your lipstick is on.
Do you do your own makeup for TV? Yes and I wish I didn't have to! Some personalities use their own makeup artist and some stations provide them but it varies from one to the next. Most that you see on your local news do their own.
Your favorite must try from the Makeup Date Collection? YSL anything. I've heard great things and have yet to try their products. Really I'm looking forward to playing around with them all!
Interviewed by Maryan Aiken Co Host : Bloomingdale’s Makeup Date
“We adore new discoveries on IG and and we want to share them with you”
We are thrilled to add a new segment on PaperGlass....it's called IG Crush! It's our daily posts of some the most amazing images we come across on Instagram.
There are amazing posts on Instagram and PaperGlass is super thrilled to feature the spectacular images that we are going crazy about. Congratulations to Parametric Architecture as our very FIRST feature. Be sure to stay tuned daily for our daily Instagram Feature on PaperGlass.
Tverrfjellhytta by Snøhetta. This unique natural, cultural and mythical landscape has formed the basis of the architectural idea. The building design is based on a rigid outer shell and an organic inner core. The south facing exterior wall and the interior create a protected and warm gathering place, while still preserving the visitor’s view of the spectacular panorama.
#snøhetta #hjerkinn #norway #tverrfjellhytta
Via Parametric Architecture on Instagram. Be sure to check out their posts on IG. click here to give them a shout out!
All images via Parametric Architecture
Interviewed by Maryan Aiken
“She has the ability to have you under her spell, draw you in in her mystical journey and let you be a part of her character. Say hello to one of the mega talented dancers of Atlanta Ballet.”
Tara Lee
Profession: Professional ballet dancer · Role at AB: Atlanta Ballet Company dancer for 22 seasons · Projects on AB: Performances this season include Nutcracker, Carmina Burana, Firebird, and Camino Real.
MA : What is it like being a veteran with AB?
I'm proud and grateful to have had such a long and happy career. I've worked with an outstanding list of choreographers and artists who have informed and inspired my own artistic voice. It is eye opening to be with the same organization, but to have your perspective change as you get older. Besides dancing, I've also choreographed and taught for the company. You learn a lot seeing things from the other side. Even though I've been in the dance world my whole life, I continue to be in awe of what we do for a living.
MA: Go back to the first time when you were notified that you were selected to be a dancer for AB and when The Nutcracker was first offered?
Tara Lee: John McFall hired me when I was nineteen after seeing me dance in New York with Joffrey II. It was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, since I didn't know much about Atlanta. The start of that first season held an electric energy because John himself was a new director coming in with fresh ideas for the company's direction. He was bringing in a brand new production of Nutcracker for Atlanta, complete with original sets and costumes. It was an honor to be part of that creative birth.
MA: The most memorable after 21 season and why?
Tara Lee: I remember when my piece, 'the authors' premiered at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre a couple years ago. It was the middle piece between Alexei Ramantsky's “Seven Sonatas” and Ohad Naharin's “Secus.” I was dancing in both of the other works and running out to the audience to see mine in between. It was both overwhelming and thrilling to be pushed to my full capacity mentally, physically, energetically.. and also an honor to be on a program with 2 brilliant choreographers.
MA: Who was your mentor?
Tara Lee: Donna Bonasera of Connecticut Dance Theatre was my first ballet teacher, and had a profound influence on how I dance. She was and is an incredible artist who taught me how to care about the details, the musicality... and how the transition been steps is as important as the steps themselves. She also has a wonderful sense of theatricality, which helped me in approaching dramatic roles. ·
MA: What kind of preparations do you undergo for The Nutcracker?
Tara Lee: The preparation is pretty consistent for any of our productions. Every day starts with an hour and a half company ballet class, followed by several hours of rehearsal. There's an intense rehearsal period for a few weeks before each different production, and the dancers are responsible for keeping themselves in top physical condition. Dance at its most elite levels demands more mental strength than anything else. It's the mind that drives the physical machine.
MA: How many different roles| character have you played for the Nutcracker, what was your first character and what is your favorite one?
Tara Lee: I've performed almost every female role in Nutcracker, haha! We perform several roles each year, so everything from Snowflake and Meissen Doll (even a sheep my first year!) to Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen and Dewdrop. Arabian is the one I still dance the most, which I love.. there's a mysterious quality to the music and choreography which is distinctive from anything else in the ballet.
MA: What can we expect with this year’s presentation?
Some tradition and some new energy! We are performing our well-known production of John McFall's Nutcracker, which Atlanta audiences love, and adding some fresh dancers and energy from our new director, Gennadi Nedvigin. It's a good recipe: The Fox Theatre, our Atlanta Ballet orchestra, Tchaikovsky's sweeping music, and bright and beautiful dancing...
All photos by Charlie McCullers.
The Nutcracker Season is going on now through December 24, 2016 at the fabulous Fox Theatre.“Friendship is being there along one’s journey in life to help, listen, encourage, and strengthen. A friendship is not bound to time or distance.”
“Friendship is an unbreakable bond between the special people in our lives. Friendship is a sanctuary. A set of trusted ears for those times of vulnerabilities. Friendship is being an unshakeable pillar and an indestructible stronghold for when those unexpected storms strike. Friendship is sharing joyous moments. It’s a gift to be treasured and the opportunity to share life’s blessings and adventures.”
Maryan Aiken Founder & CEO . The Mavericks & The Muse . Brilliance . PaperGlass . Wire Tap . WireTree . GLUE . Momma to two amazing human beings. Self confessed workaholic and caffeine addict. Music is my oxygen. Enamoured with life!
sherry lautares
"Friendship is central to our lives. Our friends are the people we can count on whether it's to share our joys, provide a shoulder to lean on, give advice or just listen. I have friendships that have lasted more than 50 years and no matter how long we go without seeing or talking, we always pick up wherever we left off. Friends are the icing on the cake!"
Sherry Lautares . 27 years Hospitality Services . Customer Care Service . Delta Airlines . Happily Retired
Allisamy
"Friendship is an amazing connection between you & the people who desire you to exceed, let you know when you're not living up to your full potential, and find your insanity pure genious."
Allisamy . Fashion Designer . Real Estate Agent
denise jackson
"Friendship is a bond with those we connect with the most by way of our spirit, energy, empathy, warmth, caring, appreciation, mutual admiration, encouragments, sense of fun, joy & love."
Denise Jackson . Art Curator . Editor . PaperGlass Media
jennifer sutton
"Friendship is being there along one's journey in life to help, listen, encourage, and strengthen. A friendship is not bound to time or distance."
Jennifer Sutton . Founder & CEO . Art Meso
valerie ritter
"To me a true friend is someone who will always be by yourside and support you in difficult times and celebrate with you during the joyous times in life.
A true friend takes time to understand you and accepts you for who you truly are flaws and all, they always believe in you & support your dreams!
I also believe you have to be a true friend to have true friends. I am grateful for authentic & genuine friendships."
Valerie Ritter . Mom to Katelyn . Branch Sales Manager
Group photo shot by Chuck Wolf at Photo Design Bar Studio in Buckhead.
Read more and peruse the coffee table book here.
This Saturday, prepare to indulge your curiosity with Jennifer Sutton’s Art Meso | Carnaval Couture with her co-hosts Renee Rayles, Maurice Chevalier, Armelia Cartier, & Madison James.
“Art Meso is an international Fashion and Art Exhibition sought after for its unique collision of high fashion runway productions and revolutionary human art exhibits. These two elements are fused together to create an unforgettable experience."
Renee RaylesEvent co-host
Reneé Rayles is a television host, award winning author and life coach. As a media personality she has hosted a variety of television shows including: Atlanta Mom, Gem Shopping Network, Southern Football, Coming Home, and Atlanta Living. In 2008 she was chosen by Jezebel Magazine as One of the Ten Most Beautiful Atlantans. Reneé enjoys serving as a red carpet host to several philanthropic organizations in the Atlanta area.
Maurice Chevalier red carpet co-host
Maurice Chevalier is an American born actor, producer and formal model. Maurice Chevalier has worked for such clients as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Just Cavali. He's walked in hundreds of runway shows for names like Gucci, D&G and Christian Dior and done editorials for Cosmopolitan, Maxim, and Redbook. He is currently starring in the recent movie Operator (2015) with Luke Goss and Michael Paré in Operator ( 2015)
Armelia Cartier event co-host
Armelia Cartier is a speaker, poet, actress, and an entertainment strategist. Her community involvement, dedication to service, and volunteerism has presented opportunities for Armelia to be recognized for her outstanding contributions to Atlanta. She was awarded the "Starfish Mentor" award in December 2015 by Positive Growth, Inc. In September 2015 she was recognized as a "Rising In Community Excellence" nominee. She was awarded Solid Rock Ministries' "God's Triumphant Soldier Award’’ (2015). She has been honored with "Community Service Awards" from both Positive American Youth (P.A.Y., USA) (2014) and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless (2014). She was presented with a "Letter of Commendation" (2014) from the Consulate General of Haiti for her work with women. She was the recipient of the MBK Media/Rolling Out Magazine's "Humanitarian Award"(2013). She has also been named in the Atlanta Tribune (2013) for her role as a mentor. And in an effort to strengthen her core leadership abilities Armelia participated in a 7-week training course with Coca-Cola where she received a certificate of Operational Excellence (2012) upon completion.
Madison James discussion panel host
Madison James is an On Air Personality of WSB –FM B 98.5 radio station, Atlanta’s top-rated afternoon drive show on radio. She is a featured reporter for the syndicated entertainment magazine “Hot Topics" seen in Atlanta, Charlotte, NC and Orlando and the host of WSB –TV’s ‘460’. She’s also a featured contributor to the Atlanta Journal Constitution where she does a weekly video blog providing easy fitness, nutritional and healthy lifestyle tips.
Madison has been featured in Atlanta Magazine and graced the cover of Best Self Atlanta for the “What’s Hot for 2014” issue and as a contributor. She’s the spokesperson for New Balance of Atlanta and KIND Healthy Snacks, and the Fitness Ambassador for the Atlanta Beltline. Last year Madison became an Ambassador of Komen Atlanta and was recently named Chairwoman of the Sisters of Promise group working to change breast cancer outcomes in Atlanta for African American women. She’s hosted Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration and is the current voice for the park helping their upcoming 20th anniversary.
Art Meso . Carnaval Couture . Saturday . May 21 . 7pm . W Downtown Atlanta . Make A Wish Foundation . For tickets https://www.freshtix.com/events/artmeso www.artmeso.com
A great evening to celebrate Kamal Ghattas' feature on PaperGlass by gathering some friends over at the Super Chic STK Atlanta. Check out the images from the party. Big thanks to The STK Team, Geno Dew and Rebecca Neifeld for the fabulous accomodations! Photography by Paul Biaugi. http://on.fb.me/1Wiq5Wm
Shot on location | west midtown | the tough boot | clothes by the tough boot | photographed by maryan aiken for paperglass.
Shot on location | west midtown | the tough boot | clothes by the tough boot | photographed by maryan aiken for paperglass.
You have travelled to many places. What are your favorite spots and why? Capri and the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy. The deep blue of the Mediterranean and the breathtaking topography is still a captivating image in my thoughts. Italy in general is the most amazing country I've been to. The culture… its people. One thing about Italians is that they know taste. Besides their beautiful language, arts and the history has always been significant in influencing cultures around the world.
Shot on location | west midtown | the tough boot | clothes by the tough boot | photographed by maryan aiken for paperglass.
You were in LA for a bit and just visiting Atlanta for a minute. Where are you heading this year after you leave Atlanta? My next stop is London.
You grew up in Lebanon, what brought you to the States? America has great educational institutions and universities. I came here for school and graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in journalism and public policy.
Share your thoughts on America's political landscape? America is a great country however, its democracy is run by corporations and lobbyists. Decision making doesn't happen only in Washington DC. A true democracy should factor more ideologies, beliefs, political parties and not only a two party system. America the world leader certainly has a responsibility towards ensuring the safety of countries it was involved in the process of reforming and restructuring their governments and politics.
How often do you go home to Lebanon? Twice a year, Christmas and summer time.
Things that we need to know about your home country? Lebanon is a beautiful Mediterranean country that has green mountains that get covered in snow in winter. You can snow ski in the mountains or water ski in the Mediterranean in the span of one hour drive. You can go clubbing in a former site of a civil war refugee camp. You can discover ruins of 15 civilizations just across from a Starbucks. The Lebanese speak Arabic, English, and French at the same time.
What have been the most defining moments of your journey? Growing up in war torn Lebanon seeing human sufferings and destruction caused by war lords, competing political and religious ideologies, I knew I wanted to be part of a solution. I was inspired by the work of local and international journalists at the time which planted a seed for me to later in life pursue a career in journalism. However much of the political landscape of my country has changed over the decades, the landscape of journalism has shifted too, which prompted me to leave my job and the corporate world in order to see many of the ongoing realities firsthand versus behind the desk.
We all have certain people that have shaped and molded us. Who has been the strongest influence in yours? My father has been a great influence in my life. In the beginning, I wanted to rebel from his way of thinking but as I grew older and matured in life I've noticed that I'm drawn more and more to his teachings and philosophy of life.
shot on location | brookhaven | photographed by maryan aiken for paperglass.
What's on your agenda this year? This year, I'm planning to travel to India and South East Asia along with UNICEF in efforts to help facilitate human conditions and help children in need. I will be visiting Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon as well.
Your passport is stamped by some of the most exotic and dreamy destinations. What are your favorite spots worldwide? In Atlanta Le Bilboquet for Sunday brunch. Los Angeles, Ysabel on Thursday night dinner and SoHo House for drinks afterwards. Few of my favorites around some of the great cities around the world: Paris | Rasputin. Barcelona | Boca Grande, Portofino | Hotel Splendido. Sorrento Bucco Venice| Aman Hotel. Cannes| Baoli. Athens| by The Glass. London | Chiltern Fire House. Check out Casablanca in Beirut.
Random Questions:
You’re always well dressed. How do you describe your style? Style is a presentation to your life. It's telling the world who you are. It's a combination of internal and external factors. Depends on my mood, I find my style romantic and chic.
Shot on location | west midtown | the tough boot | clothes by the tough boot | photographed by maryan aiken for paperglass.
Favorite app is Starguide? I love watching, studying and locating stars usually alongside someone special.
Shot on location | west midtown | the tough boot | clothes by the tough boot | photographed by maryan aiken for paperglass.
What is your elevator pitch? You don't have a second chance to make a first impression. It's beyond an elevator pitch. Sometimes it's just an eye contact and a smile that leaves a lasting impression. Besides, there is not much time in the elevator to tell how great I am. Lol!
Beyond the great external, there's something so endearing about you with your closeness to your family. Your mom still lives in Lebanon and you talk to her daily. Define what family means to you? Family is everything to me. But like friends in life, we have to be responsible towards our family.
Interviewed by: Maryan Aiken | PaperGlass Media
TANIA IN HER ELEMENT. DRESSED TO THRILL WITH MUST HAVE FASHION PIECES FROM HER CLOSET.
Hometown: Osijek, Croatia, Europe Occupation: Medical Sales | Consulting; Entrepreneur Relationship Status: In a relationship
AT REALM CONDOMINIUM. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARYAN AIKEN FOR PAPERGLASS.
Where were you born and what's the coolest place to visit in your country: I was born in Croatia, grew up there and Germany. The coolest place got to be the whole Dalmatian Coast with gorgeous gems of the Adriatic Sea along the coast.
What keeps your thoughts wondering in the middle of the night: Business ideas. Trip memories and planning of future trips. Philosophy of life too.
What experience have you had that changed your journey: All of my life has been a beautiful and intriguing journey. Many turning points and most times, lessons learned. Move to the USA at the age of 20 definitely one of the pivotal points. Overcoming a life threatening obstacle another big one.
Define Beauty: Forget about perfection. It's unobtainable - imperfection is true beauty.
The most memorable place you've been to: Any and every place. I find bliss in small and big things equally. Not much into the categories of " the best". " the most" or such.
Latest project that you're working on: Decadent haute couture shoe imports, health bar, permanent make up line.
The best fashion and style icon: So many...again...too many...my list is too long, lol!
How do you stay in shape:Being active daily, early am workouts at 6am, weight training. Cardio and hiking on the weekends. Occasional sprints. "Go hard and go home" mentality.
What's your morning ritual: Quick Breaking News, messages/ social media scan, coffee, workout, breakfast.
You have a passionate cause: Volunteering, animals, and being a wisdom voice for my friends always seeking an advice. Almost like a personal therapist. Lol
What do you keep on your nightstand: Books, candle, framed self portrait, Bejeweled bling handcuffs, non functional of course. Decorative only lol!
Your favorite social media go to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: Yes, No, Yes. Helps me keep in touch with family/ friends overseas but. Not much into posting every move I make. Super annoying to me.
Any tattoos: No, Never been into it.
Something that some of your closet friends don’t know about you: My closest friends know more about me than myself.
What excites you:Life. Passion. People. Kindness. Travel. Beautiful weather. Adventure. Unknown. New projects. Love.
What’s the coolest place to hang out in Atlanta: Hm, there are many , but I prefer low key dinners and movies.
What do you do to decompress: Travel. Read. Workout. Movies. Meditate and mentally zone out even if just a few minutes / day, it's super important.
What’s a typical day for you: I don't like Anything typical. But the closest to a day for me, would be something in this order: health, work, zone out time.
Major fashion faux pas: Hmmm, so many. Too many to list. I am European and grew up shopping in Italy from a very young age. My mother definitely instilled a strong sense of style from the age 3. Too many faux pas, way too many lol. There is a difference between style, fashion and well put together.
Your favorite fashionista and why: Don't have a favorite one, love strong personalities, and people that are confident and secure. It shows in how you dress and carry yourself. Coco would be the first on my list...
What makes you smile: Smart kids. Funny people. Sunshine. Birds. Bees. memories. Flicker.
What are your coolest and fabulous fashion pieces that you have in your closet: It's all pretty much fabulous. I don't do anything else. For the most part. Ha! Ha! Ha!
What’s attractive about a guy: Honesty, kindness, great manners, style, humor, intelligence, positivity, zest for life, how he treats strangers.
If you can have tea with someone, who would it be: For me, having tea is about great conversations: Mendela, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina and Brad, Malala..to name a few...
What do you love about living in Atlanta: Weather, great airport, accessibility, southern hospitality, new architecture, parks and spring gorgeous blooms.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning: Say my thanks, and think about my family. Then I check my calendar and get it rolling.
Five beauty tips that you swear by: Attitude is the most important. How you feel on the inside, Shows on the outside. Hydrate, stay healthy, be happy. I used million products from A-Z to always come back to my fav- Nivea creams. Obsessed.
Your hobbies: Painting, writing, traveling, fashion, hiking, outdoors, racing, friends, exploring.
Describe yourself: Brave. Open minded. Sincere. Strong. Fair. Honest. Vocal. Outspoken. Assertive. Compassionate. Fast. Blunt. Funny. Caring. Observant. Wise. Overpowering. At times, lol.
What do you always have in your bag: Wallet. Sunglasses. Mints/ gum, iPad, make up. Water. Tom Ford perfume.
What song makes you dance: Most songs. Music is life, worldwide. Silent bonding language.
Your biggest goals for the new year: Achieving more balance. Not caring about irrelevant things or people. Staying away from negativity and drama. Making my inner circle tighter, more solid and firm. Appreciating every moment for what it is. Remaining grateful every day for this beautiful gift of life.
Interviewed by: Maryan Aiken | PaperGlass Media | WireTree Media | Brilliance | Founder
By Stephen Vault | Grady System | Director of Planning & Business Development
On Monday November 16th, some of Atlanta’s most stylish people came out to STK to bid farewell to NBC 11Alive’s Demarco Morgan. Demarco is leaving Atlanta to become a national correspondent for CBS News in NYC.
The night was filled with well wishes from many who have come to know Demarco during his four years in Atlanta.
STK specialty cocktails included the DEMARCO Tart and the MORGAN Sour.
The climax of the evening was the farewell toast to a good life and good friends. We wish Demarco much success as he embarks on this next phase of his career.
Special thanks to Geno Dew, Rebecca Neifeld, Niki Stewart and our server and the STK staff as well as Gigi’s Cupcakes for the sweet desserts.
For more photos from the soiree click here.
DRIVEN | The Final Interview with DeMarco Morgan | NBC NEWS ANCHOR | 11 ALIVE| PROFESSOR | MOREHOUSE.CLARK.SPELMAN
In less than a month, you get to check off another professional milestone for you. What was that like when you first learned about your CBS offer to NYC?
I gotta be honest with you. I cried like a baby for about 30 quick seconds but don't tell my brothers - lol. Seriously, the tears were flowing because I was on the verge of giving up the hope of making it to network and started to believe that it probably wasn't meant for me. But God! Wow! He answered a prayer that was nearly 30 years old. I've wanted this gig since I was in the 2nd grade watching "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather!"
Your earlier challenges with academics are intriguing. A teacher once once told you that you should get a job doing something as a blue collar worker. You weren't specially doing well with your English class and was in fact on the bottom of your class but yet you proved your teacher wrong and you ended up graduating on top of your class at an ivy league school at Columbia University..... Take me back to that time when all odds were against you. Oh my, it's a moment that I will never forget. My English teacher at Booker T. Washington High School had pretty much giving up on me because I struggled with sentence structure and writing essays and he suggested I find something to do with my hands. I could have allowed those comments to cripple me and set me in another direction but I'm so grateful my mom continued to stay on me and push me in the right direction. I found a tutor in my best friend's mom at the time and started improving drastically but I still scored a 13 twice on the ACT and a 16 once. I applied to several colleges and universities and was denied acceptance to all but one - Jackson State University said Yes! I went off to JSU and began to read more and things started to fall in place. I was using words correctly and properly and still didn't know the meaning of some of them. My writing improved and my junior year I was ranked as the only African-American in the nation's top ten collegiate journalists by Scripps Howard. I was also featured as one of Ebony Magazine's Top 30 Future Leaders of America. I later got accepted to Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism where I was awarded the CBS Fred Friendly Scholarship and interned at 48 Hours and The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. Things took off for me. I was later invited back to my high school to deliver the commencement speech and guess who was in the audience? My English teacher - as I was introduced as a working television reporter and anchor. And I was also teaching at Jackson State at the time as well. Never give up on your dreams.
Have you always been crisp about where you wanted to be? I went through the stage that every little boy goes through in the earlier years of wanting to be a cop, firefighter, superhero, etc. But it wasn't until I was watching the space shuttle "Challenger" lift off -and then moments later - explode that I was truly bitten by the broadcasting bug. I've been hooked to breaking news ever since.
the official invitation for the send off soiree at the super sexy stk Atlanta in midtown attended by some of the movers and shakers and game changers in the a town. The first woman ceo of dekalb chamber of commerce, katerina taylor, Atlanta city council, kwanza hall, cbs 46 senior assignment editor, Kendra mackey, & the hosts: grady system, director of planning & business development and Bloomingdale's men of style alumni, dr. Stephen vault, founder & ceo of art meso, Jennifer Sutton and the publisher and founder of paperglass media and wiretree media, maryan aiken.
What has been the fuel of your success and what's keeping you grounded and authentic? Honestly, my faith in God and having a praying mother mixed with hard work and determination has been the working recipe. I've wanted to the throw in the towel and quit so many times. But there were always encouraging words coming from the other side of the telephone during late night and early conversations with my mom. My father died when I was 10 years old on Father's Day and my brother had strayed away joining gangs and being in and out of jail. So, I wanted to prove my mother right! Not wrong! And make something of myself in life so her tears of sorrow would turn into tears of joy. I have to remain humble and chill at all times because I know just as quick as you get something it can be taken away from you. I love people and feed off of positive energy and I never wanted to be that guy that was too good for anything. I will always be accessible and giving of myself. I love philanthropic efforts as well. The saying goes, "To whom much is given, much is required."
The Big Apple is waiting for your thunderous return. What's going through your mind as you make your way back no longer an intern working at CBS News but about to take an assignment as a correspondent? Maryan, I'm still in shock! I haven't even started packing yet. But I'm excited and a bit nervous at the same time. So many emotions all at once. But I have a strong support team and an amazing group of friends behind me pushing me at all times so I'm not too worried about the journey but I'm praying that I will fulfill the purpose that God has for me along the way - whatever that may be! It's apart of my journey and my story and I'm sure it's just another means of transportation to my ultimate destination so I'll just continue to fly in the friendly skies with the hopes that no matter what - things will work out as they always do!
For the last 4 years, Atlanta has embraced you with your philanthropic activities, as an educator at Clark Atlanta and Morehouse with students from Spelman as well, and as the charismatic news anchor with Brenda Wood on NBC News 11 Alive, what will you miss most about this city? Oh, the city has been absolutely amazing to me!!! The people have been awesome and incredibly supportive throughout my entire stay here. I never got a negative email written to the station. Now, that's awesome! So thank you ATL for looking out for a brother. But I will miss my students most. Every time I think about them and leaving I start to tear up (I know fellas...lol.. I can be a bit emotional at times). But they have blessed me so much inside the classroom and it has been a real honor working with the next generation of journalists. I'll miss all of the great food as well!
Aside from broadcasting the news nationally on CBS next month, what part of the new venture excites you the most? The unknown! That's what excites me the most and moving back to the Big Apple. It's one of the greatest cities on earth. But I promise this go-round to only focus on positive thoughts and on positive people and block the naysayers out along the way. It will be tough but it's possible: I want to stay focused on what lies ahead for the next chapter in my life. And with God's help and guidance I'll be just fine just knowing that my steps have been ordered.
Interviewed by Maryan Aiken | Founder | PaperGlass Media | WireTree Media. All images shot on location and photographed by Maryan Aiken.
Read DeMarco Morgan's Interview for Bloomingdale's Men of Style here.
The Muse. Atlanta 2017
HOSTS Maryan Aiken & Rawan Asad
GUEST SPEAKER
Ambassador Andrew Young
INTRODUCTIONS
Eric Fears
John Masters
SPECIAL GUESTS
Joe Lockwood Mayor of The City of Milton
Dawn Lockwood
GUEST CO HOSTS Michel Fontaine. CEO. TransacXion Technologies Corp. Dr. Iyabo Ojikutu Pediatrician. Author. Permanent Happiness Dr. Steven Eisenberg. Cardiologist. Complete Cardiology Jalissa K. Johnson. Vice President. JP Morgan Chase Troy von Otnott. CEO. Massive Technologies Sherry Bathaei Jones. Founder. CEO. Gypsy Secrets Skincare Peiru Kim. Owner. Sugarcoat Pitter Goughnour. Pitter Productions Ink Photography
The Muse 2017, Cara Masters.
She's been passionate about giving back since the very first time she saw a telethon for the under nourished and destitute children in the world. Today she's actively engaged in changing that landscape and has become the voice not only for the poverty stricken faces but she is fighting to remove the stigma of disability.
2015 Driving Force Award is presented by Porsche of North America in collaboration with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, to recognize women who exemplify the spirit of activism and community engagement at the local and/ or global level.
kim vaughn interviews mrs. tennessee america 2017 for beyond beauty on june 27, 2017.
