Denise White has learned how to jump over the hurdles life has put in her path. She has broken through the glass ceiling in an undeniably male-dominated profession, determined to continue to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion. Even Hollywood has been inspired by this legendary sports crisis strategist and founder of EAG Sports Management. Her incredible life and career will be chronicled in an upcoming television series due for production in 2022 for Netflix, with the series showcasing the adversity Denise faced due to gender discrimination and learning how to conquer obstacles in your way.
Michael Schmidt is a US Army Veteran currently studying to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Battling opioid addiction, music became his lifeline. When his relationship with EDM (Electronic Dance Music) grew from admiration to creation, his own music was born. He dove headfirst into his passion crafting a dynamic mix of beats that is sure to make waves in the dance music scene. As a new father with a bright future ahead of him, he is an example of the importance of finding yourself in recovery.
Deborah is an award winning independent writer, director and producer. She serves on the screening committee for Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Film Festival showcase, and as a Submission Ambassador. What sets Deborah apart from other filmmakers is her determination and passion to write stories with intercultural themes from the African point of view. She tells stories that not only entertain, but educate.
Deborah grew up in the post-civil rights era, during a time of racial tension, conflict and strife. It was a welcomed relief to see programs that explored resolutions to these issues. As
Wild Sons is a designer jewelry brand that was born from the minds of two brothers, Ezra and Emmeth Cohen. Suspended between two worlds, these two Franco-American brothers share their vision of life through each of their unique creations. The brothers began their style revolution in 2012, inspired by the quirky style of the seventies with its rock and biker culture. Wild Sons offers unisex quality pieces handcrafted and designed in France for those who want to emphasize their strength, independence and personality. The collections combine modernity and timelessness, while still encompassing the French touch.
All too often, we find ourselves looking for meaning in what we do. For Larisa Love, that is no longer the case. After a period of time spent finding herself like so many of us do, she is now who she wants to be —and even as she changes, her belief in herself will never change. Her life has been one crazy roller-coaster ride full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Throughout her journey, Love is what has carried Larisa into her career as world-renown hair artist, educator, mentor, Joico Brand Ambassador, designer and owner of one of LA’s premier boutique salons; Larisa Love Salon. Larisa strives to be the best artist she can be by continuing to push the boundaries of her creativity to another level while also encouraging her fellow hair artists to do the same. Larisa has gained even more insight into the true beauty “behind the chair” and wants to inspire everyone who has a secret dream that they are holding onto. Larisa’s message of tenacity, doing what you love, and the importance of living by your own rules will help you embrace your originality so you can find your inner rock star.
Iranian born photographer and filmmaker Afshin Shahidi first met Prince in 1993. After working as his cinematographer on numerous video projects he was invited to document his 2002 One Night Alone Tour, and would become Prince’s personal photographer for a decade. This unexpected journey led to a close friendship, sleepless nights, frantic last-minute flights, and the distinction of being the only photographer granted access to Prince’s private 3121 parties.
Prince: A Private View takes you behind the lens on an intimate trip through the extraordinary life of the legendary musician through never-before-seen photos and personal recollections.
On his YouTube show, The Up & Adam Show, talk show host Adam Lupis interviews notable artists in the music, film and TV spaces. Adam is an inspiration to anyone who may want to create their own content. And for those who are already content creators, to continue to set goals they can work to achieve. Always being independent and not the the type of person to work for someone, Adam first dabbled into hosting through first launching a podcast of the same name. Through YouTube, creators like Adam are given a platform to connect with their audience and launch a successful career.
Self-publishing allows independent authors to tell stories their way and in their own time. It has opened the door for many writers who may have never had the chance to get their work read otherwise. The publishing industry has always been notoriously hard to break into. Self-publishing allows for topics that are unique, original, controversial and different from the mainstream. To be a self-published author means commitment to creating a masterpiece and building a loyal readership. It means constantly believing in yourself, your work and the process.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, anyone can face oppression. This is the theme Ridi is exploring in her debut self-written single “Top Guy.” Ridi is a European singer/songwriter of Indian descent who delivers a powerful anti-bullying message about healing from the hate. Ridi’s experience of studying at a Swiss boarding school during her junior and middle school years made her witness the social pressures that teens so prevalently face in her generation. Ridi was subjected to a continuous barrage of verbal and cyber abuse, which the courageous young teen spoke out against.