Bluestocking Society Helping People Take Full Charge of their Lives and Careers

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

Often, what people need in their lives, careers, or endeavors is a push to go get things done. Having seen many people in situations they ought not to be in, Taylor Drake rolled up her sleeves and took it upon herself to help people take control of their lives and careers with no holds barred. Bluestocking Society came to be the force that gets people to take action by taking the right steps toward their life goals. Founded by Taylor Drake, Bluestocking Society is a career management firm that specializes in personal branding, success strategy planning, reputation management, and crisis mitigation.

At one point or the other, everyone might need to make a decision that will impact their lives long-term. These decisions may require a professional strategy planner like Bluestocking Society. Taylor Drake, the CEO and founder, is an expert at reframing work experiences as life lessons and smashing glass ceilings by breaking down the seemingly unsolvable into bite-size and tangible action plans to help clients find their purpose  on their terms.

Bluestocking Society’s operational model is based on helping its clients find their F*ck It Moment.  That moment that makes them want to pursue the things they truly want and love without fear or holding themselves back. Taylor Drake believes everyone deserves to have that moment in their lives. Ignoring all the noise, leaving excuses behind, and strongly believing that one can do it are the qualities that Bluestocking Society draws out of its clients.

With an MBA in International Business, Taylor’s confidence in taking on challenges is unmatched. She runs Bluestocking Society without the fear of ruffling some feathers. Her primary focus is to see her clients grow regardless of how uncomfortable the process is. In Taylor’s words, “We help  people who feel stuck in their careers, but are determined to do more but don’t know exactly what that looks like. We offer tools for success and action plans for people trying to get ahead at their current job, working through a specific issue, or coming up with a plan to branch out on their own, we help them all.”

Bluestocking Society sets itself apart as a firm by maintaining a high level of honesty, courage, and commitment. These three values are important to get clients to take action as the company walks with them on their journey of taking full control of their lives. Taylor Drake’s motivation to establish Bluestocking Society was borne out of her strong desire to help others. She is proficient at uncovering skills and talents and has helped many of her clients discover their hidden talents while also catapulting them to take purposeful actions to better their lives.

In the next five years, Taylor’s goal for Bluestocking Society is to get the company in a position where it can adapt to whatever situation the world is in by that time. She wants to see the company making a difference in everyone’s lives, with a focus on students and the younger generation, while getting a message out to the world that nothing is guaranteed and no one should be scared to make those life-changing moves.

Learn more about Bluestocking Society on the official website.

Colin Wayne, the Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur Making a Difference Through “Redline Steel”

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

Countless reasons can serve as the motivating force behind one’s establishment of a venture. Some consider their businesses as a way to secure financial freedom, while others made a move to compete with a plethora of aspirants not only to translate their personal visions into reality but also to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. For Colin Wayne, the founder of Redline Steel, the drive to establish his name in the commercial realm is fueled by the mission to give back and make an impact.

This firm believer of the motto, “People Over Profits,” is a retired decorated US Army veteran who was injured eight years ago in Afghanistan and survived to tell the tale. Since returning to the US, he has recovered and demonstrated competence in another field — the entrepreneurial realm. At the helm of a multimillion-dollar home decor company in Alabama called Redline Steel, Colin Wayne has risen to the forefront of the industry. 

With millions of followers across his social media platforms, the social media star has partnered with celebrities like Megan Fox, Amber Heard, Criss Angel, Lance Bass, Tina Knowles, and more during various charity events intended for COVID-19 essential workers, farmers, churches, teachers, and Veteran families, to name a few. Furthermore, Colin Wayne has donated well over five million dollars to these initiatives.

As the strategic mind behind Redline Steel, Colin Wayne has led the company in taking center stage as an acclaimed manufacturer of a wide range of top-notch products, from custom monograms to home decor. From the get-go, this ever-growing business impressed customers and industry peers alike because of its palpable commitment to quality and all-out approach to achieving growth. Between its heavy emphasis on online marketing, digital media presence, and refusal to become complacent with one idea or product type, it has cemented its position as a leading entity since it was founded in 2016. 

Redline Steel, under the leadership of Colin Wayne, has become the go-to company for numerous people. In New York, it has managed to gain the patronage of the locals because of its inventory of high-quality offerings, including the bestselling “Family Heart,” “Sunflower Home,” and “Tree of Life” products.

During the outbreak of COVID-19, Redline Steel was not an exception to the businesses worldwide impacted by the global health crisis. Amidst the challenges it faced, Colin Wayne continued to put a premium on supporting people and communities, giving millions of dollars and products to nonprofit organizations and individuals in need across the country. Additionally, when the pandemic hit, he paid the mortgages for his employees. 

This year, Colin Wayne is looking forward to Redline Steel transforming into a powerhouse. Moving forward, he hopes to build a brand that is not just associated with steel decor and break into all facets of the home decor industry. In addition, he also plans to continue helping the Veteran community and raising awareness about homelessness, and eventually form a nonprofit rehabilitation compound for Veterans in the future. Regardless of the nature of his upcoming endeavors, it is guaranteed that they will serve as means for the purpose-driven entrepreneur to leave a mark.

When asked about what he loves about New York even though his business isn’t based in the area, he explains, “It seems cliché, but New York really is the city of opportunities. My first trip to New York was as a Fitness Model, in which I had the opportunity to shoot with Under Armor. The “always on the grind” lifestyle and mantra of NYC is something I can always get behind and resonate with.”

Learn more about Colin Wayne and Redline Steel by visiting its website. 

Sam Ibrahim on Starting Humbly and Evolving Into a Fashion Industry Powerhouse

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

Countless industry powerhouses have driven home the point that one’s humble beginning does not have to stand as a hindrance to success. In addition, numerous stories have featured aspirants who entered their chosen field without anything on their backs but their passion and dreams. Highly accomplished entrepreneur Sam Ibrahim is one such household name who can testify to the power of ambition and drive in translating vision into reality.

Widely acclaimed for being the ultimate multilingual fashion consultant, this Berkeley alumnus, who graduated with honors in fashion marketing, has made waves with his expertise, experience, and multiple endeavors. Not only does Sam Ibrahim serve as the USA manager of Mohamed Ramadan — the biggest celebrity in Africa and the Middle East — but he is also the founder and owner of the global fashion company called Affari Group. 

Affari Group has risen through the ranks to become one of America’s most prominent fashion houses under the leadership of Sam Ibrahim, and it is expected to transform into an industry staple in the coming years. Based in New York, it has offices in Dubai, Egypt, and Japan, which enable this lauded institution to gain a footing in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

With his fifteen-year experience working alongside the world’s most famous luxury brands, Sam Ibrahim can spot fake leather pants from a mile away and tell in an instant the manufacturing year of one’s favorite blazer. The depth of his knowledge has propelled him to the forefront of the industry, and his contributions in the field have allowed him to cement his position. 

Throughout his career, this design connoisseur has worked for the top fashion corporations in the USA and UAE, including Bloomingdales, Amazon, Barneys, and Macy’s. Under his direction, these moguls all have grown tremendously and continue to dominate the game. 

Additionally, Sam Ibrahim, who is also the mind behind two highly-successful private brands, is the exclusive distributor for the esteemed celebrity-owned eyewear brand, Prive Revaux, which is rocking the MENA region. Through his numerous ventures and by leading Affari Group together with his partners Gil Einhorn and Hershy Mayer, this renowned figure has impacted lives and the fashion industry, in general. Astoundedly, Sam Ibrahim reached these spectacular heights and bagged numerous accomplishments under his belt despite starting from zero, demonstrating that any aspirant willing to go the extra mile can fulfill their personal and professional goals. 

In the future, Sam Ibrahim is set to inject his expertise into the field by continuing to work directly with some of the biggest celebrities on the planet. Armed with his undying commitment to high-end fashion, he plans to launch more initiatives benefiting the industry. 

Above anything, he aims to remain a source of inspiration for dreamers and his peers through his story. As an Alexandria native who was not born with a silver platter, he nevertheless achieved immeasurable success. Moving forward, Sam Ibrahim wants to emphasize the importance of hard work, passion, and humility.

Learn more about Sam Ibrahim and Affari Group by visiting his website.

ONE ROQ [Vodka] Is Creating A New Luxury Experience In Beverage Alcohol, And Is Inviting You To Partake At The Highest Level

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

As consumers, we recognize brands like Captain Morgan, Tito’s Vodka, Josh Wine, and White Claw as “must-haves” for our next social gathering, holiday party, or date night, but few of us question how these brands come to occupy such a trusting place in our lives and who on the end are enjoying the real rewards every time we buy them. According to challenger luxury brand, ONE ROQ, consumers actually decide which brands become popular while enjoying the short-term disposable utility of those brands in which they are designed to provide. But the real rewards—short and long-term—are enjoyed by brand owners. It’s this idea that could translate into catching the next cultural phenomenon in the luxury booze market, with ONE ROQ.

Discovery

When ONE ROQ, a perfect vodka of American pedigree, entered the industry for the first time in 2012, it sought to fit in, play by rules, and not question the authority of distributors and retailers who, through a federally regulated supply chain, control the supply of brands that are made available to consumers. A decision which ended up being a painfully expensive, but vital, lesson to uncover a problem in the market; one that could be worth multiple billions. 

The Problem

The premium and high-end segment of the alcohol market, valued at over half of the current 300B global spirits market, operates using a deceptively clever marketing practice called lifestyle advertising to attract consumers; a technique wherein a brand advertises itself inside the image of an attractive lifestyle, or in association with someone glamorous, to have the consumer believe that if they buy that brand, they acquire that lifestyle, social or financial status. However, reality suggests what consumers actually receive is usually quite less. In fact a mild hangover and a deduction from your bank account is more expected. From this perspective, when it comes to brands offering rewards in the booze industry, most—actually all—fall terribly short in terms of innovation.

Solution

That is, at least when compared to ONE ROQ, which through its novel luxury experience platform, ONEROQClub.com, is the first to offer consumers more—recognizing the full value of consumer’s worth by putting them directly in the driver’s seat as real equity owner-stakeholders. Not only this, but membership to the ONE ROQ Club comes with a custom curated series of privileges designed specifically to serve, inform, and empower consumers. Some include VIP invites to special events, member-only discounts through a personal ordering concierge, monthly content, first dibs on future privileges, upside potential, and more. 

Timing 

Increasingly, we live in a world where financial literacy is growing, where consumers are more aware that every decision they make affects their short- and long-term financial positions. Innovations like Bitcoin is a recognition of consumers’ desire to part from the control of big banks. GameStop is another example of consumers desire to outsmart ill-intent institutions that work for the 1%. With alcohol being one of the oldest establishments—and lucrative—industries in the world, and the act of drinking a conduit for social and political expression, there perhaps no greater market for building the world’s first luxury spirit, owned by the consumer, a title which ONE ROQ is proudly owning.

Traction

Proof would be in ONE ROQ’s traction, where inside the last year it topped over 3,000 Club Members, landed the cover of Food & Beverage Magazine, rose to a number one seller on 1877Spirits.com, earned a top 10 US entrepreneur ranking by Yahoo Finance, and was invited to be the exclusive pour at the Rolls Royce “Strive For Perfection” global event, celebrating Queen Elizebeth’s 95th birthday. 

With consumers wielding ultimate power in the market of premium booze, it makes perfect sense for those of us who enjoy a nip now and again, to embrace a brand that we have the distinct ability to control and benefit from, within and beyond the glass. 

Rising Actor Noah Taliferro Is the Next Big Thing in the Entertainment Industry

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

Up-and-coming actor Noah Taliferro is fast becoming the next trailblazer in the entertainment industry by simply doing what he does best: being himself. The LA-based young actor is also a writer and a producer who has the makings of becoming the next best thing in the most competitive industry in the world today. Armed with his charm, natural talent, and unwavering self-confidence, Noah is slowly making a name for himself as a serious actor.

If there is one thing that he is best known for, it is his adaptable personality. Interestingly, Noah has the unique ability to blend easily in any environment, from adjusting to a new city to making an instant connection with people he is meeting for the first time. This inherent nature worked well for him when he pursued his acting career. He did not, however, just blend in; Noah stood out effortlessly. 

Despite being a budding personality in the industry, Noah Taliferro has been privileged to land a couple of key roles in several major projects. He played the role of the young Jedidiah in the Netflix comedy series Family Reunion. He was Bo Lemming on CW’s All American, and Omar, a recurring role in the Netflix comedy-drama series Dear White People. Noah enjoys playing Omar in the original series that follows students of color as they navigate life at an Ivy League college. 

Noah Taliferro was motivated to develop his personal brand and pursue his acting career as his response to an innate desire to create something better not just for himself but for others as well. Whether it is through his acting or writing, he wants to create something that will have an incredible impact on people and inspire them to pursue great things. Having spent a lot of time in various cities as a young adult, Noah was exposed to different cultures and kinds of people. This same exposure helped shape his outgoing and fun-loving personality. 

“People either love me or hate me with my authenticity, but no one will argue about my loving and caring personality,” Noah Taliferro explains. “They may have trouble understanding me, but I have moved around nine times before graduating high school. The result is a young man who is able to adapt and open up a room of silence and uncertainty,” he adds. 

For Noah Taliferro, his personal journey in life has no finish line as he intends to fully enjoy the limitless opportunities available to him in this lifetime. Besides growing professionally as an actor, writer, and producer, he is more than open to exploring other possibilities to acquire new skills and experience new adventures. There is so much good left in the world to discover, and he is opening himself up to them. 

Inspiring other people to do more in life is something that Noah wants to do passionately for as long as he can. As people see his life, he wants them to realize that they, too, can achieve whatever it is they have been dreaming of achieving all their life. 

Follow Noah Taliferro on Instagram for updates on his latest projects.

Health Insurance Expert Daniel Mejia Reveals His Inspiring Journey Towards Success

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

Photo by Jess Marie

Not everyone who goes into the health insurance industry becomes successful at it. Daniel Mejia, however, excelled at it in ways he himself did not anticipate. With sheer hard work, determination, and the commitment to progress in his chosen career, he became an expert in only a matter of time and was able to help countless people benefit from it. While he has reached a commendable phase in his career, the journey was not without any challenges. Daniel started from the bottom and worked his way up to become the accomplished person that he is today. 

Daniel Mejia holds the license to operate in 32 states, giving him the opportunity to build his business across the country and help middle-class clients acquire affordable health insurance packages. Daniel’s expertise allows him to come up with tailored solutions that suit a client’s health needs and budget. Ultimately, his dream is to make health insurance a reality in the majority of American homes. 

“I am able to educate and show our clients what to look for and how to make sound decisions when it comes to selecting the best fit,” Daniel Mejia explains. “A tailored solution to their health needs and budget. This is what sets me apart from the noise in our industry. Caring, showing, and educating is what has been lacking in my space, and I’m here to change that. That’s my mission – to educate working-class Americans on how to find, understand, and have peace of mind in their health insurance decision,” he adds.

Prior to becoming a successful health insurance expert, Daniel Mejia did not start out easy and started working part-time jobs when he was 18. He also tried going into several business ventures at a young age, but unfortunately, none of them took off as he hoped. He was put in a very humbling situation and had no other choice but to go live in his brother’s house together with his fiancé and newborn son. Despite the sad turn of events in his life, Daniel continued to believe that he will one day become successful. He just needed to find something that suited his gifting and skills. 

Daniel Mejia’s primary motivation for pursuing success is to be able to make his parents proud. Despite the many challenges he faced in life, he managed to get right back on track and create a better future for himself and his family. Another motivation that keeps him hustling is to create generational wealth for future generations. He desires to end the cycle of poverty in his family and give his children the opportunity to live a more comfortable kind of life, totally different from the kind that he struggled with when he was younger. Additionally, he wishes for others to experience their ideal lifestyle as they connect with him. 

There is nothing more that Daniel Mejia aspires to continue doing in the next couple of years than teaching and motivating others how to change their lives through the health insurance industry . He wants to pour his time and energy to help others achieve financial freedom.

Learn more about Daniel Mejia by following him on Instagram. 

Quienten David Building a Name as a Country Musician and Telling Stories through His Songs

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

Stories have a profound impact and have a way of creating a connection among people. Quienten David mastered the art of storytelling and infused it into his songwriting to create a unique style of country music that is fast growing on many country music fans. Growing up in a small country town called Big Rock, IL, as an adopted child and one of the African American minorities in the town, Quienten has tons of stories to tell about his experience. His music journey began with his early exposure to country music, which his dad and mom always listened to.

He liked country musicians like Toby Keith, John Denver, Alan Jackson, George Jones, and Garth Brooks. Listening to them influenced him significantly. His first foray into music professionally was when he joined a professional orchestra playing the trombone. He later gave up and picked up the guitar instead. At the time, he had already started writing songs and decided that he would like to sing those songs. Despite his father not knowing his plans, he got Quienten his first guitar, which was the same brand and had the same color as Garth Brooks’s guitar.

Quienten David delved into songwriting and performing throughout his teenage years until he graduated high school and moved to Minnesota to meet his biological mother. At one point, he was homeless, and the only thing that got him through was music. He got back on his feet to resume singing and performing. He also got involved with his local church by writing songs for the church while keeping his sights on getting a big break as a country musician.

In 2019, he participated in The Voice and made it to the second round with a Garth Brooks song titled “Thunder Rolls.” In 2020, he released his single, “Heart Break Kind of Night,” which got him his radio debut, a feature in the local newspaper in Eden Valley, and has garnered more than 50,000 streams on Spotify. “34” is a song Quienten wrote for a police officer who lost his wife, and the song tells a story around that event.

Quienten’s knack for storytelling is a strong basis for his songwriting. In his words, “I want young people to listen to my songs and bob their heads but also feed their soul. When the older crowd hears my music, I want them to have a good time and remind them of their good times.” Quienten is all about evoking strong emotions in his audience, which is what sets him apart. He strongly believes storytelling makes country music attractive, and everyone loves a good story because it arouses their imagination and helps them connect better with the song.

His uniqueness and self-belief motivate him despite all the disadvantages surrounding him. Quienten David knows giving up is not an option because he knows staying on this path is the only way to success. He currently works with Youngville Agency as his talent manager, pulling all the stops to ensure that his brand takes off into the limelight and success. Five years from now, Quienten David hopes to have at least two songs on the Billboard charts, go on a global tour, perform before thousands of people, become well-known worldwide, and win a CMA for the best song of the year. Right now, Quienten David is on the journey to becoming an unforgettable musician set to etch indelible musical marks in the minds of his audience.

Listen to Quienten David’s songs on Spotify.

Jared Springer on His Revolutionary Book “I’ll Be Happy When”

NY Weekly Staff on February 20, 2021

With how busy everyone’s lives have become, it is safe to say that mental clarity is on the brink of becoming a thing of the past. During these stressful times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. In the face of seemingly insurmountable trials and enormous problems, one might even ask how relevant it is to deal with matters pertaining to well-being. But according to Jared Springer, the distinguished author of “I’ll Be Happy When,” inner peace is the most incredible gift people can give themselves. 

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can make one feel out of control. As a result, more individuals tend to get lost in their own thoughts and drift away from things that matter. Taking heed of this pressing concern, Jared Springer harnessed his entrepreneurial acumen to shed light on how go-getters and aspirants can overcome the stressors blocking them from attaining genuine happiness. In his book, “I’ll Be Happy When,” he shows people how to take more control of their lives and handle tribulations with skill and confidence. 

Having built a life most people can only dream of, Jared Springer realized how unhappy he was becoming. Taking a cue from this slump, he set out on a quest to figure out the root of his sense of unfulfillment. And although people already know him for being the laudable figure he is today, the path that led him to success was not paved with gold. As a matter of fact, his tumultuous journey inspired him to come up with his literary piece, “I’ll Be Happy When.” 

Jared Springer kicked off his entrepreneurial career when he was only nine years old. Back then, he would spend after-school hours detailing cars at dealerships with his father until midnight. As an adult, he found himself working a full-time job while struggling to run his own businesses. Unfortunately, he woke up one day and realized that his body had given up on him. He was then rushed into the emergency room and was given two choices—to undergo a back surgery or never to walk again. What followed would transform his life and shake him to his core. 

After the incident, Jared Springer was no longer able to work a job. Having been forced into self-employment, he decided to no longer let his misfortune get the best of him. Thus, he took significant steps in acquiring entrepreneurial know-how that would bring his career to greater heights. 

Through his diligent efforts, Jared Springer discovered that his passion lies in helping people reach their dreams and seeing them succeed in their respective endeavors. Since then, he has been coaching and teaching others about finding happiness while expanding their business and generating more income. Eventually, he came up with his revolutionary brainchild, “I’ll Be Happy When.”

In the coming years, Jared Springer sees himself standing at the helm of a self-improvement company offering coaching programs and other courses geared towards having the proper mindset that would help aspiring entrepreneurs establish their business ventures. He also wishes to attend conferences and speak about personal experiences that would touch the hearts of people across the globe. 

On a mission to help as many success-driven individuals as possible, Jared Springer’s goal is to have his book, “I’ll Be Happy When,” serve as a guide for making gradual changes that would carve the path toward self-fulfillment and happiness. For this esteemed author, nothing is more important than for his readers to find their journeys beneficial, rewarding, and most importantly, enjoyable. 

Learn more about “I’ll Be Happy When” here. 

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