INTERCHANGING GENDER ROLES THROUGH UNCONVENTIONAL MEANS

Since the advent of civilization, facts considered normal have changed in respect to the stages of development. Society has seen many highly promoted events that were once the talk of the town but now are considered normal. For example, the thought of flying in the sky was once considered to be a form of witchcraft, and even the idea of anything remotely close to this was frowned upon. In the past, the Salem Witch Trials was a devastating event due to such backward beliefs. People who were thought to be talking about things out of the norm were considered worshippers of the devil and, eventually, killed. After that, advancements in general knowledge of science and technology perceptions also changed. In this modern day and age, many previous misconceptions have been erased, making the current society a much more just and unbiased place. Historically observed, some elements need much effort and work to be truly unbiased and accommodating for all. A major factor that needs much attention is gender-based profiling and gender appropriation for women globally. Addressing this major issue through an out-of-the-box approach is a female adult entertainment company, The Male Encounter Revue.

Compared to older times, the current society is a relatively better place to exist in. Through establishing comprehensive bylaws and rules, freedom is no more a far-sighted concept. Terms such as slavery, class-defined eating establishments, and illegal banishments that were commonly practiced previously are non-thinkable nowadays. Even the laws restricting the living conditions of women previously have now been mostly abolished. In the past, women were thought to be similar to objects that were to be owned, and their only job was to be of service to men. They were considered only a commodity to the well-being of their male partners. Women held no authority in their own lives, much less any authority in society. There was a time when women were not even allowed to cast their votes in the elections. Women kind have a dark history of being the main target of male oppression from the depths of history.

Since those dark ages, society has developed in many ways that have greatly increased women’s social standing and authority. However, there are signs of male oppression lingering like a dark shadow in society. In this era where equality and justice for all are widely promoted, there are still some aspects of misogynism that influence the lifestyle of women everywhere. Women nowadays have more control over their futures, but some unsaid truths adapted from previous times impact how women portray themselves in public. There are many actions and activities that have been tabooed for women or girls from the beginning and are taught to women as unacceptable actions. There are many things taught directly or indirectly to women that have the essence of misogynism. For example, if a guy wants to wear light and free clothes in hot weather, it is considered normal. But if a woman does the same to feel comfortable, she is considered to be revealing more than necessary or wearing skimpy clothes to invite perverted gazes. If a guy is hanging out in a bar late in the night, it is considered a good time. But if a group of women is gathering at a bar late in the night, it is seen as an invitation for one-night stands from society’s perspective. It is considered that women involved in such acts are sleazy and not deserving of respectable interactions. These social norms have become invisible shackles to women that limit their daily activities and their ability to express perfectly natural personal feelings. In a world where expression and practice of religion, sexual orientation, and love are no longer a privilege, women are not to express their natural selves in front of others. The Male Encounter Revue was a revolutionary organization that understood society’s flaws and decided to address them by providing a means for women to express their feelings and carnal urges in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Male Encounter Revue was established in 1985 in Boston, Massachusetts, and currently operates along the east coast of the United States. Commencing their service operations in Boston, they have since seen great success in the Female Adult Industry and have franchised to many locations. They have locations operational in Boston, Washington D.C, Florida, and Tampa. Under the new ownership of Brett Stone, the Male Encounter Revue provides a private and safe environment where women can release the stress they build up during their day. Constant stress without any outlet to let it out can significantly negatively affect their minds and cause underlying conditions in their future.

The Male Encounter Revue is of the founding authorities of the female adult industry that boast their male dancer’s ability to brighten any tired girl’s day. The owner of the establishment, Brett, makes it a point to appoint only the best and most accommodating staff and performers. Their goal is to make every woman feel comfortable while accommodating all their interaction needs. The performers of the Male Encounter Revue make sure to give ample attention to all their clients and always interact most respectably. They hope that women everywhere can be themselves comfortably away from judging gazes with their platform and services.

Female-Owned and Operated Headbands of Hope Conquers the Big Apple with Glitz and Glamor

The beautiful city of New York is where dreams and passions come true. For Jess Ekstrom Kahut, her dream began in her tiny little college dorm room. Jess conceptualized a headband business where proceeds would go to children with illnesses. Fast forward to ten years later, the idea would soon materialize into a fully-fledged mission-based company donating 1 million trademarked headbands to children in need.

Jess Ekstrom Kahut is at the heart of the success of Headbands of Hope. The company is fully women-owned and women-operated, making its inspiring mission much more empowering for female entrepreneurs who aspire to take a bite out of the Big Apple. The brand’s success has been attributed to its genuine cause, drawing in the most fashionable New Yorkers to purchase the company’s esteemed “All That Glitters” collection.

The idea for the wildly successful brand came to Jess when she was in college, interning at a wish-granting organization. “I saw a lot of kids experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy, and they’d be offered wigs or hats. A lot of them wanted something they could wear that didn’t completely cover their head but allowed them to accessorize and show their personalities. I realized that because of this, they loved to wear headbands,” explained Jess.

It turns out practically no one had been providing headbands to children with illnesses. So Jess took it upon herself to establish her own organization that would do just that. Thus, Headbands of Hope was born inspiring confidence among children with illnesses and helping them express themselves at their most vulnerable times.

Interning at the TODAY Show in New York City, Jess had barely made any sales with Headbands of Hope, but as her genuine intentions eventually seeped into the New York City scene, she quickly got magazine placements, interviews, store orders, and so much more. “New York has so much liveliness and action that you’re able to make so much happen in such a short amount of time. Every time I go back there, I get so energized by all of the possibilities!” exclaimed Jess.

Jess Ekstrom Kahut is a visionary who has led the creation of the Headbands of Hope. The inspiring story of her organization has motivated women and children from all over New York to find it within themselves to pursue their dreams and regain their self-confidence. Jess tells the story of her organization through her book, Chasing the Bright Side, recounting the many remarkable achievements of her organizations and showing the people that a great idea can cause positive ripples to the world around us.

The massive success of Headbands of Hope has even attracted the likes of the NBA. The brand sells New York Knicks Tube Turban Headbands and is looking to expand to other New York sports teams in the near future. With the brand’s emerging sports line, Jess and her team are aiming to provide fashionable accessories for sports teams instead of just printing a simple logo on a headband.Headbands of Hope is constantly dropping new collections. With a brand that is so heavily focused on doing things for a good cause, it is only natural for well-meaning people to gravitate towards it and offer their full support. New York has been abuzz with Headbands of Hope, and Jess and her team have been extremely grateful for the warm and welcoming kindness that the City That Never Sleeps has given them.

Lorens Digital Media Growing Businesses through Their Amazon Automation Services

Most people who have childhood dreams might think about becoming a fireman or a police officer. For Noe Lo of Lorens Digital Media, that dream was to be an e-commerce and social media expert who helps make people’s lives better. Today, she gets to do precisely that.

Lorens Digital Media is a financial investment agency built and based on a childhood dream that focuses on E-commerce, Social Media Branding, and Marketing. The mission of this agency is to bring the most reliable investments to their clients and help them reach their goals in any field that this company touches.

“We ensure your Amazon store is set up and ready to be successfully automated whether it is brand new or an antique store transferred to our management team. We set up contracts with the nation’s top brands and get your inventory set up in 30-60 days during the onboarding process”, says Noe Lo, the Chief Executive Officer of Lorens Digital. 

Noe Lo is the co-founder of Lorens Digital Media. What inspired her to build this company was a childhood dream of achieving a life of fulfillment by helping others, security, and financial freedom to help her single father. The latter has inspired her to be the person she is today. Lo has always had an uncanny entrepreneurial mindset. Thankfully, she also had a father who supported and coached her in that area. Today, what she does is also a way to make her father proud of his investment in her life.

The dedicated team of Lorens Digital Media for Amazon selling experts who monitor and scale their clientele’s Amazon store to new and exciting levels. Their team helps clients manage their products, inventory, sales, customer service and store entirely. They have several  automation clients generating 6-7 in revenue annually. The hardworking team of Lorens Digital Media aims to help their clients optimize their Amazon Automation business to earn passive income without lifting a finger. “This is what our team does for clients while targeting a 15%-35% profit margin. Wholesale FBA Automation client stores hold a market value over $1 million after 18 months of operating with us on average,” says Noe Lo. 

One of the critical services of their company is that they have an eighteen-month money-back guarantee for Amazon Automation stores. That serves as a guarantee that all clients will see an ROI on their investment. They are also pioneers in the marketing industry and help clients grow their Instagram , level up credibility and visibility through organic Instagram promotions and press release features. And one of the strategies of Lorens Digital Media to do this is by featuring their clients in major publications like USA Today, Fox, and Thrive.

Lorens Digital Media consistently grows its networks and makes its services more available to more significant people. They are looking at offering their services to entrepreneurs, investors, brands, and business savy people. “Our company provides a guaranteed ROI on our Amazon automation stores and a money-back guarantee we have never used,” says Noe Lo about their edge over other competitors. 

Lorens Digital Media agency aspires to work with thousands of investors in the next five years. They are dedicated to helping their clients achieve their financial and business goals.

Jeweler and Entrepreneur Michael Arthur on Embracing Change and Innovating the Game

Embracing changes is necessary to cope with the times. The most successful businesses and brands, regardless of what industry they are in, are always those who have not resisted change and innovate to stay relevant in their field. Professional jeweler Michael Arthur understands how crucial it is for jewelers to continually evolve. Although many jewelry pieces are designed and created to be timeless, sturdy enough to be heirlooms passed from one generation to another, Michael emphasized that jewelers must also maintain a level of relevancy if they want to stay on top of the game.

Michael Arthur is the brilliant and creative mind behind Michael Arthur Diamonds, a company and brand that has been a top-of-mind choice for many consumers looking for quality jewelry pieces. The entrepreneur is continually exploring ways to innovate his designs to personally connect with his customers from all walks of life and found that there is always room for changes. Michael takes pride in the fact that his jewelry has been symbolic pieces in people’s lives, and his attitude towards embracing modern techniques and design has propelled his company above its competition.

Michael Arthur Diamonds specializes in quality rings. Besides creating unique pieces himself, the founder understands that buying jewelry, specifically rings, can be one of the most intimate actions anyone can make for a loved one, and Michael aims to give customers as much control over their pieces as possible. He wants to involve his clients in every step of creating their jewelry, ensuring that their story and the genuine feeling they have for the intended wearer or for themselves are translated into the ring’s design. This mission led him to create a new website featuring a one-of-a-kind ring builder where clients can freely design their own rings. The entrepreneur also revealed that the website would soon be equipped with a 24/7 chat and support system to provide clients with the guidance and expertise they need while they are customizing their designs. 

With his many efforts to continually revolutionize the jewelry industry, along with his rapidly growing social media following, Michael Arthur received the 2021 Most Innovative Jeweler of the Year by APAC Business Awards and also the 25th out of the top 50 smart companies in Australia. 

Asked who inspires him to continually find ways to provide new customer experiences, Michael Arthur proudly named an entrepreneur whose story drives him to be the best in his industry. “I always have many entrepreneurs that have inspired me, but one that stands out to me is Grant Achatz, owner of one of the greatest restaurants in the world—Alinea. He is always evolving and coming up with new ideas,” he shared.

The art of jewelry making has existed for centuries. Today, Michael Arthur is taking the practice a step further into the digital age through his innovative and interactive website. Without a doubt, the entrepreneur and Michael Arthur Diamonds will stand whatever challenge it may face in the future because of the CEO’s positive outlook towards change and innovation. Soon, his pieces would not only be known in Australia but across the globe.

Rozy Yan: A Purpose-Driven Artist Set to Spread Awareness About Her Country’s Cultural Roots and Dark History through her new song “Remember 1915”

Beyond serving as an accompaniment to one’s darkest days, music’s value is immeasurable. It is not only a form of self-expression but is also an effective medium that people can wield to provoke thought, inspire action, build connections, and foster solidarity. Fully cognizant of the impact of music is up-and-coming artist Rozy Yan whose passion for the craft rests on a passion-driven purpose that is larger than life.

Rozy Yan is an emerging artist from Armenia who is widely recognized not only for her soulful voice but also for her distinctive artistry and impressive discography. Since the inception of her promising career, Rozy Yan has always had an incredible affinity towards beats, rhythm, and music. She would often create music that spoke volumes of her unparalleled talents and deep-seated love for the craft.

However, Rozy is unlike any other ordinary artist. While others highlight their craft as a medium for self-expression, this multifaceted artist focuses on music’s ability to send powerful messages across the world. As someone who is passionate about her country, this Armenian native aims to shed some light through her empowering tracks.

Born in Armenia, Rozy Yan has been a witness to the beauty of her country. Her father is a born Armenian. At age 9, Rozy Yan migrated to Pasadena, California, with her family. Since the time her mother migrated from Greece, the rising artist has seen Armenia come to life, enabling it to remain close to her heart. But underneath the affluence of Armenian culture lies a history that many natives find perplexing and disturbing. “The Armenian Genocide must be recognized and accepted,” shared Rozy. “Innocent lives were taken, and our culture was left to rot. I want the world to know that Armenians will continue to create light amid the darkness,” she added.

Through her conscious and diligent efforts, Rozy Yan is making significant strides through the power of her songs. “I have a story to share with the world,” shared Rozy Yan. “Thus, my next project will be about who I am and where I am from,” she added.

This April 24, 2022, Rozy Yan invites every Armenian and empath to a solidarity march that will be held on Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. “The purpose of the march is to remember all the Armenians who were killed during the Armenian Genocide,” shared the artist. Her upcoming song will be played during the event. “It will touch everyone’s hearts,” Rozy said. 

From a seed containing a passion for sharing the truth about her country, Rozy Yan has now evolved into an emerging artist committed to the mission of standing as a beacon of hope for Armenians across the world. In the coming years, she plans to impact more lives and catalyze change one track at a time. You can listen to her new song “Remember 1915” on Apple Music.

To learn more about Rozy Yan, check out her Website, subscribe to her YouTube Page and follow her on Instagram. 

Ibrahim Issaoui and Group Socimex: Improving the Daily Lives of Congolese

Ibrahim Issaoui is the founder and CEO of Socimex Group, a multinational corporation operating in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Issaoui founded Socimex and its sister companies in the Group in 1998 and considers Congo his second home. As such, he has built his businesses to respond to the key needs and services of the country and has devoted the Group to helping to build a better future for the Congolese people.

“The economic and social development of our country, the DRC, requires the combination of several integrated initiatives and projects, including developing road and energy infrastructure in order to connect the centers of production with the centers of consumption,” Issaoui told L’Essential Magazine in 2021.

Ibrahim Issaoui also emphasized on the importance of “reforming the Congolese educational system to include training of many more skilled workers and technicians; and, finally, focusing on a progressive agricultural policy with the objective of food self-sufficiency by 2025,” in his interview with the magazine.

Socimex Group takes its name from its foundational business – Socimex, the Group’s original company. Socimex, an import-export trading company, began with the goal of providing Congolese with food staples, including rice, iodized salt, preserved and frozen goods, among many others. Socimex has expanded to several outlets around the country.

The Group’s Congo Oil business seeks to transform the country’s traditional production of vegetable palm oil into modern, industrial production. As its ultimate goal, Congo Oil seeks self-sufficiency in products derived from vegetable palm oil in the DRC.

Businesses need top-tier logistics, and Socitrans, the logistics business of the Group, provides long-chassis service between the port city of Matadi, the City Province of Kinshasa and Bandundu. Socitrans, founded in 2004, boasts a capacity that has enabled it to participate in solving the logistics riddle of a country the size of a continent.

Central Motors, founded in 2007, is the DRC’s exclusive distributor of Hyundai, Mazda, Ashok Leyland and New Holland brands to Congolese consumers. Aligning with the Group’s overarching vision to improve the lives of Congolese, Central Motors aspires to build a Hyundai assembly plant, providing jobs and economic opportunity to the country’s citizens.

Group Socimex is committed to bringing sustainable infrastructure to Congolese. To that end, the Group’s Safrimex construction and engineering company builds highways, commercial and residential buildings, among its other projects. However, Safrimex’s mission is bigger than bricks and mortar, the company says: “We don’t lay roads; we connect cities. We don’t build bridges; we connect communities. We don’t fix hospitals; we help improve the quality of life.” Safrimex was founded in 2001.

Rounding out the Group is Sonades, an electricity and green energy company created to help contribute to the electrification of the country. Established in 2005, Sonades is not only committed to powering the country, but to democratizing the use of renewable energy, making certain that all Congolese can participate in the Green Energy revolution.

Group Socimex is constantly looking to expand to better meet the needs of the Congolese people. In the L’Essential interview, Issaoui said the Group is exploring opportunities in agriculture, livestock and the development of lake and river transportation.

Q-and-A with Ibrahim Issaoui

Q: What are your thoughts about Africa’s potential overall?

A: For the past two decades, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have experienced impressive and sustained economic growth and development. Child mortality has dropped in most countries, and fertility rates have significantly lowered for educated women living in urban areas; smaller families lead to more resources for children and healthier outcomes, aiding development. In fact, as per the World Bank, the population in Africa is rapidly expanding, and the continent will hold an estimated 2.8 billion people by 2060, half of whom will be under 25 years old by then. I believe, with the right policies and actions, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa — and more specifically, the DRC, one of the biggest Sub-Saharan powerhouses — will reap a tremendous demographic dividend from this growth.

Q: What do you see as the DRC’s potential going forward?

A: With a surface area equivalent to Western Europe, the DRC is the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa. The country has immense potential as it is endowed with exceptional natural resources, hydropower potential and immense arable land.

It is true that the pandemic has had a significant negative impact on growth figures, especially with supply chain bottlenecks and commodities price spikes. However, if we take a step back and look at the big picture, I am confident that the growth elements in the DRC will emerge once again to propel an economic takeoff.