Adria Dunn: Looking To Change The World By Uniting World Leaders To Share A Message of Hope

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

Adria L. Dunn is an entrepreneur, world traveler, and philanthropist. Adria grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and moved to Chicago to Study Journalism at Columbia College. The years that followed were a whirlwind. Immediately following her graduation, she landed a job as a commodity broker for the Chicago Board of Trade. She would continue a career in finance spanning fifteen years, including many years working in private banking in Asia and the United States.  

During her years living and working in Asia Adria became extremely interested in philanthropy. She volunteered and put together events to raise funds for various philanthropic causes. In fact, her mantra for life and business is to “give back”. She often talks about the “dharma chakra”- the wheel of dharma.” The idea is that you can either spin your wheel forward by giving or backward by taking. When the wheel spins forward, water flows back to you. When you spin the wheel backwards, you push the water away. Whether she was working in private banking, raising funds for charity or developing connections with individuals around the globe, she always operated with the mindset of what we give we will receive a hundredfold and that it is extremely important to have an abundance mindset as opposed to a scarcity mindset. “There is plenty for everyone, just as plants in the forest share sunlight, earth and water.” 

While returning from a business trip, shortly before the pandemic started, Adria randomly connected 80 leaders she knew in a single whatsapp chat on her phone. The idea may sound mad but this small decision became a ripple effect which led to her now business, The Vine Global Impact, which has since saved lives, raised millions for charity and even changed laws in countries. Her network has grown to 600+ family offices from more than 60 countries who discuss social impact and find ways to make the world a better place every day. 

“The global pandemic in 2020 was the first time in history that everyone living on Earth was affected. Life was halted, business was changed, and the entire world was forced to come together.” 

In the middle of this, Dunn saw a beautiful opportunity to serve those who needed it the most. She also realized that even in the middle of great change and tragedy, “every human can find hope.“ Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to find. It is far too easy to get caught up in the conflict and chaos that is constantly portrayed on social media and the news. But if traveling and doing business around the world taught her anything, it taught her that there are good people all around the world. Adria has spent the last few years gathering letters from individuals all over the globe that are looking to share a message of unity and hope. These letters consist of stories and messages of hope from world leaders, businesspeople, students, and others from around the world. Her upcoming book is called “The Vine: Messages of Hope from Around The World” and includes letters from the Dalai Lama, Dr. Jane Goodall, Didi Wong, Djimon Hounsou and many others.

While she hopes that many will be inspired by the stories in this book, her main goal is to build bridges of unity and trust between human beings. 

Adria L. Dunn has partnered with Authors Unite to publish her book “The Vine.” Authors Unite is a full service publishing company that looks to help authors inspire their readers to make a difference in the world around them.

 

 

A PLACE TO GET YOURSELF TATTOOED

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

First Class Tattoos is a shop of self-indulgence. Here artists from across the globe are found to render creativity and are artistically imbued to cater to various styles and techniques as demanded by the clients.

ABOUT THE ARTIST AT FIRST-CLASS TATTOOS

The immensely talented artists are adept in various styles from Black and Grey or Colour Realism to Fine lines, Neo-Traditional and everything that comes in between. The artists work not only to impart a ravishing look for the time being but they endeavour to make their work last long for many years. 

The artists at First Class Tattoos are incredibly skilled, they focus on details and work meticulously. Some artists are competent and desire to execute black and grey styles while some perform stunning colour works. On the other hand, an artist like Abigail loves to work on Anime and aims to work on bigger projects. Her speciality lies in Manga, Japanese, horror, and Floral. First Class Tattoos employ various guest artists as well who are unique in their ways and style.

MIKHAIL ANDERSON, THE OWNER OF THE FIRST-CLASS TATTOOS

The owner of First Class Tattoo is Mikhail Anderson. Mikhail pursued a graphic design course in college and had a knack for painting in watercolour and also using pencil and charcoal. 

Anderson began tattooing in Moscow, back in the year 2008. He quickly became busy and started tattooing on a full-time basis. In the year 2011, he shifted to Miami, where he tattooed at a few different shops and then moved to New York. 

While working at various parlours in Miami, he realized that he wanted to do something of his own and he was all set to do so. It was then that the idea of First Class Tattoos was born. 

Mikhail wanted to live freely anywhere in the world. This desire has been his inspiration for tattooing. By becoming a tattoo artist, he could retain that freedom and this profession has introduced him to many kinds of people, many clients and artists.

According to him, tattooing and painting are not the same. Painting can be done on a square sheet of paper, but tattooing requires a body part, which has different dynamics. 

When Mikhail was asked about his creative process while dealing with any client, he said that he prefers to meet in person to know the client better, what the client wants and what techniques should be used. He also takes snaps of the place where the person wants to get a tattoo. He wants to explore creativity and seeks freedom to work creatively.

MIKHAIL ANDERSON’S MAGIC CAN NOT BE RESISTED

Mikhail, very efficiently, can transform an arm into a canvas where he can exhibit his creativity. Being the owner of First Class Tattoos, he expresses his creativity at his best and has become the most demanded tattoo artist across the globe. 

Initially, when he began he aimed to do stars and galaxies which were distinct in their way. 

Now, he is getting inclined toward organic, natural things like animals and flowers. He also experiments by adding shapes, geometry or putting colours in some areas.

In the last six years, the tattoo industry has outgrown itself and is spreading like viruses. People are travelling all over the world to find the right tattoo and ink it for themselves.

Find us on: https://www.firstclasstattoos.com/

Brand Sharks Is The #1 Book For Young Entrepreneurs Looking To Grow Their Brands 

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

A great book can be hard to come by, as most are filled with scattered thoughts, an underlying motive the author clearly wants to push or a tone that eventually loses you. However, when great books are discovered, they must be shared. 

Brand Sharks, written by Ruben Alvarez and contributing Authors, such as Brandy Conner, Jordan Mendoza, Timo Juptner and many others is a collective of stories and strategies that are helping people, especially young entrepreneurs find their brand voice and share it with the world. As a business owner, it is well known that starting a company or trying to brand yourself is difficult when no one knows you.

In the first chapter, Ruben Alvarez clearly defines what it will take. “Eat or Be Eaten, he writes. It is an aggressive marketplace. It is and always will be. Those who believe competition will no doubt be the first ones taken out. The point is to not compete. To be so creative and an out of the box thinker that it forces a new section for only you. How can a client make the decision to go with you? When you are the only choice, right? Then you can charge whatever you want, because there is nothing to compare you with. That is the ideal brand. That is what everyone needs to strive for and what this book is about.”

How does this apply to a younger entrepreneur? Someone who is just starting a business and can’t seem to get clients to look their way? 

“Young entrepreneurs are told to hustle, but that only takes you so far. That means you are viewed as someone who needs money and those are not people or businesses we want to exchange money with. We want to work with businesses we see as the best. Best producing, best results and best quality. As consumers and clients, we are more concerned with quality of work, than we are with money,” Ruben adds. 

He continues “The younger generation doesn’t seem to understand that business is Branding. Whether you implement Branding tactics or not, you are being branded. As the lower cost option, as the beggar of the industry, or as the pest who won’t leave people alone. What if instead you were known as a shark? As a quality provider or as the best option? Would more people choose to work with you? Would they pay more for it? Choose branding, it pays the best. We have people such as Grant Cardone, Alex Hormozi and Gary Vee who all agree. Branding is a killer strategy to follow to long term success.”

For young businessmen and businesswoman looking for the answer to the question: What does it take to get to the top of any industry? You will find it in the book. 

Tim Storey has acclaimed the following about the book: “There is no doubt about it success leaves clues. In Ruben’s new book, he shows us the way to a more magical life through the amazing stories and proven strategies. I am a fan of Ruben and a fan of his book.”To get your copy of Brand Sharks, head over to Amazon.com.

HOW HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD POLLARD IS FINDING SUCCESS AS A CENTRIST

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

When you look up the word “centrist,” a definition you may find may say, “a person who has moderate political views.” When you look up the word “moderate,” you may find the definition, “avoiding extremes, being reasonable.” Other synonyms for centrist are “middle-of-the-road,” “non-radical,” “equitable,” and “nonpartisan.” However, if you were to think about adjectives to describe the state of politics today, none of these words would apply. So how is it that a Houston City Council Member has been able to find success as a centrist?

Edward Pollard, 37, is a lawyer and founder of the nonprofit, Suits for Success, who is also making a name for himself as a centrist elected official in Houston, Texas, the nation’s fourth largest city. The city council position he holds is actually voted on through a nonpartisan ballot, meaning candidates do not have to designate if they are a Democrat or Republican, although many still try to make the race partisan during their campaigns. Since the American system of government is basically operated by a major two-party system, people naturally have gravitated to one side or the other, making the determination of which side you choose to be on a deciding factor on if they will support you or not. This two-party system has created a “them vs. us,” “me vs. you” mentality that seems to do nothing but divide.

Council Member Pollard is defying the odds by refusing to be boxed in on one side or the other. He makes it a point to not be predisposed to any issue, but rather waits to listen to each side and each perspective before deciding which side he supports. He can be seen routinely in the evenings going to a meeting for Democrats, then leaving and going to a meeting for Republicans. What started with many people in both political parties being skeptical about his approach, over time they have begun to truly appreciate his willingness to listen and be engaged regardless of the policy being discussed. He has seen this willingness to be independent with his thought as the foundation of developing many beneficial relationships with people of all walks of life who have a varied political ideology. 

Pollard prides himself as being a leader in what he calls “the new wave” of politics striving to get more people closer to the middle in an attempt for real progress. With just one glimpse at his social media pages you can see that Pollard stays active within his community and pushes initiatives that transcend partisan politics and solely focuses on people, regardless of who they are or what they believe. When discussing the issues that are most important to his constituents, he often says, “Those potholes could care less if you are a Democrat or Republican. No matter if you are a D or R, you want your trash picked up on time, your parks clean, your streets drivable, your community safe, and your tax dollars spent wisely.” 

With such a positive attitude and a passion to serve all people, it is not hard to understand why there is a buzz in Houston about Pollard one day being elected to higher office. If he continues to win people over with his centrist approach, he may be able to show others how to succeed politically with bipartisan support and begin to move people closer together for the benefit of us all.

Do You Have Diabetes? Prevent Kidney Disease With a Low-Sodium Diet

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

The kidneys have an essential job in the human body. Controlling electrolyte levels and producing hormones are just some of their roles in harmony with other bodily systems to keep a person alive. This is why a disease affecting the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), can be a devastating blow to a person’s overall health.

The leading cause of CKD in type 2 diabetes. Obesity significantly contributes to diabetes and hypertension and therefore is another indication of CKD risk. According to the CDC, approximately 15% of U.S. adults have CKD, and many of them might not even know they have it. The disease is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function, taking anywhere from months to years. Without treatment, serious complications can arise, from heart disease to death. There is no cure for CKD once it’s been diagnosed. It is, however, preventable.

This is precisely why Dr. Blake Shusterman, an ambassador of the American Kidney Fund, is bringing more awareness to CKD. Also known as The Cooking Doc, Dr. Blake has combined his expertise in nephrology with his love of food to educate patients on the importance of diet and how it affects kidney health.

The Root Cause of CKD

A person with diabetes has damage to their blood vessels, including those coming in and out of the kidneys. This vascular damage impairs the kidney’s ability to filter the blood. If a person with diabetes neglects to manage their condition by keeping their blood glucose levels in the target range, they increase their risk of kidney damage. This can eventually lead to developing CKD.

The risk of CKD increases if the person with diabetes also smokes, doesn’t exercise, or has a family history of renal problems. A person’s family history can’t be changed regarding diseases. However, changing the habits under their control can make a difference when it comes to lowering the personal risk of developing kidney problems. Along with taking prescribed medications and exercising, controlling one’s diet is one of the simplest ways to mitigate that risk.

The first step is to eliminate foods high in sodium, such as processed deli meats, pickles, and packaged snacks. A diet low in added sugar can also help by reducing insulin spikes and subsequent stress to damaged kidneys. The key is to delay any damage as much as possible before the condition sets in. Typically, it requires a complete lifestyle change, avoiding most foods that many Americans would see as comforting or fun, like ice cream, cookies, and pizza. Knowing this, many people assume that they must give up their favorite foods to save their kidneys. Dr. Blake disagrees.

Cooking for Kidney Health

It’s still possible to enjoy delicious food and manage your diabetes simultaneously. Cooking provides the ultimate control over the sodium content that ends up in one’s body. This isn’t possible with takeout, prepackaged, or frozen meals. These meals may taste objectively better, but it’s usually thanks to high levels of sodium and fat.

Canned vegetables, condiments, and plain bread contain high amounts of sodium that the average person may not be aware of. Excess sodium can also be found in unexpected places. For this reason, Dr. Blake emphasizes exploring cooking as a solution rather than just eating for kidney health. 

In partnership with the American Kidney Fund, Dr. Blake is helping to promote their “Kidney Kitchen” initiative by sharing his low-sodium recipes. These beginner-friendly recipes depend on creative substitutions using natural, fresh ingredients rather than salt for flavor. With tweaked classics like deviled eggs and Creole chicken burgers, the resource allows people to cook guilt-free food they can enjoy.

“To my family, food is not only sacred but downright fun,” Dr. Blake says when describing the source of his inspiration. As a practicing nephrologist, he has personally witnessed the knowledge gap regarding self-manage diabetes. Many of his patients are passionate about food but are unsure how to approach the much-needed diet change. Coming from a food-loving family, he can certainly empathize.

Given this, he promises not to tell you what to give up for the sake of your kidneys. Instead, he aims to help people understand that a low-sodium diet can still be flavorful and delicious. His book “Kidney-Healthy Cooking” outlines the basics of a healthy diet from the ground up, complete with over 50 easy recipes for renal health. With the knowledge placed in the patient’s hands, they become more empowered to make healthier choices.

When it comes to health, prevention is the best medicine, and it all starts with a clean diet. Learn more about The Cooking Doc and the AKF Foundation through their website.

Why John Brusseau AKA “CRVNTIS” With his Single “FIND YOU” Is The Next Big Thing In the Music Industry

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

We keep on hearing stories of successful people day in and day out. If you look at these stories, you will find too many talents and their efforts behind them. However, among all these people, there are some rare gems across different industries that seem to make news in the media. Music is one of the domains that have given some of the best people to this industry. All thanks to their commitment, dedication, and passion, they are known to have a different level of vibe, tenacity, and zealousness, which have been the part and parcel of their work. 

The music industry is among the few industries to have produced some excellent talent. But the success stories of music icons like John Brusseau AKA “CRVNTIS” instantly connect with people because they instil hope, positivity, and inspiration among the aspiring music professionals and producers who wish to lead this industry.  

After dealing with a sudden loss of his best friend, We thank John for talking about this latest track – 

  1. Briefly explain your music endeavours

John – My very first show was a small bar located here in Manchester where I’m currently located. I had just released my first EP on “Playing With Monsters” and that booking acted as a release and performance debut. Eight years later I’ve truly grown as an artist emotionally and mentally which I put into the music I produce. I am able to provide unique experiences for my fans with my live shows and I hope to continue to grow as an artist.

  1. I was told, your song that you last released “FIND YOU” has a story      attached to it, could you explain this further?   

John – I put a lot of emotional meaning behind my latest release “Find You” that came out on Rail breakers this past February. Unfortunately, I lost my best friend, Alexandra Puntin Pillsbury, on December 23rd, 2021 to a rare genetic cancer. She was not only an incredible friend, but huge supporter when it came to my music career. I wanted to commemorate our friendship which resulted in my latest track, Find You. I wanted to honour Alex by donating 100% of my royalties to Dana Faber, a cancer research centre located in the United States.

  1. What are your future plans for live shows etc?

John –  As far as future shows are concerned I certainly plan on filling up my booking schedule over the next few months into festival season. I have a few announced shows across New England along with a performance scheduled in Los Angeles. My main focus, however, is to continue working on production and finishing up my release schedule that involves multiple labels and collaborators. The electronic music industry gets pretty hectic around the fall booking wise, so I’m trying to get as much music finished beforehand.

  1. What can you tell us about your future releases, do they also have a story attached to it?

John – I can’t say too much regarding future releases when it comes to the track titles and labels. However, I can tell you that the next couple of months will be a musical representation of my journey as an artist. From my roots to where I am now experiencing love, loss, joy, and all the dips and bends in-between. Years of sitting in the studio will be coming to a climax in terms of my journey as an electronic music artist.

Currently represented by ace management: “GRIDLOCK MANAGEMENT”, John is sure to shake up the music industry for the better. 

To contact John – (His Manager) – Kevin Tartaglio – girdlockmgmt.com – 207-518-3159

Andrew Sallee and Finding Success in the Real Estate World through Hard Work and Resilience

NY Weekly Staff on April 28, 2022

Real estate has provided opportunities for many business-savvy people. Astute real estate professional and entrepreneur Andrew Sallee has shown a different approach toward real estate investment, which has made him an entrepreneur worthy of emulation.

The Rock Island, Illinois-born entrepreneur, started his career in sales, where he spent a decade. He launched his own siding and roofing business and then built his real estate portfolios to more than $75 million in worth. Andrew Sallee credits his daily strength and drive to his strong faith in God and prayers, self-improvement and physical fitness. He’s a firm believer in self-improvement and has made it a ritual to do something that improves him every day.

Since his foray into the real estate industry, Andrew Sallee has made it his day job and focused solely on building his reputation as a real estate professional and investor. He learned directly from a host of mentors and teachers who inspire him daily to go for greatness, such as Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, Grant Cardone, Mark Evans, Tim Bratz, and others. He also spends time attending 9 to 12 conferences and seminars during the year to update his knowledge, strategies and skills.

Andrew Sallee sees real estate as an opportunity to not only make an income but also invest directly in his community and make an impact through his philanthropic efforts. He’s the founder of the charitable foundation, Andy’s Kids, while he supports other organizations like Big Brother, Big Sister in Davenport, The Davenport YMCA and Habitat for Humanity, amongst others. Thus, he draws inspiration from what he’s able to achieve through his real estate success, and that pushes him to put in work every day.

Coming from a background where he had nothing and having to work extra hard to get all that he has today are the major highlights of Andrew’s story. “I don’t have a degree from a fancy school, didn’t grow up with a ton of money, and don’t take partners on for deals. Everything I’ve earned has been built from what I’ve been able to earn beginning with my sales career, then my company, and most recently all through my investments,” he revealed.

With 20 years of consistent hard work and running his real estate business his own way by partnering with banks for financing, Andrew Sallee has established himself as a bankable entrepreneur. His portfolio has attained a sustainable level, and in the last 18 months, he has added tens of millions of dollars to his worth. “My passion, drive, resilience and ability to pivot have brought me this far. I never give up, I never settle for less, and I never want the status quo,” he said.

His focus is on growing his portfolio aggressively and hitting a billion dollars with his real estate portfolio for the next few years. He also plans to continue improving his methods of operation by focusing on what he’s good at, evaluating only good deals and growing his team to make sure those deals push through and remain profitable. As a big proponent of investing in oneself, he advises upcoming entrepreneurs never to stop investing in themselves. “You are your most important and valuable asset. So, treat yourself that way every day. And according to Napoleon Hill, there is a difference between WISHING for a thing and being READY to receive it. No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it. The state of mind must be BELIEF, not mere hope or wish. Open-mindedness is essential for belief,” Andrew said.

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