Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra Remember Kobe Bryant in Interview with Reporter Rick Montanez

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

The whole world was shocked when news of Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s untimely death hit the internet. The unfortunate incident not only took the life of Kobe Bryant but also cut short the lives of eight other people, including Bryant’s daughter Gianna. Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra are three best friends and Kobe Bryant superfans, and they were spending time together when they found out about the tragic accident. They were also among the last people who were allowed to visit the Kobe Bryant memorial site at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. After noticing the friend group’s deep connection to Bryant, NBC LA Channel 4 news reporter Rick Montanez asked to interview them and to share their story with the world.

Friends Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra grew up in families passionate about basketball and avid supporters of the Lakers. The three friends grew up watching Kobe Bryant play and saw him grow from a rookie in the NBA to one of the biggest basketball legends. “I still remember the final game he played at the Staples Center against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016,” Akeem Mair said, “He dropped sixty points in that game! And it was a beautiful end to his professional gaming career. When he gave his final words of ‘Mamba out,’ it genuinely echoed throughout the world.”

Akeem Mair can still perfectly recall the moment he discovered his idol’s accident. “Wesley and I were at Rudy’s apartment in Huntington Beach. TMZ broke the news, and as we were scrambling and trying to check our phones, Rudy saw the article first and showed it to us,” Akeem shared, “At first, I could not believe it. I thought he was joking around. But it was true, and I was gutted. It felt like we had lost a loved one. News of Kobe’s death hit us even harder after we learned that his daughter Gianna was also a victim of the crash.”

Like many around the United States and worldwide, Akeem Mair wanted to pay tribute to the late basketball superstar. The Staples Center in Los Angeles was one of the many memorial sites that popped up following Byrant’s death. “I convinced Wesely and Rudy that we should go to the Staples Center and pay our respects. So we went on the last day,” Akeem explained. Upon getting there, they were incredibly moved by the outpour of love and support for Kobe and all the crash victims. Kobe fans have gathered en masse to grieve the loss of a legend and superstar. “There were so many people,” Akeem recalled, “People were wearing Kobe’s jersey. They had flowers, balloons, basketballs, photos, shoes and other memorabilia. Everyone was just there to honor him and his memory.”

Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra must have stood out from the hundreds of people at the memorial at the Staples Center. After the three wrote their dedications to Kobe on the massive white walls, they were approached by Rick Montanez, a reporter from NBC LA Channel 4, back in 2020. “He interviewed each of us, asking us how we were feeling and what our thoughts and sentiments were,” Akeem said. The three friends wasted no time letting Rick Montanez know how important Kobe Bryant was to their lives. 

“I remember saying that I was glad I came to the memorial, Rudy Becerra said, “I thought it was important that the people of LA and all Kobe fans were allowed to grieve.” On the other hand, Wesley chose to focus on the impact Kobe Bryant had on his fans. “He was so loved,” Wesley said, “His professionalism, skills, and kindness will live forever.” Akeem Mair talked to Rick Montanez about Kobe’s impact on his life, saying, “I want Vanessa Bryant to know that her husband touched so many hearts. I may not know him personally, but he is my hero.”

Akeem Mair is an actor who has appeared in several television series, short films, and web series. He chooses to honor Kobe Bryant by practicing the Mamba Mentality as he grows his acting career. 

You can find out more about Akeem Mair by checking him out on his website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, 

Dr. Anna Steve on Carving her Path as a Renowned Cosmetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgeon

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

The accomplished plastic surgeon shares her passion-driven journey as a working mom and one of the most sought-after cosmetic breast specialists in New York City.

As the newest addition to the famous Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York, Dr. Anna Steve is a powerhouse of beauty, brains, elegance and flair who has elevated breast surgery to a new level. She focuses on restoring femininity with natural and elegant aesthetics using the latest innovative technologies and techniques. Hailing from a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr. Steve had big dreams from a young age and knew she was destined to create a legacy as a plastic surgeon.

After years of training in Calgary, Alberta, she took another subspecialty training at NYU and fell in love with the allure and charm of New York City. Armed with incredible talent and mastery, Dr. Steve earned a prestigious spot to work alongside two outstanding colleagues, Dr. Neinstein and Dr. Funderburk, specializing in “mommy makeovers” and body sculpting. This team of remarkable professionals made waves that captivated thousands of patients worldwide, with many flying across the country to seek their expertise in plastic surgery.

While her stellar career flourishes in the medical field, Dr. Steve remains grounded as a loving wife and mother to two toddlers. Earlier in her career, juggling different roles wasn’t an easy feat, but she used her determination and grit to overcome challenges in life. She partners with ZavoMedia PR Group, a PR agency of expert storytellers, to amplify her message of inspiration. Recently, Dr. Steve appeared in an interview with PR mogul Liana Zavo in the podcast called What Makes a Woman and shared her narrative as an empowered woman who believes in hard work and determination to reach greater heights.

Thank you for joining the What Makes a Woman podcast! As a guest speaker, what is your advice to aspiring women plastic surgeons who want to follow in your footsteps?

It simply begins at home. Having a stable and supportive family is crucial because that’s the team that supports you. Being female, specifically in medicine, is unique and challenging. If you’re a woman and want to have children, you need to have some time off work. It is vital to figure out the timing and when it has the least impact on your career. If you want to succeed, you should have massive support at home. 

What makes you stand out in this competitive industry?

I can connect with patients at a life stage similar to mine. Working moms like me don’t have plenty of downtimes, so I focus on rapid recovery and finding the quickest and safest way to return to work.

Being a doctor and a mom of two has helped me understand my patient population. Most of my patients are one of three types: the women who have had pregnancy but were unhappy with the changes in their body, women who are not yet pregnant but considering becoming pregnant in a few years, and lastly, young women who aren’t even thinking about kids at all. I’ve gone through all those three transitions and life stages within the past five years. That allows me to connect easily with those patients and understand their life circumstances. 

Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating growth opportunities. What should businesses focus on in 2022?

Businesses need to focus on their foundation; think about what defines them at their core. At Neinstein Plastic Surgery, we focus our efforts on our “Look good. Feel good.” mentality. We aim to make a stressful experience like surgery an enjoyable one. Plastic surgery doesn’t start and end in the operating room. The pre-operative planning and post-operative care matter significantly. We excel in providing unparalleled patient care every step of the way. 

That’s amazing! What does success in 2022 mean to you?

Success is about working with patients to achieve their aesthetic goals and meeting the mark every time. Surgery is never about persuading; the relationship between the doctor and the patient should be established on trust from beginning to end. That is why I dedicate my time to working with a group of brilliant-minded professionals to ensure that the patient’s needs are met. The bottom line we want for our patients is simple: look good and feel good with elegant breast surgery.

Dr. Steve is the epitome of confidence, empowerment and charm, making her a source of inspiration for aspiring women who wish to emulate her success story. “You can have it all; you just have to put your mind to it,” she remarks. She continues to pursue her passion-driven journey to help patients look good and feel good by constantly innovating her techniques and knowledge in breast surgery.

Dr. Risa Ryger Strengthens Women’s Emotional Wellness Through Proven and Ground-breaking Psychological Strategies

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

Women seek contentment, joy, esteem, and personal and professional success, but at the same time, they may also feel that their lives are being pulled in too many different directions, unable to strike a balance. Like everyone else, they may feel trapped, guilty, and disappointed if limited by things hindering them from doing what they want. 

Dr. Risa Ryger heard these sentiments. In response, she has built on decades of her expertise in consulting and private practice to create the ground-breaking Disruptive Self-Ownership Process. Her message is clear: everyone is capable of change, and it can take place at any point in their lives.

Dr. Risa has developed a distinctive strategy in her mission to lift up the morale of women and many other individuals. She starts out with an integrative strategy that outlines the steps for personal and professional success by helping individuals build a solid foundation of self-love, self-confidence, and self-esteem. 

For over thirty  years, Dr. Risa has been encouraging and supporting women to stop leaving parts of themselves behind and  step boldly into their lives. Every woman has the potential to have an impact on the people in her life, and Dr. Risa assists them through the experience by leveraging their aspirations and motivation to transform them into action.

Dr. Risa has dedicated herself to giving her patients and clients the best support possible since the beginning of her career. She has received training in multiple treatment modalities, mindfulness, attachment theory, biology, psychology, and neuroscience. She uses an integrative strategy and all of her knowledge to contribute to their  positive change.

Furthermore, the well-rounded expert has a wealth of experience working with women, families, EXPATs, business leaders, and executives. She has also worked with businesses and organizations that are interested in providing programs that are centered on the welfare of their teams. As an expert in change, she has a wealth of experience  helping EXPAT families adjust to their new lives and succeed. 

Dr. Risa received her Master of Science, Master of Philosophy, and Doctorate degrees from Columbia University. She currently works as a clinical psychologist, an international speaker, the founder and CEO of 93% Consulting, and the creator of The Disruptive Self-Ownership Process. Her goal is to empower women at all stages to gain the rock-solid confidence and

Self-trust they need to take that bold step forward and declare, “bring it” by embracing the Self-OwnershipTM revolution. 

As the founder and principal of 93% Consulting, a leadership and coaching company

that works with organizations, teams, and people, Dr. Risa finds and closes the gaps that keep leaders from giving their best efforts. In addition, she assists in establishing and fostering a company culture and coordinating it with operational realities. She also helps her clients develop self-management skills, intentional and purposeful leadership, and performance optimization.

Dr. Risa Ryger enjoys taking family vacations with her husband and two daughters and is a firm believer in the profound benefits of exposure to diverse cultures and societies.

On a personal note, Dr. Risa is very much excited to travel to Dubai for the first time this year.

How to Create a Website for Your Small Business

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

A website can be a very effective sales and promotion tool if used correctly. What’s more, visually appealing ones are getting easier to create. A website can attract potential buyers and engage visitors. This guide explains the process.

Your Name

What’s in a name, Shakespeare asked rhetorically. A rose by any other name…but this humble writer begs to differ. The choice of a domain name for your website is a critical factor in your success or lack thereof.

The domain name, which is the URL ending in .com, .net, etc., should match your business or professional name. This helps keep your branding consistent and impacts your search ranking.

The name can make all the difference. If you choose it properly, it will increase your potential customer pool.

To come up with the best name possible:

  • Have a brainstorming session among stakeholders or friends and family to generate interesting ideas.
  • Make sure you use relevant keywords and that the name is easy to remember.
  • Keep it short and avoid cluttering symbols like hyphens, numbers, acronyms, and abbreviations.
  • Check to see if your name of choice isn’t already taken. It’s best to use the .com ending.

You’re likely to be on a budget if you have a small business and it can be expensive to purchase a domain. If your name ending in .com is taken, you could go with the same one with a different extension as long as you don’t want your site to be confused with that particular one. If you get stuck, you can always use a free domain name generator.

The Details Around Signing Up: Hosting and More

It costs around $20 a year to register a domain. Keep in mind your choice of a web hosting platform is just as crucial as that of your name, and the two are not the same. Many web hosting services offer service packages that include hosting, web design, and domain registration. If you’re tech-savvy, you can design your own website and go for unmanaged hosting, which is cheaper than managed. If not, you’ll have more expenses, but the end product will probably be better.

If you don’t have coding or design experience, you’ll find Wix and WordPress to be decent all-in-one options. As you go about choosing a hosting provider, look for one that provides tech support, a free domain, or an SSL certificate. This last one is a major advantage because it keeps your connection secure and protects your visitors’ personal data. Both users and search engines look at SSL favorably.

The service packages mentioned usually have all of these features, but there’s never a guarantee. It’s wise to check before purchasing a hosting plan.

Consider Canva or another design program if your host doesn’t provide integration features.

Create Content

At the very least, you need a homepage, a page on your products or services, About Us, and a contact page. As the first thing, which visitors see, the homepage is the most important. It is the core of your online presence and should capture people’s attention and make what you offer clear.

Describe your products or services clearly and concisely, include calls to action, and use a font that’s easy to read.

Your About Us section should share the story of your platform or business. It should attract attention to your mission, values, and accomplishments. If you have a team, you can add some information about the members.

The contact page should contain basic details like your email, physical address, phone numbers, and social media.

Consider SEO

Don’t hesitate to leverage unique content to present yourself as a professional in your niche or sector. This could include podcasts, a blog, videos, etc. Such content has the added benefit of helping your SEO and increasing your visitors.

On the note of SEO, it’s important to use relevant keywords throughout your site. An SEO expert might be worth investing in because it’s hard to find the right balance between spammy content and text in which the keywords have been underused.

Another thing that improves search engine rankings is optimal website speed. Optimize images and enable browser caching to keep it as high as possible.

As more than 50% of all web traffic comes from mobile devices at this point, ensure your website is accessible on desktop and mobile.

Before You go Live

Before you hit “publish,” proofread your content for errors, remove broken links, get rid of filler content from your template, and test the website using more than one browser. Connect it to Google Analytics to monitor its performance.

The Road to Becoming a True Ally: Stina Aleah On Being an Outlet to the LGBTQ+ Community

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

The spirit of love and compassion adorns the walls of the Fieldhouse in Lakewood, OH as Stina Aleah takes part in West 117 Foundation’s new project. Stina, with her prowess and unique approach to art, is undoubtedly the perfect choice for an Art Mural program of this nature, committed to representing the LGBTQ+ community. She is the ideal candidate for an extraordinary project because Aleah has proved time and again that she is an extraordinary artist.

Stina has established herself in the art world as a fresh, poignant voice, who wants her art to be valuable to the humans around her. More than anything, She seeks to be a source of conscience for society. Her goal is to use her talents to make powerful statements, which are aimed at creating change and uplifting those who are subjected to effacement. 

As a proud LGBTQ+ ally, Stina felt that this approach allowed her to support marginalized communities and create meaningful conversation around pertinent issues. At Fieldhouse, she was delegated a space specifically designed for people from the LGBTQ+ community to fill with her signature murals and artworks. For her, every stroke of the brush represents the effort that she’s given to the cause. The facility will also provide a place for people to commune for leisure activities, especially sports. Stina has personally taken the responsibility to execute this by using her expertise in the field of visual arts. Ultimately, the objective is to make the space inclusive for everyone from the spectrum. 

The Murals have multiple layers, with human figures painted as silhouettes. The silhouettes can be seen dancing, playing and enjoying themselves. Some individuals within the group are painted black and white, adding contrast and making the first layer prominent. The idea behind the murals is for everyone to see themselves in there, doing the things that they want, unencumbered and free. This creates a sense of belonging and hope, and onlookers are encouraged by the idea that they are welcomed and embraced as they are. The paintings are in different colors of the LGBTQ+ flag, to represent every part of the community.

With her artistic sense and unique style, she has created awe-inspiring pieces for the LGBTQ+ youth of the city. They depict a perfect balance between diversity and harmony by bringing together people with different identities in one place. Those who feel secluded and discriminated against can find solace in her artwork, and use it as a source of courage to express and celebrate themselves. The use of vibrant colors coupled with youthful figures, captures a lot of movement and color, a perfect way to energize the youth and make them feel capable and connected. 

This project is undoubtedly one of Stina’s most memorable ventures till date. She has always used her art to express values she resonates with. With this meaningful new project, she brings with her a message of acceptance and solidarity  towards  the LGBTQ+ community. This gesture is the true reflection of her sincerity as an ally.

 

The Hop Bag, the 3-in-1 Bag that Promises to Be Everyone’s Everyday Companion

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

For decades, aesthetic factors, more than anything else, have primarily influenced product trends. From shoes to even gadgets, how they are packaged and what they look like have served as major selling points. While it is also critical for entrepreneurs and businesses to place a heavy premium on appearances, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the value that their products can bring to the table. The creators of The Hop Bag, a 3-in-1 modular bag, are highly cognizant of the importance of making sure that utility is not sacrificed when designing products. This awareness is reflected in the quality of their signature bag. 

A modular bag that can be turned into a laptop sleeve, laptop bag, and a soft suitcase, The Hop Bag is the brainchild of a Canada-based startup that came to life in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Its mission is simple: create a bag that does it all and then some. Led by a dedicated team of designers, the team behind the design and creation of the Hop Bag is committed to producing products that help streamline people’s travel and luggage needs. 

“We design products that are multi-utility, modular, and provide true solutions,” said the passion-fueled go-getters spearheading the efforts of The Hop Bag team. “We aim to do this while being committed to the environment and our customers.”

Using environment-friendly materials that are long-lasting and durable, the team has managed to come up with a standout product, one whose conceptualization was influenced by the inputs of over 1500 travelers who, through focus group discussions, surveys, and more, have shared what folks living life on the go need. The Hop Bag aims to solve the shared problem of lugging different pieces of luggage for quick work or leisure trips. It also aims to address a more than annoying feature in several other bags: the lack of pockets that can help people stay organized. 

Made with vegan leather, The Hop Bag is splash-proof and boasts high-quality padded straps, detachable units, insulated pockets for medicine, three separator zips, 2-way luggage pass-throughs, an umbrella and water bottle pouch, a cord pass-through, and soft handles. Currently, it is available in quilted black as well as in black and brown colors and can be carried in twelve ways. 

The number of features that The Hop Bag has is in response to the diverse needs of today’s travelers and hustlers. “Every individual traveler has a unique personality and travel style,” added the team. “Every feature of the bag was designed with that in mind.”

Apart from being durable and of multi-purpose, The Hop Bag was crafted to meet carry-on size limits. Its balanced ergonomic design also promises comfort for everyday users and travelers. 

The Hop Bag is available for orders now on Kickstarter, making a buzz within fashion enthusiast discussions. Its Kickstarter campaign, which began in September, was fully funded in just five days – a clear demonstration of the appeal of this must-have utility-rich item.

 

Renowned Realtor Carlos Antoine Puckerin Revolutionizes the Real Estate Industry with the Loaded Agent Program

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

The real estate industry is cut throat and ever-changing. Truth be told, not all real estate professionals are adept at navigating these volatile conditions. A real estate license doesn’t necessarily mean that a professional is filled with all of the real estate knowledge in the world, let alone is it any indication of their business acumen for solving real-life problems. Fortunately, revolutionary real estate professional Carlos Puckerin developed an all-encompassing program to help curb this problem once and for all. 

“Like any newly licensed excited Realtor, I sought after a broker that I thought would fit my style, but I quickly realized brokers and Realtors don’t know how to solve real problems in real life real estate situations,” passionately shared Carlos Puckerin. The irony is rich since most Realtors are taught about contracts, law, and mathematics but not how to serve the clients that need them the most. In fact, the people that truly need these real estate services are the ones who are the most underserved in the real estate business.

Carlos Puckerin is an exception to the rule. He doesn’t operate by normal Realtor standards. In fact, rather than trying to fit the mold, he acts on his own business instincts and serves his clients with ingenuity and heart. Carlos Puckerin focuses on the people that need to sell their property because of a foreclosure, divorce, death in the family, or other debilitating reasons. He’s not the kind of Realtor who waits for his uncle or some Facebook friend to become a client based on whether or not they will be buying or selling real estate in the next few years.

This approach has allowed Carlos Puckerin to stand above 90% of Realtors in the real estate industry, and he has crystallized his remarkable concepts through what he calls the Loaded Agent Program. He doesn’t just sell homes. He sells solutions and new beginnings. Carlos Puckerin has built a name for himself in the real estate industry and amassed massive success by genuinely helping his clients rather than screwing them over. 

On his very first deal as a licensed agent, he made $44,088.77 on a $164,000 house. His broker was in shock, but Carlos was not he was accustomed to using creative real estate strategies to solve problems. The strategy for this client was to do a net listing. A net listing is only legal in Texas and Florida, and for a good reason, these simple solutions falling into the wrong hands could have a man with less character taking advantage of people who had fallen upon bad luck. “This person only had one opportunity to get out of this very particular situation she was in, and I presented her with the best solution,” explained Carlos Puckerin.

The broker had no idea how helpful a net listing could be in very specific situations. They probably did some independent research and talked to many of their broker peers to arrive at the conclusion that a net listing would tarnish their brand. However, Carlos Puckerin remained unfazed. The firebrand Realtor has always been known for sticking to his guns as part of his brand, putting his clients in the best possible solution no matter what. 

Naturally, the client gave Carlos a 5-star written review and a video testimony thanking him for all the work he did. “How unethical of me,” joked Carlos Puckerin. In line with this, the Loaded Agent mantra is deeply rooted in setting up their clients for success. The program teaches Realtors how to solve real real estate problems and make a great living out of it. It is rife with amazing benefits, educational resources, and tried and tested strategies that only the top Realtors in the world are privy to. 

First off, members of the program will learn the 12 creative real estate strategies and how to apply them. They will also have a rolodex of contacts that can solve any problems their clients may be facing. “I realized after making half a million dollars in commissions in my first year as a part-time Realtor while managing another full-time sales position that what I was doing was revolutionary,” shared Carlos Puckerin.

Earlier this year, off of two Loaded Agent transactions, Carlos Puckerin made over $150,000. After teaching some of these methods to his team of agents and seeing how fast they attained success, he realized that the process was special and could easily be replicated. This meant that he could give the system to a beginner agent, and they could perform at the same level as the best Realtors in the industry. Through the Loaded Agent program, Carlos Puckerin said his agents could have “the success that only 11% of Realtors attain in their real estate career.”

Jonathon Bolden and JAB Kickboxing Inspiring People to Get Fit and Stay Persistent

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

Fitness companies and experts have changed massively over the years. Nowadays, they don’t just focus on their client’s physical well-being. They look into other life aspects like their mental and spiritual health. At least such is the case with Jonathon Bolden, owner, and founder of JAB Kickboxing, who seeks to inspire people to stay fit and persistent in health and other areas.

Jonathon Bolden is an entrepreneur and fitness expert who runs and owns JAB Kickboxing, a kickboxing gym for all fitness levels in Hixson. Jonathan started his business back on March 25, 2019, owing much of the strength and inspiration to start his business to God. “I was working at a gym as a trainer that was closing down in four weeks,” he recalls. “I wasn’t sure what to do. I was praying and decided to talk to my boss. I told him my plans about owning a gym because that has been a dream of mine since I was sixteen.”

After the decision to close down the gym he was working in, Jonathon’s boss offered to give him all the equipment from the facility if he opened up his own gym. But the budding fitness entrepreneur would have to act fast as he had a whole set of equipment and a handful of clients who wanted to work with him. 

In around two and a half months, Jonathon would open his gym and make his dreams come true. Now a gym owner in his own right, Bolden would realize that starting the business would only be the beginning. The journey has been far from easy for the business owner, but he’s chosen to move forward and persevere. Accordingly, he embeds those principles in the classes he teaches at his gym. 

One of the hallmarks of JAB Kickboxing is a focus on the client. “I’ve seen where most people struggled with a gym or working out and don’t get the results they want,” shares Jonathon. “So I based my gym around those problems.” The trainers at JAB Kickboxing try to mix up workouts as often as possible to ensure that their regimens are also fun and exciting. 

Jonathon Bolden knows what it’s like to struggle with poor health. Growing up, he was overweight, causing him to question his worth and capacity. Later, the fitness expert realized how essential health is to live a full life and decided to slim up and get into sports. He has run over 60 OCR races and competed in higher-level competitions yearly. Jonathon has also dedicated the last seven years of his life to improving people through fitness and mindset courses. Half of that time has been through JAB Kickboxing.

Beyond all else, Jonathon Bolden is passionate about helping people grow and become the best they can be by giving them guidance and accountability. He returns much of the honor back to God as he admits his faith has been foundational to his success. Jonathon hopes his story will inspire others to better themselves and believe they can have more out of life. “It seems hard and maybe a little scary to take that first step to improve your health, but putting in the work will make your life better for the rest of your life,” he adds.

Rene Urbanovich Sheds Light on the Powerful Role of Creativity in One’s Pursuit to Success

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

​​Creativity enables us to see things that nobody else ever saw. It allows us to think in ways we’ve never thought. Indeed, creativity teaches us the magnificence of life behind closed doors, leading us to become more open-minded. Having witnessed the impact of creativity, Rene Urbanovich uses her gifts to transform lives and help people use the power of imagination.  

While many attribute success to the power of grit, hard work, and determination, Rene Urbanovich emphasizes that a key factor in reaching impressive heights is one’s connection to the phenomenon of creativity. As proven by the milestones she has achieved over the years, this innovative mindset has led her to become a leading force in educational and artistic circles. For this reason, she continues to lobby on what she believes to be the greatest springboard for many go-getters from all walks of life.

From the get-go, Rene Urbanovich has always believed in the impact of creativity. As a matter of fact, she has been studying the many facets of this potentially life-changing human trait, compelling her to design a college course highlighting the importance of creativity and its role in the lives of individuals and society. In addition, she gives seminars and workshops for various organizations, such as the Creative Talent Network, Art Center College of Design, and more, promoting the significance of creativity as a worldview. While being zealous in her chosen path, Rene has made significant strides and coined the term “Creativist™” to refer to creative acts that benefit the collective. 

Pounding the pavement with her desire to share the Creativist™ mission with the world, Rene Urbanovich has written several books on creativity. She has launched “The Creativity Connection/Conundrum: What Happens in Society when individual creativity has run amok” and “Musings from a Creativist: Essays on Creativity.” So far, she has received several positive reviews. The recent appraisal from Writer’s Digest reads, “The Creativity Connection Conundrum is a refreshing look at the role that creativity plays in society and in our personal fulfilment and efficacy in our chosen fields. The author redefines success and illustrates the importance of process, using personal anecdotes and insights from masters of various fields, such as philosophy, physics, and more. Readers will be surely inspired.”

In addition to her books, Rene Urbanovich was recently chosen for the 2022 Tedx event in Mount Rubidoux, California. The Tedx talk entitled “Creativity is like Breathing” expresses the importance of breath to the body in correlation with creativity as absolutely vital for society to thrive. The Creativist™ worldview centers on our unity as a species; from that point, deep meaning and significance arise daily. After digesting her Tedx talk, one might ask themselves this underlying question, “Can we misuse creativity?” Ultimately, one can gain a new appreciation for all things creative, which is not limited to artistry or invention but includes problem-solving and caregiving — any human interaction that might serve others and connect people to their deeper selves and others.

Rene is not only an award-winning speaker and author but also a poet who believes in the power of the unconscious as transformative—deviating from current self-care hypes that rely heavily on outcome and product over process and unfoldment. According to Rene, poets have guided kings and cultures for millennia, and she longs to keep this trend alive and at the forefront, claiming that most artists and inventors have always been true Creativists™ since the beginning of time.     

As Rene Urbanovich continues to make significant strides to promote her philosophy on creativity, she aims to lead a generation of Creativists™ who are bound to use this worldview as their launching pad toward not only personal development but to better the whole world. The message shared in her writings and the Tedx stage is for people from all walks of life. It will surely fuel these individuals with inspiration and empowerment to engage their innate creativity and feel a part of something greater.

Give Kids the Gift of Balance and Confidence This Holiday Season with Ookkie Skateboards

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

Every parent knows there is nothing quite like the feeling of watching their child succeed at something, especially when that something is a shared interest within the whole family. The moment Daniel De Gaye knew he had a child on the way, he knew he wanted to teach them how to skateboard.

Skateboarding was created in the 1950s by surfers who wanted to continue to ride the feeling of catching a wave when surf conditions were less than ideal. Nothing killed the day like a flat ocean or a poor swell period. This inspired surfers to swap their surfboards for a new contraption that was nothing more than a shorter board with four metal wheels attached. Instead of hitting the water, they were hitting asphalt. But skateboarding was more than just cruising around and practicing for the water. It became a lifestyle and its own movement. 

By 1959 the toy industry had caught wind of the board with wheels. Roller Derby designed, engineered, and released the first official skateboard with technical developments allowing for the improvement of handling characteristics. As a result, there was a newfound balance and confidence among skateboarders. Now they were capable of putting their flair on their ride by having the ability to do several different tricks and maneuvers they struggled to do previously. These key design improvements ended up changing the skateboard’s categorization from toy to sports equipment. 

Although the categorization changed, younger people and kids were still eager to try their hand, or in this case, foot, at skateboarding. Over the last 60 years, there has been improvement after improvement and redesign after redesign. Now there are “two major categories of skateboards- longboards and shortboards-and within those categories. There are twelve varieties designed to cater to different body types, riding styles, and aesthetic preferences,” according to Masterclass.

In 2016 the Ookkie was created with one goal in mind – to help children learn to skateboard earlier. And he did just that. Children as young as ten months old have started their skateboarding journey with Ookkie. As a father and skateboarder himself, Daniel wanted to teach his son how to ride a board safely whilst also developing fundamental balance, stability and confidence. 

The Ookkie is different from the average skateboard as it is the first learner skateboard, with a patented handle designed to help children gain confidence and improve balance. This unique skateboard is all about combining fun and aiding in the developmental stages of skateboarding. 

Key design features were carefully incorporated into the Ookkie Skateboard that helps promote safety, balance, stability, and confidence in its users. Attached to the board are two handles; one handle for the child to hold onto for balance and stability and another handle for the parent to help guide and control the board. It is unsure who enjoys it more: the young rider mastering skateboarding for the first time or their proud parents pushing them along! 

Another design feature of the Ookkie is the 58mm soft and smooth wheels that help glide over sidewalk cracks and imperfect terrain with ease. Additionally, the board is height adjustable, so you can find the right position for both child and parent. 

The best part about The Ookkie Skateboard is that as their confidence and skills develop, the child can progress to riding without the safety handles until the board is just a perfectly functional skateboard. Quality products and safety are Ookkie’s number one priority, and Safety Sets are proudly Australian-designed and made from high-quality materials. 

While there are a number of different skateboards on the market, children of all ages, shapes and sizes have found their Ookkie Skateboard learning experience to be a successful and rewarding one. Ookkie is incredibly proud of the diverse range of families that have enjoyed the Ookkie Skateboard thus far and are extremely confident that your experience will be a positive one too! 

The Ookkie is available to shop on Amazon and at Ookkie.com. 

Menu

Explore New York Weekly™

Legal & Support

  • Get published in New York Weekly™

Founders, executives, and brands ready to build credibility through publication.

Get Published

Follow Us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

New York Weekly™ is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Copyright ©2026 Matrix Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Use of any part of this site implies acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The content on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or used in any way without the prior written permission of New York Weekly.

Explore New York Weekly™

Legal

Explore New York Weekly

Legal

A Matrix Global Publication

New York Weekly™ is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Copyright ©2025 Matrix Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.