Get Activated with Activated Aesthetics: Helping You Achieve Fitness Goals and Beyond

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

By: Shawn Mars

Fitness is not just about having a toned body and looking good. It’s also about living a healthy lifestyle, gaining confidence, and boosting mental health. Exercise has numerous benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, and boosting mental health.

That’s what Activated Aesthetics is all about, and they are on a mission to help you achieve your fitness goals and beyond.

Activated Aesthetics is a veteran-owned and veteran-operated fitness center that provides a unique and personalized approach to fitness. They are not just another gym but a community of fitness enthusiasts who work together to help each other achieve their goals.

Founded by a husband-and-wife team who are both veterans of the US Army, Activated Aesthetics has helped thousands of soldiers, both active and veterans, achieve their fitness goals while dealing with PTSD and anxiety. They also provide services to the Killeen police department, training several cadets and active officers, including the SWAT team, to achieve fitness goals and stay mission-ready. Additionally, they service veteran seniors who struggle to remain dynamic due to PTSD and physical limitations.

At Activated Aesthetics, they understand that everyone’s fitness journey is unique, so they provide customized fitness plans that cater to individual needs. In addition, their experienced trainers will work with you to create a fitness program that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and fitness level.

Activated Aesthetics offers a range of fitness programs, including weight loss, strength training, and fitness motivation. They also provide nutritional advice and meal plans that complement your fitness goals. In addition, their fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and offers various fitness classes, including yoga, boot camp, and boxing.

The brand ties the dream of every individual to their fitness goals and how to achieve them. Their mission statement surrounds the approach to achieving dreams or goals, even fitness goals. When it comes to achieving success, there are no shortcuts. One must be prepared to push on when the body is tired, and the mind is screaming for them to quit. During these moments, the depth of one’s conviction and belief in their vision must drive one forward to create their destiny.

To succeed, one must be willing to take steps against the grain and against all odds. They must push against negative influences, nonbelievers, and anything holding them back. Success requires daily commitment, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself.

It’s up to the individual to have the courage to be the best version of themselves and to never settle for less than they deserve. By staying focused, persevering through challenges, and believing in themselves, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

Activated Aesthetics is the perfect place if you’re looking for motivation and support in your fitness journey. Their community of fitness enthusiasts and experienced trainers will provide the inspiration and accountability you need to achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

So, Get Activated with Activated Aesthetics and start your fitness journey today.

Popular skin care specialist Anastasiia Diachenko revealed the secret of fighting acne

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Anastasiia Diachenko is a well-known esthetician because of her unique technique for acne treatment. The specialist developed her method on the basis of many years of practice and thorough analysis of skin anatomy and human genetics and epigenetics.

At first, skeptical American experts criticized the new technique of Anastasiia Diachenko for her specific approach to solving the problem of acne, but eventually agreed with every step, amazed at how effective Dyachenko’s method really is.

What the statistics say

For the first time, Anastasiia Diachenko presented her unique acne treatment method in Kyiv(Ukraine) in 2017. She’s been developing it for years, based on a deep study of human skin.

86.3% of clients who got rid of acne appreciate the method of Anastasiia Diachenko: “the results are amazing and long-lasting.” In other words, the unique technique that is used by the skincare specialist helps to forget acne problems if not for your whole life, but for sure – for as long as you follow the regimen.

What is the “Diachenko method”

Anastasiia Diachenko’s acne treatment is a unique combination of innovative procedures in the skin care office and at-home skin care regimen.

Anastasiia Diachenko works with an individual approach to the skin of each client: she performs anamnesis, personalizes facial skin care programs, and chooses at-home products. Because of her Bachelor’s degree in Food engineering, she understands the chemical composition of the products and applies it to cosmetics and treatments. 

“The majority of skin care specialists make the same mistake – they apply the same treatment to everyone. Before I start my work, I collect the history of the skin of a particular person, and only then do I decide how to move on,” Anastasiia Diachenko says.

Because of the “Diachenko method,” people get the skin called “luxury” look by celebrity stylists – it means super-well-groomed, velvety, illuminated from the inside skin. Doctors characterize this skin condition as an absolute state of healthy skin.

Where can you learn “Diachenko method”

In 2019, Anastasiia Diachenko brought her unique technique to the United States. Now the skin care specialist takes clients in a private practice in Manhattan, NY.

Anastasiia Diachenko is pleased to share her experience with American colleagues. Now, she opened the “Anastasiia Diachenko’s School of Aesthetic Education,” from which she plans to form a network of educational centers for aesthetics and professional development and to open them in major states of the US.

Furthermore, Anastasiia Diachenko wrote a book entitled “Unique skin care by Anastasiia Diachenko,” in which she revealed the secrets of her unique approach to fighting acne. The guidebook is designed for estheticians who want to achieve great results not only in fighting acne, but also in other facial skin conditions.

Anastasiia Diachenko’s book explains in detail information about skin anatomy, facial treatment, variations and benefits of chemical peels, massage techniques and much more.

“Unique skin care by Anastasiia Diachenko” certainly deserves the attention of American skin care specialists, who want to achieve great results with their clients and be considered as “luxury” and knowledgeable specialists.

How Gabby Beckford Turned Her Passion for Travel Into a Business

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Many of us, at one time or another, have dreamed of being paid to travel. When we are sitting on a beach during our vacation from the daily grind with our toes in the sand, it can be easy to let our minds wander to the fantasy of packing a bag and hitting the road permanently. 

Gabby Beckford of travel inspiration and transformation platform Packs Light, has turned that fantasy into her reality. Her award-winning travel blog has inspired thousands to explore the world around them and have the confidence to go “where their hearts desire and their wallets allow”.

Travel and empowerment 

Having moved around the world as part of a military family, Beckford has always had an affinity for travel. “I think the beauty of the human experience is in the joy we have and the moments of play we get. I see so many different expressions of those moments when I’m traveling,” explains Beckford. “But travel is also important to me because of the way it has drastically expanded my ‘possibilities’ bubble.” 

Those possibilities lying just on the other side of her next plane ticket purchase have led to a travel influencer empire for Beckford that has exploded. To date, Packs Light has amassed over 700,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok. “Travel reminds me that we don’t know what we don’t know,” says Beckford. “I was introduced to different religions, ways of life, food, and perspectives that I may never have been otherwise without getting on a plane. And now I’m obsessed!”

One of the main goals of Packs Light is the empowerment of solo-women travelers, especially minority women. “The considerations that the normal person may have while traveling — particularly about comfort and safety — are practically doubled as a woman,” explains Beckford. “A simple meal or excursion comes with questions of cell phone connectivity in case of emergency, reading the energy and intentions of those around you to secure your safety, and constantly planning for a worst-case scenario.”

Even with the special safety considerations that women — especially minority women — must undertake, Beckford still firmly believes in the power of travel to enrich lives. Travel has sparked “digital nomadic” careers and broadened the scope for understanding other cultures. 

Through Pack Light, Beckford helps those interested in following her well-traveled footsteps to budget for their trips and find PTOs, or “paid travel opportunities,” through travel-specific scholarships and grants. With Beckford’s insights guiding them, many who may have believed they couldn’t travel have found a way. 

“Society tells women that we are weak,” says Beckford. “It tells us that we are defenseless and need the protection of men and communities to survive, let alone enjoy our life. Society tells us this story so often — in TV shows, movies, and terrifying news stories — that we women have come to accept it. But this is precisely the myth that solo female travel disrupts.”

Beckford wants solo women travelers to feel empowered to explore, blaze their own trails, and find their own way — just as she has. 

Travel on a budget 

One of the cornerstones of Pack Light is traveling on a budget. Beckford is a large proponent of paid travel opportunities. She coined the phrase “PTO” and has been leading workshops and talks on how to seek out and land these opportunities that pay you to travel. “By applying for these opportunities, you’re allowing the sponsoring organizations to fund your dream trip and saving yourself from having to break the bank,” she explains. 

When PTO isn’t in the cards, Beckford encourages travelers to tackle their big expenses — such as accommodations and flights — first, suggesting that travelers book these expenses one to three months in advance. Sticking to a budget for food, entertainment, and other travel expenses is critical if one wants to be able to afford to continue to travel. Beckford also encourages having food on hand at the hotel so you’re not tempted to overspend in pricey restaurants or while you’re out on the town. 

Additionally, Beckford suggests booking travel during the off-season, otherwise known as “Shoulder Season.” “About two months before and after the tourism rush, the weather may not be as perfect, but you’ll still get some good days. And best of all, the price of flights, accommodations, and experiences can be half as low as they normally would be,” she explains. 

Hitting the road 

Beckford cannot possibly nail down her favorite country that she’s ever visited, but that is to be expected of someone who has been fortunate enough to travel to over 50. She praises the cuisine in Japan and the beaches of Australia. She has expressed love for the culture in the Middle East and the landscapes of Mexico. All of this exposure has been made possible through savvy budgeting, authentic online engagement, and a whole lot of moxie.  

To Beckford, the future of travel holds a lot of promise as she watches travel become increasingly more accessible and more sustainable. She is seeing younger and younger generations embrace travel as a way to understand the world and facilitate lifelong learning. Beckford hopes that with remote work opportunities becoming more commonplace, more people will follow her lead and jump at any travel opportunity they can. 

Beckford has big plans for Packs Light in the near future, including more digital products, launching the first Packs Light travel grant for her audience, and even hopes of hosting a solo, travel-centric TV show to inspire and empower women across the world. She is thrilled that her message is reaching so many and hopes to be a beacon of inspiration for others. “Nothing is more rewarding than to have inspired so many other travelers of all backgrounds to get out there and pursue their dreams in spite of the roadblocks of life. We all deserve joy, and we all benefit from growth, so I think we all deserve to travel!”

First Responder’s Coffee Company: How a Coffee Company is Raising Funds for First Responders

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in America, with the average coffee drinker drinking just over three cups a day. What if your daily cup of joe could make a difference in your local community? First Responder’s Coffee Company founder Brent Tucker hopes to inspire Americans to do exactly that by offering a line of coffee beans whose profits go directly back to first responders in their communities.

Tucker has an extensive military background, including 8 years with the Green Berets and 12 years with Delta Force. After retiring from the military as a Purple Heart recipient from a combat injury he received during a night raid in Afghanistan, Tucker decided to use his specialized skill set to train law enforcement across the country.

During his time consulting and training law enforcement, Tucker found that the necessary training and equipment needed for law enforcement to handle unique situations is underfunded — if not entirely unfunded. “So many times, I saw police officers, firefighters, and EMTs paying for their own training and equipment,” Tucker explains. “I knew something had to be done about this, and I was not going to stand by and leave first responders unsupported.”

Giving back with your daily cup of coffee

This passion inspired Tucker to found First Responder’s Coffee Company. Through the sales of their signature line of coffee, FRCC raises money for equipment, training, mental health services, and family support for first responders. The company works closely with first responder organizations that provide this necessary support to those on the front lines in the local community and beyond.

Although First Responder’s Coffee Company was founded just a few months ago, the organization has already been able to make an impact on the first responder community in that short time. FRCC sells its coffee and merch through its online store, where sales have already begun to grow thanks to media coverage of the company and its mission.

“We believe in supporting our local first responders, because it is them who will protect our families in a time of need,” Tucker asserts. “When there is a fire to put out, you want a firefighter to be there, or if you’re experiencing a medical emergency, you want an EMT to be there to help. With how underfunded the system is right now, these people are not always able to give the level of help they legitimately want to provide.”

How FRCC partners with first responder associations to give back

FRCC prides itself on its First Responder Association Program, which allows the company to further support the community, striving to make it as easy as possible for organizations to raise money as easily as possible. Unlike other similar companies, FRCC does not require associations to place minimum orders, store products, or handle shipping. Instead, FRCC provides associations with a unique code to use at checkout that allows the retail profits of that sale to go completely and directly to the association.

Additionally, FRCC offers free support to associations to help them get the word out about their new fundraising initiative. “We know how short-staffed associations can be, and first responders often already burn the candle at both ends,” says Tucker. “Our marketing team works with associations to create a custom attachment to send that explains all the program’s details and gets you quickly on the road to raising much-needed funds.”

Great coffee for a great cause

Of course, a program like this is only as good as the product it offers, and FRCC’s is some of the best around. First Responder’s Coffee Company uses 100% gourmet and organic Brazilian Arabica Beans, coming in three roasts: light, medium, and dark. The coffee is roasted in small batches by a master roaster, giving it a distinctly smooth-bodied and sweet taste that is low in acidity. Many coffee drinkers praise the blend for its hints of chocolate and caramel, as well as the slightly nutty notes that shine through.

FRCC currently sells the coffee in five different bags, each designed to represent a different type of first responder organization they support: police, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, EMS, and K9 units. However, it is important to note that each bag contains the same coffee, so consumers can choose whichever bag they like based on which organization they want to raise funds for.

As the company continues to grow, FRCC hopes to partner with more first responder associations and potentially even begin to move into custom projects. “We are open to the idea of creating a special line of coffee or custom coffee bag for a particular cause, association, or event,” Tucker adds. “We want to give back to the first responder community in any way we can.”

Tucker and his team at FRCC are proud of the work they have already accomplished in helping the first responders community, and hope they will continue to make a difference in their local community and across the country. As more people learn about their mission and the premium quality of FRCC’s coffee, they hope to support more first responders throughout America. Tucker likes to say they offer a “great product with an even greater purpose,” and it’s hard to disagree with that assessment.

POGR Perfects the Art of Analytics to Connect the Gaming Community

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Gamers, unite. Networking platform POGR (Play of the Game Rating) has honed an analytics system capable of consolidating all of your gaming and social media data into a single-player profile. It’s never been this easy to connect, collect, and compare: once you’re set up on POGR, you’ll never need to upload stats again. 

POGR is run by CEO Connor Ellison, CTO Randolph Aarseth and CPO Juno Kim, a trio of friends who originally connected through the gaming communication platform Discord. The three founders realized they lacked a platform to compare stats while gaming, and they invented POGR to solve the issue for themselves and the larger gaming community. 

POGR

Sourced Photo

POGR collects everyone’s gaming data: yours, your friends’, and your favorite professionals.’ During casual play, you can compare your results with the people you know, and in competitive training, you can analyze your performance by comparing it to the world’s best. In the process, you might even combine the two, understanding the international individuals behind their usernames. The app also boasts other features, such as the ability to duel friends and participate in tournaments with global competitors. It also verifies users through their ‘identifi’ process, which protects gamertags and limits impersonation.
Development was no walk in the park: the founders revealed that it took a lot of work to raise their first round of start-up funding. Instead of giving up as most would, they conquered every challenge with the conviction that they were building something great, something their past selves would have appreciated.

Having a remote team of ten people spread across various states and countries helped them learn how to communicate in the modern age. At first, the aim was to provide data services for triple A studios, but it was quickly understood that indie studios could benefit more from their system. By connecting players and studios with POGR, indie studios could utilize high-powered analytics and services for creation without paying the heavy cost of investment. POGR provides a more direct line to grassroots gaming communities while giving indie studios the infrastructure and services normally reserved for Triple A studios. There are even some indie games launching through the player profile network, including survival thriller Last of Humanity. Downloading the game will give players early access to the player profile system.

CEO Connor Ellison explains that the journey is the destination in disguise. “Even though the road is bumpy when starting, it’s important to enjoy the little things,” he says. “Everything won’t go as planned, and you may face financial hardships along the way. Many people may discourage you because they can’t understand your vision, but remember: this is your vision, not theirs. The only thing that matters is whether you genuinely enjoy the process. If you do, plus you have a great team around you, no one can stop you from achieving your dream.”

POGR has seen some notable highlights during its development and growth phase. The founders raised $2.25 million from Venturerock in seed funding, and the app was also among the LA Techweek Hackathon’s top 10. In the booming tech, gaming, and venture capital industries, POGR is making waves by breaking the mold of traditional analytics.

The team at POGR is set to raise series A towards the end of 2023. Their goal is to become one of the foundational pillars of the metaverse, and with their current trajectory, they’re well on their way.

Cata Freer, Model: Where Outside and Inside Meet

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

If eyes are the windows of the soul, what about the rest of our physical selves? We have bodies, and bodies are also windows into something, aren’t they…personality, character, social class, success. How do you carry yourself? How do you bend down to tie your shoe? What do you look like when you put on your best self? 

Today we have models to tell us what our best selves can, and perhaps should, look like. These are people blessed with beauty, charisma, star appeal, or all three. We find them in magazines, tv ads, and billboards. They look out at us but can’t see us. We’re invited to see them, usually only at their best. Who a model is on the inside isn’t part of the deal. Or is it?

In many, and probably most, cases, we think that what a model, such as Costa Rican-born Cata Freer, brings to the table isn’t just a face and figure but an iconic representation of a tangible or intangible quality- sexiness, say, or glamor, athleticism, or exoticism. Or all of the above. 

From childhood, Cata Freer was adventurous and athletic. She jet skied and, later on, drove anything with wheels. She was environmentally and health conscious. She was also, and still is, a positive person who wants to share her passions and her joy in life with others. No path, however, is completely smooth. For Cata, the biggest career transformation came around the pandemic when travel was largely restricted. This restriction meant giving up a growing international presence since it was no longer possible to jet to modeling jobs in South America and Europe. 

So Cata turned to social media, first as a lark, then, as her Tik Tok presence drew more and more followers, as a second career. She soon began to create content and use her influence to interest others in things she liked. What seemed like a temporary detour became an entree into the world of high fashion.

That Cata now creates content for multiple brands, including Kim Kardashian’s Skims and Khloe Kardashian’s Good American, is a testament to her latent business acumen. The fact she speaks three languages fluently and is learning French means she always possessed the focus and intelligence to succeed as an entrepreneur. As if to confirm this, she’s recently embarked on a new venture, Chat Noir, black cat in English, which features her own line of travel accessories, and work and athletic clothes. 

Coming from the small, picturesque country of Costa Rica with a population of five million, Cata has turned herself, and with her, her brand, into someone who’s recognized at galas in Los Angeles and celeb-studded events in New York. It helps that she has fantastic looks. Now, however, she can also claim the entrepreneurial savvy and success that have made her a triple threat. With modeling, content providing, and an accessory/clothing line up and running, who knows where Cata will go next? We, for one, are eager to find out. 

One of the Biggest Dairy Companies “Lacrima Dairy Industry” Planning to Invest in the USA Market on Expanding its Dairy Business

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Lacrima is one of the most experienced dairy producers. They produce high-quality traditional Bulgarian yellow cheese and white brine cheese.

Based on the strong growth in demand for their products around the world, The move to expand the dairy segment is in line with the USA’s aim of boosting its food security with the help of the private sector.

Food and beverage companies in the region are increasingly evaluating acquisitions and product diversification to boost their standing in a market that has previously relied heavily on food imports.

Lacrima Established in 1959, with an area of 19,200 m², Lacrima’s plant is one of the oldest in Bulgaria and one of the largest dairies in the country in terms of production capacity. The plant is in Pazardzhik, South Bulgaria, near the Rhodope Mountains and Maritza river. This region is famous for the fertility of its lands, cattle breeding, green pastures, and cheese production. Our cheese is entirely hand-made by very experienced cheese masters, following a traditional Bulgarian recipe, which uses the highest quality Bulgarian milk and carefully selected ferments.

After World War II, a new political and economic path was imposed in Bulgaria in 1953. the dairy industry is organized under the leadership of an organization called “Mlechna Promishlenost.” This organization is building huge dairies equipped with modern technology for its time. One of them is today’s LÀCRIMA DAIRY – on April 1, 1959, the state economic enterprise “Mlekoprerabotvane – Pazardzhik” was established.

On May 1, 1969, “Mlekoprerabotvane” – Pazardzhik passed to the State Economic organization “Serdika.” On January 1, 1971, the company became a state organization “Dairy Industry” branch and was renamed “Mlechna Promishlenost” in 1976. After the fall of the socialist regime in Bulgaria, the dairy plant underwent several transformations. In 1990, it was entered into the registers of the state companies by the Plovdiv District Court, with the subject of activity – purchase, processing of milk, production of dairy products, and trade in the country and abroad. In 1991, the Plovdiv Regional Court registered a sole proprietorship with limited liability with state property and became a sole proprietorship joint stock company in 1996.

In June 1997, the District Court – Pazardzhik changed the name from “Mlechna Promishlenost” JSC to “Mlechna Promishlenost – Pazardzhik” JSC. At the end of 2000, 98.2% of the capital was privately owned, and the State retained 1.8% of the shares. On September 1, 2003, a General Meeting of Shareholders of “Mlechna Promishlenost – Pazardzhik” JSC was held at the suggestion of Ex. Director Eng. G. Gerdjikov decided to change the name of the company. On April 5, 2004, with the Decision of the District Court – Pazardzhik, a change was entered in the company’s name from “Mlechna Promishlenost – Pazardzhik” JSC to “LAKRIMA” JSC – Pazardzhik. 

Nowadays, since 2020 the dairy plant belongs and is managed by Euro Investment Holding JSC, owned by businessman Mr. Muhanned Al-Nuaimi, However, the plant’s production is still distributed under the same trademark.

Lacrima’s second plant opened in Zarqa Free Zone Area, In Jordan, in 2020, in response to the growing demand in the middle east, and it is managed by the CEO – of Mena Region, Dr. Sara Al-Nuaimi.

Lacrima Official Website: https://www.lacrimadairy.com

Upcoming 2023 Monster Movies and Shows

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Monster movies and shows have been a staple of the entertainment industry for decades, scaring and thrilling audiences with larger-than-life creatures that embody our deepest fears and anxieties. Whether it’s a fear of the dark, monsters, death, or the unknown, scary movies tap into these primal emotions and force us to confront them head-on. There’s something undeniably thrilling about watching a scary movie.

PIA highlights the scariest monsters in classical movies and shows of all time. Movies like The Mummy were at the thick of what horror and scare ought to look like. Other scary movies that have left the world-shaking have been The Thing (1982), Alien (1979), The Twilight Zone (1959-1964), and The Conjuring (2013-2021).

Here are some Monster Movies and Shows to look out for this 2023.

Scream VI

Four Ghostface murder survivors depart Woodsboro for a new beginning in New York City. They soon, however, find themselves in a battle for their lives as a fresh murderer goes on a deadly rampage. March 2023 is the projected release date for the film.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon

Another classic monster movie getting a reboot is The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The new film will be directed by Dave Wilson and written by Will Beall. The film’s plot follows a group of scientists who encounter a piscine amphibious humanoid in the waters of the Amazon; the Creature, also known as the Gill-man, was played by Ben Chapman on land and by Ricou Browning underwater. The release date for this movie is set for October 2023, just in time for Halloween.

The Mummy: Rise of the Aztec

This movie is among the most iconic monsters in movie history. The Mummy will have a new installment in the form of The Mummy: Rise of the Aztec in 2023. Unaware of the malevolent Spaniard who has turned into a living mummy before them, Rick is approached by a gang of Spaniards searching for the stolen Aztec treasure. Eve ends up being used as a slave by Peruvians who intend to make a considerable sacrifice soon to placate the Mummy. The release of the movie is scheduled for June 2023.

Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai

Despite not being a conventional monster movie, it is a much-anticipated animated series that will be released in 2023. It will act as a prequel to the beloved Gremlins movie from 1984 and examine the Mogwai creatures’ history of creation. Fans of the original film will love this series because it combines comedy and horror. Relates the encounter between 10-year-old Sam Wing and Gizmo, a young Mogwai. Sam and Gizmo embark on a treacherous journey across the Chinese countryside with a young street pickpocket named Elle. Along the way, they come across and occasionally engage in combat with colorful monsters and spirits from Chinese legend.

A ruthless industrialist and his escalating force of evil Gremlins are after them as they attempt to bring Gizmo back to his family and find a legendary treasure.

Monster movie enthusiasts are going to love 2023. There is something to look forward to for everyone, from iconic reboots to brand-new, horrifying creatures. There will be enough thrills and chills to keep you on the edge of your seat, whether you enjoy giant monsters like Godzilla and Kong or more traditional ones like The Mummy and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. So prepare yourself by stocking up on munchies, settling in for a scary movie, and getting ready to encounter some of the most horrific monsters ever.

Exclusive Feature with Ricardo Duran as he Talks about his Musical Journey

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

LINK: https://soundcloud.com/toby-presents/ricardo-duran-interview

Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries of culture, geography and language. It has the power to connect us to our innermost emotions, feed our spiritual needs and bring us closer together. For centuries, music has been used to express joy, sorrow, and all the emotions in between. It has been used to heal, to create a sense of belonging and to bring us closer to our ancestors.

In many cases, finding energy or enthusiasm for a dream that feels out of sight can be difficult. Still, the exceptionally talented Ricardo Duran helps remind us that this shouldn’t have to be the case, and with his, he provides immediate proof that we can be anything we dream of – no matter what our skills are.

As Duran himself likes to put it, he “can’t sing to save [his] life.” However, this has never stopped him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional lyricist – and things finally began coming together when he partnered with the incredible team at Demo my Song, who helped transform Ricardo’s lyrics into a full melody and song.

Ricardo Duran likes to consider his music to be more than just a certain type. Rather than being constrained by a single, specific genre, he instead focuses on making his music unique and broad-ranging, and he strives to combine themes and elements from all sorts of different styles to make his work unique and powerful for his audiences. 

His burning passion comes through clearly in his latest work, called A Sucker for Sorrow. Exploring themes of dysfunctional relationships and complex trauma, this unique single is undeniably evocative and attention-catching for many people. Thus, it is genuinely easy to see why so many have found themselves falling in love with the iconic sounds he creates. Overall, we absolutely adore Ricardo Duran’s unique sound and styles, and so we wish him the best with all his future songs and singles.

In today’s society, music is ever-present and is often used as a form of entertainment. Music festivals and concerts bring people together and give them a sense of community and belonging. Music can also be used to bring healing and relaxation to those who are suffering from physical or mental illness. Music therapy has been proven to help those with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses feel better and more balanced.

No matter what the genre or style of music, it brings a unique experience to each and every listener. Whether it is an orchestra playing a classical piece or a pop artist singing a heartfelt song, each person can find something within the music that resonates with them. Through music, we are able to connect with each other, with our environment and with our own inner selves. 

Today, music is still used in many different ways, from providing the soundtrack to our favorite movies and TV shows to helping us relax after a long day. Music is also used as a form of therapy, with musicians creating music to help people with mental health issues or physical disabilities. No matter what form it takes, music has the power to take us on a journey and can provide us with a much needed escape from the everyday stresses of life.

Lev Cameron Going from Actor to Rapper | A One on One Exclusive

NY Weekly Staff on February 21, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Lev Cameron is a 17-year-old YouTuber, rapper, singer, and professional dancer who is based out of Los Angeles, California. Lev has made notable appearances on Little Big Shots, Dancing with The Stars Juniors, So You Think You Can Dance, and many more great broadcasts & programs. Lev Cameron’s success continues beyond there. You can also find Lev Cameron in Justin Timberlake’s music video “Can’t stop the feeling,” as well as Blackbear and Gucci Main. Throughout his career in Hollywood, there’s no doubt that Lev has built a reputable acting career in Los Angeles.

Lev Cameron doesn’t only make appearances in videos and shows. He also has his own successful YouTube channel with over 2.4 million subscribers. Lev has built a fan following of millions of supporters across social media. Many fans also get to witness him working a lot with Piper Rockelle. The multi-talented 17-year-old is not only able to act and dance but also rap. Lev Cameron joined Piper Rockelle on her tour, performing his original music, and showcasing his talents as a rapper and host. His social profiles have a reputation for skyrocketing with every release and collab that he puts out for his fans and subscribers. With millions of views not only on YouTube but Instagram as well – his popularity on IG exceeds his reputation, with over 1.7 million fans following him on the gram. But the biggest of the big, Lev Cameron, has accumulated over 5 MILLION followers on TikTok, making that his most significant and influential platform where his fans come back every day to check out his content.

Lev Cameron released several songs and music videos that garnered millions of impressions on social media within the first few days of release. This kind of response is typically seen in more established artists! At such a young age, his talents as a songwriter and performer are growing daily.

Today we’ve been given the opportunity to speak directly with Lev about his success and how it all happened. So let’s get a closer look at Lev Cameron.

  • Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Lev Cameron. I’m 17 years old. I am an artist, influencer, dancer, and performer. I live in Los Angeles, California.

  • Why did you decide to make the move from professional dance to music?

I ended up seeing a better and brighter future for myself through music instead of dance. The reason is that even though I love dancing so much, I found myself investing more of my time in music at the end of the day. That’s when I realized my passion for music dominates all my other ones.

  • What is the meaning behind your new single “Messed Up”?

The meaning behind my single “Messed Up” is a secret that I am hiding. However, I encourage anyone who listens to the song to discover what it is!

  • How did you get to the position where you are today?

Of course, there was a lot of luck and good energy involved, but ultimately, I worked constantly day and night to get to where I am today.

  • What are your thoughts on the future of the entertainment industry?

I feel that short form content is dominating the industry nowadays more than ever. I see it heading deeper in that direction.

  • What advice would you give to an artist at the start of their career?

I am at the start of my career so far; if I say anything, it is to believe in yourself always.

  • What’s the hardest part about being in the entertainment industry?

The entertainment industry can be unfair. I feel this way because some people can try for years to make music, and they will only end up having one song with over 1 million streams, but then another person can make their first song and get 100 million streams on it right off the bat. My philosophy is that if you work hard enough, it’ll pay off, and you’ll see the rewards.

  • What are your goals for the future?

To get a song with 1 billion streams and perform it in front of an audience that loves it.

  • What should listeners of your music know about you as a songwriter? Where do you draw inspiration from?

I genuinely get inspiration whenever I hear a great song. It doesn’t really matter what kind of song it is or who the artist or genre is. If I hear a great song that I love, it makes me motivated to make great music myself.

  • Can you describe your sound?

If I were to describe my sound, it would be a mix of R&B, rap, and pop.

Thank you, Lev, for joining us today! We can’t wait to hear what’s next for you!

With all that Lev has been through and built, he is just getting started for his most significant releases. Lev Cameron is a 17-year-old artist/musician from California who was born in France on October 11, 2005, and moved to LA at five years old. He started out with professional Dancing, including ballroom, Latin, and hip-hop; after being featured on different shows like “So You Think You Can Dance and “In “Little Big Shots,” he began his professional dancing career with “Dancing with the Stars Juniors.” Soon after, he transitioned into entertainment and the online world of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The chapter we’re on now with Lev Cameron is about new music, songs, and performances. We’re watching in real time as Lev Cameron becomes a superstar worldwide.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/itsmelev/

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@lev_cameron

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfXI3c8AWF3smkqRM2Iiaxw

Music Videos – https://youtu.be/aEgk7Aegrsw https://youtu.be/neHUDW_myvw

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UKavp7s0bCJCcVSNf06Uz?si=HA17975PRi2XeLJ0oZmY3A

Menu

Explore New York Weekly™

Legal & Support

  • Advertise With Us

Interested in seeing your story on New York Weekly?
Contact us to learn more.

Reach Out To Us

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.