A Look Inside The Festival Babes Content House at We Belong Here 2023

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

For EDM influencers, music festivals can be a great place to network and make content that their fans will enjoy. Many companies have formed that help influencers get the most out of their festival experience, through activations and other experiential marketing opportunities. The Festival Babes is quickly becoming one of the leaders in the EDM experiential marketing industry, creating activations that influencers — and their brand partners — will not soon forget.

How The Festival Babes helps female EDM influencers

The Festival Babes is one of the fastest-growing female-based groups of influencers and content creators in the United States. It has an active membership of over 5,000 and an internal newsletter reach of over 20,000, which is growing each and every day. In their short history, they have already worked with major music festivals across the US, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Moonrise, Imagine Music Festival, Hard Summer, EDC, Okeechobee, and more.

As an entirely woman-led company, with leadership — including CEO Kat Yung — being exclusively women, The Festival Babes is dedicated to creating a safe space for women to gain friendships with people of the same mindset and interests. “The friendships and bonds one forms at festivals can last a lifetime, and at The Festival Babes, we hope to empower women to form these meaningful connections safely,” adds Yung. “We create events where women can hang out and meet new friends comfortably, and also work with nonprofits to empower women and support women’s safety.”

At The Festival Babes, they strive to promote the philosophy of PLUR — “Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect” — that many in the rave and EDM festival community hope to achieve. “We focus on diversity and inclusion as part of our operations,” says Yung. “Although we are female-based, we accept people from all backgrounds and gender identities. That’s what PLUR is all about, and it will make the festival community a better place for everyone.”

The Festival Babes began as a Facebook group in 2019 that rapidly gained popularity (and is still active today) before becoming a widely recognized name in the EDM industry. Now, The Festival Babes partners with music festivals, events, artists, and EDM-related companies to help build their brands through community engagement, developing influencer programs and influencer marketing solutions, experiential marketing, sponsorship activations, and media coverage.

The team at The Festival Babes prides itself on providing some of the best experiential marketing in the festival business. “Our mission is to create experiences that bring people together,” says Yung. “We don’t just give someone a ticket to an event — we create a full experience, from organizing accommodations and transportation to providing activities throughout the day, such as styling by festival fashion designers, interactive workshops, seminars, and more.”

The Festival Babes x We Belong Here Festival

The Festival Babes’ latest major activation was their partnership with We Belong Here Festival, which happened in Miami, FL from February 24-26, 2023. The Official Festival Babes Content House for We Belong Here, presented by BeatBox Beverages, was the first big event for The Festival Babes in the new year, and allowed them to partner with several major brands to give attending influencers a memorable experience.

At the one-of-a-kind Festival Babes Content House, influencers were given several opportunities to experience the We Belong Here Festival in ways they have never seen before. The Festival Babes Content House was designed to give influencers the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate before and after the festival, as well as connect intimately with one another and The Festival Babes’ brand partners — all while creating incredible content. The house offered a full weekend experience surrounding the We Belong Here Festival, with a variety of unique opportunities ranging from yoga and hydration stations to organized accommodations and transportation to the festival.

The premiere activation at the Festival Babes Content House was “BeatBox, Bubbles, and Babes.” This event, hosted by The Festival Babes and BeatBox Beverages, featured açai bowls, champagne, fun beats, and — of course — an opportunity to socialize with all the Festival Babes over a cool and refreshing BeatBox drink. This B-themed brunch pregame was the Content House’s signature event at the festival, but only one of its great offerings.

The Festival Babes Content House also offered plenty of other activations partnering with recognizable and up-and-coming brands. Half Bak’d, a newly launched hemp product line, presented an after-hours edible dessert bar after the festival; Ultima Replenisher offered a hydration hangover recovery mocktail bar, with mocktails, smoothies, and more made with Ultima electrolyte hydration powder; and Israeli independent designer Brand Y styled and made custom outfits for influencers, as well as offering a VIP shopping and styling experience.

The Festival Babes Content House at We Belong Here Festival is only a peek at what The Festival Babes have in store for the remainder of the year. The Festival Babes team hopes to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for influencers at high-profile events across the United States, giving them opportunities to form lasting friendships and connections with their fellow influencers and create great content in the process.

How to watch the “2023 Brier” Canadian Men’s Curling

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

One of the most eagerly awaited curling competitions is the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier. The Canadian Men’s Curling Championship, a prominent competition, will occur from March 3–12, 2023, at a site that will be revealed later. The teams competing, the procedure for choosing wild cards, how to watch the event, and the prize money at risk are all included in this article’s description of the occasion.

The Tim Hortons Brier is an annual event that brings together the best curling teams across Canada to compete for the championship title. The event has a rich history, with the first Brier being held in 1927. Over the years, it has become a significant event in curling, attracting large crowds and millions of viewers worldwide. The event is known for its intense competition, high-stakes matches, and impressive skills of the athletes.

Tim Hortons Brier 2023 viewing information

  • Start Date: 3rd March 2023
  • Ending Date: 12th March 2023
  • Venue: London, ON, Canada
  • TV Channel: TSN, RDS (Canada)
  • Stream anywhere: Watch Live Here

How many teams will participate in Tim Hortons Curling?

The 2023 Tim Hortons Brier will feature 16 teams from across Canada. These teams will comprise the best curlers in the country, who will compete for the championship title. Some teams expected to participate in the event include Team Brad Gushue, Team Kevin Koe, Team Brendan Bottcher, and Team John Epping. Each of these teams has a rich history in curling, with multiple championship titles. Therefore, this article should briefly overview each participating team, including their key players and past performances.

Wild Card Selection format

The wild card selection process is a unique feature of the Tim Hortons Brier. The process is designed to give teams not qualifying for the event an opportunity to participate. The process involves a play-in game between two teams, with the winner advancing to the main event. The article should provide an overview of the wild card selection process, including how teams are selected and the format of the play-in game.

How to watch the 2023 Brier Live Stream anywhere?

The 2023 Tim Hortons Brier will be broadcast on TSN, one of Canada’s premier sports channels. Fans can also watch the event online through TSN’s website or app. The article should provide information on accessing TSN’s event coverage, including subscription or pay-per-view options. 

On the other hand, we found the best way to watch the 2023 Tim Hortons Curling Championship live stream from your home. GamePass.TV will cover complete tournament games, but USA curling fans cannot access TSN due to GEO restrictions. So, GamePass.TV would be the best and most legit source to watch Tim Hortons Brier live online without hassle.

How much does the winning team get paid?

Although the prize money for the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier has not yet been revealed, it is anticipated to be significant, with hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line. The article should provide an overview of the prize money at stake and any other awards that will be given out at the event. In conclusion, the report should highlight the importance of the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier and the excitement it brings to the curling world.

Marianna Markina, A Versatile Professional Making Her Dreams a Reality

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

When it comes to versatility in the entertainment industry, few can match the career of Markina. From acting to modeling to hosting her own TV show, Marianna Markina has proven time and time again that she can excel in any role she takes on.

Marianna Markina, a certified theater and film actress, a model, a writer, a TV presenter, a singer, and now a merch designer, is a true epitome of versatility. She is a person who is always looking for new opportunities to explore and never shies away from trying new things. In this article, we will delve deeper into her journey and learn more about her aspirations, challenges, accomplishments, and unique qualities that make her stand out in the entertainment industry.

Acting Career: Living Her Dream

Markina always had a passion for acting. She has worked in more than 20 movies and TV series, but she is not done yet. She aspires to land the lead role in an action movie, preferably a Marvel superhero. For her, acting is not just a profession but a dream that she is living. She invests a lot of time and effort into her craft and understands the importance of having a good agent to support her career.

Modeling Career: A Creative Journey

Modeling is another creative outlet for Markina, who has worked with many brands and is now the face of many. She started her modeling journey out of her love for photography and has taken her career to new heights. In 2019, she became an official Playboy Model and considers the human body a beautiful form of art. Her versatility has allowed her to achieve success in various aspects of the entertainment industry.

Writing: From Social Media to Publishing

Writing poetry has been a passion for Markina since she was 16. Her style and manner of writing were highly appreciated by her school literature teacher, and she was encouraged to continue. She began publishing her poems on social media, and they were quickly reposted by many. This led to a major publishing house offering to publish her collection of poems titled “They Loved on the Internet.” Her book is sold nationwide and on Amazon. She is now working on her second book and is excited about it.

TV Hosting: “Top Person” on Russian Music Box

Markina’s passion for hosting her own TV show has led her to co-produce and host “Top Person” on the popular music channel Russian music box. Her show features interviews with successful people and experts in various fields, including plastic surgeons, cosmetologists, psychologists, astrologers, brand owners, and entrepreneurs. Her show takes up most of her time, but she enjoys the challenge and the opportunity to learn from others.

 Singing and Music Production: Exploring Her Love for Music

Markina has always dreamed of becoming a singer and has recently released a single under the pseudonym Huliganka-Ocean. She considers herself more of a writer than a singer, but her love for music has led her to explore other avenues, such as producing electronic music. She is excited to see where this journey takes her and is always open to new possibilities.

 Proudest Accomplishments and Successes

With a career spanning several industries, it’s no surprise that Marianna Markina has had her fair share of accomplishments and successes. From becoming an official Playboy model to publishing her own poetry book, her versatility and dedication to pursuing her passions have led her to achieve many notable feats.

One of her proudest accomplishments is hosting her own TV show, “Top Person,” on the popular music channel Russian Music Box. Through the show, she interviews successful individuals from various fields and delves into their personal and professional journeys. Her passion for learning from others and showcasing their stories has made the show a hit with viewers.

In addition to her show, Markina has also released her own music under the pseudonym Huliganka and Marabell. Though she initially lacked the courage to pursue singing, she eventually wrote and sang her own song and has since ventured into creating electronic music.

Marianna

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Overall, Markina’s ability to turn her hobbies into successful careers and her constant pursuit of new ventures make her a true inspiration to those around her.
Future Plans and Goals

As someone who has already achieved so much, it’s no surprise that Markina has her sights set on even more ambitious goals for the future. One such goal is to secure the lead role in an action movie, particularly as a Marvel hero. With her experience in the entertainment industry and her passion for acting, it’s only a matter of time before this dream becomes a reality.

Another future plan for Markina is to expand her merch line, which currently includes printed t-shirts featuring quotes from her poems. She hopes to continue incorporating her passions into her merch and to eventually expand into other product categories.

 Most importantly, Markina hopes to continue pursuing her passions and to inspire others to do the same. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take risks have led her to achieve many remarkable accomplishments, and she hopes to continue doing so for years to come.

 The Journey Continues: Markina’s Passions, Ambitions, and Beyond

Overall, Marianna Markina is an individual who has been able to turn her passions into successful careers across multiple industries. From acting to modeling to writing, and even hosting her own TV show and releasing her own music, her versatility and dedication have allowed her to achieve many notable accomplishments. With even more ambitious goals for the future, it’s clear that Markina will continue to make waves in her various fields of work and inspire others to pursue their passions as well.

Living Life on His Own Terms: Michael Motamedi and His Family’s Adventure with ‘No Fixed Address’

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

One might say that the trailblazers of this world think differently. Using unconventional methods to achieve the best out of their ventures. Through hard work and persistence, changemakers decided to shy away from the norm and experience a more diverse approach to success and life, as a whole.

“Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been… Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride.” -Anthony Bourdain

With a strong influence from Bourdain, Michael Motamedi and his family decided to take this unconventional route of living the nomad life. He sold his house, got rid of all his possessions and quit his high-demand job in marketing in the pursuit of adventure. He went on a journey of self-discovery, a chance to learn about different cultures and ways of life, and most importantly, an experience they’re taking together as a family. All of this is documented and shared as reels through his Original Web Series No Fixed Address to over 23M Followers on EarthPix’s Instagram Account.

A traveler, a foodie and a family man, he chose to break the mold and live life to the fullest. Talking with Michael provides an in-depth explanation of his ideology. “I am determined to make the most of my time on this planet by pursuing the things that bring me joy and fulfillment. Life is unpredictable and uncertain, so I am committed to embracing every moment and living life to the fullest.” he said. With his inherent passion for sharing inspiring stories, he uses his platform to encourage viewers to live vicariously through him and pursue their dreams themselves.

The family man’s worldwide quest is encapsulated in his Original web series, No Fixed Address, where he showcases the beauty of traveling and exploring different cultures. The show is a labor of love, filmed entirely on an iPhone and edited on the go. “We would usually shoot clips that add up to 14 hours of raw footage, and my wife will edit them using Capcut at the end of the day.” he added. In ‘No Fixed Address,’ Michael and his family go on expeditions to learn and connect with locals who are proud to show him around their town and share their culture with him.

“Being rich is no longer about having more money, but about having more experiences,” Motamedi emphasizes on No Fixed Address’ website.

Michael Motamedi 1

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Throughout this life changing journey, Michael is staying true to who he is. “As a new dad, I have been thinking about life in ways I never have. Something that I am continually conscious of is keeping my identity. Staying true to the man I was before I became a father but also knowing that my priorities have changed.” Michael mentioned in his Philosophy.

Michael Motamedi

Sourced Photo

Motamedi, his wife, and their daughter have built unforgettable memories traveling the world. When they started this journey, their daughter was only three months old. From changing diapers in the back of a bar owned by an eccentric Dutchman in Portugal to seeing doctors in foreign countries, they have learned to be flexible, resourceful, and resilient. Michael’s belief that there is a whole world buzzing with excitement just outside of our daily routines has genuinely been lived out through their travels.

He understands that not everyone can drop everything and travel the world. Still, he encourages everyone to step outside of their comfort zone, even if it’s just to try a new dish at a local restaurant or befriend a stranger from a different culture. He believes there is something incredible about getting to know the world and the different cultures that make it up.

Currently, No Fixed Address has episodes where they ate Street Foods in Barbados, visited a drunken Mayan God in Guatemala and have upcoming videos shot in Nicaragua where they eat traditional foods in small pueblo. To watch more of Michael and his family’s adventures, follow @EarthPix’s on Instagram, @michaelmotamedi on all social platforms account or visit No Fixed Address’ website.

Scars Are Forever: The Powerful Debut EP from Rising Hip-Hop Artist Snupe

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Music is a powerful art form that can uplift and inspire us when we need it the most. It can speak to our souls and give us the strength and motivation to keep moving forward. Antwan White, better known as Snupe, is a rising hip-hop artist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He has harnessed this power of music to create his profoundly personal and emotional debut EP, “Scars Are Forever.”

 

Through his music, Snupe shares his struggles with heartbreak, loss, and depression, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome these challenges. The title represents the idea that emotional and physical scars are a part of life, but they do not have to define us. Snupe invites listeners to join him on his journey of self-discovery and healing as he opens up about his life experiences and the emotions that have shaped him into the artist he is today.

 

Each track on the EP provides a glimpse into Snupe’s soul, highlighting the pain and heartbreak he has faced throughout his life. However, despite these struggles, a sense of resilience and determination shines through his lyrics, reminding us that we all have the strength to overcome our scars. Snupe’s lyrics are raw, poetic, and deeply personal, reflecting the experiences and emotions that have shaped him into the artist he is today.

 

Snupe’s music offers a powerful message of hope and resilience to young adults and teens struggling. His EP reminds us that we all have the power to overcome our challenges and that our scars do not have to define us. Through his music, Snupe can connect with listeners on a deeper level, offering a sense of understanding and empathy that is often hard to find in our day-to-day lives.

 

Skillful production and talent from his close friends and collaborators, Nazahn Warren, a.k.a “CallMeShotti,” and Dangelo Warren, stage name “DLo,” has helped Snupe create an immersive musical landscape that is at once haunting and emotional. The instrumentals and production on each track compliment Snupe’s lyrics perfectly, creating a cohesive and powerful musical experience.

 

With “Scars Are Forever,” Snupe has proven himself to be a powerful and dynamic storyteller, giving his listeners a glimpse into his struggles and a message of hope and resilience. His raw talent, emotional honesty, and dedication to his craft are evident throughout the EP, and he is poised to make a significant impact in hip-hop. Fans of the genre should watch for Snupe, as he will surely be a rising star for years to come.

Snupe’s EP, “Scars Are Forever,” is a deeply personal and emotional journey through his life experiences. Through his music, Snupe shares his struggles with heartbreak, loss, and depression while showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome these challenges. With his raw talent, emotional honesty, and dedication to his craft, Snupe will significantly impact hip-hop.

Brand Building Beyond Boundaries: Discover Home Of The Finest’s Innovative Approach to Influencer Marketing

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Home Of The Finest (HTF) is a dynamic and forward-thinking Canadian-based branding and marketing agency, founded in 2020 by Jeremy Maczkowski, that is making waves in the world of influencer marketing. The company’s goal is to provide influencers with a full range of services to help them expand their brand beyond their current following. From developing a brand identity, and defining the brand’s vision and objectives, to website and logo design, HTF offers comprehensive support to influencers looking to establish and grow meaningful brands that have the potential to be bigger than themselves.

One of the biggest hurdles that influencers face is reaching an audience outside of their existing followers. It can be difficult for influencers to sell products or goods to people who are not already subscribed or following their chosen channel. This is where HTF comes in, providing a customized experience for personal brand-based channels with 1 million+ active subscribers who are looking to expand their reach and build a brand that has the potential to expand outside of their current audience.

The key to HTF’s success is their deep understanding of the influencer’s audience and their ability to identify shared characteristics and similarities that can be used to reach new audiences with similar interests. By analyzing their client’s existing subscriber base, HTF can help influencers attract new customers and grow their brand. This is evident in the success of YouTuber Tuv and his Earl brand. With the help of HTF, Tuv was able to market Earl to his active subscriber base and reach an audience outside of his current following, growing both his YouTube channel and brand.

Another aspect that sets HTF apart from other influencer marketing agencies is their approach to content creation. They understand that creating high-quality and engaging content is crucial to retaining and attracting followers. HTF works closely with their clients to produce custom content that resonates with their target audience. Whether it’s through live streaming, podcasts, or social media posts, HTF helps influencers create a consistent brand voice and establish a strong presence across different platforms. This not only helps increase brand awareness but also drives engagement and conversions.

Home Of The Finest has also had great success with YouTubers Nexpo and Nick Crowley and their brand Liminal Land. HTF not only helped design the brand and website but also shaped the vision of Liminal Land, enabling Nexpo and Nick to focus on growing their channels while HTF was building the brand beyond their YouTube presence.

As influencer marketing continues to grow and evolve, companies like HTF are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry. If you’re an influencer looking to expand your brand beyond your current following, then Home Of The Finest is definitely a company to keep on your radar. 2023 promises to be an exciting year for new brands, and HTF is leading the charge.

When Faith Shines into Reality: Interview with Surrealist Jie Han

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Surrealist artist Jie Han is proud to introduce her latest digital art collection inspired by the book of Revelation, the final book in the Bible. Born and raised in China, Jie sees her transition to a Christian a critical step in her art career. The power of belief is what turns her creativity into impressive pieces of art. 

Q: Would you please briefly introduce yourself?

A: My name is Jie Han. I was born and grew up in Shanghai. From high school to university, I went to the best art schools in Shanghai. I majored in Art Design of Film and Television at Shanghai Theater Academy, which is the best school in this industry in China. I was a big fan of modern art when I was about 16 years old. After entering university, I became interested in pragmatism, especially the practice of pragmatism in both films and fashion design. I went to Shanghai Polytechnic University and taught art for five years after I graduated from college. And I led my students to win the Gold Awards in the school’s design competition. Right now I’m focusing on the creation of digital art paintings of Revelation in the Bible.

Q: What motivated you to create paintings for the Bible? 

A: First of all, I am extremely passionate about the Bible. Personally speaking, I believe that art creations can only be made within one’s belief. Secondly, the book of Revelation has unlimited and unconstrained possibilities in an unbelievable way. It’s amazing to just think about how incredible everything looks with human eyes. Different angles and perspectives will bring different views. The book of Revelation is very poeticized but the objects it contains are abstract. Each artist has their own mindset behind their creations, which is very interesting to me. And I plan on finishing all the paintings by the end of 2023 and having them published on Amazon in the form of a picture album. 

Q: What are your understandings of The Book of Revelation?

A: It is the last part in the Bible, in which  John the Apostle describes a vision of a heaven full of strange and wonderful creatures that has not only filled the imagination of Christians for generations and art creation. I was a big fan of surrealist art before I became a Christian. Surrealist artists and writers sought to explore the hidden depths of the human mind and to reveal humanity, which is always personal and subjective because it’s revealed through the artist’s own subconscious and imagination. The Book of Revelation, on the other hand, refers to the process by which God reveals himself and his will to mankind through the Bible. The word revelation in the Bible is translated from the Greek word Apokálypsis or Apocalypse, which means to reveal what was previously covered. In the case of biblical revelation, these facts are considered to be objective and absolute, and are revealed by God Himself. That’s what fascinates me.

Q: Why did you choose to come to the U.S to continue your art career?

A: I came here for a more free environment for art creation. After I fully became a Christian, I found myself more used to life in the States. Most of the Chinese citizens appreciate the forms of  traditional Chinese art more, while I was such a big fan of modern art like sculpture. Another thing is that there’s a mature system in the United States that allows Christians and people with other religions to establish their own channels or have events in regards to their belief. And I feel like I can resonate more with people like me. We are able to do a lot of things together based on our common belief, including artistic cartoons, music, and radio. 

Jie Han

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Q: What are some of the other achievements you have in digital art?

A: I am an authorized special effects artist on Douyin, which is known as Chinese TikTok. They had an open position where they encouraged digital artists to create special effects for the users. The one that I designed was used over one billion times by users on Douyin, Chinese TikTok. And I also participated in design competitions featuring the Spring Festival for some domestic brands. The results came out pretty exciting, which later became a giant motivation for me to continue my career in digital art. 

Q: Have you ever come across any obstacles?

A: As someone who was born in 1982, I know I have to keep up  with the latest trends each time a technological revolution happens. And that means I would need to spend more time and energy on learning these new techniques so that I can always stay up-to-date. I guess that’s also why I could fit in the local Christian community in the U.S pretty well after we did lots of things together. Instead of finding it difficult, I am enjoying most of it.

UFC Champion Zhang Weili gears up for her Strawweight title defense with Hyperarch Fascia Training

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

UFC fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the next title defense of the current Women’s Strawweight Champion, Zhang Weili. As she prepares for her upcoming fight, she has incorporated a new training protocol called Hyperarch Fascia Training to improve her reaction speed, strength and endurance in the octagon.

Hyperarch Fascia Training is a new training method that targets the fascia, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, bones, and joints. The goal of this training is to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance overall performance. This unique approach is gaining popularity in the world of professional sports, especially in football and combat sports such as MMA.

Zhang Weili is known for her impressive record, including a historic title-winning victory over Jessica Andrade back in 2019 in Shenzen, China. Her next opponent has yet to be announced, but it’s anticipated that she may face top fighters in the division, such as ex-champion Jessica Andrade, Amanda Lemos, or Rose Namajunas.

“I have been training with Coach Chong for over 2 years now, even before I was a UFC champion,” said Zhang Weili. “I have felt the difference from muscle driven to fascia driven with more stamina.”

Zhang Weili’s team has been working closely with Hyperarch Fascia Training to develop a customized program that will enhance her strength and endurance. The team is confident that this training protocol will give Zhang Weili an edge in the octagon and help her to maintain her title reign.

With her combination of impressive skills and dedication to innovative training methods, Zhang Weili is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of MMA. Fans can’t wait to see her in action once again and witness the results of her hard work and dedication.

Coach Chong Xie is the founder of Hyperarch Fascia Training, and he is a member of the Fascia Research Society and was a sponsor at the Fascia Research Congress[1]. 

Fascia is a term that may not be familiar to everyone, especially those in the sports performance industry. Hyperarch Fascia Training (HFT) is a unique training that focuses on activating and strengthening the fascia system of the body to improve athletic performance, recovery and reduce the risk of injury.

The training targets the body’s fascia, which research shows affects optimal muscle contraction[2]. While muscle training focuses on strength and hypertrophy, HFT helps athletes develop proprioception, explosiveness, stamina and precision in their movements.

1.  Fascia Research Congress https://www.fasciaresearchsociety.org/2022.php
2. “Internal fluid pressure influences muscle contractile force”  https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1914433117

Sober Sidekick: How an App and Healthcare Engagement Platform are Disrupting Substance Abuse Recovery through Peer-to-Peer Connection, Feedback and Encouragement

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Christopher Thompson might not be alive today had he not met the right people at the right time.

At the time, Christopher was struggling with substance abuse fueled by isolation.

But, he said, “Others empowered me when I was at my weakest. So I wanted to create a world where empathy is measurable and scalable.

Christopher considers the current substance abuse health provider system to be deeply flawed. Compounding the problem is the fact that, with many cases, including his own, connecting at a pivotal point with the right people is beyond random. 

To spur healing, recovery and connection, Christopher launched Sidekick Mobile Technologies, the company behind the Sober Sidekick app. 

“We designed our Empathy Algorithm to create a world where meeting the right people at the right time is no longer left up to chance,” he said. “And we’ve found it to be a scalable driver of positive behavioral outcomes and ‘real-life comeback stories.’

“Our key thesis from day one has been, ‘The opposite of addiction is connection,’” he said. “Toward that end, our Empathy Algorithm motivates people to help people at scale. Our goal is to fuel the most epic wave of real-life comeback stories the world has ever seen.”

Wow.

Sober Sidekick is an app and healthcare engagement platform that helps those struggling with substance abuse to maintain their sobriety. Sober Sidekick serves as a catalyst for connecting with a community of people who can empathize with you, regarding your current state of mind and health.

The philosophy at the heart of Sober Sidekick is the power you have to help others by posting and sending messages through the app. The more support you give to other members, the more you receive in return. All posts are anonymous, but they all carry a means for empowering sender and recipient. 

“The pain point of isolation is the biggest determinant of health for this population.” Christpher said, “The Empathy Algorithm is the only solution that meets that need, with human support, in real time, 100 percent of the time. With something as simple as congratulating another person on their sobriety, you can have a positive, empathetic impact on someone else’s journey.”

The Empathy Algorithm’s 100 percent peer response rate could mean the difference between someone taking a step toward recovery versus someone falling deeper into despair. 

“No member has ever posted on Sober Sidekick without receiving written support from their peers in minutes, if not seconds,” Christopher said. “This is leading to peer-to-peer engagement at a scale we’ve never seen before, and user-generated content that details the mental health journey of our members, from the lows to the highs.” 

The Sober Sidekick app is enjoying colossal growth, from 10,000 members to 175,000 members over the last 22 months. Underscoring the effectiveness of this app is the fact that Sober Sidekick attracted 75,000 of those members without a single dollar in outside capital. 

Sober Sidekick’s bright future is illustrated by the endeavor’s lead investor—the American Heart Association. Long-term goals include 20 million members in the next five years; with $10 billion in revenue by 2026. 

And even just one year from now, Christopher envisions grand success for Sober Sidekick.

“We will be the category king,” he said, “of healthcare engagement.”

Sober Sidekick has the potential to radically disrupt the mental healthcare provider system, for the better. 

Members who have engaged with the Empathy Algorithm more than five times are 68 percent less likely to relapse. This carries the potential to create billions of dollars in yearly savings for health insurers, who shell out $43 billion annually on failed substance use and substance use disorders treatment.

As far as any competition, Christopher said, “No one has successfully engaged this population at scale, and the Empathy Algorithm has created an unfair advantage and an enormous barrier to entry for the next organization to try.”

Visit sobersidekick.com to learn more. 

Vikar Ahmed: A Jeweler of Bespoke Luxury Jewelry for Celebrities

NY Weekly Staff on March 3, 2023

Jewelry uniquely captures the heart and soul, stirring up deep emotions and fond memories. It expresses love and passion, and a single piece can hold a lifetime of sentimental value. Vikar Ahmed, an international jeweler based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, has become a master at encapsulating these emotions through his bespoke luxury jewelry. His creations are renowned for their high craftsmanship, exclusivity, and exceptional quality, making him the go-to jeweler for many A-list celebrities.

Vikar began his journey in the jewelry industry with nothing. Instead, he worked hard and saved money from different jobs and small European fairs to make his first jewelry collection. The collection sold out immediately, setting Vikar on the path to becoming one of the world’s top jewelers.

Since then, Vikar has become the private jeweler of many international celebrities, creating custom pieces that showcase their style, status, and identity. He understands that celebrity jewelry is associated with luxury and that quality is essential in creating pieces that maintain their status.

Vikar Ahmed

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A top designer from Rome, Italy designs Vikar’s jewelry pieces. Everything is produced in Germany in Idar-Oberstein by master craftsman goldsmiths and gem setters in his workshop. This enables him to achieve the best levels of exclusivity for his custom pieces to cater to his client’s unique choices.
For Vikar, jewelry is not just a piece of metal and gems. It is a feeling of true luxury that he sells to his clients. He pays close attention to detail to ensure the finest quality of gemstones is used, and he only touches 14-karat gold if specifically asked by a client.

His bespoke luxury jewelry pieces have caught the attention of many celebrities, including Jadakiss, Wayne Schneider of PCNY, Kelvyn Colt, and Forbes Billionaire Richard Muljadi, among others. Vikar has created custom-made luxury jewelry pieces for them, including pendants that serve as tributes to significant milestones in their careers, tributes to loved ones, or a creative display of their brands.

Vikar understands the value of international collaborations in creating celebrity pieces. However, he believes that it is less about the story behind the piece, though he understands its impact. For him, it is more about getting the best expertise to work on the piece to achieve the best levels of exclusivity for his clients.

Vikar Ahmed is an international jeweler who has created bespoke luxury jewelry for many A-list celebrities. His work is known for its high craftsmanship, exclusivity, and quality. Vikar pays close attention to detail to ensure that the finest quality gemstones is used to create pieces that maintain their status. As a result, his bespoke luxury jewelry pieces sell a feeling of true luxury to his clients, making them stand out among their peers.

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