New York’s Bon Vivant Arty Dozortsev Tell us How a Family Dynasty Was Built

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

Arty does not remember this, but I met him when he was only four years old when we were both growing up in the rough and tumble neighborhood of Coney Island. Even then, I remember, he was on the beach with a girl who was older and taller. Arty Dozortsev was born in Odessa, Ukraine and like many immigrants in the 70’s, his family wound up in Brooklyn. We both became reacquainted again in the 1990s when Arty was known for throwing glamorous bashes at his FIDI sprawling apartment. There were always tons of pretty girls and celebrities. In the years that passed, and we did not see each other, Arty was busy attending University of Arizona and U. of Miami. He excelled at sports while attending school.

Arty has followed his father Eugene into the family business. Eugene Dozortsev is a legend in the Caviar business. He brought rare caviar from the Caspian Sea in the 80’s to the United States and became one of the largest distributors in the country. That followed by the opening of a Michelin Star Restaurant Caviar Russe. 

Besides that, Eugene was known as the king of smoked fish.  

Arty always says “I learned from the best”. The father/son duo are exceedingly close and love spending time together even outside of their work. Their large distribution company, Dozortsev & Sons Enterprises, is based in Elizabeth, New Jersey and Arty has spent 27 years learning from the best. The company carries in its portfolio 220 items imported from 22 different countries. Arty’s popular private label wines are carried by the trendiest of restaurants, such as Scarpetta, Avra and all of Serafina’s. Arty is a genius at Grassroots Marketing. He can make any brand famous.

When Arty is not at work, he is with his gorgeous wife Anna and their adorable baby Olivia. She is already the apple of daddy’s eye. And is used to escorting her parents to the best restaurants in the city.  He considers fatherhood the greatest gift bestowed on him.

In addition to enjoying parenthood Anya and Arty, are also running IKRAA Caviar. The hip brand that has been delivering caviar to the rich and famous here in NYC and Long Island. Several types of premium caviar are available from IKRAA. A tasting set starts at $320. The VIP package, which starts at $1600, can be at your abode out East within four hours of ordering. This package includes blinis, truffle butter, and mother-of-pearl spoons. Outside NYC and the Hamptons, orders can arrive via free overnight shipping. You can order via their website, listed below. Arty Dozortsev and his father Eugene Dozortsev are the embodiment of the American Dream. And one day Arty hopes his daughter will follow him into the family business.

Norwhey Puts a Nordic Twist on Hard Seltzer

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

Recent years have witnessed a spike in the appetite for hard seltzer. Most beverage lovers also love these hard seltzer drinks because they are a healthy option compared to most other carbonated/alcoholic drinks. It has since become the new beverage industry craze, with new brands filling shelves daily. Similarly, you will likely come across many different hard seltzer ads dominating screens from social media to mainstream media. 

This leaves consumers with a diverse selection of options to pick from, but even though the hard seltzer market is filled with brands that promote their innovations and differences, Norwhey is genuinely changing the hard seltzer game by distilling whey into a fresh and delicious hard seltzer. This makes Norwhey the new, exciting drink beverage adding a Nordic twist on hard seltzer. It is purely a naturally-made drink charged with full-spectrum electrolytes and vitamins, which places the drink as the ultimate drink for everyone.

According to the company, Norwhey is expressly made for all functions and activities. Whether you are planning an adventure, celebrating, or hosting a party, Norwhey has what you need. Each can of Norwhey is mindfully blended to only 120 calories and an easy 4.0% ABV. Norwhey helps sustain your pace no matter the destination, as it is naturally gluten-free and fermented to be lactose-free.

Essentially, each Norwhey can is specially blended with numerous quantities of minerals, including 400+ milligrams of excellent calcium, 510+ milligrams of potassium, 215+ milligrams of phosphorus, 125+ milligrams sodium, 35+ milligrams of magnesium, 1+ milligrams of zinc, and 1.7 milligrams of vitamin B5. This includes a comprehensive mixture of minerals and vitamins, and each cup of strained yogurt, like Icelandic and Greek, will produce three to four cups of whey.

Norwhey works with companies to recapture each drop of mineral- and vitamin-rich whey and transform every bit of lactose responsibly into alcohol to create an easy-drinking Nordic seltzer offering sustainability you can enjoy.

A tried and tested brand, the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in Norwhey provide numerous benefits besides flavor as they use real fruit, unlike other brands that use artificial fruit flavoring and sugar. Norwhey also partnered with some of the biggest yogurt companies in the world to source their whey. This includes participating in contests for innovative companies in the food and beverage industry. So far, they are in the top 20, with new rankings expected to be released in November. 

It is also important to understand that the idea of capturing every drop of food, preventing waste, and improving the sustainability of dairy is not new. This ancient practice harkens back to when seafaring Nordic cultures used the same method with their strained yogurt (skyr) and saved every drop to make electrolyte-rich drinks enjoyed by the community. 

This concept inspired the Norwhey team to create their enjoyable Nordic seltzer brand and help raise a glass to a better whey, a better you, and a better planet.

Convert Your Cold Leads Into Customers – Learn Authentic Selling with Kendrick Shope

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

Making the Mark with Kendrick Shope

Ask anyone what’s the essential part of business, and they will tell you, sales. It acts as a bridge between the needs of potential customers and the type of products or services offered by the business. The sales department is the cornerstone of a company, and the salesperson is the key figure in building good business relationships with the customers, ensuring that they keep the business flowing. When customers have a good relationship with a particular company, they are most likely to leave good reviews on their official website or even refer friends and family to support the business.

More often than not, salespersons get the feeling that they are being clingy and desperate. This may demotivate a lot of individuals, and they tend to take a step back from constantly nagging their potential clients. In business, it is the exchange of money for a product or service; hence, it should never feel irritating, sleazy, and gross. This is where Kendrick Shope comes to our rescue. Having a top-performing corporate sales career that spanned almost 15 years, Kendrick turned her unique way of selling with empathy into the #1 sales process online and founded Authentic Selling. As the creator of the Authentic Selling process, this dynamic woman believes in doing business differently. Her proven sales tools create confidence that ‘selling is helping’ in order to get more customers, make more money, and create the freedom to do what they love. 

Through Authentic Selling University, the leading online sales skills training for modern businesses, she has taught countless students how to bring in millions of dollars in additional revenue. Not only does she help them believe in their businesses, but she also makes them feel good about selling and see their efforts pay off. 

This is not all! In fact, she has been helping people around the world convert cold leads into customers for many years. “Think of your business as one of many in a mall of choices. Assume there are three stores selling what you do,” Kendrick shares about converting cold leads into loyal clientele. Further explaining the process, she says, “Store 1 is always clean, friendly, and open; store 2 is open but not all the time; store 3 is dirty and looks outdated. You want to be store number 1 because if your customer doesn’t know you exist, they can’t buy from you. Your website and social media are like your storefront for people to come in and browse.” 

According to Kendrick, it is essential to pay attention to certain things when it comes to authentic selling. She explains, “You need to take care of three major key points – Consistency, Engagement, and, most importantly, Follow up. A first-time customer becomes a regular when they feel someone responds to their queries, provides them excellent customer service, and follows up with them if further requirements arise.” To make things easier, Authentic Selling teaches a process that allows you to meet, engage and close customers that will continue to want to do business with you – a way that is ‘authentic’ compared to old, outdated tactics that consumers loathe. 

As far as sales is concerned, it touches every aspect of your audiences’ lives, whether it is scoring the best deals during the holidays or preparing a new marketing campaign for their growing business. It is the only way to help your business grow and generate more revenue. It is equally important for experienced entrepreneurs who need to reinvigorate a launch or make more sales in this new phase of online business. The Authentic Selling process provides any business with tangible tools to close sales faster and ick-free, allowing you to enjoy the freedom that comes with growing your business. Moreover, it will provide ample time to take a break, enjoy life with friends and family, and save some for your retirement. 

Kendrick Shope is not just an international sales expert but is a motivational speaker who has mentored audiences, including Colgate Palmolive, Eli Lily, Ruby Tuesdays, International Women in Auto, and more. She was also voted the top sales expert to follow on Twitter in her State from 2016-2019 consecutively. Along with this, her Authentic Selling process has also been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, NBC, Forbes, INC, Reader’s Digest, and HLN.

Inspired by care, from one to another

Being a mother of a young daughter, she wants her child to believe that she can be anyone she wants to be and is working hard to set an example for her. This is the reason she quit her top-performing six-figure sales job and established the Authentic Selling process. In fact, she has not only managed to find her true calling but has helped people across six continents build businesses and grow sales successfully.  

Sales is a skill everyone should learn, no matter who you are or what you do. The key is to understand the most important skill in business today with an international expert and expand your horizons. So, what are you waiting for? Follow Kendrick Shope and get to learn the Authentic Selling process for a fulfilling career ahead. 

Embark on a Journey Into the World of Vampires and Those Who Serve Them

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

Vampire stories are undoubtedly the most enduring and compelling of all the scary stories of dreadful creatures and monsters that bump into the night and hunt our nightmares. Not just because these creatures can live forever, but because of the charisma they create in the surrounding that becomes equally bone-chilling and fascinating for the reader to enjoy profoundly. For starters, novels about vampires are a good source of entertainment. But especially the vampire trope—a blood-sucking thirsty but beautiful and charming night crawler in all its mythological splendor has lent itself flawlessly to art and literature where philosophers and novelists have utilized its enigmatic origins in classic narratives to explore further mysteries of this character.

The best vampire books of 2022 are simultaneously historic, romantic, mysterious, and philosophical and contain all the prime ingredients for a remarkable page-turner. Whether you adore vampire literature or are always searching for a new enthralling vampire story to devour your mind into, author Mike Rosenblum’s book ‘The Ghost Chronicles: Book 1: Ghost Beginnings’ is among the best vampire books that are an absolute must-read. The story follows Melody who on a cold winter night stumbles across a vampire named Kal who asks her to help him hunt a thing called a ‘Fallen’. From there on she has to start making choices that she realizes will affect much more than just her own simple world.  Readers will experience a new and captivating adult vampire story with a gripping storyline and plot twists that’ll gratify their need to read a riveting, blood-lusting vampire story!

It is a fact that vampire myths and legends have existed for decades and centuries. In early times, many cultures had folklore tales about blood-sucking creatures with demonic characteristics who manifested a picture of pure evil and were considered a devil. Then, vampire stories started making their way into the mainstream media in the early 1800s in the form of theater and literature. And when the notorious character of Dracula was created, the concept of dreadful vampires gradually transitioned from that of a horrific killer to a charming villain. However, the most significant thing that outlines a vampire in current entertainment is the extra elements of the alluring sex appeal of the character. Among many novels based on vampires and vampire hunting, one book that made the top highlights of 2022 in Sci-Fi fantasy is ‘The Ghost Chronicles: Book 1: Ghost Beginnings’ by author Mike Rosenblum. Mike has presented his readers with the most riveting vampire book full of action, thriller, and suspense that’ll keep the readers up all night wondering what’ll be Melody’s next step to save humanity from these horrific blood-thirsting creatures!

 Website: https://mikerosenblumbooks.com/

Elevating Corporate Training With Instructional Design: All You Need To Know

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

One of the best methods to increase staff performance and productivity is through corporate training that uses instructional design to create custom eLearning courses. Many business leaders fail to recognize its importance for the long-term success of their enterprise.

While many small enterprises may be able to survive without official corporate training programs, larger organizations are now discovering that these initiatives are essential to their ongoing success. 

This is because, with the help of instructional design, employees can better understand how to approach their work, what performance levels to anticipate from themselves, and how others should expect them to act in various contexts.

We will first go over what instructional design is in this article, then we’ll talk about why it’s essential to invest in it. Following that, we’ll discuss the function of instructional designers and the design process in general. In our final section, we’ll look at the instructional design elements that go into producing successful eLearning content. Let’s start.

What exactly is instructional design?

Designing, creating, and distributing eLearning experiences is done systematically through the process of instructional design. It can be used to improve performance across the board and the efficiency of corporate training programs.

The creation of unique, client-specific eLearning experiences is a specialty of instructional design companies. An evaluation of the learner, their present knowledge and skills, and the tasks they must be able to perform after finishing the training are often the first steps in this process. The training program’s aims and learning objectives are then created by instructional designers.

The right delivery strategy, media, and activities are chosen by instructional designers after these goals have been set. The importance of instructional design in corporate training can be attributed to its role in ensuring that employees receive the most efficient training possible.

Why should businesses spend money on it?

Numerous competent instructional design companies focus on developing compelling and successful eLearning content. The following are some benefits that organizations should consider when hiring instructional design firms:

  • A company’s and its employees’ demands can be met by learning experiences that are specifically created using instructional design. Employee engagement and motivation may arise as a result, which may eventually boost business performance.
  • Corporate training that incorporates instructional design can boost productivity by engaging learners and making the material more pertinent to their daily work.
  • It guarantees that there is a higher likelihood that the employees will remember the information they acquire and use it in their work. Because of this, businesses that spend money on instructional design for their corporate training notice a cumulative enhancement in employee performance.
  • In addition, by simplifying the delivery and management of training materials, instructional design can contribute to lower training expenses.

What is the role of an instructional designer?

An instructional designer’s job is developing motivating and efficient learning experiences that support students in achieving their objectives. They accomplish this by understanding the learner’s needs and developing relevant content and exercises.

Additionally, instructional designers must be proficient in a wide range of tools, such as learning management systems, graphic design software, and eLearning authoring tools, to generate their products. They also need the ability to assess the success of their designs and make any necessary changes. This could entail creating resources for online training courses, coming up with lesson plans, and gauging how well students are doing.

Instructional designers use several methods and techniques to promote learning and growth, including multimedia, game-based learning, and simulations. They can develop learning opportunities that boost performance by putting the ideas of instructional design into practice.

What knowledge is required of an instructional designer?

It is crucial for instructional designers to be knowledgeable about various learning theories and how to incorporate them into lesson plans. When developing training for corporate learners, one should also be familiar with adult learning concepts and how to apply them.

Understanding various instructional tactics and when to apply them is also helpful. It’s important to understand how to create interesting and successful learning experiences with technology. The ability to handle the design and development process successfully also benefits from prior project management experience.

What phases must a project in instructional design go through before it is finished?

To identify the training’s aims and objectives, you must first do a requirements analysis. The front-end analysis comes next when you compile data on the corporate learners and the environment in which they will be learning.

The next step is design, where you develop the teaching resources and exercises. Prototypes are made and put through testing during the next phase of development.

The two last phases, implementation and evaluation, include distributing the materials to the corporate learners and determining how successfully they achieve the goals.

How long should you spend working on each phase?

The eLearning project will determine how much time you spend on each stage. So, to produce a high-quality final product, it’s necessary to devote enough time to each stage.

Planning and analysis are typically the early phases that require more attention than execution (development and delivery). This is because early modifications can usually be made without a lot of additional work. Spending extra time upfront will help you save a ton of time and effort down the road.

What guidelines must be followed when developing good eLearning content?

The same guidelines that apply to any other type of instructional design apply to eLearning as well: learning objectives should be in line with the content; engaging and interactive activities should be created; formative eLearning evaluations should be included; and technology should be used wisely.

But at the same time, when creating eLearning content, there are a few extra things to think about. You should take into account factors like site design and navigation, as corporate learners would access the curriculum online, for instance.

Additionally, since graphics are so important to online learning, you should consider how to make them interesting and powerful. You can produce compelling eLearning content by adhering to these guidelines.

Final Words

Now that you understand what instructional design is used for in business training and why it may greatly benefit learning and development, you can make an informed decision about its use. You also know what instructional designers do and how the design process works in its various stages. Additionally, you can use the guidelines for producing quality eLearning content in your efforts to provide corporate training.

Style and Beauty Guru, Liz Everett Shares a Few Secrets for Building a Notable Brand

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

It takes years of experience and hard work to become an authority in any field, and in the fashion and style industry, Liz Everett is one of the big names. Her numerous notable successes and impacts in the style world have placed her in the pole position to inspire, uplift and teach other players in the industry how to get better at their games.

As the founder and CEO of Everett Consulting International (ECI), a firm that offers personal shopping, closet set-up and private training, ongoing style management and support, style grooming and many others, Liz Everett’s commitment to excellence is non-negotiable. She’s an award-winning strategist known for empowering people to step into the spotlight with confidence.

Recipes for Success

Liz Everett’s strategy for success is to deliver personalized grooming and personal style structure to clients. She’s efficient at designing a step-by-step, cost-effective plan for her clients to achieve optimum ongoing productivity for their style profile for every day, career building or simply from event to event. “Image is everything,” she said.

Tips from Liz Everett to Add A Splash of Panache to Your Style:

  1. Wear a statement accessory you love.
  2. Choose a color that makes you happy.
  3. Add a brooch to your neckline.
  4. Jazz up your favorite little black dress.

Some Quotes Liz Everett Lives and Operates by

  • “Your brand’s vibe must embody your full essence as a creator and thought leader for it to sense for people to become a part of your movement.”
  • “The process of becoming doesn’t make sense. It is a flow of spirit in combination with conscious positioning. It is intricate and deep, but we are worth every ounce of the effort we will put in.”
  • “In the streets of New York City, I find constant peace. I have found a second home that feels like fresh air and a rhythm that keeps me grounded.”
  • “Remember, people don’t meet your logo! They meet you!”

A Woman of Timbre and Caliber

Liz Everett attended Parsons New School of Design in New York City, where she got her certification in styling and design. She’s a member of the Association of Image Consultants International and also a certified brand strategist. She’s a well-known partner who has worked with scores of industry leaders all over the United States. “Your personalized journey is just the beginning of your next-level image strategy. For Everett Consulting International, it’s all about empowered transformation that allows our clients to step into the spotlight confidently,” she said.

Media companies and platforms have given her due recognition by featuring her works and profile. She has been featured in Speakers Magazine and appeared on HSN, Fox 13 Tampa Bay, TMZ and MTV. Her work also spans different client demographics, from corporate styling to fashion shows and general entertainment. She has put together numerous style strategy seminars through which she empowers her audiences to unleash their “Style IT Factor” and “Rock Life Like a Runway.”

Awards and Recognitions

Liz Everett is a recognized personality in fashion styling and business spaces. She’s a nine-time National Award-winning makeup artist and fashion stylist and has received The Parsons Circle Women’s Auxiliary Award for her work. Also, organizations like Equip-Her in Tampa and Dress for Success have also tapped her to serve as a mentor to up-and-coming stylists and fashion entrepreneurs. In addition, she has worked as the beauty editor for Pageantry Magazine and Hope for Women Magazine and as the style editor for Hope for Women Magazine.

From Not Finding Any Sponsors To Winning the European Snooker Championship – Harvey Chandler

NY Weekly Staff on October 20, 2022

Some stories in the world are truly inspiring. Individuals from all walks of life have to face different kinds of challenges. Though life is not the same for everyone, people coming from humble beginnings have to bear a lot and stand against all odds to reach the heights of success. When we hear such stories, many renowned names pop up in our heads. And when it comes to the world of snooker, Harvey Chandler is one such talented sportsperson who is carving a niche for himself.

This UK-born rising star of snooker, Harvey Chandler, started his career when he was just 13 years old. According to him, his journey started as an accident. However, he always felt passionate about thrilling sports, but never saw himself playing snooker. The fact is that he loved playing football and was developing his skills and talent in this field. “My dad used to take me out to the snooker club in Peterborough once a month, but I never really enjoyed it,” he shared when asked how it all started. “It makes me smile when I remember thinking of it as a boring sport. But everything changed when a couple of my friends decided to hang out at a snooker club. I don’t know what happened, but that day changed everything. I played phenomenally, and everyone was really impressed by my game, and since that moment, I fell in love with it,” he explained.

Actually, what happened was that Harvey Chandler was spotted playing snooker by a local coach, Malcolm. He was the first person to identify his potential. One thing led to another, and Malcolm offered to train him. He invited him to his junior coaching school, which he held every Saturday to polish his skills and guide him on how to play professional snooker. In the beginning, it was all fun for young Harvey, but Malcolm could see he had the skill to become the next big thing in the snooker world.

Every great thing in life requires sacrifices and hard work, and Harvey soon understood that to become the best, he must be willing to train hard and pursue his career with undivided attention. He left his school and decided to participate in junior snooker competitions and adapt to this athletic lifestyle. 

While things may seem all great from a far, the truth is that to reach a certain position, one has to make a lot of sacrifices, put in the effort and devote themselves to their respective careers. It is no secret that money and fame don’t come easy. If we take a look at famous athletes – from LeBron James to Cristiano Ronaldo – they all had their fair share of struggles and challenges. However, there was nothing that could stop them from turning their dreams into reality. Harvey also had to face something similar. Despite being an exceptionally talented snooker player, his family struggled to support his career – whether it was the competition fees, hotel accommodation, expensive gadgets or transport expenditures. But Harvey never let anything deter his spirit and kept on moving forward.

It is common for many players to seek sponsorships from brands during their struggling phase; however, Harvey found it difficult to do that. “From the age of 14 to 21, it wasn’t easy to find a local sponsor who would support me in entering tournaments and cover hotels and travelling costs. I knew I was not on the level of finding an international brand back then,” he explained. 

Talking about his family supporting him to reach where he is today, he revealed, “The costs were very high, and my mum and dad found it quite hard to fund everything. They both sacrificed a lot for me. They supported me through all those years, ensured I got the best training and developed my career well.” 

Harvey Chandler always felt devoted to his career. His exceptional amateur career was a masterpiece. And all the support he got from his family and trainers helped him succeed in the world of snooker. “I was winning everything during that time. Every tournament I participated in, I reached the latter stages of every event—semi-finals, finals and winning the tournaments,” he stated. However, everything changes when you reach a higher level in your career. “When I turned professional, it was a different game, and I was a small fish in a big ocean. It was new to me, and despite giving my best, I could not win many matches. I remember my first season as a professional, I didn’t win many matches, but in the following years, I started to feel comfortable. I was able to regain my confidence and was winning games regularly. All my hard work paid off when I won the European Snooker Championship. It was long due as I was preparing my whole life for this moment,” he elaborated.

Every successful journey starts with doubts and fear. It consists of momentum, ups and down but what must be learned is to never give up on your dreams. Harvey Chandler is truly an inspirational athlete who went from not finding any sponsors to winning the European Snooker Championship. Despite how tough the days get, Harvey always comes back stronger, and that’s what distinguishes him from the rest of his competitors.

 

Akhuwat’s Ambitious Drive to Rebuild Pakistan

NY Weekly Staff on October 19, 2022

How a Charity Initiated with $100 in 2001 is Tackling Poverty Alleviation and Floods in the 5th Most Populous Country of the World

Torrential monsoon rains have triggered the most severe flooding in Pakistan’s history, washing away thousands of villages. With 1/3rd of Pakistan flooded, more than 1,500 people dead, about 15,700 people injured, 40 million people and over  3 million livestock affected, over 800,000 refugees living in calamity-declared districts, and around 3.4 million children at an increased risk of waterborne diseases, the world is witnessing the most catastrophic impact of climate change. In addition, more than a million homes, 2 million acres of crops, and some 3,000 miles of roads have been damaged. Flood-related damage may run as much as $30 billion, with experts warning of food instability and disease outbreaks in the months ahead.

Pakistan’s crippling public health infrastructure is grappling with the huge challenge of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. Due to the depleted confidence in the state, most of the flood affectees look up to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for immediate support. Meanwhile, numerous volunteers from various charities have joined the massive government-led operation and support program from the country’s powerful military to save as many lives as possible amid the surging waters.

Thousands of Akhuwat volunteers are seen working in Punjab, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh in their green vests. Akhuwat, a charitable organization founded in 2001 with a $100 donation, has grown into the biggest interest-free microfinance entity in the world, having disbursed around 1 billion dollars to over 5.5 million individuals, providing them with basic necessities. Interestingly, Akhuwat is not a disaster relief organization. It sprang to action due to the huge ‘trust capital’ and is at the forefront of flood relief and rehabilitation because around 850 offices and over 10,000 staff members volunteered to help.

Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Akhuwat’s founder, chairman, and Pakistan’s most trusted and celebrated name in the development sector, is worried about the impending winter. In a video message for overseas Pakistanis, outlining his plans, Saqib elaborates, “There are millions out of their homes, who in 8-10 weeks will be exposed to the harsh weather that will further fuel illness and death. At Akhuwat, we are more concerned about their livelihood. They are hard-working people with self-respect. Thus, we must not consider them beggars just because they need support to get back on their feet. That is why, after rescue and relief, we are more concerned about their rehabilitation. With our expertise in affordable housing, Akhuwat plans to spearhead the rehabilitation drive in Pakistan by repairing and building over one hundred thousand flooded homes.”

Akhuwat endeavors to stimulate the compassion muscle of over ten million overseas Pakistanis living in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and across 150 other countries. With its presence in the United Kingdom, USA, Sweden, and now in Australia, Akhuwat is already forging its global network of educated Pakistani supporters who want to alleviate miseries in Pakistan.

“We urge Pakistanis living abroad, who have always shown admirable humanitarian spirit, to once again step forward and generously donate in cash, kindness,  expertise or any other form of support to sustain relief and rehabilitation activities in the flood-hit areas.” Dr. Saqib appealed.

In 2001, Dr. Saqib, along with his friends, dreamt of a world without the colossal gulf between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots: “I read that the top 1 percent of individuals own 50 percent of global wealth. I deemed this not a problem but a solution to destitution if the rich were willing to share their resources with the less fortunate. Nevertheless, I did not want the rich to provide nor the poor to receive for the rest of their lives. Instead of providing them with fish every day, teaching the poor how to fish appealed more to me as it was more dignified”. This rationale worked for Akhuwat. Initially, many people donated funds, and thousands of poor people sought interest-free loans to start their small businesses. Once these start-ups made money, they paid back to Akhuwat in small installments. Akhuwat made headlines when its recovery rate went beyond 99.8%, as it was completely unprecedented in microfinance to have so few defaults. Michael Harper, Emeritus Professor, Cranfield School of Management, UK, recognized Akhuwat for its philanthropy and stated, ‘Akhuwat is breaking the rules in microfinance, and sometimes it is important to break the rules’.

Akhuwat was founded under the principle of Mawakhat, meaning brotherhood. The earliest example of Mawakhat is evident in the solidarity formed between the citizens of Medina, Saudi Arabia, and the Muhajireen-the first converts to Islam, who had fled to Medina to escape persecution. The very idea attracted the support of globally-accomplished Pakistani and Muslim professionals, experts, and researchers, who helped Akhuwat become a sustainable model.

Akhuwat’s interest-free model was labeled unsustainable by many theorists and practitioners in the first decade of its operation. Many economists expressed their doubts about recovering the loans without any collateral. However, Akhuwat consistently proved them wrong, achieving the ‘impossible’ as the ‘poorest of the poor’ paid back with full commitment. This success evoked excitement in Pakistan, a country where the rich and powerful frequently secured large loans without paying them back. Akhuwat’s success story became big news. Harvard University’s Kennedy School conducted a case study on Akhuwat in 2016, after which the ‘Akhuwat Model’ started generating global interest. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II presented The Commonwealth’s 31st Point of Light Award in recognition of Saqib’s services for poverty alleviation and restoring human dignity in Pakistan.

In the past 21 years, Akhuwat has managed to walk the tightrope of trust while working with different civilian and military governments. Surprisingly, Pakistan’s renowned political leader Imran Khan is also a big fan of Akhuwat and called himself an ‘Akhuwat’s follower’ while launching an affordable housing scheme with Akhuwat in 2020, back when he was the prime minister. Interestingly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s current Prime Minister, has also been backing up Akhuwat ever since he was the chief minister of Punjab.

Akhuwat’s achievements have brought pride to many Pakistanis who appreciate its transformational work amidst mammoth challenges. Many consider Akhuwat’s operations to be the realization of the dream of the Founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, which depicts a just and equitable society. Dr. Saqib’s Magsaysay Award in 2021, known as Asia’s Noble Prize, has excited many Pakistanis who believe Akhuwat can help Pakistan usher in a new era of tolerance, equality, and prosperity. The news of Dr. Amjad Saqib’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize 2022 made headlines in Pakistan and regional newspapers. Nonetheless, Dr. Saqib and his team at Akhuwat continued their work relentlessly without pausing for applause. As Dr. Saqib aptly writes in his book, ‘Akhuwat – A Journey’: “Poverty is pain and poison. We should all consider ourselves poor, even if a single person in this world lives in poverty. We will continue our struggle to make this world a happy place to live for all, irrespective of age, race, ethnicity, and religion. Above all, we must remember that poverty can never be eliminated through charity or doing business with the poor. The only solution is establishing a bond of love and solidarity with the have-nots”.

21 Questions: Joel Nunez, creative producer and founder of BookNunez

NY Weekly Staff on October 19, 2022

There are so many ways to describe Joel Nunez, including his methods, motivations, and achievements. 

In 2018, the 28-year-old, Manhattan-based, Creativepreneur launched BookNunez, a consulting agency specializing in creative direction, video production, and events. He goes all in, whether working with local ‘mom and pop’ shops or name brands like Chase, House of Creed, Heinz, Nordstrom, Max Factor X, Forbes, and more.

Nunez also supports organizations and causes near and dear to his heart. Earlier this year, Joel produced a Suicide Prevention Month Public Service Announcement for the national 988 Lifeline, a suicide prevention network founded by the government agency Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“Throughout my life, I’ve overcome numerous obstacles. As an immigrant, becoming fluent in English and assimilating to a new society were some of the most difficult challenges I faced. My parents were also learning and assimilating to this new world, so I never had much guidance growing up. I believe it eventually turned out to be a superpower for me because, due to a lack of guidance, I was out there figuring things out on my own. As a result of my upbringing, I’ve failed numerous times, but I’m tenacious and a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

What is your personal guiding principle?

Do right by people because you get what you give. Move with purpose. Don’t half-ass things. Get it done!

Tell us about your first job

My first job was as an ocean lifeguard on Long Island. The funny story behind this is that I didn’t know how to properly swim when I first applied, which was obviously required to pass the lifeguard test. It took some training but I got the job.

What is your drink of choice?

I like whiskey and ginger ale or Pellegrino.

Suggest a film that everyone should see

King Richard. I was tearing up watching that movie on a flight home recently. Amazing!

Are you an early riser or a night owl?

I am a little bit of both. The excitement from upcoming projects keeps me up sometimes or wakes me up early to start executing. I recognize this isn’t healthy…

Which app do you believe more people should use?

My Notes App is fully utilized. My entire life is in my Notes app.

What is your greatest fear?

Being betrayed by someone I value and love.

Where did you go the last time you took the subway?

The last time I took the subway, we went to a Mets game. 

Describe your typical Sunday

No day is typical for me. Every day is a workday. Sundays are a little different in the sense that I try to spend time with family if I can, but if I can’t, then I just rest in the morning and work in the late afternoon to get ready for the week ahead.

What is one song that you know every word to?

“I Like It” by Cardi B, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny. Shoutout, Latino Gang!

Best childhood memory?

My best childhood memory was during a football game. I made an insane catch in the end zone, keeping two feet in bounds by centimeters, and everyone went insane. The ref said after the game that he had never seen a more impressive touchdown at that level before.

What is your favorite scent of all time?

I recently did a commercial for House of Creed, and before this shoot, I actually hated cologne. Now all I wear is Creed. 

What is your signature catchphrase?

“Let’s make it happen”

Favorite pair of kicks?

I love my Travis Scotts! I can style those with anything.

What is the best and worst piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Best career advice: Do right by people and be reliable. Everything else can be learned. 

Worst advice: Do something that makes you a lot of money. That advice almost took me on a completely different career path – investment banking. I believe that if you can provide value for people, you can make unlimited money.

How do you keep yourself motivated throughout the day?

Keeping me motivated is not an issue. I enjoy what I do, so I just get up every day and have fun.

What would you change if you could change one thing with the snap of a finger?

The feeling of exclusion would disappear for all the immigrant children trying to figure out their way through a new world.

What is one food item that you could live off of for the rest of your life?

Plantains or bananas. You can have it for every meal of the day by cooking it differently.

Where do you go when you need some alone time?

Every year for my birthday, I take a solo trip somewhere different. I leave everything and everyone behind to reflect and indulge in new cultures. 

What was the most thoughtful gift you received?

The most meaningful gift I have received in this life is support from my mother. Her support is probably why I wasn’t broken as a child and persevered through the many challenges I faced. 

Restart your life as a 15-year-old with all of your current knowledge, or skip ahead 10 years?

I would go back to 15 years to do it all again and use the knowledge I have now as the guidance I never had growing up.

A staple and house name in NYC’s art, music, fashion, and hoop scenes, Joel spends half of his time where the most interesting things are happening. And the other half? He’s the one putting everything together. People can follow Joel Nunez’s creative journey and life adventures on his Instagram, @joelnunez.

Eli The Bee Guy Rescuing Bees to Support Global Food Production

NY Weekly Staff on October 19, 2022

Hunger is a real and a prevalent problem in the world today, and it can potentially affect everyone if sources of food begin to deplete. The world relies heavily on plants for food, and that is made possible by the action of some natural agents, of which bees are an essential part. This prompted Ilya Barkanov, also known as Eli the Bee Guy, to turn his hobby into a passion and a lifelong contribution to the world. 

Eli the Bee Guy has built a name for himself all over Southern California, with many people referring to him as the “Bee Whisperer.” He was born in Ukraine and started rescuing bees as a hobby when he was 15. Over a decade and thousands of stings later, Eli The Bee Guy has made it his full-time job. Explaining his motivation, he said: “We need bees to survive. Without them, we are doomed. 80% of crops rely on bees, and without them, we couldn’t get our crops pollinated, and we would die of hunger.”

On social media, Eli The Bee Guy regularly shares content about bees and their importance in the world. His content educates, informs, and entertains his audience, as he raises awareness about why people need to pay closer attention to bees and consider them an integral part of why the world works. “I want everyone around me to understand what bees are, what they do, why not to be afraid, and what to do to help the bees. We should all be doing our part for planet earth as that is the only way to ensure our continued existence,” he said.

As a bee rescuer, Ilya Barkanov goes all over California to save the little creatures. Some of the areas he serves include Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, and sometimes, out of the state. His job revolves mainly around collecting bees in the most humane and natural manner and placing them in locations where they can help with crop pollination and other earth-benefiting causes.

His social media channels on YouTube and Instagram have sufficient content to educate his audience more about bees and their benefits. He also looks forward to getting more people on board to see his vision of making the world sustainable by saving bees and keeping them in their natural states as much as possible. Ilya believes that everyone must work together to make sure the world’s food sources remain intact and all the critters involved are not tampered with in any way. While bee infestation is a thing that many people fear in their environment, home or property, Eli the Bee Guy makes the problem go away by removing the bees and getting them to the right place that they should be, where they can be useful to the world at large. He also has a product, Wild Honey, which is useful for its antioxidation, healing, antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Eli the Bee Guy, has shown his passion for the world and its people. Thus, his work, activities and brand reflect that, and he hopes other people can get on board to support him in various ways.

 

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