What You Need to Know to Build a Stellar Startup Team

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

When launching a startup, a make-or-break move for founders can be the formation of the startup team — the people who will help one scale and, hopefully, succeed. A solid and dedicated team is a must-have for any startup that hopes to have staying power. Knowing how to build that stellar team, and how to leverage their unique skills for the betterment of your company, takes experience and strong business acumen. 

Svetlana Kamyshanskaya, the founder of Primum Law Group and an expert on charting successful courses for tech companies and other startups, stresses the importance of getting good advisors on hand from the get-go. From HR advisors to diversity consultants, having the right knowledge on hand can help you avoid costly team-building mistakes. 

“From an advisory perspective, you have to identify what holes you have in your organization’s knowledge and expertise,” explains Kamyshanskaya. “You have to trust the person who is advising you, but you can’t fully trust them until you have a relationship with them.”

Building a relationship based on trust with advisors can be the first step in constructing your winning startup team. However, there are other things startup founders should know as well. 

1. You can’t do it all 

“I’ve seen a lot of scientists and engineers try to be business people,” says Kamyshanskaya. “There can be some success stories, but more often than not, their probability of success is lower.”

Entrepreneurs are often known for their propensity for a “lone wolf” approach to business. However, that approach can often be a recipe for disaster as no founder — no matter how skilled or intelligent — is excellent at every facet of building a business. By bringing on people who can perfectly fill the gaps in your startup needs, you can rest assured that a subject matter expert covers every need, whether that need is HR, R&D, or creative. 

“In the early stages of a startup, many founders can go through a superhero phase,” Kayshanskaya remarks. “You have to be realistic in terms of what you can and cannot do.” 

2. Find strength in diversity

Just as a founder needs people with many different talents on their team, diversity is also a strength. Studies show that companies that focus on diversity and equity in team-building often outperform their competitors by as much as 60%. 

“I’m a big advocate for diversity,” Kamyshanskaya says. “If you start building your team with a diversity perspective, success is more probable.”

3. Working towards the same goal

A founder can put a team of the most diverse, talented people in place to help them scale, but if that team isn’t working together towards the same goal, it can all fall apart. “Your team can be diverse, but if there isn’t understanding, it will become dysfunctional,” Kamyshanskaya clarifies. 

People come to the table with different visions, skill sets, and ways of working with others. “There’s a misconception that once you hire people, that’s it — that’s your team,” Kamyshanskaya adds, “but the group isn’t a team yet. It’s important to have advisors who can align visions and help the team be a team.” 

4. Be a big picture thinker 

Building a great startup team starts with big-picture thinking. What are the goals of the organization? Where do the founders see the organization going in one year? Five years? Ten years? 

Goal orientation and always keeping the “bigger picture” in mind can help guide team-building decisions and management directions. Proper communication of this big picture can also help solidify teams and guard against dysfunction and team fracture.

The team is the cornerstone of every startup. While ideas, marketing approaches, and engagement may be important, none of that can happen without a solid team foundation. By bringing on the right skilled advisors and bridging gaps in what your organization needs, you can start your rise to startup success with a team that will significantly contribute to that success and stays with you for the long haul. 

The Truth about Skull Earrings, and It’s More Interesting than You Think

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

The fashion of the 21 century is diverse and bold. It constantly creates new things as well as revisits the trend known to humanity for centuries. Skull imagery is the prime example of the latter. Skulls have been used as means of decoration since prehistoric times. Small skulls, such as the skulls of birds, rodents, and other animals, served as excellent material for crafting jewelry. At the same time, their bones became the prototype of body piercing. If you could travel back in time, it would be possible to understand a person’s status in a primitive society by simply looking at their jewelry. Those clad in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, as well as various types of body piercing, were from the top of a social ladder. Alternatively, the quantity of jewelry and its type was the sign of bravery, skill, or deftness of a hunter or a warrior.

These were the times when people started crafting skull earrings. Millennia later, skulls are still around. You can see them on rockers of different magnitudes and caliber, movie stars, influencers, and basically everyone who wants to stand out against the crowd. Thanks to renowned fashion designers boldly experimenting with visuals in the 1980s – Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Ed Hardy, just to name a few – skulls became mainstream. Interestingly, before that, skull earrings and other pieces of skulled jewelry had remained a solely niche product. They were widespread among bikers, rockers, punks, and Goths, but people outside any subculture were puzzled about such an unconventional fashion choice. You can find a vast selection of jewelry for these subcultures at http://www.bikerringshop.com.

But what did help skull jewelry transition from subculture-only to a worldwide phenomenon? 

The Beauty of Skull Symbolism

How do skulls make you feel? Frightened? Rejected? Puzzled? Or maybe, on the contrary, the sight of a skull makes your heart melt? In fact, there is no wrong answer. The skull is a multifaceted symbol, and it causes emotions of a diametrically opposite spectrum.

If you are afraid of skulls, you have every right to be, because the skull is a representation of death. The most infamous figure that embodies death, The Grim Reaper, is basically a skeleton (i.e., it has a skull face) clad in a black rope and holding a scythe. Simultaneously, the skull is the symbol of poison and danger plastered on the bottles of high-voltage equipment. These poisonous substances and dangerous things easily convert into death if you are not cautious enough. One more textbook example of skull-means-death is the infamous Jolly Roger, the skull with crossed bones. While the image of a pirate is inexplicably romanticized, coming across one on the high seas did not bode well. For many sailors, the Jolly Roger flag was the last thing they saw in their lives.

So yeah, if you associate skulls with death, you are totally right.

Surprisingly, if the skull to you is a symbol of life, you are not wrong. Death is just a continuation of life. It is one of life’s natural phases. The cycle of death and life is eternal and perpetual, and the skull is its best-known symbol. After the physical death of a body, the only thing that’s left is the skeleton. These bones are a reminder that the person is in a better place; he or she continues its existence in a new form.

The skull can even protect against death. People of the past believed that skulls buried in fields could cast away diseases and help grow generous crops. At the same time, skulls installed in altars inside the dwellings were supposed to drive away evil spirits and death itself. Bikers, although they don’t live in caves, rely on skulls as their patrons as well. They believe that a person who has a skull symbol will never cross paths with the Grim Reaper.

But these are not the only meanings of skulls. This symbol also stands for wisdom because our head is where our wisdom is. Along with that, it represents bravery, might, decisiveness, and other traits that can describe a real man. That’s because skulls are traditionally found on military insignia, and those who hold weapons in their hands to protect others are made of sterner stuff. Finally, skulls denote brotherhood and equality. These principles are especially important in the biker community, where every member has the same rights as others, and helping those in trouble is a sacred duty of every motorcycle rider. 

Fashionable Revival

At first, people rejected skulls as fashion statements because little was known about their significance. The representation of death is their obvious function, but not that many would like to introduce death symbolism into their wardrobes. Only after we started digging deeper and eventually discovered the wealth of beautiful meanings the skull possesses, we finally learned to appreciate this contradictory symbol. And with a restored appeal, it was only a matter of time before skulls could find their way into fashion.

The liberalization of fashion in the late 20th century also contributed to the popularization of skulls. Now it is difficult to say what happened first – the use of the skull as a provocative symbol or comprehension of its meaning – but one thing is for sure, without the boldness of introducing the skull to the masses, today we wouldn’t have such a generous selection of skull earrings, necklaces, and rings.

 

Interview with Nadia Lando, the Singer/Songwriter you Need to Know

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

Nadia Lando is an American singer and songwriter who is alluring, versatile, and has a captivating smile. Lando cross-pollinates music genres such as rock/pop, pop, electro/pop, Latin, and A-pop (Arabic Pop), breaking the glass confinements of music. Along with her charm, strong vocals, and a go-getter attitude, Lando has a promising future. Her solo single “It’s Not Me, It’s You” is a breakup song that will put anyone in a better mood after ending a toxic relationship. Because we’ve all been there, right? It features sassy lyrics, blending different genres, and has a retro quality. She has a hip-hop/pop song which is Arabic inspired in the works set to release before the end of the year. 

We asked Nadia to share a bit about herself.  

Nadia, what is your “go-to” song to put you in a good mood?

A: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.  

Who are five artists you would like to collaborate with?

A: Tough one because there are so many artists I admire. A few thoughts…Eminem, Cher, Russ, Bruno Mars, and Bad Bunny.

Would you say music has always been your main mode of expression?

A: Yes, definitely; as a child, I played piano and violin. I, unfortunately, didn’t stick with these instruments, so I encourage all of the kids I come across to stick with their instruments. I was also in the choir. Anyone who really knows me hears me constantly singing or humming around the house. I even sing to my pets; good thing they seem to like it and don’t start howling to get me to stop [laughs].

How has your past, your family, or your upbringing affected the music you’re making today?

A: My grandfather was a musician who played saxophone and trumpet, and I would go down to his studio and play the drums and piano, and he gave me my first violin, which I used when I was in the orchestra. 

Wonderful! What instruments would you like to master?

A: The electric guitar. That is my favorite instrument. 

What can we expect from you in 2023?

A: The release of my first EP and getting out and playing my music live.

 You can listen to Nadia’s single here: 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0sB57LvYh4pbTbW9LLrgUf?si=-yBSGS1zSEKuuNNbGJBZjQ

You can follow Nadia here:

https://www.instagram.com/nadia_lando

How Maxwell Nee Is Extending a Vine of Understanding on Wine Investment

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

If a friend told you they’d spent several thousands of dollars on a bottle of wine, your reaction might be different than if they had spoken of an expensive foray into stocks and shares. The former is often viewed as a token display of wealth, while the latter is considered a wise and thrifty use of finances. In 2022, though, the picture forming is much different. Global economic uncertainty has led to a growth in other types of investment, including timeless commodities such as wine and spirits. As the Australian partner in Oeno Group, Maxwell Nee has shed light on how one consolidates that change long into the future.

Wine may seem like a sector with traditional marketing sensibilities, but Oeno Group is aware of the ongoing challenge of presenting wine in a different light. As such, Nee retains two titles within the company, Head of Australia and Head of Education. An elevated position down under allows Nee, an Australian native, to lead the investment firm’s development in new territories. At the same time, an informational role gives him the opportunity to present wine like a conventional investment, with all its benefits and caveats made clear.

As long as the gap in understanding is significant, wine investment firms like Oeno Group must ensure that their people are qualified to discuss it in-depth. Attention to detail is their aim in aspects of the business, such as client experience, and company heads expect communication to rise to the same standard. Therefore, Nee must be well-versed in the subject matter and empathetic to a key market.

On the business side, Nee’s ability to grow an online education company during COVID-19-related lockdown measures is understood to be something Oeno Group recognizes. In the first five months of the aforementioned period, his business grew by 300%, achieving a seven-figure revenue within 20 months of trading. Nee now believes the experience prepared him for his current responsibilities in the world’s most awarded fine wine firm.

“Today, my sole passion is transparently educating the world on the advantages and disadvantages of investing in fine wine,” Nee stated. “When they consider the global investment picture, many don’t realize that wine can be a lucrative yet stable physical alternative asset. My ‘Profiting with Fine Wine Masterclass’ shares this insight, as well as everything someone needs to know to feel confident in their own due diligence when investing in fine wine.”

In 2021, the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index reported a 16% increase in wine investment. Many believe there is a rising need for investors to diversify their portfolios due to the instability of traditional markets. It is now being talked about as a complementary investment, but people like Nee continue to work to ensure it remains a top talking point for the long term.

How to Make a Big impact in Small Ways on Giving Tuesday

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

Despite our best intentions, plenty of Americans don’t have the time or the energy (or unfortunately the desire) to turn out in person to volunteer for good causes. Even if a few bucks is all you’re able to spare this holiday season, make sure to give where it counts. Here’s how.

You know those people who really have their stuff together? The ones who make to-do lists and actually check everything off on the same day, who exercise regularly and somehow also have the energy to organize a 5k, volunteer at voter registration drives, and co-chair a PTA committee? Not all of us are cut from this go-getting cloth; heck, most people are just trying to make rent every month and make sure our kids aren’t biting anyone.

That doesn’t mean we don’t care deeply about our communities and want to make the world a better place. For everybody out there who feels like you’re not doing enough to give back, listen up: it’s okay if all you can contribute right now is a little bit of money. But please, make sure to give consistently and intentionally. Let’s unpack what that means, starting first by acknowledging that talking about “giving back” requires us to peel back several layers of privilege—we don’t live in a vacuum where everyone has the same access to financial resources, social networks, mobility, you name it .

But sustainable giving isn’t only relevant to the most privileged among us—after all, it’s communities with the least wealth who are actually the MOST generous with the money they do have. Small, recurring donations are actually one of the most powerful ways that people can make a collective impact on issues they care about. It’s this kind of grassroots fundraising that many small nonprofits, mutual aid groups, and political advocacy campaigns rely on to keep their work going and growing.

Giving Season is almost upon us. In a few short weeks, you’re most likely going to get a wave of year-end fundraising pleas from every single organization whose email list you’ve found your way onto. Starting on Giving Tuesday and peaking just before the ball drops us into the new year, do-gooders and organizers are counting on lots of donations to fund their mission for the coming months. For anyone with a modicum of disposable income, a one-off donation might make you feel good this holiday season. But if you really want to make a difference, pick an organization (or two!) and set up a monthly recurring donation. Whether it’s $5 or $500, you’re making a lasting impact.

And do your research: groups that rely on grassroots support, that aren’t as likely to see those big philanthropic gifts from foundations, and those led by marginalized people could use your support the most. And for what it’s worth, it’s also these organizations that are working to change the systems that even require the need for charitable giving in the first place :eyes:)So whether you’re kinda busy giving every waking hour to your job(s) and family responsibilities, or you’re just not a people person, you can feel good about giving back with your dollars—if you take a moment to do it right.

At Givebutter, giving back is kind of our thing. In fact, Givebutter is donating $50K to verified nonprofits this Giving Tuesday, so if you’re looking for the right cause for your cash, or if you know an awesome group that needs a giving boost, join our community of changemakers and help us #spreadthebutter during the holiday season and beyond.

Meet Logan Blackman, a Pianist, Bassoonist and Composer Setting His Own Rhythm To Music

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

Music is a remedy that touches your soul and makes you feel lost in it. There are only a few musicians who are able to garner the audience and make them stay glued to their melody. The musical world comprises vocalists, instrumentalists, and composers who work with precision and clarity of thought before finally delivering their masterpiece. One such personality is Long Blackman, a freelance organist, pianist, and musician, who has been in this creative industry for over fourteen years now.

Inspired and fascinated by the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Blackman began his musical journey at the young age of eleven as an organist. His music captivation soon blossomed into a burning passion for this art, and he went on to become a bassoonist at the age of thirteen. A year later, Blackman started his conducting and composing career. Soon, he was presented with an opportunity to conduct the Murray State Wind Ensemble and record a piece of his. From there, Logan began studying the art of conducting and even formed his own wind symphony, “The Blackman Wind Symphony,” as a 17-year-old. He ran the semi-professional group for a period of five years.

After completing high school, Blackman went on to pursue his degrees in music. He attended the University of Kentucky and received a bachelor’s in bassoon performance as well as a master’s in conducting. Blackman also completed one year of work on his doctorate in orchestral conducting at the University of Utah.

The only thing that makes Blackman’s music unique is his range of emotions. Through his music, Logan has been able to communicate better. One of his serious works includes ‘Prayer of a Broken Heart’, a depiction of the loss of his parents when he was just a 15-year-old. “It tells a story of my own tragedy and triumph, my own grief, and I think impactfully so,” says Blackman.

On the other hand, Blackman also finds himself leaning towards comedic relief and satire, one of the examples being his sonata for bassoon and piano, “The Logic of a Mad Man”, which is a total satire. In the future, Logan intends to write more symphonic works and record some piano repertoire. The viewers can also expect the release of his first album, which will be available on SoundCloud and YouTube to watch and listen to.

9-Figure Media Reveals Publicity Hacks for Startups and Small Businesses

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

According to a survey carried out by 9-Figure Media, a leading public relations company in the world, new businesses are plagued with a lot of downfalls, but the biggest of them all is lack of publicity. This lack of publicity pushes them farther down into near non-existence.

To overcome this, Ron Deiz, a spokesperson for 9-Figure Media, hints that “today’s buyers are smarter than ever. Before making a decision to buy from you, they search on Google to find information about you. If they cannot find anything, you lose that buyer to your next competitor.”

Clearly, buying from your competitor means that since your business is not publicized, they quickly move to one publicized: your competitors’.

To increase brand visibility, brands have options of getting on social media platforms, using SEO strategies, publishing press releases, and brand advertisements like Google ads, Facebook ads, etc.

Expert entrepreneurs have found tested and trusted methods from a long time to put their brand name out there. The following are some tested and trusted ways to give your brand the publicity it needs to grow.

Target Your Audience By Getting Published In Top News Outlets

Getting on top news publications is a great way to get brand visibility. Entrepreneurs who have been opportune to get their brands on global news giants like Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, Yahoo News, the Nasdaq, etc showcase their brands before their target audience, thereby enabling them to smash their competitors.

Entrepreneurs shouldn’t be downcast if they’ve not been published on these platforms. It is advised to reach out to a top PR company, like 9-Figure Media, who can get them featured on these top tier global media giants with powerful articles that tell how your brand helps your target audience overcome their challenges.

Brand visibility on these platforms and their websites puts brands and business owners in front of their target audience.

Work With a Publicist That Guarantees Publication

Most PR agencies don’t guarantee publication. And truly, most top media outlets won’t let public relations companies publish their client’s news stories in their publication. However, there are a handful of publicists that have built solid relationships with these top publications.

Publicists like this can guarantee publication to these top global news outlets like Bloomberg, Business Insider, Forbes, etc. Those are the kind of PR agencies you should work with. For instance, 9-Figure Media is one of those few companies who can guarantee publication.

9-Figure Media Holds Your Brand by the Hand

Trust and credibility are two major factors that attract customers to your brand. 

To achieve this feat, brands usually outsource it to PR agencies. Brands should look for PR agencies with impressive track records, proof of high success rates, and experience working with brands from different industries. 

9-Figure Media is a pocket-friendly PR agency firmly rooted in helping brands get publicity, increase conversion rates, and build trust and credibility on authority news sites that your target audience visits daily.

PR agency 9-Figure Media has played an important role in helping brands make a fundamental shift from startups to a credible and renowned brand in a short span of time. 9-Figure is an expert in crafting compelling PR and new articles to 200 major media houses like Bloomberg, CBS, Forbes, New York Times, etc.

As a leading PR agency, 9-Figure Media offers amazing discounts that help startups save a lot and still get the publicity they need. 

Business analysts believe PR agency 9-Figure Media is a game changer when it comes to putting brands before their target audience.

Effective communication and collaboration are needed between a PR agency and a brand to identify the needs of the brand and provide the necessary information used by the PR agency to craft impressive PR campaigns for the brand.

Only an exceptional public relations agency like 9-Figure Media can ensure impressively favorable results. This public relations firm works on all aspects to promote its clients’ brands to gain notability and search visibility.

Don’t Sit On the Fence – Start Getting Publicity for Your Brand

Choosing a right PR agency seems like a challenging task. Choosing a great one seems harder. That’s why 9-Figure Media has made amazing and proven progress working with brands, both startups, struggling businesses, and even Fortune 500 companies, to build trust, establish credibility and manage crises that could hurt a brand’s image.

9-Figure Media offers low and competitive fees to help its clients save and focus on other business needs, still serving success on a silver platter.

Don’t sit on the fence, contact 9-Figure Media today to get started on your brand’s amazing journey to visibility. To start building your PR campaign, visit them at www.9figuremedia.com to talk with their team of PR experts.

When do you need couples therapy? Renowned Marriage counselor Dr. Maysa Shahin shares insight for a prosperous marital life

NY Weekly Staff on October 11, 2022

When you are in a relationship, you will certainly experience ups and downs. That is natural because no two individuals are the same, and every person has a different outlook on life. A relationship has good and bad days, but things go back to normal once the issue is resolved. However, whether married, engaged or just dating, small spats can turn into serious fights if any conflict goes unresolved. This results in frustration or leads to yet another argument. So, what should be the next step? Well, seeking the help of a professional therapist and going for couples therapy is the way to go. 

Now more than ever, couples are opting for counseling or therapy as it is a reasonable approach to managing the various hurdles in a relationship. In fact, couple therapy is the single most effective method to revive a relationship that can help two individuals progress toward a healthy future. Relationship counseling is not only for couples with severe troubles or disagreements with each other. A perfect couple is just a myth, and we all need to stop idolizing it. Every couple has their own set of problems, even those who have a healthy and happy relationship; hence it is essential to remind them of the love that brought them together. To reignite that spark and get through life, a little push in the right direction is required.

Facing these obstacles is quite normal and anticipated, but the problems can be fixed with an expert’s help. Moreover, a couple needs to understand that a door to healthy dialogue must always be open in order to make their relationship work. To get more insight into why couples therapy is crucial to saving a relationship, we spoke to one of the leading couple therapists, Dr. Maysa Shahin, who shares her wisdom and experience in dealing with such cases. 

Having a bachelor’s degree in medicine as well as a master’s degree in health administration and management, she is a renowned therapist and consultant in the gulf countries and has been featured on several regional television stations in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. She has around 20 years of experience in relationship counseling and therapy and focuses on improving communication skills between a couple so that their relationship can heal and grow. In fact, through couples therapy, Dr. Maysa has helped thousands of families regain love. What sets her apart from other marriage counselors is her extraordinary approach to her clients.

As far as couples therapy is concerned, it is a form of psychotherapy in which a certified and licensed therapist uses a range of therapeutic interventions. The main aim behind it is to assist couples in gaining insight into their relationships as well as resolving conflicts. Therapy does not necessarily indicate that a relationship is in trouble. At times many couples feel they should work through challenging issues before it leads to something major. Today, therapy is frequently seen as a form of self-care, a sign of maturity, and good health. Moreover, therapy allows couples to discuss their problems in front of a qualified and certified therapist, who then devises a treatment keeping in mind their situation. 

In fact, couples therapy proved to be particularly helpful during the coronavirus pandemic when everyone was restricted to their homes. It was then that many couples realized that some issues needed to be addressed in order to make their relationships work. Being well aware of her role as a therapist and marriage counselor, Dr. Maysa provided online services as well as video sessions for her clients during that period.

Couples therapy is all about helping two individuals identify the problem first and then find out ways to resolve the issues that might be weighing down on their relationship. According to Dr. Maysa, a couple seeks therapy for various reasons, and it can benefit them in different ways, including: 

  • Enhancing communication skills.
  • Identifying the primary reasons for conflict.
  • Fostering greater comprehension.
  • Improved mutual acceptance.
  • Giving people the chance to build shared support.
  • Restoring closeness on a physical and emotional level.
  • Lowering emotional avoidance and detachment.
  • Rebuilding relational resilience and emotional fortitude.
  • Regaining a couple’s lost trust.
  • Supplying a safe setting and a chance for healing.

Couples therapy can resolve both recent and prolonged disagreements. They say “relationships are hard,” and that is absolutely true. We need to understand and accept the fact that two people will have different mindsets, opinions, and preferences, and it takes a lot of effort, patience and love to make any relationship work. Understanding your partner’s passion and perspective makes this bond strong and filled with joy and love. You must have come across the phrase, “there is no problem that cannot be resolved through healthy dialogue.” And couples therapists like Dr. Maysa understand the power of good communication and how impactful it can be. She encourages couples to seek help if needed, regardless of how society judges them. Love is precious, and any step taken to save a relationship is worth taking the plunge for!

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

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NY Weekly Staff on October 10, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes you stand out in this competitive industry?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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