Jenny is an aspiring fashion designer, and I was honored to help her start her very first venture into the world of fashion/retail industry with the launch of her Etsy shop “Skeletons In My Closet”

Jenny’s designs are conscious to the environment, using items like Arizona cans and circuit boards, and turning them into unique jewelry pieces. It’s inspiring to see a fashionista that is not influenced by trends and Hollywood, but is really an artist and designer using her resources and imagination to translate a new idea of what Fashion should be… sustainable.

I was lucky enough to snag this dope doughnut necklace! Having a food allergy that doesn’t allow me to eat anything with flour (ugh!), I could relate to the description that inspired this piece…

I made this because I had kind of an eating disorder around freshman year :(. I didn’t take the transition to high school well and stressing out about grades, friends, and other drama lead me to almost passing out in 5th period. This doughnut kind of represents not seeing food as something to be eaten. – Jenny Chen

Can’t wait to see what else Skeletons In My Closet will have to offer as Jenny grows into her role as a designer and entrepreneur.

Now shop and support! >>  http://www.etsy.com/shop/skltnsinmycloset

“My career over the past 8 years has been spent as a touring poet, performing artist, & arts educator in universities and high schools across the U.S., primarily speaking on the experiences of Filipina/Asian American women. As a fashion enthusiast and media personality, this new project was born out of my passion to create empowering media for young Asian American girls, where they can find modern & engaging examples to express their beauty, identity, & leadership.” – Ruby Veridiano

By focusing on the histories of Asian American women, Glamourbaby Diaries offers an opportunity for Asian girls to reflect on their community, and for other female allies to gain knowledge of APIA issues. The discussions of activism and the history of APIA women exercising social justice offers participants with solid examples of how to redefine their lives to become agents of change. The program intentionally seeks to shift the image of Asian Americans in a modern, creative, and positive new light, away from the stereotypical examples that are more readily seen in popular media. Glamourbaby Diaries provides a fun and engaging introspection that encourages participants to think critically and redefine their role in society, while exploring fashion’s role in defining a generation.

The Glamourbaby Diaries is a free, 8-week program, that will be held on Saturdays from 2-4pm, beginning October 9th through December 4th, and located at Urban Word Manahattan (www.urbanwordnyc.org), 242 W 27th St. *Interested participants must email rubyisill@gmail.com with a brief narrative of why they would like to participate as space is limited.

Ruby is also beginning to accept booking requests for the 2010-2011 school year, specializing in  speaking engagements, workshops, and keynote presentations.  Aimed to facilitate dialogue on topics ranging from ‘Women’s Empowerment’, ‘Media Literacy’, ‘Race Relations and Diversity’, ‘Exploration of APIA Issues’, and ‘Personal Upliftment’. *Requests can be sent to rubyisill@gmail.com.

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Ruby Veridiano is a writer, speaker, arts educator, and media personality. She was born in Manila, Philippines, raised in Sacramento, CA, and has spent time in Italy, France, Atlanta, GA, and Oakland, CA, shaping her global perspective as a visionary leader. Since 2002, Ruby has traveled throughout the United States and Europe, presenting her writings, workshops, and media projects, inspiring young people to reach their full potential. As an arts activist, she aims to redefine the concepts of glamour and elegance in a way that encompasses themes of strength, inner beauty, and positive social change. In 2008, she published her first book “Miss Universe”. Ruby is currently based in New York, launching a writing empowerment program for teens, “The Glamourbaby Diaries”.  For more info visit www.rubyisill.com

Ruby’s Links:
twitter – @rubymsuniverse
FB fan page – www.facebook.com/RubyVeridiano

Glamourbaby Diaries is a writing program with an Asian American history focus and a fashion framework that encourages young women to redefine beauty and elegance by encompassing themes of strength & social change. Incorporating media, women’s history, and fashion, participants will analyze the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) image in society.  Glamourbaby Diaries is funded by a grant awarded to Ruby Veridiano in 2010, from the Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC), in New York City.

About the Asian Women Giving Circle
The Asian Women Giving Circle is a group of Asian American women pooling their money to fund other Asian women in NYC who use the tools of art to further a social equity goal. We work together to raise resources to support Asian American serving, Asian American women-led social change organizations in New York City’s under-served communities.  We raise resources and philanthropists.

PR Contact:
Paloma Belara
paloma@papalodown.com
415-992-1428
Booking Contact:
rubyisill@gmail.com

download flyer here – http://ow.ly/i/3ifb

“This youth-produced show is sure to be a hit. It’s edgy, truthful and tackles the hard to talk about topics. It’s a prime example of what is possible when collaboration and creativity intersect with youth development.” ~ T. Tomas Alvarez III, Executive Director of Beats Rhymes & Life

Students in the program had little or no experience with video production, but through instruction from Peter Kim of Streetside Productions, they were able to learn basic pre-production, production, and post-production skills in documentary style storytelling.  Students were encouraged to consider themes of self-reflection, family, and community when deciding what topics to feature. In addition to video production, students also became contributing writers for FRESH The Magazine, under the direction of Paloma Belara and Tomas Alvarez, of Beats Rhymes and Life.  This component of the program helped students build writing and critical thinking skills, and provided knowledge and experience in utilizing social media, and organizational tools.

Keepin’ It Solid will be available to view after the premiere on www.freshthemagazine.com. All ages are welcome to attend the event at the East Side Arts Alliance, with doors opening at 6pm. Admission is free, with food and drinks provided.

RSVP’s for the event are encouraged on FB: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=105500912841706

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Yes, yes, ya’ll… September 11, 2010 will mark the day I went off to pursue happiness!

But what I really wanted to share with you today, is a fairly new project I’ve been working on since the beginning of this year with Tomas Alvarez of Beats Rhymes and Life (BRL), a clinically-based community organization rooted in Oakland, California that aims to promote mental health and wellness among youth and young adults by utilizing Hip Hop and other forms of popular culture (www.beatsrhymesandlife.org).

I’ve taken on the challenge to coordinate “FRESH The Magazine” (www.freshthemagazine.com), the sister program of BRL, currently based out of Oakland High School and partnering with The East Bay Asian Youth Center (www.ebayc.org). FRESH which stands for “For Real Expression Start Here”, provides a platform for youth to showcase their creative works, build community, become advocates for themselves, discuss critical issues affecting youth health, and learn more about local programs and resources, while developing professional business and media skills

It has been an amazing experience, allowing me to revisit my passion for managing a team, and learning how to become an effective educator.  I’ll keep this short, and will share more about the program in future posts, so until then please visit our website when you get a chance, and share with the young people in your lives:

www.freshthemagazine.com

ps. We’re in major need of web design help, holler if you’re interested! paloma@beatsrhymesandlife.org

A few of the FRESH Magazine staff/students I work with, at Lake Merrit, Oakland, CA

Paloma Belara and Catherine Judge pose in front of Estria's mural at the East Bay Asian Youth Center in Oakland. (Photo taken by Reynaldo Cayetano Jr.)

When I moved back to San Francisco from New York exactly one year ago in August 2009, I found myself thinking about public relations. I have always wanted to learn more about the trade and often read the Papa Lo Down blog for advice. I realized it was a natural transition from being an organizer; because, just like organizing, public relations deals with messaging, campaigning, coalition building and event planning.

So I emailed Paloma Belara and hoped with my transferable skills and under her savvy direction and tutelage, I would develop professionally in the public relations world.

Sure enough, my speculations were correct and I soon found myself in the middle of deadlines, action plans, timelines, and always keeping an eye open for relevant news.

My experiences have inspired me to write this entry and to share my advice with independent artists.

BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
I often hear about the anxiety people get from the dreaded but necessary “networking opportunities”. My approach is casual but still professional. You can meet a future business partner potentially anywhere, and great partnerships start with a simple conversation. Be open to meeting new people and getting to know them and their passions. Just because someone is a bank teller doesn’t mean they can’t make a dope addition to your artistic network.

So the first steps are to breathe and release that intimidation, be open, and don’t have assumptions that can close doors for you. You never know who or what someone knows. Assumptions will only close doors for you.

Presenting Yourself
Get to the point! Be concise and keep in mind what you think might be interesting to others. Be proud of what you do but don’t ever lie. Yes, sometimes your “slight exaggerations” can count as a lie.

Following Up
Once you make that new connection, don’t forget to follow up as quickly as possible so you’re still fresh in their mind. There are a ton of reasons why someone might not be able to reach out to you, so make sure that you don’t lose that connection!

If you don’t have time to send them a thought provoking eloquently worded email right away—don’t worry! You can always drop them a line to show you want to cultivate a working relationship with them and work on that email later.

Some people are more responsive on twitter than by email. See this article to see just how much artists can get from utilizing these sites: http://artbistro.monster.com/benefits/articles/10695-4-things-artists-can-get-out-of-being-on-twitter.

Reciprocity
Some artists are notorious for courting friendships to exploit what they want and leaving once they get it. This is not the way to network and maintain relations. It will only make people resentful, and they will tell their circle about what you’ve done. Sometimes we don’t notice we do this.

So when you ask people for a favor, really think about when you’ve helped them, too. Always take into consideration people’s time, labor and effort. Even if they make a five-minute phone call to ask one of their friends to help you, they are still banking on their clout, reputation and trust that have taken them a long time to create.

Keeping it Alive
I have had artists complain to me that they have reached a plateau and feel stagnant with their art. Your network can help you with that! Collaborating with other artists you admire and exposing yourself to different genres of art is a great way to force you to get out of your comfort zone and create something new.

Further, always think outside the box and of ways to have members of your network participate in your next project. Those are lessons Papa Lo Down has taught me. Say you’re planning a community event and that you want your art to be featured. You know it will need a lot more than just your art to draw a crowd. Then you remember your relative owns a catering company, your friend is a dj, your coworker’s children are in a dance group, and your former classmate is an avid blogger who can help promote your event. Not only does this help your event and career, but it provides chances for your folks to shine too—reciprocal relationships! So don’t forget to think about your resources, figure out if the collaboration(s) blend with your theme, and make it work!

Lastly, ensuring you have a successful online presence is another way for people to stay in touch with what you’re doing even if you haven’t physically seen or talked with them recently. See this article on ideas to improve your online art presence:
http://artbistro.monster.com/education/articles/9687-5-ways-to-improve-your-online-art-presence?comment_page=2&page=2

Stay tuned for periodic blog posts on tools and advice as I share from my experiences.

ps. follow me on twitter! @mzjudge

Hootsuite truly is the most time efficient, and market research enabled product to hit the world of PR/Marketing since the internet.  Thanks to my client Estria introducing me to this a while back, I have been able to make the most of my internet time, and actually spend some time at the playground, (literally!)

The important part to remember in this post, is that educating yourself is a constant process to stay ahead of the pack. Learning more about your craft also gives you the confidence to do the best work you possibly can.

If you don’t know about this social networking management service you are slippin… check it out: www.hootsuite.com

“an education is something know one can ever take away from you” – my lola

Even though I was attending a fashion college, my projects were always about something else, including the entertainment industry.  So I guess it’s not a surprise that my career now includes both fashion and entertainment, (with a sprinkle of education for good measure).

With the recent news of Ruby Veridiano being a finalist for head blogger at Alicia Keys’ project “I Am A Superwoman” (www.iaas.com), I realized that not only has Ruby’s career come full circle at this point and time (cause I believe she’s got this gig!), but so has my own, as a publicist.

You see, the project in my PR class, six years ago, involved planning an event, writing a press release, FAQ sheet, bio, and a press kit for a client.  The client I chose to take on was Alicia Keys.  I kept my project throughout the years, and I’m glad I can still look back at it now…

I always knew that my career, and my passion was about helping other people shine. Ruby and I have been working together since 2007, and over the years we’ve also become close friends, and family. It’s truly a blessing to work with her and see how she’s manifested her career.

I believe my success is in the success of others… I shine, you shine.

ps. Thank you Alicia Keys, for inspiring me all those years ago…

My entire career as a writer and an artist has been devoted to representing a strong female voice that could inspire and uplift women. By offering universal truths, I strive to be the bridge that unites all women together, offering them a space to let their ambitions take flight. Because of this, I know that partnering with Alicia Keys for “I AM A SUPERWOMAN” is the perfect opportunity to unite fellow sheroes across the world. – Ruby Veridiano

As a candidate, Ruby’s chances of getting into the top three spot will partly be dependent on the support of her fans and community.  By rating and leaving comments on Ruby’s blog entries, the judges will be motivated to keep Ruby through to each round.  Ruby’s profile on IAAS can be viewed here: http://www.iamasuperwoman.com/users/rveridano

An active member of the community, Ruby works tirelessly to create opportunities that will help women (and men), find their own “super powers” within, and embrace their full potential. The access to have a platform that will be heard by thousands of people through IAAS, is a responsibility that Ruby is ready to take on with pride and excitement.

For up to date info on Ruby’s progress in the interviewing process you can check twitter.com/rubymsuniverse

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About: Ruby Veridiano is a writer, speaker, arts educator, and VJ/media personality, born in Manila, Philippines, and raised in the Bay Area.  Through her writings, workshops, and video projects, she aims to create an empowering space for women in media.  From the beginning of her career as a spoken word poet with iLL-Literacy (www.ill-literacy.com), Ruby has traveled throughout the United States and Europe, inspiring young people to reach their full potential. Her self-published book of short writings and poems “Miss Universe”, was released in 2008, and scheduled for a re-release in the near future. Ruby is currently exploring the “Glamourbaby Trails” of Brooklyn, NY, and developing a curriculum for a girls club, with the organization Lit World (www.litworld.org), that will be launched in New York high schools this summer (2010). For more info visit www.rubyisill.com

About: IAAS (I Am A SuperWoman) was founded by Alicia Keys to ignite super women with empowering content, delivering vibrant and optimistic news, opinion, and entertainment at a supersonic pace. IAAS will give powerhouses everywhere one source to connect with each other–and the world. For more info visit www.IAAS.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO BAND ‘KAPAKAHI’ CHANGES NAME
TO ‘MY PEOPLES’
Group Announces New Name, Upcoming Albums, and Release Party

San Francisco, CA, (April 21, 2010) – “Kapakahi”, the multi-ethnic band which coined the term “urban aloha” to describe their fresh fusion of reggae, ska, hip-hop, and funk, will transition to the name: “My Peoples”, and release the EP “Back2Roots” this spring. They will officially perform under the new name at their album release party on Friday, April 30^th, 9:00 p.m., at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco.  The group hopes to reach a larger audience, while embracing their already loyal following.  The new name captures their vision to create an environment for people to experience the positivity within music.

“Music is the voice of My Peoples and we use music to share the common message of love, peace, & unity. At the same time, My Peoples is a force that can use music to stand against what’s wrong in everyday society and inspire those to change within themselves to be better.” – Mike D, My Peoples frontman

This coming summer, the band will release their self-titled album, “My Peoples”, a full-band EP, which will incorporate a new electric blend alongside their signature reggae/rock/hip hop sound.  Both albums will be available for digital download at all major retailers, and on the band website. Physical copies of the albums will be available to purchase at every show. For a limited time, free downloads of the single “Lost Again” and “Tell Me” will be available on the band website – www.mypeoplesmusic.com. To purchase tickets for the release show at Cafe Du Nord on April 30, 2010 , visit – www.cafedunord.com

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About My Peoples: My Peoples is a San Francisco based reggae-rock band known for their high energy shows, and creating music that is gritty and fun, by blending the raw and soulful elements of reggae, rock, and hip hop.  They originally began playing together as “Kapakahi” (2005-2009), gaining a loyal following as one of the few independent bands in Northern California to tour throughout the West Coast and Hawaii.  My Peoples is – Mike D (frontman), Steve Salta (drummer), Chris Jones (bass player), Josh Hoover (saxophone), and Lansky (emcee).  For more information visit www.mypeoplesmusic.com

About Back2Roots: The acoustic EP “Back2Roots”, released April 2010, is the first album from San Francisco based reggae-rock band My Peoples, (formerly known as Kapakahi).  The album represents a new beginning for the band, and is more focused in the direction of where their musical style is headed, using the raw and soulful elements of reggae, rock, and hip hop as a foundation.  With the city life a constant inspiration, frontman Mike Dayao’s lyrics are honest, and take you to that happy place that is much needed from the daily grind.  Additional vocals from Lansky (emcee), along with the composition and arrangements from Steve Salta (drums), Chris Jones (bass), and Josh Hoover (saxophone), create melodic music easy to remember and sing along with.  The album is available for digital download at major retailers, and can be purchased at every show.  For more information visit www.mypeoplesmusic.com

Press Contact:
Paloma Belara, Publicist
415-992-1428
paloma@papalodown.com

Booking Contact:
booking@mypeoplesmusic.com