NJ’s Chelsea Carlson has been keeping busy during the pandemic as a multi-genre singer/songwriter, member of the Renaissance Faire-inspired trio Bardy Pardy, and as a music teacher giving virtual and in-person lessons to students K-12. On Friday, February 11, you can also see her perform live as she opens for the band The Wag at The Coffee House in Edison, NJ. Chelsea has a ton of new music coming out later this year, as both a solo artist and through Bardy Pardy. So how has she been able to juggle all these creative endeavors while remaining so upbeat?
Read moreInterview with Stephanie Sackerman (Wellness Coach)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2019
“Motherhood can be challenging” is an understatement. For those who are new moms themselves, or have friends who are new moms, empowerment, wellness, and mindfulness are important things to remember to embrace. That’s where Stephanie Sackerman comes in. Stephanie is a Certified Wellness Coach and Certified Mindfulness Teacher and Founder of LiveLoveBeWell Wellness Coaching, LLC, and she’s on a mission to help moms “reduce stress, practice self-care, increase their self-love, and live life mindfully.” Check out our interview with Stephanie, below, to learn about what inspired her journey and how she’s making the world a better place by helping one mom at a time.
What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Stephanie Sackerman, and I am a proud Jersey girl, living in Morris Plains.
What inspired you to become a Wellness Coach?
I became a Wellness Coach, focusing on Mom empowerment, after I became a mother and realized just how challenging motherhood can be. To be honest, I felt really alone-especially the first few months of motherhood. Everywhere I looked, it seemed like moms had it together, and I wondered if maybe I was the only one struggling. Turns out, we all struggle—at different times and about different things—but many of us feel like we’re the only one going through it. As you may have surmised, moms—oftentimes new moms but also veteran moms—are the people I love to work with! I provide one-on-one coaching sessions which are completely individualized and focused on whatever challenge that mom is facing and whatever goals she has for herself. Additionally, I co-lead a weekly MindfulMoms™ meet-up group at The Avalon Wellness Center in Morristown, and I also love teaching moms at my various workshops.
What has been your personal journey been like so far?
My background is actually in Education. I taught middle schoolers to read and write for ten years before having my son. After becoming a mom, I struggled with postpartum anxiety and had to go on my own journey to get healthy. It’s funny but at 32, I’m the healthiest and happiest that I’ve been, but my definitions of both have changed. Motherhood was the catalyst for me to learn some of the most difficult but also the most important lessons about life, happiness, and myself, and after I learned them, I wanted to teach others. We can’t change our past, but we can share our journeys and what we’ve learned in an effort to help others.
What does a Wellness Coach do?
I think that what sets a Wellness Coach apart from other coaches is how we view overall well-being, which is 360. What I mean by that is that everything is connected. If we’re stressed, it’s impacting so many other areas of our lives: our relationships with others, our relationship with ourselves, how we’re sleeping, how we’re caring for ourselves, maybe our spirituality…the list goes on! When I was at my lowest, every part of myself and my life was impacted, and when I started to nurture myself and love myself, everything shifted. I love working with moms because we are literally connected to everyone. When we’re not at our best, everyone feels it, but when we’re flourishing, the whole house feels good.
Who is your target audience?
Every Wellness Coach has their own niche. Mine is to empower moms to find a balance in their lives, so they can care for themselves, love themselves, believe in themselves, be their authentic selves, and ultimately enjoy their motherhood and their lives because they deserve to!
What words of advice would you give to someone who has similar interests as you, or has faced similar challenges/obstacles?
I would say, figure out your why. When you’re feeling defeated or doubting yourself, say it over and over again. Let it rebuild you. Let it motivate you. Let it open the door for you to create the life you love.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m truly honored to have the chance to share a little bit about myself with you, so thank you for this opportunity. For any moms out there who are going through a tough time, please know that you’re not alone. As mothers, we can experience a wide spectrum of emotions and symptoms—especially postpartum. Always be sure to share what you’re experiencing with your doctor.
Finally, how can people connect with you online?
You can learn a little bit more about me, what I do, and how to schedule your complimentary Connection & Reflection phone session, and read my blog by visiting my website: www.LLBWC.com. I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram @livelovebewell, and you can find LiveLoveBeWell Wellness & Mindfulness Coaching on Facebook!
Interview with Alex Giordano (Bishops Cuts & Color, Denville, NJ)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, September 30, 2019
What's your name and where are you from?
My name is Alex Giordano. I'm from Wharton, New Jersey, and I've been in the hair industry for about 20-something years. I can't tell you really how old I am. That's a secret!
What’s your position at Bishops Cuts & Color?
I am the Salon Manager, overseeing several employees here, making sure everything's kept nice and clean and making sure that the customers who come in are completely satisfied when they leave.
Salon Manager Alex Giordano (left) with Owner Scott Pringle (right).
How did you get interested in doing hair? Is it something you loved as a kid?
I've always loved it as a kid. Literally I used to take my sister's Barbie dolls and cut their hair. I would take Kool-Aid and try to dye their hair and everything and be like, "Look I created a new style!" I remember when I was about 7-years-old we had a family friend over, and I told her I was going to cut her hair and make her look like Kermit the Frog -- don't ask me what I was thinking! -- but her parents could have killed the both of us, and my parents of course could have killed me. I've always loved doing hair.
When I was a freshman in high school, my parents sent me to South America because that's where they're from -- Montevideo, Uruguay. I studied cosmetology there. So, I got my license first in South America when I was 15-years-old, and then I came back here and continued my education. Unfortunately, they didn't accept my hours from another country so I had to go back to cosmetology school here. So I pretty much have been licensed twice already.
You never stop learning in this business. Every day you learn something from everyone. All different walks of life and everything. It's a great business. I love doing what I do.
What drew you to Bishops?
What drew me to Bishops was empowering people to be whoever they want to be, judgment-free. I think that in this day and age, in order to go places and make it further in life you have to look straight ahead and not worry about what your neighbors are doing as long as they're not harming anyone. Just be proud of who YOU are individually and focus on yourself and you'll make it to better places in life. That's what drew me into Bishops, as well as letting people express who they are.
In this business, people fail to realize that when you're a cosmetologist, when you're a hair stylist, when you're a barber, self-expression is definitely key because it's an art. We're not robots. We don't come here and say everyone's going to get the same exact haircut and this how we're cutting it. No. We use our art, and we have a vision. Most people who do hair are very artistic.
I tend to look at us as hair doctors. You don't go into doctor's office and say, "Hey, my tummy hurts, I'll take like 20 Advil prescription, and I'll take some antibiotics, and I'll come back when I feel better or I'll come back if I don't feel better.” No. You go in there. You get your consultation like we do. What's the problem (we want to know what's going on), followed by your prescription after you're being checked out, so we perform the service (that's you being checked out by the doctor), then you're given a prescription. When you're given that prescription, that's us giving you or recommending you products to make sure you upkeep or recreate the look.
How many times do you go to a salon, you get a fabulous hairstyle, and you leave and the next day you're like, "Oh man, what did I do? Why does it not look as good as yesterday?" So we teach you to recreate that style. We teach you how to take care and upkeep your hair, and then we give you a date to come back, just like a doctor would, so come back and see me in about three to four weeks and we'll follow up and see how everything's coming along.
How would you describe Denville, NJ (for people who aren't from the area)?
I think Denville is very family-oriented, but it's also very trendy. It's beautiful out here. I think that everyone's cheerful and happy. It's definitely a great place to visit. Especially the strips. Come out, check out all the mom and pop shops or the businesses around here. I think it's a great place to be. People are amazing around here.
What words of advice would you give to someone wants to follow a similar passion?
I say, never give up. Like any job, you're going to be faced with hardships. There's going to be some days that you wish you never did what you did, but don't lose that passion ever because as soon as you lose that passion or you stop enjoying what you do, you kind of lose the momentum or the hope in growing within that career path. So don't ever give up, just always keep looking forward. We're not perfect and we all make mistakes. Don't let that be your judgement call of where you'll be standing tomorrow.
How would you like people to feel when they come in?
I've always said that I wanted to deliver "a million dollar style on a budget," and that's my personal theory. It always has been. I know that not everyone has tons and tons of money to get their hair done, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't give them the same style they would if they would have went to 5th Avenue in New York to an upscale salon. I'm going to give you an amazing style, an amazing hair color, an amazing fade or a beard trim or straight razor shave, and I'm going to make you feel like you were just pampered in somewhere that you paid a million dollars for that style even though you're paying on a budget. No one has that money this day and age to just go and throw out all this money. A lot of people are doing their hair themselves, getting boxed colors at a store, or trimming their hair themselves. I feel like you shouldn't have to do that. Everyone deserves to be pampered. You owe it to yourself and you deserve it. We all deserve to kick back and have a break every now and again. I want people to feel amazing. I want people to walk out of here and feel like a million bucks.
Interview with Janet Ryan (SpectraSpray)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, September 20, 2019
If you are conscientious about your health and are worried you’re not getting the vitamins you need, if you have a fear of swallowing pills, or are curious about what “CBD” is all about, meet Janet Ryan, Founder/CEO of SpectraSpray Global which specializes in oral spray vitamins. Check out our interview with Janet below to learn more about her business, the inspiration behind it, and how you can get a hand on a variety of spray vitamin kits.
What’s your name, where are you from, what do you do?
My name is Janet Ryan, I am from Montville, NJ and I own a spray vitamin company called SpectraSpray Global.
How did SpectraSpray get started?
SpectraSpray got started as a result of my passion to help others feel their best and live their best lives everyday. After supporting health professionals with various supplements, I met a naturopathic doctor who introduced me to the unique ‘oral spray’ delivery.
What inspired you to build your company?
I have always been in tune with living a healthy lifestyle, but my dedication and determination to share cutting edge wellness information with others sprang from my family history. My mom, who had early onset Alzheimers, and my son, who suffered with ADD and had learning disabilities, have been the main driving factors behind my vast education, research and passion to educate and empower others. It’s still almost impossible to “TREAT” Alzheimers, but they are finding we can prevent it if we understand how our bodies work. Also, my twins were about 10-years-old when my son needed serious support for ADD, anxiety and focus which lead me to learning more about natural solutions rather than medications.
What kinds of products do you offer?
My company SpectraSpray offers oral Spray Vitamins that support wellness. We call them “foundational and functional” since they are typically nutrients that are deficient due to our poor food quality and stressful lifestyles.
If you take vitamin pills, your body could well be STARVING. People don’t realize that their bodies do not absorb 90% of any vitamins they take by pill, or even from some foods they assume are good for them. Their bodies are running on EMPTY, yet people wonder why they’re exhausted and not able to focus. Due to the high-tech nano-emulsion delivery system, our spray vitamins and supplements have the highest absorption of any competitor on the market today. The only higher absorption is through intravenous delivery. It’s not what you take, it’s what you ABSORB!
Our unique product formulas help people increase their mental focus and energy, reduce stress on the spot and sleep better to recharge. As a result, they increase their longevity by fueling their body with depleted baseline nutrients that naturally reduce as we age, or when we have genetic, digestive or environmental (epi-genetic) challenges.
Who’s your target audience?
Anyone can use our sprays. We find those who travel, work a long day, don’t sleep well or have digestive issues particularly love the convenience and effectiveness of our products.
How do you help people?
We help people by providing them with THE MOST CONVENIENT wellness spray they can carry with them anywhere they go. Most people have a cabinet FULL of vitamins and supplements that they forget to take. Our sprays GO WITH YOU and can be sprayed anytime, anywhere since they do not require food or water to absorb. The nutrients are already in a “ready to absorb” form that goes right into the bloodstream via the oral cells (buccal cells).
You’ve recently started offering CBD Spray. What does “CBD” stand for?
CBD stands for Canna-BiDiol, which is the oil extracted from the hemp plant.
What are some of the benefits of CBD?
It has been proven to help regulate the homeostasis (general functioning of all systems) of your body in many ways; especially supporting anxiety, sleep, pain and immune health.
What are some commons myths surrounding CBD?
People still think it will get you high, like Marijuana. CBD, especially the ISOLATE from, which we use, has no THC, the psycho active ingredient that gets you high. We provide a COA (certificate of analysis) to prove that, which is super important. CBD is not regulated YET, and there are many brands with toxic qualities, or not as much CBD in the product as advertised.
What might people be apprehensive about, and how would you dispel their fears?
They are apprehensive for good reason. It’s new, its everywhere, and it’s just beginning specific research. It’s important to buy from a company you can trust, one that provides a COA, uses Isolate form so that you are not drug tested positive for your job. You can start with a low dose, just a few milligrams once or twice a day, and see how you feel, then increase as needed. It takes time for your body to achieve homeostasis, but in time many functions will be supported because your body is able to work “in sync: much better. That’s extremely simplistic, but you can read our recent blog on the science behind CBD, or search the internet for reputable sources and studies. Like anything else, educate yourself. I did.
Where can people purchase your CBD sprays, as well as all the other sprays your offer?
Online at www.SpectraSpray.com. First time purchasers can use code SAVE20 to save 20% on their first purchase! They’ll love them. Our Success Kit and Travel Kit are very popular and can be used everyday, not just while at work or when traveling. Sleep Support, Stress Support, Immune Support and B12 are all must haves!
Finally, how can people follow you on social media?
We are on Facebook as SpectraSpray and Instagram as SpectraSprayVitamins.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes, your health is in YOUR hands, not your doctors. Learn, read, talk to people who understand nutrition and functional medicine. It is growing fast, and helping people live their best life, while aging positively into the future. Most chronic health issues are based on inflammation. Eating right, understanding your gut health and supporting your system with the right supplementation (not too much!) will help your very intelligent body to take care of you for a long time. Here’s to your health and a wonderfully energetic life!!
Interview with Scott Pringle (Bishops Cuts & Color, Denville, NJ)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, September 23, 2019
On April 27, 2019, Bishops Cuts & Color, a new hair salon/barbershop, opened its doors in Denville, NJ. It is LGBTQ-led, and charges based on hair length, rather than male vs. female pricing. Bishops is a franchise that has been steadily expanding from its home base in Portland, Oregon. The Bishops shop in Denville is run by Scott Pringle, who is originally from South Africa and was drawn to Bishops for its inclusive philosophy and culture. Learn more about Bishops in our interview with Scott, below, and do visit the shop at 33 Broadway in Denville!
What's your name and where are you from?
Scott Pringle. I'm the Co-owner here of Bishops Cuts & Color which is a new hair shop in Denville, New Jersey. I'm South African originally and my wife, who's the co-owner, is born in Hong Kong but she's Irish. So a very interesting combination. We've travelled the world. We've lived in 13 different countries between us, so I know a lot about different experiences, different levels of customer service, etc. That's one of the many things which interested us in joining Bishops and opening a hair shop.
Owner Scott Pringle (far right) with salon Manager Alex Giordano (middle) and Co-owner Siobhan Pringle (left).
How did you end up in New Jersey?
We both have lived here for at least 10 years, and we wanted to open up our own business, so we looked at franchise opportunities. Bishops is a franchise. We worked with a franchise consultant to get the best fit for us. After like a year of negotiation, we settled on Bishops, which is a franchise originally from Portland, Oregon. It started in 2001, started franchising about three years ago, and now 50 shops are open in about 17 different states, and in two years time there'll be about 200 different shops. So it's small but growing rapidly.
What drew you to the Bishops?
A couple of things. First of all, it's more than just a haircut. It's an experience. And that's what sold us. It's the people who are there, in terms of their style, the way they lead the team. It is LGBTQ-led, and because of that it's very open and inclusive. The whole environment is something that we really enjoyed -- accepting for everyone, judgment-free, etc…
Who is your ideal target market?
It is a unisex hair shop, so we don't differentiate on male vs. female. It's more mindset and the inclusive mentality of someone who wants a great hair service at an affordable price. Part of the philosophy originally was "a cheap haircut was bad, and a good haircut was expensive." We tried to change that in terms of affordable hair services. Great service, great product at affordable prices.
How much does it cost?
All our pricing is based on length of hair and how long it takes to do the service rather than male vs. female pricing. It's based on buzz cut, short cut, long cut. So if you're a lady with a pixie cut, you'd probably get away with a $29 short haircut. The other different thing about Bishops is it's a-la-carte pricing, which means you pay for each thing that you choose . If you just want a haircut, it's either $29 for a short or $35 for long, and then if you add a shampoo you add $5 as an add on, and if you add a style you add $20 as an add on. So a-la-carte pricing, you choose what you want and you tailor the experience.
What other services do you provide?
Apart from all the haircuts, we do color, highlights, style blow outs. For the men, there are straight razor shaves. Just about everything except extensions is offered at Bishops.
Tell us about the arts and culture of Bishops.
Bishops is founded on arts and music. It's about the whole great experience, not just a transaction. There are music speakers in the shop. There's actually two murals in the shop. It's regionalized for the region. One is "You Look Good" and the other one is "Different Together," which is a 3D-style effect of spray painting. A guy based in the city has come out and done it especially for us.
How has Denville been treating you so far?
We think we'll have a wider circle of appeal than most shops just because of our philosophy about "being for everyone." "Everyone is welcome" is linked to our philosophy. We are also linked to "safe in my chair" which means that everyone is accepted and welcome. We belong to an organization called Strands for Trans, in which all trans people are made to feel welcome, and everyone is.
How do you want people to feel when they walk in?
We want people to walk in and feel at home, feel the vibe, feel the energy, and just immediately feel at home and comfortable. Beyond that, they need to walk out with a great hair experience, great haircut, great color, great highlights, whatever it is that they want. If they get the great products at an affordable price together with experience, we feel that's the sweet spot for us.
How can people connect with you online?
We are on Facebook and on Instagram. We have a small but growing digital presence. We also do a lot of more conventional advertising in print media through coupons, and we are doing a lot of what we call "boots on the ground," handing out cards to potential customers, trying to build loyalty, offering a lot of 50% off discounts for your first hair service or your first blow out or style. So, trying to build loyalty and awareness and showing people what a great experience and a great service we can offer.
When are you open?
We are open seven days a week. We're here whenever you need us. Most days we are open 10am-8pm Monday through Friday, Saturday 9am-7pm, and also Sunday 10am-5pm. So there'll hopefully be a time that suits everyone.
Do you have any words of advice someone who might want to open up a franchise or business?
Find something that really appeals to you, from a values point of view. It is a lot of hard work. There's a lot of investment in time and money. The philosophy and the values and what Bishops stands for -- and especially what we need in this area, in this country right now in terms of openness and acceptance for all -- THAT’S what drives and inspires me. So, find something that's linked to your values, primarily.
Interview with Elisa Udaskin (Caring Organizer)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, September 23, 2019
Have you ever known someone who has experienced a tragedy, or maybe is recovering from a surgery, or just simply could use a helping hand? Have you ever wanted to step in and help them, but weren’t sure what was the “right” thing to do? Meet Elisa Udaskin. Elisa is the Founder and CEO of Caring Organizer, a website that lets friends, family, and strangers coordinate schedules so they can send meals to those in need.
What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Elisa Udaskin. I'm originally from Toronto, Canada. I was working for Kraft Foods. They moved us to New Jersey 11 years ago. I didn't really know anything about New Jersey, and I was just amazed by how beautiful it is. I moved to Morristown, and I was just amazed by the trees and the parks. I love it here. Then, four or five years ago, Kraft Foods asked me to lead a team in Singapore, and so we moved to Singapore for two years and had a great experience, and then we moved back to New Jersey.
Tell us about Caring Organizer. What is it about?
Caring Organizer is a website that I developed. We have free online tools and helpful tips to make it easy for people to help other people in times of need. There are practical tools that you can take advantage of to help others when someone has either passed away in their family, or they've recovered from a surgery, or they're sick, etc..
Who is your target audience?
The target audience are people who generally help other people. There's always going to be that person -- maybe it's also that person who organizes barbecues or the family gatherings or volunteers at the school -- people who know to get out of their comfort zone and reach out to help other people.
What inspired you start Caring Organizer?
I worked at Kraft Foods for 20 years in marketing leadership roles, and while I was working I always volunteered on the side and did a lot of side gigs within the company. Whenever there was an opportunity to organize the employees to volunteer at a food bank or a food pantry, to do things to give back, that was always my passion. I decided that after 20 years, I really wanted to incorporate that into my everyday life. I've always had a dream to start a social business -- I read a lot about social businesses -- and I just always wanted to do something, so I finally just took the leap.
What is it about food that people find comforting?
What I found from my experiences is that food is actually universal in bringing comfort. It transcends all cultures and religions. People like to bring food when you want to support someone else, and especially when you're going through one of these types of situations that are difficult. For example, a neighbor of mine just had a double hip replacement, so we neighbors all got together and organized a schedule of sending in food because that's one less thing that she has to think -- cooking for her family. Another neighbor lost her brother and has two small kids. By us sending in meals, it was one less thing that she didn't have to think about. Sending food provides comfort and also just really helps alleviate all the stress that comes along with all the other things going on.
How easy is it to use Caring Organizer?
Anyone in any city can use the website. We are working on rolling out our directory into different cities. It's all mobile-friendly. 70 percent of people are using a mobile device when they sign up to send in meals. It actually only takes a few minutes to set up the Meal Scheduler. You can then share it on social media. You can text it. People find a date to send in a meal (they can pick a place from our directory, or any other place that they want), and sign up. You do have to call the restaurant yourself to make the order. We're just the scheduling/organizing piece of it.
The local directory is simply suggestions for places, but you can really order or send a homemade meal from anywhere you want. For example, we just had a family whose son is ill, and I would say about half of the people who are sending in meals are making homemade ones. So, it's a very, very flexible website, with flexible tools.
The intention is to make it easy for people. It eliminates all of that back and forth of the text and the e-mails and the phone calls about, "Should I bring chicken or bring salmon? Should I send it on Tuesday or Wednesday?" It takes out all of those logistics questions, so that when you want to talk to the person who's experiencing difficult times, you can just say "how are you" and focus the conversation on that. You don't have to ask them all the details of what you can do to help them. It helps to streamline all of that.
What words of advice would you give to those who are hesitant about reaching out a helping hand to someone in need?
My advice is always if you're thinking it, don't hesitate. You're going to know the situation, and if you're feeling uncomfortable or hesitant about know bothering the person, which we hear a lot, send a message. Don't expect a reply right away because the person may not be in the right frame of mind your reply but they surely will feel loved and supported. And often it's when people you don't expect to hear from that when you do, it's an amazing feeling. So, I would just say that you're never going to do anything wrong. You just have to have the courage and be brave to reach out and do something, even if it is just sending a card in the mail or sending a private message on Facebook, or texting. Do something to show that you care.
What words of advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting his/her own business?
The first thing is that it's incredibly scary. Changing your career completely is always scary, and also going from financial stability to doing a startup is extremely scary. My advice is, you look at ways that you can cut back your expenses and get yourself ready to do it. It's just really important to understand that you're going to have tradeoffs. When you're going on an entrepreneurial journey there's going to be a lot of tradeoffs, and there are going be so many ups and downs -- like, so many ups and downs. But if you're truly passionate, you are just going to be happier and, hopefully, successful will follow.
Is there anything you'd like to add? What’s next on the horizon for you?
Public speaking is definitely something that I want to start doing. My whole mission is to encourage people to help other people. I would love to be able to have a speaking opportunity to be able to relay my message. I could talk about things, like, why do we hesitate to reach out to others? I'm starting to think about writing a speech for that. Things you can do to support people. I have a whole bunch of topics.
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You can also follow Caring Organizer on Facebook and Instagram.
Interview with Steve Guttman (Mind Body Dynamics)
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, September 17, 2019
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Steve Guttman. I was born in Newark, NJ and live in Morris Plains, NJ now.
What do you do?
I am a Mind Body Health/Wellness Life Coach, Integrative Personal Trainer, Massage/Energy Therapist. I am the owner, CEO of Mind Body Dynamics, a personal wellness company. I help shift/transform the mental, physical, emotional health and wellness of my clients for the better through my various fitness wellness services.
One-on-one personal training with Steve.
What kinds of services do you offer?
My services include Personal Training, Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation, Mindfulness Training, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Stress Management training, meal planning, nutritional guidance, massage, energy therapy and more.
Who is your target audience?
My clientele range from the busy business professional, to the stay at home mom or dad, to a teenager, child, baby boomer or senior adult. My client might be an athlete or a person with disabilities.
Meditation session with Steve.
What makes you different from other people in your profession?
My versatility and varied experience. Given the fact that I have my education as a Personal Trainer as well as that of a Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation teacher, clinical hypnotherapist, NLP and E.F.T. practitioner gives me a wide range of modalities to use for their overall health, fitness, wellness. When we add in my background of 35 plus years as a Massage Energy therapist, and as a professional trained in weight management and sports nutrition combined with my overall fitness background, I can serve people in even more ways. Finally, with my experience of 40 plus years working with children, people with disabilities and senior adults I am really blessed with the opportunities to make a positive impact on many people.
Tell us a little about yourself. Who inspires you?
I am a 59-year-old single father of 16-year-old son, Dylan — best kid in the world! My inspiration is my late mother, Elaine, who was very involved her whole life with her dedication in making a positive impact through selfless service with the people around her. As a child with numerous learning disabilities as there were thoughts of me being possibly developmentally disabled, I think I learned the qualities of empathy and compassion early on.
Along with that, I had other early influences in reference to health, fitness. As a 12-year-old in sleep way camp I was exposed to Yoga and loved it. At age 16 my older sister got me to trade shoulder massages with her and loved the idea of making her, other family members, friends and girlfriends feel good. My older brother got me into working out, so this all became a way of life.
I am inspired through my son Dylan to be the best dad and role model that I possibly can.
Additionally speaking, I can think of fitness icons such as Jack Lalanne, Joseph Pilates, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and many others who have helped shape the landscape of fitness.
Beyond that, I think of leaders such as Henry David Thoreau, Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. who held very high ideals in making an impact on society.
Finally, I am inspired by such positivity people as Tony Robbins, Werner Erhard, Dan Milliman and Dr. Wayne Dryer among others.
Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with one day?
As far as collaborating with, I seek out other wellness professionals that I can be complimentary with such as Chiropractors, mental health professionals and acupuncturists, among others.
What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or maybe facing obstacles similar to what you’ve faced?
Be sure to love what you do and the positive impact it can make on people. Learn as much as you can, from as many people that you can, and of course read as much as you can. Knowledge is power! Be confidant and yet humble and realize that what you know is just the tip of the iceberg! Enjoy life, learn from mistakes and in fact welcome them. Lastly, come from a place of gratitude, acceptance and appreciation.
Finally, how can people find you online?
My website is www.mindbodydyn.com. They can find me via Facebook, LinkedIn, and just recently Instagram.
Interview with DJ Michael Demby
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Wednesday, November 14, 2018
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
I'm Michael Demby. I grew up in New Providence, NJ and currently live in downtown Jersey City.
Tell us about your work. How would you describe your style? Where do you record/perform? Who are your influences, personally and/or professionally?
Since 1998, I have been a DJ/entertainer and additionally host trivia and karaoke events. I've worked hard at developing a polished and understated approach, while providing a professional “cheese-free” method to announcements and MC work.
My performances are at private events where I am given the privilege to provide music at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, corporate events, and more, and can comfortably bounce from retro classics to today's top hits in pop, hip-hop, rock, house, reggae, disco, or whatever will keep guests dancing.
Influence comes from so many different places, but most specifically, those with whom I've worked in the past as well as my family and friends, all whose love of music has always drawn positive attention from anyone around to hear it.
What's the meaning or inspiration behind what you do? How do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
It is hard to explain, but the drive behind what I do can be summed up by the special feeling I get when clients realize that their event is going to be fun, unique, and different. I have received some of the most touching words of thanks and detailed insight about why my DJ services were chosen out of so many other great options.
I want people to feel relaxed and comfortable, knowing that I love working with each client to truly personalize every aspect for one of the greatest day in their life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started with music? What's been your personal journey? Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day?
I grew up in a house where music was always on, which offered a unique education and prepared me for playing an instrument, the Alto Sax, which I still play to this day. At 16, I started taking dancing lessons to impress some girls and during a party, my skills at leading a large group were noticed by the DJ. He then brought me on be a motivational dancer, explained some of the basics, put on the Electric Slide, and said "Okay, now go out there and get people up dancing!"
I would love to run the world's largest game of Coke and Pepsi one day — that would be so much fun!
What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?
Learn as much as you can from someone whom you consider to be an expert and sees what makes you unique. Then take that characteristic and make a living with it!
What's next on the horizon for you? Do you have any shows/events coming up?
December is right around the corner, and I'll be busy with holiday parties! If anyone reading this is in need of music for a holiday event, feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to offer a Jersey Indie 20% discount :-)
Finally, how can people find and connect with you online?
You can find more info on my website, or feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.