On this quiet winter morning over in Manhattan’s Lower East Side you can find some of today’s most influential Artist’s work, Daniel Arsham. Tucked away behind the Perrotin Gallery’s walls on Orchard Street holds three floors of masterpieces. Everything nostalgic to the late 90’s era child could wish for.

New York City Resident, Daniel Arsham has been making noise in the Art (and even streetwear) community for some time now. His works with Adidas, Kim Jones of Dior, and Ronnie Fieg has made him one of Fashion’s top Artist collaborators. His work often is monochromatic due to him being color blind and also reflects on making relics of current objects we’ve grown up around. Making casts and aging them through intricate processes.

Most recently Daniel has teamed up with the Pokemon brand to create sculptures of some of our favorite creatures from this Japanese Anime. Visiting the Perrotin we got to see an array of this new series along side with some other special pieces of paintings to even the cast molds itself.

Being a product from the 90's, seeing all of this in person actually does bring you back in time. There is something special to what Daniel is doing aging and distressing modern subjects to feel like an artifact. It makes you think what civilization will be like in a thousand years, and what the footprints we leave behind will be of importance.

The Show will be running until February 20th and still has some available showings left. If you have the time I highly suggest you go check out the Perrotin.

Everyone has that certain something inside that keeps them going. Now more than ever it’s important to not lose focus on the things that make you who you are. The idea to “Just Do It.” is a powerful one that can lead to greatness. Join us as we share the stories of unique individuals within our communities and what drives them to succeed for not just themselves, but the people around them.

Who are you and how did you get started in music?

I’m Armani White, I grew up in a musical family, all of my uncles and grandfathers played instruments. I always wanted to pick up an instrument but never got around to it. I sort of picked up rap as a hobby at first but then I saw the artistic side of it and then started focusing more on it to amplify my voice.

Any upcoming projects?

Nothing too specific, I’m tying up a capsule that narrates everything I’ve gone through personally through the pandemic. Right now we’re wrapping up a few records and just focusing on dropping more new music. It’s the first time I’ve been home for this long of a period so I’m just trying to create as much as I can.

What’s keeping you motivated right now?

Definitely the creative process, having the time to make as much as I want to make with no pressure. When the world is open you feel like you’re racing, when the world is still you feel a lot more freedom. It feels more liberating to create during these times.

What have you been doing during the Pandemic?

Stocking up content has been key during the pandemic. Focusing on direct to consumer strategies. I started selling so much merch at the beginning of the pandemic selling and shipping out all product myself to my fans and supporters.

Any words of advice to people in your community?

Be colorful, take your pain and throw it at the wall. If it’s a big ball of red watch a rainbow come out. Take the pain and trauma you’ve had, throw it at the wall and watch something beautiful come out of it. Be colorful.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Mo, I'm 30 years old and I'm a photographer and curator from Philly! I shoot anything from concerts to weddings to portraits to nightlife to BTS photos for films & music videos. I like to mix it up but I definitely focus on portrait photography.

Describe a normal “Day in the Life” for you currently?

So I just got back from shooting still photography for M. Night Shyamalan's next film in the Domican Republic! It was an amazing experience but also a lot of work so with all the covid craziness here, I've had a lot of down time since getting back. It's easy to want to jump right into the next thing, but I'm making myself relax for the time being. I've been spending most of my days planning future projects and getting ready for 2021.

Could you name the one personal trait or aspect of your life that keeps you going everyday?

I think what really keeps me going is my intense fear of not living up to my potential. There's really nothing worse than wasted potential to me. I spend a lot of time getting in my head and psyching myself out so I just gotta remind myself every day that I'm in control of where my life and career go and if I keep putting in the work, I'll end up where I'm supposed to!

Are you currently working on any projects?

I'm definitely trying to take advantage of all this lockdown time and start planning the next Time To Pretend, which is an all women's art show that I host and curate biannually! Our 7th show was supposed to be this past March, but it had to be postponed so I'm definitely trying to make this next show the biggest one yet! Every show has 10-16 female artists from the Philly area as well as 20+ female owned small business vendors so it's just an awesome opportunity to empower women and give female artists a platform to share their work with the city.

If you could pass on any advice or words of inspiration to your community, what would it be?

Do you. We spend so much time on social media comparing our work and our careers and our lives to everyone else's and it's such a waste of time. Social media is fake, everyone is just flexin for the gram and honestly, at the end of the day, we're all on our own journeys anyway! There's no point in worrying about what everyone is doing, so focus on your craft and just do you!

As we remain put in the comfort of our homes, we continue to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Staying home might look different to a lot of people, but for us, it means staying connected. Our "Home Check-In" initiative is encouraging individuals to contribute to the better well-being of the world by staying home and staying fresh. We're asking you to showcase your favorite Nike fits in creative and original ways. Show off your Swoosh in style.

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

My name is Nick Girlando. I'm a New York native, born and raised in Queens and currently based in Downtown Brooklyn working as a full-time sales rep and photographer on the side. I'm also a sneaker collector with 20+ years of experience. Growing up by the beach in Rockaway, I started skateboarding at a very young age. Skateboarding was a gateway to the sneaker world, the fashion industry, and photography.

What has been your daily quarantine routine?

My daily routine has pretty much been wake up, make coffee and breakfast. I'll turn on the news to watch Governor Cuomo speak and then jump into some work, make a few phone calls checking in on my clients, friends, and family. Maybe a facetime or two. I'll cook lunch and then read or try to do something mellow for a few hours. I've been doing home workouts every day in the apartment or on the rooftop depending on the weather. I'll cook dinner around 8pm and then wind down with some Netflix or a movie. In the beginning, I was a little bit shook on what I would do being home for so long but I grew into a routine that's pretty much been the same every day. It makes time go by and keeps me from going stir crazy.

What activities have you been doing during these times?

I've been able to do some things that I normally wouldn't have as much time or energy for normal circumstances. I've been cooking a lot more than usual. Pretty much 2-3 times a day. I've had time to learn new recipes and try new types of food. I've been reading a little bit here and there. I've definitely watched more TV than I normally would. I have never really been a TV guy because I can't sit still for too long. I've done a few jigsaw puzzles. I've been trying to go for the 1,000 piece ones the most but they haven't been that easy to find. I've had time to work on a brand I am starting too. That's always been a goal of mine but I haven't had the time to get creative or focus on the mission and meaning behind it. Now has been a perfect time. I guess lastly, working out has been a big one for me. I was usually a gym person but I've had to learn how to adapt like all of us. I've taken up running and Higher intensity workouts. Man, those will whip you into shape if you do it every day.

What kind of food have you been cooking?

I've been cooking a mix of different things and types of food. I've been trying to keep it healthy since we're spending so much time being sedentary. I've put together a bunch of new salads and different vegetable dishes. A few chicken recipes. I think I've perfected Boneless wings now. I've done a few different steak options with different marinades. Also, I've been cooking a ton of Mexican food. I've always made different types of tacos but I've taken it a step further and made Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, and even Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. I try to save my Italian food nights for Friday's or Sunday's. Sundays have always been a tradition to make a good sauce. A Sunday Sauce. Nothing better than that.

What are you currently watching/listening to? (Movies? Podcasts? Music?)

I was never really a podcast person before this and I still wouldn't call myself one. Probably because I can't focus on it for too long because of the lack of visual stimulation. But I've had a chance to listen to a few. I try to stay connected to what's happening in Fashion, the Economy, and even Real Estate. Just to be informed and have a vision of how these things will affect our future. I breezed through season 3 of Ozark, it was fire. I binge-watched two seasons of Westworld and I am currently midway through season 3. MJ's the Last Dance pretty much saved my Sunday nights. That has been incredible to relive his career and even see and hear those stories about that era of basketball that seemed like an urban legend until now. In terms of music, my taste is all over the board. My Spotify must be confused because they never know what I'm going to throw at them. I start my days with Coffee Shop mellow music and by lunch, I'm listening to Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Saint Jhn, Travis Scott, Post Malone or might even throw it back and put on some The Lox or Styles P. At night I've actually really enjoyed a few different Dj sets via Instagram Live. Questlove always kills it, I could listen to him spin all day.

Any advice to someone who is having a hard time being productive?

Take a minute to slow down. Gather your thoughts. While the streets are quiet and your normal routine is thrown off, there's still so much noise out there. Whether it be the news, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Sometimes you have to block it all out. I have found that I shut everything down and try to read or focus on something else. Maybe a puzzle even. Complete silence and a slower pace will get you grounded so you can get your head clear and ready to create a plan of attack. I do my best thinking at night when all the hecticness of the day has passed.

Follow us on Instagram @dtlrvilla and @dtlrlifestyle for more news and updates.

Who are you and how did you get started playing basketball?

I am Winston Robinson and I got started playing basketball by watching my older Brothers around the age 4-5. Growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia it was one of the only outlets. It's lead me to travel the world and meet others that share the same ideas and passions.

What has basketball done for you mentally?

Basketball saved my life by changing my mental fortitude. It made me optimistic but also confident. It installed perseverance but also a mental safe haven, an outlet from my toxic environment.

What keeps you motivated?

My spiritual attachment to god, My friends and family. My competitive nature to be better than who I was yesterday.

Any message people in your community during this time?

A message to my community during these times would be to stay together because we need each other more than ever. To keep in mind that we are all in it together and to push each other for better, like teammates and not as enemies. Love each other and invest in the youth so they are more knowledgeable and to avoid the mistakes we’ve made.

Everyone has that certain something inside that keeps them going. Now more than ever it’s important to not lose focus on the things that make you who you are. The idea to "Just Do It." is a powerful one that can lead to greatness. Join us as we share the stories of unique individuals within our communities and what drives them to succeed for not just themselves, but the people around them. This is Gregory Coachman's Daily Drive.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Gregory Coachman. I am the owner of Urban Recreation, a real estate investment and lifestyle brand, as well as a fitness professional.

Describe a normal “Day in the Life” for you currently?

I start my day with breakfast with my girlfriend, then jog or some sort of other exercising to get my body and mind working. Afterward, I may meet with a few clients. Later in the day, I will usually see some friends or have phone discussions about what we all are processing and experiencing in our lives. That usually leads me to sit with a cup of coffee while I work on whatever ideas I've been thinking of. I try not to allow a day to pass without researching something related to my dreams, even if it's just a google search. My nights end pretty early with me eating dinner with my girl and conversations about today and tomorrow.

Could you name the one personal trait or aspect of your life that keeps you going every day?

Resilience. Throughout my life, I've usually outlasted and out hustled others.

Are you currently working on any projects?

Currently, I'm really focusing on Urban Recreation. I am developing products I personally love and enjoy, whether it be a t-shirt, sweatsuit, even accessories, and houseware. Urban Recreation will always be a real estate company at its core but encompasses much more. A cafe housing all my products is the end goal. I also just recently began a new real estate company with friends, Walls & Bridges, and we closed our first deal in Chicago this week.

If you could pass on any advice or words of inspiration to your community, what would it be?

My advice is to don't allow others' limitations to become yours. Your dreams and goals belong to you. It's not up to anyone else to tell you whether they're achievable or if you're capable or not. There will always be whispers of doubt, but you silence those whispers with consistency and drive.

Shop the latest styles of footwear and apparel from Nike at all DTLR locations and online at DTLR.com

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Raheim and I’m a visual artist. Meaning, I try to create imagery that will evoke emotions.

Describe a normal “Day in the Life” for you currently?

Since Covid, I wouldn’t say anything is normal right now. Haha. But everyday I wake up, get breakfast started for my wife and daughter. We’re home schooling right now, so I help her get prepared every morning. Helping her with homework at the end of her day. Start the preparations for dinner and ideally head out to link a friend or to go and make images. Come home and do a varied version of that the next day.

Are you currently working on any projects?

Currently I’m working on a couple of projects. I have some Merch and brand stuff coming out. Working on finishing my web site. And of course a bunch of concept work.

If you could pass on any advice or words of inspiration to your community, what would it be?

I would tell my community to always think big and dream big. Think more of yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail. Get up and keep going. Hard work is always reciprocated over time. You can do anything you want as long as you are true to yourself.

Everyone has that certain something inside that keeps them going. Now more than ever it’s important to not lose focus on the things that make you who you are. The idea to “Just Do It.” is a powerful one that can lead to greatness. Join us as we share the stories of unique individuals within our communities and what drives them to succeed for not just themselves, but the people around them. This is Aaron Heard’s Daily Drive.

How did you get started in music?

High school is when I really fell into heavy metal. I would get introduced to random bands while hanging with people at the skatepark. The vocal techniques really piqued my interest as a soft-spoken kid. From that point on I just practiced every day until my voice got stronger. Fronted a couple different bands over the years and now here I am.

What are you currently working on?

Nothing has a record coming out soon. Jesus Piece is writing a record at the moment. I’ve also been developing a video game on my free time.

What keeps me motivated every day?

My biggest motivation is my son Leo. Everything I do now is to build a better life for him.

How do you deal with stress?

Music is always my go-to. It allows me to take a huge step back from reality and see things clearly. And if that doesn’t work then I hit the streets on the board. Try to skate as fast as I can through the neighborhood.

Any advice you want to give to your audience?

Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re supposed to be doing with your life. Don’t box yourself in. Don’t submit to social norms to appease others. Be true to yourself.

Shop the latest styles of footwear and apparel from NIKE at all DTLR locations and online at DTLR.com

Everyone has that certain something inside that keeps them going. Now more than ever it’s important to not lose focus on the things that make you who you are. The idea to "Just Do It." is a powerful one that can lead to greatness. Join us as we share the stories of unique individuals within our communities and what drives them to succeed for not just themselves, but the people around them. This is Just Frenchie's Daily Drive.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Just Frenchie and I’m an entertainer. I write and perform music, dance, and love directing. I honestly do a lot and would have to write a paragraph trying to explain but I’ll just say I’m a creative.

Describe a normal “day in the life” for you currently?

A normal “day in the life” for me right now is being busy, and not having too much time to relax. I’ve been working on a lot lately (can’t tell y’all yet) so all of my time has been dedicated to all of my current projects.

What projects have you been working on?

I can’t say too much because I don’t want to ruin the element of surprise, but I will say new music is on the way so stay tuned!

If there was anyone you could collaborate with who would it be and why?

That's a tough question to answer because there are so many people that I would like to collaborate with. I would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Megan thee Stallion, Brandy, Alicia Keys, Drake, and the list goes on. My top 3 would be Brandy, Drake, and Travis.

If you could pass on any advice or words of inspiration to your community, what would it be?

Advice and words of inspiration that I would like to pass to my community are; Be confident, resilient, and hardworking. Don’t ever give up nor doubt yourself. Know that you are important and make sure that you’re standing up for what’s right!

Shop the latest styles of footwear and apparel from Nike at all DTLR locations and online at DTLR.com

Everyone has that certain something inside that keeps them going. Now more than ever it’s important to not lose focus on the things that make you who you are. The idea to “Just Do It.” is a powerful one that can lead to greatness. Join us as we share the stories of unique individuals within our communities and what drives them to succeed for not just themselves, but the people around them. This is Steve Sweatpants’ Daily Drive.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Steven John Irby aka @stevesweatpants, co-founder/director of Street Dreams Magazine. Full-time photographer, born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens to be exact. Every day in my life revolves around Photography, Art, Music, Why the Knicks Suck, and Sneaker Culture.

Describe a normal “Day in the Life” for you currently?

Nothing is normal right now, I’m trying to really download as much information as I can. I’ve been obsessed with the idea of ‘simplicity’ on how to use my voice the right way. Whether it’s online, talking to the community, to communicate the right message on my platform.

Could you name the one personal trait or aspect of your life that keeps you going every day?

I’m a naturally competitive person. I get a lot of that from my pops. One of the strongest and competitive men in my life. Meant everything to me, a black man who was his own boss was a strong role model for me. Honestly, that keeps me going every day.

Are you currently working on any projects?

There’s definitely a lot of projects I’m working on right now. This whole year I’ve been working on releasing a 3 book series called ‘How you holdin up.’ The first book is about the effect of the Corona Virus and what’re humanities take on it. A photo essay with about 40 photographers included. A book to tell a visual essay of the times but also a real mental check of how people are doing.

Issue 16 of Street Dreams, which we’ve been working real hard at, is releasing this fall as well.

If you could pass on any advice or words of inspiration to your community, what would it be?

The piece of advice I have during this time is, “Don’t be a follower.” Sounds cliche, but this is the day and age to be very selected with the type of information you’re getting and where you’re getting it.

Shop the latest styles of footwear and apparel from Nike at all DTLR locations and online at DTLR.com

Photography: Luis Ledesma

Who are you and what do you do?

Who me? I’m Tiara LaNiece. I consider myself a model, host, radio personality, DJ, and an all-around artist.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently the host/DJ of "Pretty Girl Radio" on DTLR Radio from 10AM to 1PM, Monday through Saturday.

What keeps you motivated?

My daughter keeps me motivated. I believe that my hard work provides her with a better life than I ever had. That, alone, is enough motivation for me.

What inspires your style?

My style has always been dependent on my mood. Considering on how I feel at the moment and the music I’m listening to at the time usually sets the tone for my attire.

Any messages you would like to say to your supporters?

My message will always be one that has stuck with me for a while now. "If you run from the work, you might as well hide from the money.” In other words: "DO THE WORK because there are no short cuts!"

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

My name is Brian Alcazar, I'm a native New Yorker, born and raised in Queens. I'm a street photographer and video game developer at Rockstar Games.

What has been your daily quarantine routine?

I wouldn't say I have a daily routine. Generally, I just try to maximize my time at home as much as possible. In the age of technology, it's possible to stay very productive, especially at home. No excuses. While I haven't been able to shoot the streets as I normally would, I've been able to catch up on a lot of things I may have fallen behind on. Even though I'm stuck at home, I find myself more focused. The one routine I may stick to somewhat is daily exercise. I try to run 4 miles every other day, mask on of course (not easy), and when I'm not running I focus on calisthenics.

What activities have you been doing during these times?

As mentioned above, I've been running a lot. Staying fit while locked down has been a bit of a priority. I've also been working on my photo editing, perfecting my workflow, and researching a ton of stuff on the internet. I'm always plotting the next move and I'm trying to stay a step or two ahead coming out of this pandemic.

What kind of food have you been cooking?

Personally, I'm a seamless person. Anything I cook is usually in the microwave (don't judge me - I prefer speed and efficiency if I'm not dining out). My fiancée handles the actual cooking. When it comes to actual cooking, we keep it pretty lean generally: meats, veggies, and fish for the most part. We made some really good cauliflower pizzas recently, too.

What are you currently watching/listening to?

Like everyone else, I've been watching a lot of Netflix, Prime, Hulu etc. I re-watched the Matrix trilogy, Cloverfield, and a lot of pandemic shows recently. Crazy how so many shows basically predicted this whole Covid-19 thing. I've also been watching The Last Dance, of course. MJ is the GOAT and that is not up for debate. For music, I've just been bumping a lot of Reggaeton and Hip-Hop, especially when running.

Any advice to someone who is having a hard time being productive?

Everyone's situation is so different. What I say may not apply to everyone, but if you have some type of mental/creative block, it's okay to take a breather. Get on a facetime or a zoom call with some homies and just chat it up. Friends and family are always a great source of motivation and inspiration.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m Najm Loyd (Steelojeem), a creative, fashion/sneaker enthusiast, photographer, and stylist. I’m also a foodie, anime nerd, music junkie, dog/cat dad to Chance and Darby, gamer, and an overall student of life. I specialize in creating content for brands. So, anything from product photography to visual look-books is my specialty. I also am apart of a creative production house, Loyd Visuals, where we do full-service video production and brand strategy for companies and nonprofit organizations.

What has been your daily quarantine routine?

Honestly, my quarantine daily routine varies. I'm currently getting more structured this week since our office space opened back up. But usually, each day always starts with me waking up around 9am, feeding the pets then taking my dog for his morning walk. Then, I proceed to make some breakfast or grab a cup of coffee for me and my lady. Then it's time to bust open the laptop, check emails, and take care of any other work-related things. I’ve been working on this photography project for a client for the past month and a half so that has given me the opportunity to shoot different products around my place and get creative on how I style and set up various backgrounds. I also try to get a daily 2-mile run every day if weather permits and do some in-home workouts. Other domesticated tasks include grocery runs, which I actually look forward too.

What creative activities have kept you busy during quarantine?

Content-wise, I have been really interested in making stop motion visuals. It’s kind of like my new hobby to experiment with. It takes a good amount of time to create and edit, but the outcome is definitely worth it. Besides creating, I’ve been enjoying spending quality time inside with my lady and my two pets. This quarantine has also given me extra time to dust off my Nintendo Switch and get some gameplay in, (Currently playing Fire Emblem: Three Houses)- highly recommend it. Other activities include me taking a cruise around the city and just vibing out to some music.

What kind of food have you been cooking?

The dishwasher has definitely been getting that work in ever since we’ve been at home. For breakfast, it's usual eggs and turkey bacon or cereal. For lunch and dinner, I’ve been making a bit of everything, spaghetti, hibachi chicken and veggies, or baked fish with rice and veggies. Usually, my go-to meal is a form of protein, rice, and veggies. Also, the frozen food aisle at Trader Joe's never misses. Been heavy on their salmon gyozas and fettuccine alfredo. Throughout the day I also make fruit smoothies with strawberries, bananas, mangos, blueberries, peaches, and pineapples.

Any advice to someone who is having a hard time being productive?

Don’t stress yourself out about not being the “best version of yourself” just yet, but also don’t make it a point to not get anything accomplished for your personal goals while we have this downtime. It has to be a balance, at least for me. I’m a visual learner so writing my “To-Do List” in my notes app helps me stay on top of my weekly and daily tasks. You can also switch up your routine each day so it’s not the same old thing. Try to have maybe 4-5 days out the week where you’re grinding, being productive, or learning a new skill set. Then the other 2-3 days find time to relax and do leisurely activities that are going to refuel you for the week ahead. Ultimately, you know how you operate and how you get motivated. Don’t be afraid to try new methods of “working” to better yourself. I think as long as you’re well balanced and have a schedule of tasks you are set out to accomplish each week- then your good to go. Also, don’t shy away from asking for help. Whether it be a co-worker, close friend, spouse, family member, or even social media connection. Reach out, communicate, and gain some insights from a different perspective. We’re all in this together!

What are you currently watching/listening to? (Movies, Podcast, Music)

Game of Thrones! I know I’m late to the party but I’m on season 4 now and it’s getting real. Also currently watching Insecure and The Last Dance as the episodes roll out each week. Sadly, I have to wait for the next season of My Hero Academia to come out; but in the meantime, I might catch up on some Boruto episodes. I’ve been finding niche anime to binge-watch as well such as Demon Slayer and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato. Music-wise I'm currently bumping some Drake, Partynextdoor, Dvsn, Don Toliver, 88Glam, Lucky Daye, Justin Beiber, Saint Jhn, Moonchild, Santi, Kaytranada and Knxwledge. The list could go on and on, but those are my current jams.

Keep up with Najm on Instagram

Who are you and how did you get started?

My name is Tim Huff, or Huff for short, and I'm the Creative Director at REC Philly.

I got started as a public relations intern for Broad Street Music Group (which would later evolve into REC.) From there i've been Social Media Director, Content Director & now sit as Creative Director.

I always found peace in getting lost in music, film, style & design and those early interests have helped shape my eye & taste creatively.

What are the best / most challenging parts of being a creative director?

Oddly enough I think the best & most challenging parts of being a Creative Director are the same thing, both the freedom and the responsibility that comes with the position. Being the head of a creative team has always been a dream of mine and having the opportunity to bring your ideas to life for a brand you love is a feeling that's hard to match. But on the flip side knowing that you're responsible for the ideation, executing & results of those ideas can paralyze you if you let it.

What’s keeping you motivate during these times?

The idea that I can be the inspiration for someone coming up, that I couldn't find when I was younger.

How do you deal with stress/anxiety?

GETTING OFF OF THE INTERNET.

With digital taking up most of our lives. I tend to find my most peaceful & relaxing state when I'm not in front of a screen or easily accessible.

I love to get away whether that's riding my bike with only my iPod on me. Digging through magazines for inspo, listening to my record collection or just being outside.

Any message for young creatives?

Lean into what you like and support your other creative friends.

It may not seem like the biggest thing, but support in the creative industry goes A LONG WAY.

Also knowing what you like and what you're into is more important than you think. As you get older people stop making decisions on what they like and start going with what is popular. Don't be that person. Define your own style & develop your own taste.

Puma and DTLR team up for this line-up of amazing women. | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Who or What inspires you to work?

I would say I’m inspired by everything to be honest, but as far as me, I’m not your typical stylist. Most people and most stylists, they look at high-end fashion magazines and other designers look at what’s the new drop. I’m inspired by movies. I actually grew up in the rag business. My parents were designers, dating all the way back to the 80s, in the Dapper Dan era. I pretty much grew up into it. They opened up a boutique around me, and from there I was introduced to the fashion industry.

How long have you been in business or working in your industry?

I’ve been professionally doing it on my own for 4 years.

How would you describe your job/business?

Honestly, I would say one of my gifts is that I can look at somebody and I just see the beauty in them. When I was trying to figure out my way in fashion and what I really wanted to do, I mean there’s so many different genres and jobs you can choose from, styling best suited me because I can look at people and see their full potential, and I know with a tweak here, a twist here, a pop here, we can elevate and take someone to a totally different level. If they always wanted to be a character, I can bring that to life, that vision to life. I’m a story teller. Styling helps me tell stories by using people as my canvas and clothing as my brushes.

When and how would you describe your big break?

I would say my first big break was the Meek Mill Monster video. I got presented with the opportunity from my god-brother Spike Jordan. I had no idea, I had no budget, I had no experience, and I literally did not know what I was doing. But sometimes when you have an opportunity, you have to rise to the occasion. You’ll step up. That’s what I did. I literally utilized every resource I could think of. I overcame my fears and went out on a limb and reached out to everyone. When I got on set, I brought on 20 interns of young, inspiring stylists just like me, and I blew the production team away. I came to set with $10,000 worth of glasses, I had over $200,000 worth of fur as original pieces from the movie. I reached out to Dapper Dan; he made a couple pieces for the film. Literally, they stopped the entire production and said, “Why do the extras look better than the artist?” I literally had to switch the entire video around and style everyone.

What advice would you give to other women interested in your industry? What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give advice to other women that want to be in the fashion industry, especially with trained direction and styling, even giving this advice to my younger self, is facing your fears. One of my biggest fears was going after it. I was always scared of rejection. I was always scared of not being good enough, even though I knew I had the talent. I knew I had the drive. I was holding my own self back. One of the biggest things, and one of the mantras I live by, is trust your hustle. You know that this is something you want to do. If this is something you eat, sleep, and breathe and you can’t get over it, you just have to go after it. And it’s not going to be easy. You are going to get doors slammed in your face. You are going to be told no. You are going to be pushed to the side. You are going to have people question you. You just have to toughen up, tighten your boot strap, and go even harder. Every time I got turned away, I turned my pain into power. Instead of me using that as discouragement, I went harder. Those same people that once slept on me, now want to work with me. That’s one of the craziest feelings ever. I would say face your fears and trust your hustle.

My name is Devon Milan, and this is HerLifestyle.

Puma and DTLR team up for this line-up of amazing women. | Baltimore, Maryland

My name is Char Wilson, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrity hairstylist for Love and Hip-hop Atlanta. I’m also the owner of Hair by Char Salon in Charles Street Suites.

How would you describe your job/business?

I would describe my job as being hectic, it’s 24/7—you’re on a constant grind, but I enjoy the process. I’m a visionary and I like to see things come to light, so I do whatever I have to do to make it happen.

When did you recognize your purpose?

I knew that hair was my purpose when I was about 19 years old. I was in Arizona, basically majoring in a field that I had no interest in, and nothing that I did worked for me until I did what I knew best and what I had a passion for, which was hair, and it really took me no time to build up a clientele because I was doing what I wanted to do. I did my best at it, and my clients loved me because I put in all of my effort into my job. That’s when I knew that this was going to be something great.

Are there any unique challenges you face in your industry as a woman?

One of the biggest challenges that I’ve faced, or women in general face in this industry, is stereotypes. But I don’t look at them as stereotypes—I look at them as opportunities to create businesses. That’s what I do here at Charles Street Suites with my businesses. I create opportunities for other business owners, especially women, to start their own businesses and stuff like that. What many people look as a challenge, I look at them as opportunities for me to be better and for me not to stereotype people. I meet different people all the time and I’m never going to stereotype people based on what they look like or anything because you just never know. I’m being stereotyped when I tell people I’m a business owner and I own salon suites and stuff. It’s unbelievable, and to me, that’s a stereotype. Because you look at me, and you see a young woman, and you think that I can’t obtain these things. As a matter of fact, I can.

What advice would you give to women interested in your industry?

Some advice that I would give to women in the industry, or that want to be in the industry, is you have to really love the grind just as much as you love your work because there are going to be days where you’re not making anything and you still have to show up. You can’t give up and you have to put a lot of time and effort into perfecting your craft and know that it’s a process and nothing is going to happen overnight. Just ‘cause it gets slow, you still have to move like it’s fast. You have to keep going, keep recreating, and you also can’t get distracted by social media and stuff like that which rushes you to make you think that you’re not moving as fast as everybody else. You have your own pace, and progress is progress, whether you take 1 inch or 10 feet, you’re still progressing as long as you keep trying to educate yourself, keep trying to grow, take classes, do everything that you can do to be the best version of you.

Why do you think it is important for more women of color to be represented in your industry?

It is extremely important for women of color to be recognized in this industry they’re pioneers, and there would be no industry without women of color. We are the culture.

I’m Char Wilson and this is HerLifestyle.

Puma and DTLR team up for this line-up of amazing women. | Atlanta, Georgia

I’m Rachel Jackson from Atlanta, Georgia, director of A&R at Roc Nation Label.

When did you recognize your purpose?

I recognized my purpose by being open—when I was a teenager, I tried everything. I started as a teen promoter, and through mentorship, I was able to really hone in on all that I was doing that made up the mosaic I didn’t see for myself. It’s very important to not only seek out, but also invite energy that is tenured into your process as you move along the way, and you’ll always be successful.

When and how would you describe your big break?

My big break is a moment in time that I honestly will never forget, and it came two-fold. In November 2007, that was the first teen party, when I was 16, I had ever thrown in my life. I got there because there were some guys in my similar age bracket, and they were like “Rachel you’re popular so let’s just try and throw a party.” did it and we threw it at a real dusty place on the Eastside, and it was just really, really crazy, but it ended up working. And then from there, that’s when visibility for me as the “Teen of the A” kind-of began, and then from there, I took an internship at Disturbing the Peace Records, as we know, you know, Ludacris’s label. From there, I started packing CDs, and I was just always like, “Hey, I’m throwing a party, can I have some of these CDs to pass them out at my party?” They noticed me doing that—they noticed I was making waves on the teen scene—and my responsibilities grew from there.

Who or What inspires you to work?

I am thoroughly inspired by travel and meeting new people; I feel that when you put yourself in a vulnerable place where you’re uncomfortable, you’re more susceptible and more open to receiving different perspectives and knowledge. Just when you feel like you’re a little out of control, in a sense, you gain a new level of control, and you can bring it back and roll it into what you have going on in your daily work life or just your personal life. I’m super, super inspired by seeing new things, meeting new people, and just allowing myself to decompress and give myself to the universe where I am in a foreign place.

What advice would you give to other women interested in your industry?

I live by and detail my life by this quote “Most people do what is required, but successful people do more.” With that, I would give the advice for other women looking to break into any field of any sort to do that extra research, go the extra mile, make sure you read that extra book, go to that extra seminar, pay that extra dollar, or save that extra dollar, to be whoever you want to be, and know that what separates the real from the fake or the real from the “trying” is just that extra push. Don’t be afraid to put in the extra work to differentiate yourself, but at the same time, know that you have to work on you. You are your biggest and most prized possession and investment, and no one is going to love you like you, so make sure that as you are on your career path, as you’re trying to reach your goals, give yourself some grace. Women of all diasporas have been killing it in aerospace, education, sports. We owe it to other women that are coming up and are wanting to learn how we made it—we owe it to them to tell our story. We owe it to them to bring whatever we can to build a proper structure and trajectory.

I’m Rachel Jackson and this is HerLifestyle.

Puma and DTLR team up for this line-up of amazing women. | Miami, Florida

Hello, my name is Shanrika Oliver and I’m from Miami, Florida. I am an event host.

How long have you been in business or working in your business industry?

I’ve actually been in the hosting field for about 16 years now. I did my first event for free; it was my cousin’s trunk party, back in July of 2002, and my aunt just thought I’d be a perfect fit for her as a host because of my personality. She said I’m very outgoing, I’m a people person. I hosted a trunk party, and it was a complete success. I just took off from that point on.

When and how would you describe your big break?

When I first started hosting, it’s really funny, of course I wasn’t serious about it. I was doing it for fun. More importantly at that time, I was doing it to make ends meet. It was a source or means for getting money at the time. I had just gotten over a really big, big curve ball in my own life, so things were kind-of hard for me. What better way to get money than by doing something that I actually love, which was hosting. It’s so funny because when I think back, I might’ve been charging like $50 to $100 just to host any event—a baby shower, a reception, anything. I knew that I was putting my name out there, and I was also accruing some type of money as well. It kind-of worked hand-in-hand for me. I decided to really take my business serious, I want to say in 2014. That is when I trademarked my name, Gorgeous Matters. I revamped my logo; I did a new website. I just started doing all types of things I thought would make it a better business. I also was trying to do things that people in my lane were not doing. I look at a lot of admirable hosts in my industry, and I want to say almost none of them had a website. That was something I wanted to include, and because we’re living in a world of technology, I felt like that was really big. You have to get a website. People need to be able to go visit your website, see your work, and see that you are really who and what you say you are.

Are there any unique challenges you face in your industry as a woman?

As far as challenges in my industry are concerned, I’m not really sure if this is a challenge for everyone, but a challenge I definitely face is living up to the hype. People really expect me to be awesome, so I go into every event thinking, “Is she really what they say she is? Is she really going to make my event stand out? Is my event going to be over the top because I have her? Is she going to be the reason why they talk about my event for years to come?” I take that in with me every time I’m doing an event because I definitely want my name to ring. I know that by doing so, their event is going to ring. We’re all going to get what we came for at the end of the day. As for women in my industry, I can definitely see where there will be challenges. After all, we are in Miami—a melting pot of different types of entertainment. Whether it be hosting, performing, dancing, there’s just a million of us constantly doing the same thing. I think the challenge for them is creating their own lane, finding what it is that sets you apart from the rest of the people that are doing the exact same thing you’re doing. That’s what I did. I just found what works for me, what separates me from the rest, and I took off with it. I think that’s just how I got to where I am today.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Some advice that I would give to my younger self: be loyal to yourself. In the past, I’ve allowed my loyalty to others. They’ve superseded some of my own and it’s cost me dearly. As an end result of that, I found that nobody is going to have you like you have you.

What is your long-term goal for your brand?

As for long-term goals, I definitely have one for Gorgeous Matters. I eventually want Gorgeous Matters to turn into a power house. I want to have built such a reputation for my business that 5 or 10 years down the line, I’m able to pass the torch on, have a team of great hosts that can go out and host events while I focus more on the business aspects of things. Be on the lookout for that because the grind does not stop.

Hi, my name is Shanrika Oliver and this is HerLifestyle.

Puma and DTLR team up for this line-up of amazing women. | Chicago, Illinois

How would you describe yourself (or in this case Chicago)?

I feel like the city of Chicago is super huge, not only to me but everyone that’s from Chicago. When I go different places and I say I’m from Chicago, people are super excited to meet somebody from Chicago because we have so much history from Michael Jackson living up the street in Gary, Indiana, but still representing Chicago, Michael Jordan playing basketball here, Derrick Rose—just things like that, we have a lot of people that come out of Chicago. I think just them building that foundation around Chicago and it just being a dope, beautiful city, regardless of what people may think negatively about it, but I do feel like the negative parts, as far as some people growing up in poverty or some people not having the easy way out of life, Chicago definitely shapes and molds you to be a person, a go-getter, a person who is strong, a person who could have thick skin and do anything wanted to do. Just being Chicago means being strong, being driven, and being a dope individual.

When and how would you describe your big break?

My journey seemed extremely long. I went from being an intern, then I also left one radio station to come to this station, Power 92, and I became a street team member. I went from street team member to board operator, then a producer. Finally, on December 31^st, 2017, I became a radio personality. It felt like it took forever for me, some people it takes longer, some people it doesn’t. I just feel that working my way up and being in all those different positions, having those different roles, seemed like forever. When I finally got on air, which was the weekend of New Year’s Eve, I felt like my emotions were all over the place. I was super excited; I was super nervous. I had known about me being on the air for about a month. I couldn’t tell anyone until the week of, so I just had so many emotions running through my body. I was nervous, I’m definitely going to admit that I was nervous my first time. People were telling me, “I hear you, you sound nervous. Calm down, relax, you’re doing a good job.”

Why do you think it is important for more women of color to be represented in your industry?

Of course I think it’s super important for women to represent this industry. This is definitely a male dominated industry. I will say, before I even got into radio, what I remember growing up is tons of men being on the radio. A lot of my favorite radio personalities are men because there weren’t too many women radio personalities. There were a few scattered here and there, but it is definitely important to represent women because we also have a voice. We have a different opinion from men. We have a different take on beliefs, whatever is going on in the industry, entertainment, or any type of news. Women’s thought process may be different from a man’s thought process, so it’s always important to get those two balanced. Just to see women working on the scene, behind the scene, in front of the camera, behind the camera—it’s definitely important. It’s not too many of us, but I definitely feel like this is the time and the moment for women to not only take over the radio industry, but all industries. I’ve been seeing a lot of women stepping into leadership roles and killing the game. That motivates me as a woman, and I’m sure kids growing up as well.

What advice would you give to other women interested in your industry?

One thing that I would definitely tell women or young girls trying to get into the industry is to network. That’s my biggest thing. If I said I had any type of regrets, it would be that I did not network from the beginning. If you start off as an intern, network. Back then I felt like I didn’t need to network, I was in such a small role and I’d probably see these people again. But that’s not the case. You need to network. Always be in their face, of course respectfully. Just enough to make your presence known, showing them that you want a shot. Get out to different events, whether it be radio, anything in entertainment; you can go on stuff like Eventbrite, Instagram, the people that you look up to when you follow, just make sure you watch their page. Anything that they post, always be there. People love to be supported. If you want help from someone, if you want a mentor, always go to things they have going on and pull them to the side and have conversations with them. I definitely would say networking and mentorship are two things that I lacked earlier on in my career, but I’m getting better at it. It’s definitely important if you want to get into this industry.

My name is Cierra Monay and this is HerLifestyle.

It is incredible how things have changed over just a few decades. What hasn’t changed is our love for sneakers.

Do you remember how easy it was to buy any shoe you wanted? Now in days, you practically have to camp out in a pitched tent overnight to hopefully cop a pair. Clearly, things have changed a great from when I was growing up. So much so, that the thought made me ponder on how in fact did this change come about?

Retail Department Stores

Convenient in distance, retail department stores are easy to commute to. Physical locations are the traditional style to attract consumers to shop in their control spaces. Retail is great due to instant access to the sneaker of choice. You have the opportunity to try on the shoe, inquire about price, and receive hands-on customer service. However, with retail having limited inventory, consumers have limited quantities of sneakers.

Online Stores

The worldwide web allowed sneaker enthusiasts alike access to a larger quantity online, than what retail stores are able to hold. On the internet, you are literally your very own sales rep searching for the category, brand, style, price, color, and shoe size. The setback shopping online is the lack of tangible assets that come with personal experience. You can’t touch the shoe to determine if you like the feel and fabric used. Also, you are unable to try on the shoe and see (in advance) is it a perfect fit. Oh, and did I mention you won’t get your shoes the the same day (shipping & handling) and have to pay more for speedy delivery? Hopefully, you will get to the point of delivery. Since the internet is easy to access, shoes sell out quicker online than in person.

Resell Sites

When all else fails, head to a site where kick resellers have a limited amount of pairs in stock. This is great because you have a second chance to own the sneakers your heart so desires. Another benefit is the platform for negotiations (in some cases) to get the lowest price possible. Also, the human interaction online which is the best of both worlds for independence and message correspondence. There’s a notable risk factor that your new found sneakers have been worn before you bought them. And if it’s not a reputable source, your shoes might not arrive, unfortunately.

In this article, we touch on the growing national status of basketball today.

Growing up, my grandfather often said that baseball was (and still is) America’s pastime. Football in the states began to pick up momentum and give baseball a run for its money. Nobody thought that basketball was going to grow at such an alarming rate. Due to its cultural popularity, you are able to live the NBA lifestyle one way or another.

There was a time when people who bought basketball signature shoes, intended to play basketball on a court. Now, consumers are sneaker fanatics who may admire the design, feel the colorway, or a mixture of both. Indirectly, we as everyday consumers are representing NBA stars by wearing their signature shoes.

Similar to sneakers, consumers purchase apparel and memorabilia of their favorite NBA basketball team. Caps, jerseys, posters, and bobbleheads are just a few items people buy to show love and support.

Video gaming has gained an enormous fan base over the decades. Players from all over come together to go head-to-head in NBA2K. In the game, you have the ability to develop a creative player fit to your preference. Arcades also have miniature hoops for players to shoot their best shot.

The greatest influence is television programming. NBA has partnered with multiple broadcasting stations to show games in mass syndication. Viewership has not only grown in the U.S. but has become a global pillar in the basketball community.

Wedding season is upon us and in the most untraditional sense of fashion. But we're here for it.

Maybe it's the millennial in me, but I find it extremely hard to choose a pair of dress shoes over fresh kicks. Due to a recent hypebeast phenomenon, couples are now incorporating the sneaker culture into their wedding outfits. Jordans being a prominent brand, I’ve thought of 3 Jordans silhouettes that are dressy enough to pull off at a wedding.

Retro Air Jordan 1

The Air Jordan 1 set the tone as the tennis shoe standard. By being the breakthrough design, the shoe is considered as mildly conservative in look. With so many colorways, I am sure you can find the perfect pair to match your outfit.

Retro Air Jordan 4

Air Jordan 4 has a basic outline that is eloquently placed in the right areas. With a global appeal for general athletic footwear, the shoe is classy up top and street down bottom.

Retro Air Jordan 11

The Air Jordan 11 made non-sneakerheads take notice of the creations that are being made. Patent leather shell is similar to dress shoes, while the upper laces blend in casually.

No matter which pair of Jordan’s you choose, just make sure they compliment the entire outfit.

Who is Nick Girlando?

How did you get into the streetwear / sneaker industry?

I got my love for sneakers from my older brother and my mom. He always had to have the newest Jordans or Nikes. And 9 times out of 10, my mom would make sure I had the "little brother" version of that shoe. My obsession with streetwear came from my love of sneakers, skateboarding and going to an inner city Junior High School. If I looked a certain way, no one would mess with me. I was taught my clothes had to match and look a certain way to be worn properly with the sneakers on my feet. Skateboarding often leads the charge in fashion and inspires new trend. That's where I got exposed to the deeper roots of streetwear culture.

In your work, we hardly see a lot of product photography. You shoot more landscape and cityscapes, according to your social feed. Will there be more product and portrait based photography in the future?

What creatives are you currently looking at for inspiration?

Top 3 artists in your current playlist.

If you could travel to any place in the world to shoot any model or person, where and who would that be? Why?

If you could have any sneaker in the world, what would it be and why?

This year, we set our mark at $100K and when the dust settled, we reached our goal with some change to spare!

$105,481 | IN 31 DAYS…

100% of the profits from sales of the shoe go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! The first time in St. Jude’s history!

"An individual doesn't get cancer...a family does."

March is over now and our leg of the race is complete, but our St. Jude family could still use your help! So while our major push has ended, you can still make your donation count by following this link: HERE!

The building was blazing with familiar faces and who's who of the music industry. Company included Emory Jones, DJ Enuff, DJ Clark KENT, DJ Bobby Trends, Datwon Thomas, Karen Civil, Dave East and of course, the VILLA team!

Everyone was supplied with flash drives of all the campaign media and visuals of sample displays of the upcoming releases.

The dinner was delicious and the conversations were captivating. All in all, is was a successful night to kick off the Fabolous Week campaign!