#MusicMonday- Lolawolf.

(photo credit: News.com.au)

On this episode of "Brea's Late with Artists" we take a look at electronic r&b trio, Lolawolf.

Lol but seriously, the band members consist of: James Levy, Jimmy Giannopoulos, and...Zoe Kravitz? YES! From her films to her style, I'm here for all things Zoe Kravitz! I'm still trying to figure out how I didn't know the Princess of 'I-Do-What-I-Want-And-Regret-Nothing' (because we all know her mom is queen) was in a band??

I recently started following her on Instagram and noticed that she kept talking about being on tour, so I headed on over to Youtube and got to searching. Now I'm not sure what I thought Zoe's voice would sound like over a beat, but I wasn't expecting what I heard. I guess I thought she'd have a LOT of struggle notes but she sounds great to me. But then again, her dad is extremely fine Lenny Kravitz and her mom is Lisa Bonet. Both are very talented people, so of course she was born to be great!

The band's music is definitely different than what's being played on the radio now and if you aren't open to listening to different types of music, you may be quick to dismiss it (Kind of like how I am when my friend tries to force me to listen to K-Pop. I just can't seem to get jiggy with that stuff). For comparison sake, their sound is similar to Santigold or even M.I.A.!

 "Summertime" and "Jimmy Franco" were a couple of the first songs I heard from the group. Both are super fun and make me wish I would've heard them sooner. Especially "Summertime", that could've been my anthem this past summer but there's always next year :) And let me not even get into the cuteness that is the "Jimmy Franco" video (which features ASAP Rocky as her leading man). I always wonder how people have such great chemistry in music videos and don't even be into each other like that. But for those 3 minutes and 18 seconds, they sure fooled me. Check out both songs below!!



^

Like what you've heard so far from Lolawolf? Checkout their Soundcloud for more awesomeness!!

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#MusicMonday- Banks.

Why hello there, you beautiful people!

 
Well, I'm back!...at least for the remainder of this year. I have so much to update you all on, but I'll wait for Wednesday's post for those deets.

Anywho, I thought I'd come back on this glorious Monday to expose you all to the wonderfulness that is BANKS. As usual, I'm late to the party when it comes to a few artists but I'm always happy I've discovered them.

The LA native has such a chill type of sound and the credible sources over at Wikipedia list it as triphop-like (apparently this is a genre that dates back to the 90's). She cites Lauryn Hill and Fiona Apple as a few of her musical influences and also released her debut album 'Goddess' back in September.

The first song I heard from her was "Goddess" and I immediately wanted to know more about this artist and why I hadn't heard about her sooner. Naturally, I went to Spotify and listened to everything that was available there. After an intense music sesh, I came to the conclusion that BANKS is my fav and I want her to be your fav as well! Check out the lyric video to "Goddess" below.

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Before You Go: Send Thank You Cards.

I’m so sad that this is my last post in our summer collab series! It was a ton of fun and I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with all of you, and I hope you enjoyed it as well. 

Now, this last post will feature something that is very important: writing thank you notes. In the digital age that we live in, most people send a quick email to show their thanks, but it is much more thoughtful when you take the time to actually hand write a note. 

Write a thank you note to your supervisor and anyone who you’ve shadowed. First you should buy a set of thank you cards that is sophisticated, but shows a little of your personality. Or if you are really talented, feel free to make your own. Next, start the note off by thanking the person for helping make your internship experience a great one. Then, mention something that the two of you talked about that really stuck with you. For example, if they gave you some good advice about your major, then mention that. Or if they taught you something, mention that. Just mention anything (that’s positive) that was memorable to you.

As far as handing them out, what I plan to do is give them to the receptionist on my last day, then have her hand them out the next day. This way it will be sort of a surprise to receive a thank you card from me. 

Good luck with the remaining time in your internship! If you have any questions regarding your summrt internships, feel free to leave a comment or tweet me at @tiatamjam using the hashtag #workandplay

Tia James is a student at the University of Missouri, studying Strategic Communications. She is passionate about helping others with branding, job search, and career development, which she received training on from her school’s Career Center. In her spare time, Tia loves watching movies and YouTube, and making crafts. One day she hopes to own her own agency that focuses on branding and advertising. For more advice, check out her blog at tiajames.wordpress.com

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10 Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List.

A few weeks ago I wrote about summer music festivals and how every year I want to attend one. Due to school, and most recently my post grad job search struggle, my funds always seem to be a little too low to go.

For us financially challenged folk, I've decided to compile a list of other fun activities we can complete this summer! Check it out below :)




If you have a summer bucket list, I'd love to know what's on yours! Tweet me at @breajallen and use the hashtag #WorkAndPlay 

Here's to trying new things this summer!

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Before You Go: Ask For a Letter of Recommendation.

So far you had an informational interview, learned about something new at the office, and now it is time to ask for a letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are very important when it comes to applying for jobs because on a resume, everyone just lists their previous work experience and then tries to jazz up the wording on what they accomplished. The problem is this only shows the future employer a biased view of what you say you accomplished, but when you have a letter of recommendation, it makes you more credible. 

It's similar to when you are shopping online; let’s say you are looking for a new dress and you're trying to choose between two options. The first option has no customer reviews and the second has reviews stating how great of a dress it is. Now, you’re more likely to choose the second option because you know the store wants to sell, so having the reviews helps you choose.

You're probably wondering who to ask to write your letter, or how to ask them. You should choose someone with whom you have worked closely with or has witnessed the type of work you did, like a supervisor, mentor, or manager. When approaching them, make sure to do it at a time when they aren’t swamped and do so in a respectful manner. You can say something along the lines of “I’ve been enjoying my internship experience so far, and I’ve learned a lot. Since you are

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Before You Go: Learn Something New.

By now, you should be around the halfway point of your internship. Congrats! You made it this far, and now all you have to do is make sure these last few weeks are meaningful. 

One way you can do that is by learning something new or doing something that you have yet to do at the office. Let’s say that you are working in the financial industry, but aren’t sure how the stock market works. Ask someone (when they don’t look too busy) if they can give you a brief overview of how it works, and maybe some tips on investing. Or if you work in the advertising industry but aren’t the greatest at Adobe Creative Suite, ask someone if they can give you some tips. My point is if there is something that you would like to know about the industry that you are interning in, ask someone. Chances are someone may give you advice that you won’t be able to find in any textbook.

On the other hand, if there is something that you like to do, or a skill that you possess that is relevant to what happens in the office, ask your supervisor if you can do more of those tasks. For me, I prefer making PowerPoint presentations and doing more hands on tasks, so I let my mentor and supervisor know, and now I am able to do more of those tasks. As you can tell the theme of this post is about speaking out and making your internship about more than just doing mundane tasks and to treat it as a learning experience. 

Many students complain that they didn’t learn or do anything significant during their internships, and that’s because they didn’t reach out. So now that you know this information, go ahead and make the rest of your internship worthwhile! 

Good luck and, as always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or tweet me using the hashtag #workandplay

Tia James is a student at the University of Missouri, studying Strategic Communications. She is passionate about helping others with branding, job search, and career development, which she received training on from her school’s Career Center. In her spare time, Tia loves watching movies and YouTube, and making crafts. One day she hopes to own her own agency that focuses on branding and advertising. For more advice, check out her blog at tiajames.wordpress.com

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Summer Fun: Music Festivals.

Summer has officially started and one event that always seems to scream "it's Summertime!!" is music festivals. For those who are wishing to attend one of these exciting festivals, social media never lets us down as we can always live vicariously through those who are able to attend (again, one of the reason why I love the internets).

Now there are many festivals taking place this summer, but I've narrowed them down to five that, I guess, are my personal favs. If you're favorite festival didn't make the list, please let me know. I'm definitely down to learn about new events! 

Check out my top five summer music festivals after the jump.

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Before You Go: Set Up an Informational Interview.

 On the first day of your internship, you were probably introduced to everyone in the office, but now you realize that you only talk to a small number of the same people everyday. Internships are about expanding your professional network, so before your internship ends take the time to get to know someone new and learn more about their position at the company and how they got there. While it would be nice to interview someone who is in a similar position you would like to be in, it really doesn't matter who it is, because you never know what connection someone may have, or you may discover a new career path.
 

When you've picked the person whom you would like to interview (you can interview more than one person), reintroduce yourself to them and tell them you would like to know more about them and what it is that they do. You can say something along the lines of:

            "Hello, I know that we were introduced on the first day, but since then I haven't had the opportunity to interact with you, so I would like to know if, one day, when you aren't busy I could talk with you to learn more about your position here at the company."

Notice that I didn't add "informational interview" because you don't want the person to feel like this is a formal interview and she or he will be grilled with questions because that is not what it is. This is more of having a conversation with someone, getting to know them, while having a few guiding questions in the back of your mind. Some questions to consider asking are: 

• How did you get started in this industry/ company?
• What are some of the biggest changes that you've noticed in the industry?
• What steps do you recommend I take in order to be successful in this industry? 
• What are some of the things you do on an everyday basis?
• What do you think is unique about your job?

Again, don't treat this like a format interview and have a list of questions that you are reading off of, but do keep those questions in mind, and, if you're like me then maybe bring a pen and paper to write down anything important.
 

At the end of the interview, remember to thank them for their time, and ask for their business card so that you can keep in touch. Also, pick up a thank you card and send a hand written note, trust me they will appreciate it more than an email.
 

If you've done an informational interview or have any questions. Share them with me on Twitter @tiatamjam and be sure to use the hashtag #workandplay 

Tia James is a student at the University of Missouri, studying Strategic Communications. She is passionate about helping others with branding, job search, and career development, which she received training on from her school’s Career Center. In her spare time, Tia loves watching movies and YouTube, and making crafts. One day she hopes to own her own agency that focuses on branding and advertising. For more advice, check out her blog at tiajames.wordpress.com

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#WorkandPlay Blog Collab.

(photo credit Kristine Davidson)

I am so excited to announce that next month Tia (of I am Tia) and I, will be doing a summer series blog collab! Because Tia's blog features all things internships/personal branding, she'll be taking over All She Wrote on Tuesdays and will give tips on how to end your summer internship with a bang. On Thursdays, I'll discuss all the fun things you should get into this summer!
 
We would love for you guys to follow the series by using the hashtag #workandplay! Tweet Tia at @tiatamjam and me at @breajallen and tell us what your plans are this summer!

Check out Tia's blog and get ready for a month of great summer related content :)   

 

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Mini Feature Friday: Danielle and Carly of theSkimm.

Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin are the masterminds behind one of the greatest newsletters I've ever received in my inbox, theSkimm. The daily e-mail newsletter includes current event news, but with an exciting millennial twist.  

In just two years the ladies have grown their subscriptions from a few hundred to more than 100k! I had the opportunity to ask the founders a couple of questions about theSkimm. Check them out below!

• Brea: How did you decide on the name, theSkimm, for your company? 

Danielle & Carly : theSkimm is meant for busy people, on the go. They need information to start their morning, while going about their own routines. Our company's name is meant to reflect that lifestyle.  

• Brea: As an entrepreneur, what has been the biggest lesson you've learned thus far?

Danielle & Carly: The biggest lesson we've learned so far is to trust your instinct. It's very helpful to talk to people and get a feel for their experiences and challenges, but at the end of the day you'll be making the decisions for your business -- and you need to follow what you think is best. 

I'm sure you don't want to be left out of convos around the water cooler, so subscribe to theSkimm today!

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Feature Friday: Anna Taylor of Pink & Black Magazine.

Anna Taylor is not your typical 23-year-old. The college grad is the editor-in-chief and founder of online magazine Pink & Black. Focused on inspiring 20-something women to grow and become better versions of themselves in all aspects of life, P&B is sure to become your new favorite site (if it isn't already). 

In this interview, Anna discusses her proudest moment involving P&B, the inspiration behind choosing the name, and when you can expect new content on their site!

• Brea: You started Pink & Black while in college, what was that process like?

Anna: I really think that was the best time I could have ever started it because college is such a motivating time. Everyone is very career driven and energized and creative--and I was too! There was a specific type of career experience I was searching for when I started college and Pink & Black ultimately gave me that sense of fulfillment. When I started Pink & Black, I really didn’t have any expectations for it to become what it is today but I put a lot of hours between and after classes, after work at my campus newspaper and between anything else I had going on into it. I’ll even admit that there were many days when I used Pink & Black to procrastinate instead of studying or finishing homework, especially near the end of college because I kept developing new features and grew a bigger presence on social media. I’m proud of all the work I did on it but I really should have gotten out more.

• B: What inspired you to choose the name of your magazine?

A: There really isn’t much of a story behind the name, sadly. I had an untitled project that I really wanted to start and while working on it one day, I had my iTunes library on shuffle. A song called “Pink and Black” started playing and for some reason, it stood out to me. Since then, the brand has sort-of been built around the name. I wouldn’t advise anyone to name a project or business like that though because it doesn’t always work. P&B is still coming around but let’s be honest, pink is the best color to design anything with because it’s so feminine and fun.

• B: There are plenty of 20-something online magazines these days, how does P&B Mag stand out from the rest?

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Social Media Engagement Tips for New Entrepreneurs.

Social media can be hard to navigate when you’re a new entrepreneur. There are a lot of platforms, and they all function differently. How do you know which one to pick, how often to interact, and which platforms to stay off of? 

As a copywriter, I’m really diligent and purposeful about what I choose to put on social media. My Twitter feed is basically a huge billboard for my business, so I keep that in mind when posting. It’s important to share personality, but also to remain professional on social media.

Here are my top three tips for social media engagement for new entrepreneurs:

1. Pick three media platforms and stick with them. My top three are Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Commit to doing three, instead of 30, and you’ll get better results. You’re more able to focus efforts on fewer sources, which will keep you from getting burned out. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be on all the media platforms, all the time. 

 2. Curate, Automate, Review. Rinse and Repeat. Curate your content, and then use an

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#MusicMonday- Sam Smith.

Due to keeping up with current events for my internship, I've been a frequent visitor to a ton of blogs lately. (I'd visit these blogs anyway, but I digress.) I noticed an artist, Sam Smith, being promoted on the sidebar of many of them. It wasn't until Saturday that I finally decided to give him a listen, and I'm so happy that I did.

This past weekend Mr. Smith stopped by SiriusXM Hits1 in New York and covered Whitney Houston's classic song, 'How Will I Know'. The 21-year old singer told Rolling Stone that it's
"A Whitney Houston song that makes me happy-- it's a feel-good song".

What I loved most is that Sam did an ACTUAL cover of the song and not just a "Sam Smith version" and called it a cover (like people do on Youtube *side eye*). Anyway, Sam slowed down the upbeat song and somehow also managed to get my friend in her feelings!  Like many English artists, he has such an incredibly soulful voice! Check out Sam's cover below.

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Feature Friday: Nadine Marcelin of RICHES, Inc.

Nadine Marcelin, an Atlanta based twenty-something, realized that many young people weren’t aware of the basic fundamentals of credit and decided that she should change that. Enter non-profit RICHES, Inc. Through RICHES, which stands for Responsibilities In Credit Harnesses Economic Success, Marcelin hopes to create a credit conscious community by financially empowering young black adults through the education and promotion of credit management, frugal living, and generosity.

In this interview she discusses how she got her first credit card, how she balances work life while preparing for her non-profit and shares her thoughts on failing.

• Brea: When did you notice there should be an organization like RICHES available?

Nadine: After college, I was fortunate enough to work for a financial company where I encountered people with credit issues. I met a lot of black young adults who lacked knowledge on building and maintaining credit. It opened my eyes to the amount of black families who do not understand how to attain good credit and who even sometimes fear it. (Yes, there are people who fear credit!) During my experience and research, I realized how credit issues, identity fraud, and the apprehension of owning bank accounts are major issues in the black community and plays a part in the racial wealth gap. 

Our lack of knowledge on not only credit management, but also financially literacy, puts the black community at a disadvantage. And because we are living in a time where it is harder to obtain credit than it has been since its creation, I grew a desire to break a cycle by educating black young adults on building and managing credit through the nonprofit I founded called RICHES.

• B: Why do you think young adults aren't aware of the basic fundamentals of building and maintaining credit? 

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6 Ways to Work Smarter.

It has been 5 months since I chucked the deuces and it has been an enriching experience. The first three months, I was running around the city, working really hard until I’d eventually burn out for about two days. I was working harder for sure, but not smarter. And this happens to many entrepreneurs starting out. I recently sat back and really made some adjustments to work smarter. Here are some ways you can too:

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. When I only focused on styling, I realized I was ignoring all of the other talents & experience I gained not only on set but also at my full time job. You too may be ignoring your expertise and more importantly various streams of income! Instead of banking on one thing to bring in the bacon, develop several streams of income that you can manage. 

Set work hours. There’s the popular phrase “You don’t grind, you don’t shine.” But if you don’t

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#MusicMonday- Jazmine Sullivan.

It has been 3 long years, but songtress Jazmine Sullivan is back!! 

I can still remember feeling crushed by her tweets in 2011. (In case you missed them, I added the tweets below. Read from the bottom up):



I'm super glad that's over now and that one of my fav's is back just in time for the summer! 

The Queen of the Relationship Anthems has returned with a new song called "Dumb" that features a verse from rapper Meek Mill. On the track she sings about a triflin man boy* who's been playing games with her and cheating. As Sweet Brown so eloquently put it, "Ain't nobody got time for that"!  

In an interview with Billboard the 27-year-old confirmed that she's finished with her third album, Reality Show, and I hope it drops later this year!

If you're wondering why the internets aren't going nuts about Sullivan's return, it's probably because the week the track was released, Solange went HAM on Jay-Z and the media made it seem like there was no other news to report. (WOMP!)  

Check out her first single from Reality Show below!

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To My Dad on Father's Day.

I usually don't post about my family or other personal things,besides this post grad life I'm living, but I just thought I'd leave this here.

The text below was written on June 19, 2011 (Father's Day) on my Tumblr page...

The past couple of years have NOT been easy. I sit and think about how much of a brat I was to you. You gave me tough love and TLC even when I didn’t want it from you. I hurt your feelings many times, tried shutting you away from me for no reason, and yet you continued to be there for me anyway.

Sure you whooped me even when I was in high school, took my door off the hinges, threw a paper towel roll at me and wished you had something harder to throw (lol) but every day you would remind me how much you loved me and would miss me when I went off to college. You even asked if we could do daddy/daughter stuff before I left, but of course, I was so wrapped up in wanting to leave the house that I didn’t want to do anything with you or mommy. 

The month before my 18th birthday we didn’t speak (for who knows what reason), and you still picked me up from school even though I could’ve walked; and gave me lunch money when I could’ve packed a lunch or ate nothing…

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Feature Friday: Ginelle Lago of GMN Artistic.

Ginelle Lago is the entrepreneur behind GMN Artistic located in Florida. When she's not being a wife and a mother to adorable daughter, Riley, you can find her being the creative genius at her boutique agency. Last year, she opened up a photo studio (as a storefront) in a commercial plaza in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Ginelle says, "I took this great leap of faith after a lot of prayers and time spent talking with God about my life and its purpose". 

In this interview, Ginelle discusses what inspires her, her goals for 2014 and she also gives some advice to those thinking about entrepreneurship!

• Brea: You worked in the Sales and Marketing department at NBC 6 South Florida. What was the most important thing you learned in that position?

Ginelle: The most important thing I learned about working in the Sales and Marketing department at NBC 6 South Florida was to develop strong and positive relationships with your colleagues, clients, vendors and to sell creatively! I was surrounded by a diverse group of professionals and truly great business-minded talent.

• B: With an undergraduate degree in TV Management and Business Administration, when did you realize your passion was in photography and film?

(Magazine cover shot by Lago)

G: I've always had a passion for business AND the arts. I decided to start with the business side until I polished my creative arts.  In every position I've held, I've been able to utilize my business and creative skills. I think it's an asset to obtain both. My undergraduate degree from Florida International University was primarily on the business side while my Master of Fine Arts (Film) from Ai Miami International University of Art & Design was obviously creative training. Both of my degrees, along with hands-on work experience, have served me well as the owner and lead artist at GMN Artistic. I really enjoy developing and producing creative projects for my clients, but I would never get to that point without sales (business).

• B: What was the process like starting your own boutique creative agency, GMN Artistic, Inc.?

G: I started my boutique creative agency, GMN Artistic, in 2002 right before graduating with my undergraduate degree. My mother encouraged me to open my own business and she and my aunt helped me through the process of incorporating. My mother told me to pray about what I wanted the business to become and it would develop in His time. It took quite some time to get it going but, she was right.

•  B: What does a typical day look like for you?

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6 Emotions Every Entrepreneur Will Experience.

I often say that my life is like a roller coaster of emotions. And I think I have my journey as a small business owner to thank for that. Some days I'll wake up and feel so excited and ready to take over the world and then the next day I may be a total bucket of tears and not want to get out of bed. But it comes with the territory of being an entrepreneur and TRUST ME it is all worth it! Here are a few emotions you will probably experience through your entrepreneurial journey!

JOY!
You are doing what you love and profiting off of it! These little moments are what will remind you that even though this journey may be hard, it is all so worth it! Make sure you write these moments down to reflect on when times get rough.

Sadness.
These are the days where it will be hard to get out of bed because  something in your business isn't going as planned. Don't let those moments be the deciding factor on if you should keep going or not. I promise it won't last forever!

Fear.
Whenever you are doing something out of your comfort zone you will experience fear. Remember that fear is just an emotion and it can't hurt you. Let that fear fuel you to get up and press towards your dreams!

Confident.

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#MusicMonday- Mya.

Just last week I was talking to a few people about how great music was in the 90's/00's and wondering what one of my fav singers, Mya, has been up to. I swear it's like as soon I spoke about her, she graced us with her presence via Youtube!

Mya is celebrating 16 years in the game and, as part of a 'Sole Sessions' series on ThatGrapeJuice.net, she sang acoustic versions of some of her 90's jams ("Moving On" and "Best of Me") and even a new track, "Super Woman". The new song comes from her recent and appropriately titled EP, Sweet XVI.

The singer also sat down for an interview saying, "I feel like I'lm just starting. I have so much that I want to bring to this next phase of my life." I hope the "net phase" includes a new album *insert emoji eyes* and I also hope it includes more acoustic songs, because I love this sound!

I wasn't quite sure which video to include to this post so I added two. Check out the greatness that is Mya below!

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Be Your Own Boss.

 
This month, All She Wrote will focus on entrepreneurship! It seems, to me at least, that Millennials are all about creating a way when there isn't one (and that is something that I love about us)! 

So get ready for a month full of features and blog posts from some pretty awesome entrepreneurs!

(photo credit: Wordpress.com)

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#MusicMonday- Ariana Grande.

This past weekend Miss Ariana Grande released a visual for her new song, "Problem". The song features a verse from our favorite Australian bombshell, Iggy Iggs and interestingly enough, some added whispers from rapper Big Sean. According to E! Online, "Problem" (which was released back in April) was already sitting at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 this weekend, so why not drop the visual too?

In the video the Sam and Cat star gives us 1960's realness with her dance moves, white boots, and big hair via Iggy. Grande even spins on a  circular platform all while effortlessly telling her ex boo she's got one less problem without him. 

While I'm still trying to figure out why Big Sean is whispering on the track, you can check it out below.

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Finding Your Passion: Informational Interviews 101.

 

You’re done. That piece of paper symbolizing years of caffeine overloads, too-many page papers and impressive procrastination skills is within your reach… or at least tucked under a bunch of other important documents. Maybe you’re right in the thick of it, a sophomore or junior in college debating if you should change your major again. You know the opportunities for your future are limitless, but you can’t figure out if you should pursue your personal interests or follow the typical career path for your major. Trust me, you are definitely not alone. There are tons of people trying to hone in on their career desires. Here’s a little secret from me to you: informational interviews can provide all the answers you need.

Informational interviews are unique opportunities to build relationships and gain insight from professionals in your desired career fields. Imagine networking, but only with people you choose to seek out. Maybe you can’t choose between becoming an engineer or a career as a tour manager for live events. Informational interviews allow you to reach out to a variety of people with differing perspectives to solidify your choice. The best part? You’re in control of the conversations. Asking industry insiders questions about their experiences means no pressure for you!

Before you brag to your colleagues about your newfound knowledge, it’s important to know how to seek out professionals and properly conduct an informational interview. Below are some tips to get you started on your journey towards Career Nirvana.

Find Your Passion and Remember Your Major

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Feature Friday: Aleesha Carter of K A C Images and U, LLC.

Aleesha Carter is a publicist and CEO of her own firm, K A C Images and U, LLC.  After moving to Atlanta, out of college, she was able to network her way into the entertainment industry and has worked with a number of celebrities like Trina, Rick Ross, Cam Newton and many more.

In this interview she discusses career goals for 2014, finding a balance between work and personal life, and her favorite part of entertainment PR.

• Brea: Describe your job in one sentence.

Aleesha: The art of capturing moments on behalf of a brand.

 

• B: How would you say K A C Images and U differentiates itself from other PR firms?

A: K A C, Images and U, LLC. thrives on a significant foundation of relationships, consistency and value on behalf of the brand’s clientele abroad.  I wanted to build a name that is of significance to representing images that we consider as a reflection of our own. The name alone represents a strong meaning to my personal development. We remain a unique boutique that continuously strives on delivering results.

• B: What is your favorite part of Entertainment PR?

A: I do not have one particular part of the entertainment sector when it comes to Public Relations; I am more enthused about the art behind being the talent, behind the talent. I love the creative chemistry that PR brings with it. The entertainment industry welcomed me with open arms, and it is enjoyable to be able to represent talent within such environment. If I had to decide on one area, it would be witnessing clientele deliver a connection with their audience.

• B: Is there anything you dislike about the industry?

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5 Truths About Post Grad Life.

Congratulations on graduating! You've made it this far and that's a hell of an accomplishment. Now that you've graduated fasten your seatbelts for a ride I like to call post grad life.

Job searching blues.
Your entire life you've been told to go to college to better your chances at getting the job you want. Then once you got into college and took out x-amount of money to complete your degree, you find out the truth...your degree WILL NOT guarantee you employment after graduating.  Next thing you know, you've spent 6 months out of school job searching your life away in your pajamas back at moms house. Then you think to yourself, "Did I really just spend 4 years of my life in college for this??".

Quarter life crisis.

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#MusicMonday- Danity Kane.

Last year everyone's favorite reality TV girl group, Danity Kane, announced their return to the scene (sans D. Woods). Just as the group was on the heels of going on their #NoFilter tour, last week group member Aundrea announced her departure from DK. While that's good and all, I'd love to see the entire group go on tour just one last time....but I guess that's all over now. WOMP!

As for more happier news, the ladies released a new single last week in what feels like 345445 years, titled "Lemonade". It's a little like a modern version of "Show Stopper" in my opinion, but I'm still here for it! The song even includes a sample of "Grindin" by Clipse (YES! Middle school lunch time memories). With a verse from rapper, Tyga, this new music definitely did not disappoint. Go on, click play!



(photo credit: hiphollywood.com)

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Feature Friday: Ruth Ann Wiesner of RAW Marketing.

As CEO of  RAW Marketing  Ruth Ann Wiesner is a self- proclaimed "Principal Cleaver Heaver”. This describes the no-nonsense approach that she takes with every aspect of the creation and operation of RAW Marketing.

Highlighted as one of the Top 125 Women Entrepreneurs for the Chicago area, Top Mompreneur of 2012, and recently a finalist as one of the Top 25 Awesome Mom-Based Biz in Chicago, Ruth Ann has burst onto the scene with her creative and innovative marketing techniques.

In this interview she discusses why she started her own firm, the relaunch of RawMrktg.com and more!

    

• Brea: What attracted you to PR/Marketing?

RuthAnn: I have always been intrigued by the sayings "You can't change someones perception." and "Perception is Reality". When I first began in Marketing and PR, I quickly realized that (when done correctly), through Marketing and PR, you have the power to change just about anyones perception of anything. That type of influence is very powerful, especially when most people do not realize that everything created by a Marketing/PR or Advertising agency is done to invoke a very specific perception of their client or their clients product.
 

• B: Why did you decide to open your own firm? 

R: After working at the Directorship level of Marketing (the PR Dept rolls up under Marketing in most larger businesses) for many years, my life took an exciting turn and I found myself relocating. In the process, I was approached to continue handling the Marketing for my client, but in a consulting role from afar. Within weeks of my relocation, I had acquired half a dozen more clients and decided I better make this official, and RAW Marketing was born! 

• B: In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about PR/Marketing? 

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#MusicMonday- SZA.

So it's pretty safe to say that I'm really behind on listening to new music/artists; however, this past weekend I came across Kendrick Lamar's label mate, SZA. The 23-year-old singer has a laid back kind of sound, which has been described as "hipster- hop/alternative R&B". SZA released her debut album, Z, back in April following her earlier EP's See.SZA.Run and S.

The first song I had heard from TDE's first lady was "Warm Winds", and let's just say I hit the replay button a few more times than I'd like to admit. On the hook she sings, "Sometimes we hate to leave somebody. What's happening to we? Warm winds on a space ride. When I call your phone on a late night. I recall your soul and it taste like...Gardens, flowers, Warm Winds". 

I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us because my SZA listening session has yet to end. The video to "Warm Winds" is below so sit back, press play and listen to the wonderful sounds of Miss SZA.



(photo credit: HNHH.com)

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Feature Friday: Sarah Tiambeng.

•  Brea: Tell me about yourself.

Sarah: I am a Public Relations Account Executive at Zehnder Communications in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m in my third year at the agency with clients in food and beverage, health care and banking industries. I am a proud graduate of the journalism school at the University of Missouri.

• B: What do you like most about PR?

S: I love the versatility of the industry. Public relations is a career that requires adaptability and agility because the landscape of communications is always changing. My career keeps me motivated to experiment with and evolve the ways I try to accomplish my client’s goals in a way that allows me to combine my technical skills and my creativity.

 

• B: How did you land your current position at Zehnder Communications and what are your responsibilities in that position?

S: I decided I wanted to move back to New Orleans, my hometown, after completing a 6-month internship in Dallas. I always considered going back there so I knew of a few companies I was interested in and admired. I cold emailed a handful of people with my resume letting them know I’d be moving back and would love the chance to meet with them. It was a big gamble because I’d never taken that approach before, but I was pleasantly surprised by the responses!
 
I started with the company as an Account Coordinator and am now a public relations account executive. I serve as the day-to-day contact for my clients and I execute the PR plans and strategies I’ve developed with my supervisor and team members.

• B: How has being a member of PRSA helped you in your career?

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What Beyonce Can Teach Us About Work Ethic.

 

You can say a lot of things about Beyoncé, but one thing you can't deny is her crazy work ethic. Between touring the world, recording music/videos (and releasing albums without any warning), being a director, a producer, a wife, a mother, and holding other titles, I often wonder if Queen Bey ever has time to breathe! We can all definitely learn a few things from the creole princess.

"I'm proud of myself [...] for taking the risk" 
With the release of Bey's 5th album, we all got a glimpse into the life of Mrs. Carter, the wife and mother, who is embracing her sexy side. I doubt any of us thought we'd ever hear some of those lyrics come from the "Drunk in Love" singer, but she took that risk and it worked!

"It's all about sacrifices..."
Bey has mentioned multiple times about how much she's sacrificed to reach her goals and well, we see how well that turned out for her.

I’m proud of myself as a woman for taking the risk.”
Read more at http://singersroom.com/content/2013-12-23/Beyonce-Wraps-2013-Tour-Talks-Brave-New-Album-Taking-Risk-and-Owning-Your-Imperfections/#auX2ccYHj6EHHr1t.99

"I don't believe in, 'I need to sleep'" 
Of course Beyoncé doesn't believe in sleep, she's like a machine with how hard she goes on everything! Songwriter Makeba Riddick, who worked with Bey on her B'day album, told MTV News, "[Beyoncé] would tell us to be there at 11 o'clock in the morning and we would be there until, like, four or five in the morning. When we got there [at 11 a.m.], she was already there, working."  

"I strongly believe if you work hard, whatever you want, it will come to you." 
Paul Wall did an interview with The Breakfast Club a few months back, and he spoke about how Destiny's Child got booed during a performance in their hometown of Houston. Instead of crying and giving up, they worked even harder to become forces to be reckoned with!

"I love what I do" 
I've heard that if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life and after watching Beyonce's many performances you can tell that she really loves getting on stage and snatching your edges performing!

"Independence is not easy" 
It takes time, patience, and a lot of work to see your dreams come to fruition. It took Beyonce many, many years to become the unicorn amazing entertainer she is today. It definitely won't be easy, but it will totally be worth it!

Bey is the epitome of "dreams don't work unless you do" and honey, she's put in WORK! Now it's time that we all channel our inner Beyoncé and go forth and be great! Remember, we have the same hours in the day as Queen Bey, so let's make them count!

 (photo credit: Noisey.com)

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