There's a lot happening as the show grows and progresses..Stay in the know!
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The next episode of Zephyr features wonderful friend and talent, Kale Lawrence! An Illinois native that shares her personal and professional inspirations for what ultimately drove her to becoming a published author, she had an affinity for her work with Disney, Corporate Communications, and her own literary favorites.
Kale shares her muses and personal turbulence and how they inspired her writings. Additionally, I'm happy to have her share some special news with Zephyr as she forges ahead with her re-branding and new writing endevours! |
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Fresh off the presses!
For the first time, I proudly welcome my first restaurant aboard the Zephyr!
Located in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, Franco's has been a dining destination in amazing Italian cuisine for over 30 years. Owner Frank Ruffolo sat with me and we talk about the family history, including their arrival in America. What does it take to uphold a family tradition? What lessons in business are picked up along the way?
We get to chat about the sacrifices of owning a restaurant, how to nurture your community, and the development and maintaining of a great menu that is also seasonal.
You can find them online and on their social media, and if you're looking for reservations, OpenTable allows for online reservations.
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It's #shopLOCALmovement! I have the honor and pleasure of featuring the owner and founder of Wet Shaving Products, Lee Tyau, from Arizona where we're spotlighting an awesome product! If you are looking to "up" (or get!) a shave game, look no further! Lee was tired of overpaying for products with harsh ingredients and chemical that didn't belong on our skin. He educated himself on what made the best shaving soap, balm and beyond for a quality, classical shave! Hear about the building blocks of a small business and consider a stocking stuffer this holiday season, in what the also the yearly finale for the show! ..oh, and hey..it's made in the USA! |
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Calling all guys and gals looking to give your dress wardrobe the ultimate upgrade!
The Gentleman's Cooperative at 111 W. Jackson in the heart of the Financial District in Chicago is one of the best bespoke clothiers in the country. With a master tailor on staff, GC can take care of whatever your garments needs are for any occasion.
Additionally, the clothier also doubles as an experience and event venue for guests. You can enjoy a meal or a drink when you come for your suiting, or also utilize their in house Barber and stylists for beard trimmings, mani-pedis, and so on! Do you have an event or function you want to hold? The penthouse space is available!
Founder and Co-owner Mike Berntsen finally got to sit with me and discuss the business side of the company and what it takes to be a garment start-up in the 2000's.
Go ahead and give it a listen!
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Introducing the Heart and Soul Collection Working to broaden the idea of style further, the new interview series features The Rhythm Rockets, a Jump, Rhythm & Blues band calling Chicago home for over 20 years!
Band founder Dave Downer shares his passion and experience on the creative expression and escape that rhythm and blues have brought him in life and how it may effect others. Additionally, we discuss lessons learned while on the road traveling and he provides a first hand expertise on the lessons of following a musical endeavor - both good and bad. It’s the coolest music during the hottest time of the year! 
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The Road to Esteli Series continues with Alec Bradley!
The company's Director of Sales and Marketing Mr. Jonathan Ross Lipson gave me a while of his time and we got to chat about his career, training, and experiences on the road. For those getting more interested in premium cigars, Jonathan offers his suggestions and advice on how to pick out what the easiest and best products might be best for you and your respective pallet.
The company also continues to celebrate the successes of their Black Market Esteli and Prensado (#1 Cigar 2011) Lost Art and their worldwide releases. Some of the development of those brands are discussed and what might be better for you!
Also, what is his personal style? What inspires him? What is his favorite Disney movie? Favorite pair of shoes? Road and travel horror stores?
Give a click to listen in!
Strong Style with Kat Secor!
Health and Wellness plays its own, special part in living a stylish life. I am super pumped to have an old friend from paintball, as well as Super League competitor, professional paintballer, and IFBB weightlifting competitor, Katherine "Kat" Secor on the show!
In an episode highlighting lady-owned small businesses, I partnered with Jennifer Parr of DIYvinci.com, a DIY online supply business based in Central, IL. At DIY, you can get all kinds of supplies for great projects or even everyday goods as gifts and online tutorials.
In my conversation with Kat, we talk living a happier, healthier life with every day decisions of happiness and how her own personal demons and addiction influenced her personal life and impacted her professional life. Currently, at is working very hard at her new Super League, metric based weight lifting and performance programs. Give it a listen!
In an episode highlighting lady-owned small businesses, I partnered with Jennifer Parr of DIYvinci.com, a DIY online supply business based in Central, IL. At DIY, you can get all kinds of supplies for great projects or even everyday goods as gifts and online tutorials.
In my conversation with Kat, we talk living a happier, healthier life with every day decisions of happiness and how her own personal demons and addiction influenced her personal life and impacted her professional life. Currently, at is working very hard at her new Super League, metric based weight lifting and performance programs. Give it a listen!
Antique Style, in a small, local business!
Just a few miles south of Chicago, is a store that has earned the "Best in the Midwest" for their experience, variety, customer experience, and..Affordability! Say hello to Affordable Antiques and More in Naperville, Illinois!
Style can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and mannerisms. Antiquing is a hobby and passion to so many people who use it to furnish their homes, the way they dress, or maybe further a collection (I collect Chicago World Fair artifacts) as heirlooms.
With their March Open House approaching, I finally had the chance to sit down with Mr. Gary Domzalski who I wanted to talk to to shed light on his career, the path that the store has gone on to its present day status with the community and the physical locations, but most of all, how it has nurtured it's relationship with the community and the clientele they have have taken in.
Gary and his staff are very respectful and pleasant folks to do business with and you can find them on Instagram and Facebook with affordable shipping options available if anything happens to catch your eye. Give them a ring at (630) 505-1463 or you can stop by at 1508 N. Naper Blvd in Naperville.
Gary has over 25 years of experience and the store boasts an impressive 11,000 square feet. Stop on by and help to support a local business!
On the Road to Esteli Series, I'm chatting with one of the Alec Bradley Cigar namesake, Bradley Rubin!
The youngest son of company owner, Alan Rubin, Bradley will give his first solo interview on the Zephyr. Together, we chat and talk being literally born into the business and how his upbringing and affected his work thus far. Additionally, he sheds some light on a culture shift within the company and how they intend on beginning to aim for a younger customer for the future. Bradley also updates us on the performance of their two new line releases from the Black Market and Prensado brands.
Finally, I am super excited to be working to put more ladies content out, and working more with my friend, Heather Miller. A certified aesthetician, Heather has already provided fantastic make-up tips and I plan on developing this more in the future and using it to springboard to more female-oriented content. Heather returns with another segment of Color Me Pretty!
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Style Zephyr once again bringing more than just fashion to the style realm.
I finally had the opportunity to sit with my friend, artist Mary Saran, where we had the chance to dive into conversation about her training and work between Chicago and New York. What's inside a creative mind? We talk her inspirations and musings as well as the kinds of projects shes's most passionate about. Also, we discussed her upcoming art event this month on February 16th in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. Take a listen and browse at her website, marysaran.virb.com/ Thank you so much, Mary, and Stay Styled! |
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In celebration of a great friend and a gentleman local to Chicago, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Mo Maali, the founder and owner of Patina Cigars. I got to sit with Mo, finally, and after hearing about how very similar views and opinions and ideas of start up, particularly in a digital age with a mixed economy. To hear his stories of being his own operator, from development to sales to social media, it's great to hear of the recognition Mo has received up to this point.
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In collaboration with the Alec Bradley Cigar Company, SZ is super excited to introduce folks to a new collection we will be producing together over the span of the 2018 season, the "Road to Esteli Series".
First, this collection of episodes will be showcasing the worldwide release of the new, award-winning blends and brands, Black Market Esteli and a twist on the already beloved and 2011 Cigar of the Year Prensado with the Prensado Lost Art. Both cigars have already achieved international acclaim and are being produced in a wide array of popular sizes and box counts.
In addition, with a view to establishing and maintaining relationships with the folks that support us, the Road to Esteli Series will work to profile a company that is revered globally for making incredibly complex, yet very enjoyable premium cigars. We will get an inside perspective on not only the inner workings of the company but the stories and experiences of those that run the company and live to Live True!
In our most recent episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Mr. Matthew "Sunflowerman" Miller. An international fashion illustrator, Matthew has traveled the world extensively not only honing his own artistic skills, but seeking to expand on his own inspiration as an admirer of the fashion industry for both men and women.
As we all know, not everything in life is learned from a textbook. Matthew sheds light on his individual creative training and how he feels the proper skills can be obtained for other folks considering a future, professionally or otherwise, as it comes to art.
Additionally, Matthew is passionate about his watches and a good cup of Joe! Our conversation turns more philosophical with his perspective on how the movetime of a good timepiece and the experience and methodology of creating a wonderful cup of coffee can be a creative muse.
It's the kind of clothes that mothers and daughters can wear, in terms of concept... It's not about age. It's about taste, and it's about lifestyle. I believe women of all ages can wear anything. -Ralph Lauren