Issuu

FASHION. INNOVATION. ENTREPRENUERSHIP

VOL 34 QUARTERLY MUSIC +TECH ISSUE

THE GAMING CONFERENCE OF THE YEAR THE GLOBEâ€™S BLOCKCHAIN COMMUNITYT HIGH TECH HANDBAGS & HOMES

MUSIC SENSATION

SEAN KINGSTON NOVA LORAINE

INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E.]

MA GA Z I N E

RAINE VOL 33

F O U N D E R , C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R & E D I T O R I N C H I E F

N OVA L O R R A I N E

S E N I O R E D I TO R

M A NAG I N G E D I TO R LIZ C AMPESE

KRI STO P H E R J O H NSO N

SPECIAL THANKS F R E D E R I QU E P ORT E R T I N A L I T T L E J OH N J AV I E R H E R N A N D E Z N ATA S H A B I S H OP

ADVISORY BOARD B E V E RLY J O H NSO N C O N S U E LO VAND E RB I LT CO STI N CONTRIBUTING WRITER LAU RA SH E E H AN INTERNS ALE X I S DARKO D I AMO ND H E MRI CK SAG E LI TTLE J O H N CONTENT ADVISORS KRI STO P H E R J O H NSO N LI SA B I E SAK D E RRO N F O RRE ST

COVER CREDITS C OV E R P H OTO B Y I M A N I B L AC K M A N ART DIRECTION M A RT I N A M I C KO V I D E O C O N T E N T D I R E C TO R J AV I N F OR R E S T

RAINE MAGAZINE

NEW YORK * LA * SAN FRANCISCO * MIAMI CORRESPONDENCE Raine Magazine 13506 Summerport Village Pkwy Windermere, FL 34786 Raine Magazine is a trademark of Raine Creative Holdings LLC and is published quarterly. All contents, logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all rights are reserved.Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Raine Creative Holdings is prohibited.The publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by publisher. To distribute Raine at your business, please email editors@rainemagazine.com. RAINE MAGAZINE INQUIRIES General: editors@rainemagazine.com Submissions:submissions@rainemagazine.com

EDITOR’S NOTE WELCOME TO RAINE MAGAZINE Being Jamaican born and a lover of reggae, having Sean Kingston as our cover star for our Music and Technology issue is real special to me. However, hearing his story of faith and persistence and sharing it with our Raine Readers is a true honor. As one of our loyalists, thank you for being a part of the Raine experience and continuing to support the rise of creative entrepreneurs around the world. As you know, we are committed to discovering, growing and branding the hidden gems in fashion, culture and technology throughout the globe. See the world through Raine’s eyes as you peruse the style and travel pages and study the architectural details of the jaw dropping home once graced by the Beatles. Meet some of the game changers in the tech world, from the E3 conference to the community building the first ecosystem for blockchain brands. Beyond this issue, we are excited to share with you our newly launched podcast, Unleash Your SuperNova. It bridges the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship to help creative minds survive the journey of entrepreneurship. We will bring you both your favorite on camera personalities as well as discuss topics on mindset, mindfulness, technology and productivity in order to help you rise to your most creative self. Don’t miss an episode or an issue, as each will leave you truly inspired. Truly,

Nova Lorraine, MA Founder and Editor

RAINE: How have you overcome the setbacks, letdowns and obstacles of your career? TRACEY: Sometimes you have to take a step back and evaluate why you are experiencing this setback or obstacle. Be flexible and kind to yourself, and determine your next move. RAINE: What is your best advice in battling boredom in creative pursuits or creative entrepreneurship? TRACEY: If you’re bored, you’re not working on something! I can’t say I’ve experienced many moments of boredom since starting my company. RAINE: What is your viewpoint of failure and how best to deal with it? TRACEY: It’s okay to fail. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you think they should. And that’s fine! You had the courage to try something you believed in. RAINE: Describe yourself in five words or less. TRACEY: Driven. Hard Working. Positive. Dynamic. RAINE: We love transformation. If you have experienced a personal or professional evolution, what was the inspiration behind it and how have people reacted? TRACEY: I think ultimately my “transformation” was quitting my full time job to start my own company and not compromising when it came to making sure our handbags are part fashion and tech. Bee & Kin bags are made not only to look beautiful, but also to work for you and make your life easier. People are surprised at how far I’ve come and are super supportive!

TRACEY: I would die for Oprah to wear Bee & Kin! RAINE: In regards to your unique selling advantage, explain how you made the choice to break the mold? TRACEY: The choice to break the mold in fashion was easy. I’ve always dreamt of tying luxury fashion and tech together to creating beautiful products that truly work for you. RAINE: Regarding fashion, what would you describe as your signature “look”? TRACEY: The hexagon/honeycomb is definitely Bee & Kin’s signature look. It is a nod to my heritage and upbringing. My last name is Hummel, which in German translates to bumblebee, so the honeycomb is a reminder of my hardworking family background. RAINE: Who have been some of your fashion role models that have inspired your current style? TRACEY: Eva Chen RAINE: What is your favorite city for work and play, and why? TRACEY: I would have to say NYC. I love living here and working here. It’s the best of both worlds. Amazing restaurants and parks, and the people—of course.

RAINE: What are your superpowers? How have they helped you excel? TRACEY: Literally my favorite—organization and planning. They keep me on task and I can really get things done. RAINE: If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur, what would it be and why? TRACEY: I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve learned from everything I’ve experienced, and that’s invaluable. I wouldn’t change the good or the bad. RAINE: Talk about how technology has changed your industry for newcomers? TRACEY: I would say technology has made it easier for newcomers to get discovered. I communicate more with customers on Instagram than any other outlet. Because of tech / social media, I am building a community of entrepreneurial tech women who empower each other. RAINE: What has been the most valuable tool in your arsenal of apps, gadgets or software? TRACEY: Instagram has helped me find women in tech who are doing interesting work and has allowed me to communicate with them to see what they are looking for when it comes to their workbags. RAINE: What tech do you use to increase your productivity? Name up to 3 TRACEY: Calendar app COZI is my lifesaver and keeps me on task. Flic with Find My Phone, because I’m constantly on the go and am constantly leaving my phone everywhere. RAINE: How does being an independent brand or artist allow you to have more creative freedom? TRACEY: I have time to create my own schedule, which is nice, because I learn the most from meeting people for lunch or coffee, instead of being stuck in an office. It has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone. RAINE: Are there any plans to partner with a major celebrity, brand or organization in the future? If so, who is on your HOT list? R A I N E M AG A Z I N E - VO L U M E 3 4

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY

Photo Credit Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

HOSTS 2019 POLO HAMPTONS

Christie Brinkley hosted the third annual Polo Hamptons Match & Event where she celebrated her July 4th cover at The Maria & Kenneth Fishel Estate in Bridgehampton. The cover star arrived with her two of her children, Alexa Ray Joel, and Sailor Brinkley Cook, and posed for pictures with Social Life Publisher Justin Mitchell, Maria and Kenneth Fishel and celebrity caterer Andrea Correale. More than 600 guests enjoyed delectable hors d’oeuvres and specialized cocktails from New York and Hamptons caterer Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs as they watched the thrilling Polo match between Michael Borrico’s Certified team, and 101 Polo Team, with Certified taking home the trophy. R A I N E M AG A Z I N E - VO L U M E 3 4

Attendees included Former Florida First Lady Carole Crist, Douglas Elliman CEO Dottie Herman, Jonathan Cheban, Jean Shafiroff, Andy Sabin, Janel Tanna, Cassandra Seidenfeld, Tatum Peacock, Abraham Merchant, Kelly Fisher, Roni Willett, Dr. Shawn Sadri, Janna Bullock, Jason Binn, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Rachel Heller, Zach Erdem, Christine Montanti, Dr. Andrew Jacono, and Sharon Bush. The event was sponsored by Private Jet Services, Turks & Caicos Tourism, Boar’s Head, Social Life Magazine, Go Charity, Christie Brinkley Total Gym, and Bellissima. A portion of all proceeds from the afternoon were donated to The Bridgehampton Museum.

COLOR BLIND PRODUCTION GRP WORLD GROUP PHOTOGRAPHER: MATT SCHAEFFER MODEL: ELIZABETH SIEMCZYK @ELITE MODELS HAIR STYLIST: EDWIN IRIZARRY MAKEUP ARTIST: GRISELLE ROSARIO 22

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F R E S H FAC E

SASHA BROMFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER: RAZZAQ MANLEY, @MANLEYPHOTOGRAPHY ON INSTAGRAM. MAKEUP ARTIST: TIFFANI RAINS; @ TIFFANIRAINSMUA ON INSTAGRAM.

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MY TRAVELING LIFE:

PROVENCE, FRANCE

BY KATE ROMANOFF

“IF YOU LOVE FOOD AND YOU LOVE RED WINE AND THEY PUT YOU IN FRANCE, YOU’RE IN A GOOD PLACE AND YOU’RE IN A BAD PLACE AT THE SAME TIME. YOU HAVE TO WEIGH YOURSELF EVERY DAY, AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN ALARM NUMBER. WHEN YOU GET TO THAT NUMBER, YOU HAVE TO START PUTTING IT IN REVERSE.” — SALMA HAYEK, ACTOR

Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the historical province of southeastern France is one of the county’s most charming regions. From sleepy villages with exquisite wining and dining options to sprawling lavender fields and picturesque Roman ruins, Provence is one of the most beautiful destinations for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Because the region has been occupied by different peoples since the dawn of humanity—being one of the first places homo sapiens settled in what is now considered Europe—it has a storied history that makes for a spectacular hub of ethnic influences. From Ancient Greek and Roman accents to the rich cultural traditions of the French, Provence has no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit and explore. From Avignon (a beautiful city located on the banks of the Rhone River) to the Chauvet Cave, (home to some of the best preserved figurative cave paintings in the world) Provence has a little something for every kind of person. But, what I love most about Provence are its captivating fields of lavender, north of Marseille and east of Avignon. According to The Lavender Museum, “French lavender originates in Persia or in the Canary Islands.” There are three species of the flower that naturally grow in Provence, these are “lavandula vera, lavandula spica and lavandula stoechas.” Seeing the R A I N E M AG A Z I N E - VO L U M E 3 4

flowers bloom in person is absolutely mesmerizing and is one of my favorite parts of the trip. Interestingly enough, when lavender season is over, the very same fields are covered by the delicate flowers that then become blanketed with sunflowers, or poppies. To anyone who may be wondering if they should invest the time to see these flowers in person, the answer is: “Yes!” Exploring around Provence, however, is not that easy without a rental car. The public transportation system is not well developed, so, if you can, try to find a way to get around on your own. Alternatively, if solo exploration is not your cup of tea, some very informative tours with great and experienced tour guides may be your best option. Either way, I think it’s a notable addition to any itinerary. But, word to the wise, avoid the half-day tours. Aside for the Lavender fields, clearly one of my favorites, check out the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, the old port of Marseille (a gem for history buffs), Gorges du Verdon (another highly recommended spot for nature lovers), and Carrières de Lumières, Les Baux-de-Provence, (an interactive art and history experience like no other). All in all, Provence is one amazing place, and if you have a chance to visit, I really think you should.

SPEND A COUPLE OF DAYS IN THE HISTORICALLY WALLED CITY AVIGNON AND VISIT THE SURROUNDING LUBERON VILLAGES

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RAINE: What’s been a funny behind the scenes moment that you could share? THOMAS: Once, I had the police issue me a summons for graffiti. I painted my window on it and sold it to a lawyer. [For my art,] I usually choose spots that are already destroyed, or places where people don’t care enough to create issues. But, this time, I painted on the top of the stairs of the British embassy. The British embassy was actually really nice—I have to say—because I contacted the embassy and it withdrew the complaint. RAINE: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago? THOMAS: I would tell myself to be more protective of my inner peace and private life, and not to get too friendly with everybody. RAINE: How would you describe a creative entrepreneur in your own words? THOMAS: A creative entrepreneur is like an alchemist who transforms the insignificant in to the meaningful. RAINE: If someone asked you how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give? THOMAS: I would tell that person to read inspiring books, exercise, and travel (physically and spiritually). RAINE: What three traits do you feel are most needed to pursue entrepreneurship? THOMAS: Drive, resilience, and optimism.

RAINE: Have you ever faced the issue of burnout in your career? If so, how did you overcome it? THOMAS: Not really. But sometimes, like everyone else, I feel down. It usually never lasts too long. I overcome it with a good swimming session, or skateboarding and meeting friends at the park, or painting. These are the things I do everyday, actually. RAINE: Name your top three hacks for battling the loneliness of entrepreneurship. THOMAS: Surround yourself with good friends, spend some time with your family, and don’t always think about your work. RAINE: What wellness tips do you swear by? THOMAS: Quality sleep, exercise, and healthy food. RAINE: What is your best advice in battling boredom in creative pursuits or creative entrepreneurship? THOMAS: I don’t even know the word, boredom? What is it? I always have too much to do. RAINE: What did you want to be when you grew up? Has this stayed the same or changed throughout the years? THOMAS: It stayed the same. I just want to be happy, work on my projects, and have a positive influence on people.

RAINE: What major project coming up are you most excited about? THOMAS: I am excited about my future destinations, which will be really meaningful and powerful. RAINE: Who have been the most memorable people you have worked alongside and why? THOMAS: Jean Claude Jitrois and his team. They are all really passionate about what they are doing. His clothes are actual works of art. RAINE: Word to the wise: What advice would you lend to a budding talent on the rise in your chosen field? THOMAS: I would say, be confident and feel free to dare. RAINE: How have you overcome the setbacks, letdowns and obstacles of your career? THOMAS: By having a strong, long-term vision. RAINE: What is your viewpoint of failure and how best to deal with it? THOMAS: Failure is just a process of evolution. Fall 7 times but get up 8. RAINE: Describe yourself in five words or less. THOMAS: There is Instagram for that. RAINE: We love transformation. If you experienced a personal or professional evolution, what was the inspiration behind it how have people reacted?

THOMAS: My projects are dedicated to humanity, but are also designed to heal myself. They are my way of coping with reality. The message behind my work is universal, so everybody can understand it. The transformation is actually spiritual growth. Having contact with thousands of people and traveling always keeps me down to earth. RAINE: What are your superpowers? How have they helped you excel? THOMAS: Once, I wanted to kill myself. I was at my breaking point, where I had to choose either to destroy myself or to build myself up. I chose life. Now, this experience helps me excel, because after it happened, I cared less about the little things that don’t matter and focused my energy on constructing something positive. So, lets say resurrection. RAINE: Talk about how technology has changed your industry for newcomers? THOMAS: Technology is great, especially the Internet. It allows people with talent to be noticed. But, popularity doesn’t always mean quality. RAINE: What has been the most valuable tool in your arsenal of apps, gadgets or software? THOMAS: Instagram. Definitely. RAINE: How does being an independent brand or artist allow you to have more creative freedom? THOMAS: There is no art without freedom.

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RAINE: What’s been a funny behind the scenes moment that you could share? JAYLEN: I had a hairpiece under my helmet on Free Rein. While riding, it just flew off! Can you believe that? I still laugh about it.

RAINE: What are your superpowers? How have they helped you excel? JAYLEN: My super power is that I can be any character at any time in any place. I adapt quickly. This has allowed me to deal with the anxiety I sometimes carry around.

RAINE: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago? JAYLEN: It will all be okay.

RAINE: Talk about how technology has changed your industry for newcomers? JAYLEN: This is tricky because I may sound a bit salty, but sometimes I feel like someone needs little to no talent to become famous with the social networks we have available to us. In today’s world of social media, if you have a large following then you’re worthy of people’s time; popularity turns into: How much money can we make if we use you? There are so many talented people who miss out on opportunities simply because they are unknown—for now. It’s not all bad, of course, but it has changed for sure.

RAINE: What three traits do you feel are most needed to pursue entrepreneurship? JAYLEN: Work ethic. Perseverance. Passion. RAINE: Have you ever faced the issue of burnout in your career? If so, how did you overcome it? JAYLEN: Yes, but only after long periods of time away from my family and friends. I ask myself: Is this worth it? What am I doing? Does anybody even like me? At that point I a) talk with my mom b) do something for myself: any little something to refocus, like go to the gym, spa, or engage in reading. c) watch Dr. Phil or Iyanla: Fix my Life (my guilty pleasure). [I also rely on] my comfort foods and my dogs. RAINE: What wellness tips do you swear by? JAYLEN: Eat right, drink water, and always have a good skin care routine. RAINE: What did you want to be when you grew up? Has this stayed the same or changed throughout the years? JAYLEN: I have always wanted to be an actor—it hasn’t changed, ever. I can’t see myself doing anything else. RAINE: What major project coming up are you most excited about? JAYLEN: Season 3 of my show Free Rein. RAINE: Word to the wise: What advice would you lend to a budding talent on the rise in your chosen field? JAYLEN: You are your only competition; in the audition room, don’t look to see who’s there, because what is yours is yours, but always remember to make it extremely hard for them to say no to you. RAINE: How have you overcome the setbacks, letdowns and obstacles of your career? JAYLEN: I have a great support system at home, and with my friends—who are and are not in the business. RAINE: What is your viewpoint of failure and how best to deal with it? JAYLEN: If you’re constantly moving forward, in any and all tasks, failure is only a lesson learned.

RAINE: What has been the most valuable tool in your arsenal of apps, gadgets or software? JAYLEN: My phone, of course! It’s instant communication. RAINE: Are there any plans to partner with a major celebrity, brand or organization in the future? If so, who is on your HOT list? JAYLEN: No plans yet, but it would be a dream of mine to partner with Chanel or Fenty Beauty. RAINE: Regarding fashion, what would you describe as your signature “look”? JAYLEN: I don’t know if I have a signature look, but my hair is definitely something I love to show. RAINE: Do your fashion choices affect your success in meetings or pitches? JAYLEN: Yes, of course! Fashion is more about how you feel than how you look. If you feel great, you’re going to look great. I feel people can sense that as soon as you walk into a room. RAINE: Who have been some of your fashion role models that have inspired your current style? JAYLEN: Rihanna is my inspiration. Need I say more? She’s an icon. RAINE: What is your favorite city for work and play and why? JAYLEN: Los Angeles is where it’s at. Great people of all backgrounds, great food, the nightlife is poppin’ and the weather is usually right.

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Raine: From an early age your love for comedy flourished allowing you to make friends and be comfortable in almost any situation. Can you describe your experiences and how they helped fine-tune your craft? Amber: I was an awkward looking kid. I was snaggletoothed, my mom cut my hair, and I was chubby. This became the perfect recipe for comedy. I realized that if I wanted to make friends, I needed to do something, and making other kids laughed seemed to do the trick. This ability has served me well throughout my life. It makes me comfortable trying new things, meeting new people, and navigating uncomfortable situations. In college, I found improv and that only furthered my comedy education. I am still an ensemble member at Dad’s Garage Theatre in Atlanta and perform there regularly. I met my husband, got my role on Archer, and met most of my friends through improv. Raine: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago? Amber: Enjoy it, don’t be so worried about the next thing that you forget how awesome this job is! Raine: If someone asked you how could they stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give? Amber: I’d tell them to take an improv class. It changed my life. It’s a great way to open your mind and collaborate with others. Being in a space where failure is encouraged (there are no mistakes) and everyone has your back is very liberating and can really stimulate creativity.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO WORK FOR FREE IN THE BEGINNING, YOU DON’T KNOW NEARLY AS MUCH AS YOU THINK YOU DO,

Raine: What wellness tips do you swear by? Amber: I really think sleep and self-care are so important. Oftentimes, it is kind of looked at as weakness — to need to rest. Which is crazy. You have to recharge if you are going to be of any value to your career and the people you are working with. Go on vacation! Or at least take a day to yourself! Raine: What did you want to be when you grew up? Has this stayed the same or changed throughout the years? Amber: When I started in this career path, I said that all I wanted was to be able to make a living doing what I love. I have been so lucky to be able to do that, but what I love has changed as I’ve grown in my career. Now, my focus has shifted more towards on camera work. I’d love to have my own show. Raine: What major project coming up are you most excited about? Amber: My husband, two friends and myself have started our own production company and we are in pre-production for a feature film. It’s indie and super low

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budget, and I’m so excited to start shooting. It is a very sweet, funny Christmas movie. We have an actor with special needs that we’ve worked with in the past and he’s amazing, his name is Luke and he will be playing my brother in the film. Raine: Who have been the most memorable people you have worked alongside and why? Amber: I didn’t actually get to work with him in the same room, that’s not how we do things on Archer, but Christian Slater was a guest on our show for quite some time. He joined us one year for New York Comic Con and I walked into the green room before our panel and introduced myself, and Christian Slater — CHRISTIAN SLATER — said he was a fan of my work. My inner 80’s kid went berserk. I, on the other hand, played it real cool. Raine: Word to the wise: What advice would you lend to a budding talent on the rise in your chosen field? Amber: Don’t be afraid to work for free in the beginning, you don’t know nearly as much as you think you do, and a lot of jobs that can’t pay in money, pay in experience and that can be just as if not more valuable. Raine: How have you overcome the setbacks, letdowns and obstacles of your career? Amber: I always tell myself if I don’t get a role that I really want, or if a project doesn’t pan out, it’s just making room for the next bigger thing that is just around the corner. Raine: What are your superpowers? How have they helped you excel? Amber: I learned early on the value of being good to work with. I might not always be the perfect person for the job, but people want to work with me and that has gotten me a lot of opportunities. Be good to work with. That can mean a lot of things, but for me, it means don’t be difficult; respect peoples time, talent and opinions; be easy going; have a point of view; be passionate; do your work; take responsibility when you make mistakes; and have a sense of humor. I’m pretty sure I got the job on Archer not because I was a standout vocal talent, but because Matt and Adam liked to work with me. Raine: Regarding fashion, what would you describe as your signature “look”? Amber: Vintage/ thrift/ weird/kitsch, I started shopping at thrift stores in high school because it’s all I could afford, and then I just fell in love. You never have to worry about being in the same outfit as someone else if you’ve got some weird thrift store outfit on. It makes getting dressed a lot more fun as well. I love bold patterns. But I also try to pair vintage stuff with more neutral, “regular” pieces, so that the overall affect is interesting and not insane. Raine: Do your fashion choices affect your success in meetings or pitches? Amber: I’m not sure. I guess people can see that I’m creative.

RENA OWEN TA K I N G F E A R B Y T H E H O R N S

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From theater to film to television, awardwinning actor Rena Owen is a creative force to reckon with. Although she has an international background, Rena was born in New Zealand, and is one of nine children. Her acting career did not begin in high school or college, as it does for many; instead, Rena first trained in the medical field and became a nurse. It was only after she moved to London, that she decided to pursue an acting career. Rena received worldwide acclaim for her role in the Kiwi classic Once Were Warriors. Since then, she’s had the honor of working with everyone, from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and is slated to take the lead in Freeform’s hit mermaid drama, Siren. As a writer, director, and dramaturge, Rena is also one of the founding members of Taki Rua Theatre. Raine spoke with Rena Owen to learn about the multi-talented creative entrepreneur. RAINE: Can you describe your experiences and how they helped fine-tune your craft?

RENA: I have been an actor for 34 years, and it’s really kicking in now—the amount

of experience I have in terms of refining my craft. Young actors, or younger people, are self-conscious, full of insecurities, and full of fears. Confidence soars with experience. It’s [that] simple. In our 20s, we’re always trying to find out who we are, in our own ways! So, once we get past [this age], and the more [experience] we have, the more we realize it’s all about relaxing and just being ourselves—allowing [the craft] to flow rather than forcing it.

RAINE: If someone asked you how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice

would you give? RENA: Creative minds need to be focused on something they are passionate about; then they can obsess on that thing until it is finished.

RAINE: What wellness tips do you swear by? RENA: I have quite a few. There is a certain truth to the idea—we are what we eat.

Photo Credit: Caren Davis

I’ve always eaten real food. I am also a big believer in yoga. Wherever I am, I find a place where I can go to yoga classes. If I can’t get to yoga or a Pilates class, I walk. I love nature; for me, nature walks are a form of meditation. I do these things no matter what country I am in; it’s the way that I grew up.

RAINE: What is your viewpoint of failure and how to best deal with it? RENA: If we fail at something, failure provides us with the opportunity to try it again

and do it better. Failure defeats too many people and they stop. You have to pick yourself up and try again.

RAINE: What are your superpowers? How have they helped you excel? RENA: If people want drama or a performance full of big emotion, I can give that to them. It is almost like a superpower! I have always been emotionally intelligent. To channel the human condition, you have to have empathy. Empathy comes from sensitivity. That’s how I work as an actor—I feel my way through everything.

RAINE: Talk about how technology has changed your industry for newcomers? RENA: It changed the industry enormously! My first films were made on celluloid. Now, a person can make a film on an iPhone. It’s a whole digital era; what people

can do digitally [is incredible].

RAINE: What is the biggest problem that creatives face today and how would you solve it?

RENA: Fear. And that’s for the majority of people, not just creatives. If you continue to energize your fears and energize your doubts, you will never move past them.

RAINE: What is your signature look? RENA: My signature look [evolved] out of necessity; it’s all about black. Because I travel so much and can only take a certain amount of luggage with me on any given trip, I choose black—it’s simple and goes with everything.

Creative minds need to be focused on something they are passionate about, and then they will obsess on that one passion until it is finished. RAINE: Have you ever faced the issue of burnout in your career? If so, how did

you overcome it? RENA: I wrote in the early part of my career. In that period, I wrote screenplays, which served me well. I was also well served by my first mentor. When I trained as an actor in London in the 1980s, she was probably the most famous woman on television. Her name was Anne Mitchell. She was in her 40s and struggling, even though she was one of the most famous actors in Britain. She said—and this is one of the best pieces of advice she gave to me—that no actor is ever sustained full-time on acting work. No actor! Not even when you’re famous! You have to have something else that you want to get out of bed for; otherwise, you’ll keep falling into that black hole of depression. She said: “You can write! You’re a fantastic writer.” Thank God she told me that, because that is what sustained me creatively in my 40s.

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RAINEMAKER

Up Close and Personal with Music Sensation

Sean Kingston

WHETHER IT’S “BEAUTIFUL GIRLS,” “EENIE MEENIE” OR “FIRE BURNING,” WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE SEAN KINGSTON TUNE THAT JUST MAKES OUR BODIES TWIST. SEAN KINGSTON, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS KISEAN PAUL ANDERSON, IS A WELL-KNOWN JAMAICAN-AMERICAN SINGER. IN THIS ISSUE, WE ARE TAKING YOU UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SEAN TO GET INTO THE MIND AND LIFE OF THE RENOWNED HIT MAKER. FROM AN EARLY AGE HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC FLOURISHED, ALLOWING HIM TO INSPIRE PEOPLE, AND TO BE A VOICE OF THE YOUTH AS HE TOOK CARE OF HIS FAMILY AND BEGAN MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: RAINE MAGAZINE PRESENTS: THE SEAN KINGSTON INTERVIEW

Photo Credits: Imani Blackman

RAINE: Can you describe some

of your early experiences and how they fine-tuned your craft? KINGSTON: I started [dabbling in] music at 8-years-old—rapping in the bathroom and just playing around. I didn’t take it very seriously until my sister overheard me and told me that I could do this music thing for real. [When I was] around 10-years-old, I used to go and chop it up at the Barber Shop by singing; the older folks started to respond positively, as if they wanted more. They made comments like, “You’re really good at this.” This led to my older sister bringing me to perform at local talent shows, where I would always come in 2nd or 3rd place. When I was 12-years-old, I won 1st place [after breaking] a tie, [as a result] my mom invested in me and allowed me to go to a recording studio. Once I was there, I never wanted to leave. No, seriously! I knew from that moment on that all I wanted to do was music. So, I began to put in the work and pursue recording in the studio daily. It was a truly great day when I got a record deal off of MySpace. With a hundred dollars to my name, I was able to work my finesse by finding someone to fly me to Los Angeles. When I arrived, I was beyond excited! All I was thinking was, I cannot leave. I cannot leave! There was no way I was going back to Miami without a record deal. I was 16-years-old

and wanted to show how hungry I was. I was feeding off the energy from the feelings [stemming from] my mom being away. Many don’t know this, but she was in prison for 5 years. I was her youngest child, and there was a lot of pressure building up on my siblings’ shoulders, when they thought about the fact that they were forced to become parents overnight. To me, it was time to bring my career into full drive by going out and making a real impact. RAINE: Knowing what you know

now, what advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago? KINGSTON: To have more patience and to be cautious— [not] rush into anything. I realized that having the right people around me was key. You have to protect your energy. It’s not all about what you give [to others]; it’s [also] about what [you keep] within. Be aware; many people around you could have an agenda that is not in your favor. How would you describe a creative entrepreneur in your own words? KINGSTON: Someone who is the boss—the CEO. Entrepreneurs are very artsy.They are always thinking about their next invention, [often] while they are working on their current one. Thoughts about how to be better RAINE:

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everyday flood their minds, along with how to best help and impact the people around them. I most definitely consider myself a creative entrepreneur. I even have the pleasure of saying that I’ve discovered some true talent with my own label. That’s rare! I’ve signed artists, too. I am currently finding artists right off of YouTube and walking them into stations [where they] begin to write on the spot, with no time being wasted. I only think about the artist, and although I do wear many hats, I make sure not to focus on roles and think of the label as a whole. RAINE: If you had to relate what

you do to sports, how would you describe how you have followed, changed, or distributed to the game? KINGSTON: I would relate my music journey to boxing. You are going to have stuff come in your way. You’ll also have opponents that are going to throw punches, so sometimes you’ll have to bob and weave through the game. So, if and when something connects, you’ll simply learn from your mistakes, take notes, and keep pushing. RAINE: If someone asked you

how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give? KINGSTON: Our brains don’t stop. So, if you have a quiet place in your house, go there. Light 81

for reading, and an understanding of what a daily relationship with God can look like, all of which have served me well. There are many other memorable people; the volunteers that I have worked with over the years in many capacities have been my heroes. Raine: Word to the wise: What advice would you lend to a budding talent on the rise in your chosen field? Linda: In Blockchain, my best advice would be to find a business use case that has a solid ROI when processes are implemented using Blockchain. Line up people willing to invest in that solution and then work with them to turn the tech into a positive business outcome for all. There are so many opportunities to pivot, regroup, collaborate, and re-tool that failure shouldn’t be an option. Raine: Describe yourself in five words or less. Linda: I’m an educator and connector. Raine: You’re known in your industry as an innovative leader with an unprecedented talent as a collaborative connector. What drew you to your passion? Linda: I saw a need in the industry for education, collaboration, and connectivity. In building the infrastructure of the Blockchain ECOsystem with the team at the Blockchain Chamber of Commerce I was just taking the next natural step to help meet that need. Raine: We love transformation. If you experienced a personal or professional evolution, what was the inspiration behind it how have people reacted? Linda: I have always loved nature and cutting edge technology, and have enjoyed teaching about both. I had an interesting realization; now, there is cutting-edge technology that can help preserve nature in ways we are just beginning to understand. Blockchain For Impact is something I am passionate about, and seeing how it can be used to help deliver long-term, economically sustainable solutions is part of what I enjoy most.

Raine: What are your superpowers? How have they helped you excel? Linda: My superpower is being able to change the atmosphere around me by making choices. Self-awareness and self-actualization allow me to navigate away from low energy situations and empower myself, and the teams I work with. This tends to produce positive results! Raine: If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur, what would it be and why? Linda: I would have started valuing my time more, a lot sooner. When someone gives his or her time and energy freely, it is often taken advantage of and devalued even though it is a priceless gift. My time is precious and needs to be treated as such, and that includes time I spend on international calls with high profile government or business connections, or time on the Chattahoochee River with my 10-year-old twins. Raine:Talk about how technology has changed your industry for newcomers? Linda: Just about everyone is a “newcomer” when it comes to Blockchain and we are working toward getting it demystified by giving people opportunities to get hands-on with it. The best Blockchain implementation is one that provides services faster, cheaper, and better—without the need for anyone to know they are using it. Raine: What tech do you use to increase your productivity? Linda: If you check out the BlockchainECOsystem.io and the BlockchainChamber.org you will have access to people and products that will, quite possibly, change the way you do business for the better! Raine: How does being an independent brand or artist allow you to have more creative freedom? Linda: The Blockchain Chamber of Commerce has remained independent in order to better serve the community without “strings attached.” Grassroots contributors that can include individuals from any size of business inform our

perspectives and actions as an organization. Being committed to connecting the community and representing it honestly is paramount!

and yoga-pants. I only dress in suits and fitted dresses under social duress or because I feel inspired by the occasion.

Raine: Are there any plans to partner with a major celebrity, brand, or organization in the future? If so, who is on your HOT list? Linda: Our current public collaborations are with Bitpay (the oldest and most trustworthy payment processor in the industry) and Stellar for our reward token. That said, every company that is using blockchain or providing blockchain support and services is on my HOT list.

Raine: Do your fashion choices affect your success in meetings or pitches? Linda: My brain doesn’t work any differently based on what I’m wearing, but I do realize that certain businesses have dress codes, or certain expectations that I seek to match if I am participating in a meeting with them.

Raine: In regards to your unique selling advantage, explain how you made the choice to break the mold? Linda: We very intentionally chose to forgo the lobbying route used by other organizations and stay grassroots as a for-benefit organization. Our goal is to serve the community and provide infrastructure that raises awareness, facilitates adoption, and inspires advocacy. We are working to provide a level playing field for everyone on the BlockchainECOsystem.io platform. Raine: We love your viewpoint on parity for women in the workplace. What makes you most passionate about this? Linda: Currently, we are seeing women not being paid to speak at Blockchain events, where thousands of tickets are being sold for thousands of dollars. Because many women are natural educators and communicators, we tend to appreciate opportunities that allow us to do those things while providing huge value. I believe that events that are held for profit (rather than strictly for the education of the community where all proceeds go into the location, food, media management, etc.) should compensate both male and female speakers at rates that validate their value-add to the event.

LINDA GOETZ HEADSHOT PHOTO: Photos by Haigwood Studios ABRAHAM XIONG HEADSHOT PHOTO: Photos by Cathy Jordan Photography

Raine: Regarding fashion, what would you describe as your signature “look”? Linda: My signature look would probably be somewhere between “conservative” and “comfortable”—often including a “Bloom In The Dark” shirt

Abraham Xiong

Raine: What is the biggest problem that creatives face today and how would you solve it? Linda: Creatives need cash flow. We are working on a number of projects that will allow creatives to earn in unique ways. Aphidbyte is an interesting project along those lines; it may develop into a part of the solution. Raine: What are your thoughts about crypto currency? Linda: Cryptocurrencies have been a life shifter for me. As a diversification strategy in a well-rounded portfolio, they can actually reduce overall volatility. As an early adopter, I’m more confident today than I was 6 years ago that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and that Bitcoin will remain a store of value for the foreseeable future. Raine: What is your favorite city for work and play, and why? Linda: I love Atlanta! (Unfortunately, awful traffic and some lingering socioeconomic and racial issues that should not exist, are still a plague here - as they are in many large cities.) It is the home of some of the most innovative blockchain companies on the planet, like Verady, Ternio and Provide, which will become household names just like Coca-Cola and Delta who also have their headquarters here in Atlanta. Not only is the city one of the greenest and most connected to nature through trails and parks, Atlanta is where some of the friendliest and most collaborative people on the planet live, and I’m proud to call it home!

Linda Goetz

“Everything started as nothing.” – Ben Weissenstein

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