I am not sure how many of you remember the actress/singer Apollonia Kotero. She starred in the oscar-winning movie Purple Rain back in 1984, and had a hit single”Sex Shooter” from her group Apollonia 6. She has appeared in television shows, including Night Rider, Chips, Falcon Crest , and Fantasy Island. She was in the films Back to Back, Black Magic Woman, and Ministry of Vengeance, just to name a few. Her duet with Prince, “Take Me with You,” on the Purple Rain soundtrack ended up becoming her biggest hit to date. But what has Patricia Apollonia Kotero done lately?

Elina Katsioula-Beall is a certified kitchen designer and brings her classical Greek heritage and her set design experience to kitchen design. Elina received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Painting from the Athens Polytechnic Institute. And in the same way she designs spaces for characters of theatrical plays and films.

Lauren Wood is a world-renowned songwriter, recording artist, musician, producer, and voice-over artist. She is best known for her hit song “Fallen,” which was featured in the movie/soundtrack Pretty Woman, and sold over 17 million copies. She is also known for her top 3 hit duet with Michael McDonald, “Please Don’t Leave,” released through Warner Brothers Records.

Odalys Nanin is the founder and producing artistic director of Macha Theatre and Films. She has appeared in soap operas, series, T.V. commercials, and at least 30 theatre productions in New York and Los Angeles. Nanin has a stellar reputation for writing, directing, and producing theatre in Los Angeles. She has also received three Drama-Logue Theatre Awards for direction, performance, and production of Vargas Llosa’s “La Chunga.” “Skin of Honey” is the fifth play she has written, and she produced it in 2007.

Gina Villalobos has performed on countless stages throughout the world. Her songs appear simple, but don’t let that fool you. There are far-reaching meanings hidden behind her lyrics. Her voice borders on tough, yet tender, at times. And after a few listens, you can’t help but read between the lines. As a live performer, she is a treat—there is a polished difference between her actual recordings, but that is all. I appreciate a good raw live performance, and I appreciate a well engineered recording. Gina delivers both with her arsenal of CDs: Tiles Away, Rock ‘n’ Roll Pony, Beg From Me, etc..

Interview with Justin Jouvenal – Communications Director

Most independent artists struggle with getting exposure like radio airplay, mass distrrbution, etc. And unless they are signed to a big label, rarely do the masses hear about them at all. Sure, with MySpace and CD Baby and the plethora of digital distributors like iTUNES, the playing field hasn’t capsized, and these musicians do have their small fan base. But will the playing field for Indie artists ever rival that of the signed artist on a major label? Will the Madonnas and Beyonces of the independent world ever reach the fame they so justly deserve?

Slide guitars, consistent drum beats, raw emotions. These three elements encompass Miles Away, Gina Villalobos’ newest release. Gina has a knack for extracting her listener’s emotions with her lyrics in each one of the 10 tracks.

Tatty Devine was created in 1999. It is a unique and quirky accessory line. Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine are the brains behind the successful jewelry designs. The company is based in Great Britain, and the two designers have no formal training as jewelers. Harriet and Rose met at Chelsea School of Art back in 1996. They had planned to become artists, but Harriet found some leather samples on the way home from the pub one night. She proceeded to make some leather cuffs. She and Rosie sold them at Portabello and Spitalfields markets—and Tatty Devine was born.

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Handbag designer Merrell McGuinness received her inspiration in fashion from both women’s creative backgrounds and love of all things beautiful. Once she started designing her handbags, word spread quickly by word of mouth, and orders flooded in. Merrell, while holding down a full-time job, and maintaining a growing business, realized the need for a functional bag that still expressed a personal style.

Raechel Cunningham is a licensed aesthetician and the director at New York Laser & Aesthetics, located in the center of Manhattan. Raechel is a highly motivated aesthetician with extensive knowledge in the Skin Care industry. She is a graduate of Florida College of Natural Health, where she received an A.S. in Natural Health and obtained courses in both Aesthetics and Massage Therapy. Raechel has extensive experience in various Laser Treatments such as IPL, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Vascular Treatments, and Photo Facials.