Category Archives: Interviews

01.22.12
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Blended Entertainment Spotlight

One of the most important aspects about being successful in all of entertainment is staying in shape. Staying in shape is not just limited to athletes. Whether you are or am trying to be a box office star or a recording artist, staying in shape is necessary for perception, performance, and confidence. Behind these performers who understand the value of staying fit, there is someone who is or has inspired them. Today I want to take the opportunity to talk a bit about a personalized fitness company. Castro Fitness is an in-home personal fitness company offering private sessions to get you into great shape. For just a decent price, Castro Fitness’ trainers will come to you with all the equipment necessary to manage you to succeed. It doesn’t just end there, Castro Fitness will tailor workouts and diet plans personally to you. The clientele have included celebrities, athletes, business professionals, and even stay at home parents. The creator and founder of the company, Hamid Castro is qualified as a certified personal trainer as well as achieving a black belt in Karate. He was featured as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs of 2011. I value staying in shape and if you want to get the best quality, stay away from the gyms and get personal 1 on 1 treatment.

I had the pleasure interviewing the leader of Castro Fitness.

History? Experience, education and path to current position? High school and College athlete, Bachelors of Science in Business management from New York University. Currently President and Founder of Castro Fitness, Inc.

Origin of the business? Where did the business idea come from?I started as a personal trainer and enjoyed the results I was giving to my clients, I then wanted to have the workouts I developed used on other people and began to hire other trainers and train them under my wing to make sure they knew my work outs. Resources required? How much money did it require? How did the entrepreneur get the money? My father who was a successful Wall Street broker and taught me how to day trade, at the age of 17 I was able to generate $200k. I was always smart with my money and investing, I never wanted to blow a ton of money just because I had a good idea. I wanted to make sure it was done properly. The start up did not cost more then 10K dollars.

Customer: How did you get (or plan to get) the first few customers? It started as word of mouth in a high end gated community in New York. I then needed to hire more trainers because I could not train the amount of people who wanted to try this new workout everyone was talking about. I realized I can market some more by mailing list and targeting high end clientele. Every client knows someone or is in some type of interesting profession. I would offer a complimentary session and once they tried they were hooked on the workouts.
 
Hurdles?What were the biggest hurdles to date? How did you overcome them? Biggest hurdles was finishing college while managing a successful company. I think reaching out to people is tough and trying to get them to try it is always tough but once they do they are hooked and spread the worth and it eventually hits, Athletes, celebrities, business professionals to stay at home moms.
 
Future Goals? My future goals is to become a house hold name. I want my company to be known for it’s in home personal training and people understand the convenience of this industry. I want to take fitness to another area that most people are unable to tackle. 
 
Castro Fitness’ Official Website
Hamid Castro’s Twitter
01.18.12
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Interview w/ Jena Sims

Jena Sims tells us about her background:
I grew up in a very small town called Winder, GA! We have more cows than people! Not sure how far back you want me to go, but as a child, I was very shy and timid. My mom kept me in dancing classes my entire life, which taught me persistence, discipline, and loyalty. It inevitably brought me out of my shell, taught me confidence, and I’d like to think I learned some stage presence! In middle school I started cheering competitively and continued dancing in cheering throughout high school. I gradated in 2007, winning “Most Likely to Succeed” and a spot on the Homecoming Court..

Who or what inspired you to get into pageantry?

Honestly, I got a letter in the mail about one and I thought it would be a great idea to win scholarship money for college. So, I entered my first pageant, and I enjoyed it to much I decided to continue. I wasn’t one of those crazy Toddlers and Tiaras types. I stuck to two bigger systems, America’s National Teenager and Miss Teen USA. Competing at Miss Teen USA was my first live Network Television experience. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue entertainment further.

You are now into acting, did pageantry prepare you for acting?

Pageantry gave me many opportunities modeling wise, some great contacts, and an experience with live television, but I can’t credit my acting to pageantry. In fact, my coaches had to “de-pageant” me so I could learn to look natural in my auditions, and play characters. In pageants, it’s all about how you walk, and look, and acting is the total opposite. You can’t watch yourself in the mirror. It becomes rehearsed, not raw. It is a nice conversation piece in the audition room though. Casting directors will see that on my resume and call me Miss Georgia, so it’s definitely an ice breaker. 

Tell us a little about the upcoming film that you are in?

I was fortunate enough to book a lead in an upcoming 3D Roger Corman film! He’s a legend! I am so thrilled for it to come out. My acting coach, Jeffrey Marcus trained me for the audition, and also helped me with the script. This is my first big acting gig. I get to play a nerd who turns in to a pretty cheerleader, except the side effect is that I grow 50ft tall! It’s called “Attack of the 50ft. Cheerleader” and I play Cassie. It is a comedy, with a little taste of horror. I got to work with some industry veterans, like John Landis, Sean Young, Treat Williams, and Ted Raimi! The other actors I worked with were brilliant, and I am now extremely close with two of my co-stars. I really hope this opens more doors for me. 

What can you tell us about the organization HBBQs?

The Pageant of Hope™ gives children and teens who face serious illnesses and challenges the opportunity to be Prince or Princess for a day. I started this in 2006. It’s a noncompetitive pageant that invites kids of all ages to shine in the spotlight in front of family and friends and be celebrated for who they are. On March 3rd, 2012 it will be featured on ABC’s new television series, Everyday Health, which highlights people who have made significant contributions to the health and well being of those less fortunate. Today, more than 800 kids in cities across the country – as well as in South Africa and Cuba – have participated in the Pageant of Hope™, organized by my nonprofit organization HBBQs, Inc. The event continues to reach children all over the world, bringing light into their lives and smiles to their faces.

Everyone is a winner in the Pageant of Hope™. Me and my team of former pageant winners, or “Has-Been Beauty Queens” (HBBQs), treat participants to an afternoon of pampering, followed by each child having the opportunity to walk across the stage in the spotlight, looking his or her best and feeling like a million dollars. Every participant receives a special pageant title and a crown to wear, and two lucky contests receive the title of Prince of Hope and Princess of Hope. At HBBQs, Inc., our motto is to “Touch each child… One tiara at a time.” We work with hospitals, community centers, parents, local organizers, pageant industry leaders, and celebrities to personalize each Pageant of Hope™ to the communities we serve and the children and teens who participate. Our priority is to make each Pageant of Hope™ a safe, fun, and positive environment that celebrates kids for being just who they are.

How did you go about transitioning from a pageant winner to head of an organization? What steps did you take?

The idea came to me because of pageants. In 2000, I lost both of my grandfathers to cancer, so I combined two things I was passionate about (raising money for cancer research, and pageants) and created this event! It originally started as a pageant for kids with cancer, and then we recently branched out to all kids facing challenges.After I came up with the pageant, I took the necessary steps and formed a 501(c)3 organization, so that we could accept donations. Once that was established, I started applying for grants and scholarships so I could have enough funding to hold some pageants in different states. I won several national awards like COSMOGirl! CG Cup, Build-A-Bear Huggable Hero, Do Something Award, Caring Award, and many others. Once I had funding, and an established team of volunteers, we hit the ground running! Our first pageant was held in my hometown of Winder, GA.

Recently you were at the People’s Choice Awards, what did you do and how was that experience?

This was one of my coolest jobs to date. I absolutely love live shows, and this was my first one since the 2007 Teen USA Pageant. I actually had to audition to get the job. The official title was “Statuette”. It’s the person who brings the trophy to the presenter of the award. Personally, I think I had the best award because I got to share the stage with the phenomenally talented Betty White! The clip of me applauding the cast of “Hot in Cleveland” has been shown on the Today Show, Access Hollywood, and a few others. 

What would you tell those who look at pageants negatively?

I think TV shows shed a negative light on pageantry. Having had a small taste of reality TV, I learned quickly that producers can put you in situations and set up curtained scripted scenarios to make for “good television”. The shows about pageants do just that. I think pageants teach women good communication skills, confidence, and grace. Only enter a pageant if you are in it for the right reasons. 

Are you a sports fan? If so who do you support?

Die Hard! Yes! You can’t be a southern girl and not be a fan of the Dawgs, Falcons, or Braves! I think my family would disown me! I grew up so close to Athens, GA I had such a fun time going to football games with my friends. I didn’t wash my hands for DAYS after I had the opportunity to pet UGA the mascot! Kidding… a little. Being in Los Angeles I kind of adopted the Lakers, but I would always choose the Hawks if it came down to it. 🙂 

What more would you like to accomplish in your life?

In my philanthropic life, I would like to be able to mentor other people who want to hold “Pageants of Hope” in their home states. I would like to see my organization continue to expand internationally as well. Career wise, I would like to book more film roles. I want to continue to explore comedic roles. I would also like to book a Soap Opera because I hear it’s easy work! Kidding… Cameron Mathison and Susan Lucci are my heroes. 

Is there anything that you’d like to say to all of your followers/supporters, and even to those who may be introduced to you for the first time by this interview?

I am just getting started! I would like for them to know that I chose acting as a profession because I care about giving back. It isn’t to be noticed by TMZ or to be recognized on the street. I genuinely care about my philanthropic work and I want to use any “fame” I have as a platform to give me a bigger voice, to reach a bigger audience, and to donate back.

Learn more about Jena and her charitable efforts on her official website

01.16.12
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Interview w/ Brian Angel of Day 26

How’s your been going day thus far?

good just got out the gym working out like a slave

Great to see that you value the importance of staying in shape. Can you tell us a bit about you guy’s upcoming album?

i can’t really speak to much about it but we do have a new single “MADE LOVE LATELY” OUT RIGHT NOW AND ON ITUNES.

Great song I might add. Will you guys be filming a music videos for either this track or any other potential single?

WE ACTUALLY FILMED IT 2 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS IT’S GONNA BE KRAZY!!!!!!!!!

I know you can’t speak much on the album but what’s the major difference between this album and your previous ones?

THIS WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE 90S

Taking R&B back to the good ole days? Did you have any favorite artists from those days who you drew inspiration from?

JODECI, BOYS 2 MEN, DRU HILL, GUY, THE LIST GOES ON,,,,,,,,,,,,,

So is it safe to say that Day26 is trying to revive the true R&B genre? Do you feel that the genre needs to be revived?

NO WE’RE JUST DO WHAT “WE” FEEL LIKE IS GOOD R&B THERES SO MUCH GOOD R&B OUT NOW

Day 26 started on one label and are now on a different label(Atlantic), how have you felt being a part of another label?

we love Atlantic records they welcomed us with open arms. We’re still Kool with Diddy to, and yes I started my own label Ambassador Way Entertainment (AWE)

You read my mind haha, How did you go about starting your label? Who we should look out for?

well I started it back in 2005 after I left Music World Music/ beyonce’ fathers label. I have any incredible roster but my first artist I’m releasing is @TheRealGRON he’s a hip hop artist from Houston, Tx

Almost done here! How much pressure is there on you guys for this new album?

not to show cocky but none we feel like we have amazing fams (fans) that support us in everything we do I anxious

What advice would you give to any artist Male or Female trying to make it? What do they need that these labels are looking for?

I would say Always keep god first anything is possible with him. I’d also say learn the business before trying to get in it. Educate yourself on what your about to embark on. Everything isn’t what it seems. Prepare your self mentally, physically and always come with 100% or don’t come at all

I appreciate the time that @MrAngel_day26 put forth for this Twitterview. I want to thank you for time, I understand that you’re busy working on something special with the guys. It was an honor to conduct this twiitterview with you

thank you

Check out Day 26’s official website

Day 26’s new album “A New Day” is expected later this year.

01.13.12
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Interview w/ Short Dawg

Earlier today I had the privilege of doing a Twitterview with the artist, Short Dawg. I may possibly be bringing you guys a ton of Twitterviews over the next week or so. They aren’t as in depth as my typical interviews but check them out on Twitter when you can.

What will Elvis freshley bring to the table that you as an artist have not done already?

I feel like the elvis freshley project is full of bigger mainstream songs.. I expanded my focus from just rapping to makin music

It was rude of me to not start with the fact that your birthday recently passed. Happy BDay!. Did you do anything special?

its all good. Preciate ya! I just kicked it with my homeboys I grew up with. Had fun tho

Great to hear! What inspires you to record a track?

the beat itself

Who has given you the most useful advice in regards to pursuing a music career?

my brother mega and my big homie street lord juan were the main people I’d take advice from because they were successful in life

You’ve released quite a few mixtapes which I encourage everyone to download. Do you have a personal favorite? if so why?

I’d have to say southern flame spitta vol 1 and drankenstein just because of the work I put in and the response they received

You recently put your own touch on “The Motto”, How does it feel to be a young money artist? any pressure?

no pressure just keeps me motivated to work hard

What are you doing when you aren’t recording?

hoopin or watching movies

What do you think of this current miniature feud between Drake and Common?

its unnecessary

If you could work with any artist right now, who would it be?

cee-lo

Cee-lo is a great choice. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

on top of the billboard charts

What new projects are you hoping to work on in the near future?

#NoDoz


3 adjectives that best describe you as an artist?

passionate, ambitious and witty

Follow Short Dawg on Twitter

Adventures of Drankenstein Mixtape

01.09.12
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Interview w/ Melanie Minichino

Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

I am a first generation born Italian from New York. I started acting/comedy at 8 years old by making fun of my dad and all his Italian buddies. Ever since then I never stopped making fun of people, I mean acting. Through acting in New York I fell into the voiceover world and started doing promo’s, commercials and eventually cartoons.  I moved out to LA in 2010 to be the voice of Disney Junior and here I am. People that inspire me are Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Woody Allen, Tina Fey, and Lucille Ball, just to name a few. To me being inspired is as important as a good meal and breathing.

What gave you the inspiration for your you tube show?

The main inspiration for “The Maurizio Show” can only be no one other than my father Maurizio himself. A lot of inspiration also came from growing up with crazy musician parents who always had passion and drive for what they did. Friends would come over and see my mother practicing her drums next to a Cuban man draped in traditional afro-cuban garb and my father running between making sauce and playing scales on the piano. They were confused…so I made them laugh to distract them.

When did you decide that you wanted to create a funny web series?

I have to give a lot of credit to my manager Dan Cotoia who saw the possibilities in me. He kept pushing me to write and really gave me the fire and opportunity to create this series. He then teamed me up with one of his production company associates at Media Meld Studios, Brian Bellinkoff.  Brian is a very talented young writer/director/editor and shooter. Yeah he does all of that. I pitched the idea for the show to the both of them and we were on our way. This show would have never happened if it weren’t for those 2 and Media Meld. We are a great team and all of the same vision, creativity, and sense of humor.

What goes into the development of your web series? How often do you brainstorm for an episode?

Our process of creating each episode is really simple actually. We come up with a general premise of each episode and then write a beginning, middle, and end. After that, I just improvise and hope that something magical happens. Since we shoot a lot in public, there are many variables that can either make or break the episode. We haven’t experienced the breaking yet. Brian is an amazing director/shooter/editor which also makes this process so fun and easy. We are really just having fun and hoping for the best. Also hoping to not get arrested!

When people see you in person do they know you as Maurizio or just as Melanie?

When people see me they recognize me as Melanie. This I am extremely thankful for because if I don’t have a mustache on and a man wig and people still think I look like a small man, then I have bigger problems to worry about. 

Describe the Maurizio series, why people should pay attention to it, and future plans?

The Maurizio Show is based on my real emigrated Italian father. It is a semi-scripted comedy web series that chronicles the larger than life antics of Maurizio. Utilizing hidden cameras in public places, Maurizio is out to prove to anyone that he knows everything about everything. People should definitely check out the show if they enjoy true unexpected comedy. They should also check it out to be the first ones to say they knew about Maurizio before he was super famous and on the Wendy Williams show! The Maurzio Show is planning on a season two with some celebrity guest appearances and an introduction to some new characters.  I’d love to team Maurizio up with one of his favorite celebs also, like Queen Latifah or Phil Collins!

What do you hope to accomplish in 2012, both personally/professionally and with the series?

We hope to find a real home for The Maurizio Show in 2012. Whether that be having a great comedy site buy it, or Comedy Central. Kind of the same thing right? Ha.  I personally wish for the show to become globally popular where people of all ages will know and love it. The ultimate goal to be able to make the whole world laugh.

Check out Maurizio’s official website
Access to the web series
Drop by the official Twitter and FB page for the Maurizio Show

01.04.12
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Interview w/ Caite Upton

Happy New Years! Where were you when 2012 rung in?

In the North Beach district of San Francisco watching a live reggae performance band LIVING it up!   Had a great time.  Excited about 2012.

Many people have been introduced to you via the show “ridiculousness”. How did you go about guest starring on the show?

I actually auditioned for a couple of things at MTV and they asked me to be on the show after that.  Worked out pretty nicely.  I still stay in touch with Rob and everyone from that show and they are cool people so maybe someday in the future I’ll have the opportunity to work with them again on something.  We’ll see!

What are your New Years resolutions. If any?

To 100% dedicate myself to my career and being physically and mentally healthy.  Sometimes the industry can get a little intense and you can get so busy worrying about making things happen that you don’t take as good care of yourself as you should.  Career is first for me now but I want to make sure that I’m healthy and happy as can be in the new year, as well.

You are a southern gal, what was life like for you while growing up?

I was privileged growing up in the small beautiful town of Lexington, SC, right off the lake. I am an athlete so I played sports year around and on my down time would wakeboard or head up the mountain to snowboard. My family taught me how to always stay humble and genuine and to never undermine people. They raised me to learn how to do things on my own at a young age like taxes, cooking, paying for my car, etc.  I work for everything. I am very thankful for my parents and upbringing. 

Your exposure from your pageant days has opened many doors for you, what other type of projects do you hope to take part in in the future?

I just came from an appearance for Dodge Ram, which was a cool opportunity and my first job of the new year so far. I’m currently on hold for a big commercial campaign (for a brand I can’t name just yet) that would send me to Korea to shoot!  Got my fingers crossed there.  I have a feeling 2012 will be a great year. Hopefully a lot more tv/film and modeling work.  I’ve been going out on a lot of acting and hosting auditions lately and in class prepping. I’m grateful for my manager and all the hard work he puts in to help me with things.  He has a production company too (Media Meld Studios) so we have some projects in the works that are being produced and pitched.  One of them is my web series called “Learning Stuff w/ Caite Upton” where I humorously educate myself on important topics and current events.  Its a lot of fun to shoot and really funny stuff!

Let’s get to know a bit about Caite Upton. What is your favorite movie of all-time?

Of all time would have to be Lord Of The Rings 1,2,3. The reason for this is not too many people know I’m an artist: drawing and computer artist. I studied in college Visual Effect design for movies and TV. The Lord Of The Rings was my over all inspection the moment I found my God given talent. So I wanted to take full advantage and show people another side of me.  And for TV my favorite channel is SyFy.  Love all the shows on there and would love to work with them someday.

What are some of the songs on your music play list?

Out of all music, I love reggae, alternative, & soft rock the most. My favorite song is Sail by Awolination. Other favorite artists are Citizen Cope, Damian Marley, and DJ Harry. 

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

A women who has reached her ultimate success in her career and in life in general. To hopefully be a role model for people, all ages, all success levels. I want to be a role model for people trying to overcome obstacles and tough situations.  I’ve fought through a lot of negativity and I feel like many people can relate to me and turn their negative situations positive, like I did.  Hopefully one day I can write a book about it all.

What would you like to say to all of your followers, and potential future fans out there?

Thank you everyone who believed in me and also thank you to everyone who never did because its my motivation that made me who I am. All those who fought for me and against me..it pushed me harder and made me determined and driven. I plan on having a long successful career and happy life.  I’m not going anywhere.  Hopefully you can all come for the ride with me!

Check out Caite’s Facebook page
Also go follow her on Twitter