What is Don Mateo? We are a Los Angeles based streetwear brand who is all about expressing love and inciting thought in an artistic way.
What’s a typical day for you? A typical day for me. First off I'm notorious for sending emails at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning, so usually the first thing I do in the morning is reply to the email responses. Then I check the orders/fulfillment to make sure everything is on time. The rest of the day consists of picking up where I left off the day before, whether that's a graphic design, experimenting with various fabrics or enhancing marketing strategies. What is the biggest challenge you faced ? The biggest challenge I've faced so far was securing a quality manufacture. The process made me realize that money is not as valuable as we tend to think it is. When first starting out I had several of them declined my application stating that I was not established enough. I was not willing to sacrifice quality so I kept trying. I saw why so many people give up on their dreams, but quitting was not an option. My biggest challenge became my biggest accomplishment.
If I could style one celebrity who would it be? Believe it or not, I would have to say Lady Gaga. I don't know, she just has this dope energy about her and she tends to not be afraid to push the boundaries of fashion. I would put her in one of our "free your heart" cropped hoodies and maybe a pair of high waisted jeans. What's your favorite item My pieces are like children, I love them all "equally." What are your favorite quotes? "To find yourself, think for yourself." - Socrates "If you believe, you shall achieve" -Panda Do you have any shows or events coming up? We may have something going on in LA this upcoming Spring, but that's the sec
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First off, I just want to say that I have really great friends that have provided me with tremendous verbal support over the last two years.
I’ll tell you one of the things that caught me off guard with our venture was the lack of support I received from a lot of people I was certain would be enthusiastic and supportive of our project. In all honesty (excluding several members of my immediate family) some of the most supportive people I’ve encountered were complete strangers I've met online. I discovered that an inadequate level of support from the people you hang out with is probably an indication that you need to find a new social group that falls inline with your goals. Your good friends will always be your good friends, but constant negativity will gradually seep into your veins and cause you to doubt your current path. Let’s face it, it’s hard enough as it is to start a business in the first place. You need to be optimistic, you need to be upbeat and you need to have confidence! Ultimately, what is going to get you through it all is persistence. Once you find the right people, you will know right away because all of a sudden, you’ll feel pumped up! You’ll feel energized and you’ll have someone to consult when things don’t go as planned. Find the right support group and you’ll improve your chances of success! In any case, I just wanted to end this post by thanking my friends (real and virtual) for being there for me. A little inspiration
No one ever said it was easy being an entrepreneur. Whether you're in the early stages of your startup, just secured funding for your startup or you are ready for product launch. There will always be those three components when you ask yourself if this whole entrepreneur thing is worth it. Instead of giving up and throwing-in the proverbial white towel, keep your head up and look to the following quotes to inspire and motivate you during those tough patches.
For any struggling entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, models, designers, hustlers this is for you. "The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.” –Nolan Bushnell, entrepreneur. . "Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Yoda, Jedi Master. “To any entrepreneur: if you want to do it, do it now. If you don’t, you’re going to regret it.” - Catherine Cook, co-founder of MyYearbook. “It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” - Scott Belsky, co-founder of Behance. “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game's winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that's why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer. . “There’s nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team.” - Jason Fried, founder of 37signal. . “Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard.” - Guy Kawasaki, founder of AllTop. . “If you just work on stuff that you like and you’re passionate about, you don’t have to have a master plan with how things will play out.” - Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook. . "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese proverb. “Creativity is the root of entrepreneurship.” – Karndee Leopairote, Thammasat University “Creativity is not just a skill but an attitude – a rebellious desire to be different.” – Chaipranin Visudhipol, TBWA “Ideas are at the core of the modern economy.” – Patrick Cohendet, Mosaic HEC Montreal “The past and the future are shaped by us, keep yourself open for the power of possibility. – Duangrit Bunnag “Be brave and be open to challenges.” – Justin Farren, Ubisoft “Questions are both the most powerful and most under-utilised tools for creativity and intellectual activity.” – Peter Cauwelier, Bangkok University “You contribute to the world by making meaningful things, not just new things.” – Cees DeBont, HongKong Polytechnic University 24 year old Orlando Native Jenn Marie wahaba has IT: Beauty, Brains, and personality to boot! the recent University of Central Florida Graduate has a look that is undeniable and effortless talent! Read on to learn more about this egyptian goddess!
34 year old Republic of Moldova transplant Ina Pandora has continued to shatter glass ceilings and establish herself as being a significant part of the fashion beauty &, bridal, industry here in central Florida. Ina ‘s work is untouchable, and her dedication is evident. Not only beautiful and creative she is a powerful woman who is crushing the Industry and constantly striving daily toward success! When did you start photography? since childhood my dad used to do photography, and of course I used to be his favorite model.
Favorite lenses and why? My favorite lens is the 85mm 1.2 , it does absolutely amazing portraits with totally beautiful bokeh and it’s still very sharp even at 1.2
What is your end goal? No end goal, for me to be to be better, I would have to keep pushing, there is no end! But I would totally love to advance in my career along the way and be noticed by Fashion Magazines and Big Brands . I’d also like to Open my own big Photography Studio. What are your favorite concepts to shoot? Editorial Fashion that involve a lot of colors and complexity. Credit to the Team for the Photos 4-7 Photo Ina Pandora Photography Dress: @InnasDesigns (www.InnasDesigns.com) Makeup & Hair: Maryam Bahrami-Nash @makeupbymaryambahrami Danielle D, Briana Deshields, Alana Nelson studio location Model Wearhouse orlando
If you could work with any celebrity who would it be? Joe Rogan for sure. He is hilarious, and his outlook on the world we live in is eye opening. Where do you see yourself in five years? I don't know, life is unpredictable. But I think I will be still taking amazing photos but for even bigger clients, and traveling the world for work.
At McNeile Photography, I have packages and prices that can meet everyone's budget. After our session and I have had the necessary time to edit our photos, I will sit down with my client once again to go over all the final images. Every client will receive all their edited images in their own private online gallery that they may download, or purchase prints. Typically rates vary, please feel free to contact me
Headshots start at $125 Wedding packages start at $1500 and range to $3000
How was home life for you growing up? I grew up in Delhi/Gurgaon, North India. It is a very different environment from here in terms of schooling, human behavior, culture and society. I am fortunate to have lived in both Eastern and Western world and experience the culture. Were you always supported in your endeavors? Yes, always have had the support of my family, friends, models, business relations, that have been key to my success. I believe I am really fortunate on this one.
What has been your biggest achievement? As of now I am happy people really like my designs and always look forward to my new collection. Where do you see yourself in five years? In Hollywood/ Bollywood movies as a costume Designer. Designs in Retail Boutiques, and I should be able to style celebrities. One goal/dream I have - is that my designs should reach the Oscars!
What’s a typical day for you?
It differs from day to day but I'm on my phone a lot. I manage every part of my business so I’m constantly busy.
What is the biggest challenge you faced in your career
There have been many ups and downs but I think the biggest challenge is balancing motherhood, marriage, family and business.
What has been your favorite experience ?
Being published for the first time was amazing.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Being interviewed is pretty rad lol also I just got published in GQ magazine a couple weeks ago. Where do you see yourself in five years? Traveling all over beautifying the world. What's your favorite concept so far? I love avant-garde, high fashion looks so anything out of the norm. Hardest thing to learn? To not compete with anyone else but myself.
Anyone you want to collaborate with in the future? Myra Baldwin Thiessen because her photos are amazing! Do you have any shows or events coming up? Yes I have one fashion show today, also working a promo right after the fashion show for Old St. Pete Distillery. I have several shows coming up in March all over Florida. Any other additional hobbies? I am into fitness big time so I'm always at the gym. I love playing soccer and softball. I'm also really good at doing hair and makeup. What's your favorite quote? "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live in"-Jim Rohn If you could have one superpower what would it be? I wish I had a superpower to help heal people with a terminal illness.
Gillispie has a stellar personality killer looks, and effortless sex appeal ! she not only possess the winning combination of beauty and brains, but she's one of the sweetest most hard working models I have ever met. I'm honored to call her such a dear friend and modeling partner!
What's your favorite part? My favorite part about modeling is observing your talent after you are done with the photo shoot. I also enjoy networking and meeting new talent/people
what is your biggest achievement so far? My biggest achievement in modeling so far has been networking and shooting in Atlanta. I also landed a magazine cover last month and that was something crazy. Landing a speaking role in Tyler Perry's show was by far the best thing I have accomplished thus far. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, Isee myself as a main character in a movie. I want to excel and grow as an actor and make worth of my full potential. I will be one of the most known actors and perfect my craft on my way.
What would you tell anyone doubting themselves? The last thing you can do is doubt yourself in any path you take in life. As Steve Harvey said, "you have to jump and take the leap of faith." In life if you do not jump you will never soar. Keep pushing and be the hardest worker in the room, you will succeed. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE HUNTER"Bryan is super laid back and willing to work with what you are looking for as a photographer. He shows up early and over prepared (in a good way)."-julie hunter
"He's very humble and he takes direction as well as offers thoughts on things. Its never intrusive... More introspective."- Dustin Mcclease photography by :Anthony J Merto
Have you faced any challenges?
challenges ? -I try to keep focused on my own personal goals. Kendra B shot me!BTS SHOTS FROM OUR SHOOT BY TRULUVMEDIA'S TOM ROSEN
My mini sessions are $125 and full sessions are $175, feel free to contact me for details!
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