ChoBiznes

If you don’t know Arike, you know her work. One of my dearest friends, not to mention beautiful on the inside and out, & one of the most talented, intelligent, stylish women I know. Arike first graced us singing in two of my fave the late 90s /2000s groups. ‘VOICES' and BEFORE DARK, who opened up for Destinys Child & Christina Aguilera 2000 Tour. My fellow LA native is a triple threat and has had an epic career, acting, singing, and dancing for peeps like Chris Brown, Usher, Jay Z, Ciara, and more. Arike moved on from the stage to her love of styling, and she is now a professional stylist/ Key Costumer for some of our favorite hit shows.... currently on #Grownish. I’m excited to have Arike share how she’s been quarantining, raising a 7-year-old son, and keeping it cute during the lockdown.

You know when two cool, passionate, creative, talented, and dope people decide to team up....and create dope shyt, that ends up being world-renowned? Well, that’s Lindsey & Craig. Hear two of my favorite creatives, share their journeys and destinations. As well as, what partnership, allyship, and the creative new normal means to them.

Larry is one of my longest and dearest friends. Larry is a proud rep of the west side of Chicago and has lived a life unparalleled. His journey began as a working Dancer/Choreographer to Missy Elliot’s assistant to one of the most innovative celebrity hairstylists of our time, Larry is a force. I’ll let you guys hear straight from Larry himself about the twists and turns, in between’s and WTFs. Larry’s story is definitely a journey of Black pain to Black excellence all at the same time.

It took this exact divine moment to have my girl Rhap come through and share her incomparable journey with Chobiznes fans. As an inspiring black woman in this industry, Rhapsody is an incredible creator and motivator of our time. Her moves, concepts, and creative delivery know NO bounds! NYC reppin' (Bronx and Harlem) - LA Livin' - with global outreach, it's safe to say Rhap MOVES people. Choreographing for Janet Jackson, "In the Heights", "All American" and not to mention owning her own company Rhapsody Dance, I often wonder when my girl sleeps? Let's find in this episode. Have your drink ready!

In this episode of Chobiznes LIVE we talking Black Love, Black Excellence, Black Gifts, and Black Joy! Get to know Josh Smith and Lindsay Ducos, an amazing power couple using their voices, art, and platforms to stand up in our fight to save, uplift, and empower black lives. Learn about Josh's creative journey with Usher and beyond to becoming Chris Brown's Creative Director. And Lindsay's unique transition from competitive ice skating, to rocking stages with Justin Bieber, Sade to Chris Brown, traveling with her partner in crime.

Duuuuuuude! Such a great time going live with the one and only Kel Mitchell! Kel is an entertainment icon and comedian that most of us grew up with. We stayed quoting his classic lines from Nickelodean favs like All That, Keenan & Kel, and of course, Goodburger, which I also had the pleasure of dancing in. Recently Kel has shown the world his evolution and range by killing it on #DancingWithStars, being an Executive Producer on Nickelodeons “All That”, becoming a Youth Pasteur, and not to mention he's welcoming a new addition to the family.

It’s time to hear about the epic career and creative journey of the one and only, Shawnette Heard! Shawn is one of my favorite people. Her talent shines in through all her work as a dancer, choreographer, director, producer, and educator. It’s been a blessing to watch her evolution from dancing to choreographing, and her contribution to iconic moments with Janet, Madonna, and many others. Shawn has since developed her own voice in the industry as a director, producer, and co-owner of SpittnImage Productions with her partner in crime and life, Melissa Ciampa. As a working Mom in the industry, Shawn talks about how she's getting it all done with a family, production company, and taking it one day at a time during the quarantine.

I could say so much about my girl Carmit who is a talented force of nature! Her journey speaks for itself as she's been around the world an ayayaya. Before her life as a PussyCat Doll, Carmit toured and danced with some of the most iconic artists including her birthday twin Beyonce. We also talk about how she was headed to the Olympics just before her dance career blossomed.

Chonique hangs with her cousin Saba on the latest episode of Chobines LIVE. Saba shares her industry journey from being the leading lady in Usher's iconic "My Way" video, to acting and her transition out of the business. Listen to her brave decision to leave the industry, earning her masters which lead her to a career in social services. We also touch on how she's navigating motherhood and family during the quarantine.

Ashley Everett discusses how her epic journey becoming Beyonce's Dance Captain got her to where she is today. Not only is she slaying in acting and modeling, but she is also an owner of her own swimwear line. Ashley also gives us insight on how she's navigating the quarantine and kicking ass with her fitness goals during this time.

Lisette talks about her epic dance journey, her passion for food, being a wife and mother of 2, and balancing it all during the quarantine with no superwoman cape in sight. I'm excited for you all to here the story, behind the story, from my sista from another mista, Lisette Bustamante.

In the first episode of Chobiznes Season 2, world-renowned artistic director and Choreographer Luther Brown talks Jamaica, Toronto, music, and of course his epic choreography career. From choreographing work with Janet Jackson to P.Diddy to Nicki Minaj and more, Luther's movement and soulful creations keep our minds blown time and time.

This is a special episode of Chobiznes Podcast, bringing to you the inside story of someone who has created a life despite tragedy that has offered opportunity in a unique and epic way. Andy Funk, has finally written his book, which is called The Monsters Family: It’s Not “Just Business,” and it releases today! Please join me in celebrating this monumental achievement. Having lost his older brother Alan to leukemia at a young age, Andy pushed himself to the limits of human endurance, embracing the hustle of entrepreneurship. With his wife, Becky, he founded two successful businesses, one of which transformed the world of hip hop dance, forever—all while raising a family and navigating several family health crises. Keeping a laser focus on customer service has been key to his family’s success. Monsters of HipHop has become the respected leader in one of the toughest industries, being called upon to produce auditions and casting for the likes of Disney, Universal, Sony, and Janet Jackson, to name a few. From creative directors and choreographers to dancers of all ages, Monsters’ footprint can be seen in all aspects of the entertainment industry. Thirty years, two businesses, and three kids later, Andy’s uncommon story is one of perseverance, vision, inspiration, and love. His proudest moments, besides the achievements of his children, are the moments when he sees Monsters kids’ dreams coming true. The Monsters’ Family is part memoir, part aspirational, and completely inspirational. At once poignant, funny, personal, and completely relatable, it’s the story of a man loving so deeply that strangers become friends and friends become family. For him, running Monsters of HipHop is anything but “just business.” I’m ordering my copy today on Amazon and invite you to do the same. For every copy of the book purchased in February 2020, $1 will be donated to THON, a charity near and dear to Andy’s brother Alan’s heart. After Feb. 2020, charitable contributions to THON, Make-A-Wish Foundation, or similar will be continued at the same rate: $1 for each book purchased. Be inspired!

Closing out Chobiznes Podcast's Season 1, with one of my favorite talents, friends, and Capricorn's. Take a listen to this episode to hear how the creative movement, wizard himself, took his destiny in his own hands and went for it! By taking a sharp turn away from pursuing NASA goals, Kevin instead dove head first in to going after his dance dreams. Which spawned in to Choreography & Creative Direction. His journey led him to working with Missy, Madonna, Becky G, NKOTB, and many more. Recently engaged, Kevin has the heart, balance, and drive to make it ALL Happen! Let's hear how this "Patient Hustler" goes after it, and continues to.

Happy Birthday to my big Bro! DJ DWreck. I can't really remember a time not knowing you. Sitting back and to watch your Crazy incredible journey through the years has been amazing! I can’t wait for everyone to hear your story from Rapper in The Bay Area to world renowned DJ “ Wild N Out in Hollywood, and everything in between. Everybody click the link in my bio to hear how the birthday boy found himself exactly where he’s suppose to be.

Trina Johnson defines the true meaning of "behind the scenes". Having been the Cast Producer and Talent Coordinator for Americas Top Model for multiple seasons, executive asst to Ralph Faquar TV Executive, and most recently the executive asst to Eve. Trina has proven the skills it takes to multitask and execute at the highest level. Juggling the chaos of industry tasks, and putting out production fires daily. She's honed these tricks as having to strategize a full plate at all times. Working on Executive Producing some film projects of her own that are in the pipe line, which she also wrote, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing and supporting the creativity and contribution that Trina is about to put out in to the industry and the world.

A Petite & Powerful Product of Passion & Professionalism. I believe that say's it all when It comes to Miss Aurelia Michael who's taken this thing called Show Business in to her own hands. Swinging from coast to coast, Aurelia has found her lane in theatre, stage and Broadway, where she got to grace the stage in the "The Donna Summers Musical" & "In the Heights". On her journey of living her best life, she maintains a crazy high impact work out in rain sleet or snow, while coaching her mentees on how confidence is always key. Take a listen to this episode of Chobiznes and get a glimpse of how Aurelia juggles it all from the Bronx to L.A.

If I were to define what the reality and magic of Show Business really looks like, Marissa Van De Borre would come to mind. You can catch Marissa acting in a bit part, performing as a Shakespearean Thesbian on the weekends, or at her "day job" as an Emmy winning producer on America's favorite Court TV show Judge Judy. She's figured out how to make it "Work" for her. Which is half the challenge. Marissa has traveled from far places to live her dream. Born in Germany, raised in the midwest, but working in L.A. She's a World of inspiration and a true example of how in this industry.. never fail to expect the unexpected. Check out this episode of Chobiznes where Marissa explains just how she did that.

Lorde Sanctus is one of the coolest people, I've had the pleasure to work with. He's a gifted, rapper, producer, and creative facilitator, connecting the coast one beat, and new artist at a time. Lorde Sanctus is on a mission to put his home town of San Luis Obispo California, The Coast.. 805 is what they call it on the map. From the journey of a battle rapper, to evolving his name a few times, Lorde Sanctus is ready to serve his purpose and show the world what's happening on the Beach!

Sienna Lyons & Lee Daniel are two of my favorite people, talents, and couples. Cool and collected as individuals and a pair, yet power houses as dancers and choreographers. I guess it makes sense for the two Geminis, who are newly engaged and newly fired up, for all of the exciting things they have in their pipeline. Check out my newest episode of Chobiznes Podcast, as we dive deeper into the choreographers/Coaches behind the Viral phenomenon #kidsbop and their journeys and adversity in dance to this point. Plus we can't leave out the details on how Lee proposed, to his long time love Sienna.

Mikey Pesante is a talented and gifted magnetic ball of energy. Professional dancer, singer and a natural giver of laughs... he spreads that magnetic light where ever he goes. Sharing the stage with Britney, Rihanna, Camilla Cabello and more, Mikey always finds a way to show the world what he's made of, and with hopes to audition for Hamilton, he's not slowing down any time soon:)

A trailblazer, Emmy Nom, artivist and phenomenal black women. Chloe Arnold is leading the pack, tapping her way through doors not many were able to open. So excited for you guys to hear about Chloe's resilient journey, of her purposeful and successful career, plus the rise of her viral tap group the Sync ladies making history.

Let's take a listen to the story of one of the worlds most renowned Choreographers, Jamal Sims. His God gifted talent, supreme work ethic, charming smile and big heart, is what keeps Jamal working nonstop with some of the top notch artist. Will Smith, Rupaul and more. Here's to Jamal and his awesome journey in Chobiznes.

Growing up in L.A. and being in "Show Business" since I was a kid, I've always loved sharing and hearing the stories "behind" the stories! Lord knows there are plenty! You always end up finding out the reality, of what "living the dream" is truly about. It can be funny, crazy, glorious and often times, heartbreaking. It's all that goes along with this journey called Show Biz or "The industry". I can't think of a better talent to start with, than one of my best friends in the world, CARMIT. Firey Red head from the Platinum selling group the Pussy Cat Dolls, Rock Mama, Spiritual Gangsta, and danced for some of the Biggest names in the biz... and uh ya know, also just a World Gymnastics Champion as a teen! Take a listen to my very first Podcast and get the story behind the stories on CHOBIZNES Podcast.