Style Zephyr

After QUITE the hiatus, the Zephyr is back with a brand-new episode, catching up from an early-Covid 2020 interview with one of my professors from the University of Illinois at Springfield, Professor Elizabeth Ribarsky. Beth has a passion for Communication and how to convey new information to her students with Dating and Sexual Communication in creative and dynamic ways. Beth talks about her research on dating expectations and how various gender roles actually translate in real-life versus say, from The Bachelor, and how men and women present themselves, be it from how we dress to online dating apps. Gain some great incite about how social media and culture has affected individuals on how we handle rejection, interacting with each other, and how we affect each other nonverbally. Additionally, Beth had a hand in developing a fantastic textbook, "Activate Your Superpower" which was a collaborative effort for encouraging individuals to be advocates for applying practical themes and ideas that are designed to help people live better lives and helping improve the lives of others with kindness and compassion.

In a fantastic conversation about life, inspiration, and giving back to helping youth develop, I had the opportunity to sit for a chat with Grammy winner, educator, and philanthropist Ulysses Owens, Jr. We dive deep into what started his musical passions and endevours, what musical awards mean to him, and the organization that he and his family started to instill a sense of pride and creativity in children and young adults to help inspire creativity. Our conversation was generously arranged by Alec Bradley Cigars, cigars made from passion and bringing people together in conversation and telling stories. Hear Ulysses's story today! www.stylezephyr.com www.usojazzy.com www.dontmissabeat.org www.alecbradley.com

Ryan Riek of the Jewelry Replacement Source out of Phoenix, Arizona allowed me an evening of great conversation to discuss his profession and experience in the jewelry business. We not only talk about his transformation of a beloved small business into a nationally known and respected success story, but also our philosophies of customer care and assisting people and the role our product both take in the most special moments of customers' lives. JewelryReplacementSource.com

I was lucky enough to get a chat with a most wonderful lady, Miss Henna Khemani. Henna is a professional concierge in Chicago and provides some fantastic insight with her education and training in hotel hospitality. If it's from the front of the house to the kitchen and dabbling in theater, its all about providing guests with the best possible experience and providing guests a warm and welcoming home-away-from home. Henna is also from India and a practicing Hindu, and she gives a very informative look into how fashion influences practices. What the occasion is and elements such as what region you live in, languages you speak, and what role the individual plays all play apart in what dictates the fashion of the moment. Colors, fabrics, gender, age, and time periods all play a crucial role in these wonderful customs.

I had the opportunity to have an amazing conversation with award-winning tailor out of London, Jorden Barrett. Jorden talks about her inspiration with haute couture to create her own tailor business after pursuing her work through training on Saville Row and how her experience has shaped her views on consultations, how custom can make people feel, and developing her own looks. Look at her amazing work and schedule a consultation with her! https://www.jordenelizabeth.co.uk/

In dark and difficult times, professional or personal, sometimes having faith that things will come around and be better is more important than we think. My friend, Kennysha Dumas, is a minister that shares how she learned to keep a positive mindset and works to inspire the same in others when struggling, in a depression, or having self-confidence issues. She talks about career advice she was given on personal appearances, and shares her recommendations on those to look to for input on prayer, guidance, direction, or just someone to talk to.

Mo Maali of Patina Cigars returns as a small business surviving in unexpected, strange times. We talk the development of new product, how customers shop and buy, and how the quarantine teaches people to think and produce differently. After that, just some good, old fashioned bullshit over life with a pandemic with a great, Chicago-based buddy. www.stylezephyr.com www.patinacigars.com

In this episode, my friend, Heather Miller, returns with her newest installment of Color Me Pretty to give a tutorial and overview of makeup foundations. In my main event, I feature Aberlour Brand Ambassador Callum O'Donnell who chats with me about his travels, career, and provides an overall synopsis of whiskey knowledge and how newcomers can approach complex flavors and aromatics. www.stylezephyr.com

This episode of Zephyr features Mr Darian Montgomery of Mogul D, a Chicago based customer clothier for men and women. Darian and I sit and chat about his building the business, his clientele, and philosophy on how dressing affects others' perception of us. We also talk clothing functionality, suit features, and how to be respectful of a client's wants, needs, and budget.

Following up with Alec Bradley and a new direction for the company, Alec Rubin chats with me following his growing up in the cigar industry and his experiences with phenomenal new blends as well as developing his own palette. Take a look at Alecandbradley.com for info on their limited release, Blind Faith, and their newest release, Gate Keeper!

Owner and founder, Chiara To chats with me as my first international guest! We discuss her namesake company for empowerment and service to girls and women through her amazing dance clothing and the proceeds from which that are given to assisting victims of abuse. Mental health, physical well-being, and service to community by this Lady Entrepreneur are center stage in this episode! Take a look at ciiara.com.au, pick out some wonderful dance wear and read up on their great blog!

Great friend and author Kale Lawrence chats with me about her life and professional inspirations that lead her to writing her own fictional novel! Her advice to others considering their own publications, life experiences, and her suggestions and advice to other first-time writers. She also shares some other special, exclusive announcements for her upcoming work! The video of our interview is also available! www.stylezephyr.com

My first venture with Style Zephyr into food and beverage features one of Chicago's best rooftop bars, Drumbar in the historic Gold Coast. Beverage Director Gary Matthews chats with me about his career, culinary inspirations, and developments of cocktail recipes. A great conversation! www.stylezephyr.com

In my first time featuring a restaurant, I am joined with Mr Frank Ruffolo of Franco's Ristorante in Bridgeport, the heart of the southside of Chicago. Frank sheds light on family history, his experience in the industry, and his beliefs in what it takes to maintain a successful experience for dining customers. www.francoschicago.com www.stylezephyr.com

Supporting another small, local business near Phoenix, Arizona, Lee from WSP made time for me to chat about his company and making premium shaving soaps, balms, and beard care products and their accessories. If you're looking to up your shave game, listen to his fantastic tips and suggestions and help support another "mom 'n pops" business this holiday season!

I finally get to sit with clothiers and business owners, Mike Bernsten and Chris Flores, of the Gentleman's Cooperative and Penthouse 111, We discuss customer experience in this luxury service and event venue and what it takes to start a new clothing company in a 2018 digital world.

Part 2 of the Heart and Soul Collection! This episode features friend and fitness coach Kat Secor on her first contribution to the show for making a goal list on weight loss! You can get more information and advice on living better at her website, katsecor.com. Re-visiting our appreciation of travelling bands and their respective genres, Mr Dave Downer continues on with the logistics and headaches on maintaining a professional band, and dissection of his musical inspirations.

The coolest tunes at the hottest time of the year! The Heart and Soul Collection partners StyleZephyr.com with Chicago's own Rhythm Rockets, who have been jamming across Chicago for over 20 years! Mr. Dave Downers talks about musical style as a way of life as well as a career. The education and training that goes along with it, the creative outlet it provides, and how generations view different genres of music! Give Chapter 1 a listen! www.stylezephyr.com therhythmrockets.com

Style Profile will be limelighting various influential style and fashion icons from designers to inventors and everyone in between. First up, is one of my favorite designers, Mr. Tom Ford. Hear a summary of his life, career, movie endeavors, and what makes him "styled". www.stylezephyr.com True to You

The Road to Esteli continues and this episode features Alec Bradley Cigar Company's Director of Sales and Marketing, Jonathan Ross Lipson. Jonathan sheds light on some philosophy for newer smokes on palates, pairings, and everything inbetween. We also hear some road stories and other going-ons within the company. Additionally, Heather Miller returns with another fantastic makeup tip and tutorial segment of Color Me Pretty on foundations. Special thanks to Affordable Antiques and More, DIYVinci.com and Casa De MonteCristo.

I took a few minutes to provide a new philosophy and mindset on those that shop. Many folks don't like to shop or try on clothing or know what makes them happy and they stick to it-to their credit. Based on personal experiences, this is why I wanted to help folks that had questions for me and reached out personally, which made me decide to extend my own help, personally. www.stylezephyr.com

Celebrating ladies! I had the opportunity to chat with professional body builder, paintballer, and just awesome person Katherine "Kat" Secor. Kat talks about her personal struggles and what led her her to regaining her personal happiness and confidence as a female breaking stigmas, a business owner, and a fitness coach and expert. This episode is being sponsored by DIYvinci.com, a small online arts and crafts supplies company. My dear friend Jennifer is an amazing entrepreneur and this was another great opportunity to collaborate on a creative project together!

Antique Style is as much a style as clothing and fashion and it tells a story all its own. I get to sit down with Mr. Gary Domzalski of Affordable Antiques and More and we get a wonderful insight into his career and the past, present, and future of the antique market and how it brings family stories to the forefront to nurture a community.

My friend and licensed make-up artist Heather Miller returns with a quick make-up tip from Color Me Pretty. Additionally, we're on the Road to Esteli Series and I get to chat with Bradley Rubin of the Alec Bradley Cigar Company. We discuss the family business and his learning and training, philosophies between he and the company, and discussing new product within the company.

I get to sit down with my friend, Heather Miller, and she sheds some great light into the career and inspiration in cosmetics. From her personal training and musing to advice to other aspiring individuals!

Living Legends X was the biggest paintball event in the Midwest of 2017. This is my take on folks welcoming me back with my new career and my views and philosophy on personal style and "marketing" on and off the field..

Kevin gives a brief, philosophical outlook on shoe styles and when to where what kind of dress shoe and for which type of occasion.

We're back and Arthur takes the helm on Shirts/Cuffs/Collars 101!

In episode 2, Kevin and Arthur discuss their own style evolution and what has inspired them over the years. What inspirations have moved you to develop your style, fit, and feel with your own fashion and style interpretation?