Member of the Month: December 2023
Justine Clay
Justine is a talented business coach for high level creatives and is a ADHD coach. Not only is she 100% invested in what creatives and entrepreneurs are all about, she understands how the creative mind works. Read more to learn all about Justine!
What do you do professionally?:
I’m a business coach for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers and ADHD coach.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
What I do now, just with more writing and speaking.
Who inspires you? Why?
I’m inspired by a range of folks, most of whom are artists. From David Bowie and Prince (pure creative genius) and actors who are masters at their craft (if we ever meet in person, ask me to tell you my Bill Nighy story!), to designers that include shoe designer, Angela Scott and milliner, Linda Palmer. What they all have in common is creativity, courage, mastery of their craft, and a true connection to their audience.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
Walking, being by/swimming in any large body of water, writing, drawing, reading, cooking, traveling, visiting museums, hanging out with friends (old and new). Things that get me outside and into the world are all fair game.
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore with the Creative + Community?
Right now, I’m really enjoying meeting new people and enjoying being back in real life with real people. While the pandemic was mercifully kind to me and my family, I realize just how much I missed the pure joy of being in community with folks, old and new.
Greatest accomplishments:
Building two businesses and helping countless folks build theirs. I did not grow up believing I was ambitious, smart, or entrepreneurial. Turns out, I’m all three! I’m also proud of the fact that I’m resilient and show up for my people 100%. I’m not for everyone and everyone is not for me, but if we connect, I’m all in!
Future accomplishments:
Writing a book. Being on bigger stages talking about the gifts, challenges, and process of creativity and entrepreneurship.
What excites you about being a Creative + Club Member?
Being around such dynamic, heart-centered, transparent folks. I love that it’s kind over cliquey and welcoming over exclusive.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
Be present to the moments that matter.
Favorite quote:
“Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.” – Arthur Ashe
What does your best life look like?
Rich in time, health, and love!
Last words for the Creative + Community?
I’m happy you’re here and I’m happy to be here!
Checkout Justine’s website: https://justineclay.com
Member of the Month: November 2023
Kyra Peralte
Kyra is a dynamic creative soul and a valued member of Creative+! Inspired by curiosity and the desire for connection, The Traveling Diary came to life. She shines light on international stories by sharing them through her curated journals, books, and campfire events. Read more to learn all about Kyra!
What do you do professionally?
I am the founder and curator of the Traveling Diary community, a global platform where women share slices of their lives in physical notebooks that traverse across 30 countries.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
Professionally, I aim to expand the Traveling Diary community to include more interactive storytelling elements. Personally, I'm passionate about finding ways to chronicle stories from our community.
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore with the Creative + Community?
I am keen on starting a 'Supper Club”. The idea is to foster a sense of community and expand collective self-awareness through shared meals and conversations. Each supper club meeting would not only be about enjoying delicious food but about delving into meaningful discussions, learning from one another's experiences, and understanding different perspectives.
Who inspires you? Why?
I'm inspired by so many people in the world. The common thread I see in all of them is their resilience, creativity or intellect that impacted me in a lasting way.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
Collecting vinyl records, finding joy in the simple act of connecting with people and their stories.
Greatest accomplishments:
Establishing the Traveling Diary community and witnessing its growth into a supportive international network.
Future accomplishments:
To see the Traveling Diary expand and connect more people from all walks of life to share their stories and to publish a series/show on these narratives.
What excites you about being a Creative + Club Member?
The opportunity to collaborate with creative minds from various fields, learn new perspectives, and integrate these insights into the Traveling Diary community.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
“Stop apologizing so much. Give yourself a chance.” A mentor told me that during a phone conversation one day that I will never forget. It changed my life because whenever I want to apologize for existing, I can hear her voice encouraging me to allow myself a chance.
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why?
I would be thrilled to collaborate with an experienced content creator, chef, podcast host, or brand manager. The reason behind this is multifaceted. A content creator can help in effectively communicating the essence and stories of our community, reaching a broader audience. A chef could bring a unique culinary perspective to our supper club, making each gathering not just a meeting but an experience in itself. Collaborating with a podcast host can open avenues for sharing our community's voices and stories in an engaging, auditory format, providing another layer of connection and inspiration. Lastly, a brand manager could assist in strategically positioning the Traveling Diary in the wider community, ensuring our message resonates and aligns with our core values and objectives. Each of these professionals brings a skill set that complements the vision and growth of the Traveling Diary community.
Favorite quote:
"Any time you beg another man to set you free, you will never be free. Freedom is something that you have to do for yourselves." – Malcolm X
What does your best life look like?
A life where I'm continuously connecting with people globally, and witnessing the transformative power of shared stories.
Last words for the Creative + Community?
Let’s unite in our diverse creative expressions to empower and uplift each other. Our collective stories have the power to inspire and bring about change.What do you do professionally?:
Checkout The Traveling Diary website:
Member of the Month: October 2023
Westley Todd Holiday
Westley is an Honorary Founder of Creative+ and an altogether wonderful human being! He runs a the non-profit Holiday HOOPS & ARTs, and works at Columbia University. Westley is an AEA member, music enthusiast, and a killer singer. Read below to learn more about Westley!
Full Name:
Westley Todd Holiday.
Nick Name:
WTH, Tee, Wes, or Todd.
What do you do professionally?
Director of Strategic Engagement & Project Management at Columbia University. I am also the Co-CEO of Strategy & Development at Holiday HOOPS & ARTs, a nonprofit based in Florida that my family founded over two decades ago.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
Professionally, I want to build organizational change management systems, develop strategies, and strengthen nonprofits to make a better world. Personally, I want to travel more. I love warm places with beaches and lots of sun. My husband, Kfir wants to go to Japan, and I want to travel to South America. We will compromise and do both one day!
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore with the Creative + Community?
I would love to do a strategy or strategic planning workshop. I find that we as creatives have a lot of ideas and want to do it all (which we can). I’d like to be a thought partner to work with creatives to take the vision and mission and build a long-term plan with milestones and short-term goals. I’m a nerd and proud of it!
Who inspires you? Why?
Music inspires me. Project management and strategy are my day job. But at my core I am a singer. When I am frustrated, tired, uninspired, want to laugh, or stuck on a problem – I play music. I like all styles from Gospel, R&B, rock, jazz, classical, and of course old school Pop Hits. I tell people proudly that Beyonce’s Renaissance album got me through several papers in my last year of graduate school. It was consistently on repeat! Friends also bring me inspiration. I’m an introverted extrovert. So, I forget sometimes that going out with friends is good and can refuel me.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
I have a degree in musical theater, which is how I met our Creative+ founder, Amanda. So, I don’t consider acting or dancing hobbies. But since they are not “my day job”, whenever I get a chance to perform on stage or take a dance class, I feel joy walking back into the room where it happens and getting into those shoes – figuratively and literally.
Greatest accomplishments:
This is a tough question. I have been blessed with so many accomplishments. I think I will list my Top 4 for now. (1) Marrying my husband, Kfir. (2) Getting my masters in Nonprofit Management from Columbia. (3) Becoming Co-CEO of Holiday HOOPS & ARTs. (4) Performing on Broadway in ROCKTOPIA (proud Actor’s Equity Association Member).
Future accomplishments:
Another tough question. I am visionary. Yet it can hard to share your future thoughts and vision due to fear. But I think professionally, I see Holiday HOOPS & ARTs expanding throughout Florida and into the NY-NJ-CT tri-state area. Personally, I see myself owning property and building a family with my husband, Kfir. Did I mention we want to travel? LOL!
What excites you about being a Creative + Club Member?
What excites me most about Creative+ is that is focused on brainpower for artists, business owners, and art lovers. I came to NYC over 16 years ago, to perform. Since then, I have been on the hybrid-side of performing and producing shows with my former Cabaret quartet, Bending Threads, and becoming a singer and Board President with Empire City Men’s Chorus. Creative+ affirms that there are so many creatives like me, who equally love the artistic side and business side of things. We can all be creatives and like-minded people yet celebrate our unique differences. That’s a beautiful reflection of this crazy world.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
If you want fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. This has become my mantra when I feel impatient or unsure in life.
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why?
Beyonce, duh! Didn’t we already cover this? Kidding, kind of. You never know. There are so many people I am blessed to collaborate with every day through Creative+, Holiday HOOPS & ARTs, and ARCHway Learning Solutions, where I do DEI leadership consulting. Seriously, I learn so much from the fabulous people in these entities. They all feed my soul.
Favorite quote:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah, 40:31)
What does your best life look like?
Great question. I just completed my 5+ year personal vision board. I won’t share all the details since I built that for me. But I did mention wellness goals. I want to be happy in my career, even when the work is tough. I want to be stronger and leaner physically, healthy mentally and financially, and be at peace with family and friends. That to me defines the BEST LIFE.
Last words for the Creative + Community?
Round of applause to our Founder and leader Amanda Stephen! We can all learn a lot from her and each other. Let’s stay plugged in and committed to the vision and get to know each other. I’m in! Are you?
Checkout Holiday HOOPS & ARTs website:
https://www.holidayhoops.org
Member of the Month: September 2023
Michael Cruz
Michael is a Montclair University graduate, a creative and a valued member of Creative+! Michael’s chill vibe is partnered with his willingness to learn, and dedication towards his community. Michael is your go-to-guy for iPhone photography, music and the latest pop-trends!
What do you do professionally?:
I am the Operations Manager of Eagle Rock Café located in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Just a stone's throw from the C+ <3. My job is pretty much to make sure we have everything we need to run smoothly.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
Professionally - I’d like to grow my public speaking/general leadership skills, and definitely find more ways to grow and explore different industries I’m interested in.
Personally - To have more discipline when it comes to practicing yoga/being active and being more mindful with what I'm eating. Travel more, especially outside of the US. Overall just get out of my comfort zone… oh and definitely pay off my student loans.
Who inspires you? Why?
Okay thats a hard one… but right now Dr Tracy Marks inspires me. She’s a psychiatrist that shares content on mental health and self improvement. She really inspires me to have more awareness around mental health… which helps me as a worker, a manager, a family member, a friend … you get the idea… It helps me have a better understanding of myself and the world around me.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
Yoga, Running, So many genres of music and artists… Azealia Banks, Amy Winehouse, Jessie Ware, Gavin Turek, Lana Del Rey…to name a few. I also love Facebook Marketplace, Thrifting, learning about mental health, Peruvian Food, Travel, Nature, Amateur (iphone) photography, TikTok, Hiking, and spending time with my dog Lady.
Greatest accomplishments:
Right now I’d probably say: Being the first in my family to attend and graduate college… but also just being able to finish college during a time of *not amazing* mental health vibes.
I would also consider managing the coffee shop one of my greatest accomplishments. Even in the short two years I've been there I can see my own personal growth as a team member and a leader. Seeing the positive ways the business has grown and the positive feedback we’ve received from the community makes me proud to be a part of the team… it's like “whoah … we really did that…together” It's a very cool feeling.
Future accomplishments:
I don't know…hopefully paying off my student debt and starting a business… let's come back to this one later.
What excites you about being a Creative + Club Member?
The opportunity to spend time in this beautiful space (adult treehouse vibes) and being able to keep up with the calendar of amazing events Amanda has lined up !
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
I think one of the best pieces of advice that I will probably never forget is my mom saying to “be a leader not a follower”… For some reason this has always stuck with me (probably because she literally ALWAYS said it when i was growing up) and it really resonated with me. I think what she was trying to imply was that we carve out our own path as individuals, and you shouldn’t put yourself in a box or let anyone tell you what you can and can’t be. But it's also a constant reminder to just step up and stand for what you feel/know is right for you (on many levels). Thanks mom <3
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why?
Random …. But right now this is photographer Jasper Soloff or @jasperegan on IG. He has worked on so many incredible photo/video projects ranging from the music, cosmetic, fashion, entertainment industries and so much more. His work is mostly queer focused and the set designs, concepts, cinematography… everything is so *chefs kiss*. I’d love to just pick his brain.
Favorite quote:
I allow myself to fail. I allow myself to break. I'm not afraid of my flaws .- Lady Gaga
What does your best life look like?’
I basically just don't have to work… i can spend all my time on things that i want <3 There's a personal chef and I have no need to worry or really think about money/student loans…and I can just travel to as many places as possible.
Last words for the Creative + Community?
Can’t wait to watch us continue to grow!
Photography by Michael Cruz. Subject: His beloved dog Lady.
Photography by Michael Cruz.
Member of the Month: August 2023
Amoy Virgo
Amoy L. Virgo is a talented Loctician, RN and poet! She is an entrepreneur and has seen Creative+ go from a concept to a physical place, and space for creatives, artists, entrepreneurs and supporters. Amoy is a free spirit with dedication towards living her life to the fullest!
What do you do professionally?:
I’m a Registered Nurse and Loctician.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
I utilize my talents in ways that are impactful.
Who inspires you? Why?
I'm inspired by brave souls who unapologetically embrace their individuality.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
I enjoy reading, hiking, writing poetry and listening to spoken word.
Greatest accomplishments:
I would say my personal growth since it has potentiated all of my success.
Future accomplishments:
Continued growth of my brand, partnerships and collaborative work that is impactful.
What excites you about being a Creative + Club Member?
I'm excited about connecting and partnering with other creatives with different backgrounds, skillsets, experiences and perspectives.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
Be present.
Favorite quote:
I do not weep at the world, I'm too busy sharpening my oyster knife- Zora Neale Hurston.
What does your best life look like?
One that allows me to do what feels right with ease.
Last words for the Creative + Community?
I'm excited to be here!
Checkout Amoy’s website: https://www.thelocartistrybyav.com
Member of the Month: July 2023
Patrice Bell
Patrice has been a Creative + Club Member since May 2023. She is a professional actress, singer, travel enthusiast, and an aspiring writer.
What do you do professionally?
I am a professional actor and singer.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
I am looking forward to learning more about myself as a writer.
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore with the Creative + Community?
I am interested in exploring my writing techniques with the Creative + Community. I hope to meet more writers and learn about their own journeys as well.
Who inspires you? Why?
I am inspired by Serena Williams. She was classy and consistent during her tennis career but also added a whole lot of fun flair. I've also always been inspired by the career path of Vanessa Williams she such a diverse artist with a wide body of wonderful work.
Hobbies / interests / things that bring you joy: I love cooking. Food brings me joy! lol I love to travel...it's my expensive hobby!
Greatest accomplishments: Greatest accomplishments are hard to name but I have a few things in life that I am very proud of. Career wise my favorite project was Theatre for One: Here We Are. It was a digital show done during the summer of 2020 where I had the opportunity to play a prison inmate during a window visit. This role changed me as an artist. I thought I knew my own depth and my own traps. This project blew the lid off my own definition of myself as an artist and forced me to go even deeper. It was not easy but it was also very rewarding. To this date this is the project I am most proud of. I also traveled to the South Pacific by myself for three weeks. It was life changing. Very Eat Pray Lovey kind of trip. I'm so glad I did it. I also will never travel with that much luggage ever again.
Future accomplishments: I hope to someday sit on my couch and watch one of my television series that I wrote and also acted in. I also want to gather all of my favorite people on an island in the coffee belt somewhere and do something artistic...stay tuned because I'm still flushing out the details...I don't know them yet.
What excites you about being a Creative + Club Member? I am so excited about having a creative home away from home. Often times artists need a safe studio space (that's not a coffee shop) to do all aspects of our work. I'm excited about meeting and collaborating with other artists that I meet at Creative +. I'm also looking forward to Creative +'s programing and events.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given: I've been blessed to consistently receive good advice but the question is, "Do I always listen?" No. One of the best pieces of advice that I have consistently listened to was from an acting teacher of mine. "It's not about what you do, but rather how long you last doing it. You should always aim for longevity." This piece of advice has been with me since I was a teenager starting my journey as an artist and later morphed into my own mantra..."Success through longevity."
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why? I would love to work with Dee Rees one day. I think she is an incredibly specific director and knows how to talk to actors. The performances that she's captured on film are so provocative. I'm also interested in working with Rachel Chavkin. I simply love her work and the community she puts together during the collaborative process.
Checkout Patrice’s website: https://www.patricebell.com/about
