The Creative Cookie

Don Oehl Artist Talk - video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tea on Tuesdays

In this interview, writer & actress, Christina Ghubril brings us into her inspiring childhood and the creative process that led her to launch Tea on Tuesdays. Tea on Tuesdays began to steep when Christina started collecting beads at age 6. Her love grew and evolved, as she traveled the world, amassing more materials to make delightful things. On a side note, Christina and I are friends, fellow Pittsburgh transplants to NYC, and former Girl Scout co-workers. Infused with creative ingredients, Christina is indeed a creative cookie collecting treasure along the way. 

--

ME: Do you remember when your interest in beads & jewels begin?

CG: I started making friendship bracelets out of embroidery floss when I was around 4 or 5.  My dad ran a summer camp for teenagers and it was a popular thing they would do while they were hanging out. I was enthralled with the rainbow colors and just really enjoyed having something to make with my hands.  I was often found with in-process bracelets pinned to my jean shorts and my arms and ankles covered in decorations.  Also, my grandfather carries "worry beads" and when I was little, he would dump a pile of old, tangled beads in front of me and I'd play for hours, making him replacements to twirl in his fingers.  He still has some of them hanging on his rearview mirror today!

ME: How did you decide on the name of your line, Tea on Tuesdays?

CG: You know, I spent weeks trying to come up with a name and EVERYTHING was already taken!  With the number of blogs, websites, bands, companies all over the world, it became humorous to try and find something original.  After a while, my boyfriend and I would just say random combinations of words, google them and couldn't believe everything already existed.  I wanted something unique yet not too hard to remember.  I used to use my name but since my last name is Arabic, no one could remember it and so it was hard to direct people to my site.  I kind of just tried Tea on Tuesdays on a whim and it (miraculously) wasn't taken.  I thought it was cute and finalized my Etsy site right away!

ME: Where do you look 1st for inspiration?

CG: It's kind of mysterious where inspiration comes from.  I have an ethnically mixed background and have always been interested in other cultures.  I've also been blessed to travel a good bit and love wandering through markets and gathering beads and earrings and all sorts of fun treasures, all of which deeply influence my work.  Sometimes I'll see the color of a shirt on someone next to me on the subway and fall in love and then see that color start to show its face in my work. Sometimes I stumble upon beads I've never seen before and then mess around until I find a cool way to use them.  Usually I just sit down in a heap of materials and get lost for a few hours until I resurface with something structured.

ME: How do you see your line developing in the future? What's next?

CG:  What I'd like to do in the future is structure my shop into different lines.  Since Tea on Tuesdays is still pretty new, I'm working through branding and promotion and trying to figure out the strongest way to highlight the style and to know who to shop it to (If you have any ideas, let me know! ;) ).  I'm also a producer and my partner and I have recently established our production company, Two Kids With a Camera so I am working on shooting a commercial this summer. We're having fun brainstorming something fun and beautiful--and probably a touch over the top.

ME: You are such a well-rounded creative. What other mediums do you work in;)?

CG: Yeah, my background is actually mainly in acting.  I'm also a writer and a producer.  I sing sometimes.  My mom is an artist, my dad plays guitar, I just kind of always had some sort of project or show I was working on growing up.  I wrote and starred in a feature film that is currently in the final stages of post-production called, "Saudade?"and also produce a web show for PBS, The Parent Show, so that all keeps me pretty busy.  I love it.  I feel really blessed to get to do what I love.

ME: Last but not least, what makes you happiest? I sense loads of joy in your work!

CG: I love the creative process.  I love it when I'm by myself and I love it when I'm collaborating.  I love witnessing that everything is constantly living and breathing and growing.  I finished the script for "Saudade?" last summer.  Then it was edited and shaped by the actors and director.  Then shifted in the editing room.  Now is being colored by the music.  I even went in and re-wrote and recorded some of the voice over this morning because it's constantly revealing new parts of itself that need to be fleshed out or shaved off. It's the same with my jewelry.  I have a heap on my work table that is a tangled mess of things I've made over the years that are waiting to be cut up and turned into something new again. I love that. I love that all the elements in my jewelry have some kind of backstory.  I ran into a shop this morning to grab a few pieces I'd had my eye on and the man selling them to me shared that they were from Afghanistan and are over 60 years old. And then I'll combine them with pieces that came from the Czech Republic and were traded in Africa then worn by brides in Mali and somehow ended up in my studio.  It gives me goosebumps, I guess. 

photos: Demetruis Wren @ 2011

P.S. Use the code CREATIVE COOKIE to get 15% off your Tea on Tuesdays Etsy store purchase (for a limited time)!

Interview with Photographer Mike Coppola

Mike Coopola joined the Getty Image team as an Entertainment Staff Photographer earlier this year. During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, he served as Gettys house photographer for the American Express Skybox. The Creative Cookie was lucky enough to be granted an interview w/ Mike, after fashion week where  we learned about his photography & inspiration. Interview & eyecandy below:

-------

CC: What was the photo (or series) that landed you your "big break"?

MC: A concert of Donnie and Marie Osmond.  It wasn't the that the pictures were so in demand, but I happened to shoot the same event as the person who helped me get my big break.  I showed him the pictures and he helped me get my big break.  His name is Michael Loccisano and is a fellow staff photographer.
CC: Did you face any challenges as a young photographer in an industry with seasoned pros? If so, how did you overcome?

MC: Breaking into a new industry at any age is difficult and especially into an incredibly competitive one like entertainment photography.  I overcame by just focusing in on what I was doing and observing what they were doing.  You can learn so much by just being quiet and observing.

CC: If you were not a photographer, what would you be doing?

MC: Probably corporate sales. I used to sell office equipment for Canon.  I was able to buy my photo equipment from them at a discount and was able to build my portfolio with great gear.

CC: So, far, what's been your favorite show/event/presentation this season during NYFW? 

MC: Favorite presentation was Adrienne Vittadini.  It was great to see Niki Taylor, Carol Alt, Frederique, Roshumba on a runway. IVANAhelsinki's models all had bee hive hair styles and looked straight out of the 1960's.  It was really cool and worth checking out the pictures. Craziest was Michael Kors.  Because Michael Douglass, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Emma Roberts were there, the front row was like packing 500 people in a space that fits 100.

CC: What inspires you most? 

MC: The hunger to get the best shot and the fear of not getting any shot.

CC: Last but not least, any advice for aspiring fashion/celeb photogs?

MC: Of course you have to work on your portfolio and become proficient at working your camera, but after that it's just getting the message out that you want to become a photographer.  If you want to do anything, always talk about it with anyone that will listen (hence the answer to question #1, we were at a mutual friends barbecue).  Someone will eventually see that you are passionate about it and want to help.  This also leads to networking and people actually knowing that you are an aspiring photographer and maybe taking a chance on you in any capacity either as an intern or an assistant.   Also, envision in your mind yourself doing the job you want to do.

 Photos: Mike Coppola © 2011,  used with permission from Getty Images

Raul Peñaranda : Spring 2011

"DREAM-VISION-REALITY" are three words that Raul Peñaranda lives by. The liveliness of this phrase is evident in all that he creates. I had so much fun at at his debut during New York fashion week this past September. It was my first time experiencing an entire audience up on their feet for a standing ovation at a runway show. I loved the rich saturated colors and bold details in his original couture. Because the energy & the work were so captivating I decided to bug Raul for an interview & here's our inspiring conversation!

CC: Where were you born?

RP: I was born in Cali-Colombia and grew up in Caracas -Venezuela then moved to Miami at age 24 - in 2000 moved to NYC where my started working in the fashion world for houses such as Donna Karan, Liz Claiborne, Tommy and Oscar de la Renta. 

CC:  Interesting background. What did you learn from your childhood that helps you today?

RP: I learned to stay true to myself and believe that nothing is impossible and miracles take a little bit longer (phrases that my mom and dad always thought me) - I come from nothing but I know where I'm going and it's all about "DREAM-VISION-REALITY". when fear is out of the equation there is nothing but success.

CC: At what moment did you know you were a designer? 

RP: You are born with that feeling. I felt that was only a matter of time for that to happen. Always knew that I will be a designer and will continue work very hard for it. in my mind my goal is to become the next power fashion house for the next generation. If Dior, Valentino, YSL and others did - why can't I?

CC: You can! Just out of curisity, if you hadn't fallen into fashion, what do you think you'd be doing?

RP: I never give up on anything I put my mind to it. Fashion is my one and only option. I grew up in a middle-low class family and for me dreaming was the only option to make that vision a reality and let me tell you....IT WORKS!

CC: Your collection was lovely and very sprited. What inspired it?

RP: It was all about "DREAM-VISION-REALITY". The concept “Uptown meets Williamsburg is about two opposite elements that collide and create an emotion, it’s about mixing unexpected materials to create an element of surprise and interest. It’s about vulnerability is about imperfect beauty.”

CC: What do you want to do next?

RP: Continue working hard on my next collection, learning, evolving and above all providing my costumer what they want; a quality product that is an extension of one's personality. I will never stop learning and that's the beauty of life. I'm already dreaming of how my next collection is going to look. "DREAM-VISION-REALITY"

I'm "ready-to-wear" this! My favorite dress from the collection.

You may remember this cutie from a previous post

Raul & a friend after the show

photos : Lesley Williams © 2010

Interview with Photographer Dimitrios Kambouris

Dimitrios Kambouris is a self-taught photographer who has been repeatedly commissioned by publications and public relations agencies to cover high profile events such as film festivals, concerts, and fashion events. Dimitrios' image of Madonna was celebrated as one of New York Magazines most notable covers of 2009. The Creative Cookie was lucky enough to quickly catch up with Dimitrios, during fashion week, to learn more about his photography -- here's what he had to say: 

CC: When did you realize you were a photographer?

DK: I worked in a camera store/one-hour photo lab while a student at Bryant High School in Astoria, Queens. Got hands advice from professional photographers, such as Dan Lecca, when they dropped off film.

CC: Advice from Dan Lecca, Wow! How would you describe your aesthetic & what's your favorite subject to shoot? why?

DK: Open up and drag shutter for more ambient light. Celebrity, Fashion, Music/Concert. Like going to events and parties. I go to document people having fun, wearing dresses, and that moment in their lives.

CC: Has being a photographer influenced the way you see the world?

DK: Of course. We’re freezing the moment in time. You can go back and look at it.

CC: I just adore the photo that you took of Madonna in 2009--what was it like to work with such an established American icon?

DK: It was a hard photo to take. I was in the second row in the photo pit.

CC: Getting that shot sounds stressful--what music do you listen to when you're at home relaxing?

DK: Depends on my mood. Classic rock. House music moods too.   

photo: getty images

iamthenublack

Check out my feature on iamthenublack.com a fab blog full of creative information and inspiration. Leave a comment and make me smile! 

16 Stone Vintage

Sonya Freeman is one to keep an eye on. At just 5’3 she’s, she has broken into the modeling industry and made some pretty bold moves. She’s graced the pages of Essence, Glamour, and Nylon magazines and has worked as an extra in both Sex In the City films, starring Sarah Jessica Parker. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, adorable and opinionated, Sonya tells The Creative Cookie “I'm in New York City to get away from the normal life of getting married, graduating college, and having a baby.” This past April, Sonya launched 16 Stone Vintage, an online boutique that merges her love for vintage, business, and fashion. With affordable options to choose from, 16 Stone is a great site for vintage enthusiasts to find unique pieces to sprinkle into their closets. I had a moment to catch up with the Sonya, who was nice enough to share her earliest vintage experience, what she likes to wear when she blogs, and more. 

 

CC: Congrats on the launch of 16 Stone Vintage! Tell me how you came up with the name 16 Stone Vintage.

16 Stone: Thanks Lesley! 16 Stone is the name of my favorite album by a band called Bush. They were so popular in the 90's but now they feel like old school, lol. The album is very important to me and helped me get through a tough time as a teen. I'm known as 16 as a nickname to some people. 16 Stone has become me essentially.

CC: How old were you when you started shopping vintage?

16 Stone: My earliest memories of being in resale stores was about 4 years old. I have a specific memory of being 9 years old and my dad giving me $20 and sending me off to find anything with the label Yves Saint Laurent. I think I was shopping for vintage before I even knew it.

CC: What do you love the most about vintage clothing?

16 Stone: Each vintage find is like a treasure for me. I think the thing I love the most is actually "the hunt." Nothing is more satisfying for  me than to dig and dig through junk and come out with a fabulous intact vintage piece. Each one is so unique because vintage pieces are often one of  a kind after many years. I think it's like digging for gold and coming up with diamonds.

CC: What are the essentials to pulling together the perfect vintage look?

16 Stone: I think what's really important is to remember that it's still 2010. You don't want to look like you are wearing a costume period piece. So I say it's essential to always mix a few modern pieces along with your vintage look. I think that contrast makes the vintage piece stand out even more. Jewelry is very important and I'm a fan of adding a cute hat.

CC: What can shoppers expect to find at 16 Stone Vintage?

16 Stone: Shoppers can expect to find quality and unique vintage items. There were a lot of clothes in the past, but not all of them were exactly fashionable. I hand pick all the items and I only select the very best. Garments have to have silhouettes that are still relevant or style that can transition all periods. I sometimes find quirky antique items like vanity sets or picnic baskets to compliment the clothing.

CC: You have so many amazing dresses, would you say that's your specialty?

16 Stone: I definitely would say dresses are my thing at 16 Stone Vintage. When I shop, there might be a scenario where I have 5 great blouses but I find one amazing dress. I would put all the blouses back for the dress, lol. A dress for me is the essence of a woman. It's something men can't wear, so it's defined by us. Each one is special, fun, and flirty.

                 
   model: Sonya f. photos: © Lesley W, 2010

CC: How can we keep up with what's new at 16 Stone Vintage?

16 Stone: You can keep us with us by becoming a fan on facebook and following our blog featured on our website. We also have a news section on our website.

CC: Thanks so much for letting us interview you, Sonya! Before we wrap up, The Creative Cookie just finished a special series on fashion bloggers, last month called dress for impressions. Tell us, about your blog and what you like to wear when you blog.

16 Stone: The 16 Stone Vintage blog features adventures of my life and how it relates to vintage fashion. I write articles about events I attend, vintage finds I spot on other sites, vintage trends, etc... Hmmm, what do I wear while blogging??? I have to say my vintage housecoat. It's stylish and flirty with a frilly collar. Think 1950's tasteful lingerie jacket. I usually write late at night in the bed and I like to be comfortable. :)