Canvas September Issue '09

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s september 2009

RIspeaksCH onPAULcleveland,

lebron, and dreamlife rob rosenthal + next ”know what you don’t know” korye jones + fashion tips + rachel wilson + ryan leslie concert canvascleveland.com

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supporting...

local culture, community, & business in Northeast Ohio

canvas

september 2009

PUBLISHER goodproduce llc EDITOR jay bobo

sales+marketing

ashley taylor, damien conner

photo

donald pagel, ase boogie, bobby williams, jay bobo, herb bias

design

goodproduce, the detroit studio, keturah ariel

contributors

ashley taylor, melissaj, princess henderson, jay bobo, dan ely, robin prettyman

PUBLISHED BY GOODPRODUCE LLC 1360 E. 9th Street, Suite 823 Cleveland, OH 44114 canvascleveland.com Printed by HotCards.com Copyright 2009 GOODPRODUCE LLC Reproduction without written permission of goodproduce llc is prohibited.

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contents EXTRAS 07 editors note 24 party pictures 26 event calendar 28 the list+ PEOPLE 08 rachel wilson

- love & relationships

09 korye jones

- tips for young professionals

CULTURE 14 listen up: brandon landrum 22 fashion: building your wardrobe 23 hair: picking a stylist BUSINESS 15 rob rosenthal

- next stores & ‘leading the trend’

FEATURE 18 rich paul

- basketball, lebron, & community

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

Get Dolled Up! HAIRCAFE

Come to HairCafe and get dolled up with Robin. Call 216.851.1991 to setup your appointment now!

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Editor’s Note I

love Cleveland. The folks I know who have spent their entire life here say it’s only because I moved here from somewhere else. I disagree. Cleveland means a lot to me because it’s the place where I finally really dug down deep and fleshed out my dreams of being an entrepreneur. As a kid, I sold everything doorto-door that my Dad ever found in bulk. One particular year, he came home with boxes and boxes of industrial cleaning rags. I tried to sell those door-to-door too. Quickly I found out, there wasn’t much of a market for cleaning rags in my neighborhood.

“Our customers are not dependent on us. We are dependent on them” - Flawless Barber Salon

The funny thing is that I learned a lot from those early days of youthful salesmanship. I found out that anywhere I could realize my dreams to the best of my ability was like home. Cleveland for me is just that - home. So for those Cleveland natives and recent arrivals like myself, strike out and utilize the resources that exist in this city - realize your dream. Your aspirations may take you far from here, but until you make a move locally, you’ll never know how great home can be. This issue would not be possible once againwithout Mom and Dad, the Canvas Magazine staff, and most importantly our advertisers. See you in October! Jay Bobo

216-624-7212 [email protected] 7

| love&relationships

Three things that you notice in a man? His confidence, smile, and eyes. What are some turnoffs? What are some turn-ons? Insecurity, being judgemental, apathy, and selfishness. My turn-on’s are a relationship with God, self-awareness, vision, ambition, and transparency.

rachelwilson

social service consultant

What would be the best way for a guy to approach you in public? I find it super attractive when a guy meets eyes with me, approaches me with confidence, shakes my hand, and introduces himself.

What’s the worst experience you Bio: have had with the opposite sex? Goodwill I dated a guy who was intimidated Ambassador to the by my ambition and decided to make everything in our relationship Republic of Gambia, (especially personal accomplishWest Africa ments) a competition. I’d rather a man exemplify how secure he is Status: with himself by supporting me and Single encouraging my drive & success. Location: What’s your idea of a perfect

Shaker Heights first date? A perfect date can’t be

captured in specific events. It has School: to flow naturally and involves acNorth Carolina tive participation from both people. A&T State It’s about engaging in a “divine encounter” that has no expectations. Case Western It’s when two people live in the Reserve moment and enjoy each other’s company.

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

koryejones

Cleveland Clinic: Neurological Institute

young professionals |

Age:

36 Title:

Director of Performance Improvement Location:

The Flats School:

Eastern Michigan Degree:

BS Political Science GE/GM Executive Leadership Program

Tell us about yourself? I am from Saginaw, Michigan, recently relocated to Cleveland from the Baltimore/DC area. I have always worked in corporate America, but my true passion is entrepreneurship. Describe your typical work day? My day usually consists of strategic meetings and action sessions that drive the direction of the organization from a continuous improvement and capability perspective. More than talk about it, we have to be about it, and execute. Why is your job important? Considering the state of the economy and industries such as healthcare, it is an extremely critical time to systemically implement continuous improvement methods and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of care and services, while eliminating waste, reducing costs and engaging employees. What advice do you have for people seeking a similar career path? It is extremely important to prepare yourself. Constantly set goals to grow and develop yourself professionally. Take courses, read books, get involved. I truly believe some degree of success is a result of one’s ability to be prepared when that opportunity comes. What is the salary range for your position? It all depends on a person’s experience, low to mid six figures. What’s your favorite quote? “The greatest treason in life is to do the right things for the wrong reasons” - T.S. Elliot 9

5120 Warrensville Rd 216-332-1760

Free Birthday Parties (complimentary invitations & bottle of champagne) 10

CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

Contact 216-870-1376 for more information

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

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| listenup

BRANDON LANDRUM Y

ou may have seen him at your local church or perhaps with cover band, 100% Swagg. Landrum is a local urban gospel artist with tons of international experience, having toured seven different countries with black ensembel group GGS. Brandon grew up singing and playing music in his family church. He credits his grandfather Bobby Mack and his family’s gospel singing group for his strong musical foundation as well as a number of local musicians, writers and composers for his development as an artist. Pastor Ronald Hubbard, James Agnew, Ken and Sam Bell, Pastor Judah Early and Torri Harp are just a few that he mentions. A self described music junkie, Landrum says his perfect song would feature Tank and Brandy with production by Rodney Jerkins. It would be a dedication to God entitled, “Musically Yours.”

Regarding his future, Brandon’s first album project titled, A Man Like Me, is dropping this fall. “It’s the story of how God’s love has changed my life forever.” He states, “I bring a message of hope to people everywhere and I’m using as its vehicle, the sound words gabe crenshaw of our generation, hip-hop.” At the rate that Brandon is going, we expect he’ll do very well. With a little prayer and hope, not only will he move heads but move minds and lives in the right direction. Find out more about Brandon Landrum at CanvasCleveland.com

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

local entrepreneur |

ROBERT ROSENTHAL

President, NEXT Stores | Age: 47

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sk almost any high-school or college aged Clevelander to list their favorite local stores and NEXT will top the list. Since 1995, Robert Rosenthal has consistently lead the pack when it comes to urban fashion and even now in the more multicultural streetwear genre. With the opening of their latest stores at Beachwood Place and on Cleveland Heights’ trendy Coventry street, NEXT continues to create opportunities for young people and demonstrate their understanding of what all Clevelanders want to wear. Rob says he was initially attracted to urban fashion by its energy and excitement as well as his relationships with Russell Simmons (Phat Farm) and Jeff Tweedy (President, Sean John). Recently, he’s moved his business in the direction of streetwear due to its more multicultural appeal. “We’re selling a psychographic. It’s about what kids of all races are into today, we try our best to service their aspirations.” Rob describes his typical day as being different with one common thread, “They start early, end late, and usually provide a lot of challenges.” In addition to his hard working staff, Rob credits his success on “knowing what we don’t know.” He states, “We’re always analyzing what we do not do well and are always looking for answers.”

NEXT STORES Fashion Retailer

Start-up Year: 1995 Start-up Costs: 150k (approx) Employees: 40-50 (season) # of Locations: 5 “Once a brand reaches a critical mass, we tend to move away from it. We like to lead our customers, not follow a tired trend.” Read the rest of our interview with Robert Rosenthal at CanvasCleveland.com

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

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RICHPAUL From Cleveland to Beijing, New York and the White House, the life of LRMR Marketing’s Rich Paul, is one continual business trip. Finally, we bring you the story...

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

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s you sit in Rich’s home office in his beautiful home located in Solon, you get the feeling that you’re sitting in the home of someone much older. At 28 years old, he’s experienced more than most people twice his age. A graduate of local high school, St. Benedictine, Rich was blessed with a unique opportunity to move beyond the lifestyle of most people who grew up in his childhood neighborhood. Simply put, he moved on. He’s moved on to local marketing firm, LRMR, and Madison Square Garden floorseats with Jay-Z; not to forget his positions with Interscope Records, Nike, and Creative Artists’ Agency. Keep in mind, he’s also made time to launch his own music production company, Dreamlife.

feature | thing that they’re going thru in their life. If they were content with themselves, they wouldn’t say anything about you. As I have matured as a man, I’ve begun to understand that a little bit more each day. What are your thoughts on Cleveland? R: There’s no place like home. For me to be able to travel the world and see different things, I take it [Cleveland] for what it is. It’ll never be a NYC or LA. Can we use some things to enhance the city? Of course. But most importantly, we need jobs. What would you advise young men who have grown up in a similar situation as yourself? R: First off, you have to gain a focus. Secondly, be self-determined. Thirdly, never be afraid to say you don’t know.

I think those three things are important in beTell us a little bit about the work that coming successful and of course everything you’re doing? R: Currently, I’m with the takes hard work and a little luck. CAA which manages a number of atheltes including LeBron, Allen Iverson, Tony “When someone says Parker as well as new guys, Jonny Flynn and Andrea Bargnani. something negative, its As far as the Nike situation, I’m straddling not always about you.” the fence with one foot in between Nike and helping build LeBron’s brand, through shaping apparel for kids, young athletes, & What are your thoughts on Dreamlife? R: It’s still here, it isn’t going anywhere. In adults. the music business, the old way of doing Talk about some of your struggles and in- things is out and the music business is hurry teraction with people from the neighbor- up and wait. All I can do is to use my relahood you grew up in. R: People are gonna tionships to push the product, and the only say what they want to say. The sad part is way I can push the product is if the product that coming up as a young African-Ameri- is there. can in the inner city, we come into the world already envious of something we want and Al [Fatz, recording artist] and RJ [producer] are very talented. Dreamlife has transformed don’t necessarily need. into two artists and some producers that are Often times, there’s such a big emphasis put under my wing. Al and Sean McGee are our on things that don’t have much importance. I current artists. Sean was brought on by Sose, don’t take it personal what people say about a business partner of mine. me. I can’t expect people to be happy about my success because when someone says The bottom line is you’ve gotta catch, and something negative, its not always about when you catch you gotta advantage of it. you. More often than not, its about some> 19

| feature About former Dreamlife artist, Chip Tha Ripper? R: I wish him the best of luck. I think he’s very talented. We had our differences but its not any hard feelings at the end of the day. He’s a young guy trying to create the best situation possible for him and his family. Guys have their own agenda and when they feel like you’re moving at your own pace they feel they have to do something about it. We still have business ties which is only right. For the most part, I think he can be successful in the music business. How successful remains to be seen. I wish him the best of luck. What’s next? We have the More Than A Game tour coming up. It’s a ten city tour that includes China and Europe. The book is coming out, Shooting Stars. Buzz [Bissinger], author of Friday Night Lights, wrote it. The LRMR team is doing some great things. We have a great staff. Personally, I’m going to take some acting classes and try to get that under my belt. I’m watching my kids grow. my daughter is 7 now and my son is walking and talking. I spend a lot of time away from home, so for me to be able to spend as much time as possible with them is important. What should we have asked you? R: You should have asked are there any women in my life. Why? People are nosy and want to know things (laughs). Ok. What about the women in your life? R: Well outside of my daughter, my mom, my kids mom, and my grandmother, I’m not married, so I’m not trying to...[trails off] My focus is not on a woman right now. Been there, done there, tried that. At the end of the day, my main focus is on work. Read the rest of our interview with Rich Paul at CanvasCleveland.com

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

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| fashion

O

ne of the most frustrating issues in shopping is the apprehension as to whether or not you’re making a smart buy. Dan Ely, store manager and buyer for local boutique Brigade, provides his more than 10 years in fashion and retail experience to help you spend your money where it counts! Here are a few ideas to help. Wardrobe Building - Always spend money on the items that can be worn continuously through the week, i.e. a classic belt, wallet, purse, dress boot and of course your watch.

investing in your wardrobe words dan ely of brigade

Tailored Look - Even when you throw down for expensive clothing, sometimes it takes a tailor to make it all work perfectly. The days of tattered bottom jeans is over. Try to find the right length for jeans or take them to your tailor to make them look right. What’s My Size Again? - For the fall focus on finding the right size for your frame. Guys make sure that your whole look works together. As you slim down your denim, make sure your shirts’ slim accordingly. Ladies don’t be afraid to wear looser clothes. Boxy tops and drapey dresses are popular now, and remember guys are going to like the way you look no matter what you wear. Of course with the millions of choices out there, remember that the idea is to one day have a complete wardrobe. Try to make the right choice for you.

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

style & beauty |

W

hether you’ve stylistically outgrown your stylist or just looking to move your hair in a new direction, one of the most difficult questions you can ask yourself is how to pick a stylist and even more importantly how do you know they’d be right for you.

how to pick a great hairstylist words robin prettyman

Recently, we linked up with hair & guru stylist, Robin Prettyman of Hair Cafe, for an inside scoop on how to the pick the best person for you! Professionalism - How professional is your stylist? The way he or she treats others is a great example of how they’ll work with you. Issues of timeliness, respect, and attitude are all things you should take into consideration. Personality - Being able to vibe off of your stylist is key. If you’re into more conservative styles, then obviously a conservative stylist would better compliment you than someone more edgy and outside of the box. Work - Research their work! Not everyone can do your hair or give you that special cut you’re looking for. Be sure to ask a stylist about their specialization. What are their strengths and weaknesses? 23

| event pictures

bijou star, friend, and aja (style lounge)

ryan leslie (next selection)

sergio abramhoff & friend

arnold hines, dj mick boogie, & friend

Rising Icons: Ryan Leslie August 8, 2009 - Grey Goose presented a free concert starring Ryan Leslie as part of their national Rising Icons Tour. The event was held at House of Blues. photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com

frenchye bush

ricardo guilfu (latinos magazine) & tory coats

yvonne c. hunnicutt, michael ruff, & joy kennedy

terry travis, thione niang, & basheer jones

darrell solomon and friends

CCYD Meet & Greet August 12, 2009 - Cuyahoga County Young Democrats held a special meet & greet after Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge’s district address at the Uptowne.

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| event pictures

barbee niclole & riya foster

savannah brinson & lebron james

maverick carter (lrmr) & sean (wrath arcane

vince (heart & sole) & dan ely (brigade)

nadeen nassar

gary himmel & jaron kanfer (blessed labeli

yvette, deneen, amber, candice, savannah

“The Fashion Show” August 7, 2009 - Eighty81 & Legndary Icons present The Fashion Show sponsored by McDonald’s at the The Galleria.

photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com

lebron james

nick cannon

dj lance (yo gabba gabba)

lil JJ (nickelodeon)

“King for Kids Bikeathon” August 22, 2009 - State Farm & the LeBron James Family Foundation present their annual community even in downtown Akron.

photos by donnie pagel - myspace.com/donniepagel

| calendar

calendar - september 2009 Would you like to add your event to the our calendar? Email us at [email protected] for more information

CONCERTS//

EVENTS//

@ State Theatre

@ Burke Lakefront Airport

9/4 Charlie Wilson 9/19 Prazin’ Him!

9/5-9/7 Cleveland National Air Show 9/6 The Holiday Shutdown

An evening of praise, worship, and dance. @ Kennedy’s Cabaret (Playhouse Square)

@ Anatomy Ultralounge contact 216-308-2826 for more information.

9/21 An Evening w/ Juan Williams

9/13 Browns Home Opener

“The View from Washington” @ Ohio Theatre

9/26 Joyfest 2009

w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp @ Cedar Point

10/17 Rickey Smiley & Fantasia

w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp @ State Theatre

vs Minnesota Vikings

9/16 S.O.U.P. Lunch

Society of Urban Professionals lunch w/ guest speaker, Stanley Miller (NAACP) @ John Q’s Steakhouse register online at thesoupnetwork.com

9/19 Ohio State vs Toledo Post Party @ Jac’s on West 6th

10/04 Hair Addict

@ Headlines by DeFranco contact 440-605-0500 for more information.

COMMUNITY//

9/4-9/7 Taste of Cleveland

@ Time Warner Cable Amphitheater

9/4-9/6 Shaw HS Alumni Weekend @ TS Macklin Event Center

9/24 Minority Men’s Health Fair

@ Glickman Tower, Cleveland Clinic (Main)

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CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

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the list + Would you like to add your business to the list? Contact us now to advertise your information, email us at [email protected]

SHOP// brigade

1785 coventry rd 932-0700

next coventry

1800 coventry rd 371-0777

style lounge

1273 w. 9th st 664-1104

heart&sole

1781 coventry rd 397-2923

athletes foot

2545 e. 55th st 361-2223

ru villa

4071 lee rd 751-5656

powterpuff

2671 w. 14th st 274-1220

jeanology

2110 s. taylor 932-5326

EATS//

sergio sarava

13225 shaker sq 295-1200

el taino

3038 scranton 621-4888

luckys cafe

777 starkweather ave 622-7773

xo primesteaks

500 w. saint clair 621-5652

bluepointe grille 700 w. saint clair 875-7827

taste of jamaica 3936 mayfield rd 382-3936

mr. wonderfuls 5354 lee rd. 475-9233

la bodega

869 jefferson ave 621-7075

b&m barbeque

5501 warrensville ctr 475-8720

mallorca

1390 w. 9th st 687-9494

southside

2207 w.11th st 937-2288 30

CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

BARBERS//

supreme clientele 1649 lee road 932-4845

flawless

7812 superior ave 391-4166

all-starz

12619 larchmere blvd 231-7827

supastarz

2541 e. 55th 361-1381

SALONS// headlines

5160 wilson mills rd 440-605-0500

new millennium 16808 chagrin 320-9119

hair cafe

3964 mayfield rd 291-0799

transformers

4110 mayfield 382-8200

listings |

BARS//

HEALTH//

4066 mayfield rd 381-4995

3615 superior ave 481-4446

madisons

nulife fitness

winners

jumpstart fitness

20/20 martini

fit challenge

visions

urban active

770 e. 185 383-9300

call for more information 905-7591

2020 center st 776-0202

5225 northfield 662-7830

5120 warrensville ctr 332-1760

131 market st 440-892-4653

bodega

1854 conventry 932-3050

thenail&toe boutik

manicures.pedicures.acrylics .gels.MINXcertified.partypackages.giftcards .retail.boutik-on-the-go

3964 mayfield, inside of hair cafe contact: 216.323.5687 31