Keishia Facey the host of the 2016 Toronto Urban Book Festival which is being held today and she’s also the owner of RIDDIM FITNESS INC. in Ajax, a social worker, and health and wellness practitioner. Her role as the host of the event is to help moderate the agenda, and interact with the writers. She is extremely familiar with Kya Publishing‘s mandate and history, and is a great conversationalist.
During our conversation, Keishia talked about:
– Life growing up as a family of color in Regina, Saskatchewan
– Riddim Fitness
– How did she get involved with Toronto Urban Book Expo and what will people get from going to it
Lavern Lewis is one of the author’s appearing today at the 2016 Toronto Urban Book Expo.
She had the opportunity to speak with us this past Thursday.
During our conversation, Lavern shared about:
– Some of her background and her journey of overcoming and the story behind her first book
– How was switching from writing an adults book (her first book) to writing a children’s book (her second book)
– Her son being her biggest supporter
– What she has learned about the book business
– The importance of legacy to her as a parent and a mother
– How did she get involved with the Toronto Urban Book Expo
– The story behind her TWitter handle
Simone Da Costa is a passionate lover of writing; she enthusiastically enjoys the wonderful feeling it brings. When she writes, she feels like a visual artist, a painter with a fine paintbrush, who meticulously maps out expressions and forms which are made to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the artist. Writing for her, is the same practice.
Simone Da Costa is a freelance feature writer; her work has appeared in several North American publications. Simone was the Editor-in-Chief of It’s Your Destiny eMagazine; she is also an indie publisher and has published two books, Remember to Pray and the 2013 Day Planner. In addition, she has three children’s books titled A Silly Rhyming Alphabet Book about Animals from A to Z; a colouring and activity book based on A Silly Rhyming Alphabet Book about Animals from A to Z; and Emily-Rose’s Day at the Farm. She has written and published her first middle grade book called I Am Beautiful: When I Look at Me, I See…, which became a bestseller and has received rave reviews.
Simone hosts a blog called Simone’s Blog-Depicting The Writer in You. A blog that helps published authors and/or self-published authors gain exposure for their books by utilizing this site as a marketing tool to promote, advertise and generate sales for their literary art.
Simone was a featured author and judge at St. Jude’s Academy for their poetry/speech contest. Simone facilitated the “Mirror, Mirror” workshop at the annual Stronger than EVER Conference. The “Mirror, Mirror” concept was taken from her bestselling book, “I Am Beautiful…” which encouraged self-esteem and self-love.
Simone has been featured in The Belief magazine, an e-zine created to promote personalities who inspire and empower. She is a member of Sankofa’s Pen (African Canadian Writers for Children and Young Adults) and CANSCAIP. Simone was nominated for the Woman of Fire award in the media category for her excellence in writing. Simone is also passionate about reading…and she LOVES chocolate.
During our conversation, Ms. Da Costa talked about:
– Some of her background including how how she got into writing
– some of her book journey including the books that she has written including I Am Beautiful … When I Look At Me I See
– The challenge that many young black girls have with self-image
– why she loves writing for young people
– Her message for young black girls and those who are not young black girls for young black girls
I Am Beautiful: When I Look at Me, I See… book trailer.
From food and wine to travel, Cuisine Noir magazine delivers what readers are looking for which is more than where to find the next great meal. And most importantly, it is a culinary publication that compliments readers’ lifestyles and desire for a diverse epicurean experience.
Cuisine Noir made its debut online in October of 2007 with a successful run through December 2008 as the first magazine to feature the talents of African-American culinary and wine professionals across the country. As the vision of Chef Richard Pannell, the magazine is tapping into an underserved market of African-American foodies and wine enthusiasts as well as acting as a unique vehicle to showcase the talents of industry professionals.
In September 2009, the magazine re-emerged online under V. Sheree Publishing and has since captured readers once again from all over the country. Each month, readers are treated to stories about industry experts and professionals to vineyards and world class destinations around the world. Celebrity chefs featured include The Neelys, Tre Wilcox, Nikki Shaw, Aaron McCargo, Jr., Sunny Anderson and Andrew Zimmern. In addition, the magazine is also the first to showcase the “foodie” side of other celebrities such as Mo’Nique, Wendy Williams, Chris Bridges (aka Ludacris), Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dhani Jones, Terence Blanchard, Bootsy Collins and Gerald Albright.
– The history of the magazine, how has the magazine and the industry has changed
– Special moments during the Cuisine Noir journey and some of the places that she has traveled to
– Magazine updates and some of the people that have been featured in the magazine
– The story behind the #IAMCuisineNoir campaign
– Her concerns about diversity in the industry and some of what it takes to make it in the restaurant industry
– importance to relationships
– Her favourite trip so far and some of the places that she wants to go that she has not been to
– Why she feels why it is important for Blacks to travel and why it is a great time to Blacks to get into the food, wine and travel industry
– What changes she would like to see in the industry
– The upcoming conference Cuisine Noir Conference on September 16 – 17, 2016
Josephine Carey2nd Annual Life’s Poetry Conference: February 7, 2016
Josephine Casey is an Author, Poet, and works full-time at a prestigious law firm in Brampton, Ontario as a Law Clerk. She has always been motivated and determined to pursue her dreams. One of her passions is writing poetry and she used this outlet as a way to communicate her thoughts, emotions and feelings. She accomplished writing her first poetry book, Life’s Poetry in February 2013. Life’s Poetry is a collection of poems, which are a combination of an expression of emotion as well as inspirational messages throughout life’s good and bad times. Josephine has been promoting her book at different venues and bookstores such as Knowledge Bookstore, Accents Bookstore, and the Gospel Cafe. Her book is also available on amazon.com – Josephine Dion Casey – Life’s Poetry, barnesandnoble.com – Life’s Poetry – Josephine Dion Casey, xlibris.com – Life’s Poetry – Josephine Dion Casey, and faithfilledbooks.com. The ebook is available on chapters.indigo.ca – Life’s Poetry – Josephine Dion Casey and kobobooks.com – Life’s Poetry – Josephine Dion Casey. Josephine has accomplished several book signings with Chapters/ Indigo. She has also attended events that have been organized with the Brampton Library and is currently a host for a monthly Open Mic event in Brampton. Her Open Mic segment is a community event that creates a platform for artists and individuals to showcase their talent and connect with aspiring people. Josephine’s most recent work is a newsletter titled Life’s Poetry News, which showcases inspirational individuals that have overcame challenges in life and are now making a difference in our community. Josephine continues to pursue her dreams and work on new projects with high hopes to inspire others. Some of her current projects include a Life’s Poetry book club for girls and for adults.
During our conversation, Josephine talks about:
– some of her background and what inspired her to start writing
– She shares of her poems “Hope”
– the story behind her book “Life’s Poetry” and her new non-profit organization Life’s Poetry Community Empowerment
– Her 2nd Annual Life’s Poetry Conference that is happening on Sunday, February 7, 2016
You can find out more information about Josephine and the 2nd Annual Life’s Poetry Conference via:
Despite having a successful career with Citicorp Investment Services, André Hueston Mack decided to leave his “desk job” to pursue his passion for wine. While working as a sommelier in San Antonio, Mack discovered the joys of introducing guests to the little known vineyards that first attracted him to the business and “the instant gratification of a guest’s reaction.”
While still in Texas, Mack was awarded the prestigious title of Best Young Sommelier in America by the highly regarded Chaine des Rotisseurs. This recognition led to a job as sommelier at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned French Laundry in Yountville, California. Mack went on to accept the position of Head Sommelier at Keller’s equally famed Per Se in New York City, where he managed a 1500-selection award-winning wine list and consulted regularly with Chef Keller on menu and pairing development. Winemaking had always been a dream of his and came to fruition in 2007 when he founded Mouton Noir Wines. Throughout his career, Mack has forged special relationships with star growers and winemakers from Oregon and it is with this luminary group that he is currently making his most exciting wines. Mouton Noir wines are served at the best restaurants across the United States. He recently began curating wines for Club W, a wine club for a new generation of drinkers, to continue his mission of making wine more accessible.
Based on the success of his own wine labels, in 2011 Mack established Get Fraiche Cru, a boutique graphic design firm, for which he serves as creative director. He has worked with clients such as Joel Gott, Palm Bay Imports, and Charles & Charles.
Mack has been married since 2008 to author Phoebe Damrosch, whose New York Times notable book, Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, detailed their courtship and collaboration in opening Per Se restaurant.
Mack has been featured in major publication such as Food and Wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine, New York Times, The Huffington Post, and Wall Street Journal. Mr. Mack has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to business. He was honored in 2007 with The Network Journal’s 40-Under-Forty Achievement Award. Mack is an ardent wine educator who has been invited to host seminars as well as lead panel discussions at several of the country’s most prestigious food and wine gatherings including Aspen Food and Wine and Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.
During our conversation with Mr. Mack, he talked about:
– Some of his life traveling military family and what he learned from growing up in a family in a family that travelled a lot
– What examples did his parents set for him
– How the show Fraser was an influence on his life
– Some of his early jobs in the restaurant industry
– His experience working for Citicorp and why he left
– The early days of being a sommelier and the story behind receiving the best somelier in America
– The early days of Mouton Noir Wines and the importance of relationships
– The story behind Get Fresh Crew
– How does he keep it going and the importance of fatherhood to him
– How has the vine industry changed and words of wisdom for people of color who want to get into the industry
V. Sheree Williams of Cuisine Noir Magazine will on our show live tonight live at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific.
All you need to listen to the conversation live is:
Desktop/Laptop: All you need to do is go to The Dr. Vibe Show™ tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific.
Tablet/Smartphone: Tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, please go to the “Mixlr” player at the bottom of The Dr. Vibe Show™ and click on “Click To Play”.
During our live conversation, you have the opportunity to call in, share with us and ask questions. If you would like to do this, you can call (507) 237-8423 or doctorvibe42 (Skype). If you get through, please be patient and we will get to your call as soon as possible.
All you need to do to listen to the conversation live is:
Desktop/Laptop: All you need to do is go to http://thedrvibeshow.com/ tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Pacific.
Tablet/Smartphone: Tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Pacific, please go to the “Mixlr” player at the bottom of http://thedrvibeshow.com/ and click on “Click To Play”.
You can also provide your comments and questions during the event via Twitter (@drvibeshow#DrVibe) and at our Facebook Fan Page at “The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook Fan Page.
