Hollywood-based CBD gummy and multivitamin company SMILE has been one of those companies that has seen an increase in consumers during the COVID-19 situation. With anxiety levels at an all-time high and lonely people being locked inside feel depressed and lacking energy, CBD in general has been a go-to natural (and VEGAN!) remedy to help individuals cope.

But beyond helping cope with those items, CBD is also AMAZING for your skin and beauty (treat dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema), so that you can also feel fabulous during and after this whole situation. Just ask the growing list of celebrities and mega social media influencers such as Emma Kenney, Daisy Marquez, Alex Davis, Edwin Honoret, Becca Tilley and Jason Genao, who have all been seen enjoying their CBD products! And what’s more, SMILE as a company has decided to donate 100% of sales to the United Nations Foundation for COVID-19. Amazing stuff!

It’s A Glam Thing sat down with SMILE‘s CEO David Jiang to find out more!

Nick Northstar: What makes SMILE different from other CBD companies?

David Jiang: What makes our products unique is that our gummies are vegan friendly and double as a multivitamin. They include 9 of the most commonly lacked vitamins and minerals in the average American diet. I can confidently say that these are the best CBD gummies you will have ever tried. They’re so good that every person that tries them, doesn’t even believe they have CBD. Our other products are available as tinctures in 4 delicious flavors: Mighty Mango and Zesty Lemon in our energize formulation, and French Vanilla and Mint Bliss in our unwind formulation. Soon we will be releasing a line of soothing topicals that we’re really excited for. 

NN: How did you come up with such an incredible product?

DJ: I’ve always been interested in nutrition, health and fitness, and it was a no-brainer to join the CBD industry because it has so much potential for growth. With SMILE, I wanted to create a brand that had the highest quality products, but that was also fun, uplifting and approachable. Let’s be honest… for most people, their association with taking vitamins started when our parents forced us to take gross-tasting vitamins as kids. As adults with busy schedules, it’s not only hard to remember to take our vitamins, but it’s not the most enjoyable process when we do take them. I wanted people to look forward to taking SMILE products.

NN: Celebrities, influencers, athletes and a ton of notable people all over the world are using it! Did you think your product would be this successful? 

DJ: We could have only hoped! We’re so excited to see those with large followings supporting our brand and getting the word out, but we’re also equally as delighted to receive feedback from everyday users of our products. To come back and tell us that by ingesting our gummies or tinctures, they’ve seen a great improvement in their overall wellbeing is so rewarding. They report everything from SMILE aiding in their stress relief and better sleep to soothing sore muscles and tension. It keeps me motivated to continue bringing outstanding products to market that make people say: wow, I never thought a product could be this great or work this well. We have a line of topicals and buttery lotions coming out soon that are guaranteed to blow people away.

NN: Since everyone is currently locked down at home, what can CBD do for a person’s beauty and skin?

DJ: With your skin as your biggest organ, it’s important to feed your body with proper nutrition. With Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Coconut Oil, Vitamins A, B12, D3, and Zinc, our passion fruit multivitamin gummies do wonders to help support your comprehensive health and the integrity of your skin. Also, ingesting CBD in a form such as our tinctures before bed ensure a more restful night’s sleep — and as we all know, deeper sleep has proven to provide wonderous benefits for our skin and wellness.

NN: Scientists are finding more evidence that CBD can also treat dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema…. which of your products would help towards these?

DJ: Our gummy multivitamin product is strongly recommended to support overall health and wellness which plays a big role in maintaining overall health and healthy skin. Smile will be introducing buttery lotions and topicals in the near future which readers should definitely stay tuned to our website and social channels for updates on.

NN: Which of your products would you recommend for anxiety? Which is also a huge thing these days during these troubling times.

DJ: I would recommend our Mint Bliss or French Vanilla tinctures for anxiety. While the gummies are meant to be consumed at the start of your day, a part of your morning routine, our collection of “Unwind” tinctures can be ingested whenever you feel stressed, anxious, or just need to wind down at the end of the day. 

NN: You are also giving back during this time. Tell us how and why is being able to give back and help people so important to you as a company?

DJ: In tough times, we need to pull together. This is why Smile is donating 100% of its profits to the United Nations Foundation COVID-19 Fundraiser. CBD and smiling are both natural mood boosters and we are honored to be contributing our profits towards the UN’s Fundraiser to support those in need. 

NN: What is your definition of “Glam” and how does SMILE fall into that?

DJ: To me, feeling “glam” may equate with being special, having a certain prominence in desirability. In the CBD industry there isn’t a singular brand today that stands out as one that people both love to take and that they can also trust. With SMILE, we aim to provide customers with an array of products that will engage them with an overall, more improved sense of well-being.

NN: Where can people go buy your products? 

DJ: People can shop for our products on our website, www.reasontosmile.com

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The Coronavirus threat has turned the world upside down. It’s impacting just about everyone, leading to record numbers of people being at home. So it’s a pretty good idea to stock up both on what you need for a lengthy stay at home and things to make your home life a lot more comfortable / yourself feeling glamorous! We didn’t want to bore you with a long list, so here’s the Top 5 Items that relate to keeping yourself feeling fabulous while stuck indoors at home!

#1 – Keeping your smile and teeth looking fabulous

Snow Teeth Whitening kits are easy and simple to use. Just plug it into your phone and let it shine on your teeth and get them ready for all those Zoom and FaceTiming videos with co-workers and friends you are going to have to do. Nobody wants yellow teeth being shown up-close on camera.

#2 – Feeling and looking good starts with your stomach

Stuck at home means you need to start learning to cook better, so that you can feel better. And there’s just something special—and nostalgic—about cracking open a recipe book. My personal favorites include the sequel to Chrissy Teigen’s beloved ‘Cravings,’ and Joanna Gaines’ collection of comfort food recipes.

#3 – All about the lighting

Whether you are going on camera, filming a TikTok video or need the perfect light for your selfies, get yourself a RING light. Trust me, it will save you time editing and make you feel your most glam self naturally in front of your phone or screen.

#4 – Let your pets feel glamorous too

For taking selfies with your pup you gotta get this Shark Tank product. You know your dog is the cutest one out there, so it’s about time you got around to making them their own Instagram page during this lockdown. And it all starts with some adorably candid selfies, which you can take with the Pooch Selfie. Pet parents like that it clips easily onto the top of your phone and that it holds your pup’s attention long enough to snap the perfect pic.

#5 – Don’t stop your work-out

Everyone is getting one – the Peloton Bike! Access unlimited class content across multiple profiles and ride with your friends from the comfort of your own home. The perfect way to stay healthy and feel great and fab!

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By definition Teledentistry is the use of information technology and telecommunications for dental care, consultation, education, and public awareness. And here in Hollywood, the biggest company is BYTE, whose made-to-order aligners are six times faster than braces and guaranteed for life! Behind the marketing for this great company is Sarah McDonald. After years of working at Fortune 500 companies (BD Medical, YouTube) Sarah took her talents to early stage start-ups in the Direct-to-Consumer marketplace such as byte. I sat down with Sarah to find out more about herself, why social media is important in today’s marketplace for companies, the ‘Don’t Tell Me To Smile‘ campaign that her brand has made gone viral, and all about byte and why celebrities are using the products of byte to look fabulous!

NICK NORTHSTAR: Let’s kick things off with a fun fashion question: How would you describe your own personal style – both while at home and while working?

SARAH MCDONALD: Typically I go for minimalist and timeless looks both at home and at the office. I try not to buy super trendy pieces that will only last a season but instead look for neutral colors I can wear throughout time that fit me well. When it comes to work, I choose my outfits based on comfort and ease. Vintage Levis, a white tee and gold jewelry is my go-to uniform!

NN: Why did you decide to leave your job working for big fortune 500 companies and concentrate more on start-ups in the direct-to-consumer marketplace? What’s your day-to-day like now?

SM: Working at fortune 500 companies was a great start to building my career foundation and of course was impressive on paper, but I hit a point where I realized I wasn’t truly passionate about what I was doing. It started to feel like I was just another number, and I wanted to make a larger impact when it came to my day to day. I was in my mid-20s and made the decision to change industries completely. This change was terrifying as I am a calculated risk persona and felt that I’d have to start over to do so. I figured if I was potentially going to take a couple of steps backwards, I wanted to grow as quickly as possible and thought a start-up would be my best bet. I figured I’d get the chance to take a lot on and gave myself one year to “just try it out.” I happened to land at a start up in the direct-to-consumer wine and tech industry and haven’t looked back at larger companies since. My day-to-day now is fast paced, exciting, and while it feels like it’s never-ending, is so worth it! As Head of Brand Marketing at byte, I wear dozens of hats, and I’ve had to master the skill of prioritizing. I typically start my week off identifying any deadlines and organizing my many to-dos in order of urgency. The week usually speeds by with meetings, brainstorms and content creation sessions. I have an amazing team that I work with every day and it’s been a very exciting experience so far.

NN: What makes byte stand out from other teledentistry companies?

SM: byte stand out in many ways! We’re able to straighten your teeth in half the time of any other invisible aligner company in the marketplace thanks to our exclusive accelerator device, the HyperByte. Not only can we get you done faster but we’re also a fraction of the cost and can be done without leaving home, which is major. Another way we stand out is our Smile Science technology, created by our co-founder Dr. Marashi, who is the celebrity dentist of every A-lister out there. We design a smile that is all your own by analyzing your selfie and considering the proportions of your face, unlike other brands that use generic software.

NN: What first attracted you to them (byte) to work for?

SM: I was attracted to the idea that I would be able to change lives through a product I believed in. I loved the thought of providing something meaningful to people who may have not previously been able to afford or access the tools to achieve a smile they were proud of. I joined byte pre-launch, and while the idea of starting a company was scary in some ways, I was eager to have a real say in how we would build an authentic and meaningful brand.

NN: How important is social media these days for beauty and lifestyle companies to get the word out?

SM: Social media is extremely important especially when it comes to beauty and lifestyle companies. A brand like ours that is altering the way you look and requires a lot of trust relies heavily on our customers to share their experience, and social media is where that takes place. Our product is something people spend lots of time researching before deciding to purchase so I always want to make sure that we have a one stop shop on social for them to get educated, see byte results, ask questions and feel inspired to go after the smile they’ve dreamed of with byte. It’s a great place to tell your brand story and reach new audiences.

NN: What has the feedback been from people who have used the various products byte offers?

SM: The feedback has been beyond amazing. Since day one, we’ve been obsessed with our customers’ experience and do everything we can to make sure that each and every person feels valued and gets the results we promised them. If you look at byte reviews, you’ll often see people calling out how much they love our customer service, are in awe of the HyperByte and love the brand itself in terms of design, look and feel. Our entire byte team takes great pride in what we do, and we love to celebrate our customers as they finish their treatment and achieve their new smiles.

NN: What is the process for those wanting that “perfect smile”?

SM: The process is all about convenience and ease. You start off by finding out if you’re a byte candidate by ordering our Impression Kit and taking molds of your teeth at home. An orthodontist reviews your smile and creates a custom treatment plan so you can see what your smile journey will look like. At this point, you’ll order your byte aligner system which comes with all of your aligners, teeth whitener and our exclusive HyperByte tool, and you’re on your way to a straighter, whiter smile. Our team is with you every step of the way, and we make it work with your budget whether that’s through our 100% credit approval financing that’s under $100 per month, using your insurance or utilizing your FSA/HSA benefits! byte takes an average of 3 months to give you the smile you’ve dreamt of!

NN: byte also recently launched the “Don’t Tell Me To Smile” campaign. Tell us more about this initiative and why it’s so important to you?

SM: This campaign is very important to me, and I’ve been in awe of the heartfelt response we’ve gotten since launch. I’ve always admired brands that are not afraid to use their voice and reach to get real messages across. It’s powerful when done right and allows a brand to stand for more than just their product. “Don’t Tell Me To Smile” campaign was all around empowering people to own their smiles. Unfortunately, most women can think of one if not dozens of times someone on the street, at a bar or even at work has told them they need to smile more, and we wanted to start a conversation around this. Smiling is great (and we’re clearly in the business of making smiles), but we also want to build the confidence around a beautiful smile and it being for you to show off when you so choose. Upon launch, we received thousands of shares and comments from women sharing their stories around being told to smile more and how much our video meant to them. We hoped that men would jump into the conversation as this was a learning moment for everyone to get something out of.

NN: As we ask everyone here, on a personal note, what is your definition of “Glam”?

SM: Glam is being the best version of yourself and finding the confidence to live in your truth. I love when I see people doing what makes them feel beautiful and fabulous.

NN: What can we expect from byte moving forward this year and next?

SM: 2020 is going to be a great one. We just entered into an exclusive partnership with FabFitFun, the #1 beauty and lifestyle subscription box and have other surprises in the works. We will continue to put our customers first and find ways to help people achieve smiles they’re proud of and confidence to get after their dreams.

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Pamela Jean Noble is best known for her roles on the BRAVO television series, Below Deck, the CMT series, Bachelorette Weekend, but along with her growing entertainment career, she has appeared on countless magazine covers and is one of the go-to social media influencers, where her fans admire every outfit and beauty choice she makes while appearing on countless red carpets in Hollywood.

It’s A Glam Thing sent me to sit down in LaLaLand with Pamela to find out more about her style, top trends, filter choices (if any?), beauty product brands and more…

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal style – both while relaxing at home and while working it for the cameras and on the red carpet?

PAMELA JEAN NOBLE: Relaxing at home I am always super casual. Yoga pants, sports bras, tank tops are my normal go to’s. I have animals and I love to garden so it’s the easiest option for both those things. For red carpets and shoots, I like to be glamorous and sexy but always classy. Dresses are normally my options, but I love to switch it up and surprise people. At the end of the day, comfy clothes always take the win and are my “go-to”.

NN: What are some of your favorite beauty products that you use to get red-carpet and photo-shoot ready?

PJN: Oh my goodness, I have so many! All my skin care/skin prep is Drunk Elephant! I absolutely love their brand and products; it has cleared my skin up so much! For makeup I use Clinique, Tarte, Benefit, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Huda Beauty. My hair I use HairDreams products to prep my hair and usually curl with my DryBar wand.

NN: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

PJN: I am all about cruelty free brands so whatever brands are not tested on animals, and not made from animals, like fur, leather, etc., I am willing to consider! I just got some cute bags from misguided that look like leather but aren’t. So, in that case a designer label doesn’t matter to me, it’s just the right thing to do.

NN: What is your favorite Instagram (@pamelajeannoble) filter? Or #NoFilter?

PJB: I prefer No Filter and I usually use brightness and saturation features. I always appreciate hearing at any event, that I “actually look like my photos”. Everyone is gorgeous and should be proud of how they look and not feel the need to photoshop or use filters for a confidence boost, let alone alter their image just for more “likes”, so I guess #BeYourself

NN: How important is social media these days in building your brand as a model and influencer?

PJN: I think it is so important. I see castings all the time that ask for Facebook or Instagram handles or how many followers do you have? They want to know you can promote their brand- it makes sense to me. However, with all the algorithm changes [on Facebook and Instagram] I liked it more when the platforms were just about connecting people and not about filtering content and forcing people to advertise.

NN: What Top 3 Fashion Trends do you LOVE right now?

PJN: I love the hair barrette accessory trend. I use Kitsch all the time! Also, shruken bags and blazers.

NN: What Top 3 Fashion Trends do you HATE right now?

PJN: I am not into all the see-through tops with no bras, boiler suits, and bucket hats.

NN: What changes in the modeling industry would you like to see changed moving forward?

PJN: I love that the industry is finally using all colors, sizes, and heights but we still have so much further to go. There are still so many brands that have not wavered from the 6 ft tall size 0 girls. I am 5’7” and I know girls shorter, taller, bigger and smaller than me, and we are all beautiful. Fashion needs to get with the people and times.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to get into the modeling and entertainment industries?

PJN: Walk quietly with a big stick. Too many people in Hollywood “know this person and that person”, literally list or drop names about who they have worked with aka their resumes or feel the need to flash what they have (money, jewelry, etc.). My advice would be to work hard and let your work or resume speak for itself. There have been people I have known for years that are still finding out things I work on because I may post about it, but I don’t just sit around talking about it. I’d rather be known for being humble than everyone knowing everything I’ve ever worked on.

NN: What is your definition of “Hollywood Glam”?

PJN: I think it’s a little bit of everything: hair, makeup, skin, outfit, heels, and accessories. Sometimes it can be simple and make a huge statement and other times a gown is needed. Every event is different, and you have to adapt “your look” to the event.

NN: What project and/or campaigns do you have coming up this year?

PJN: I have so many magazine releases coming out! Also, my nonprofit Noble Critters launches later this month and I have been working on that for a very long time! I am so proud that I can use my platform to give back to some amazing animal sanctuaries.

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What do you get when you bring together over two-hundred celebrity parents, their kids, some Disney/Nickelodeon/BRAT television stars and mix them with a totally awesome indoor and outdoor playground?! A FUN party! Now mix in a giant bounce castle, some safety awareness kits, music, a red carpet and “Instagramable” photo booths: You get a TOTALLY AWESOME party!

mifold, the world’s top grab-and-go booster seat for children invited It’s A Glam Thing to attend their 1st Annual Children’s Passenger Safety Awareness Fun Day at The Awesome Playground in Los Angeles, and we can report back that it was awesome.

The event started with a star-filled red carpet that included UFC Champion Chuck Liddell, NFL players Bret Lockett and Duane Brown, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Rib Hillis, Fuller House stars Soni Bringas and Elias Harger, 9-1-1 stars Gavin McHugh and Pilar Holland, Single Parent’s breakout star Marlow Barkley, and countless other child, adult celebrities and social media influencers.

Even some local Uber drivers dropped by to check out the festivities and grab some mifold boosters to carry along in their vehicles as sometimes parents don’t have one handy, which is a big NO-NO!

After the red carpet, Disney’s Ava Kolker hit the stage inside to perform her new single, which was followed by heartfelt remarks by mifold’s inventor Jon Sumroy, double amputee champion runner Jami Marseilles and Helen Arbogast of Safe Kids California on why car safety is A MUST!

All in all, the event brought together the community of Hollywood for a fun event that taught us about what to look for when getting our kids or others into cars, and that talking about safety can be done in a fun manner!

Here’s some highlights from the event courtesy of mifold’s video team…

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While Andy Warhol lived a very glamorous lifestyle, the times have changed these days for many artists who have been on the rise making their mark in a very creative industry…. they need to do it their own way! Tysen Knight is one such artist who went from being homeless to now selling out galleries around the world, and here in California, with his ‘Pop Urban‘ branded masterpieces.

From red carpets, to charity work, to eye-catching artwork, Tysen sat down with It’s A Glam Thing to let us into his day-to-day life:

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal art style?

TYSEN KNIGHT: I would describe my style as ‘Pop Urban Art’ mixing Fine, Street and Pop Art into remixed masterpieces creating artwork that fresh and also paying homage to the original works by the master. I use bright colors in all my works in studio and at live art events, colors attracted eyes and curiosity.

NN: What are some of your favorite products to use while creating your artwork?

TK: Paint markers and spray paint are my main products I use when I’m creating artwork, but I have recently added paint brushes to my creative process. I mostly work with acrylic and oil paints.

NN: Who have been some of your role models in your career?

TK: My peers are my role models without even realizing it. I get inspired by other artist and their creative process, as far my muses Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, they inspire me because of their impact and the blue print they left for the art world.

NN: How did moving from New York to California (where you currently live) change your own life?

TK: Being able to live on both coasts has been a tremendous blessing for me as an artist. The cultural differences can be seen in my artwork, blending my childhood experience from the east and my adult experiences from the west is perfect marriage of color, influence and art culture.

NN: You mentor kids that want to create art, and have been seen giving your time to various local charities like Habitat For Humanity. Why is giving back so important to you?

TK: To whom much is given much is required, being blessed with talented gifts are to be shared to uplift and inspire people. I didn’t fall in love with my art until I figured out that giving back was the main purpose. Foot prints of humanity leaves a path for the next generation to follow.

NN: A lot of Hollywood stars have come out to support your art. How does that feel?

TK: It is an amazing feeling to be acknowledged for your creativity. To have celebrities come out and support my artwork is overwhelming and humbling at the same time. Feelings of gratitude comes to mind when your hard work pays off.

NN: What trends in the art world are you loving right now?

TK: I’m loving all the different genres of art popping up all over the place. Art has taking on new forms of media 3D printing, Virtual etc… Art can be applied to anything right now! What amazing time to be an artist.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to take on art as a full-time career?

TK: Have a definite purpose for your passion and understand why you are pursing your dreams. This understanding will give you the fortitude and drive to keep pushing forward with your faith. Surround yourself with like minded individuals this will keep your inspiration and creativity balanced. More importantly #BeInspired

NN: What is your definition of “Glam”? And is the life of an artist “Glamorous”?!

TK: Vintage style, simple and classy with a touch of modern flare is my definition of Glam. The life of an artist is interpreted by their style of creativity. I would say my style has a splash of the “Glamorous Life”.

NN: Which piece of art of yours would you say defines “Glam”?

TK: My ICON SERIES defines Glam; Marilyn Monroe and Billie Holiday doesn’t get more Glamorous than that.

NN: What new pieces are you currently working on?

TK: I’m still working on my ICON SERIES right now, more legends will be added to complete the series!

For more details on Tysen and to see more of his art, go to: www.tysenknight.com

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Whether you are a professional dancer or just dancing for fun, I think we can all agree that dance makes you feel good and can be a great way to express yourself. No matter if you are in a studio, on a club or on stage, dancing allows you to get in touch with your body and music and to connect with a people vibrating at the same frequency. Because of this, it is important to be dressed properly and that’s where dance fashion comes in!

It’s A Glam Thing caught up with one of Broadway’s most in-demand choreographers (and the founder of Dancing 4 Change) Kelli Gautreau to dive deeper into her own fashion and why picking the right clothes for expressing her charity group’s visions are truly one of the most important aspects of a successful number.

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal style – both while at home and while dancing?

KELLI GAUTREAU: I don’t like to follow trends. I have a unique style. I am somewhere between military-esque and steam punk with a feminine flair. I like suspenders. I am obsessed with funky boots. My favorite boots that I own are my red plaid doc martins with gold studs and  my furry boots with spiky heels. When I dance, I wear sweats or Emily’s Design leggings or Lulu Lemon leggings.

NN: How has starting up Dancing 4 Change – a group of young kids that come together to create dance videos to support various charities across the globe – changed your own life?

KG: Starting Dancing 4 Changed has changed my life for the better. I created this film series so I could give back but it’s the people that I have met along the way that give so much to me. With each new film, comes new charities and new experiences. I am in awe of the strength it takes for each spokesperson to tell their story in order for us to be able to tell ours. I hope that I am able to continue doing this work for many years to come.

NN: What are some of your favorite beauty products that you use while performing? 

KG: I don’t go anywhere without my Make Up Forever products. Their HD foundation creates a great on camera look. Smooth and natural looking. I always have CO Bigelow lip balm on me. Cinnamon is my favorite.

NN: How has starting up Dancing 4 Change – a group of young kids that come together to create dance videos to support various charities across the globe – changed your own life?

KG: Starting Dancing 4 Changed has changed my life for the better. I created this film series so I could give back but it’s the people that I have met along the way that give so much to me. With each new film, comes new charities and new experiences. I am in awe of the strength it takes for each spokesperson to tell their story in order for us to be able to tell ours. I hope that I am able to continue doing this work for many years to come.

NN: How important is picking the right outfits for a performance?

KG: Picking the right outfit is very important. What the dancers wear sets the tone of the dance. Since our films don’t use dialogue, we rely heavily on visual effect to tell the story. Choosing the right outfit is paramount to the success of our films.

NN: How big a role does fashion make when it comes to an overall dance number? 

KG: Dance and fashion go hand in hand. One of my favorite styles of dance to costume is jazz and tap because it’s all about glitz and glam. Picking out/designing costumes is one of my favorite parts of being a choreographer. A dance is nothing without its costume.

NN: Who have been some of your role models in your career?

KG: Mia Michaels is a huge inspiration to me. She is a brilliant choreographer and a brilliant storyteller.

NN: Why is giving back so important to you?

KG: Sometimes the world can feel like a scary place. There are so many things out of our control. One thing we have control over is doing what we can to help others. I see my three nephews and I want to make the world a better place for them. Each film has a call to action at the end. “How are you going to help”?… “Tell someone today”!… It is our goal to create content that will get kids thinking without them feeling like they are being lectured.

NN: A lot of Hollywood stars have come out to support you. How does that feel?

KG: When I first started Dancing 4 Change I did not think it would wind up getting the attention of Hollywood stars. At the time, I just wanted to create content that would help kids. I am truly honored any time a celebrity takes time out of their busy schedule to let us know they are supporting us. I know what we are doing is important. The support of others fuels me to keep going.

NN: What trends in the dance world are you loving right now?

KG: I love that there are dance shows on television. I think that shows like So You Think You Can Dance and World of Dance are an inspiration to many kids. Airing dance shows on television is a good way to expose kids to the art of dance at a young age.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to move to the United States like you did from Canada and get into dance full-time?

KG: My advice is not to give up. It took me 11 years to get a green card. So many things went wrong along the way. There were many times when I felt like giving up. People think it’s easier for Canadians to work in the United States. It isn’t. I’ve been through five immigration lawyers since I started. It’s a very complicated and expensive process. I’ve been stuck at the border, sent home, lost jobs, denied applications. Whatever you can think of, I’ve been through it. At this point, I feel like I could be an immigration lawyer myself. It was a long road, but in the end if you want it badly enough, it’s worth it.

NN: What is your definition of “Glam”?

KG: My definition of Glam is whatever makes you feel beautiful. Everyone has a different style. If you feel confident in what you are wearing then it will shine through. Glam is when style meets personality meets confidence.

NN: What can we expect from Dancing 4 Change and your other professional projects this coming year?

KG: We have a filmed called (Stronger) Together! that was made to raise awareness for #MeToo movement for kids. This film encourages kids/teens to talk about sexual assault instead of keeping it a secret. There will be an online release sometime this Spring/Summer. Also, we are workshopping a film about school safety. We are currently in discussions with different charities for this film. Audition information is on our website: www.dancing4change.com

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Krysta Youngs and Julia Ross are the female songwriting superstars behind one of the year’s top music hits, Home, by chart-topping, record-breaking K-pop group, BTS. But before landing their song on the group’s new album, the two ladies have had a successful career. Krysta has written for the likes of Cee-Lo, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, while Julia has been touring with Miley Cyrus and used to be the lead singer of the popular Disney girl-group Everlife.

It’s A Glam Thing caught up with the two to find out those more about their partnership and just how stylish songwriters can be…

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal styles – both while relaxing at home, while working it for the cameras on the red carpet and also behind the scenes songwriting?

KRYSTA YOUNG: Bold & Relaxed! I love wearing pieces that I feel comfortable in but also that are unique & colorful. Fashion to me can be used as an icebreaker.

JULIA ROSS: I love any kind of clothing that flows with me when I walk. From kimonos, to a long duster tied around my waist, to a loose black robe when I’m chillin at home. I would say boho chic wether its fancy or lounging.

NN: What are some of your favorite beauty products that you use to get red-carpet ready?

KY: I love MAC’s “hyper real glow” highlighter. The more I glow the better. I’m also in-love with “tint in water :02 lollipop” lip stain I bought from Korea.

JR: I love pretty much anything Tarte! I use the amazonian clay foundation along with their creaseless concealer. Becca highlighter in Champagne and the amazing Anastasia contour pallet. I love a simple face with a dewy glow for daytime and the only thing I change when I go out is a smokey cat liner.

NN: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

KY: I’m obsessed with Versace especially their newer line. I don’t own any… yet… but I’m hoping that will change ASAP. I also love finding unique vintage kimonos.

JR: I’ve never really been into big name designers. My childhood was a bunch of either hand me downs or going to the thrift store and and getting as many things as I wanted to create whoever I wanted to be. I never matched and I love my parents for that. Now a days, one of Krysta and I’s favorite places to shop is Buffalo Exchange! There are so many great designer pieces for great prices there and a whole array of styles to choose from. I love Free People, All Saints and a lot of the hippie Dolls Kill pieces !

NN: Who in the songwriting industry do you each look up to?

KY: I hands down look up to Sia. Her career is something I strive for. When she writes songs and demos them the artists who cut them end up sounding like her so you instantly know it’s a song written by Sia. That shit is impressive.

JR: John Mayer is one of my all time favorites. His songs make me feel how I think he felt writing them. That is how I want my listeners to feel when they listen to a song I wrote. Like “hey, this is definitely Julia Ross, and wow…I know exactly what she means cuz I’ve been there”… John Mayer’s “Never On The Day You Leave” is exactly that for me. Honesty is the best policy!

NN: What are your favorite Instagram filters? Or #NoFilter?

KY: LAGOS is my go to on IG 😉 It gives me that polished look.

JR: Oooo Paris cuz duh… member that zit? Oh wait, its gone… and New York cuz that sepia and grain is everything for a good serving face.

NN: What trends in the music world do you LOVE right now?

KY: I love that there is such an infusion of different cultures. To me, k-pop is becoming Pop! Music is a universal language and I think we’re seeing that now more than ever.

JR: I second what Krysta said about music being a universal language. I have always been a huge fan of pop and I feel like it has really been becoming more universal and honest in the past few years. Also, singer songwriter ANYTHING is my favorite as well. I may not or may not be releasing a project soon in that vein and I am so excited!

NN: We now know what you wear while songwriting, but what do others usually wear? Is it a casual atmosphere?

KY: Everyone’s style is different. I believe fashion is just an external expression of our internal vibe so I think it just depends on the person and how they’re feeling that day.

JR: It depends on the person! Someone can show up being flashy AF and the other person will be in sweats. It’s all about the mood and what makes that person feel the most comfortable and creative in that moment.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to get into the music industry?

KY: If you can hold it in your head you can hold it in your hand. Everything is possible if you have belief and a vision. Never have a back up plan because you’ll back up and the goal is to always be moving forward. Also, be vulnerable… creativity & relatability stems from vulnerability.

JR: Never let anyone tell you who you are. What you create and what you believe in is yours and anyone who tries to change that in a way that makes you feel like you’re losing yourself is wrong. Know where your passion lies and keep it alive by continuing to create your art honestly.

NN: What is your definition of “Hollywood Glam”?

KY: Whatever you want it to be… the sky’s the limit. People make up hollywood not the other way around.

JR: Hollywood glam is everything. I feel like this city is such a mix of styles that whatever glam means to you… do that.

NN: You just had together a mega hit with BTS… What are you each following it up with next?

KY: It’s always nice to win. The day I found out “Map of the Soul Persona” hit number 1 on the Billboard Charts i was working. It never ends and I’m glad it doesn’t. I’m currently working on more k-pop songs, finishing my album and doing collabs with DJS. This year is only going to get better.

JR: I am so excited about HOME. My first #1 Billboard album and this year is filled with so much more. I am planning on releasing an EP this summer and continuing to collaborate with other artists, producers and DJs, Keep your eyes and ears open for Julia Ross and Krysta Youngs!

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Initially ridiculed by the public as a silly trend, wrist watches soon became the norm as their practicality made pocket watches obsolete.

However, given that everyone now owns a cell phone, some might argue that wrist watches are slowly becoming obsolete. Why should a modern man wear a wrist watch when he could easily consult his phone for a quick time-check? Well, besides the fact that wearing a watch/timepiece looks great, it can also be a matter of convenience, feeling good, a status symbol and a deeper meaning of actually paying attention to time and making every minute count, which being locked into your phone screen doesn’t really do/help that deeper meaning.

It’s A Glam Thing wanted to dive into the mind of a timepiece creator, and so we sat down with Michael Galarza, the founder of ERA Timepieces, a luxury timepiece company that has set out with one singular goal: to take haute horlogerie complications and make them accessible to the common man. After raising over a million dollars via crowdfunding, Michael and his team are proving this goal is within reach!

From his own personal style, to the watch industry, to advice for others, here’s our interview with Michael:

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal style, both while at home and while working?

MICHAEL GALARZA: Since I work for myself, my personal style is my business style as well. I’m usually in a fitted quirky T-shirt and fitted jeans, with sneakers. I like to dress more casually typically.

NN: The word “Glamorous” can mean many different things… what is its definition to you?

MG: Glamorous to me means you are such a spectacle that others can’t help looking at you.

NN: Usually luxury timepieces cost tens of thousands of dollars… how are you able to make yours so affordable, yet still compare everything to other luxury brands?

MG: Even though our customers can easily afford to pay 5-6X more for our wares, we find there’s simply no reason to overcharge them like that. I believe in delivering a stellar product at a fair price, and selling direct to consumer lets me offer it at such competitive prices.

NN: What makes your products different than others on the market feature-wise?

MG: I do not think you can find a better value propositioned timepiece on the market at our price point. Tourbillons typically are only found in minimum 5 and 6 figure watches and we aim to recreate 99% of the experience (and then some) for a fraction of the price.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to pursue their dreams and create their own products?

MG: Get market validation from people who aren’t obligated to be nice to you. What’s the brutal truth from your target customer who isn’t your friend? It’s better to find that out fast to fix the things that need to be fixed than spend time procrastinating and ultimately creating something no one wants.

NN: What other trends outside of the watch industry, but in the fashion world, do you see happening these days?

MG: I see a rapid speed up of using exotic materials and technologies (like synthetic spider DNA weaving) that creates even more high performance materials to be used in clothing and accessories. With the advent of 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing, it’s only going to happen more and more

NN: What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far from running your own company?

MG: Do the right thing and listen well to your customers because it’s ultimately only their opinion that matters.

NN: Who are some of your mentors?

MG: Most of my mentors have in the form of reading a ton like Eric Ries’s the Lean Startup, etc but I would say my co-partner Tim at ERA has been the biggest mentor in all aspects of business for me. His experience and insight into the macro view of how the entire world works and how all the parts fit together never ceases to amaze me.

NN: What other products are you currently working on for this year and next?

MG: We’re going to be releasing an entire line in likely May with a rare complication that hasn’t really been seen too much in the last 25 years. We’ll be making 2 different takes on it – one will be a Diver with a unique case featuring the complication by itself and a Swiss Movement, and the other will be mixing that complication with a Tourbillon, which I believe will be the first time that’s been done. Both of them will be custom movements that we’ve been designing for some time and slowly testing. Finally, we’ll be launching a more minimal dress watch for men/women with just the Tourbillon on it at a much smaller dial size, as there’s been some number of requests from people who want the Tourbillon but 44mm was too large for them.

NN: How do you want your customers to feel after wearing one of your timepieces?

MG: I’d say glamorous would be a good feeling — I’d want all my customers to feel like they are wearing a thing of such beauty that everyone HAS to be looking at them.

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