Marina Montesanti has experienced and lived a life so far that has made her one of the most in-demand theatre directors of her generation. Marina, a globetrotter who has immersed herself in the world and is here now to bring unity and representation to the stage, has lived in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and now resides in New York City. She has won countless awards for her groundbreaking productions in theatre, whereas she translates non-English works and tells the stories on stage that others have been too scared to bring to light.

Besides directing, Marina is also known for her conservative, yet trendy fashion sense, and how she brings her own personality to her productions. We sat down with Marina for a fun chat about the trends happening in her industry and her own personal style and career successes….

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

MARINA MONTESANTI: At work, I tend to wear all blacks. At home, I like to wear earthy colorful dresses. I love everything that can give someone else a glimpse of my personality or way of being.

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

MM: My savior product is eyeliner from MAC because it can go from day to night and tie a look together. It really depends on the make-up designers and the product they see best fit.

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

MM: Michael Greif, Tina Landau, Edward Sheblak, Gabriela Gutierrez, David Mendizábal

NN: What is your all-time favorite play?

MM: Oh, so many! Our Lady of Kibeho by Katori Hall transformed me in so many ways.

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

MM: Ensuring the audience involvement is not passive, but emotionally and intellectually active. A theatre that invites the audience to be on the edge of their seats.

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

MM: Representation. We need to look at all ingrained systemic layers that the business is running on to truly make it inclusive – in front of and behind the camera.

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

MM: Networking is really important. But, make sure its genuine and true. Find people that share a similar mission as you. Ask for advice. Ask if you can be in their room in any capacity, even just watching rehearsal…you never know when something will go wrong and you will be asked to jump in.

NN: What is your definition of “Glam”?

MM: Natural glow of happiness – it all comes from the inside.

NN: How does the style where you currently live in New York compare to that in Brazil and elsewhere that you have previously lived?

MM: It is very similar. Culture has a big impact on stamps, colors, and cut. In Brazil, I see more vivid colors with a sense of freedom in its tropical nature. New York has one of the most unique ways of self-expression through clothing – you can literally see someone’s personality glow by their garments.

NN: What projects do you have coming up this year?

MM: One play and two musicals! While She Sleeps by Jo Bilac. EXI(S)T which I am developing with Nicole Sousa and another new revolutionary musical by Jesse Sanchez.

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With the holiday season here, the need for some new bedroom comfort items for yourself, family and incoming holiday guests may be on the top of your list. And maybe that is why Sheets & Giggles is the company that takes the top notch and has set records recently as the highest bed sheet companies to be crowd funded! And while their branding is all about “making the bedroom fun again”, their sheets don’t lie! The company uses 96% less water than cotton sheets, which also translates to people using 30% less energy to wash their sheets, and their products are also premium 100% eucalyptus lyocell bedding that’s softer, more breathable, and more sustainable than cotton. But besides the fun and science, Sheets & Giggles has started to catch the eye of Hollywood celebrities such as Andy Dick and Perez Hilton.

It’s A Glam Thing caught up in the bedroom with the brand’s Denver-based CEO Colin McIntosh to dive deeper into the sack of what makes his sheets just that good, how they actually help with skin care, and some personal details about being the founder of awesome “sheet”…

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

COLIN MCINTOSH: Bachelor life / on brand, which means I basically stay in my pajamas all day and work from bed when I don’t go into the office. When I do go into the office, it’s just standard Denver startup garb: flannel shirts and jeans every day.

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

CM: To me, glamorous people are successful people. If someone works hard, builds something amazing, and has the freedom (both professionally and financially) to dress how they want, that person is glamorous to me. I admire people who have both the confidence and freedom to express themselves how they want.

NN: Your company & products are all about environmental sustainability… why is this so important?

CM: Well, aside from the fact that we’re pretty much headed off a climate change cliff and everyone should probably stop buying cotton products, I wanted to spend my waking hours doing something that made at least somewhat of a positive impact in the world. When you start a business from scratch, it’s nice to be able to make decisions about how your company will tackle certain challenges from an environmental and ethical perspective. For example, our sheets use up to 95% less water than cotton, and no insecticides (cotton uses about 16-24% of the world’s insecticides by itself), and for every order we also plant a tree somewhere in the world that needs reforestation. We also have a donation program (#Give2Sheets) whereby our customers can donate their old cotton sheets to charity (sheets are the second-most-requested item at homeless shelters). I wouldn’t have started a business that didn’t make me feel good about myself and the end results of my work.

NN: What makes your bed sheets “bedder bedding” than other companies?

CM: From a comfort level, S&G’s eucalyptus lyocell sheets are literally softer, more breathable, and more moisture-wicking than cotton (i.e., they’re ideal for hot sleepers). They’re also more durable to rips and tears and will hold their color longer than cotton sheets. From a sustainability angle, we use up to 95% less water than cotton, up to 30% less energy, and no pesticides or insecticides, and they biodegrade 40% faster once thrown in a landfill.

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

CM: Before anything else, build a profitable business model and go-to-market strategy that you strongly feel makes sense and is profitable. Then, go find customers and market to them, get signups, get feedback on the proposed product, and then build your product around that model, strategy, and early customer feedback. Do not do it the other way around, which is how most companies get founded: people spend time and money building a “thing” and then try to build a business around it, only to find out the “thing” doesn’t have market demand, sustainable margins, a large enough audience, etc.

NN: How important was crowd funding to get things started for Sheets & Giggles?

CM: Absolutely crucial. We purposefully didn’t raise money from a VC like a traditional startup, so in May 2018 we used Indiegogo to crowdfund preorders and generate our initial bankroll. If we had failed, we would’ve basically wrapped up the company or hit the reset button. Because of this, we have a really tight bond with our ~2,000 Indiegogo backers; they literally brought the company to life.

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

CM: Nothing is ever perfect, and you have to be ok with mistakes if you’re going to actually get things done.

NN: How important are sheets (material used, etc.) in relation to skin care overnight?

CM: Very, especially because people only wash their sheets on average every 3 weeks. Airy sheets that are moisture-wicking and that evaporate sweat quickly are important for an anti-microbial environment, but synthetics like polyester can cause outbreaks and other skin problems. Treat yourself to nice sheets and wash them once a week! (Or at least once every two weeks.)

NN: What other products are you currently working on?

CM: Eucalyptus throw blankets will be next in line in early 2019, followed by a eucalyptus heavy blanket and hopefully some eucalyptus towels soon after that. All sustainable, all insanely premium and soft.

NN: Do you feel Sheets & Giggles consumers will feel more “Glamorous” after a good night’s rest in your products?!

CM: Our reviews tell that story well! We’ve had customers who tell us they haven’t slept this well in years (from back pain, night sweats, menopause, etc.), and we absolutely love every time we get a new story from a customer who slept like a baby the night before.

NN: Before we let you go, tell us a bedroom “giggle” joke…

CM: We almost hired a koala bear as an actor in our recent video shoot about eucalyptus trees, but he wasn’t koalafied for the position.

www.SheetsGiggles.com

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When he was only 21 years old, Jared Goetz was making millions of dollars putting on events around the globe. Now years later, Jared has been running and helping multiple companies and celebrities generate millions of dollars in revenue for themselves through e-commerce.

It’s A Glam Thing sat down with Jared while he was out here in Hollywood (visiting from his home base of Miami, Florida), to talk about his work, style, favorite Instagram filters and whether being “geeky” is a good or bad thing!

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

JARED GOETZ: Sleek, with a subtle shock factor. I live in South Florida so a t-shirt and jeans will get me through most days. I like designer t-shirts in neutral colors and a dark pair of jeans that are on the slim side. I always try to add one element to my outfit that is rare, unique or just straight up cool. I typically do this with either a watch, blazer or a pair of sneakers.

NN: You are based in Florida… what about the city do you love most? Why did you move there? Would you ever move here to Hollywood?

JG: I love the weather, which leads to a lot of golf time. I moved here because I spent a lot of time here growing up visiting family, so I always had a place in my heart for South Florida.

NN: Entrepreneurs, especially those in the “tech space” are perceived (unfairly) to look “geeky” in a sense. What are your thoughts on this statement?

JG: Geeky is a bad thing? I think it’s cool! Look, most of those in tech are not the most fashion-forward individuals, but these days you can pull off casual looks way more than you used to be able to – I think we have the tech community to thank for that.

NN: Steve Jobs had his go-to turtleneck outfit… Do you have a “go-to” outfit?

JG: Yes, typically I go with a black v-neck t-shirt and dark jeans. As I said, I’m all about looking chic, but I’m also in tech, so I don’t want to go too crazy.

NN: You work with and have helped develop some of the top Shopify storefronts online. Your own is the second fastest growing one next to Kylie Jenners. What type of storefronts (product wise) in your opinion are more likely to succeed in the online space?

JG: The trick to selling online for me is flexibility, and I try to pass that on to my students. I am trying to move a lot of product, and nothing sells better than what’s trending. Because I sell items that are trending, you have to be flexible regarding a product. Once the trend is over, you should already be riding the next wave. This is why I typically recommend stores that are themed in a general way, so the owner can shift between multiple product industries.

NN: Your Instagram account has a huge following as well… What is your favorite Instagram filter? Or #NoFilter?

JG: It depends on the lighting. I usually don’t even use filters because the Florida weather is typically good enough on its own! I’m much more concerned about the content of my posts than getting them to look perfect.

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

JG: Start today. That’s really my advice to anybody starting anything, just get going. Pick up a book on the industry, follow influential people and start experimenting on your own. The worst thing you can do is continue to think about how to get into something – just get into it!

NN: How can people learn more and take one of your courses you now offer?

JG: They can visit my website, jaredgoetz.com, or check out the eCom Hacks Academy website, ecomhacksacademy.com.

NN: And finally, out of curiosity, who have been your favorite celebrity or notable individuals to work with so far (that you are allowed to name)?

JG: So many good ones, but one of the coolest people that I’ve met and worked with has been Mark Cuban and Kris Singh.

Follow Jared on Instagram also at: @jaredgoetzwhathewants

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Everyone these days is in search of a haircare product that not only will do the job right, but is also all natural and environmentally friendly. Mix in a charity component and you have found yourself DāO Detroit, a new plant-based haircare company that provides a transformational hair experience for women and men, regardless of hair type or age.

The much buzzed about company just finished a successful crowd-funding campaign and is now being available across the nation, both in select retailers and online. It’s A Glam Thing just had to chat with its co-founders Willis Marshall and Erin Patten to learn more about their unique new product and why its taking the haircare industry by storm…

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

Erin: To be “Glamorous” encapsulates that moment when an individual walks into a room and her inner aura shines so bright on the exterior blinding everyone present like a massive, brilliant diamond. Basically, it has nothing to do with how designer the look is that she’s wearing nor how laced she is with jewelry, but rather how she carries herself in the presences of others, how she treats those she interacts with and most importantly, how she treats herself. That’s Glam!

Willis: The word “Glamorous” to me means to shine brighter than the rest. Whether spiritually, physically, socially, or fashionably. The word ‘shine’ is important because a glamorous person always radiates some form of positive energy!

NN: Your company & products are all about environmental sustainability… why is this so important to you both?

Willis: Environmental sustainability is very important to us. We can’t promote healthy living while polluting the earth. At DāO, we practice what we preach. I know it may sound cliche, but if we as a company do what may seem like “a little,” it will ultimately add up to a lot.

Erin: It’s very simple. We came from the earth and we will return there when this life is done. So, just as we focus on taking care of self, we must also focus on taking care of the earth from which we came. This is why environmental sustainability is so important to us. We see this DāO journey as more than just hair products. It’s a unique opportunity to spread positive messages about taking care of self, others and the world in which we live.

NN: Was it hard to come up with an all natural haircare product?

Willis: I wouldn’t say it was hard coming up with our natural hair care products. I’d say it was more like going on a treasure hunt. Our products promote hair health first, so we just needed to find which plants, once combined, worked best for the scalp and hair.

Erin: Hard is a very relative word. I would say that our DāO product development process has been met with challenges, but that’s expected in building a business from scratch. Willis and I have a lot of fun! I get to work with my best friend. We have a unique opportunity to test amazing ingredients and blend them as creatively as we want to produce a market-ready product. It takes time, commitment and passion, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

Erin: Nike said it best, “Just do it!”… The thing about most budding entrepreneurs is they believe they need a detailed business plan, lots of money, and a super innovative idea to get started, but frankly, you just need to go out there and do something. It’s basic physics. Once in motion, you’ll stay in motion and eventually, you’ll have an amazing business.

Willis: I would tell anyone looking to make their own products to do their research on every ingredient they intend on using, and also the source from which it comes.

NN: How has starting this company changed both your lives since running a successful crowd funding campaign?

Willis: I feel like our lives are a lot busier since our crowd funding campaign. The good thing is it doesn’t feel like work because we are in love with DāO.

Erin: It’s brought us closer in trust, compassion, and respect. DāO is truly an extension of Willis and me. The word DāO was inspired by our own personal abilities to Defy All Odds from childhood to today. The company growth has been a continuation of the life journey we are both on to do something magical in this world.

NN: Your company is also all about charity and giving back. Tell us more about this…

Erin: We donate a portion of DāO profits to fund the #DefyAllOdds Own Your Identity campaign, which was born from personal experiences. In my first job out of college, my manager told me that my natural hair was inappropriate for the work environment and violated company policies. This set me on a career course of severe anxiety and insecurity as I desperately attempted to change my hair texture with chemical treatments and lots of heat styling to not only fit in at work, but greater society, in general. It wasn’t a healthy time for me as I sought acceptance and approval from those around me, instead of owning who I was, curly hair and all! I began to understand the value and power in this ownership after I cut off all my hair two years ago to start fresh.

Willis: We were very intentional about saying that we’re not starting DāO with making money as the top priority. The #1 goal is to raise a company from the ground up, and it gets so big that we have the power to affect lives in a number of positive ways, GLOBALLY!

NN: What is the #1 thing you feel sets your product a part from others on the market?

Willis: The #1 thing that separates our product from the rest is the combination of plant based ingredients in our products, that once combined, form a “Super Vitamin” that promotes scalp and hair health while simultaneously giving you manageability. This “Super Vitamin” affect also means that our products are good for HAIR, no matter the head it’s attached to.

Erin: Exactly. Our product works for all ages, all genders and all hair types period. I love that we’re a company that targets ALL versus curly-haired women only or men only. It made so much sense to us to design and create products that can work for everyone!

NN: What does the future hold for you both and DāO from here?

Erin: Global takeover! We dream of reaching diverse communities in Brazil, UK, Europe and across Africa and Asia.

Willis: Yes, we are eager to continue to share DāO and our entire product line with the world. The wave is already forming as word of mouth continues to grow across the U.S. about a product that finally is great for everyone in the household.

NN: And finally, do you feel DāO consumers feel more Glamorous after using your products?!

Willis: One of the most frequent and awesome testimonials that we get from our customers is our product doing great things for their hair, that prior to using DāO, was unthinkable. The confidence and joy they exude often radiates in their voice, through a text/email, or just with a smile. So yes, I’d say our consumers check every box to truly look and feel more GLAMOROUS after using DāO!

Erin: Absolutely! Like I said before, feeling glamorous starts within and that’s what DāO’s about. Mind, body, and hair. It starts first with believing in your mind that you are beautiful, amazing and worthy. Then it will start to emanate from you so that the outside world sees. Layer on DāO’s plant-based, all natural products, and you’re ready to take on the world!

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From being a bodyguard to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, to being a male entertainment dancer to help pay the bills while chasing his dreams, to hunting down criminals as a former NYPD officer, current actor/director Steve Stanulis has experienced a lifetime of things that makes him who he is today.

Through all his life hurdles and experiences, Steve has always remained one fashionable guy, and so It’s A Glam Thing just had to sit down with him ahead of the release of some of his new films & projects to find out more!

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

STEVE STANULIS: I like to always be a little more dressy, usually a suite with a t-shirt under the suit. I don’t believe in going to Red Carpets in just jeans and a t-shirt.

NN: You are based in New York… what about the city do you love most? Would you ever move here to Hollywood?

SS: Being a native New Yorker, I love the energy and the realness of the people here in New York City, you always know where you stand. I always love my time in LA, especially the weather, but I am an East Coast guy through and through.

NN: As a former male entertainment dancer, are you big into clothing and fashion (ha-ha)?

SS: Usually most male dancers are known to usually wear tight jeans and tank tops to show off their physique. I actually became more fashion conscious when I left the male review circuit.

NN: You are also a former NYPD officer… What about this time in your life do you cherish most?

SS: What I miss most about being and NYPD Officer, is the camaraderie of the guys and the times we spent through the good times and the bad times.

NN: You also worked as a bodyguard to people like Kim Kardashian… what was your “go-to” outfit for that type of work?

SS: The uniqueness of my experience as a bodyguard is a little different at 5’11 and 195 pounds, I don’t fit the criteria of what a body guard should be. I was always hired to look like I fit in with the client but still have the ability to show my shield as a police officer, which always got a positive response from fans of the client.

NN: What is your favorite Instagram filter? Or #NoFilter?

SS: I tend to prefer no filter. I believe a picture should look in its most natural form.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to move and work in the entertainment industry in New York?

SS: New York is not an easy place by any means. It is probably a lot harder to break into the entertainment business her than on the West Coast. If you stay focused and have tenacity you can make anything happen. Just like the famous saying, “If you can make it here you can make it anywhere”.

NN: What has been your favorite outfit / costume to wear while on a set of a film/show?

SS: That is a great question! By far to date was my guest star on The Deuce, which had me in full 70’s attire from head to toe. The details down to the watch and jewelry were amazing.

NN: What upcoming projects do you have?

SS: I have Clinton Road coming out which is a film based on a real road in New Jersey, starring Ice-T which I directed. We are also in pre-production on a film called Chronicles of a Serial Killer, which is like Seven meets Silence of the Lambs. I am also getting ready to jump into a TV show called Red Money which I am very excited about.

NN: Who has been your favorite celebrity to work with so far?

SS: By far, Ice-T. Not only one of the nicest most down to earth genuine person, a tremendous, talented actor.

 

Follow more of Steve’s journey and life via his Instagram account at: https://www.instagram.com/stevestanulis/

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Actor Donald Paul is one of those guys who just stands out in each role he takes on. From working on shows such as Power, Seal Team, and Atlanta, to his upcoming projects like Quantico and The Good Fight, Mr. Paul’s style and acting abilities are one that need to be recognized.

It’s A Glam Thing sat down with the talented Mr. Paul, out of his home in New York, to find out more, plus ask him tips for all you ladies out there on what a celebrity wants to see you in style wise…

Nick Northstar: How would you describe your own personal style – both while at home and on the red carpet?

Donald Paul: I would say my style is eclectic. I like looking suave: a nice hat, button down shirt, and dress shoes. I’ll pair it with a denim jacket and jeans to keep it casual. Sometimes I’ll finish my look with glasses.

NN: You are based in New York, how is it being a guy in a city that is about to be filled up with gorgeous models and an incredible fashion scene everywhere?

DP: I love it!! There’s inspiration everywhere you look. I mean the models don’t hurt too.

NN: Are you big into fashion?

DP: Yeah, I like looking good and put together. It’s important to keep an eye on fashion, it helps to define your own style. I’m also big into layers. Theres just something about combining diffident things together attempting to make it make sense to me.

NN: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers or brands you like to wear?

DP: A vintage hat with my Levi jeans and a Jack Wills shirt… that’s a look right there!

NN: From a guy’s perspective, what type of fashion items do you like seeing the ladies wear (so they can take some hints/tips)?

DP: Show off and feeling good in your body! It doesn’t really matter to me but I can see when a woman’s confident in what they are wearing and I like that. Clothing that shows off the curves of your body, is always a sexy look too.

NN: What is your favorite Instagram filter? Or #NoFilter?

DP: Mmmmmm it totally depends on my mood. I’m into cream right now.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to move and become an actor in New York?

DP: Be ready to work hard. New York is all talent. Save up so you can afford the lifestyle and classes. Also the weather is so inconsistent… Be ready for that too!

You can follow more of Donald’s style and journey via Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/donald_paul/

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Dr. Peyman Gravori, who is an Interventional Pain Management doctor, directs the Pain Management department at ProMedSpine across California.

When some of your favorite celebrities are feeling the pain after long hours on set, or athletes are dealing with body issues after a hard fought game, they turn to Dr. Gravori and his fellow doctors to help them.

It’s A Glam Thing sat down and dug deeper into the life of Dr. Gravori, who even threw a Justin Timberlake reference our way…

NICK NORTHSTAR: Let’s start off with an easy question… What is the definition of “glamorous” to you?

DR. PEYMAN GRAVORI: Being “glamorous” to me is the inner confidence you exude in your every day life. While I believe glamorous is a feeling, it can also be reflected in the clothes you wear on the outside, which is just a continuation and expression of the confidence you have because of those inner feelings.

NN: Why is it important for someone to feel good & be pain free, in order to feel more confident in other aspects of their life?

DPG: Simply put, being without pain clears and frees your mind. When you have no pain, your mind is able to concentrate on those other aspects of life. Being in pain is not just a physical thing, there is a big mental component which limits you from moving forward. Plus, everything just easier in life when you don’t have to deal with any type of pain, unless of course you like pain?!

NN: What makes ProMedSpine here in Hollywood different than other practices?

DPG: What makes ProMedSpine different is our focus on the patient. We refer to our patients as guests. Our philosophy is that we are here to help our guests everyday in anyway we can. We spend time with them to find out what really matters in their lives and then we work hard to make that possible. Some people require injects and/or surgery but most do not. What they do need is a caring soul who can help them improve their health so that they can enjoy their lives. Our doctors go to great lengths to find the most cutting edge technology and procedures and to bring them to our guests. We never stop or slow down. Every human deserves the best quality of life that he/she can have and to live a life they love. We strive to make this possible.

NN: What is the number one compliant or issue most people have when they come in for a consultation?

DPG: Initially, most people come into our offices complaining about neck or lower back pain, but once we sit down and dive deeper into their concerns, we find that most people have difficulties sleeping, exercising or doing simple household chores.

NN: What are the common symptoms one should look or feel for that could be leading towards a major spine/back problem?

DPG: The common symptoms people should be aware of are weakness in their legs, saddle anesthesia (which is a loss of sensation restricted to the area of the buttocks, perineum and inner surfaces of the thighs) and problems with their bladder/urinary tract.

NN: What is your advice to actors, athletes and other Hollywood folks to help them prevent having back issues?

DPG: My advice would be to strengthen your core, maintain a healthy diet, exercise and get plenty of sleep. And for actors who may be standing long hours on set, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sit-down and take rest breaks. The key is to be mindful and always listen to your body.

NN: You treat a lot of Hollywood celebrities and athletes… do you ever get star struck?

DPG: Never. When I am at work, I am fully committed to helping everyone live a pain free life who walks in the door. Whether someone is “famous” or not doesn’t matter. I see everyone as a patient, as that is what I have been trained to do.

NN: You also walk the Hollywood red carpets… what is your “go-to” outfit away from the typical doctor scrubs?

DPG: As the great Justin Timberlake said in his hit song once, “As long as I’ve got my suit and tie”!

NN: How does it feel to be known as one of the top doctors in your medical fields here in California and what does the future hold for ProMedSpine?

DPG: It is honestly very humbling to hear that as I’ve committed many years to studying and getting to this point. It just feels good to be acknowledged, however, it is not something I ever seek. As for ProMedSpine, our vision is to help as many people as possible lead healthy, pain-free, fully realized lives. At ProMedSpine we do everything we can NOW. We work with our staff and our doctors to take better care of more patients on any given day and any given moment. We aim to communicate with this vision with the highest number of people we can. If we can do this throughout the world, one day, then it would be a dream come true for us.

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Dr. Holly Richmond (http://sexandthesoma.com) is the go-to sex and marriage therapist for some of Hollywood’s top stars. In between helping celebrities with their concerns and ‘issues’, Dr. Richmond, who is also a Somatic Psychologist, travels around North America working with others and speaking at conferences about new ways couple’s can enjoy themselves given today’s expanding technologic advances.

It’s A Glam Thing caught-up with Dr. Richmond to find out more about her career, her thoughts on these recent nasty Hollywood celebrity sex scandals, and why being/feeling glamorous is important to a healthy sexual experience…

NICK NORTHSTAR: How would you describe your own personal fashion style – both while at home and while working in your offices?

DR. HOLLY RICHMOND: I go for classic, sophisticated looks, but nothing too conservative. If I had to describe my style in two words, it would be classic chic. Right now, my home office is my where I work most often since I’m predominantly offering tele-therapy and sexual health coaching via phone, Skype or FaceTime. In cooler weather months, my look most likely includes leggings or jeans with a cashmere sweater. In warmer months, a blouse and jeans or a comfortable but form-fitting dress. Wearing nice fabrics that feel great against my skin is important to me.

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

DHR: To me, glamorous means a beautiful, captivating look that has a little something extra. That extra can be sex appeal, elegance, a forward-thinking sense of style or any number of things. What it doesn’t mean is overdone makeup, unnecessary embellishment or anything that looks like you tried too hard.

NN: Why is it important for people to feel ‘glamorous’ in their every day lives?

DHR: For most people, there’s a direct correlation between how they feel on the inside and how they present on the outside. If you’re dressed to look glamorous and you absolutely own that feeling, you’re going to present as self-confident, assured and powerful. My job is to help people feel better, and dressing the part is a piece of this.

NN: Relating to what you do and speak about, does feeling “hot, sexy & glamorous” make for better sexual situations and experiences?

DHR: Feeling “hot” is almost a 100-percent must for great sex. Again, it comes back to this sense of aligning your outward experience with your inward experience. If you don’t think you look good, it’s hard to cultivate and exude positive, sexy energy to others. I hear from my female clients, in particular, that if they aren’t feeling good about their bodies, their hair, or how they’re dressed, they have a hard time being present during sex. On the other hand, feeling hot, sexy and glamorous gets women out of their head and into their body so they can take in all the pleasure and eroticism that a sexual experience has to offer.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to try and be more “sexy” for their partner?

DHR: First and foremost, ask your partner what they find sexy! Hopefully this is similar to what you find sexy, but if the two are a little off, it’s no big deal. It actually gives you more room to experiment with different looks, settings, toys, whatever it may be. For example, if you’re into boho-chic, lacey, floral lingerie and your partner wants to see you in black leather, that creates dozens of opportunities to create different sexual personas. What we wear can help us show a sexier side of ourselves, whether that’s through role playing or just really sinking into the look you have on. Authenticity and that “this is me” feeling is sexy and empowering.

NN: Why do you feel so many people in America are usually shy about talking about their sex lives or sexual things?

DHR: Because it’s America. We were founded on puritanical values and patriarchy, and that takes a long time to change or shift. It’s very different in Canada, Europe and Australia. They have sex education (good sex education) at a young age, and that education continues at home. Parents aren’t afraid to talk about sex with their children. I wish we could change that here, because I believe that’s the foundation for how we feel about our own sexuality, as well as other’s. If we could transform the discourse from abstinence (don’t do it or you’ll catch something, get pregnant, etc.) to pleasure (you’re going to do it anyway, so here’s how to really enjoy yourself), we’d be so far ahead of the game.

NN: So many sex scandals are happening in Hollywood these days… what is your viewpoint on these and why they are all finally coming to light?

DHR: I hate that the scandal is happening because my heart breaks for all of the women (and some men) who have been harassed, abused and even raped. But, on the other hand, the fact that this misconduct is getting so much media attention is truly positive. With the Me Too and Time’s Up campaigns, there’s a new day and a new way in Hollywood. People, men in particular, will have to behave differently. There is no room for abuses of power, blackmail and sexual missteps any longer. There’s been a reckoning for sure, and the fact that this societal movement is led by women is the most powerfully important shift I’ve witnessed and felt in my lifetime.

NN: Why should someone seek out your help and hire you? What do you look for in a patient?

DHR: I actually love the diversity of my practice, so really the only thing I look for is honesty and openness. Those two elements can take a while to cultivate for some clients, but it’s so worth it. It’s nearly impossible for me to do my job well if my client doesn’t let me know them. My job is to be non-judgmental, especially when it comes to sex, and I’m god at it! There’s almost nothing someone could say that would surprise me. If someone is struggling with any aspect of their sexuality, from fetishes to gender identity, or with something in their relationships like trying consensual non-monogamy or BDSM play, my goal is to help them move into those areas in a healthy, integrated way. So, we are not just talking about what they think about these things, but how their body feels about it. Sex is entirely a mind/body experience.

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