MINDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH Tina Siemens, Historian/Museum Owner/Author

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur or business owner?

I remember when I was five years old I started asking my grandma questions about her life. I loved two of her antique chairs so much that I asked if I could have those when she passed. Not very many five year-olds are concerned about antique chairs, but I was. I think that was the beginning of my love of history.

Was it an easy decision for you to start? What helped you in the beginning?

This could be a two-fold answer. On one hand it was easy, because I knew that this was my calling. On the other hand, it was difficult, because there are so many moving parts to starting up a museum or becoming an author.

What about your audience? How did you know who you wanted to serve, and how did you go about reaching them?

  My audience is the ones who love history whether in written form or being able to walk in a museum and get information. This is definitely not everyone’s interest, but there is a large group of society that does love history; and that is the group that I am just so grateful to share with.

In today’s society we are so blessed to have social media, which helps greatly with reaching audiences across the globe. I am also fortunate to have friends like Cyrus Webb and his team that help in reaching a larger group of people that enjoy history, along with many features, newspaper advertisements and interviews! I feel like my message is being heard and is reaching audiences that I would have only dreamt about 20 years ago. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey?

Just knowing that I have the privilege of sharing my passion with others and seeing/hearing their gratitude of learning something new after what I have shared with them.

Can you share some of the challenges?

I think the biggest challenge to anything that we start is getting out of my own way. As a human being it is easy to talk yourself out of something if the confidence is not there.      

There are also the financial challenges of starting a brand new project. This can often be a dream killer, but if you're passionate about your dream you will find a way to finance it even if it takes years to do. Like they say, you don’t have to eat the whole elephant at once. Doing it in smaller increments is achievable. 

Life happens and it is often tempting to abandon one’s dream,  even after I had made headway for many years. Circumstances changed in my life that caused me to temporarily hold off from pursuing things I wanted to do, but my motto is “some people never give up”!  

The world is changing daily. How have you been able to keep up with the changes in your area?

Yes, these changes challenge me to really concentrate on my delivery method. Without challenging myself I would become stagnant, so I embrace changes for this fact that it allows me to think outside of the box by trying new ways.    

I have switched to doing a lot more on social media via reels, posts, live interviews, as well as offering in-house lessons to different groups of people has been very rewarding. 

Social media has propelled the awareness of all that I do to a level that I would never have been able to achieve on my own. Because of social media one can reach an online audience and have interaction with people that would not very-likely drive through my small community. Through social media I have been able to reach an audience that is now willing to drive to the museum and aid with hands-on activities and adding validation to the history that I have on display or speak about. Social media is epic in getting the word out in the 21st century.

Thank you so much for all you do, Tina. What advice do you have for others looking to start their own business or become an entrepreneur?

 I would say just do it, and surround yourself with people that you love and that are willing to lend a helping hand or simply support you emotionally along the way as you achieve your dream! Teamwork makes the dream work.

Contact Information

seminolethebook@gmail.com

k.siemens@yahoo.com

info@wtlhm.com

 https://wtlhm.com/

 https://www.seminolethebook.com/

BAHA MEN: Over 20 Years of Music and Memories (with More to Come)

by Cyrus Webb

 For over two decades the members of the group Baha Men* have been able to give us music that has gotten us to dance and helped to create memories that will last a lifetime. Though most of us know the group for their infectious single WHO LET THE DOGS OUT, there is definitely more to the ensemble than that as we discussed in this conversation.

I had a chance to interview Dyson Knight of the group some 5 years ago on Conversations LIVE the radio show. This year he returned with fellow member Rik Carey to discuss their journey, the memories and why they are excited about what’s to come.  

Rik, I’ll start this conversation with you. Over the years Baha Men has definitely stayed on the minds of so many music lovers around the world. What has it been like for you to be able to see the way the fans have stayed with you all over the years?

It's been awesome. I try to stay grounded. Going back to 2000, I would consider that era of career like a whirlwind. So much was happening so fast. I was new in this game. I was learning as much as I possibly could. I had a lot of great influences surrounding me.

And just to be able to see the decades past…it happened so quickly. I've been able to see the highs of the highs and the lows and the lows of the group. In spite of it all, we just still stick together. And when you see the catalog of music that we've been putting out, it's a certain consistency that a lot of artists haven’t been able to have throughout their career. I feel very fortunate and I'm thankful, and I can speak on behalf of the rest of the guys. They feel the same way. To be able to wake up in the morning and go to practice and to be able to perform the songs that the fans love and make music and be on stage and travel is a blessing.

 Dyson, I want to talk with you about something that Rik mentioned: the success you all have had as a group. Do you think that family atmosphere is what has kept you all together?

Absolutely. It's the type of family that wants everyone to win. The type of family where we respect each other's company. We are all allowed to speak our minds and give our input. We all believe in one another.  It's just a beautiful opportunity as everybody keeps learning from one another.

 

Rik, I think it goes without saying that when people think of Baha Men the song that everyone talks about is WHO LET THE DOGS OUT. Here we are now 20 years later. How does that feel to think that it's 20 years and this song is still talked about?

It’s bittersweet. I've had my reservations in the past. I still feel like I would like the world to receive the band for what we really truly are: a bunch of awesome musicians and artists. We are so much more than WHO LET THE DOGS OUT. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time. During my travels I hear the song still playing in stadiums. It's still playing on certain stations. I'm getting more and more feedback online, more than ever before.

Totally understand that, and I think new music like the single TAKE A CHANCE will be able to show listeners a different side of you. Dyson, I'm going to follow up on Rik’s point, about the blessing and the curse.  The flip side is that many artists haven’t had nearly the success that you all have or created music that has made such an impact as WHO LET THE DOGS OUT. Is that part of the blessing for you, that at least you all have had that experience?

Without a doubt. I'm very thankful, I understand where Rik is coming from. As the newest member of the group I wasn't with the band in 2000 when they released it, but I've been able to travel the world and see the impact of it. I value the fact that the song is such a big hit. It gives us now the opportunity to introduce and to keep introducing new music to our audiences off of the love of WHO LET THE DOGS OUT. That is something I love to see on the faces of our live audiences, the response to the new and the old music.

 Dyson, what was it like for you to see how the new single TAKE A CHANCE has been received?

It's a magical experience. I mean, to go from hopping on a plane to Miami to meet up with the producers in a studio, to just brainstorm and then to say ‘Hey, what are we going to sing about?’, to hearing the music and ending up writing a song and then recording it. Then we shot the video and released it.

Now we’re having these tens of thousands of streams on Spotify. This is something that we just humbly created together. That's the powerful part about music and creators and the creative. So shout out to all the creators right now who continue to create new music for people to enjoy, because at a time like this it shows just how important entertainment is.

Stay connected with Baha Men at www.bahamen.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bahamenmusic. 

* Photos by Jesi Cason www.instagram.com/jesicasonphotography 

 

 

TAKE TEN with Recording Artist Kizzo

Kizzo, welcome to Take Ten. Even though 2020 has been a challenging year you have been able to continually give the world good music. What has it been like for you to see the response?

It’s been like fuel, pure energy. You’d think that with the events of 2020, things would slow down. It has kind of been the opposite for me. Sure, for a while you have a quiet time where you step back and evaluate everything to see what you’re going to do. That’s a good thing though because you can step back into it more channeled and focused. 

As far as the listeners, it feels like there’s more of an appreciation for the material right now. The big companies are holding back products, but the indie creators like us will still release it. It’s like we have nothing to lose. So we’re still giving content, and it just seems like people appreciate that. To receive that kind of energy, it fuels you to keep going. So actually it becomes a cycle, a circle of energy. 

 
Have you always known that music was something that you wanted to do?

Not really. Maybe by later during my high school years, I guess. Before that, though, I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as far as a serious career. Once I graduated high school it was a lock.

Actually, my vision was to become a producer or have a music entity that could support and promote the people I knew that were much more talented people than myself. That’s why I decided to pursue the music business aspect of it. We didn't have access to people who really knew the business or how to release projects, publishing, and things like that. I was in a group at the time, and I wanted to be my groups’ producer, or at least give us an avenue to success. 

 
Who would you say have been some of your musical influences?

That’s an ever-growing list. I’d hate to exclude anyone. I could compile a huge list from different eras and, even genres. I’m influenced by some because of creative content, and some because of career execution. It could even change depending on the time period and what’s going on with me in my life at a particular point. I’ll be inspired or influenced by something or someone depending on how I relate to it at that moment in time. I tend to draw more towards the ones that lead the crowd rather than follow though. 

 

Marketing is a big part of brand as well. Our readers will see me with my Kizzo face mask in this issue. Did you always know that the promotion of your brand was going to be just as important as giving us good music?

Yes, I learned the ratio early. The music business is 10% music and 90% business. Also, I learned it’s all in the presentation. Whether it’s an article of clothing or accessory that your favorite artist always wears or that awesome, unforgettable logo of your favorite group. Those images are just as much a part of the legacy as the art they create. In fact, it is an art within itself.

Lastly, you are your greatest asset. You are your billboard, your flyer. You yourself are the product. The creations and content just enhance you. So you are the brand. So for me, my music is one branch of the brand. I am the entity. 

 How would you describe the Kizzo sound?

Kizzo’s sound is an ever-growing merger, similar to my influences. Without all those labels and genres that you have to mention, I would just say that my sound is familiar but also the future. I have those essences of the ones before me, but I’m always expanding into different sounds as well. It’s just creation. Even if you took an artist and said he or she is ‘this’, you could probably do some extended research and see that they are actually a little bit of “this, that, and a sprinkle of that too”.

As time goes on and music evolves, if you're a creator who’s been doing it for a while, you’re going to have your own unique sound, that is in fact a merger of everything you’ve heard, absorbed, experienced and so on. 

 Social media has helped to fill the void while many have been sheltering in place around the world. How have you used that to connect to your fans?

It was already such an important avenue and tool before all of this. This current situation really just intensifies the impact of it. So for me, it’s been trying to be more consistent with content, because I know people may have a little more time on their hands.

I have quite a bit of music out there, so I get to go back and circulate some things that maybe didn't get the time and attention that I would have liked earlier on. I’ve been focusing more on constant visual content as well. Music isn't the only thing being streamed. TV is probably an even bigger market. So visuals are imperative. You just want to give people something they feel is worth stopping on while scrolling through their timeline, and hopefully, I’m doing at least that.

Overall, I think it's beautiful, if honestly and positively engaged and utilized. For instance, I appreciate followers. More than followers, come likes. More than likes come positive comments and, confirmations. More than that; is someone actually going and streaming and buying the music or watching a video, then coming back with what they like about it. Then more than that is sharing that experience with someone they know and hoping they continue the process. So just to have a social media account and someone liking a post isn’t the highest plateau, although some treat it that way. 

 

I know you are looking forward to getting back out on the road. Talk with us about the live performance, Kizzo. What is it like for you to be able to get up on stage and see the response of the audience?

Whenever things are done right, and the proper preparations have been made, then the live performance aspect is still an incredible experience. It’s that rare human interaction that we get today, especially right now. It’s the difference between texting an entire conversation versus sitting down face to face and talking in person. You know, hearing the actual laughter instead of reading (laughs). 

It’s actually hugging someone instead of the hug emoji. That’s what the live performance should be about. Seeing people sitting in front of you smiling, waving their hands, bobbing their head, or even giving a not so satisfied look of disapproval, For better or worse, though, it's real-time and it's authentic. However, even as a fan and concert goer myself, I’ve realized that sometimes you get more wrapped up in live streaming and posting your experience than just actually experiencing it purely. So there’s that part of it as well.

 

What should our readers be on the look out for as we go throughout the rest of this year?

Right now it’s about maximizing all of the music and projects and, making sure that people are getting a chance to really experience all of the songs, visuals, and everything. Things are so fast-paced, and there are so many distractions that sometimes you don’t get to take in all of this new content that people are releasing. I want people to really soak it up and enjoy it, multiple times. Remember it. Then next year, we’ll start it all up again. There are some other creators that I’ve been working with, so I’m really looking forward to seeing them do their thing. Then there are some other forms of media that I have in the works as well. Even going back to the performance topic, we’re working on putting together a virtual show as part of our Soul-Out Tour. So we’ll see if we can put something together worth presenting.

 What advice do you have for other artists out there when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams?

Define success and what that looks like for you. You need to know what the end game is and what you’re trying to reach. Some people say, “I just want to do music”. Then after a  little while they may slow down or even quit, because what they really wanted was to make millions of dollars doing music, or become nationally famous doing music. So in their eyes, they’ve failed. This concept of ‘making it’ can destroy people. So it’s important to understand what you’re doing, and what you’re in it for. 

I would say surround yourself with or get into a circle of those who understand you, appreciate you, and will push you. You need to be in an environment that allows you to blossom and reach your potential, but doesn’t let you do just any and everything. You want people to hold you accountable, and know that they want to be held accountable as well. This elevates everyone. 

Be honest with yourself. Be honest with others. There will be moves you have to make that will require both. Then, and this could really be the first thing; work on your craft and learn the business of whatever it is you’re trying to pursue. Lastly, giving up doesn’t hurt anyone but you. So don’t give up. 

Thanks for the time, Kizzo. How can our audience stay connected with you?

Thank you. I really do appreciate the conversation and the opportunity to do this. It was an amazing and inspiring experience. Everyone can connect with me on Facebook and twitter at @kizzotainment , and on Instagram @kizzomatic. You can stay up on things I have going on at www.kizzotainment.com. 

TAKE TEN with Silvie Heyman, author of BEYOND THE HOLOCAUST (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

For those who have ever struggled with where they belong in the world BEYOND THE HOLOCAUST by Sylvie Heyman will speak to you. The book chronicles not just her physical journey. It takes you into how she was able to move forward past her own personal challenges and thrive. Enjoy our conversation. 

  Sylvie, I had a chance to speak with you on Conversations LIVE the radio show, and we’re glad to share your story with our readers. First of all, what has it been like for you to share your personal story with the world in BEYOND THE HOLOCAUST?
Memoirs are, most often, stories that involve some kind of challenge in one’s life, and usually, too painful to disclose and difficult to verbalize. After all, why write a story where everything goes well and everyone is happy. 

    For me, sharing my personal story unleashed emotions that I had repressed for years and it gave me the opportunity to revisit those hidden experiences and find gratitude for what I had learned.

  I love how the book is a mixture of your family, life lessons and your own growth. Did you know it was going to include all of those components when you started it?
No, I did not. I didn’t know what I was going to write after the third chapter, before my arrival to the United States. I didn’t want this to be “just” about my life. After all, everybody has a story; and stories about refugees - both from persecution of long ago wars and present ones - are never scarce.  

    My goal was to raise awareness of the struggles of immigrants beyond the initial stage of survival. 

    Most importantly, I wanted to pay special attention to the trials and tribulations of adolescent immigrants, already in a vulnerable phase of self questioning and searching for answers, and how they cope in a new country, learning a new language and new customs.  I included studies of developmental psychologists, linguist specialists, and the PTSD issues that this group is particularly prone to.

To have achieved all that you have it might surprise readers how much you questioned yourself along your journey. What was that like for you to reflect on how you became the person you are today?
Questioning is part of growth. My experiences forced me to focus on those aspects of my life, which felt like a void, and find solutions for making it meaningful. 

  We mentioned in our conversation on the radio about the lessons from your father. Do you find those still a part of your daily mission?
Indeed they are. I live much of my life following his teachings. I fulfill my obligations first before embarking on the privileges of life.  I am always on guard not to make myself important even though the work that I do may be important.  I show respect for every human being even if I don’t like them. 

   History is something you have lived. Do you think that contributes to your love of it?
I only love history when it teaches me something.

   What keeps you curious about the world at this point in your life?
More than curious, I am keenly aware of how fast the world is evolving and how easy it is to forget the horrors of persecution, having one’s human rights stripped away, and the ugliness of prejudice and hate.

  Writing a book is one thing. Sharing it is definitely another. Social media is a world we are both a part of. What has that been like for you to share your message that way?
Social media has allowed me to reach people I might have otherwise never met. In fact, someone who read my posts about the book contacted me because she, and her twin, were two characters I mentioned in one of the chapters. She was thrilled that they had been so instrumental in making me feel more at ease by their friendship.

   Sylvie, what do you hope readers of BEYOND THE HOLOCAUST take away from it?
I hope that the reader will better understand the challenges that immigrants face as they assimilate to a new culture, having to learn a new language and adapt to new customs. 

Any advice for those who have always thought they had a story they wanted to share?
Don’t be afraid to start the writing process. If you feel that sharing your story will inspire the reader and convey a message that will benefit them or the world at large, do it!

   Thanks so much for your time, Sylvie. Glad to help spread the word about the book. How can our readers stay connected with you?
I look forward to interacting on social media Facebook at www.facebook.com/sylvie.heyman.3, Instagram at www.instagram.com/heydrsylvie, Linkedin and Twitter at www.twitter.com/heymansylvie. 

 I invite my reader to visit my website sylvieheyman.com and sign up for my newsletters for updates on my books.

Keith Sweat: Celebrating a Musical Legacy that Will Last Forever

On Tuesday, January 17th R&B legend Keith Sweat began a new chapter in his award-winning career: a residency at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The singer who has brought the world great songs like MAKE IT LAST FOREVER, TWISTED, HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE and NOBODY will be able to spend time with his fans, sharing music that they have come to enjoy for almost 3 decades.

"I helped a lot of people grow in terms of their relationships and growing up with me musically," Keith Sweat told Conversations' Cyrus Webb during a recent interview. "A lot of people don't get that opportunity."

With the songs that he has released have also come powerful stories and videos that have seem to connect with the listener, bringing them into each verse. Sweat says it's easy for him to do the videos because "I have it in my mind when I'm in the studio."

Outside of releasing music, Keith Sweat has also taken to the airwaves as a radio personality and the other of a book about relationships. All of which have been eagerly welcomed by his male and female fans. "I can't really say I'm the doctor of love," he told Webb with a life. What he does say is that he tries to let his audience know that when it comes to relationships "it takes time and it take understanding because no two people are the same." He also added "Every relationship takes work and needs work," and both parties have to be willing to do the work necessary for it to last.

Along with helping others appreciate what it takes to make a relationship last, as he celebrates his 30the anniversary in a competitive industry Keith Sweat is showing other artists what it takes to have longevity. "It's great to be the godfather for other artists," he told Webb. Talking about those who have been inspired by him he says it shows other artists that they can have just as long of a career. "The key to it all is to stay ahead and do as well as you can musically," he says. "For me to open doors for other artists and them to appreciate that means a lot."

Regarding his Vegas residency, Keith has called it the "second act" of his career. When asked to elaborate on that he told Webb: "I've done everything else. When you're going into a whole new arena it creates another journey. Going into Vegas for the first time in the residency is like going to Broadway. It's a new step in my career. It's a new platform that I have to step on. I've learned a long time ago that anything worth having is worth working for. I'm hoping this is something that my fans will be glad I have done."

Stay connected with Keith at www.keithsweat.com.

Listen to Keith Sweat's entire interview with Conversations' Cyrus Webb below:

ALL EYEZ ON ME Stars Dominic Santana and Rayven Symone Ferrell on #ConversationsLIVE

It is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, and #ConversationsLIVE is bringing you the casts!

Host Cyrus Webb welcomed ALL EYEZ ON ME's actor and recording artist Dominic Santana and actress Rayven Symone Ferrell to #ConversationsLIVE to share their journey to doing what they love and what it was like to be a part of this history-making film. 

Hear their interviews below:

Singer Antoine Dunn Readies New Musical Chapter with BY DESIGN

Recording Artist Antoine Dunn has been enjoying success in his musical career, seeing his music feature fans around the world. His newest single BY DESIGN debuts Tuesday, May 2nd, but during his recent visit to #ConversationsLIVE he not only discussed the single but allowed host Cyrus Webb to introduce it.

Talking about what it's been like to see the success and growth he's experienced in his music career, Antoine told Webb: "As I always say it's one of those things when you're a kid you have all these goals and aspirations and you believe they can happen, so when it does it's nothing short of amazing and incredibly humbling." For him he says it shows that "Even in the world that we live in there's still a great appreciation for good music that's honest true and pure in nature."

As he has been out meeting the fans and allowing them to experience his music through online retailers, Antoine has also taking advantage of social media, but not just in the traditional sense. "Social media is an amazing tool," he says. "It's one of those tools where you can use it for different applications. For me it's been more of a resource for business development." He told Webb he is able to keep his audience engaged through it as well as show potential advertisers and collaborators what he has to offer without having to go through a lot of red tape. With social media Antoine says "The playing field has been leveled."

When asked if he get butterflies when it's time for a new release, Antoine told Webb: "I can't say I have butterflies. I'm really excited and feel empowered." He added: "When you commit to doing something you almost don't have time to be scared." Talking about the new single BY DESIGN he says "The song is a new time for me. It's a new chapter in my career. I think the fans can see the growth."

Stay connected with Antoine at www.wheregoodmusiclives.com. Listen to the full interview below:

Conversations Welcomes Its 700th Guest of 2016: Author Richard Cahan

Cyrus Webb, host of Conversations LIVE radio show and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine, has had the pleasure of interviewing individuals from across the country and around the world---and in 2016 he welcomed 700 guests to the show.

 "It's been an amazing year for myself and Conversations," Webb says, reflecting on the guests he has had the privilege of interviewing and the events he has been able to cover. "Conversations has been able to showcase the work of individuals that are doing amazing things, reminding us all of what is possible."

 That was true at the beginning of 2016 and on Friday, December 30th as Webb welcomed his 700th guest author and publisher Richard Cahan. The two discussed his new book UN-AMERICAN: The Incarceration of Japanese Americans During World War II.

 Listen to the interview below: