IH: At what point in your life did you know acting was going to be your career?

IH: So far, what have been the major highlights of your career?
VALERY ORTIZ: My very first red carpet movie premiere with my brother Hector as my date! Definitely watching ‘Date Movie’ in the movie theatre and seeing my name in the credits. THAT moment was amazing! Booking my first TV series and having my parents come to set! Booking my first voice over. And most recently, booking my second series regular role in a TV Series on ‘Hit the Floor’. Whoa! Those all instantly make me feel happy and so, SO, lucky.

IH: As an actor, what are some of the sacrifices you need to make in order to be successful in this business?
VALERY ORTIZ: For me, the biggest sacrifice is being so far away from my family. That has to be the most difficult so far.

IH: What have you learned within the last 5 years that you wish you knew way before?
VALERY ORTIZ: Ooooh great question! Hmm, I’d say I’ve learned to trust my instincts and although I’ve always been pretty good at that, I’ve learned it EVEN MORE within the last 5 years.

IH: How do you deal with negativity in the industry including not booking a particular role?
VALERY ORTIZ: Negativity in the industry is difficult but honestly, you get use to it. Or I guess, I got use to it! You’re constantly being judged, looked at, rejected, etc. I’m not sure that will ever get better but you learn how to change the way you react or feel about it. As far as auditioning, it’s always tough falling in love with a role or a project and not getting it but I TRULY believe (and have had proof) that if it’s for you, it’s for you! There’s no need to get too worked up or sad about things not happening the way you wished. Things always happen for a reason!

IH: What amazing things are in the mix for you right now? 
VALERY ORTIZ: I am still extremely proud to be the host of ‘American Latino TV’ (www.AmericanLatino.tv) You can also catch me stopping by the ABC Familly Lounge once in a while! I’ve also wrapped on several things! Two movies called ‘Dumbbells’ and ‘From a Place of Darkness’ and a webseries called ‘Cowgirl Up’. And most recently, my new TV series on VH1 called ‘Hit the Floor’! I can NOT WAIT until you all see it!

IH: Now to the juicy part, tell us about your new hit show Hit The Floor and the character you will be playing?
VALERY ORTIZ: Oooooh yes! ‘Hit the Floor’ is Vh1′s second hour long scripted drama following the lives of the professional dancers for the Los Angeles Devils basketball team. For the fellas, you have the ins and outs of everything basketball, coaching, and of course the hot ladies and dance routines from the mind of Michael Rooney! For the chicas, we have the ins and out of the professional dance world, the edge of your seat drama, and of course the eye candy that is our sexy basketball players and leading men!

IH: When can we tune in to see you rock it?!
VALERY ORTIZ: Aw thank you! Mark your calendars! Set your DVR! Tell your friends! Memorial Day! Monday, May 27th at 9:00pm on VH1!

IH: What makes this show different to any other shows or movies you have been apart of?
VALERY ORTIZ: OMG it’s so sexy, dramatic, and it leaves you wanting more! There’s NOTHING like it on TV right now! And honestly, I’m in such a special place in my life so this experience has been completely different then the others. I felt so in the moment, so lucky, proud and excited. I’m usually in my head so to take time to (really) let all the different stages of this experience soak in was really special for me.

IH: Your best advice for aspiring actors.
VALERY ORTIZ: As cliche and corny as it sounds – Don’t give up! Stay focused, get coached, have hobbies, stay busy and don’t give up!

IH: Tell us something unique about yourself people do not expect to know about you.
VALERY ORTIZ: I’m kinda shy! It’s really random but I get incredibly nervous when I have to talk in front of people I don’t know. My heart beats super fast and I breathe extra deep. I took a ballet class last year and everyone had to sit in a circle, say their name and something about themselves. I mean, I can’t even tell you how nervous I was! I rehearsed what I was going to say a hundred times in my head and none of it came out when it was actually my turn! It happens to me all the time. I mean the nerves are insane!

When did you start your company?

I started my company in high school. Well, at least in my mind and heart. I officially became a legitimate company, according to the federal government on Jan. 13, 2011. That was the day “absolute” was born!  Its been two years of a wonderful, exhilarating and wild ride!

• What led you to start an event planning business?

I am one of the rare birds who have known what I wanted to do since I was in high school.  At times it felt like I was an employee at my high school, not a student. I was an employee who didn’t get paid and I loved it! I planned every pep rally, every homecoming, every school event, every contest and prom. I was president of my school and spearheaded the leadership class. This is where my love for event planning was cultivated.

Since I was little, I was always a social butterfly. You learn to be when you are from a family of five very animated, unique and loud personalities. I was always extremely detail-oriented, perhaps I am a little obsessive-compulsive,  but without that quality, I would not be as successful as I am, so I embrace it!  Event planning is a unique business that focuses entirely on the details. No detail is too small to be considered and you need someone like me to make sure nothing is overlooked and no one skips a beat!

In high school, I would always say “I’m going to own my own wedding and event planning company one day.” Looking back,  I didn’t entirely know what that meant. I was still young and was about to start college, Go Gators! I wanted to get a taste of the event planning world in real time so I began my formal education in the Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation program.

Midway through my freshmen year, University of Florida opened a special concentration in Event Management.  I went to my guidance director the next morning to switch my program of study. You could tell that she was thinking “Calm down little freshman, I am sure you will change your major six more times as you evolve as a student.”  Little did she know, nothing could de-rail me.  I was on a mission.

I have had an unflappable sense of my professional destiny since that day. I spent the next four years of school interning and working any job that could provide even a glimpse into the world of special events. I worked for an off- premise caterer, a specialty dessert maker, a party promotion company, a hotel catering department, and even a wedding planner.

I quickly learned that Event Planning isn’t found in textbook jargon .  You cannot teach the passion, intuitiveness, or creativity that it takes to master this trade.   My true education came outside of the classroom by throwing myself in to the trenches. Being at the bottom rung of many of these jobs fueled my passion to jump start my career.  I was that intern, starting the thirteenth hour of a wedding, dressed in a black suit, sweating and still asking when the next wedding was. I’m the same person today, but the sweat is under control!

As part of my graduation, a field experience internship was required. I took my internship with the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Fort Lauderdale. Ft Lauderdale was my hometown and I relished in the fact that I could intern for the city I loved so much. It was our responsibility to promote tourism to the city. Therefore, I had to know everything from the small businesses in the area to the best hotel bars and the best outdoor activities for visitors. Here at the CVB, I was exposed to so much of the hospitality world and I began to grow a major database of my own.

It was through this internship that I met my mentor, the CEO of Turnberry Associates. Although, I had other job opportunities outside of the state, I decided to begin my career at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Aventura, owned by Turnberry Associates. I was one of two people responsible for over 64,000 square feet of event space.  I grew a very sturdy foundation there that would ultimately become part of the foundation of “absolute”.

I was very spoiled with the types of events I was able to be a part of ; weddings for 850 people and other events on that level. I was able to take the elements from that job and environment and bring them with me to my next job at The National Hotel South Beach. I was handling an average of four weddings a week for three years. Every day I looked forward to it as if it were my first day.   I was full of energy and I worked with couples, who, like me, just wanted to have a great party with their loved ones.  We could relate to one another and I was able to develop long lasting relationships with my clients. For me, that is what it was and will always be about.

Working in both a high end, corporate hotel and a funky, boutique hotel was exactly what I wanted to experience before I was ready to go out on my own. I wanted to take from both the different tools and skills each one taught me, re-work them to better suit me and create my own working environment.

I trust myself and depend on “that” feeling that tells me when it is time to take the next step.  After three years at the National, I knew it was time to move on. I had built a reputation for my work ethic, ability to sell and creativity. It was then that I knew I was ready to launch “absolute”, THE best wedding and event planning company in the world!

I had the support of the event industry, the experience I gained, and the unwavering passion and drive to start my own company.  It was time to make my dream come true. My experience, my drive and my tenacity had brought me to this moment.  That was two years ago.

Owning a business of any kind is not easy. I have lost any semblance of a balance. But, I consider that par for the course. I wear it like a badge of honor because it means I am busy and in demand.   No matter what, you have to believe in yourself with every fiber of your being. I am a proud self-made woman entrepreneur and I am capable of building a successful company that will stand the test of time and will always Leave them Talking.   If you have that unconditional belief in yourself and a true passion for what you do, you will succeed.  I personally know that to be true.

• Tell me what you do in five minutes or less?

Absolute’s mission is to make sure that you and your family can enjoy this experience for the magic that it is and not worry about the details.   We provide nothing less than an incredible EXPERIENCE, no matter when we come on board.   We are here to make your visions , ideas and your plans a reality and keep everyone at ease because as involved as you will be, your first priority is to allow yourselves to be taken care of.    From total accessibility, to being the professional and physical presence representing you to simply a very light and fun time all around, we can guarantee that hiring absolute will be the best money spent.   We are committed to making sure that every “T” is crossed and every “ I”, dotted.

In addition to our direct services, you can rest assured that through our connections, experience and knowledge of the wedding industry, you will have access to the best vendors in the business offering the best possible experiences.  From inception to execution, there is “absolute”-ly  nothing that we are not going to do for you.

• Weren’t you scared of not having the security of a bi-weekly or weekly paycheck?

No, I was more frightened of the regret I would feel if I didn’t act on the impulse to open my own company.  I was more scared of how I would feel to know I always had a dream and the confidence in my abilities and I didn’t do anything about it.  If you are truly good at what you do, have a true love for it and are inherently a good and honest person, the money will come.

• Why should I hire you? I think I can do this on my own. What do you bring to the table?

You might think you can but you will quickly learn that you cannot and should not.  You hire me because of my time commitment to you and the planning of this event.   While you are at your job all day  every day, I will be working for you.   My contacts and relationships to vendors in the industry are incredibly strong.  Going through this process, you will quickly see how valuable this is.  I have the experience, the knowledge, the support and the passion to share.   Having a professional guiding you through each step and who has your best interests at heart is invaluable.   Someone that you trust to hold your hand through this process, without which it could be an overwhelming time.  Nothing brings me greater joy then sharing this with my clients for the benefit of their event and overall experience.  This is truly where my heart is and that will be obvious when you work with me.

SIX lucky ladies will be getting a copy of this spicy book during the month of LOVE!

THE WINNERS ARE:

JASON

SUSAN SMOAKS

DANIELLE

KATIE A.

ABIGAIL

ANGELA

Lakshmi grew up in the jewelry business. Her parents were both jewelers. “It was kind of a natural second education while growing up, without even knowing it,” Lakshmi tells to Interviewher.com. Despite her childhood exposure to jewelry making, Lakshmi ended up on a far different career path: as a journalist. Though she loved her job, Lakshmi couldn’t resist the pull towards the family business.

In July 2011, Lakshmi decided she was ready for a risk. Taking example from her parents, who, as she recalls, had so much fun with their business that it never felt like a job, Lakshmi started Silver Parkes Jewelry.

The new company was designed to fill a niche in the industry for high-end mix and match jewelry. Lakshmi describes her jewelry as luxurious, flirty and classic pieces that are meant to be effortlessly matched with pieces from her other sets. She says these characteristics, as well as the high-end quality with affordable price points, are the foundation of Silver Parkes.

Lakshmi tells Interviewher.com that owning her own business has shown her the meaning of foundation, which she considers central to her business model. “It’s literally laying things brick by brick,” the jewelry maker explains. “Is it difficult? Yes.” And while it takes patience to build up a lasting business, the hard work is well worth it.

To young entrepreneurs, Lakshmi offers several words of advice. First, she recommends spending time researching a target demographic. Secondly, it’s important to talk to successful entrepreneurs, in vast array of industries. Third, basic business principles are the key to establishing longevity.

And finally, “it’s important to love your product, whatever it is.”

Written by: Mary Ronau

SILVER PARKES

www.SilverParkes.com

Hunter tells Interviewher.com that her career “snowballed” when she started auditioning for shows in Toronto. At age 17, she began making the four-hour drive for auditions, and her motivation paid off. The light-footed dancer’s very first job was as one of the world famous Radio City Rockette’s. “Everything was singing and dancing for me,” Hunter says. “I loved it so much, so it was a natural progression to get into that profession.

In the meantime, Hunter’s career has continued to grow. When she was offered the role of understudy to the lead in “Rock of Ages” on Broadway, Hunter never expected to actually have a chance to perform. “When I finally got to perform that role, that was a huge accomplishment for me,” Hunter says. In the end, she performed the role over 50 times, a feat that she characterizes as a personal victory. “That was really exciting, leading a show on Broadway.”

Hunter offers encouragement to others hoping to enter the performing arts industry. “It’s hard not to take it personally when you’re rejected (for a role),” she says. “It can really affect how you view yourself as a performer.” She notes that once she granted herself her own approval, she was alleviated of the burden of needing approval from others.  “When I started really valuing my own uniqueness as a performer is when I really stopped caring what other people thought.”

The actress and crooner, who has already gained considerable success and recognition, continues to amplify her presence in the industry, as she has been writing music for other performers while laying down her own tracks in the recording studio.

While there appear to be no roadblocks in her future, Hunter is undeterred by obstacles she may face. “You have to fall down to get up,” she tells Interviewher.com.
Written by: Mary Ronau

ERICKA HUNTER

www.ErickaHunter.com

Despite his passion for jewelry, Lash enrolled in the science program at University of Toronto in hopes of entering the medical field. In the meantime, he carved wax as a hobby. Lash’s carefully marked career path was derailed when his father brought him to a local jewelry store to pick out some pieces for his mom. There, Lash joked he could carve jewelry out of wax. Seeing potential, the storeowner gave him a block of wax to take home.

It wasn’t long before Lash was in the full-blown jewelry-making business: with a studio and showroom set up in his parents basement and lines often stretching through his parents’ laundry room, into the house and out the door. “There weren’t a lot of jewelry stores in my neighborhood that did custom work,” Lash tells Interviewher.com. That’s what made his business special. Clients would bring in family heirlooms and Lash would rework the piece.

One day, he came home to over 50 voicemails from people requesting jewelry. It was right around that time that Lash realized his talent. In the meantime, Lash has expanded his business to include two Toronto storefronts, and a recently launched web site. He has toured Europe, studied craftsmanship, and brought in specialists to staff his business.

“You can really see the workmanship that we do in the design,” Lash says. Celebs can see that craftsmanship too. Lash has a long list of celebrity clients that have worn his pieces on the red carpet. Commenting on his career path, Lash says, “I feel very fortunate, I feel very blessed.”

He goes on to discuss how he has used his talents to raise money for charities.  “Because I feel very fortunate that I’m able to design all these wonderful pieces, I’ve always designed pieces for charity and a lot of my pieces have raised a lot of money for charities. I think that’s extremely important,” Lash says. Most notably, Lash has become involved in the board of directors for the Women’s Brain Health Initiative, designing a “Hope Knot” pendant to help raise money for the cause. Lash also created a diamond necklace that was auctioned in conjunction with tickets for an Elton John Oscar party. Auctioned for the Elton John Aids Foundation, the package ended up selling for $125,000.

In the face of all his accomplishments, it is his work with charities that Lash puts the most emphasis on. “We can’t forget that you have to give back,” he emphasizes.

Written by: Mary Ronau

 MARK LASH 

www.MarkLash.com

www.HopeKnot.org

Amy Grossman

Amy Grossman, owner of Beauty On Premise, truly is an esthetician on a mission.  The passionate new business owner is dedicated not just to healing clients, but to educating them as well. “The idea is to educate women on skincare and anti-aging,” Grossman says of her business, which she characterizes as not a spa or salon but a boutique.

Grossman cites personal experience as the inciter for founding her business. A busy career woman, Grossman tells Interviewher she kept getting promoted into jobs she didn’t want. Busy and stressed, Grossman’s skin suffered. And she didn’t have the time to fix it. So Grossman traded in her office keys for notebooks and fluorescent lights: she went back to school to earn her degree as an esthetician and in the meantime, created a business plan and began collecting nickels, dimes and pennies.

Determined to not start her new career in debt, Grossman tells Interviewher she surfaced every piece of loose change in her house – amounting to a grand total of $3,700, and, combined with her savings and her credit card, she was able to fund Beauty on Premise.

The first two weeks of business were slow. But Grossman combined her marketing savvy and passion to bring new clientele in while getting Beauty On Premise’s name out.  Grossman put ads on Craigslist asking for models to come in so she could practice her services on them. When they left, she gave them a voucher and encouraged them to refer friends. She was the “skin and lash lady” to everyone she met – from conferences she attended to people she bumped into at the store. Grossman made a strong marketing plan that incorporated social media, and has stuck to that plan to this day.

Now, Grossman’s been in business for two years and has owned her own retail location for nine months. And what’s more, Grossman tells Interviewher, her business improves daily. However, this passionate entrepreneur is not content to ride the tails of her current success. She constantly pushes to bring new technology to her business. “I want my clients to know I’m on the cutting edge of all the advanced technologies and we can offer that to them,” Grossman says.

Grossman’s passion for keeping her business up to date is only part of her business’ mission. Beauty On Premise allows the busy woman to have great skin care at a reasonable rate. The boutique’s hours are flexible, so the workingwoman can fit a skincare session into her busy day. Grossman tells Interviewher “I have more important things to do with my life than spend it in the bathroom washing my face,” and she knows her clients feel the same way. In her opinion, the most important thing is to whittle down each woman’s skin care routine so it’s accessible, easy and affordable. She says most clients don’t have the time, money or are just plain overwhelmed by the plethora of product out on the market.

It’s Grossman’s mission to find the perfect skincare regimen for each client, and to provide skincare treatments that aren’t harmful to the skin, as so many products can be.

Grossman’s main rule of thumb for female entrepreneurs is to trust their guts. She says it’s important for her to always remind herself why she started her business in the first place, and to always make every decision with that in mind. And for this esthetician on a mission, her personal satisfaction is rooted in her customer’s content. “I create happiness one facial at a time,” says Grossman. “I want everyone to put their best face forward.”

Written by: Mary Ronau

BEAUTY ON PREMISE

www.BeautyOnPremise.com

Churches and tented lots on the side of the road used to be the only places people could go to pick out pumpkins in Miami. To this Goodis shook her head telling interviewher.com that we shouldn’t have to settle and as a community “we deserve a lot more”.

Born and raised in Miami, it was Vanessa Goodis who felt this void in the community and did something about it. As the president, founder and owner of Promo Moxie -a hip marketing company based in South Florida- Goodis used her business experience to give the community something it so desperately needs: a fall family tradition.

The Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival is her brainchild. It aims to bring “old-fashioned fun” to Peacock Park to kick-off the fall season. Whether you’re seven or seventy, the festival has something for everyone.

Centered around the pumpkin patch, the festival boasts a decorating station to create your perfect pumpkin, a giant hay maze to run through, and even a Dress-Your-Own Scarecrow Village. There will also be a mini-amphitheater showing programs every half hour with story-telling, interactive shows, animals and sing-a-longs.

While this is only the first event, Goodis hopes for the festival to be an annual occurrence and to provide “a community event for years to come”.

From importing 2,000 pumpkins from Michigan to getting the proper city permits Goodis stayed optimistic in making her dream a reality telling interviewher.com that “everyone has been over-the-moon excited” for her along the way.

“This is a natural fit for me,” Goodis explains “to build my dream event and bring it to life and bring it to the community”.

Written by: Jessica Swanson

COCONUT GROVE PUMPKIN PATCH

www.CoconutGrovePumpkinPatch.com

]]> http://www.interviewher.com/cities/miami/fall-in-love-with-this-festival/feed/ 0 http://www.interviewher.com/cities/miami/endofsummerbash/ http://www.interviewher.com/cities/miami/endofsummerbash/#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:38:09 +0000 Interviewher.com http://www.interviewher.com/?p=5931