If you don’t already know, the Jabbawokeez could possibly be “every single thang” when it comes to dancing!  They are the 1^st and famed winners of MTV’s popular dance competition series “America’s Best Dance Crew”.   Worship Worthy was allowed an exclusive interview with Phil of the Jabbawokeez who wanted to give us the good word about the Jabbawokeez new venture into the apparel design market.   With my shiny new digital recorder in hand and ready to go, I asked Phil a few silly preliminary questions, like “are you nervous” before we started.  Phil laughed and told me that he had done a few of these before, and when I told him it was my first time conducting an interview he was gracious and let me know he’s go easy on me…a great way to start the evening!  

What’s with the masks?

Ok, so we get duped with this each time we tell someone this, but you know how you watch cartoons and the characters are invisible until you throw a blanket on them and then you can see their silhouette?

You mean like Harry Potter?

Yes, exactly…well you know that’s what the Jabbawokeez are. We wear the masks so you don’t see us, and who we are, you just see the music.  We really try to embody the music and make it a visual thing; we put on the masks and the gloves so we are a physical embodiment of the beat.

So would say you that is also the definition of a Jabbawokee? 

Well that’s a part of it, but pretty much a Jabbawokee is from a poem by Louis Carroll called “Through the Looking Glass”.  It’s a story about this kid in the woods and there was a Dragon, but the Dragon was a myth, and that’s what we kinda wanted to be; we wanted to have that mysterious and mystical appeal.  Before we did “America’s Best Dance Crew” we never took our masks off, we would just go on stage, do our thing and we would get out of there and nobody knew who we were, so it’s pretty crazy the effect we’ve had on people.

That’s cool!  I actually sat down and watched the entire “ABDC” marathon until you guys won! We knew you guys were going to win the first season of ABDC, did you?

Know what, I really didn’t know we were gonna win.

Come on now, I know that you had to be back stage sayin’ “look at those guys, we can beat’em!”

Oh, yeah of course there a lot of other good crews and we were like “wow, these guys are really comin’ with it!”  Everybody had their own style, and we definitely respect everybody’s style and what they brought to the table.  But that didn’t mean we knew we were gonna win, we were very humble, you know, when we were comin’ into the competition.  

So, you won…but who is the best dancer in your crew? Gimme one name.

Oh!  That’s an interesting question we were just talking about that, ummm…I wouldn’t say there is one dancer in our crew that is the best, ‘cause we kind all cover different areas.  Like, one’s a great free-styler up top, one’s a b-boy, the other one’s a great performer.  I don’t know…I can’t out my finger on it, but everybody is pretty dope in my crew to be honest with you.

Any of you guys single?

Are any of us single?…ahhh, there are a few singles in the group…uhh

Ok, well who gets the most chicks?

I don’t know, you know, I don’t keep up with that kinda stuff!

Ok, so you don’t know?  You’re not gonna give me a definitive answer on that one?

Naw, naw…not that I don’t want to, I just can’t…I don’t know.

I gotta ask this one for our founder…Are you guys all Filipino?  Our founder Saint Agnes (is half Filipino, half Thai) says all Filipinos got rhythm, do you agree?

Naw, we have Kendell, and Kevin Brewer, African American descent, we got a couple of Latinos in the group, Eddie and Saso, they’re Mexican American, we got Phi Nguyen in the group he’s Korean American, we got C. he’s Vietnamese American, and then yeah, the rest are Filipinos.

Saint Agnes says all Filipinos got rhythm, do you agree with this? 

I would understand why she says that, ‘cause you know, I kinda feel like it’s in the blood, but I wouldn’t say ALL Fillipinos have rhythm, but I mean most of’em that I run into…  (Phil’s voice trails off into laughter.)

Alright that makes sense… you can’t throw a blanket out there and say everybody can.  You always got that one person, who spoils it for the rest of the bunch…

Yeeah, we can try to send them to a dance class or somethin’, (sigh) but sadly we can’t.  (We share in another laugh)

What’s the strangest thing anyone’s ever wrote?

The strangest thing…hmmm, I don’t know…

Well, was there anyone like “Oh, I wanna clean your masks!”

No, no, but people do ask a lot of weird stuff all the time.  We got somethin’ crazy in our mail, where this girl actually got a tattoo of the Jabbawokeez across her back.  It was pretty big, it had our logo really big, and then it said Jabbawokeez across the top.  I wouldn’t say that was really strange, so if this gets to her, tell her I said “hello”.

We’ll tell her “hi!”  

Now, on to clothes.  How much gear did clothing brands send to you while the show was taping? 

Awww, WOW… a lot!  I mean we get boxes and boxes, and more boxes on top of that.  Me personally I love clothes.  Bein’ on the show we’d have a hard day’s work, dancin’ for like 16 hours straight and come back to the hotel and there would be boxes of gear waitin’ for us, so it was a good little treat!

What brand did you guys choose to wear ultimately?

I love rockin’ “BITERS WILL BE EATIN’ “,  BWBE.  And you know I just gotta put that in there because  that is my personal line, and I’ve done a collabo with John Markie about 5 years ago.

Is this what made you decide to start a clothing line?

We’ve always wanted to do a clothing line.  The Jabbawokeez used to sell t-shirts on a small scale about like 5 years ago, but to do a full line was just something that we’ve always wanted to do but we were waiting to get that exposure and get our paper up to put it out there and to push quality product, luckily this show put us over the top with that, and gave us the exposure to come out with a full line nationally, it’s crazy! 

Are any of you guys’ artists, graphic designers or creative?  Who’s gonna design your apparel?

Oh, yeah we all are definitely creative.  A lot of the clothes go through me, my boy Chris and my boy Fred who is our manager.  Fred likes to be a part of the creative process, we don’t crank out the designs from scratch, we actually have some designers that work on stuff, but we ultimately give the “Yay, or Nay”, and give the direction that we’re going for, the colors or the texture, the placement.

So, you gonna have gear for ladies?

Oh, YEAH!

What’s the inspiration behind the brand?

Jabbawokeez is a motto that we try to realize, one style fits all.  We’re gonna try crank out clothes that can be universal, but still have a cool little urban twist to it, but we’re gonna try to keep it more original.  We don’t want it to look like the “next” brand. 

So, in the next 5 years you’re gonna be knockin’ down Roca Wear’s door, huh?

Ha-ha…we’ll see!

Ok, last question!  What have the Jabbawockeez been up to in regards to dancing?  

There is a whole bunch of stuff that we’re workin’ on right now.  All markets we’re gonna hit, we’re really in the lab tryin’ to put together some different stuff. We probably gonna hit another big tour in the Spring of next year, we’ve got the clothes and movies on board.

Movie?

I’m not sure I can talk about the movie yet, but just know that it’s sound interesting to me.  We’re really liking the beginning stages of it, just viewing the script and going over stuff like that.  I don’t really know if I can talk about it, but I’ll keep you posted about it!

Please keep us posted!

Most definitely!

Visit the Jabbawockeez official site: www.jbwkz.com

-V.

This week we’re stepping into the Confessional with DJ Lindsey, a perfect example of simple elegance. Her no-fuss style and selective taste in music have kept her on our Hail Mary list almost every month. She shares a little insight on married life and the party scene in NYC.

Make sure to keep up with her on her website: www.djlindsey.com.

Name and Age, please:
Lindsey Caldwell, age - old

Marital status:
Married

Where are you originally from?
St. Louis, MO

How long have you lived in New York?
I’ve lived in NY for almost 8 years

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
I live in Williamsburg

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
The day of the blackout was awesome. I was at work when it went down and I immediately linked up with my lunch buddy Doug Lee, we walked down Broadway to Opening Ceremony. There were like 30 people just chilling on the stoop and I spent about 24 hours hanging out with my good friend Ann. It just made me feel like I was right to move to New York and the whole day I thought about how lucky I was to have met such amazing and inspiring people. We went up to Times Square to see what it looked like with no lights, and ate beef jerkey for dinner. It sounds so simple but maybe that’s what made it such a good day. No one had anywhere to be and we were all just able to relax and be ourselves.

Name and Age, please:
LinYee Yuan, 27

Marital status:
Single

Where are you originally from?
Houston, TX

How long have you lived in New York?
Almost a decade!

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
I love summers in NYC. I also really love the random nights in New York when you have no real plans but one thing leads to another and you find yourself smoking on a stoop at 5AM, laughing your ass off with friends, and watching the sun come up from the back of a cab as you cross the bridge.

Give us a brief rundown of your past work experience.
After finishing school in NYC I moved to HK to teach English and was lucky enough to do some work for A-Vibe, a youth marketing agency. From there I returned to NYC to work in the communications department at Fortune Magazine. After realizing the only time I saw women or people of color on the cover of the magazine was in “special” editions I bounced to do Marketing and PR for The FADER/Cornerstone. After 2 years I left to pursue some freelance projects and help out with one of my best friend’s brand consultancy/streetwear lines, Kilo International. Not only did a small company of three people design, sell, distribute, and market two separate streetwear brands but we also produced a small boutique streetwear tradeshow in Vegas showing Japanese and NYC collections twice a year, timed with MAGIC. During all of this I was doing some freelance writing on the side for Theme Magazine, a bi-monthly publication with a lens on contemporary global Asian culture. It was (and still is) my favorite publication so I was geeked when they asked me to come on board as an editor!

Photographer and Photo Editor of Missbehave Mag, Brooke Nipar lays it out in this week’s Confessional. Looking good both in front of and behind the lens, this striking beauty dishes out about how she got connected with the Missbehave crew, her favorite celeb photoshoot, and how her grandfather helped start her on the road to photography.

Make sure to check out more of Brooke’s work online: www.brookenipar.com

Name and Age, please:
Brooke Nipar. Age: 29

Marital status:
Single.

Where are you originally from?
Los Angeles.

How long have you lived in New York?
It’ll be 6 years in May.

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
East Village.

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
Daft Punk at Coney Island, rooftop parties, trips to Long Beach in the summertime, the first MISSBEHAVE party at Happy Valley.

How long have you been taking photos and how did you start?
I started taking pictures when I was 13 or so. My Grandfather was a photographer, when he passed away he left me all of his photo equipment and I started playing around with it. Then I started taking photography classes when I was a sophmore in high school which led to me studying at Art Center.

Currently you’re the photo director of Missbehave, how did you connect with the magazine and what does your job require of you?
My connection with MISSBEHAVE was truly serendipitous. Samantha, the founding editor, had seen some of my work and contacted me to see if I wanted to contribute to a new project she was doing called “MISSBEHAVE”. At that point she was just working to produce a promo copy to pass around to advertisers so they could get the vibe of what the mag would ultimately be like. She had already started working with our other editors Sally and Mary but didn’t have a photo editor. We got on really well and she asked me if I wanted to be a part of it and the rest is history. It was totally meant to be. The four of us that started this magazine together have a really special chemistry, I don’t think any of us are replaceable. There’s a piece of each of us that goes into every issue and it’s so awesome that people have responded so well to it.

Being the Photo Director of MISSBEHAVE requires me to handle all things photo based. I research and hire all the photographers that shoot for us. I then edit and choose all of the images that go into each issue. I work closely with the other girls to make sure everyone is happy with the content and that we’re all on the same page. If one of us is strongly opposed to something it usually doesn’t make it in. I spend a lot of time looking at websites, meeting with photographers to look at their portfolios and checking out other magazines just to see what everyone else is up to out there.

Aside from the photo stuff I pitch ideas for content and stories in general, help with planning of MISSBEHAVE parties/events, and I’m also the de facto music editor. I guess I wear a lot of hats. Hahaha. But I like being involved in all aspects of the mag.

You’re also a freelance photographer, what do you consider your biggest or most rewarding job?
So far I think my favorite shoot/job was going to London to shoot M.I.A. for the cover of MISSBEHAVE. I’m a huge fan of hers and we had wanted her on the cover since the very beginning, so finally getting her for the cover of issue 5 and getting to shoot her myself was really rewarding all the way around. Plus she’s a really rad girl and super fun to photograph.

Any favorite photoshoots or people you enjoyed photographing?
Shooting Amy Winehouse definitely goes down in history as one of the most “interesting” shoots I’ve ever done. I’m a big fan, but she’s completely nuts.

Digital or film?
Both. I love shooting film, but it’s just not as practical anymore for multiple reasons.

What are your thoughts on all the party/event photography websites and photographers such as Cobrasnake, Last Night’s Party, and Photobytone that have come to the forefront of internet/digital photography in the last few years?
Yeah, the whole party/event photography thing has gotten really big over the past couple of years. People love going out at night and seeing themselves up on these sites the next day. It’s completely different from what I do but I can totally respect it. Especially with Bronques (Last Night’s Party). For a long time everyone thought of him just as a “party photographer” but he’s really pushed the boundaries over the past few years and is doing amazing work. He’s a friend and watching him shoot is fascinating to me– he connects with people on another level.

Which photographers do you admire or inspire you? What do you consider the highest achievement for a photographer?
There’s so many photographers that I admire: Guy Bourdin, Andreas Gursky, Richard Burbridge, David Sims, Larry Clark, Avedon, the list goes on and on. I think the highest achievement for a photographer is to be respected by those you admire.

What advice would you give to young photographers trying to get noticed?
Be yourself and shoot what you love.

Got any favorite clothing brands/designers?
I like Rojas a lot. My friend Alejandra designs for them and she does an amazing job. Brian Lichtenberg is a really cool young designer out of LA. I love the favorites like Ksubi, Jeremy Scott, Bernard Willhelm, etc as well.

Got a long term plan?
My long term plan is to be happy. That’s all I want honestly. Hopefully that will always involve photography.

Do you have much free time? And what do you do when you’re not working?
I could be busy all the time if I wanted to be but I definitely make time for fun. I need to or I would go crazy. I go out dancing with my friends as much as possible. My roommate Jules (www.bijulesnyc.com) and I have people over for dinner/house parties quite a bit as well. During the summer I’m usually at the beach on the weekends.

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m not really sure how I would describe it– I wear so many different types of things mixed together. I was having dinner with a friend the other night and he said that I “only wear pieces that are typically Brooke Nipar”… so whatever that means!

What’s your prized possession?
I have a few, but recently my black leather motorcycle jacket I picked up at a flea market in London. I wear it almost everyday.

Where do you like to shop?
I love Opening Ceremony and Seven here in NYC.

Do you go out much? Got any favorite bars, lounges, and clubs?
Yeah, I go out a lot. Hahaha. Part of living in NYC that I love is that there is always something to do. I have to force myself to stay home sometimes. Studio B and 205 are the only places I go regularly. Other than that I just go to where my friends will be or where the music is good.

Please name your top 3 fave restaurants in NY and what your favorite
dish(es) is/are there.
Peasant: everything is excellent.
BLT Prime: the fillet and the blue cheese tater tots.
Cafe Mogador: my neighborhood spot. I eat there a few times a week. The greek salad and the Lamb Tangine Casablanca are my fav. The brunch is also really great.

What music have you been listening to lately?
My friends band KUDU is about to release a remix album that I’m way into. Other things on rotation would be Modeselktor, Radiohead, The Kills, Santogold, Spiritualized… Too many things to list, really. I’ve also been listening to a lot of the music I loved when I was in high school: Fugazi, Nine Inch Nails, Jawbreaker, Stiff Little Fingers, Joy Division, The Cure.

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
I think so… I feel like I will probably always be based here anyway. I love NYC. It’s been really good to me and it’s a great place to live while you’re young. Being that I’m originally from Cali I could see myself wanting a house with a yard and trees, etc at some point. But I don’t think I could ever leave NYC completely…. after all, it is the center of the universe!

If you smoke, tell us your favorite rolling paper. If you drink, tell us
your cocktail/drink of choice.
I’m a total wino. I LOVE wine. I drink it everyday. I have fantasies about owning my own vineyard one day. Right now I’m really into South American wines- Riojas and Malbecs. I was in heaven when I travelled to Argentina a while back because you can get the most amazing bottles of wine for like, 5 bucks.

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
Mary Choi

If you’ve gone to any great NY parties lately chances are that they’re “Good Peoples” affiliated, the (more than just) marketing company founded and run by this week’s confessionalist, Katie Longmyer. Longmyer’s got her hands in some of the best music events and parties going down in the city right now and also day-jobs as the Brand Partnership manager at Warner Brothers Records.

We had the privilege of questioning Katie to find out more about what it’s like for her working in the male-dominated music business.

Name and Age, please:
Katie Longmyer — 28

Where are you originally from?
Washington DC

How long have you lived in New York?
6 years

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
Lower East Side

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
Summer rooftop parties in Bushwick, sharing an apartment with my best friend of 10 years and having 4am dance parties to early 90s diva house, this crazy city every day.

When did you know you wanted to be in the music biz?
Always! I grew up watching so many artists, promoters and DJs at concerts that amazed me. I remember waiting in line, and watching them thinking about who really runs the show - I didn’t want to stand there wondering what was going to happen, and I didn’t want to perform, I wanted to be the person who made it all possible.

What was your first music related job?
Flyer bitch! I had a job handing out flyers and managing meet and greets for a street marketing company called Noize Pollution the summer before my junior year of college. (www.noizepollution.com)

Tell us how you started working at Warner Bros. Records and your responsibilities there.
I started out working in Washington DC and Baltimore as a club promoter for the Buzz/Fever/Origin parties. While I was doing that I got a job as a field rep for Maverick Records during the day. I eventually moved up to NYC and became a field rep for Warner Bros. Records, Maverick’s parent label, but hated working in sales. I went into the office and eventually landed an assistant job. After a year at that job I created Good Peoples and launched by creating and producing the 1st Beautiful/Decay Magazine Video Festival. (www.beautifuldecay.com) I continued to manage my own projects on my own time and when my boss at Warner Bros. discovered what I had been working on she called me into her office to talk about it. I totally thought I was going to get fired, but instead she promoted me to a job especially created for me! I’ve been working at that job in the Brand Partnerships department of Warner Bros. ever since.

You started your own company, Good Peoples, a few years ago. What’s the mission behind your company and how does it relate to your “day job”?
Good Peoples was born out of a simple idea - that I was surrounded by dope creative people and if they were all connected through a central hub the possibilities for success were limitless. It has evolved into a brand development boutique. All of the creative people around me have their own brands, events and projects so I help connect them, partner them with corporate companies, organize them, and promote them in a creative way. And as for my day job — “the machinery” as E-40 calls it ;) I guess I’m an in house trendcaster, A&R scout and bridge between the company and the community of creators I work with. My department connects Warner Bros. artists to all kinds of brands (from Pepsi to LRG) with creative projects.

Do you encounter any challenges in your job that you think are set on mostly because you are a woman in a male-dominated industry?
Not really. I think that if you are the best at what you do and produce results, no one (man or woman) can really fuck with that.

You probably get the opportunity to meet a lot of talented music artists. Any good stories?
Omg so many - but too good to put in print ;)

Who’s your favorite you’ve met?
Without a doubt - Madonna.

What’s the plan for Good Peoples and what direction are you taking it?
This is a huge year for Good Peoples. There are amazing partnerships that are happening (that’s all I’ll say for now but you’ll see soon enough!!). Stay tuned for some dope new mixtapes, huge parties in and outside of New York and maybe a tour!

Can you tell us about any other things you’ve got on your horizon?
* TheNewPop.com new website and lots of amazing new photo and video content
* Maggie Horn’s new mixtape and release party with Scottie B @ Heartbeat on April 9th
* A dope track on Tittsworth’s new album with Warner Bros. artist Federation
* and some very special projects with MeanRed Productions

Got any favorite clothing brands? Stores?
clothes: IKKS, Mishka, Hellz Bellz, 55DSL, G Star, DSquared
stores: reed space, blush on bleeker st, pop up shops and random online boutiques, I can’t stand shopping in a crowd.

Do you have much free time? And what do you do when you’re not working?
I think the last time I truly had “Free Time” I was out of the country in Costa Rica with no internet or blackberry service. Haha. When I do have free time I’m usually trying to catch a couple hours of sleep and I have dinner parties at my apartment (we do a weekly Sunday Dinner).

What’s your prized possession?
Always and forever, my cello

Do you go out much? Got any favorite bars, lounges, and clubs?
I’d say about of my time I’m “out” but I’m most likely “working”. You can usually find me at 205 Club, Von or Roxy’s party at Sway on Mondays. One of my new favs is the Hot Jams party at Southpaw.

Please name your top 3 fave restaurants in NY and what your favorite
dish(es) is/are there.
* Inoteca, truffle egg toast with a glass of lambrusco (my favorite sparkling red wine)
* Pho Viet Hong, on Mulberry & Bayard, Pho (my ultimate comfort food)
* Prune, (brunch) fried oyster omelet, lamb sausage and a Chicago matchbox bloody mary

What music have you been listening to lately?
Bilal (always in rotation), Kid Cudi (is the future), Maggie Horn’s new mixtape, Roxy’s new mixtape, Kudu, I think I’ve played Mapei & Switch’s “CSS” track about a million times over and over, Million $ Mano is killing it with remixes right now! the new erykah album . I could go on forever .

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
I think NY will always be my home base, but I want to travel (and take over) the world sooner rather than later.

If you smoke, tell us your favorite rolling paper. If you drink, tell us your cocktail/drink of choice.
I will never turn down a glass of champagne

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
Jen Lyon aka Superwoman!

We only met Lynnette about half a year ago and since then we’ve been linking or randomly running into each other at Alife parties, Williamsburg loft parties, A-ron’s Wreck Room, and Diego’s “brownie” party last weekend. She even coincidentally photographed a catalog shoot that the Worship Worthy team was invited to participate in.

If the amount we’ve seen lately of this stylish muse behind the camera is any indication of what the rest of the world is about to see then hold on tight, it’s a flashbulb blitz!

Name and Age, please:
Lynnette Astaire AKA Jane Jetson

Where are you originally from?
Chicago

How long have you lived in New York?
8 years

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
9/9/99. My first memory here. 2nd week in NY. 17 yrs old in the penthouse of the Soho Grand Hotel watching celebrites do coke all night. (What up V!)

When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
Well, I got a Polaroid for my 7th Christmas. My 4 year old brother was my first muse..I had that poor kid posing in his pajamas with Barbie ….by Jr High I decided to be an orthopedic surgeon after I broke my arm trying to do a 360 tailwhip on my BMX like an idiot, so I ended up obsessing over GPA’s, SAT’s and AP classes, but after looking at old polaroids one day I was like fuck med school…

What were the first steps you took towards fulfilling this dream?
I traded my cello for a Pentax K1000, and started cutting class to shoot the hot delinquents.

Who or what do you consider your biggest inspiration in photography?
Music. I’m like Prince in ‘77….before Purple Rain!

What do you think sets your photography apart from others’?
It’s on some Pop Art shit. It’s something you can hang on a wall, use to sell a product or even beat off to. Its versatile with out being boring. My “Riding the White Horse” piece has a million things going on. Drug refrences, disco, to 10th Century European History. And if you don’t get it then I guess you can always look at her tits. But at the end of the day I want you to look beyond the beautiful lighting and pretty makeup because there is something deeper.

We first noticed your work while perusing the MOB website a couple years ago and recently we’ve seen the Kangol x MOB billboard in the L.E.S which you shot. How did you hook up with MOB and what it’s like to see your work on such a large scale?
Before Mob, Leah styled our first editorial, when I was still in school. Now she’s styling her own brand and its our very first billboard!! The tee that I did with her SOLD OUT at Colette in Paris! PARIS!! We’ve definitely come full circle. We’re both here to shake shit up so it’s great.

Growing up in Chicago, has Chi-Town influenced your style in any way?
Not so much….I grew up on the Southside of Chicago, I went to Catholic school to avoid gangs so the only art I got was like the “Stations of the Cross”. So I think Chicago has influenced my state of mind more than my actual style. I mean, Chicago ’style’ is not really a particular style. Our style is just about being original.

Any person you’d absolutely love to photograph?
The list is always changing. I have ideas for people I haven’t even met yet! Right now I want Ice T and Coco. He’s all like ex-cop killer gangster rapper and she’s like a living blow up doll, it’s nuts.

Got a favorite photoshoot?
I honestly, love all of them the same just for different reasons.

What part of photography is most satisfying to you?
Capturing a scene that will never happen again the same way, the exact way I want it remembered.

Can you tell us about any other things you’ve got on your horizon?
In numerology my personal year for 2008 is an 11, which is highly charged number. I just inked a multiyear contract with one of Bill Gates companies… Im pretty stoked. Im also going to keep building on what I have, keep doing what I do and working with people who like it… I’m in the beginning of my career and I don’t plan on going anywhere so the horizon is endless.

Got any favorite clothing brands? Stores?
I’ve really gotten into shoes, serious, like Louboutin. I’ve got these sick red pumps by Tara Subkoff that I’ve never worn. They’re like some new wave Betty Boop shit. I have a lot of old pieces from my granny that I like to mix up. I’ve gotten the best tops from Hussein Chalayan, the best jackets by Rick Owens and Secta, and my Neil Barrett pants makes my ass look yummy, hahah I’m so serious! I love tights and stockings, so I go to Conway to get them for cheap.

Got a long term plan?
To keep doing what I love and go make some amazing babies with an amazing man.

Do you have much free time? What do you do when you’re not working?
The Beach, a burlesque show, a Knicks game, a cooking class, a juke competition, the spa, a shooting range, Japan, I’ll do any of those places again, anytime.

How would you describe your personal style?
Fresh

What’s your prized possession?
My 6 senses

Where do you like to shop?
I don’t really like to shop. I’m ready to just look in the magazines and call the store!

Do you go out much? Got any favorite bars, lounges, and clubs?
Sometimes, but I did way too much partying when I first moved to NYC. Moomba. Lot 61. Life. Veruka, even Cheetah so I’m kinda burnt. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE people, I’m an addict…men, women, it doesn’t matter just as long as they’re good. I don’t have a particular clique or scene though. I’ll hit an underground house club, a townhouse on Park Avenue and a dive in Williamsburg. All in the same night without changing clothes. You never know where and when you’ll meet the next person who is going to change your life so I tend to be all over the place.

What music have you been listening to lately?
Anything. Music is better than drugs. The orchestral version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Bananas. Coldplay X Buena Vista Social Club? Bananas. Lil Wayne? Bananas. Amy Winehouse? Bananas. J*Davey? FUCKING Bananas. Zero 7, Justice, Zepplin? Bananas. Just the sound of Chris Cornell’s voice is Bananas. Janelle Monae, Kings of Leon, Madlib, Jamiroquai? Bananas. DJ Kahled? Bananas. Beyonce? Yeah I said it….Bananas!!!!

What’s your most recent discovery/exploration in New York?
Zoning out on the subway with no destination. You enjoy the ride way more when you don’t have someplace to be. I love the breakdancing acrobats on the 4/5, they’re like an urban Cirque du Soleil.

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
Absolutely not.

If you smoke, tell us your favorite rolling paper. If you drink, tell us your cocktail/drink of choice.
I stopped drinking at 21.

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
Mmmm…it’s a tie… Fellow photographer Ashley Reid is awesome! Google her. I love my friend Brookelynn Starnes and her new line Cloak and Dagger NYC. She’s the real deal!!! Google her too or go to Barney’s.

Make sure to check more of Lynnette’s work at www.lynnetteastaire.com.

Happy New Year! This year we’re kicking off our Confessional with one incredibly creative and talented lady, “Downtown’s Sweetheart”, Vashtie.

Hailing from upstate New York, Vashtie’s been making her mark both nationally and internationally as the co-founder of one of New York’s best parties, 1992, and has worked as the Director of Creative Services for Island/Def Jam. Her passion for directing spawned during her childhood and just a few weeks ago Vashtie’s personal video project for C.R.S’s “Us Placers” was released and became the latest online buzz overnight.

Not to mention, she shares our love for one of our past Confessional inverviewees, Santogold!

Name and Age, please:
Vashtie (aka King Vashtie aka Vashius Klay aka Vash Money aka Chainsaw aka The Female Fonz aka Downtowns Sweetheart!)

Aged 15, forever (I’m like Claudia in “Interview With A Vampire”.)

Marital status:
Married to my work!

Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Albany New York, upstate baby! A lot of people imagine I grew up on a farm or in a gated community, but not at all. I’m from Downtown Albany, which is pretty hood.

How long have you lived in New York?
I’ve been in NYC since the Fall of 1999. Dag, that’s 8 years.

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
Currently I’m living in the East Village.

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
There are so many great New York memories. My favorite was during the blackout. My friends Dave and Sean were at my apartment when it all went down. I had just moved in and literally had a futon and my bed with nothing else. It didn’t make sense for us to chill in my place waiting, so we ventured out into the dark. It was fun and scary. We’d be walking down the street and you couldn’t see farther than 3 feet in front of you. We went past NYU’s library and found that they had air conditioning because of their generators. We snuck in and raided their vending machines. After that we made our way to SoHo and stumbled upon a pool. There was a 20 foot fence we had to climb to get to it and I ripped my favorite jeans almost clear in half doing it. When we got to the pool we just chilled. It was a great time.

Give us a brief rundown of your past work experience.
Phewww. Where do I begin.

I started working at age 8 for my dad. He’s a car mechanic and I spent a lot of time in garages, I learned a lot about cars in my early years. I volunteered for years at hospitals and youth organizations. Around the age of 13, I got a job working at a tattoo shop in Albany (Lark Street Tattoo). The guys there were like father figures and gave me a job to keep me from hanging out on the streets. I learned a lot about art there. My boss and mentor, Bruce Kaplan was from New York and studied graphic design at Parsons. He taught me a lot.

During high school I also worked retail at Finish Line. That was a dope job because I got to build a good sneaker collection. I also had some other retail gigs, I always had 2 jobs at a time, so West Indian! Ha.

When I moved to New York I worked at the biggest tattoo shop and supply store on Canal Street. It was crazy seeing so many different types of people and celebrities coming in to get pierced and tattooed. Eventually I left because I couldn’t work and go to school full-time. I got a job at Stussy, which was cool. I worked with a lot of people who went on to do their own thing, like Chris from DQM and Angelo of Absurd. It was such a different time back then, “streetwear” didn’t exist.

I assisted photographer Jamil GS, working on photoshoots and managing his studio. That was fun and a lot of work. Jamil is great because he’d always teach me every aspect of what he did to help improve my craft. A year after film school I submitted my reel to Box Fresh Pictures and got signed as a Director. It was my first real job in my field and I was ecstatic. My first major piece was writing a treatment for Common’s “Testify” , which Anthony Mandler directed. During that time I was working for Nike iD which was fun. We got paid a lot and it never seemed like work.

Then I got a call from a friend and mentor who had just been brought in by LA Reid to head Island Def Jams Creative/Music Video Department. She asked me to help re-vamp the company as Director of Creative Services.

…I also styled for BBC/IceCream’s catalog and website.

You’ve done a variety of different creative jobs in the past, do you consider yourself mainly a video director?
I definitely consider myself an Artist, first and foremost. Ever since I could remember, I’ve been drawing and making things. Eventually, it led to photography and film. It’s hard to call myself a “Music Video Director” since it doesn’t delve into much. There are a lot of Directors who don’t write their own treatments and don’t consider themselves Artists. I would say that being a “Director” is what I’ve been focused on for sometime now.

How did you first become interested in directing and how did you get started?
As a kid my older brother and sister would take me to movies all the time and I loved it. My home life was pretty crazy and I would imagine my life as a movie. Being able to create worlds outside of reality fascinated me. When I got to about middle school I became somewhat of a recluse and would watch movies and MTV (when they played videos) constantly. The videos then were so creative and different. I loved music, but had never gone in that direction. It seemed like such a perfect marriage of the two, especially since I visualized elements when I heard music.

I was always such a hippy, that I wanted to create positivity and awareness through my art. Film/Music Videos seemed to be able to hit many people in a short amount of time and I wanted that.

Congrats on the video you directed for “Us Placers” by Lupe, Kanye & Pharrell. It’s gotten a lot of attention since you posted it on Youtube not even a month ago. What was the idea or purpose behind you making the video on spec?
Thank you. The response was extremely unexpected.

The idea came to me over the summer when Kanye dropped his mixtape. I loved it. The “Us Placers” song was my favorite and I wanted to shoot something for it. I had already loved the original Thom Yorke song/The Eraser, and I thought it was dope those guys rapped over the beat. Generally, people don’t shoot videos for mixtape songs and I wanted to create a visual for it.

No one commissioned me to do it. It was just a personal project I wanted to make. Since that was the case I thought to use child actors. This also made sense becase C.R.S (Kanye, Pharrell and Lupe’s collaborative group name) stands for Child Rebel Soldiers.

What kind of reactions have you gotten so far from the video?
The reponse has been insane. The night before I posted it on YouTube.com I screened it at a 1992 party. I was so psyched on it that I came home at like 5 am and posted it, then knocked out. I woke up later to tons of emails and voicemails from friends and people I didn’t know, saying how much they loved the video.

I mean, blogs and websites everywhere were discussing it. Ebro from Hot 97 asked to put it on the Hot 97 homepage. I was blown away and still am.

I had made three hard copies to send to Lupe, Kanye and Pharrell, but within hours that afternoon they had seen the video and loved it.

Of course there were few negative comments online about the execution, but considering: I used my own money and props, the kids weren’t real actors, we had less than 6 hours to shoot, and my friends and crew all did me a favor by working for free…I think the video turned out well.

You recently left your position at Def Jam, what kind of work were you doing and why did it come to a close?
It was my first executive position. My title was Director of Creative Services. I served almost as a “tastemaker” for the Creative/Video department. I’d be the person to come to for new ideas on anything. I was also coordinating, producing, creative directing, styling, etc.

When Rihanna was about to shoot her album packaging, they came to me and asked me to come up with ideas of different photographers. I usually had to pitch those ideas to Jay-Z and LA Reid, explaining why I thought my ideas would work.

I was also directing the EPK’s (Elelctronic Press Kits) for artists like; Chrisette Michele, The Dream and Melissa Etheridge.

I also did other random things. When we were doing Jay’s video for “Blue Magic” he and Hype asked me to bring my “cool friends” to be in the video. They needed people who had a 90’s hipster look.

I was on set for most of the videos and photoshoots; Nas, Fabolous, Chrisette Michele, etc. Paying attention to every detail and making sure everything looked great. It would be intense, working 12 hour days and weekends, doing everything from making sure the artist didn’t look silly to directing 2nd camera on the set of a Nas video. It was intense and very fast-paced, but I loved that.

I couldn’t focus on my Directing while working there and I became very unhappy. It was a very comfortable job with great pay and perks, but I had to let go of my fears and do my own thing.

What’s the greatest thing you learned while working at Def Jam?
Overall I’d have to say, I learned that no matter how much money you’re earning or how how comfortable you are…nothing matters if you’re not happy. It’s not to say I didn’t love working there, because I did. I just had personal goals that I needed to fulfill. I met great people and learned a lot, but in the end…it wasn’t for me.

Props to you and Oscar for one of New York’s best parties right now, 1992! You’ve mentioned before that you never imagined 1992 to become so popular, what was the idea behind the party when you started it?
Thanks. 1992 started when Oscar and I were just chatting it up like usual, just hanging out. We started talking about parties and how bored we were. So many parties we were going to became such scenes and brand-heavy. It’s like if you weren’t wearing the right t-shirt you weren’t cool. We just wanted a party that was about the party. Where anyone could come and have a dope time. The 90’s is our favorite era in music and fashion, so it made sense to make it a 90’s themed party. Oscar came up with the name 1992 and it’s been going on since the Summer of 2006.

Got any plans to take the 1992 party to another level?
Oscar and I are very loose with 1992, meaning we don’t force it - it just is. We haven’t tried to make it anything and I think that’s what makes it special. Since we started, we’ve taken it to Miami, Paris and Amsterdam. The love we get outside of NY and overseas is amazing. We’re soon taking it to London and Berlin, then eventually a European Tour. We’re also working on a party/show with performances.

Of all your different creative outlets, what part is most satisfying to you?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I might have to say drawing/painting. Filmmaking is so satisfying, but as an artist it can be difficult since it’s a collaborative effort. You could make a film by yourself, but it definitely takes more than one person. I love drawing and painting for that reason. You can create things on your own, and you don’t have to rely on anyone.

Can you tell us about any other things you’ve got on your horizon?
I’m about to launch a clothing brand this year, VIOLETTE. I’ve been working on it for 4 years, but have been procrastinating until now. It’s beginning with tee’s and hoodies and eventually working it’s way to cut & sew and accessories. It’s everything I love and I definitely see people liking it as well.

I’m also working on doing a photo exhibit with my friend and great photographer TIM MCGURR. That should be a lot of fun and bring a ton of cool people together.

Got a long term plan?
Just to keep working and create as much as I can. Making videos, films, commercials, paintings, products and clothing. I’d like to set an example for young people to follow their dreams and do what they love.

Do you have much free time? What do you do when you’re not working?
Anyone who knows me, knows I stay working on my computer 24/7. I’m a nerd. If not, I’m at home watching movies or chilling with friends. I don’t like to move around because I’m just lazy. I’m like a fat house cat that only wants to eat and sleep.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style is very tom-boy. I love oversized tees and loose jeans with sneakers. My friends clown me that I’m a dude, ha. When I get dressed up I like to be very clean and classic. I don’t like things to seem contrived or over-thought.

What’s your prized possession?
My Polaroid camera.

Where do you like to shop?
For clothes I’m pretty simple. I love vintage shopping. I know it isn’t cool, but I’m addicted to American Apparel and H&M. I’m like a toddler, I’m very sloppy and my clothes always get ruined so it’s better that they’re cheap and easily replaced. On the other hand, I’m serious about accessories. My sneaker collection is serious and when I got into women’s shoes and handbags, I had to be just as on point. For bags and shoes I like Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Chanel. The classics.

Do you go out much? Got any favorite bars, lounges, and clubs?
I go out here and there. I love the 1992 party which is at R BAR on Bowery (wink, wink, nudge nudge). I also like The Bowery Hotel, The Beatrice, and Von.

Name your top 3 fave restaurants in NY and what your favorite dish is there.
The Spotted Pig, Cheese Burger!
Frank’s, Burratta Cheese and Tomatoes
Schiller’s, Sticky Toffee Pudding (I get the chills just thinking about it)

What music have you been listening to lately?
Bob Dylan, KID CUDI (he’s about to blow up!), Lupe Fiasco (his album is fire), The Clash, and SantoGold (she’s amazing).

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
When I “got it like that” I plan on having a phenomonal loft in NY, a house in Paris and a tent on the beach in Miami!

If you smoke, tell us your favorite rolling paper. If you drink, tell us your cocktail/drink of choice.
I’ve actually never smoked before. I was straight edge up until a couple years ago. I started drinking wine a couple years ago when I was traveling Europe. Wine and champagne is as far as I can go. I’m a cheap date, ha…it takes 2 glasses and I’m gone. I’d have to say my favorite drink is a Shirley Temple.

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
SANTOGOLD!

Jewelry designer, tattoo and piercing shop owner Lori Leven has been working in the business since she was a teenager, trading work hours for her very first tattoo. In the early 90’s when tattooing was still illegal in NYC, she got together with some friends and started a collective underground shop, East Side Ink, creating a strong tattoo scene on the Lower East Side.

Leven eventually broke off from East Side Ink in pursuits to take it a step further and created her own shop, New York Adorned. Now with two locations, New York Adorned has become one of the most reputable and highly respected tattoo and piercing shops in the country, home to some of the most talented tattoo artists and the headquarters for Leven’s own collection of jewelry.

Visit them online: www.nyadorned.com

Name and Age, please:
Lori Leven
Ideal age: 32

Marital status:
Single with nearly 30 children

Where are you originally from?
South Ozone Park, Queens but spent my formative years hanging out with the bad kids in New Jersey.

How long have you lived in New York?
17 years

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
East Alphabet

Favorite memories of New York since living here?
Every day of every summer

Give us a brief rundown of your past work.
The only real job I ever had, was working in flower shops when I was young. Other than that, I’ve worked in bars in between traveling the world, and have worked in the jewelry and tattoo industry, doing exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. Lucky me!

How did you become interested in tattoos and piercings? And how many do you have?
I wanted to get tattooed when I was a teenager but didn’t have any money,so I traded the tattooer for helping out in his shop. As far as how many I have- I lost count a long time ago. Let’s just call it one big one.

When did you decide to start NY Adorned and how did you make it happen?
In the early 90’s when tattooing was illegal still in NYC, I got together with a tattooer friend of mine and decided to gather up some young local talent that were all tattooing out of their kitchens to start a collective underground shop. There wasn’t any place in the city where young people wanted to go and get tattooed and have a good time while doing it. At that time Johnathan Shaw and Mike Bakady were the only guys downtown and a lot of people I knew were too intimidated to go there. We set up a shop called East Side Ink and it was a great success. It really created a strong tattoo scene on the Lower East Side. After 3 years of doing it, I wanted to expand into a storefront and bring the whole thing up a notch. They didn’t, so I moved on. Voila ! New York Adorned. It took me 7 months of looking every day to find the 2 Ave shop, but in the end,it was worth it. It’s a great space with an amazing garden. We did all of the work ourselves. We laid the floor, built the walls, painted, everything. And did it in 1 month! It’s taken 100 men 3 months to put our new store together, for God’s sake!

What was your biggest obstacle in starting your own business?
I would say the uncertainty of if it would fly before we ever opened the doors. After the first day of being open, I felt better. The biggest obstacle of having a business is employee interpersonal relationship and agreeing on the music. Oh, and scheduling. People hate to wait.

What was your first year in business like?
Super fun! Our rent was cheap, I didn’t have to pay the bank, any money back and people liked us. They were a bit confused about the fancy space. “A tattoo shop? This is a tattoo shop?” They came in because they saw jewelry, heard the machines in the back, and were definitely surprised.

Tell us about some of the talented and award-winning artists that work at NY Adorned and what it’s like working with them.
The best part of my job is working with artists everyday. And artists that create quickly, knowing that they have one chance to make it perfect. No painting over a canvas in their art. Chris O’Donnell, who has been with me for many years, has an incredible ability to create customer’s ideas into tattoos that are more than they could have imagined themselves even though they’ve been planning it for years. He also has an amazing design sense and is super reasonable, which really helps me when I need a logical second opinion at New York Adorned.

Shinji Sakurada (aka Horizakura) is a traditional Japanese handpoke tattooer (tebori). He has about 30 customers that he is working on at the moment, long term. He’s doing full body suits, mostly by hand, and has a super long waiting list of people that also want the same. The color that he produces is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. If you saw a Shinji backpiece a city block away, you could immediately recognize it!

Kaz has also been with us for years and he is our resident all around art guy. He makes beautiful and fearless tattoos. Sometimes you walk over to him to see what he’s working on and you wonder where he’s going with it. When you look at it in the end, you’re always wowed. He has the ability to never duplicate himself while still staying true to his style. He paints in watercolor, acrylics and oils and is an amazing self taught photographer.

Yoni Zilber does the perfect mix of fine line black and gray and vibrant color tattoos that sit delicately on the skin, even when they’re big and vivid.

Stephanie Tamez has become quite famous for her precision text work (she’s done flawless backpieces of prose!), but also is a very well rounded tattooer. And we have 2 new guys who just moved up to be with us. One from London, Thomas Hooper, who does big black tribal pieces and intricate pattern work. Art that has us all standing around watching him tattoo. And Timothy Hoyer, who is a well deserving, famous tattoo veteran, that we are super excited to have as new inspiration.

That’s just a couple of our guys. But really, I’m so lucky to have such a strong crew. All the artists at NYA really understand their craft, and it shows.

You also design your own jewelry. How did you learned the craft?
I started designing jewelry because there wasn’t much out there that I wanted to wear myself. I wanted jewelry that was simple to wear but still made a strong statement. I use a lot of flat metal to reflect light so the feel changes as you move. Mostly my job is designing and finishing. I have a bunch of talented people, here and in India, that help the process along.

Who are some of your favorites of the many celebrity clientele at NY Adorned? Have you ever been starstruck?
Robin Williams was in the other day. That was cool..Mork! Tyson Beckford and Lenny Kravits are handsome. Ellen Barkin and Isabella Rossilini are cool ladies. And Kimora Lee is crazy!

Congratulations on your new store location in Williamsburg! It’s a gorgeous space. How does it differ from your first location and where did you get your inspiration for the interior design?
Well, like I said before, having so many workmen building it for so long, really makes me want to take a super long nap. The problem that we had with our first store is that we grew too big to comfortably fit. We would have to sneak around the edges of the walls to get around our customers getting tattooed, and sometimes the jewelry store would get so crowded, people would have to wait outside! So those were my first 2 concerns when designing the new shop- giving people space and privacy. It’s nearly 3 times the size of the city shop and has rooms that the doors can fold flat against the walls to keep the space wide open, or close up to keep things private. We used a lot of natural materials - wood, metal, glass and cement. I had a very particular vision before we started building. But in the end went much more pared down, using the original and beautiful bones of the space, that were covered up under layers of sheetrock. We put skylights in over the tattoo stations, so our customers could watch the clouds roll by while their artist was tattooing them using natural daylight. It’s all turned out pretty amazing. And the jewelry shop is spacious and eclectic. At the city shop, we carry designer lines. In Brooklyn, we’re going to do more ’stories’. A kind of curating. And, we’ll have a superior collection of body jewelry.

Any other things on your horizon?
All I want is a house at the beach and the space in my brain to actually go there.

What’s the most satisfying thing about your business?
Our customers believe in us.

Got any favorite clothing brands? Stores?
Right now I’m so broke, I hate to even think about what I’m missing in the stores. But I do have a chronic accessories obsession.

Got a long term plan?
Continue to try and make my and my people’s lives as good as possible.

Do you have much free time and what do you do when you’re not working?
I don’t have much these days,building a new shop and all, but I always keep time to cultivate my Ashtanga practice with my beloved teacher, Eddie Stern.

How would you describe your personal style?
Garbage glamour

What’s your prized possession?
Not ‘possessions’, but I love my two old men dogs.

Got any favorite bars, lounges, clubs?
Dressler’s makes a great martini. And Esperanto makes a great fruity brunch drink as long as weather permits you to sit outside, instead of in their terrible acoustics inside. Other than that, my yoga practice is way early in the morning..

Name your top 3 fave restaurants in NY and what your favorite dish(es) is there.
Forever my second kitchen has been Takahachi on Ave A. Lil Frankies on 1st Ave and Cafecito on Ave C make 2 totally different and great versions of delicious skirt steak.

Whats your most recent discovery/exploration in New York?
That would be Williamsburg. I’m not sure I like it yet. Do you think Angelica’s Kitchen would consider opening up across the street from the new shop?

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
Absolutely. But with repeated sojourns.

Tell us your favorite rolling paper and your cocktail/drink of choice.
Red Bridge beer, Muscato Dasti, dirtymartinis, and 9 St Espresso black, iced coffee. I smoke from a pipe.

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
Well, this is a group of guys and girls but they’re my heros of the moment. 3rd Ward on Morgan Ave E. Williamsburg. Its a 20,000 sf workspace and studio facility for artists who’s work is multifaceted. They have metal and wood shop, computers and huge printers, a photo studio, gallery and tons of other things. They have great classes and it’s pretty cheap to be a member. I highly recommend people check it out: www.3rdwardbrooklyn.org

Here’s a girl you’re going to be seeing a lot more of! At age 19, Sarah McSweeney is the youngest woman we’ve had in our Confessional and very likely to soon be the most widely recognized. You might have recently seen her here, or here, or maybe even here, and of course the past few seasons as the face of Married to the MOB.

Read what this fresh faced beauty has been up to the last couple years and keep your eyes peeled for big things to come. Her whole life is ahead of her…

Name and age:
Sarah McSweeney, Age 19

Marital Status:
Only one guy is allowed to slap me.

Where are you originally from?
Chelsea, NYC

How long have you lived in NY?
I was born and raised here, my parents moved us to the suburbs when I was 10, but we were always in and out of the city. When I was 16 I moved back officially on my own.

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
Living in Tribeca

What are your favorite memories of New York?
One of my favorite memories, is my mom walking me to grammar school every morning. My school was in the West village so we would walk from Chelsea. Each morning she would let me stop at this Italian bakery and get cookies for breakfast. Cookies for breakfast, pretty amazing .ha. Best recent memory is baby Kier’s birth at St Vincent’s and Rob almost passing out in the delivery room.

Give us a brief rundown of your past work experience?
I got my first job when I was 16 at La Esquina. I was the door bitch. I lied for a while and told management I was 17. After working there for about a year I got scouted and gave the modeling thing a try.

We’ve been noticing you in print a lot lately, how did you get your start modeling? And what agency are currently with?
I am currently with Marilyn Model Management. I got scouted two summers ago. I was walking down Mott st and stopped to tie my shoelace, when this surfer looking guy approached me. At the time he was scouting for Abercrombie and Fitch and asked to take my polaroid to submit them for their next campaign. Then he told me that he also owned a small managing company that places girls with agencies. I was a little wary at first. But after meeting with him again I figured I might as well try. So the day I turned 18 I signed with him and he placed me with an agency. He is still my manager and now a good friend of mine. He also brings my lazy ass to the gym every day.

Got any favorite models you admire?
Um not really, I mean I love Kate Moss, but I don’t admire her.

Do you know and get along with other models?
Yeah, I know a few models, but I’m not good friends with any though. To tell you the truth most models are super retarded and I can’t really relate to them. I don’t get anyone who wants to make modeling their complete life.

When was the first time you saw yourself in print?
Hmm I can’t really remember. I have a terrible memory.

You’ve been the face of your sister Leah’s brand, Married to the MOB, for a while, whats it like working with her?
I love doing shoots for MTTM, because I get some creative control and they are always pretty amusing. Usually we end up shooting a lot of stuff that never makes it to the public cause it’s just a little to insane. Usually my sister and I constantly bicker as the shoot is going on. We have a very love hate relationship. But there is much more love then hate.

You also blog on the mobliving website, do you have a lot of devoted fans?
I don’t blog too much, that’s much more Tam Tam’s thing. But yea MOBLIVING.COM for sure has a big following.

You and Tabatha seem like best friends in person and from what we see on the blog, how did you guys become such good friends and are you both really as wacky as you come across on mobliving?
Yes we are as wacky as we seem and then some. We are both pretty out there when separated, but when we are put together something happens. Some people never recover after a Sarah- Tabatha run in. My sister introduced Tabatha and I two years ago, she thought I was hanging out with too many old people. Tabatha and I instantly became best friends. After knowing Tabatha for only three months . I moved in with her and her mother in BK after my sister and I had a fight. Tam Tam is family forever.

Any other things on your horizon?
I have a lot of things on my plate right now. As for my modeling career, I’m taking it for what it is. I’ve never aspired to be a model and I never will. But I consider it a stepping-stone for what I want to do in the end. Modeling is opening up more doors for me in the future, that go way beyond posing.

What’s the most satisfying thing about your work?
Traveling the world on someone else’s bill is very satisfying. Plus I get to travel places I wouldn’t neccessarly chose to travel to myself. My job has also opened my eyes a bit. The fashion industry is so fucked, it really can suck the life out of you. I’m constantly battling myself to stay in reality, cause it’s very easy to get sucked in. I’m not a very balanced person so sometimes it can be hard.

Got any favorite clothing brands?
MOB of course.

Got a long term plan?
I do, but I never say what I’m gonna do ..I wait till I do it.

Do you have much free time? And what do you do when you’re not working?
Sometimes I have absolutely no time and sometimes Ill get a week off. Which can be really nice. When I’m not working I like to cook, play with my niece, create a little mischief, make fun of people, take a shit .the list goes on and on.

How would you describe your personal style?
Simple and slutty ..slightly tomboyish

What’s your prized possession?
Hmm, I don’t really have one. I like having nice things but they don’t mean too much to me. Maybe that’s why I lose all my shit.

Where do you like to shop?
For clothes my favorite spot is Fille De Joie (197 Grand st BK). Tabatha’s amazing mother owns it (CC she is my French mother). It’s like going in to your girlfriends house, the one who has the dope closet and picking out the shit you like. It’s the fucking best! Beauty products I shop at Sephora even though I don’t really wear make up. Lush is good too for soap and stuff like that, their Ocean Salt product is amazing!!

Do you go out much?
Yeah I go out, I don’t really have a favorite club though. They are all pretty lame unless you’re super fucked up. Actually, I take that back I went to the best gay club in Vancouver recently, it was so much fun I worked the stripper pole like no other the gays loved it. The Odeon’s bar for a drink, and I just discovered this awesome wine bar on West Broadway, of course I forget the name.

Name your top three fave restaurants:
The Odeon-Calamari
Spice- Tofu Rama
Pure Food and Wine- Everything, it changed my life.

What’s your most recent discovery/exploration in New York?
NYC on a bicycle. My manager hooked me up with bike recently am I’m kicking myself for not getting one sooner.

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
I plan on traveling a lot and experiencing new places but home base will always be NYC.

If you smoke, tell us your favorite rolling paper. If you drink, tell us your cocktail/drink of choice?
I don’t really smoke. As for booze Patron.

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary list?
Tabatha McGurr!! Seriously I know this may seem biased but I don’t give a fuck. Tabatha is amazing, talented and sweet. She is also rude and loud, but that’s what I love. In fact I would be her lover.

Jill Bradshaw steps into this week’s Confessional. Just five years ago the L.A. native moved to New York and began setting up shop, literally. I Heart is one of New York’s premiere boutiques that carries hard-to-find and adventurous brands such as Tsumori Chisato, Wood Wood, and Alice McCall, while creating a full music, art, and fashion shopping experience. The next big project for Jill? I Heart will be opening its own showroom at the end of this month, housing some of the very same lines she sells in the boutique.

Jill is also a member of our Worship Worthy blog squad on Riottt.com which officially launches this week! Make sure to check it out here.

Name and Age, please:
Jill Bradshaw, 29

Marital status:
single

Where are you originally from?
LA

How long have you lived in New York?
5 years

What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
Nolita

What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
My first snow, opening party of I Heart, every time i dance to a great DJ.

Give us a brief rundown of your past work experience.
Worked for 10eleven in LA which was a showroom that carried lines like Diane von Furstenberg and Theory, then did sales for Joie here in NYC when I moved. Also did a brief stint as marketing director for Soho and Tribeca Grand hotels….not my thing.

What was the inspiration behind I Heart?
I’ve always loved fashion and felt that there was a lack in the market for a store that carried certain hard to find amazing designers. Being around a ton of creatives here in the city also inspired me to do more, create something, take risks. i started the store with my best friend Toni and she also had the same vision as me so we just went for it. From there everything just seemed to fall into place. I wanted to find a big space where i could create a comfortable environment and we found it. The design aesthetic came together from random pieces of modern furniture we found. It all just seemed to make sense.

You place a lot of importance on creative freedom, has there been times when you’ve been forced to “compromise” as a business woman, or have you always managed to retain this freedom?
I’ve always tried to maintain creative freedom with the store. Part of the concept of the store is to try to get people to step outside of their comfort zone and buy things that aren’t necessarily according to trends or what they think they’re supposed to like. Sometimes I change the lineup at the store to suit what sells however i don’t feel that I’m compromising with what I bring in. I’m just narrowing down exactly what I want and what works.

The lifestyle experience is becoming an increasingly important element in shopping. What’s the key to bringing together fashion, music and art?
I just bring in what I like. I have a lot of friends who are artists and I try to support their work. I also have a lot of friends in the music industry and I try to bring in CDs that people won’t necessarily know about. It’s all about stretching boundaries.

Your dad used to be the business manager for Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, do you think this affiliation with punk rock has anything to do with your current style and affinities?
Not really, my parents were definitely not “punk”, it was all business. But my dad did introduce me to music at a young age and I grew a great connection to it. We may not have the same tastes now but I will always have a love for classic rock which was more his style.

You’re a familiar face in downtown NYC, do you think being involved in the nightlife scene played an important role when starting I Heart, or any business for that matter?
I think getting the word out to people always helps however, I didn’t think about it. I was just lucky that I had a lot of friends to support the store and i guess that comes from going out a lot. I just like being social and meeting new people because that’s where my inspiration for things comes from. I go out because it’s part of me, it’s why I love New York so much. If it helped with the business, even better.

How do you choose what brands to put in your store? What do you look for in rookie brands?
I look for things that pop out at me. I look for lines that don’t look like they’re copying other people’s ideas. I also normally look for lines that don’t take fashion too seriously. It’s hard for a rookie line to really interest me just because so many people aren’t doing anything

I Heart is frequently the first store in New York to sell young and less heard of brands that eventually grow into some of the hottest. What’s the key to staying ahead of the curve?
I have no idea. I don’t think about it. I just pick what I like. I like things to come organically. I usually find a lot of new designers when I’m in different countries or through other people that recommend lines. I’ve gotten really lucky with certain lines because they are so special to me and no one has found them yet.

What’s the most satisfying thing about your business?
When a customer tells me it’s their favorite store in New York or that they love the aesthetic. To me, that’s why I started the store. Just to know that other people get the concept and enjoy it makes me happy.

How did you come to represent the Berlin based publisher Die Gestalten Verlag? (Los Logos and other graphic design books.)
Whenever there was a book that I liked I would look and Die Gestalten Verlag was always the publisher so it became apparent to me that I needed to carry their books. I’ve always been a fan of their picks.

Any stores in other cities around the world that you heart?
Isetan in Tokyo. Actually, any store in Tokyo is pretty amazing but Isetan carries the most amazing collections of Tsumori Chisato stuff that no one else has- little shoes and sleepwear. She’s my favorite designer. I also quite like Loveless in Aoyama. I fancy Kokon to Zai in London just cuz it’s a little off and they carry vinyl as well. I’m a sucker for good music. Other than that, my favorite stores are the ones I randomly find that will carry amazing vintage pieces or small housewares that are unique and cute.

Any words of advice for someone who wants to open their own boutique?
Know what you’re getting into before you start. Have your whole heart into what you do because it takes a lot of time and work and patience.

Got a long term plan?
I do! Well, I’m starting a showroom at the end of August and carrying a few lines that i have in the store: Wood Wood, Perks and Mini, Lonely Hearts, Wowch, and Name Ribbon. Seeing that i used to do sales before i opened the store, this seemed natural. I also plan on starting an online store toward the end of the year. Lastly, I have plans to start my own I Heart line of sleepwear. I’d like to diversify my interests so that I can try lots of things. I love the store but I have so many ideas running around in my head.

Do you have much free time? And, what do you do when you’re not working?
Surprisingly I do have free time. I try to leave work at the store and use my free time to enjoy the things I love. I mean some days I work from home, however I don’t do that every night. I try to get up early and work out before the store opens. At night I normally get dinner with friends, check out a band, or see my friends DJ. I have a slight weakness for disco and drink tickets.

How would you describe your personal style?
No clue. Everyday I wake up with a different mood. Some days I’m very Parisian mod, some days I’m hippie, some days I’m 50’s housewife….I just like to try different things. I never try to put myself in a category. Also, the clothes I have normally determine my look. Some days I’ll want to wear a certain dress and I’ll work around that. Or sometimes a belt and I’ll think of new ways to wear it. It’s never one style.

What’s your prized possession?
My cat cosmo. He’s the best cat ever. If you’ve seen him you know why he’s my prized possession. He’s kinda special in a white fluffy crazy way. He’s also the Wowch CEO.

Where do you like to shop?
I rarely shop in the city. I really get trapped in the “order a piece for myself” thing when buying for the store. However, I always make a trip to H&M here and there to see if they have anything. I’ve found a lot of easy pieces there in the past. For vintage I always make a trip to Narnia in the LES, it’s one of my favorites. As for beauty, my sister owns a store in LA that carries beauty products so i order everything through her (www.kalologie.com)….I guess running a store runs in the family.

Do you go out much? Got any favorite bars, lounges, clubs?
I go out less than I used to which is still around 3-4 nights a week but lately I just prefer to chill in my apartment and watch a good movie. I very rarely like a New York venue so it’s hard to say if I have any favorites. I normally just go wherever friends are doing a night. However, I like Heather’s bar on 13th street a lot, and for clubs I like Studio B in Greenpoint. Studio B is the only club bringing the best DJs at the moment and it’s big enough to really dance and not be around douchebags that have no idea what they’re listening to.

Name your top 3 fave restaurants in NY and what your favorite dish(es) is there.
Ruby’s: bronte burger (I’m in a burger club, I love a good burger)
Pho Bang: tai pho (i love most asian food in general but there’s something about Vietnamese that’s my favorite)
Il Mulino: lobster risotto (This restaurant is my favorite of the city and this dish is out of control. You basically gain about 15 pounds upon eating it but you can’t help but enjoy it.)

What music have you been listening to lately?
If I made a list it would be too long. I have a radio show on www.viva-radio.com if you’d like to listen but it mainly focuses on post punk, psyche rock, and synth pop. I also have a huge love for disco and techno. Music is a huge part of my life and I think I’ve become one of those music snobs along the way but i try not to let that come out so much.

Whats your most recent discovery/exploration in New York?
It’s amazing how you can constantly discover things in a city you’ve been living in for years. I actually recently discovered that I have a backyard, hahaha. It used to be all overgrown with weeds but I decided to change that and now I have a hammock and planted some plants. It’s always great to be outside and escape the city a little bit even if you’re still actually in the city.

Do you plan on living in NY forever?
Forever? I don’t know. That’s a tough question. I have no idea where life will take me. I know that I probably can’t live anywhere else in America besides New York, or at least somewhere that’s close enough to come into the city. I doubt I could live in LA again. Paris is my favorite city in Europe. I like to experience new things as often as possible though. I’ve lived in LA, Austin, London, and New York already. Who knows where I’ll be next.

If you smoke, tell us your favorite rolling paper. If you drink, tell us your cocktail/drink of choice.
I don’t smoke, I eat brownies. I drink beer, wine, and vodka tonics.

Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
Olivia Kao, she’s the production manager at 3.1 Phillip Llm and she’s got more style in her little pinky than most girls I know.