canvas s tyle

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september 2009
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RIspeaksCH onPAULcleveland,
lebron, and dreamlife
rob rosenthal + next
”know what you don’t know”

korye jones + fashion tips + rachel wilson + ryan leslie concert

1
canvascleveland.com
 supporting...
local culture, community, & business
in Northeast Ohio

canvas september 2009

PUBLISHER goodproduce llc
EDITOR jay bobo
sales+marketing
ashley taylor, damien conner

photo
donald pagel, ase boogie, bobby williams, jay
bobo, herb bias

design
goodproduce, the detroit studio, keturah ariel
contributors
ashley taylor, melissaj, princess henderson, jay
bobo, dan ely, robin prettyman

PUBLISHED BY GOODPRODUCE LLC

1360 E. 9th Street, Suite 823
Cleveland, OH 44114
canvascleveland.com

Printed by HotCards.com

Copyright 2009 GOODPRODUCE LLC

Reproduction without written permission of goodproduce llc is
prohibited.

3
 contents
EXTRAS
07 editors note
24 party pictures
26 event calendar
28 the list+

PEOPLE
08 rachel wilson
- love & relationships
09 korye jones
- tips for young professionals

CULTURE
14 listen up: brandon landrum
22 fashion: building your wardrobe
23 hair: picking a stylist

BUSINESS
15 rob rosenthal
- next stores & ‘leading the trend’

FEATURE
18 rich paul
- basketball, lebron, & community

4 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

 Get
Dolled
Up!

HAIRCAFE Come to HairCafe and get dolled up with Robin.

Call 216.851.1991 to setup your appointment now!

5

“Our customers are not dependent on us. We are
dependent on them” - Flawless Barber Salon
Editor’s Note
I love Cleveland. The folks I know who
have spent their entire life here say it’s
only because I moved here from somewhere
else. I disagree.
Cleveland means a lot to me because it’s the
place where I finally really dug down deep
and fleshed out my dreams of being an en-
trepreneur. As a kid, I sold everything door-
to-door that my Dad ever found in bulk. One
particular year, he came home with boxes
and boxes of industrial cleaning rags. I tried
to sell those door-to-door too. Quickly I
found out, there wasn’t much of a market for
cleaning rags in my neighborhood.
The funny thing is that I learned a lot from
those early days of youthful salesmanship. I
found out that anywhere I could realize my
dreams to the best of my ability was like
home. Cleveland for me is just that - home.
So for those Cleveland natives and recent
arrivals like myself, strike out and utilize
the resources that exist in this city - realize
your dream. Your aspirations may take you
far from here, but until you make a move
locally, you’ll never know how great home
can be.
This issue would not be possible once again-
without Mom and Dad, the Canvas Magazine
staff, and most importantly our advertisers.
See you in October!
Jay Bobo
216-624-7212
jbobo@canvascleveland.com
7
 | love&relationships

Three things that you notice in a

man? His confidence, smile, and
eyes.

What are some turnoffs? What

are some turn-ons? Insecurity, be-
ing judgemental, apathy, and self-
ishness. My turn-on’s are a rela-
tionship with God, self-awareness,
vision, ambition, and transparency.

What would be the best way for a

guy to approach you in public?
I find it super attractive when a guy
meets eyes with me, approaches
rachelwilson me with confidence, shakes my
hand, and introduces himself.
social service consultant
What’s the worst experience you
Bio: have had with the opposite sex?
Goodwill I dated a guy who was intimidated
Ambassador to the by my ambition and decided to
make everything in our relationship
Republic of Gambia, (especially personal accomplish-
West Africa ments) a competition. I’d rather a
man exemplify how secure he is
Status: with himself by supporting me and
Single encouraging my drive & success.

Location: What’s your idea of a perfect

Shaker Heights first date? A perfect date can’t be
captured in specific events. It has
School: to flow naturally and involves ac-
North Carolina tive participation from both people.
A&T State It’s about engaging in a “divine en-
counter” that has no expectations.
Case Western It’s when two people live in the
Reserve moment and enjoy each other’s
company.

8 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

 young professionals |

Cleveland Clinic: Neurological Institute

koryejones

Age: Tell us about yourself? I am from Saginaw, Michigan, recently relo-

36 cated to Cleveland from the Baltimore/DC area. I have always worked
in corporate America, but my true passion is entrepreneurship.
Title:
Director of Describe your typical work day? My day usually consists of strate-
gic meetings and action sessions that drive the direction of the orga-
Performance
nization from a continuous improvement and capability perspective.
Improvement More than talk about it, we have to be about it, and execute.
Location:
Why is your job important? Considering the state of the economy
The Flats and industries such as healthcare, it is an extremely critical time to
systemically implement continuous improvement methods and tech-
School: niques to improve the quality and efficiency of care and services, while
Eastern eliminating waste, reducing costs and engaging employees.
Michigan
What advice do you have for people seeking a similar career path?
Degree: It is extremely important to prepare yourself. Constantly set goals to
BS grow and develop yourself professionally. Take courses, read books,
Political get involved. I truly believe some degree of success is a result of one’s
Science ability to be prepared when that opportunity comes.

What is the salary range for your position?

GE/GM It all depends on a person’s experience, low to mid six figures.
Executive
Leadership What’s your favorite quote? “The greatest treason in life is to do
Program the right things for the wrong reasons” - T.S. Elliot

9
 5120 Warrensville Rd
216-332-1760

Free Birthday Parties

(complimentary invitations & bottle of champagne)

10 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009 Contact 216-870-1376 for more information

11
12 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009
13
 | listenup

BRANDON
LANDRUM
Y ou may have seen him at your local
church or perhaps with cover band,
100% Swagg. Landrum is a local urban gos-
pel artist with tons of international experi-
ence, having toured seven different countries
with black ensembel group GGS.

Brandon grew up singing and playing music

in his family church. He credits his grand-
father Bobby Mack and his family’s gospel
singing group for his strong musical founda-
tion as well as a number of local musicians,
writers and composers for his development
as an artist. Pastor Ronald Hubbard, James
Agnew, Ken and Sam Bell, Pastor Judah
Early and Torri Harp are just a few that he
mentions.

A self described music junkie, Landrum says

his perfect song would feature Tank and
Brandy with production by Rodney Jerkins.
It would be a dedication to God entitled,
“Musically Yours.”

Regarding his future, Brandon’s first album

project titled, A Man Like Me, is dropping
this fall. “It’s the story of how God’s love
has changed my life forever.” He states, “I
bring a message of hope to people every-
where and I’m using as its vehicle, the sound
words gabe crenshaw of our generation, hip-hop.”

At the rate that Brandon is going, we expect

he’ll do very well. With a little prayer and
hope, not only will he move heads but move
minds and lives in the right direction.
Find out more about Brandon Landrum
at CanvasCleveland.com

14 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

 local entrepreneur |

ROBERT
ROSENTHAL President, NEXT Stores | Age: 47

A sk almost any high-school or college aged Clevelander to list their favorite local
stores and NEXT will top the list. Since 1995, Robert Rosenthal has consistently
lead the pack when it comes to urban fashion and even now in the more multicultural
streetwear genre. With the opening of their latest stores at Beachwood Place and on Cleve-
land Heights’ trendy Coventry street, NEXT continues to create opportunities for young
people and demonstrate their understanding of what all Clevelanders want to wear.
Rob says he was initially attracted to urban
fashion by its energy and excitement as well
as his relationships with Russell Simmons
(Phat Farm) and Jeff Tweedy (President, NEXT STORES
Sean John). Recently, he’s moved his busi- Fashion Retailer
ness in the direction of streetwear due to its
more multicultural appeal. “We’re selling
Start-up Year: 1995
a psychographic. It’s about what kids of all
races are into today, we try our best to ser- Start-up Costs: 150k (approx)
vice their aspirations.” Employees: 40-50 (season)
# of Locations: 5
Rob describes his typical day as being dif-
ferent with one common thread, “They start
early, end late, and usually provide a lot of “Once a brand reaches a critical
challenges.” mass, we tend to move away from it.
We like to lead our customers,
In addition to his hard working staff, Rob not follow a tired trend.”
credits his success on “knowing what we
don’t know.” He states, “We’re always ana-
lyzing what we do not do well and are al- Read the rest of our interview with Robert Rosenthal
ways looking for answers.” at CanvasCleveland.com

15
16 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009
17
RICHPAUL
From Cleveland to Beijing, New York and the White
House, the life of LRMR Marketing’s Rich Paul, is one
continual business trip. Finally, we bring you the story...

18 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

A
feature |

s you sit in Rich’s home office in thing that they’re going thru in their life.
his beautiful home located in Solon, If they were content with themselves, they
you get the feeling that you’re sitting wouldn’t say anything about you. As I have
in the home of someone much older. At 28 matured as a man, I’ve begun to understand
years old, he’s experienced more than most that a little bit more each day.
people twice his age.
What are your thoughts on Cleveland?
A graduate of local high school, St. Benedic- R: There’s no place like home. For me to
tine, Rich was blessed with a unique oppor- be able to travel the world and see differ-
tunity to move beyond the lifestyle of most ent things, I take it [Cleveland] for what it
people who grew up in his childhood neigh- is. It’ll never be a NYC or LA. Can we use
borhood. Simply put, he moved on. some things to enhance the city? Of course.
But most importantly, we need jobs.
He’s moved on to local marketing firm,
LRMR, and Madison Square Garden floor- What would you advise young men who
seats with Jay-Z; not to forget his positions have grown up in a similar situation as
with Interscope Records, Nike, and Creative yourself? R: First off, you have to gain a fo-
Artists’ Agency. Keep in mind, he’s also cus. Secondly, be self-determined. Thirdly,
made time to launch his own music produc- never be afraid to say you don’t know.
tion company, Dreamlife.
I think those three things are important in be-
Tell us a little bit about the work that coming successful and of course everything
you’re doing? R: Currently, I’m with the takes hard work and a little luck.
CAA which manages a number of athel-
tes including LeBron, Allen Iverson, Tony
Parker as well as new guys, Jonny Flynn and
“When someone says
Andrea Bargnani. something negative, its
As far as the Nike situation, I’m straddling not always about you.”
the fence with one foot in between Nike
and helping build LeBron’s brand, through
shaping apparel for kids, young athletes, & What are your thoughts on Dreamlife?
adults. R: It’s still here, it isn’t going anywhere. In
the music business, the old way of doing
Talk about some of your struggles and in- things is out and the music business is hurry
teraction with people from the neighbor- up and wait. All I can do is to use my rela-
hood you grew up in. R: People are gonna tionships to push the product, and the only
say what they want to say. The sad part is way I can push the product is if the product
that coming up as a young African-Ameri- is there.
can in the inner city, we come into the world
already envious of something we want and Al [Fatz, recording artist] and RJ [producer]
don’t necessarily need. are very talented. Dreamlife has transformed
into two artists and some producers that are
Often times, there’s such a big emphasis put under my wing. Al and Sean McGee are our
on things that don’t have much importance. I current artists. Sean was brought on by Sose,
don’t take it personal what people say about a business partner of mine.
me. I can’t expect people to be happy about
my success because when someone says The bottom line is you’ve gotta catch, and
something negative, its not always about when you catch you gotta advantage of it.
you. More often than not, its about some- >
19
 | feature

About former Dreamlife artist, Chip Tha

Ripper? R: I wish him the best of luck. I
think he’s very talented. We had our differ-
ences but its not any hard feelings at the end
of the day. He’s a young guy trying to create
the best situation possible for him and his
family.

Guys have their own agenda and when they

feel like you’re moving at your own pace
they feel they have to do something about
it. We still have business ties which is only
right. For the most part, I think he can be
successful in the music business. How suc-
cessful remains to be seen. I wish him the
best of luck.

What’s next? We have the More Than A

Game tour coming up. It’s a ten city tour
that includes China and Europe. The book is
coming out, Shooting Stars. Buzz [Bissing-
er], author of Friday Night Lights, wrote it.
The LRMR team is doing some great things.
We have a great staff.

Personally, I’m going to take some acting

classes and try to get that under my belt. I’m
watching my kids grow. my daughter is 7
now and my son is walking and talking. I
spend a lot of time away from home, so for
me to be able to spend as much time as pos-
sible with them is important.

What should we have asked you? R: You

should have asked are there any women in
my life.

Why? People are nosy and want to know

things (laughs).

Ok. What about the women in your life?

R: Well outside of my daughter, my mom,
my kids mom, and my grandmother, I’m not
married, so I’m not trying to...[trails off] My
focus is not on a woman right now. Been
there, done there, tried that. At the end of the
day, my main focus is on work.
Read the rest of our interview with Rich Paul
at CanvasCleveland.com

20 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

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 | fashion

O
ne of the most frustrating issues in
shopping is the apprehension as to
whether or not you’re making a smart buy.
Dan Ely, store manager and buyer for local
boutique Brigade, provides his more than
10 years in fashion and retail experience to
help you spend your money where it counts!
Here are a few ideas to help.

Wardrobe Building - Always spend mon-

ey on the items that can be worn continu-
ously through the week, i.e. a classic belt,
wallet, purse, dress boot and of course
your watch.

Tailored Look - Even when you throw

down for expensive clothing, sometimes
it takes a tailor to make it all work per-

investing fectly. The days of tattered bottom jeans

is over. Try to find the right length for
jeans or take them to your tailor to make
in your them look right.

wardrobe What’s My Size Again? - For the fall

words dan ely of brigade
focus on finding the right size for your
frame. Guys make sure that your whole
look works together. As you slim down
your denim, make sure your shirts’ slim
accordingly.

Ladies don’t be afraid to wear looser

clothes. Boxy tops and drapey dresses
are popular now, and remember guys are
going to like the way you look no matter
what you wear.

Of course with the millions of choices out

there, remember that the idea is to one day
have a complete wardrobe. Try to make the
right choice for you.

22 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

 style & beauty |

W
hether you’ve stylistically out-
grown your stylist or just looking
to move your hair in a new direction, one
of the most difficult questions you can ask
yourself is how to pick a stylist and even
more importantly how do you know they’d
be right for you.

how to pick Recently, we linked up with hair & guru

stylist, Robin Prettyman of Hair Cafe, for
an inside scoop on how to the pick the best
a great person for you!

Professionalism - How professional is your

hairstylist stylist? The way he or she treats others is
a great example of how they’ll work with
words robin prettyman
you. Issues of timeliness, respect, and at-
titude are all things you should take into
consideration.

Personality - Being able to vibe off of your

stylist is key. If you’re into more conserva-
tive styles, then obviously a conservative
stylist would better compliment you than
someone more edgy and outside of the box.

Work - Research their work! Not everyone

can do your hair or give you that special cut
you’re looking for. Be sure to ask a stylist
about their specialization. What are their
strengths and weaknesses?

23
 | event pictures

bijou star, friend, and aja (style lounge)

ryan leslie (next selection)

sergio abramhoff & friend

arnold hines, dj mick boogie, & friend

Rising Icons: Ryan Leslie

August 8, 2009 - Grey Goose presented a free concert starring Ryan Leslie as part of
their national Rising Icons Tour. The event was held at House of Blues.
photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com
frenchye bush

ricardo guilfu (latinos magazine) & tory coats

yvonne c. hunnicutt, michael ruff,

& joy kennedy

terry travis, thione niang, & basheer jones darrell solomon and friends

CCYD Meet & Greet

August 12, 2009 - Cuyahoga County Young Democrats held a special meet & greet after
Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge’s district address at the Uptowne. 25
 | event pictures

barbee niclole & riya foster

savannah brinson & lebron james maverick carter (lrmr) & sean (wrath arcane

vince (heart & sole) & dan ely (brigade)

nadeen nassar

gary himmel & jaron kanfer (blessed labeli yvette, deneen, amber, candice, savannah

“The Fashion Show”

August 7, 2009 - Eighty81 & Legndary Icons present The Fashion Show sponsored by
McDonald’s at the The Galleria.
photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com
 lebron james

nick cannon

dj lance (yo gabba gabba)

lil JJ (nickelodeon)

“King for Kids Bikeathon”

August 22, 2009 - State Farm & the LeBron James Family Foundation present
their annual community even in downtown Akron.
photos by donnie pagel - myspace.com/donniepagel
 | calendar

calendar - september 2009

Would you like to add your event to the our calendar?
Email us at info@canvascleveland.com for more information

CONCERTS// EVENTS//
9/4 Charlie Wilson 9/5-9/7 Cleveland National Air Show
@ State Theatre @ Burke Lakefront Airport

9/19 Prazin’ Him! 9/6 The Holiday Shutdown

An evening of praise, worship, and dance. @ Anatomy Ultralounge
@ Kennedy’s Cabaret (Playhouse Square) contact 216-308-2826 for more information.

9/21 An Evening w/ Juan Williams 9/13 Browns Home Opener

“The View from Washington” vs Minnesota Vikings
@ Ohio Theatre
9/16 S.O.U.P. Lunch
9/26 Joyfest 2009 Society of Urban Professionals lunch w/ guest
w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp speaker, Stanley Miller (NAACP)
@ Cedar Point @ John Q’s Steakhouse
register online at thesoupnetwork.com
10/17 Rickey Smiley & Fantasia
w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp 9/19 Ohio State vs Toledo Post Party
@ State Theatre @ Jac’s on West 6th

10/04 Hair Addict

@ Headlines by DeFranco
contact 440-605-0500 for more information.

COMMUNITY//
9/4-9/7 Taste of Cleveland
@ Time Warner Cable Amphitheater

9/4-9/6 Shaw HS Alumni Weekend

@ TS Macklin Event Center

9/24 Minority Men’s Health Fair

@ Glickman Tower, Cleveland Clinic (Main)

28 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

29
 the list +
Would you like to add your business to the list? Contact us now to advertise
your information, email us at info@canvascleveland.com

SHOP//
brigade
1785 coventry rd EATS//
932-0700 sergio sarava
13225 shaker sq
next coventry 295-1200
1800 coventry rd
371-0777 el taino
3038 scranton
style lounge 621-4888
1273 w. 9th st
luckys cafe
BARBERS//
664-1104
777 starkweather ave supreme clientele
622-7773 1649 lee road
heart&sole 932-4845
1781 coventry rd
397-2923 xo primesteaks
500 w. saint clair flawless
621-5652 7812 superior ave
athletes foot 391-4166
2545 e. 55th st
361-2223 bluepointe grille
700 w. saint clair all-starz
875-7827 12619 larchmere blvd
ru villa 231-7827
4071 lee rd
751-5656 taste of jamaica
3936 mayfield rd supastarz
382-3936 2541 e. 55th
powterpuff 361-1381
2671 w. 14th st
274-1220 mr. wonderfuls
5354 lee rd. SALONS//
jeanology 475-9233 headlines
2110 s. taylor 5160 wilson mills rd
932-5326 la bodega 440-605-0500
869 jefferson ave
621-7075 new millennium
16808 chagrin
b&m barbeque 320-9119
5501 warrensville ctr
475-8720 hair cafe
3964 mayfield rd
mallorca 291-0799
1390 w. 9th st
687-9494 transformers
4110 mayfield
southside 382-8200
2207 w.11th st
937-2288

30 CANVAS SEPTEMBER 2009

 listings |

BARS// HEALTH//
madisons nulife fitness
4066 mayfield rd 3615 superior ave
381-4995 481-4446

winners jumpstart fitness

770 e. 185 call for more information
383-9300 905-7591

20/20 martini fit challenge

2020 center st 5225 northfield
776-0202 662-7830

visions urban active

5120 warrensville ctr 131 market st
332-1760 440-892-4653

bodega
1854 conventry
932-3050

thenail&toe manicures.pedicures.acrylics
.gels.MINXcertified.partypackages.giftcards

boutik .retail.boutik-on-the-go

3964 mayfield, inside of hair cafe

contact: 216.323.5687

31