Free Style Author @ Barnes and Noble on March 25th

Linda Nieves-Powell will be reading from her hilarious new novel FREE STYLE and signing copies at the Barnes and Noble on Richmond Avenue on March 25th @ 7pm.

Synopsis

I realized that no matter how much I wanted the past to remain intact,
what was would never be again. We all got older. We all moved on.
And maybe things were supposed to change…

Funny, intelligent, and, above all, relevant, Free Style is an inspiring novel about two thirtysomething married moms — one who is separated and the other whose marriage is hanging on by a thread. They decide to escape their to-do lists to revisit their past at Club 90, a nightclub they frequented in the early nineties. There they meet up with old friends and lost loves and dance their troubles away to Lisa Lisa and C&C Music Factory. But when they’re hit with a shocking dose of reality, they must decide whether to stay in the past or move on.
More than just a fun read, Free Style explores serious issues that women grapple with all the time — keeping romantic relationships alive, dealing with unexpected illness, single motherhood, and the need to come to terms with the past.

Publishers Weekly

As the charmingly low-key first novel from writer producer Nieves-Powell (Yo Soy Latina!) opens, it’s been 10 years since Staten Islander Idalis married the macho but unambitious Manny, and three months since they loosely separated due to their inability to agree on plans for raising their six-year-old son. Idalis wonders whether the marriage can be saved (Manny’s looking elsewhere), and whether she’ll be working as a secretary at a Madison Avenue ad agency for the rest of her life because of subtle racism and the lack of a college degree. A dreamboat she meets on the Staten Island ferry may provide one answer, but a visit to her old Bronx stomping grounds with Selenis, a former homegirl who’s now a disappointed housewife and mother, may allow Idalis to put the past to bed and pursue a brighter future. Nieves-Powell crafts an unhurried, nonjudgmental everywoman’s tale. (Mar.)

Is the Next Tyler Perry a Latina?

Is the Next Tyler Perry a Latina?

Check out this great event!

Meet: Julio Rivera

Reported and Written by: Shirley Reyes

Julio Rivera is a trendy 21-year-old Puerto Rican entrepreneur and one of Staten Island’s newest residents. He currently attends Gibbs, and is a web designer turned clothing designer.  Having launched a clothing line called Rebirth, a line of originally designed graphic Tees this summer, Julio gives us insight into the retail-clothing world and the process of his success so far.   Julio an original New Jersey native recently moved to Staten Island less than six months ago in order to have easier access to the city. He has done a lot independent film and web maintenance freelance work for companies such as Converse, MTV, and other private organizations.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
How did the idea to start a clothing line come to be?

Julio Rivera:
I wasn’t working at the time and was bored so I  began working on an online magazine with mainly art images.  I wanted to make it bigger, and create something that people could really see.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
What is Rebirth?

Julio Rivera:
Rebirth is a clothing line of unique graphic tees which are available online.  It took me only three days to design the website for it.  We do plan on expanding the line, and are currently working on investors for expansion.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
Who is the Rebirth Team?

Julio Rivera:    Well the marketing team is made up of Jordan who is the account manage of the website, Alfonso who handles marketing, and Fred who handles marketing and press.  Then there is me and I, am the creative and design aspect of the company.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
How did you start the line?

Julio Rivera:
My partners and I began contracting designers to market their designs on our sites in exchange for a cut in on the sales.  Shortly after we started doing that I began designing the tee shirts, and we began marketing and searching for investors.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
What is different about your clothing line?
Julio Rivera:    Rebirth is essentially an urban skate line but with a twist. Unlike most urban skate lines, Rebirth is full of color and is more vibrant in comparison to most skate gear that is already out.  Rebirth is meant to appeal to all.  Our mission is to design and produce what people want.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
What is the hottest item that Rebirth has out right now?

Julio Rivera:
I would have to say the Heart and Lock logo T.  That is probably our most popular item right now.  But we have more designs to come.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
How hard is it to design?

Julio Rivera:
IT isn’t real hard for me to design, I pretty much just design anything that I feel I can turn into art.  It doesn’t take me more than twenty minutes to design anything on the computer.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
Do you have any plans for expansion?

Julio Rivera:
Yes.  In the future we plan on opening a show room in the city.  We also plan on opening small boutiques in New York and California.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
How has the line been received thus far?  Is the feedback positive?

Julio Rivera:
So far it has been well received.  Thanks to marketing and myspace we are growing quickly, which will definitely help us in expanding.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
What are your expectations of all of this?

Julio Rivera:
To know that I created something.  Seeing my vision come to be from beginning to end.  Watching my creation from nothing to everyone wearing it.

StatenIslandlatino.com:
What (if anything) else are you working on?

Julio Rivera:    Well right now we are working on more designs, marketing, investments, and we are in search of a female designer.  Mainly because we cant design female clothing, but we want to have female merchandise available.

For more information on Julio Rivera and Rebirth Clothing Line check out:
www.mydesign7.com  www.rebirth.com  www.underworldmagazine.com

Newday Reprint: Staten Island Latinos are a growing number…

Census: Latinos look to Staten Island

BY MARUXA RELAÑO | maruxa.relano@newsday.com

August 13, 2007

The county of salsa has consolidated its credentials as the borough where a majority of the population is Latino, but more and more Hispanics are finding their slice of suburbia a ferry ride away, on Staten Island, according to a study of Census data released yesterday.

The fastest-growing county since 1990, Staten Island is also the only one of New York’s five boroughs where in 2006 the Latino population increased at a pace – 3.5 percent – that mirrors the national rate.

The Bronx continued to have the most Latinos (712,866, or 51.2 percent of the borough’s population), followed by Queens (607,935 or 26.4 percent of residents), the study showed. Athough Staten Island still has the smallest Hispanic population – 73,000 out of a total of 459,000 – the study found that, between 2000 and 2006, Latinos increased their presence among the mostly white population by 32.7 percent.

“It’s really dramatic,” said Angelo Falcón, president of the National Institute for Latino Policy, a nonprofit think tank based in Manhattan that based the study on Census data released last week.

“I think it’s mostly people moving from the city to a more suburban type area, and finally buying a house there,” he said.

Linda Nieves-Powell, president of Latino Flavored Productions, a theater production company in Staten Island, said that things have changed a lot since her family moved to the area in 1976. “I’ve noticed a big increase in Mexicans, but I also see more Dominican and Puerto Rican presence.”

She said seeing more Hispanics on Staten Island prompted her to set up a Web site, statenislandlatino.com, to establish “an outlet for us.”

Other boroughs with a more traditional and substantial Latino base, however, saw only a slight Hispanic population increase in 2006 – .6 percent in the Bronx and .3 percent in Queens.

Latino population continued a slow decline in Manhattan (1.2 percent) and in Brooklyn (.5 percent), which Falcón and others have attributed to a trickling exodus to the suburbs in Long Island, New Jersey and other parts of the country.

“The Latino community in New York appears to be shifting from those boroughs with the older Latino presence to Staten Island and Queens, which have the newer Latino population,” said Falcón.

more articles in /services/newspaper/printedition/monday/news

Copyright © 2007, Newsday Inc.

If you haven’t seen this show, this may be your last chance!

We have a great opportunity!

I have a wonderful opportunity for those of you who want to be a part of an inspiring project.  I am producing my show YO SOY LATINA! at the Center of Performing Arts at the College of Staten Island on Sept. 15th at 8pm for Latino Heritage Month. Since I’m producing this show alone I am offering a few very inexpensive sponsorship opportunities at this show. if you’re looking to spread the word on your products, books, or yourself here is a link to more information: YO SOY LATINA! Sponsorship Packages

Linda Nieves-Powell
President
Latino Flavored Productions Inc.
648 Bay Street #301
Staten Island, NY 10304
718-720-7979

Meet: Juan Pazmino

Reported and written by: Shirley Reyes

Juan Pazmino is a young on-the rise businessman, and is a fairly new Latino resident here on Staten Island. Married to his high school sweetheart Denise for the past seven years, Juan and Denise have two children (Joshua and Emily). Born Juan Carlos Pazmino he grew up in the New York City area, however his parents originated from Ecuador. He attended Brooklyn Tech High School and is currently in the process of obtaining his college degree. Additionally, 28-year-old Juan is currently a Senior Manager for a leading global organization, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. As one of few young Latinos in such a role in a corporate setting, Juan shares with us his experience both professionally and here in Staten Island.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you do for a living? Juan Pazmino: I am a Senior Account Manager for the leading global provider of customized Corporate Information Solutions for some of the worlds leading organizations. As a Senior Account Manager, some of my responsibilities include managing the customer relationship across multiple accounts, site financials, and site personnel. StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you feel has been the key to your success thus far? Juan Pazmino: The ability to adapt to change. The one certain thing in this Industry, is that tomorrow will hold something new, and how you respond to it can make or break you. In addition, always looking for new things to learn and not being afraid to work. I am always looking to take on new responsibilities at work, in order to be prepared to take on the next step in the career ladder. I also participate in activities outside of work that will help in my development; these activities include attending college full time, membership in groups related to my industry, and being on the Board of Directors for a non-profit agency.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How does education play a role in your success?

Juan Pazmino: With only having obtained a High School diploma from Brooklyn Tech, it has not played much of a role in my success. However, at this time, I personally feel that I have reached a ceiling in my career path as a result of not having obtained a degree from an accredited college/university. As a result, I made a decision over a year ago to attend college once again. I am presently attending Borough of Manhattan Community College and am four credits away from an Associates Degree in Business Management. In addition, I plan on attending the College of Staten Island for the Spring 2008 semester, and will pursue my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and hope to also attend graduate school there as well.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Do you believe that education is important not only for the Latino community, but everyone in general?

Juan Pazmino: Absolutely! It is a very competitive out in the real world. Having an education makes an individual, especially a Latino, that much more marketable. Studies have consistently shown the more you learn, the more you earn! Although money doesn’t always motivate everyone or equal to employment satisfaction, and can help with one’s quality of life.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How long have you been living on Staten Island?

Juan Pazmino: A little over a year. I moved in March, 2006.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Why do you choose to live here?

Juan Pazmino: Quality of life for my family. I grew up in a small apartment in Queens, NY. I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, have some of the luxuries I didn’t have. Some of these luxuries include their own bedrooms, a back yard, a pool, etc. I absolutely love where I live today, its nice, quiet and perfect for my family. I feel that they are safer today, and don’t have to experience the type of child hood I had.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: When you think about Staten Island what comes to mind?

Juan Pazmino: To be honest, at first, it was that it was a garbage dump. Having been raised in Queens, I never had a reason to go to Staten Island. When I started looking to purchase our first home, a friend from work suggested that I look into Staten Island, and I did. It was completely different from what I expected. As a result, I would up purchasing a home 5 minutes away from him.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: As a rising businessman do you feel any conflict with maintaining your identity as a Latino and still being able to climb the corporate ladder?

Juan Pazmino: I don’t feel any conflict with maintaining my identity as a Latino, and being able to climb the corporate ladder. My mom and family would never let me forget my heritage. As well, my wife and I try to teach our kids of their background as much as we can. With regards to climbing the corporate ladder, I try to have my work ethic and experience speak for me. I make every effort to position myself in a way that it would be impossible for an employer to pass me up. In the past, if I have interviewed for a position, and not obtained it on the first attempt, I have asked what I was missing, and made sure I was prepared for the second attempt.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Has living on Staten Island contributed to that experience?

Juan Pazmino: Not as of yet, I haven’t lived in Staten Island long enough.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Do you think that the Latino residents of Staten Island face identity issues living here?

Juan Pazmino: I currently live in an area where I am one a small group of minority families; however, everyone in the neighborhood has been really friendly, especially to my kids. I haven’t had to face identity issues living here as of yet.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How accepted do you think Latinos are in the business world?

Juan Pazmino: There is still a lack of minorities at the top levels of the company. Over the last 10 years I have seen an improvement in the numbers of minorities progressing within the companies I have worked for – however it is still not where it should be. As our numbers continue to increase, I think Latinos will continue to be accepted more in the business world, and we have to continue to show what we can do.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What does living in Staten Island as a Latino mean to you?

Juan Pazmino: Nothing as of today.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: Would you like to see more Latino-based events here on Staten Island? If so, what kind?

Juan Pazmino: Oh yeah!! More festivals from different Latin countries would be great. I love to take my families to these types of events and try the different foods!!! My kids would benefit by learning about the different countries.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What if anything would you like to see more of the Latino community in Staten Island doing?

Juan Pazmino: More Latin restaurants!! Just kidding! I think that centers for Latinos would be helpful, especially ones that play a critical role in helping immigrant families, neighborhood children, senior citizens and others.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: In general what do you think are some of the problems facing Latinos today?

Juan Pazmino: We don’t know what we don’t know. There are plenty of opportunities and resources available for us; yet, sometimes we pass them up due to lack of information or communication.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: How hard is it to maintain a balance between a high in demand job, family, and personal time?

Juan Pazmino: EXTREMELY HARD!! Work, love and play are hard to balance. Unfortunately, at times, something has to give. During the week I commit myself to all of my work and school, and at times can go days without spending quality time with my kids and wife. However, during the weekends, this is my personal time with my family, and I look forward to being with them.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What inspires/drives/motivates you to get up and do it everyday?

Juan Pazmino: My kids and the desire to give them everything. I want them to have a care free childhood, and have the best opportunity for an education in order for them to have successful and rewarding lives. I had to begin working at the age of 12 in a factory, along with going to school, and don’t ever want my kids to have to experience that type of hardship.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What are some of the things you have been working on?

Juan Pazmino: My education and work experience have been my primary focus for now.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What are you working on now?

Juan Pazmino: In the next 12 months, with the help of a few long time friends, we are planning on establishing a small corporation and begin to explore our opportunities in real estate.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Juan Pazmino: Purchasing my first home, this had been my goal since I was a kid.

StatenIslandLatino.com™: What do you hope to be your greatest accomplishment?

Juan Pazmino: Obtaining my Masters of Science in Business Management.

Meet: Olga Ayala

Reported and written by: Alma Zeno

 
It all started with a mouse. As a young girl, Puerto Rican artist Olga Ayala observed her mother draw a picture of Mickey Mouse. Not just some stick figure with ears, mind you, but an actual life-like depiction of the famous Walt Disney character. Years ago, her mother had hopes of being an artist but abandoned her dream to be a wife and mother. Inheriting her mother’s love and talent for artistry, Ayala decided to fulfill her mother’s long ago cherished dream herself — using her mother as her muse and inspiration. Throughout her life, Ayala experimented with different types of mediums before finding her niche with Polymer Clay, a colorful pliant compound she uses to make sculptures, jewelry and other artistic trinkets. Originally living in East Harlem, she relocated with her daughter to Staten Island nineteen years ago to escape the drugs and violence that was permeating the neighborhood. Although leaving El Barrio behind, she managed to bring her heritage and love of her culture to the island.   Establishing herself has not been an easy task but with word of mouth and a Myspace page, she has managed to procure a steady following within the Staten Island Latino community.   What makes her artwork unique is the obvious love and respect for her Hispanic roots handcrafted in every sculpture. If you look closely enough you can almost see the history of Puerto Rico comes alive before your very eyes.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Tell me about the type of art you create?
 

Olga Ayala:
When I first started working with Polymer Clay and selling my work at festivals, the themes of my work were pretty much generic with a very small percentage reflecting my culture. I had noticed that Latino culture was represented at festivals but it was from other Latino countries, you just didn’t see art reflecting Puerto Rican culture. This disturbed me because Puerto Ricans were the first Latino group to settle in New York have been a presence here for generations but we were invisible at these type of events so I made it my policy to always represent my culture. Now the ratio has reversed with a small percentage of my work being generic. 
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:What is Polymer Clay?  

Olga Ayala:
Polymer Clay is actually tiny particles of Poly Vinyl Chloride suspended in a plasticizer. When the clay is heated the plasticizer burns off and the particles form a hardened product. It’s a plastic and the same stuff PVC pipe used for plumbing is made of. It was originally developed by a woman in Germany as an alternative to the traditional porcelain used to make dolls and it caught on in the fine arts & crafts community. The material has evolved and artists are constantly experimenting with new techniques and uses for it.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Why do you like working with it?

Olga Ayala:
Why do I like working with it?  Aaaaaahhhh….. It’s soooo versatile! The scope of my work spans from sculptures to items covered in clay to jewelry pieces. There are a multitude of different techniques that can be applied prior to and post “firing”, and speaking of firing… you don’t need a kiln. The clay “fires” at a low temperature in any home oven. It’s quick (firing time takes no more than 1 hour) and what you put in is what you get, unlike ceramics. 
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:Where do you find your inspiration?

Olga Ayala:
In my everyday life experiences, my culture, family and friends, but music has always played center stage. here’s something about the way music taps into my psyche, the way it makes people feel. It’s universal allure.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Do you believe your Latino heritage has influenced you whether through your art or in any other aspects of your life?

Olga Ayala:
Absolutely! Music is a driving force in my work. My first love is timbales. My father moonlighted as a timbalero to pay for his kid’s Catholic school education. Latin percussion, especially “skins” are my first musical love. Salsaaaaaaa!  I also always liked “Jibaro” music even though as a young child I didn’t realize how “uncool” it was at the time. I’ve learned so much by reflecting Puerto Rican culture in my work. What I don’t already know, I research. It’s been quite a learning experience to find out the origins of many of the words, customs, and beliefs I’ve taken for granted and I love sharing this info through my art.
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:Why do you suppose Latino’s are so cut off from one another on Staten Island?

Olga Ayala:
I think it’s the way the island is set up. You pretty much have to have a car to get around, it isolates people. I remember my first June on the island. All of a sudden you saw all these Puerto Rican flags displayed from houses and on cars. Drivers would honk at other cars flying the flag like saying “Look! I found another Puerto Rican!” LOL! STATENISLANDLATINO:Do you think there are any barriers for Hispanics in Staten Island or other parts of the United States interested in pursuing creative arts?  

Olga Ayala:
I believe that Latinos are currently the “hot” commodity culturally. I’ve noticed how even Latin music is often played in the background of TV commercials that are not overtly aimed at the Latino community, however….I find Staten Island is still very conservative when It comes to cultural exchanges. I’ve done two events here, The Fine Arts & Crafts Show at the Armory and the Staten Island Waterfront Festival. I was the only Latina participating and there was very little interest in my work.  
 

STATENISLANDLATINO:What problems do you think Latino’s face today?
 

Olga Ayala:
There’s still the double standard of being discriminated against, i.e., the public complaining about illegals but employing them to do work that’s “beneath” them. The stereotypes that we’re all poor, uneducated and that we’re criminals. We have more representation in government and corporate America than in my parent’s generation and lot’s of doors have opened, but we still have a long way to go.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:Has having a Myspace webpage benefited you in connecting to other Latino’s in Staten Island?

Olga Ayala:
Most definitely! There’s more here on the island than I realized! Especially those who have an interest in the arts.      

STATENISLANDLATINO:Besides your art, are there any other ways you express yourself creatively?  

Olga Ayala:
I consider myself a dancing fool, (I’ll dance to anything with a good beat LOL!) I also like to play in the dirt whenever I can…. yes…. gardening is another passion on mine.  

STATENISLANDLATINO:What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing art?

Olga Ayala:
Define what it is that you like, learn as much as you can about it and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Pursue it with a passion!

Que Funny slideshow on Myspace!

Click on the picture to see our slideshow on myspace.  The event was awesome!  The comics all brought it home.  Thank you to Tino, Christina, Alex and Tony for doing such a great job!  Thank you also to all who came out to see the show and who tried the Pizza Rico slice from GoodFellas!  Click on the picture to see our slide show!