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1. Kayley Gunner: Kayley Gunner was born into a military family, hailing from Fayetteville, N.C. After she was born, her parents received military orders to Oahu, Hawaii. The islands became home for her. Though she came from a family of veterans, she knew she wanted to take a different path.
After a year attempting to waitress to afford college tuition, she had a reality check and accepted her fate of following in my families footsteps. She enlisted in the Army in the summer of 2015. While stationed in the Pacific to a combat unit for four years, Kayley surpassed physical fitness standards. Kayley was appointed a 240 machine gun, quickly climbing the ranks she became a Sergeant. Kayley chose to extend another year in the Army to experience a new duty station. Her last year was served at the DLI language Institute as cadre. Kayley had been responsible for multiple soldiers who had been moved to the language institute for a new environment.
After five years in the Army, Gunner wanted to try a new career path. She loved being in front of the camera therefore enrolled in college to study broadcast journalism. The pandemic hit before classes began. Being home alone, she dove into the world of content creation. After relocating to Los Angeles for a new opportunity, two years passed and had built up her social media following significantly and created a brand for herself. Using her platform to spread a positive message, she has featured on several popular podcasts discussing the benefits of the military. Her beauty standards coming from the military have definitely elevated. She continues to convey that women can be both strong and sexy.
2. Claire Northfield: In the world of social media and digital influence, Claire Northfield stands out as a rising star known for her captivating content and unique persona. Famously recognized as "umitsclaire" across various platforms, Claire has solidified her presence in the realms of content creation, becoming an integral part of both the Clementine Group and Moxy Management. Originally from New Jersey, Claire has seamlessly transitioned into the heart of New York City, where she continues to make waves in the online world.
Claire's transition from the suburbs of New Jersey to the loud city of New York mirrors her journey in the digital world with the initial passion of receiving her bachelor's in business management. Just as the city that never sleeps is a melting pot of diverse cultures and endless opportunities, Claire's content embodies the same dynamic spirit. Her content reflects the vibrant energy of the city she now calls home, offering her followers a glimpse into her daily life and many travels. Currently, Claire balances her online business management studies with her creative endeavors — earning her private pilot license. Claire's foray into the world of modeling began at the tender age of 16, where she did so both professionally and within the dynamic landscape of social media. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she strutted her way onto the runways of New York Fashion Week in September 2023 in Electric Sunshine, a milestone that marked a significant achievement in her modeling career. Her presence on the catwalk reflects her ability to seamlessly blend the worlds of high fashion and digital influence.
With a passion for traveling, she has traveled to over 12 different countries in 2023 for modeling and content creation. Claire's influence extends to the fashion world, where she has collaborated with notable brands such as Steve Madden, Fashion Nova, Motel Rocks, Shein and Romwe. Her presence as an influencer has transcended the world of style, encompassing the realm of fitness as well. From 2020 to the present, she has worked with fitness brands like Isoprotein, Alani Nutrition, Electrolit and Bloom, inspiring her followers to lead healthier, active lives. In 2022, Claire diversified her income streams by venturing into the world of real estate, initially starting with short-term rentals. Her entrepreneurial spirit has since flourished, allowing her to build a small real estate empire that she aspires to expand in the future.
3. Keith "Dez" Hernandez: Keith Hernandez, a proud native New Yorker, was born and raised in the heart of the Bronx. His journey is not just a tale of resilience and creativity, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse skills and talents that thrive within NYC.
As a professional tattoo artist, Keith has honed his craft to perfection, specializing in the intricate art of black and grey realism as well as captivating portraits. His keen eye for detail and ability to capture the true essence of his subjects is awe-inspiring. Each stroke of his needle on the canvas of skin transforms mere images into lifelike representations of emotions and stories.
What sets Keith apart is not only his undeniable talent but also his genuine passion for his work. Through his art, he strives to create connections, foster self-expression, and inspire those who cross his path. Keith's devotion to his craft has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a master artist within the tattoo community. This visionary artist's captivating work is a testament to his dedication and the indomitable spirit of New York City.
Keith Hernandez is a true inspiration, constantly pushing the boundaries of his own abilities while leaving an indelible mark on the world.
4. Craig Levinson: Craig Levinson is the founder of talent agency CL Talent and visionary behind the work of a number of celebrities, athletes and influencers. At age 19, the New Zealander, with youthful enthusiasm, a dash of audacity, and $2500 to his name set his sights on the United States to pursue his collegiate basketball career.
Over the past five years, Craig has devoted his efforts in managing inspiration Zion Clark and played a key role in his global success traveling the world together bringing a message of hope and positivity to the world. Things have progressed into Craig now working with a dedicated team of 120 professionals, CL Talent, Inc., and over 500 million across talent social platforms proves to be a testament to Craig's leadership, foresight and entrepreneurial spirit.
5. Sonique Saturday: Sonique Saturday is an innovative entrepreneur who has made a significant mark in the world of fashion and lifestyle. At the heart of her success lies her brainchild, Saturday House, a brand that embodies her passion for creativity, self-expression and empowering individuals to boldly live out loud. Next, Sonique will be branching out into the world of custom design.
"You know I carry these (her bags) all the time — with messages. I call them my 'message bags' to let people know and give them a sign...as I travel or am out and about." —Tabitha Brown
6. Hikari Fleurr: Hikari Fleurr is a beauty and lifestyle content creator/influencer located in NYC. She's really known for her viral Instagram and TikTok content which varies from outfit inspo, nostalgia, lifestyle vlogs, NYC bucket list, and beauty transformations. Her content emphasizes femininity, practicing self care and encouraging women to wear products that make them feel confident.
Hikari believes that Black women deserve luxury, and she shows that through her content. She believes Black women should be unapologetic for having high standards. She encourages women to have solo dates and self-care days such as going to the spa, eating at cute restaurants/cafes or even staying in watching your favorite show while having a glass of wine.
Hikari's content exudes a girly aesthetic. She has numerous fashion posts with pink outfits. She has created several pink outfit inspo posts from nostalgic characters in movies such as Barbie, Elle Woods and Regina George. Her fashion posts range from preppy, girly, Y2K, glam, old money and chic aesthetics.
7. Giacomo Pisano: Giacomo Pisano, CEO and founder of G's Cheesesteaks, established the brand in 2015 at 20 years old and started in the first location in Staten Island. Giacomo comes from a long line of restaurants, dating back to his grandfather, Giacomo Sr., when he made his way to America from their hometown, Carini, Sicily. His grandfather set the stepping stones to the business for the family. Giacomo trained directly under everyone, especially his uncles, from a young age and had his mind set on what he wanted to do in life and this was the career path he would take.
When the opportunity finally arose for him to set up shop on his own, Giacomo broke the norm of owning a pizzeria the same way the majority of his family did and decided to put his own twists of gourmet cheesesteaks that the city of Philadelphia is known for in New York and New Jersey.
Giacomo is known for his charisma, the way he treats his customers like they are family and how much he prides himself on putting a hard day's work in, being a realist, an honest person, and being the best he and his team can be on day to day basis. His saying is, "Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again; mistakes happen. Food doesn't always come out right, and if you have to question whether this meal is good or not and wouldn't serve it to your own mother, then throw it out!"
He has now grown his business into five locations across New York and New Jersey, along with a food truck that caters to private events, and he's not stopping there; his hunger & passion for the business and culinary creativity has only grown, with 10 locations expected to come spread across the tri-state area in 2024, and the next official location coming to Manhattan within the next few months.
8. Nigel Parangan: Nigel Parangan is a 24-year-old tattoo artist from San Francisco who made his way across the country to expand his career in New York City. He specializes in black-and-grey realism, microrealism and fine line tattoos.
At the age of 22, Nigel decided to leave the world of academia to pursue his newly discovered passion. After starting his apprenticeship at Skin Design Tattoos Honolulu under the renowned Robert Pho, Nigel was officially deemed a Skin Design Tattoo Artist in 2023.
Within the first two years of Nigel's career, he has already traveled to various locations to work including Honolulu, Las Vegas, Orange County and now New York City. Nigel continues to hone his skills while putting in the work everyday to learn more about the tattoo industry in the East Coast.
9. Dominick "Savelli" Palumbo: Dominick Palumbo was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, and moved to the U.S. when he was only 11 years old. He grew up more as an American than as an Italian, but his heritage and roots have never really left him. As years passed, Dominick started realizing more and more that every time he went to an Italian restaurant, he wasn't satisfied with the food and what each palace offered wasn't fully authentic.
Therefore, after a long experience as a real estate investor, he decided to open his own restaurant to offer New Yorkers the opportunity to experience his vision of authentic Italian Cuisine. The restaurant's name is a combination of both his son, Saverio's, and his nephew Elis' first names. Not only is the name Savelli southern, but it is the name of a southern town in Italy. The restaurant Savelli is dedicated to the love of the family.
10. Vienna Victoria: Vienna Victoria Del Rosario is a proud Mexican and Filipina born and raised in San Diego. In the summer of 2018, Vienna took the leap and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a brow artist with her daughter Cali Milan by her side.
In L.A., she learned from the top brow artist in the industry, refined her skills and built an impressive clientele. In 2021 Vienna opened her brow studio in San Diego, where she specializes in brow waxing. She's known for her signature style: customizing each brow shape while keeping them full yet defined.
After building a following of thousands and establishing herself with the San Diego community, Vienna has expanded beyond brow artistry to brow influencer—collaborating with top brands in the industry. Through Vienna's online community and network, she's also been able to become a traveling brow artist.
Students now travel from all over to take her brow courses and learn her techniques in person. She's also currently working on a major project that will allow brow artists worldwide to be educated by her. It's Vienna's belief that with pure intension, hard work, remaining humble and true to who you are, anything in this life is attainable.