SPOTLIGHT ON CENTER GROUND - AN ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY COMMUNITY - ROXY MYSTIC REPORTING

My first visit at Center Ground was that of amazement, you can immediately feel and see the exceptional creative environmental practices, diversity, conservation of arts and culture in this little community.  My eyes were drawn to the colorful poster seeking creators of urban & ethnic wear to participate in a fashion event in mid-April during Earth week. I continued down the walkway enjoying the natural scenery and instantly recognized the hard work put into this slice of heaven where pride clearly shines. Near the garden area stands the Center Ground Gallery of Art where beautiful paintings proudly hang in a modern architectural-looking building. Further down is a residential area with Eco-looking homes. It was no surprise to me to learn that the Center Ground originally started by 4 environmentally focused leaders who created this environmentally friendly community to discuss and promote truly sustainable modeling and preserve their ideas and dreams in the SL metaverse. I was looking forward to meeting with one of the original founders, Luchenpur Darwin.

Roxy Mystic: Hello Luchenpur, I am very happy to meet you. This place is amazing! I am not sure where to start as there is so much to talk about.  I walked around Center Ground and I also visited your webpage.  There is a description of Center Ground that says: "The Center Ground sim is a hub for businesses, residences, arts and entertainment. While many may only know of our world-class venues, it takes only a brief walk to see what else we offer."  You were absolutely correct, I walked down the pathway and knew right away everything I needed to know about Center Ground. Let's go back a little and talk about how this all started, the meeting of 4 environmentalists with amazing visions.

Luchenpur Darwin: Hello Roxy, It is great to meet you as well. And thank you for the generous compliment. I can see already you have an eye for detail. Smiles 

Roxy Mystic: Why is it so important to you and obviously to your founding colleagues that Center Ground keeps showcasing ways to protect our natural resources and can you elaborate a bit more on the mindset around the synergy of survival?

Luchenpur Darwin: Roxy, My 3 colleagues, Paolo Rousselo, Tatia Andel, and Flower Ninetails

originally met on another sim that excelled in green and sustainable practices. Each of us came to SL with experiences from our first life that influenced our pursuits here. Over time the 4 of us decided to strike out on our own and pursue a vision, while still sustainable.  More aligned with the 4 of us.

Roxy Mystic:  I am so curious and very much interested in learning more about the upcoming fashion show and exposition of items designed from recycled and sustainable materials. This is such an original idea! Will this be a full week or weekend event? Please share more!

Luchenpur Darwin: The idea for the fashion show came from Reign C.  I asked her to be part of planning the event this year and she brought in her organization, The Best Of Second Life (BOSL). Our Earth Week celebration will actually begin the week of April 10th with designers setting up displays along Center Ground Boulevard On Saturday the 17th We will have a

dance troupe perform for the opening. Sunday the 18th we will have the Fashion Show put on by BLVD Fashion House Both events will start at Noon SLT. We will also DJs doing live sets at Etopia and street parties at Center Ground from the 17th  through the 25th.  I have been involved in “Green Expos” in the past where there were displays that covered everything from persevering water qualities, wetlands, and mangroves to reducing energy consumption. That appeals to a certain group. But when you talk fashion you have widened your scope.  If you do an internet search for sustainable fashion, you now see clothing companies that are taking the lead on sustainable practices and reusing recycled and sustainably grown materials in their garments. With a little research, I’m hoping some S L creators may come up with backstories for items they already have or create something new for our exposition.

Roxy Mystic: When I saw the Club Center Ground my first impression was that of a lounge atmosphere. I felt like I was perhaps in Vegas prepared to be entertained by elite performers. You are very good at creating perfect environments of comfort that pull us into special moments in time. What are the plans with the Club Center Ground, I understand there is currently both DJ and live music entertainment?

Luchenpur Darwin: Thanks for the compliment Roxy.  Club Center Ground is the result of collaborations between myself and Judilynn India. The club has evolved over time from suggestions by friends and patrons to what you see today.   We have live DJs nearly every day of the week comprising over 25 hours of original entertainment.  We also have singers on occasion. The club is open 24/7 there is a great stream by WBSR digital radio that plays on off-hours.

Roxy Mystic: I love shopping so we really need to talk about the shopping district! I have noticed there is both a market area and a store section. Oh wait, there is even a restaurant!  Your rental rates are quite affordable. Can you describe this area for me and if someone is interested in renting a store would they contact you directly?

Luchenpur Darwin: Smiles, The Center Ground Shopping district consists of small storefronts and the marketplace you mentioned previously. The stores along the boulevard and kiosk in the marketplace allow shoppers a chance to see what they are purchasing in a more physical way.  The kiosk gives smaller creators a chance to get some exposure. There is also an extension of Inspiration University.   We have Renee’s Bistro, I guess we could call it a supper club. It is an intimate venue with a small stage where singers and comedians have performed. Not to be forgotten is the Sugarhill Lounge, Housed in the WBSR building where we hold scheduled events on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Roxy Mystic: Those eco-homes you have here at Center Ground are so real, they truly reflect life in a sustainable real-life home being compact and efficient as they are. Once again your rental rates are very affordable and it appears most units are rented too. Can you describe the idea behind this close-knit community idea and how your renters feel about their compact homes?

Luchenpur Darwin: Sure, in a sustainable community all resources must be considered. We have been able to place 5 apartments in an area where some would have one huge home. I’m not knocking anyone for their choices. What we have here is an example of sustainable living where everything is within walking distance of your residence. The apartments were recently updated to state of the art (SOTA).  Alexis, One of our residents, and business owners came up with a proposal for the remodel and was able to secure the blessing of the original creator. That kind of collaboration is one of the keys to our success. We also took input from the other residents. What you see is the culmination of all those influences. Most of our renters have been here a long time. And even if they are away for an extended period they can count on having their place here when they return.

Roxy Mystic:  They say the experience of looking at awe-inspiring art has a positive effect on our physical body and our mental state as well; it enhances brain function and well-being so it is no surprise that Center Ground is highly involved with the art community.  Please share with our SL Enquirer readers why the gallery is so important. If someone wanted their art exhibit here what would they need to do and who would they contact?

Luchenpur Darwin: The Center Ground Gallery of Art, was the first major attraction we had here.  Judilynn India, our resident RL artist, and owner of the gallery built the first version in 2012.   Over the years there have been various iterations of the building. Judilynn is the curator and also the chief builder of present-day Center Ground.

Roxy Mystic:  I understand you are offering jobs and looking for bloggers. Can you describe the positions you are offering and perhaps provide information on the blogging opportunities at Center Ground?

Luchenpur Darwin: Center Ground’s employs a number of DJs and Host on a regular basis. In the near future, we will be looking for some men of good character and quality to act as ‘Gentleman Host’ for some of our events, Bloggers are welcome. If someone writes a blog about exploring different places on the grid, visiting galleries, or quaint shopping places please consider checking us out.  And please be sure to send me a link.

Roxy Mystic:  My last question might be hard for you to answer but if you were to pick one of your favorite things here at Center Ground what would it be?

Luchenpur Darwin: Hmm that’s difficult to say.   There are so many aspects.  I can say I truly enjoy meeting the various individuals that visit here be it at the club or as explorers or shoppers.

I really enjoyed meeting Luchenpur and I look forward to attending the Center Ground fashion events coming up in mid-April. I think this is a great opportunity for creative designers to showcase their work. The exposition is equally exciting and so original. Imagine items that are created from recycled and sustainable materials! Challenge yourself and make a difference. For more details, interested parties should contact Luchnepur Darwin by notecard in-world or by email at slcenterground@gmail.com subject line, Fashion. On a side note, for those interested, April 22 is the date of Earth Day this year and the theme is “Restore Our Earth.”

Additional Information:

LandMark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Han%20Loso/165/70/65

Webpage: https://www.slcenterground.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/CenterGroundSL

E-Mail: slcenterground@gmail.com 

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LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR STYLE CONTEST L$50,000 CASH TO WIN!

 

Are you a stylish woman? Do you have what it takes to represent a great fashion brand?

Well, now is the time to show it because LUXE Paris is looking for its LOOK of the YEAR 2021-2022, a woman who is brilliant, stylish, elegant and charismatic. A woman who will represent our brand and win L $ 50,000 cash!

This competition is open to all women! No need to be a professional model as intensive training will be offered to inexperienced finalists by ONE On ONE Modeling Agency, the main sponsor of the competition, as well as the In-Nova Academy. We will accompany you step by step while the runway professionals will also have the opportunity to polish their art thanks to private consultations with the legendary top model Ponchituti Boucher, the one we call  "the mother of  all models!"

FOR ALL WOMEN OF STYLE! EASY TO PARTICIPATE!

Don't wait any longer! Put on a LUXE Paris outfit, add your charming style, capture a photo, put your official name in the title and send with full permissions to LUXEParisLOOKoftheYEAR resident
in-world. All participants will receive a LUXE Paris outfit as a gift upon receipt of their first submission.

''THIS CONTEST ALLOWED ME TO RECOVER THE FEELING OF BEING A WINNER!'' 

- Avalon Chrome

If you didn't think it was possible to compete with the professionals, think again! The 2019-2020 winner, Quinte, had never walked a runway before she was chosen as a Look of the Year finalist! She listened carefully and worked hard and then the unimaginable came true!

Unsettling for a pro to compete against beginners? Very certainly, but this is where all your expertise comes into play!

This is much more than a beauty contest, the LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR competition is intended to be a life experience allowing women to build their strength and to increase their self-confidence. And the testimony of Avalon Chrome, LOOK of the YEAR 2020-2021, is very eloquent on the subject.

“This competition and this victory could not come to a best time of my life, '' she says. I was barely coming to start my business in real life and have seen all my efforts almost dashed because of the pandemic and I had really need to focus on a project, to work hard, and succeed! This competition allowed me to rediscover the feeling of being a winner! ''

For Avalon, this formidable adventure has allowed her to achieve one of her biggest virtual dreams! This RL marketing specialist and graphic artist joined Parisian Skytower and Mika Palmyra, the co-owners of LUXE Paris, and she is now part of the design team!

MULTIPLE CHANCES OF BEING SELECTED! PARTICIPATE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT!

You can submit as many photos as you want, but each one must present a different outfit. Each of the photos submitted will be evaluated by the jury as if it was a new candidate. So the sooner you start participating, the more likely you are to be selected in the semi-finals.

Each week for five weeks, starting May 5th, we will be posting photos of 6 semi-finalists here in the SL Enquirer and on our website. In addition, we will be exhibiting the photos of all the participants in the Hall of Candidates at our main store on Bao.

When we have 30 semi-finalists, our jury will then select 12 finalists.

FINALISTS WILL RECEIVE 10 FREE OUTFITS

The twelve finalists, selected from the photos, will be revealed on June 9 and invited to the Judges' Brunch on Saturday, June 19.

At this event the judges will be meeting the 12 finalists in person for the first time.  Each of the 12 finalists will grace the stage, introduce themselves and explain why they would be the best ambassador for the LUXE Paris brand. Judges may also address specific questions to the finalists so be ready and make yourself shine with your answer.

Then we will end the brunch with a shopping spree at LUXE Paris! Each of the 12 finalists will be invited to choose 10 LUXE Paris outfits of their choice.  

TWO CHALLENGES-SHOWS

The Judges' Brunch  will be followed by two challenge shows in which the finalists will be assessed on their style, charisma, elegance, and stage presence.

The first challenge-show will take place on Saturday, July 3 on the theme "Reveal the star in you".

The second challenge-show will take place on Sunday, July 11 on the theme '' A ball to save the planet '' and will be immediately followed by the grand finale and the crowning of our LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR 2021-2022!

A PRESTIGIOUS JURY

The two challenge-shows will be judged by a prestigious group of fashion and media experts: Parisian Skytower and Mika Palmyra, owner-designers LUXE Paris, Avalon Chrome, LOOK of the YEAR 2020-2021 and now designer at LUXE Paris, Frolic Mills, founder of BOSL and Miss Virtual World, Ponchituti Boucher, owner ONE On ONE Modeling Agency and ProPose, Zuri Rayna, owner-designer Zuri Jewelry, Adonis Lubomir, owner-designer Swank, Naar Rexen, LOOK of the YEAR 2017-2018 and owner In-Nova Modeling Academy, Chemak Kamala, owner-editor SL Confidencial magazine, Lanai Jarrico, owner-CEO of The Second Enquirer, Ahn Avion, owner WomenStuff group, and Melany Aguilera, modeling instructor and manager Bon Amour Hair.

​The judges will award a score to each finalist in each of the two challenge-shows and the total of these two scores will determine the winner and the 2 runners up. The finalists will be judged on their style, elegance, originality, charisma, and their presence on stage.

PRIZES WINNER

L$50,000 cash

1 year of free shopping at LUXE Paris

ZURI crown + L$5,000 gift-card

L$ 5,000 gift-card TONE Makeup

L$ 5,000 scholarship IN-NOVA Academy

L$ 3,500 gift-card PROPOSE Poses

L$ 2,000 gift-card SWANK & CO House & Garden

L$ 1,000 gift-card BON AMOUR Hair

A VIP invitation to join ONE ON ONE Agency

Features in SL CONFIDENCIAL, SL ENQUIRER & LUXE Paris magazine

PRIZES TWO RUNNERS UP

L$10,000 cash

ZURI tiara + gift-card (L$3,000 1st, L$ 2,000 2nd)

L$ 5,000 scholarship IN-NOVA Academy

PROPOSE poses gift-card (L$ 2,500 1st, L$ 1,500 2nd)

L$ 1,000 gift-card SWANK & CO House & Garden 

TONE Makeup gift-card (L$ 1,400 1st, L$ 700 2nd)

L$ 500 gift-card BON AMOUR Hair

Features in SL CONFIDENCIAL, SL ENQUIRER & LUXE Paris magazine

More information at LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR.com

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Pulse Entertainment Productions Owned by Avatar PR Presents A whole New Breed of Reality TV: Made to Model Reality TV Show!

With a chance to win L$200,000, (approximately $800.00 USD) to jump start a modeling career in Second Life, luxury living in the M2M Mansion at the grove rent free for one month, modeling contracts with SL Vogue and Avante Modeling Agency, a feature in Nu Vibez Magazine - including a photo session, a paid scholarship to SL Vogue Modeling Academy and other fabulous perks and high profile exposure.

Avatar PR is going all out for one lucky winner. You don’t even need to have prior modeling experience. This competition is open to anyone with a desire to be a top SL Model. 

Made to Model Reality TV Show will feature 14 contestants competing in challenges which including modeling, runway, photography sessions and more. To make the competition more dramatic, every contestant will wear the Life HUD version 2.0 throughout the competition for added reality TV show effects and day to day human tasks.  Details for  each episode will be provided as they air weekly on iMoogi.tv and YouTube.  They determine which contestant will be sent home until there is just one remaining to be crowned the first ever Miss Made to Model!  Are you up for the challenge?

Important information about Made to Model Reality TV Show:

This competition is offering one lucky winner VIP prizes that will catapult their Modeling Career in Second Life. How can Model hopefuls register to be a contestant?

Filipa Thespian

Filipa Thespian: 

We have the registration boards up in the Made to Model Headquarters at The Grove Country Club Estates.  These boards are more than just an entry task for the girls, they are a tool that can be used for the girls who make it, during the competition, to save them from elimination.  The boards maintain a tally of popularity votes, and only the votes that happen on the boards, truly count toward a model's salvation. Just as a model's power comes in the people she can inspire to make a purchase of a designer's wares, how many she can motivate to vote for her on her board shows a glimmer into her abilities and value as a Made to Model winner.

  

Anyone can enter the competition, but how do you narrow it down to 14 contestants what criteria must they exhibit to qualify in the selection process?

Filipa Thespian: 

We select from those who gain 50 votes or more, and our choices are based on personality, desire to compete, desire to win and intelligence.  Once a model reaches 50 votes, she is given a personal interview by several members of the staff and production team.  She's advised of what to expect and critiqued for how she reacts to this information and her availability.  If chosen at this phase, she is then incorporated into various PR events and photographic opportunities we provide, to test her mettle, her ability to follow direction and to see how hard she works all while the show is marketed by the visibility of the contestants.  If she makes it through this phase, she is a Made to Model contestant and will be on the show.  Any points she earns during this pre-show competing, are tallied into her "salvation points" and saved for when she might need them on the show.

What is the Life HUD version 2.0 that each contestant will be wearing? What does it do?

Filipa Thespian: 

Oh Life Hud is very exciting.  If you've ever played The Sims™ by EA Games, you'll get it!  Just like in that game, the Life Hud adds to your avatar, basic human bodily needs on a meter, that you need to keep after, such as the need to eat, cleanliness and other bodily functions.  More recent version of the Hud includes health ... your avatar can actually get sick!  Oh, and careers ... their are careers built into this, that satisfy human needs such as happiness, the need to achieve and succeed and so on.  We believe this will add to the show in ways that you just can't get in virtual worlds without it!  Besides, its a lot of fun and surprisingly to me, many of the girls already had their huds, they already "played the game."  Life Hud has provided the food needed during the show to keep the girl's tummy's from rumbling and the house's appliances will be suitably scripted and fully Life Hud enabled providing the girls with most of what they need to succeed.

To give contestants a little insight on how the elimination process works, what do they have to watch out for to lessen their chances of being sent home?

Filipa Thespian: 

We have some of the most talented and amazing hosts and judges on the show.  They have extensive experience in the Second Life Modeling and Fashion communities and include Miss Emma Portilo, formerly COO of Opium Modeling Agency; QueenToy Cyberstar, founder and owner of SL Vogue; and Miss Kimmera Madison, Fashion Designer & Founder of Tres Beau designs and the lady who formerly ran the Miss Virtual World Competition and Boulevard Agency.  These are the three ladies who the contestants need most to impress, although some episodes will have special guest judges for specific challenges, and those wont be announced until it happens!  The judges will be watching the girls for their ability to learn and grow, their viability on camera, ability to take direction, skill in front of a camera, skill in styling and many more elements that go into being a top fashion model in Second Life.  Oh, and lets not forget the ever dreaded, popularity scoring that will include social media and tools we provide on the Made to Model website.

Aside from the grand prize of L$200,000 Lindens, can you elaborate on the Grand Prize package?

Filipa Thespian: 

Well the money is lovely, but yes, there is more to it.  As a winner, Miss Made to Model will be moved into the Made to Model mansion at The Grove Country Club Estates, as her home, and she will be granted the ability to live there, free rent, for a month.  When the month is up, she will be given first dibs on renting that home before we make it publicly available.  While living in the ultimate in SL luxury, she will begin her career by attending the illustrious SL Vogue Modeling Academy, on a fully paid scholarship, followed by paid modeling gigs as an SL Vogue Agency Model.  With that, she also becomes an Avante Modeling Agency model and will be found often in the pages of Nu Vibez Magazine starting with a feature article, interview and photo session designed to catapult her into the public eye.  

Scheduling and Time management is a challenge in itself when it comes to SL Competitions. With that being said, Can you tell us about the filming process and approximately how much time will contestants need to dedicate to this competition?

Filipa Thespian:  

When we begin filming, it will be done straight through until we're done.  We film all episodes back to back, go into post-production, get the episodes ready for prime-time THEN, we will release one a week ... just like they do in RL.  There will be a period of several weeks the girls will need to be ready to work and the filming schedule will be posted to the girls.  They'll know the base times when they need to be on set and ready to get down and dirty in the competition.

Who are the sponsors of Made to Model Reality TV Show and what are their contributions?

Filipa Thespian:  

We have some amazing sponsors, we cannot thank them enough.  First and foremost, thank you to The Grove Country Club Estates which is providing us with the lovely parcel on which we built the custom Made to Model Mansion, and their generosity of the free rent prize to the winner.  Then, there's LIFE HUD of course, providing the Life Hud 2.0 system and the food and tools needed to "play".   There are a few sponsors we're working on right now but they're not quite ready to be mentioned them.  There's still time to become a sponsor and take advantage of the PR and visibility that comes from working with this show and our group.  The information's available on our website.

When is filming expected to begin?

Filipa Thespian:  

We're in the midst of gearing up with pre-show PR and selection challenges and getting all the final details in order.  The filming will begin in January, giving everyone the chance to get through the holiday crazies and to take advantage of that slow period that happens just after the holidays are over.  

During the competition and filming of the show, will models be supplied with a wardrobe selection from the  sponsors or will the models have to come up with their own styles and outfit choices? 

Filipa Thespian: 

The contestants have already experienced this with our Halloween photo-shoot for Nu Vibez Magazine ... when we have a photo-shoot where we insist on what they wear, we provide all attire.  Also, we are lining up fashion designers who will be providing attire and who may appear on the show too (don't want to give too much away) as guest judges and challenge leaders.  These Designers will be announced soon, but a they include Paris Metro Couture and Tres Beau for certain!  

What else can you tell our readers about what to expect from Made to Model Reality TV Show without giving too much away?

Filipa Thespian:  

Fun ... Reality TV Drama ... high quality, creative filming that's enjoyable to watch ... the ability to affect the outcome by voting for the ladies and so much more.  If you are someone interested in participating in such a way, get yourself in the Made to Model group inside Second Life as a fan, so that you know when we put out the call for votes and you can potentially find yourself as an extra on the show!

Additional Information:

Website: http://AreYouMadeToModel.com/

Group: MADE TO MODEL (secondlife:///app/group/3ed0f14c-f308-bbcb-6bbb-e419308765c3/about)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madetomodel

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iMoogiTV

Google+: http://bit.ly/M2MGPlus

Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MadeToModel

Location: The Grove Country Club Estates

Contact: Filipa Thespian, COO & Director of the Show

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Spotlight On SL Fashion Model Nickle Sparrowtree - Jessii2009 Warrhol Reporting

Last Saturday was the debut show organized by Nickle Sparrowtree. This was a special show, which was in honor of World Pride. The show also was a Relay For Life of Second Life fundraising event. Many raved about the show, especially the organization of Nickle. I caught up with Nickle to ask her a few questions about her modeling career and her thoughts on Second Life.

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Strutting Down the Catwalk in Second Life- Sarahelisebeth Brenham Reporting…

Tiviyah Resident/ picture taken by Fuzz Lennie

Many dream about becoming a model. But do people really know what this industry is all about. Come with me as we explore this profession.

Everybody wants a job that is financially and emotionally fulfilling; whether it be in Second Life or Real Life. Some professions require more of one’s mental resources, in exchange for a bigger paycheck. One vocation that while emotionally rewarding can also be mentally and financially draining. The career that I’m referring to is modeling. 

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The Wilder Side of Business featuring Frolic Mills!

click ad for larger view

Date: Sunday November 18, 2012
Time: 6:00 AM SLT
Location:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wilderprinc/2012/11/18/the-media-series-episode-1-frolic-mills-of-bosl

Join us for the first episode in our media series as we interview the one and only fabulous Frolic Mills. We'll be talking to Mr. Mills about TheBest of SL empire and his illustrious career in Second Life. As many of you know Best of SL includes a magazine, radio, fashion, modeling agency, Mr. and Miss Virtual World, and much much more. 

Frolic is a fashion lover and media guru, but don't let the pretty face fool, you he definitely has a business head on his shoulders. If you don't know anything about Mr. Mills be sure to visit his website BOSL. There you will get some insight on the genius extraordinaire behind one of the biggest brands in Second Life. 

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Spotlight on Akasha Sternberg, Model And Blogger- Pandora Drezelan Reporting...

Akasha Sternberg is a certified model, lover of fashion, and a blogger. She graduated with La Mode Modeling Agency on the February 25, 2012. 

Akasha talks about her introduction to Second Life and her modeling career:

‘I heard about Second Life on a German radio show. I was curious and downloaded it. I stayed for about a year, but got bored, so I left for three years, only to come back with a bang, and I’ve loved it ever since.

‘In regards to modeling, I’ve learnt to do my own HUDS and about new fashion and styling genres - some of them I ended up loving dearly. 

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Modeling in Second Life- Pandora Drezelan Reporting...

Being a model in Second Life can be a very glamorous lifestyle, but it also involves hard work, dedication, and compromise. Whether you are an experienced or a new and aspiring model, you must learn to be able to accept constructive criticism and sometimes rejection, depending on the situation.

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Bahiyaa Jumanya and Digital Arts Talent Agency -- Pandora Drezelan Reporting

It's Women's History Month -- in real life and in Second Life, too, and it's a great time to spotlight women on the grid who are looking to do big things! And Bahiyaa Jumanya is one such woman. I met with Bahiyaa Jumanya, the owner and CEO of Digital Arts Talent Agency, and was given a tour of her amazing office and home.

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Spotlight Feature: “A Star is Born” – Experience for Beginner Models -NemzKat Resident Reporting...

The "A Star is Born" group made for models out of school. It is in fact, the only group that helps prepares models for their journey in the fashion world.

The group is not an agency but a way for models to have experience before their first job. They will be able to walk in shows and put that on their resume as experience. Please note: this is NOT an agency or school, but just a way to get job experience.  This group is also not to teach models the ABCs of runaway walking. However, models will be taught on-the-job training skills they will need to succeed.

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The Wire: Spotlight, Aza Photography Modeling Group -- Cynamon Pearl reporting

An organic process of avatar transformation is taking place in Second Life and photographers are in the advantageous role of facilitating this magic. Just ask experienced photographer Azarene Jewell who has been finessing her talent behind the lens now for three years in Second Life. Moreover, Aza has taken initiative in setting the stage, which entails conceptualizing a theme and then translating the story and executing the idea into a desired outcome. These are elements required to make your professional photos a success. Aza tells me that although she enjoys taking photos of anyone her niche has streamlined more toward professional models, artists and fashion editorials. Aza Photography has definitely carved out its own signature style with that ‘something’ that is unqiue.

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FYI Talk ~~ Essence of Ebony CEO and Model Latrelly Flux

As an African-American woman in real life and in Second Life, I'm always interested in learning of people, events, and spaces in the metaverse where African Americans are acknowledged, celebrated, and given support.

Over a month ago, I was at a talk show on the grid where the discussion was on black models in Second Life. Specifically, the hosts were talking to the CEO of the Miss Essence of Ebony Competition, Latrelly Flux, the model VA community manager Kalyabreea Capelo, and Miss EoE 2011 Imani Enzo.

In real-life, as a doctoral student, I'm interested in the ways African American women find, create, and develop themselves in virtual spaces, so the discussion on race, gender, virtual worlds, community, and more fascinated me beyond belief.

It was that fascination that made me contact Flux so that I could sit down with her, talk to her, and learn more about EoE; it is an entity in Second Life that definitely deserves press.

Latrelly Flux

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