Artista Diva Delphine Pontvieux Receives National Indie Excellence Book Award!

16 May

We are thrilled to announce Artista Diva Delphine Pontvieux has received a huge honor and we are so happy for her! If you got a chance to meet her at the Artista Diva Series, you would have noticed how creative, kind and talented she is from one conversation! I have included a press release straight from the Diva herself – please enjoy!

ETA-Estimated Time of Arrest, Delphine Pontvieux’s first novel, received yesterday the National Indie Excellence Book Award in the “thriller” category.

These are fantastic news, especially with Printers Row Lit Fest coming up soon in Chicago (june 4 and 5th).

Miss Nyet publishing will be present at the much celebrated literary fest, and Delphine Pontvieux will be present on both days of the event to sign copies of her novel.

What is the NIEA?

The National Indie Excellence Book Awards® contest is judged by an independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation.

Ellen Reid, President of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards® has built a highly successful career producing excellence for clients and with her own award-winning book, Putting Your Best Book Forward: A Book Shepherd’s Secrets for Producing Award- Winning Books that Sell. As a book shepherd and book consultant, she has mastered the fine art of directing teams of professionals so that a synergy develops making the end product far greater than the sum of the individual parts.

It is on this solid foundation that Ellen manages the Indie Excellence awards. She draws upon the practical, in-the-trenches experience of noted and award winning professionals from all aspects of the publishing and book production field to select the books that demonstrate excellence in cover design, copywriting, and interior layout, as well as overall feel and execution.

Ellen’s deft eye guides the judging process and contest winners can be proud and confident that the award attests to the excellence of their efforts in producing an outstanding book. Indie Excellence Awards is a trademark of Smarketing. Copyright 2007-2011. All Rights Reserved.

here is the press release from NIEA today:

For Immediate Release Beverly Hills, CaliforniaThe National Indie Excellence Book Awards Salutes the BEST of the BEST in 2011
Independent and self-published titles roar to the forefront of excellence in numerous genres

Beverly Hills, CA – In the pinnacle year of the self-published book , The National Indie Excellence Book Awards is ahead of the curve with the announcement of the 5th Annual National Indie Excellence Award Winners, Finalists and the recipients of the Sponsor’s Choice Prizes.

Today Ellen Reid, founder of The National Indie Excellence Book Awards, released the Winners and Finalists of this year’s contest www,indieexcellence.com said…

“Excellence is not easy to achieve and the book industry needs it more than ever…the NIEA salutes authors and publishers who make excellence a priority” said Reid.

Competition for the top spots is fierce with prizes exceeding $12,000 in value and the priceless opportunity to have one-on-one coaching with inside industry experts including top media and PR consultants, marketing experts and others.

With a number self-published authors exceeding sales of 100,000 copies and six and seven figures in revenue, authors and small presses are flourishing and so is the quality of books across the board.

Next year’s 2012 Award application deadline is April 30, 2012. For information and to enter, please visit: http://www.indieexcellence.com/

“The judges for this competition are industry leaders that take their responsibility very seriously. We had the best pool of submissions ever and it was not easy because of the excellent books we received in every category this year. I am constantly thrilled at the outstanding work we’re seeing,” Reid said.

Be sure to read more about ETA-Estimated Time of Arrest on our site (you can read the book prologue for free) and we thank all the fans for their tremendous support. Keep on reading, and keep on telling your friends about us.

Announcing the Bizy Bee Divas on June 2nd!

15 May

Join us as we honor the Women in Business Divas – Bizy Bees! They are busy bees running companies, being leaders and entrepreneurs…in other words, making things happen! They work hard for the money!

Thursday, June 2nd | 6-9pm

Jbar | 610 North Rush

*Adriana Llames – Internationally Acclaimed Career Coach and Author –www.adrianallames.com

*Amy Hesser – CEO of Hesser Communications Group

*Asha Spacek- Founder/Artistic Director at UR SUPERMODELS and High Profile Image/Brand Consultant and Stylist at UR Artists – www.ursupermodels.com

*Ashley O’Dell – Co-Founder and Master of Marketing of Polka Dot Consulting

*Bevin Lynch – President/Certified Transformative Coach at Bevin Lynch, Inc. Coaching

*Brittany Heidtke – Co-Founder and Marketing Maven of Polka Dot Consulting

*Christin Luckman – Vice-President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate

*Erin Marie Gavin, J.D. – Financial Representative – Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and The McTigue Financial Group

*Jeannine Prombo – Partner at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Jessica Edgerton – Corporate Counsel for US Appraisal Group

*Jessica Mammen – CEO/Owner for Diamond Personal Assistants

*Katie Bommarito – Founder and Co-Owner of Chicago Rentals Direct

*Kelly Saindon – Partner at Belongia, Shapiro & Franklin and Legal Analyst

*Kendal Brown – Kendal Brown Design

*Lindsay Saewitz – Founder of CitySwarmChicago.com

*Laura Schwartz – Principal of White House Strategies, Author of “Eat, Drink and Succeed! Climb Your Way to the Top Using the Networking Power of Social Events”www.EatDrinkandSucceed.com and Commentator for The CBS Early Show, BBC World News, GMTV London and Frost Over the World

*Lilia Corral – Regional Director of New Business at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Maggie Antillon-Mathews – Partner at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Michele Lomax Clauss – Vice-President and Counsel at James H Lowry & Associates

*PJ McGuire – Founder of Modet, Inc. and Shy to Social Butterfly, Certified Etiquette & Protocol Consultant

*Rachel Anne – CEO, Chief Enlightenment Officer of Yes You Can With Rachel Anne

*Sami Schmidt – Regional Director of New Business at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Stephanie Andre-Ouellette – Partner at Avid Solutions, LLC

*Stephanie Konow – Founder and Co-Owner of Chicago Rentals Direct

*Victoria Garcia – Home Mortgage Consultant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Specialty cocktail and Half off food menu!

SPONSORS -Today’s Chicago Woman – http://www.tcwmag.com/, WebRev Marketing – http://www.webrevmarketing.com/ and Rodan + Fields

FACEBOOK LINK 

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

Artistas Bring A Lil Carnival To Chicago!

13 May

Everyone loves a good ole CARNIVAL! And two of our recent Artista Divas Lora Michael and Rayme Silverberg are bringing one to Chicago tomorrow night! After playing dress up with Lora for hours in her costume studio, I have no doubt this will be spectacular! Don’t miss this!

DETAILS:

Friday, May 13th – 8PM-midnight

Maxim’s | 24 E. Goethe

Ladies and Gentlemen,

STEP RIGHT UP –

Grab a drink, some cotton candy, and shake hands with a bearded lady…

Come see the otherworldly exhibition of wonders, created by Lora Michael of Lora Michael Cosmetic Artistry.

Co-produced with Coriolis Theater Company, and hosted by Rayme Silverberg and Lora Michael.

Featuring live entertainment, and food by Omar Martinez, chef and owner of Dessert Concepts, LLC.

Presented by American Debt Counseling.

No Cover

Congrats to the Artistas!

11 May

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Inspiring Angel Voice – Nikki Valentine!

3 May

Everyone loves to have a Valentine, right!? Well Diva Nikki Valentine may have a bigger heart than the holiday itself and is truly considered her very own type of Valentine. She just launched her blog called SeeTheChangeBetheChange.com. Even before she announced this wonderful project, I found Nikki incredibly  wise and grounded for her 24 years. I am thrilled she’s decided to put her positive influence out there a step further and change the world by inspiring others with her words!   Nikki really motivates the average person to get involved and help others  – she simply calls society to action and reminds us that giving is a gift in itself. She points out that every little thing helps – even the smallest gesture can make the world of difference. And i am certain it takes cheerleaders like Nikki to really motivate us to prioritize volunteerism in our daily lives. I really can’t say enough positive things about this Diva – she truly warms my heart and I know she will inspire so many people with this blog.

I first met her when we were both featured in  Live To Support’s Charity Date Singles Auction for Valentine’s Day. Before I even met her I was wondering who this adorable Valentine girl was.  And how cool would it be to be in a date auction and have that last name! Priceless! I loved her spirit instantly and we danced the night away.  We’ve become great friends the past couple of months and are even known to some as V2 (squared). Mark my words – this is a girl to watch out for world!  Her positive and worldly energy and vision is fierce. Join Nikki and change the world! You must go to her blog entry about why she is doing this. Her writing is honest , witty and beautiful! Get ready to read inspiring stories – Nikki truly brings out the good Samaritan or Angel Diva in all of us. Thank you Nikki for reminding me why I help people and how important it truly is to keep the faith and LOVE. You inspire me.

Announcing the “Artista” Divas!

15 Apr

Maven, Today’s Chicago Woman and Jbar present the DIVA SERIES: Honoring influential and successful women in Business, PR, Media, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty, Lifestyle and much more!

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011 | 6-9PM

JBAR  | 610 NORTH RUSH

Join us as we honor the ARTISTA Divas! Art, Photography, Writers, Creators, Designers, Makeup Artistry, Performing Arts and more!

di·va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

DIVAS:

*AlekSandra Karach – CEO & Founder of AK Lifestyle/AK Interior Design & Lifestyle Solutions Inc. + Managing Partner of BCD – Behind Closed Doors, a luxury brand for Bachelor Pads & Lifestyle for Successful Men http://www.aklifestyle.com/

*Alexandra Kamischke – Creative Director for Today’s Chicago Woman

Amie Hana Photography – Owner/ Photographer/Graphic Designer for Amie Photography http://www.amiephotography.com/

*Athir Mahmud – Independent Artist, Asssoiate Professor and Founder of Athir Arthttps://www.facebook.com/Athir.Art

*Brenda Arelano – Make up Artist for NBC 5, Freelance conventional/airbrush artist for HD, Film, Print, Video, Special Events

*Catherine Bradley – Manager of Corporate Relations – Musueum of Contemporary Art

*Chrishon Yvette Lampley Co-Owner and Director of Operations, Three Peas Art Lounge

*Delphine Pontvieux – Author “ETA-Estimated Time of Arrest” and Owner of Miss Nyet Publishing, LLC and Actress

*Fayshell Fajardo – Host of the Fayshell Fajardo Show – covering Fashion, Entertainment and Hottest Spots and Parties in Chicago

*Jennifer Jackson – Owner/Photographer of Jennifer Jackson Photography (Jennography) and Art Instructor at New Trier High School –http://www.jennography.net/

*Jillian Knox – Co-owner at TBA Space 1039 and Owner/Buyer of Joules Jewels Vintage

*Kimberly Anderson – Freelance makeup artist in LA/NYC/Miami

Kristine Campbell – Owner and Designer for StrangeBird www.livestrangebird.com

*Laura Tabachnick Executive Project Manager at AK Lifestyle/AK Interior Design & Lifestyle Solutions Inc. + Managing Partner of BCD – Behind Closed Doors, a luxury brand for Bachelor Pads & Lifestyle for Successful Men http://www.aklifestyle.com/

*Lora Michael – Owner and Artist – Lora Michael Cosmetic Artistry

*Marissa Govedarica – National Account Executive at Her Campus Media and Makeup Artist at POP BEAUTY and Founder of Her Campus UIC –http://www.twitter.com/MarissaGov

*Maya-Camille Broussard, Co-Owner and Gallery Curator, Three Peas Art Lounge

*Melissa Loutus – Owner and Designer of Bella Muri – http://www.bellamuri.com/

*Rayme Silverberg –.Actress and Vice President of Nothing Without a Company, Managing Director of Coriolis Theater

*Sarah Raskey – Founder and Owner of the Giving Gallery and Artist/Art Therapist/Psychotherapist – www.SarahRaskey.com

*Zee Gustafson – Owner of Zee Artistry and Freelance Makeup Artist

Specialty cocktail and Half off food menu!

SPONSORS -Today’s Chicago Woman – http://www.tcwmag.com/, WebRev Marketing – http://www.webrevmarketing.com/ and Rodan + Fields

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

LINK TO FACEBOOK INVITE

SAVE-THE-DATE -Artista Divas – May 5th!

12 Apr

Next month we will honor ARTISTAS – Artists, Photographers, Performers, Designers, Makeup Artists and more!


Support Angel Diva Jenaeth Markaj from One Hope United!

11 Apr

Child Abuse is a very dear issue to my heart and everyone should come out in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month! One Hope United is hosting “Pictures of Hope” at the chic Black Cloud Gallery located at 1909 South Halsted on Saturday, April 23rd 6-10PM.

“Pictures of Hope” is designed to highlight the importance of child abuse prevention and to raise awareness about the work that One Hope United is doing in our communities to answer this pressing need. Child abuse prevention plays a critical role in realizing our vision of ensuring that every child has a safe place to call home.

During this evening, guests will have the opportunity to meet One Hope United staff and fellow supporters and to learn how they can support our mission of protecting children and strengthening families.

Artwork created by foster children in One Hope United programs will be exhibited and available for purchase via silent auction. All proceeds from the auction will benefit One Hope United’s child abuse prevention work.

The event is free to attend, and guests will enjoy complimentary beverages provided by The Noble Grape and hors d’oeuvres from 6—10 PM. Join us for this amazing event for such a great cause! I can’t wait to see the wonderful artwork and mingle with the other socially-conscious guests who realize we must protect our children. RSVP to Jenaeth Markaj at 312-949-4001 or jmarkaj@onehopeunited.org.

LINK TO FACEBOOK INVITE

My New Intern: Future Fashionista and College Couture Week!

10 Apr

My new intern for the summer, Jennifer Ruppert, made a special appearance at the Diva Series on Thursday direct from my alma mater University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am proud to report that Jennifer is organizing the first ever College Couture Week down at U of I – looks like I have an up-and-coming fashionista on my hands! And I love it! The week kicks off this Sunday (today) with “Illini’s Next Top Model” and will feature Speaker Seminars, Trunk Shows, Couture Night Out and a Couture Runway Show. Check out their chic site College Couture Week for more details!  She also brought Thomas Mui and John Jeong of Tom and John’s Chocolate Factory. I was impressed with their ambition and creativity as they showed me their designs….my favorite one included a panda!

These fashion forward students also believe in giving back! Their beneficiary is Designers Against Aids (DAA) –  a non-profit organization that directs its focus onto raising awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people worldwide through the public media outlets such as music, art, fashion, art, photography, sports and film, and overall, pop culture. Love seeing young people starting trends and helping others. Talk about being fashion forward!

Here is a picture of Jessica Lindsay (Owner of Double-Edged Couture and Featured Diva), me and Jennifer Ruppert on Thursday! Photo credit Javier Enriquez.

Candace Jordan: No Stranger to the Catwalk!

5 Apr

Featured Diva Candace Jordan really is taking her Fashionista honor to a new level. But wait a minute, I am pretty certain being a Fashionista is simply a lifestyle for Candace Jordan and she wouldn’t know otherwise. If we left Candace in the wilderness without any resources, she would likely put together a couture dress out of leaves and twigs and start a fashion revolution!

So it was no surprise when I heard Candace was spotted strutting her stuff on the runway last Thursday, March 31st at Elda de La Rosa’s Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show at the Allerton Hotel. No stranger to the catwalk and camera, Candace shared the runway with guest models ABC’s Diana Palomar and WCIU’s Jeanne Sparrow. Drawing an A-List crowd, the show had standing room only and guests indulged in a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres.  According to Candace, Elda de La Rosa’s fashions were exquisite and the designer received a standing ovation when she appeared on the runway at the end. With the recent catwalk appearance of this fashionista, it is evident Candace feels at home on the runway and has been a style icon for many years in this city.

Here are only a couple of Candace’s fashion/style related finest moments in history:

  • In 1976 she was named Chicago’s Playboy Bunny of the Year and appeared on the first, live televised international pageant on ABC.  In 1979, she became Playboy Magazine’s December centerfold and has made numerous appearances in the past 3 decades as one of the most popular Playmates ever to grace the magazine.
  • Named one of the “ Most Fashionable Women in Chicago” by Chicago Social Magazine
  • Co-Founder of –“Couture and Cocktails: benefiting the Joffrey Ballet
  • Named one of 5 “Bold & Beautiful Women” by Chicago Magazine and Kohler 2010
  • Named one of 5 “Chicago Style Setters” by TCW 2010
  • Named a “Style Icon” by Shore Magazine 2010.
  • Named a “Style Trendsetter” by ME: In Focus Magazine 2010
  • 2010 Inspired Award Honoree—hosted by TCW Magazine, Grace PR and Charles Ifergan Salons
  • Honorary Chair for St. Jude Research Center’s fundraiser, “Dream a Little Dream” fashion show—2011
  • Co-host for Chicago’s first “Red Dress Party” with NBC’s Marcus Riley benefiting the Aids Foundation of Chicago—2011

We are excited to honor Candace at our Fashionista Diva Series this Thursday! I think I just found a new shopping buddy!  Oh Candace – what should I wear on Thursday? I think I need to call you ASAP!

Diva to Diva….Love, Sarah

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