Posts tagged with "Amazon"

James Barlow, founder of Triumph Technology Solutions LLC, pens an article for 360 MAGAZINE.

Teenage Entrepreneur to Millionaire Tech Mogul

Why Dropping Out of College was the Best Decision of My Life

By James Barlow

The decision to leave college before completing my degree may seem unconventional to some, but for me, it was the most sensible choice for my career path and personal growth. Despite enjoying the college experience, I felt a sense of restlessness, as if I was merely biding my time. I was eager to take on real-world challenges and pursue my passion for entrepreneurship. The idea of building something from scratch and being in control of my destiny was exhilarating, and I knew I couldn’t wait until I graduated to start my own business. By leaving college early, I was able to get a head start on my career and focus all my energy and resources on developing my entrepreneurial skills. It was a bold move, but in hindsight, it was the best decision I ever made.

I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. As a child, I was always looking for opportunities to make money. At the age of 16, I took the leap and started my first business, and the feeling of being my own boss was invigorating. The experience was so rewarding that I continued to look for new business opportunities wherever I could. By the time I graduated and went to college, I had already achieved a level of success that many entrepreneurs never reach.

So, I made the decision to leave college early and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. At the time, it was a difficult choice. I was giving up a lot of things, including the security of a college degree but I knew there was no other way.

One of the biggest benefits of leaving college early was that I was able to focus all of my energy on my business. I didn’t have to worry about juggling classes, homework, and studying. Instead, I could devote all my time and energy to building my company. And that’s exactly what I did.

Over the years, I have founded numerous successful tech companies, with expertise in AWS, Fintech, Healthcare, E-commerce, and more. By the time I was 20 years old, I was already generating over $1m in revenue from eBay sales monthly. None of this would have been possible if I had stayed in college.

It’s easy to look at successful individuals and assume that they have had a smooth journey to the top. However, the reality is quite different. Early success does not mean that there are no struggles or issues to face along your path to career success.

For me, my early success was from hard work diligently striving towards my goals, and I saw the fruits of my labor grow. However, along the way, I faced personal difficulties that needed to be overcome.

Like many young entrepreneurs who achieve financial success early in their careers, I too faced struggles with focusing too much on making money from my new ventures rather than the product itself during those initial years. Despite my accomplishments, I came to realize that success is not just about making money, it’s about creating a product or service that adds value to people’s lives. Realizing this was my issue took a great deal of reflection and the advice of mentors to emerge from those difficult times after such early success. Although the journey was trying, I refused to give up and eventually found a solution that worked for me.

My journey to success has had its fair share of struggles and difficulties, but those experiences played a significant role in shaping my character and outlook on life. My early success gave me the confidence and motivation to persevere through tough times, while my struggle with focusing on money over product made me more mindful and conscious of the value I was providing to my customers. I realized that my struggles were not unique, and many other entrepreneurs faced similar challenges. These experiences taught me the importance of creating value for customers, being mindful of business practices, and never losing sight of the purpose behind the product or service.

About James Barlow

James Barlow is the founder of Triumph Technology Solutions LLC; a leading AWS cloud native services provider. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he is an accomplished Tech Entrepreneur, expert, and business leader with a deep understanding of the development of IT Services and Software Businesses with domain expertise in AWS, Fintech, Healthcare, E-Commerce, and more. James has started numerous tech companies that have focused on everything from Business Web Development to e-commerce. In the early 2000’s James founded an eBay-based business and was one of the first eBay “power sellers.” At only 20 years old, James was generating over $1m revenue from eBay sales monthly. 

James Studied Business with a minor in economics from Northern Illinois University. He left college early in order to pursue his entrepreneurial passions and to build his eBay-based computer hardware sales business. He has also earned certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect, reflecting his commitment to staying current with emerging technologies.

Outside of work, James is a passionate volunteer who is deeply committed to several causes, including civil rights and social action, economic empowerment, education, disaster and humanitarian relief, politics, and science and technology.

HGTV host Lauren Makk on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE, captured by Vaughn Lowery. Shot on location at AllSaints NYC flagship store.

EDGY FASHION

Unconventional + Different

With over 25 years as a highly successful model and spokesperson, Vaughn Lowery utilizes his vast experience within the fashion industry to creatively capture introspective moments with his subjects.

Lowery has worked alongside and assisted various notable shutterbugs: Tyren Redd, Elton Anderson, Ron Contarsy, Jeffrey Langlois, Catherine Asanov, and James Hicks.

Vaughn‘s works have been globally featured on various covers for 360 and within its pages. Now available on Amazon.com and BN.com

Vaughn Lowery, president of 360 MAGAZINE, now is one of the edgy fashion magazine’s leading photographers. Wardrobe: jacket by AllSaints, sweater by H&M, and watch by Armitron.
Vaughn Lowery, president of 360 MAGAZINE, now is one of the edgy fashion magazine’s leading photographers. Wardrobe: jacket by AllSaints, sweater by H&M, and watch by Armitron.
Amazon's 'Making the Cut' Esther Perbandt is on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery in Berlin.
Amazon’s ‘Making the Cut’ Esther Perbandt is on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery in Berlin.
Photographer Vaughn Lowery shoots beauty editorial f/ new face Kaden Olivier for 360 MAGAZINE.
Photographer Vaughn Lowery shoots beauty editorial f/ new face Kaden Olivier for 360 MAGAZINE.
HGTV host Lauren Makk on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE, captured by Vaughn Lowery. Shot on location at AllSaints NYC flagship store.
HGTV TV personality Lauren Makk on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE, captured by Vaughn Lowery. Shot on location at AllSaints NYC flagship.
New Face Courtney Davis shot by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE fashion editorial.
New Face Courtney Davis photographed by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE fashion editorial.
New Face Courtney Davis photographed by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE fashion editorial.
New Face Courtney Davis photographed by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE fashion editorial.

From Street Vendor to Business Mogul

How One Person Built a Thriving Enterprise While Empowering Others

By Victor Tabaac

Becoming an entrepreneur was an inevitable future for me, and it all started with my father and a hot dog cart. As an entrepreneur himself, my dad carved a clear path for me to follow. He purchased a cart for me when I was 13 years old, which I managed and operated by myself outside his store. I was no longer a typical teenager but a future business owner and salesman. Unlike my peers, who were more focused on play and leisure, I was sharpening my skills and learning valuable lessons about business and serving others. This experience has only grown stronger as I have continued my entrepreneurial journey over the years. My focus has always been on providing value to those around me, rather than just focusing on financial gain. This perspective has been central to my success and has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Starting my career journey as I did was a defining moment for me, and I soon realized that I was not only selling hot dogs but also providing an essential service to my community. The demanding schedule, from pre-sunrise wake ups for the early morning prep, to the daily rush and cleaning up at night, only added to my appreciation of entrepreneurship. I fell in love with the process, with the long days and tired nights, with the neighborhood interactions and the repeat customers. I was able to turn my small food cart outside my father’s shop into a thriving business, which was a testament to my hard work and dedication. This experience taught me the value of being my own boss and relying solely on my own efforts to achieve success. It is a lesson that has stayed with me and is one I am grateful to have learned from my father. Despite not wanting to stay in the food industry long-term, this experience sparked a love for entrepreneurship and a drive to pursue my goals.

As I chased my entrepreneurial pursuits, I learned two major lessons that left a lasting impact on me. The first was that I was taught the significance of giving back to the community. As I’ve grown older, I have made it a fundamental principle in all the businesses I have established to be community-driven first and foremost. I strongly believe that it is our responsibility as businessmen to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of society. To this end, I actively support local charities and collaborate with organizations that strive to bring about positive change in the community. Through these efforts, I hope to create a sustainable and thriving business community for generations to come.

The other crucial lesson I learned in the business world along my journey was of the importance of teamwork and collaboration. In a fast-paced and highly competitive environment, it becomes imperative to work with a team of highly skilled and motivated individuals who share a common vision and goal. By pooling our strengths, experiences, and expertise, the teams I have been a part of were able to achieve greater success than any one individual could have achieved alone. By working together, we were able to overcome challenges, find innovative solutions, and ultimately reach our objectives in a more efficient and effective manner. This has taught me that the power of teamwork and collaboration is truly immeasurable and a key factor in driving success in any business endeavor.

Ultimately, the key to success in any venture is to maintain a steadfast commitment to your goals and purpose. In the world of entrepreneurship, this is especially true. Starting a business is a journey filled with obstacles and setbacks, but it is essential to remain focused and unwavering in your pursuit of success. Regardless of the industry I was working in at the time, my teams have always been dedicated to pushing the limits of technology and innovation, with the aim of providing superior service to our clients and remaining at the forefront of our industry. Whether we face challenges or opportunities, we remain resolute in our commitment to excellence, knowing that staying focused on our goals is what will ultimately lead to success.

My entrepreneurial journey has been an enlightening and rewarding experience that I will always cherish. Starting from my humble beginnings with the hot dog cart business, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and insights that I am grateful for. Through my various ventures, I have come to understand the significance of giving back to the community, working collaboratively with others, and staying focused on my goals. These lessons have not only helped me grow as an entrepreneur but also as a person. I am eager to see what the future holds, and I am confident that I will continue to learn and grow, always striving to make a positive impact while achieving success in my endeavors.


About Victor Tabaac

Victor Tabaac is an accomplished business leader and technology expert who has spent more than a decade in the industry. Over the years, he has helped numerous organizations streamline their processes and optimize their resources by offering a wide range of tech solutions.

With a strong background in business management and marketing, Victor earned his degree from the esteemed Penn State University and went on to gain numerous certifications in cloud computing and related technologies. Some of his certifications include AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, AWS for Microsoft Workloads – Business, and AWS for Microsoft Workloads – Technical. His extensive experience in cloud computing, web development, DevOps, and information technology makes him a go-to expert in the field.

Apart from his contributions to the tech industry, Victor is also a dedicated community leader who actively serves as a board member for a non-profit organization. This organization aims to provide educational, recreational, and cultural programs to underprivileged families. Victor’s passion for STEM programs has led him to donate generously and volunteer his time to make a positive impact in his local community.

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, MD Ayurveda article via 360 MAGAZINE.

Syncing Gut with Mind for Better Mood

Mood is a complex physiological experience. It is the result of the intermingling of neurochemistry, gut health, hormonal balance, and social/psychological experience. It is a moment-by-moment litmus test of how much your life is in alignment with the needs of your body, mind, and spirit. 

The greater internal harmony you have, the better your mood. Conversely, the greater internal disharmony within, the worse your mood.

Mood Influencers

We tend to think external circumstances determine our mood. But in reality, our internal harmony determines how we perceive, interpret and respond to our external circumstances. There are many things that can lend to a bad mood:

  • Stress (day-to-day, global news, etc.);
  • Poor diet;
  • Isolation from community or family; and
  • Not allowing the mind to rejuvenate through meditation.

However, one of the most important aspects of mood in Ayurveda medicine is the way in which food and gut health impact mental health. Mind and gut are inseparable. The foods you eat and the strength of your digestion determine the quality of your thoughts and mind.

Modern medicine is just beginning to grasp this concept of the relationship between the gut and brain. According to Ayurveda, the gut and brain are one functional unit. The fastest way to shift mood is by changing diet, improving gut health, and shifting your microbiome.

Improve a SAD Mood 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a clinically diagnosed form of depression that begins in the fall, continues into the winter and then typically resolves in the spring and summer. It is a condition that I didn’t pay enough attention to as a general neurologist, but as an Ayurvedic practitioner I became much more attuned to the impact of the seasons on our mood. I found that the majority of us notice some shift in mood with each season, and some of us experience more severe changes that qualify as SAD.

Modern treatments for SAD include phototherapy and antidepressants. Although SAD is a modern medical diagnosis, this shift in mood due to the changes in season is a well-documented psychological phenomenon in Ayurveda, spanning back thousands of years. So, in addition to the modern therapies for SAD, we also have access to ancient Ayurvedic treatments that help to treat SAD today and prevent it in the future.

Know Your Dosha

One of the great blessings of Ayurveda is the knowledge of the doshas and how they manifest in ourselves and in the seasons; this makes life more predictable. Once we understand our seasonal susceptibilities, conditions like SAD do not have to overtake us. We can organize our seasonal routine to combat the underlying causes of SAD before they germinate. It’s like having a GPS system for our body and mind that informs us of the turns before we have to take them. Instead of feeling like we’re always behind the eight-ball, wondering why we feel tired, depressed, anxious or frustrated, we can predict what potential pitfalls each season may hold for us and avert the danger before we ever face it.

You can learn more about your dosha type with my free quiz HERE. To experience more benefits of Ayurveda start with understanding your dosha type. 

Biography

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, MD, is a neurologist, neuroscientist and an internationally recognized expert in the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine. She earned her medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine; completed her internship at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and neurology residency at University of California San Diego (UCSD). Chaudhary is the author of “The Prime” (Penguin Random House, 2016) and “Sound Medicine” (Harper Collins, 2020); is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine and is a highly sought-after speaker, researcher and adviser for Healthy Directions. She is the former director of Wellspring Health in Scripps Memorial Hospital, where she successfully combined conventional treatments with Ayurvedic practices of detoxification, diet and lifestyle management to help patients effectively manage chronic neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and migraine headaches. Her program was so successful that it is now used for a wide range of health concerns, including weight issues and chronic disease. Through her integrative approach, Chaudhary teaches her patients about the connection between mind, body and spirit, which impacts every aspect of health both physically and mentally. Learn more at www.DrKChaudhary.com

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Article: Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, MD – author of The Prime

Brooklynne Webb makes 360 MAGAZINE's most interesting list.

Most Interesting

360 MAGAZINE has compiled a list of the most powerful personalities. Many of them have had an impact within marginalized communities around the world, outpacing many social constructs.


Brooklynne Webb is an LGBTQ+ TikTok sensation who has released hit comedic records like My Crown and Christmas single My Sleigh. This Steve Madden and L’Oreal collaborator has been featured on GMA, Buzzfeed, and Daily Mail. Check out her body positivity post with Bebe Rexha.

Listen to 360 MAG podcast HERE.

Photographer: Dylan Lujano @DylanLujano

Hair: Mika Fowler @MikaHairStylist

Makeup: Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup

 Stylist: Sophia Rahimi @spicysoph_


Kheris Rogers author of Shine Bright via 360 MAGAZINE.
Kheris Rogers author of Shine Bright via 360 MAGAZINE.

Kheris Rogers is among the brightest stars in the entertainment industry. Recently signed at LA Models, published a book called Shine Bright, and dubbed one of the youngest designers to present at NYFW. Of late, she launched the FLEX anti-bullying campaign and a retreat to help marginalized teens focus on their mental health. Her story about how she transformed lemons into lemonade was televised by NBC, CBS, and the Steve Harvey Show. Her creations have been worn by sheroes, including Whoopi Goldberg, Lupita Nyong’o, Lena Waithe, and Alicia Keys. Kheris was named by LeBron James as one of the strongest women who inspired him to build his Nike Lebron XVI shoe. Kheris is also on Teen Vogue’s “21 Under 21” roster and is part of the girls’ band Run the World.

Listen to 360 MAG podcast HERE.


Paula Andrea Placido stars on Showtime's L Word via 360 MAGAZINE.
Paula Andrea Placido stars on Showtime’s The L Word reported in 360 MAGAZINE.

Paula Andrea Placido, a Dominican actress born in San Francisco, is one of the rare genuine souls that remain in the world. Her innocent, deep-seated eyes are mysterious and mischievous. This is a visual artist who plunges into abstract painting. However, her innate talent is her ability to conjure up members of the audience on the small screen with her infectious girl look and bad vibrations. In season three of The L Word: Generation Q, she joins superstars like Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, and Jennifer Beals. She gives a fascinating performance as Roxy, a party girl that pleases people. Moreover, she’s been cast in numerous notable shows like Hacks and Shameless.

In short, diabolical yet dynamic, Placido is on the tip of the Hollywood’s tongue as an actor to watch, which earned her a mention on our list.

Listen to 360 MAG podcast HERE.


Women Impact Tech CEO Paula R. Bratcher Ratliff speaks with Vaughn Lowery of 360 MAGAZINE.
Women Impact Tech CEO Paula R. Bratcher Ratliff speaks with Vaughn Lowery of 360 MAGAZINE.

Paula R. Bratcher Ratliff is the founder and CEO of Women Impact Tech. This past November, the accelerator produced an inaugural conference in Manhattan. Approximately 1000 women and a handful of prestigious companies as well as disruptive startups were in attendance. Executives from a variety of brands such as Peloton, Amazon, and Google were also present.

As a seasoned international staffing agent, Paula has created a space for gender equity in the arena. According to Ratliff, “Women represent only 8% of the population in the technology area.” She hopes global entities become more transparent and start a conversation. “Women represent only 14% of all engineers, she adds.”

In the aftermath of Roe v. Wade, participants were encouraged to go out and vote. While they did not have a formal conversation about the overturned decision, it reiterates the importance of women’s voices.

Listen to 360 MAG podcast HERE.


Robyn Chamberlain is a Leipzig jewelry maker and handweaver via 360 MAGAZINE.
Robyn Chamberlain is a jewelry maker and handweaver based in Leipzig, Germany, via 360 MAGAZINE.

Robyn Chamberlain is a virtuous goldsmith and handweaver. She completed a bachelor’s degree in jewelry design at NSCAD in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Upon graduation in 2012, this Canadian artisan decided to relocate to Germany.

In 2018, Robyn opened her studio in Leipzig Lindenau. Its brick and mortar offer long-lasting trinkets as well as hand-loomed fabrics. Many of its rustic accessories have minimal aesthetics. However, a few of its hand-loomed scarves are bright and colorful.

Official Site

Listen to Robyn on 360 MAG podcast HERE.


Jen Cohn is a TV personality, producer and Metaverse mogul via 360 MAGAZINE.
Jen Cohn is a TV personality, producer and Metaverse mogul via 360 MAGAZINE.

Jen Cohn is a TV personality and voice-over actress best known for her characters in Overwatch as well as Airbender. When she’s not working on projects, she attends New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. As a native New Yorker, she’s been enjoying the city with film director, her husband Robert Seigel, since June 2004 with their one child.

Furthermore, Cohn’s contagious personality generally keeps her busy as a talent; however, as a producer of television segments, she works constantly.

Don’t forget to check out her latest projects Welcome to the Chippendales and her podcast on personal style as well as expression in the Metaverse.

Jen was chosen for her extensive involvement in the gaming, web 3, and social media communities.

Listen to her on 360 MAG podcast HERE.


'Be A Disruptor' by Stratis Morfogen (NYC's restaurant royalty) on Amazon books interviewed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
‘Be A Disruptor’ by Stratis Morfogen (NYC’s restaurant royalty) on Amazon books interviewed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.

Stratis Morfogen is one of New York City’s most prolific businessmen. He was certainly one of the strongest restaurateurs in the metropolitan area, having to fight John Gotti, Jr. and his henchmen to conquer COVID-19. Best known for celebrity favorites like Brooklyn Chop House, Philippe Chow, and Brooklyn Dumpling House. This self-proclaimed disruptor has a magnetic personality and an unrivaled work ethic in the food & beverage industry.  As one of the emperors of the service arena, Be A Disruptor is one of Amazon’s most sought-after business reads about innovation and automation across the industry. In fact, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s ‘vending machine business model’ has trended on TikTok, saving Stratis half of his normal payroll.

Having just graduated from high school, Stratis defies all chances and continues to push his daughter to go to college to try everything. Ultimately, failure is part of success. “If you keep looking back [from failures], it hurts your f*cking neck,” says Morfogen.

Listen to his introspective chat on 360 MAG podcast HERE.

Watch BTS.


Making the Cut's Esther Perbandt is on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE.

NFIF NYFW SHOW

Thursday, September 14

7pm-10pm

Room & Board Flagship
[CHELSEA]
236 W. 18th ST
NY, NY 10011
USA

NEXT FRONTIER IN FASHION

Dear Potential Donor:

On behalf of 360 Magazine, Incorporated (an NGLCC certified LGBT Business Enterprise), DT Beauty, Incorporated, Under One Roof Productions, LLC we’d like to formally invite you to join us as a sponsor for the upcoming fashion pin NYC at Room & Board, Next Frontier in Fashion. This event is a fantastic opportunity to join us in highlighting emerging fashion designers and trends from around the world and will allow you to promote your brand to like-minded individuals and press in location.

Next Frontier in Fashion is committed to making our event not only the year’s most successful show, but OUR greatest show ever. To accomplish the task, we are partnering with quality sponsors like you.

In return for your generous financial support of event name, we will promote your brand in our marketing campaigns, promotional materials, during the show, and in post-show communications. These promotions will benefit you by increasing brand awareness amongst a target audience of thousands and top ranking media outlets. 

360®, NFIF‘s official media sponsor has a reach/circulation of the following:

2,500,000 downloads
670,000 visitors
110,000 print

DEMOGRAPHICS

19-39 yro fe/male college-educated youthful connoisseurs within their respective global communities with a strong interest in breaking news, pop culture, travel, auto, health, fashion, philanthropy, art, design, tech, music, and entrepreneurship.

Their latest sighting was on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, featuring former cover girl Skai Jackson.

As always, our success depends on partnership with brands like yours, and we are proud to have served as a valuable marketing partner for years. For any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us directly on email. Thank you for reviewing our sponsorship proposal attached, and I look forward to partnering with you to make event name a success!

Sincerely,

D’angelo Thompson + Javier Pedroza

DT Beauty INC + Under One Roof Productions LLC

Founders + Producers


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


TITLE – $25,000


• Dedicated Exclusive Activation Space

• On-site Signage throughout Room & Board

• Award Presentation with speaking opportunity

• VIP seating for 10

• Placement on all pre-collateral and event signage

• Inclusion on all Press coverage

• Logo Placement on Step & Repeat

• Dedicated E-blast inclusion and Logo on All

• Inclusion hashtag and handle on all social posts

• 10 raffle tickets for Room&Board furniture

• On stage program presentation opportunity

• Red carpet photo opportunities with celebrities and community leaders

• Company recognition in event press release

• Company recognition and logo placement on NFIF website for one year


CHAMPION – $20,000


• Exclusive Activation Space

• On-site Signage

• VIP seating for 10

• Placement on all pre-collateral and event signage

• Inclusion on all press coverage

• Logo Placement on website page

• Dedicated E-blast inclusion and Logo on All

• Inclusion hashtag and hanle on all social posts

• 5 raffle tickets for Room&Board furniture


TRAILBLAZER – $15,000


• Activation Space

• On-site Signage

• VIP seating for 5

• Press coverage

• Logo Placement on website page

• Dedicated E-blast inclusion and Logo on All

• Inclusion of hashtags


VIP/INFLUENCER

LOUNGE – $10,000


• Exclusive VIP Activation Space

• Exclusive STEP & REPEAT w/ 360 Cam

• On-site Signage

• VIP seating for 3

• Logo Placement on website page

• Dedicated E-blast inclusion and Logo on All

• Inclusion of hashtags on all social posts

• 2 raffle tickets for Room&Board furniture


Sanaa Lathan on the cover of 360 MAGAZINE.
Demi Lovato is a 360 MAGAZINE cover girl.
Steve Aoki covers 360 MAGAZINE.
Rapper Eve covers 360 MAGAZINE.
Swedish House Mafia via 360 MAGAZINE.
BEP star Will.i.am covers 360 MAGAZINE.
360 MAGAZINE places Saweetie on the cover.
Jay Wheeler covers 360 MAGAZINE.
Skai Jackson is a 360 MAGAZINE cover girl.
Skai Jackson is a 360 MAGAZINE cover girl.

This month’s Emerging Entrepreneur is Berlin native and Making the Cut participant Esther Perbandt.

Esther Perbandt’s Cover Photographer: Vaughn Lowery

VULIWEAR inside 360 MAGAZINE.

PAY IT FORWARD

During these tough economic times, we’ve decided to focus on practical, affordable gifts. Thus, we wanted to try to inspire those seeking a thoughtful gift for this period of transition, by compiling a complete menu that is sure to leave a lasting impression.



VULIWEAR

The beautiful array of colors and unique design patterns in an insect’s eyes can only be seen when magnified for the human eye. Their compound eyes are made up of thousands of mini eyes that come together to form patterns that are truly awesome. Stylish yet elegant frames, which are wonderfully crafted for longevity.

SHOP NOW.

VULIWEAR Eyewear collection via 360 MAGAZINE.



<gaM 063> BY AOHSOA

An exclusive partnership between AOHSOA × 360 MAGAZINE. A high quality tennis shoe perfect for painting the town red with clients. Eclectic prints which mimic a psychedelic, athleisure era – both designed in-house. Ideal for walks, jogging and gymnastics thanks to its visco-elastic better known as memory foam technology.

Rigorously tested for durability, they’re an ultramodern alternative to NIKE, Adidas shell toe and Reebok classics.

With two distinctive colorways that pay homage to The ‘Boogie Down’ Bronx‘s grafitti art scene, these melodic masterpieces possess a modest price point to achieve the unexpected.

Finally, a chic shoe in vibrant hues, combining style and functionality, to be worn in the gym and non-traditional work environments.

SHOP NOW.

gaM 063 a new sneaker created by AOHSOA and 360 MAGAZINE
<gaM 063> a new sneaker capsule created by AOHSOA and 360 MAGAZINE.

HARD ROCK HOME

From the textile manufacturers over at Sobel Westex, comes an eclectic seven piece bed set inspired by the Hard Rock marquee – a guitar. With designs which embody the essence of the greats such as Johnny Cash and Elvis, these sheets will have you leaping on a bed, strumming your stomach while lip syncing BB King. Fun yet affordable option for a guest room, dorm and/or sleeper. It’s offered in a rustic bandana blue pattern which mimics a pair of prewash. For the cost of a night stay at a modest hotel, it includes: 1 comforter, 2 Shams, 2 euro shams, and 2 decorative pillows. It’s a great purchase for that special someone in need of a slight push to began adultery. And, it makes almost any room feel harmonious. Machine wash, tumble dry, no iron.

SHOP NOW.

Hard Rock Home bedding listed in 360 MAGAZINE gift guide

ROBOROCK

Roborock is gearing up for this holiday season. From planning and decorating to the cluttered aftermath, Roborock has the cleaning tools to keep their homes tidy!

  • Dyad: Make wet and dry dirt disappear at a stroke with DyadPower this holiday season – The only dual roller motor, multi-roller wet/dry vacuum in the world! The 13000Pa suction vanishes dirty water leaving floors clean yet dry after the entire family has left. What’s more – the folding holder allows it to stand on its own, and the cordless design allows users to freely move from room to room.
  • Q5 Series: Driven by a 5200mAh battery to power longer cleans, the Roborock Q5+ features 2700Pa of suction power to easily suck up dirt and grime into the 2.5L dust bag of the Auto-Empty Dock Pure for hands-free cleaning while you’re busy with everything else. Runs on a PreciSense LiDAR Navigation System, unique to Roborock which creates a 3D map along with custom routines, multi-level mapping, as well as No-Go Zones & Invisible Walls. Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, the Q5 utilizes advanced app control to create a customizable clean.
  • S7+ MaxV Ultra: Roborock’s smartest robot combo yet! The S7 MaxV Ultra provides an extremely convenient, totally hands-free cleaning experience. The dock even cleans itself too! The S7+ MaxV Ultra has more suction power than any previous Roborock robot vacuum, generating a maximum of 5100 Pa, picking up debris, hair, dust, and more from hard floors and carpets. Using its camera, this model can now recognize the furniture in your home and place them on the map automatically. It can also identify your floors in each room and recommend cleaning patterns and scrub intensity accordingly.

SHOP NOW.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robotic vacuum and mop inside 360 MAGAZINE
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robotic vacuum and mop inside 360 MAGAZINE

JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA

Though green watch dials are still trending, the green dial Rolex Daytona hype, thanks to John Mayer, is finally over.

It’s finally the perfect time to invest in the Green Daytona of your dreams from SwissWatchExpo

Selling for over $125,000 at the peak of its popularity, the “John Mayer” Rolex has finally dropped in price to $81,000, making it the perfect time to buy.  

While it remains out of reach for most of us, the lucky few will see this as their time to shine.

Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of pre-owned luxury watch retailer, SwissWatchExpo, has followed this watch for years and finally saw the price of this Daytona fall in the last month after 14 months of its increasing price.  

SHOP NOW.

In tandem with the launch of the new eyewear, Oakley also released a campaign video lead by pro surfers and Team Oakley athletes, Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto which shows how the Hydra captures the essence of “Good Times Only.” 

JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA IN 360 MAGAZINE
JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA IN 360 MAGAZINE

Hydra features semi-rimless sunglasses with a shield lens, similar to the Oakley Razor Blades, the brand’s first foray into surf culture-inspired eyewear from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The new eyewear is accentuated by a modern trigger system design, also reminiscent of Razor Blades’ silhouette, and it has been modernized to include Prizm™ Lens Technology and Unobtainium® no-slip grip nosepads.

ROSE BOX NYC

A new school year is quickly approaching and what better way to get excited than designing your dream dorm with Rose Box NYC! These gorgeous bouquets are completely customizable, letting your personality be expressed through a variety of color combinations and decorative boxes. The best part? These flowers can actually live up to 3 years with the proper care and maintenance!

SHOP NOW.

MODERN ICE BUCKET

Whether you need ice to whip up cocktails or want to cool a bottle of wine, the TRUE Chill Modern Ice Bucket is the best ice bucket for all of your chilling endeavors.

Roomy, featherlight, and stylized, this modern ice bucket comes party-ready. It’s made of durable acrylic with cut-out handles allowing for easy mobility. Low-cut sides make it easy to swoop in and grab another bottle. Holds 4 wine bottles.

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Crisbi ice bucket in 360 MAGAZINE

CHARCUTERIE BOARD W/ KNIFE

This board will ensure your spread is on point for any occasion. It’s beautifully designed, featuring gorgeous end grain wood and an acacia spreader. The knife fits conveniently in grooves between the two sections. Turn it upside down for the perfect cutting board. Cleans up easily with a damp cloth.

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Charcuterie board by Crisbi via 360 MAGAZINE

ARTISTSCENT CANDLES

Celebrate the coming holidays with luxurious, fall-scented candles. Warm up your home and have it smelling fresh going into the new season with decadent fragrances.

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CHAMPS SPORTS COLLECTION

Today, Champs Sports has launched their new, Eastbay Performance Field Day CollectionChamps Sports developed this new collection, part of the brand’s Eastbay Performance line, for the modern athlete and includes both lifestyle and performance apparel. Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and NIL basketball superstar Jared McCain show off the versatile new products in the collection’s corresponding campaign.  

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GLASS XTR2 + REPAIR PLAN

Glass XTR2 + ZAGG Screen Repair Guarantee Plan for the iPhone 14 family of smartphones. U.S. customers who purchase a Screen Repair Guarantee plan ($10) may register their phone for a one-time screen repair up to $250 if their iPhone 14 screen gets damaged with the XTR2 screen protector on the device. The plan is valid for up to one year from the date of purchase per device, and customers are limited to a one-time screen repair. This plan will also cover all future OEM smartphones for which we will make Glass XTR2. For FAQ click HERE.

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HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2

Definitively the choice of a player for less than fifty dollars. In fact, a lot of them compare it to $200 versions. Cloud Stinger 2 maintains the fundamentals of the original HyperX Cloud Stinger, while refining them to meet an even wider range of gamers needs. Weighing in at under 300g, the headset is designed for aquality user experience with great sound and lightweight comfort. Cloud Stinger 2 utilizes large 50mm drivers to provide clearer audio, with earcups that rotate 90 degrees for adaptive fit and comfort aroundthe neck during breaks. The headset also features easy-access audio controls on the earcup and a swivel-to-mute, noise-canceling flexible microphone for added convenience, reduced background noise and clearvoice quality.

SHOP NOW.

HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2 headset via 360 MAGAZINE
HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2 headset via 360 MAGAZINE

La Tourangelle

From sourcing quality ingredients to small batch production, La Tourangelle’s products are authentic, sustainable, and crafted locally in California and France using traditional practices, and recently approved by everyone’s favorite tastemaker, Jonathan Van Ness.

  • NEW this year is La Tourangelle’s Black Truffle Infused Oil (250 ml – $24.99), robust and distinctive with complex earthy notes of damp forests and dried mushrooms that are characteristic of the French Périgord Truffle. This September, La Tourangelle will release two-pack gift box of Truffle Oils (price is TBD for now – let us know if you would be interested)with one White Truffle and one Black Truffle Infused Oil, the perfect gift for the home gourmand.
  • Or opt for is the classic stocking stuffer gift sets – the Favorites Trio ($22.99) with Walnut, Avocado, and Sesame oils, or the Infused Gift Trio ($20.99) with Garlic, Herb de Provence, and Basil oil.
  • And for a little something extra this festive season, La Tourangelle’s newest bold and bright launch, Extra Virgin Avocado Oil (250 ml – $11.99), or choose the classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500 ml – $9.99) or another new product, for the home cook in your life (or even the friend who can’t cook).
  • All of La Tourangelle’s products fit into the category of  “Gifts that Give Back” – 2% of the company’s profits and 5% of the company’s land in Woodland, Yolo County, CA are dedicated to the La Tourangelle Foundation – founded to support edible gardens within schools, regenerative agriculture, and food banks.

Where to buy? La Tourangelle oils can be purchased at Whole Foods Market, Kroger’s, Safeway, Publix, and Walmart, its website, and on Amazon.

La Tourangelle Avocado Oil featured inside 360 MAGAZINE
La Tourangelle Avocado Oil featured inside 360 MAGAZINE

MONDAINE WIFI WALL CLOCK

With the new MONDAINE stop2go WiFi wall clock, you can hang a piece of Iconic Swiss design culture above your office desk or on your living room wall. In addition to its unique design, the wall clock—featuring an aluminum case with a diameter of 25 cm—also offers sophisticated electronics that do not require yet another app on your phone to set the time. After inserting the batteries, you only have to press two small buttons next to the battery compartment simultaneously to activate the WiFi function. After connecting the watch to your smartphone (via the WiFi settings), it can be adjusted thanks to a user-friendly multilingual operating menu. For example, a different time zone can be selected, or daylight-saving time can be switched on and off.

The new MONDAINE Stop2Go WiFi wall clock will be available from mid-September 2022 at selected specialist retailers and at mondaine.com.

MONDAINE wifi wall clock in 360 MAGAZINE gift guides
MONDAINE wifi wall clock in 360 MAGAZINE gift guide

GUCCI DIVE

Gucci reinvents the GUCCI DIVE collection with the addition of four new watches made with bio-based materials and recycled steel. The choice to use plant-derived
plastic from renewable sources reflects the House’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and generating positive change for people and the planet.

GUCCI DIVE inside 360 MAGAZINE
GUCCI DIVE inside 360 MAGAZINE.

60TH ANNIVERSARY CASHMERE COLLECTION

In celebration of 60 years of the James Bond film franchise, N.PEAL reimagined some of the spy’s most iconic and memorable looks in cashmere whilst revisiting their signature styles that were not just inspired by Bond, but worn by the secret agent in Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021).

N.PEAL James Bond inspired collection featured inside 360 MAGAZINE.
N.PEAL James Bond inspired collection featured inside 360 MAGAZINE.

OAKLEY HYDRA

Hydra features semi-rimless sunglasses with a shield lens, similar to the Oakley Razor Blades, the brand’s first foray into surf culture-inspired eyewear from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The new eyewear is accentuated by a modern trigger system design, also reminiscent of Razor Blades’ silhouette, and it has been modernized to include Prizm™ Lens Technology and Unobtainium® no-slip grip nosepads.

In tandem with the launch of the new eyewear, Oakley also released a campaign video lead by pro surfers and Team Oakley athletes, Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto which shows how the Hydra captures the essence of “Good Times Only.”

Pro-surfer athletes,Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto for OAKLEY via 360 MAGAZINE.
Pro-surfer athletes,Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto for OAKLEY via 360 MAGAZINE.

MNT Gillette ProGlide

In celebration of soccer super fans, Gillette is releasing a limited edition Mexican National Team ProGlide razor, available only at MNTGillette.com. There’s nothing like a clean shave to look your best, feel your best, and cheer on your team to play their best!

The Mexico National Team fanbase always shows up and rallies for El Tri day in and day out. With this limited-edition Gillette ProGlide razor featuring the Mexico National Team logo, superfans can show their team pride in their daily routines and have a keepsake for years to come.

MNT Gillette ProGlide via 360 MAGAZINE.
MNT Gillette ProGlide via 360 MAGAZINE.

Photo: Gillette

Doctor Plotka

Never suffer from that funky old toothbrush taste again, and instead enjoy a deeper clean in the new year with Doctor Plotka’s Mouth Watchers. PLUS! Check out their amazing toothpaste!

$4.99 and up – available:
www.mouthwatchers.com
Amazon.com

Doctor Plotka toothpaste and toothbrushes via 360 MAGAZINE.
Doctor Plotka toothpaste and toothbrushes via 360 MAGAZINE.

LIDS | AMAZON PRIME DAY

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the latest Amazon Prime Day deals, global sports retailer, Lids has amazing deals that you won’t want to miss for the fashion maven or sports fanatic in your life. See below for the best headwear products for kids and adults from Lids.

Adults

·       Lids Blank Original Adjustable Snapback Hat ($17.99)

·       Lids Pop Culture Foam Trucker Adjustable Snapback Cap ($18.99)

·       Lids Americana Adjustable Strapback Dad Hat ($18.99)

·       Lids Blank Essential Dad Adjustable Strapback Hat ($14.99)

Kids

·       Lids Explore Youth Adjustable Snapback Hat ($17.99)

 

Lids caps for the holidays via 360 MAGAZINE.
Lids caps for the holidays via 360 MAGAZINE.

Reebok has announced the return of its BB 4000 II, a transcendent lifestyle basketball sneaker from the brand’s iconic 1980s “BB” footwear range, dropping October 28.

Reebok BB 4000 II coming soon via 360 MAGAZINE.
Reebok BB 4000 II via 360 MAGAZINE.

LIDS LAMAR VALLEY

Lids latest collection, “Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor hat.

Designed by Lids’ president, Britten Maughan, the “Lamar Valley” collection is inspired by Maughan’s experience of growing up on the western side of the United States and visiting the natural beauty of our nation’s parks and landscapes like the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.

Maughan worked with a New Era designer to creatively curate the Lamar Valley colorway, making every detail and decision intentional. The overall hat tells a story and has underling meanings behind the cap’s undertones. The team logos are outlined in blue, signifying the river that flows through the valley. If familiar with Lamar Valley, you know the river isn’t prominent from every view, unlike the earth tones – the browns and greens – that can be seen all-year round. The collection also includes the limited edition MiLB hat, The Buffalo Bisons.

“Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor LIDS hat via 360 MAGAZINE.
“Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor LIDS hat via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK’S BB 4000 II

Reebok’s BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball shoe re-emerges from the brand’s ‘80s basketball archive via Extra Butter (U.S.), Courir (Europe), and Reebok.com, among other select retailers. Creative directed by artist Cam Hicks.

REEBOK'S BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball sneaker via 360 MAGAZINE.
REEBOK’S BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball sneaker via 360 MAGAZINE.

CASIO | The PRW6900YL-5

Casio America, Inc. is excited to expand its PRO TREK line of outdoor timepieces with the PRW6900YL-5.

Geared for outdoor enthusiasts, the new timepiece is inspired by bushcraft, which is the art of learning to find one’s way in the wild. The PRW6900YL-5 features an octagonal metal bezel with sharply tapered edges reminiscent of a wood axe. At the 10 o’clock position, the inset dial indicator hand recalls the blade of a camping knife, and the second-hand features the orange gradation of campfire flames. The base of the dial has a textured cast iron-like surface evoking a Dutch oven, bringing together a design that epitomizes all there is to love about bushcraft.

In keeping with the PRO TREK commitment to be “One with Nature”, the PRW6900YL-5’s case and resin case back are made with biomass plastics, an eco-friendly, green material. The newly developed flame-retardant leather band of the PRW6900YL holds up even when hit by flying sparks.

Equipped with Casio’s V3 Triple Sensor technology, the new watch provides easy measurements of compass bearing, barometric pressure, temperature, and altitude with the push of a button, all necessary for outdoor exploration. Other features include Tough Solar, Multi Band 6, water resistance up to 100 meters, super illuminator, full auto LED, five daily alarms, World Time (29 cities + UTC), and more.

The PRW6900YL-5 is now available for purchase (MSRP: $500) on Casio.com.


PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23

2K lines up the perfect putt and slam dunks the game-winner this December with the PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23 Bundle. 

The ultimate gift for any sports fan, athlete or gamer, the digital bundle is available for a special introductory holiday price of $49.99 for PlayStation® Plus and Xbox Live Gold subscribers and $39.99 on PC via Steam from December 13 through December 27, 2022*. The perfect last-minute gift features a combined cover depicting stylized images of PGA TOUR 2K23 icon Tiger Woods and NBA 2K23 superstar Devin Booker.


WHATIF FOODS

WhatIF Foods – NoodBoxes and plant based milk – WhatIF Foods is a planet-positive food and beverage company that’s on a  mission to regenerate the planet and its people.

Whatif plant milk via 360 MAGAZINE.
WhatIF plant milk via 360 MAGAZINE.

SOUND BLASTER BLAZE V2

Unparalleled sound at an affordable price point‘ – 360

The Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is a no frills, light-weight over the ear gaming headset.

Precision-tuned 40 mm FullSpectrum Neodymium drivers deliver crisp audio. With Creative app (on Windows), users get to access the Sound Blaster Studio Essential suite to enable sound processing technologies like virtualized 7.1 Surround Sound, Acoustic Engine (with features like Surround, Crystalizer, Smart Volume, Dialog Plus), built-in audio presets for various gaming profiles, movies and music, and CrystalVoice (with features like Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, Microphone Equalizer).

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is equipped with a detachable, noise-cancelling microphone so that gamers can communicate efficiently without unwanted distractions. A gold-plated 3.5 mm 4-pole combo jack makes connecting easy, with its high-purity oxygen-free copper wire cable helping to transmit distortion-free audio. An inline remote control provides instant access to volume adjustment and mic mute.

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Sound Blaster Blaze V2 inside 360 MAGAZINE.

MANTA SLEEP MASK PRO

Surprise your Valentine with the most advanced sleep mask on the planet! Manta Sleep Mask PRO features true 100% blackout for deeper sleep, C-shaped eye cups for unbeatable side sleep comfort, and zero pressure on the eyelids or lashes. Uncompromisingly engineered for side sleepers, the PRO’s eye cups sit completely flat against your temple without sacrificing eye space. So there’s nothing between your head and your pillow. The eye cups feature a smart “air bubble” that expands to keep light out when switching positions and compresses flat when you lie on your side. So you get a perfect blackout seal with none of the bulk. Featuring an infinitely adjustable fit and cooling perforated foam, this mask offers unmatched breathability and ventilation (powered by advanced material science).

Manta Sleep Mask Pro via 360 MAGAZINE gift guide.
Manta Sleep Mask Pro via 360 MAGAZINE gift guide.

REDEMPTION ROAD COFFEE

Redemption Road Coffee is made with special quality grains of unique origin. Discover one-of-a-kind beans from four parts of the world. Each bag supports a special cause, from family companies to women-owned farms, supporting sustainable emerging entities.
Choose between light, medium, and dark roasts. Comes with beans or pods.

Redemption Road Coffee via 360 MAGAZINE.
Redemption Road Coffee via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK PUMP

Chapter 1 of Reebok’s ‘Pump Universe’ collection (Question Pump and Shaq Victory Pump) drops today, Friday 2/17, from Reebok.com and in-store exclusively from Foot Locker.

Reebok pump release via 360 MAGAZINE.
Reebok pump release via 360 MAGAZINE.

Actor Lanre Idewu, member of Alpha Phi Alpha, speaks to Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.

Lanre Idewu

Actor, Producer, and Social Entrepreneur

Listen to Lanre Idewu speak to Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAG wherever podcasts can be found.

Lanre Idewu is a Nigerian American actor, producer, and social entrepreneur. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and majored in biochemistry with a minor in German and theater arts. Additionally, Lanre attended the University of Chicago School of Medicine. 

There, he was drawn to the ability to heal and help through Film and Fitness. Today, he has become a celebrity fitness expert and on-air personality and is dedicated to positive programming in both fields. He has over 20 years of Exercise, Nutrition, and Personal Development. ”I run a lot,” says Lanre. This is a form of meditation and relaxation. Although, he notes that “what I’ve been working on most recently is sitting quietly.” 

Joe Dispenza is a doctor and writer who has become essential in Lanre’s life. His books on silence and listening are wonderful for him: Joe Dispenza who I have been reading a lot about listening to a lot has taught me to be able to control my breath and just allow the energy to flow.”

Lanre Idewu is known for several well-known series like South Side (2019), Sherman’s Showcase (2019), and Arrested Development (2003). Additionally, he was the COO of Queen Nefertari Productions (QNP), a film and television production company. A fun fact is that through QNP, he was able to help launch Gersh’s Film Finance and Packaging division.

In 2010, Variety magazine named him a ‘Future Media Maven’ as COO. Lanre manages a multi-million-dollar film fund and equally focuses on analytical, creative, and visionary responsibilities. ”We’re bringing a new level of transparency to the deals we make and we’re demanding the same from everyone we choose to do business with,” he says, noting that the market is now strong for projects that require little capital.

He has worked on various film and television projects for FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, ComedyCentral, Showtime, BET, E!, CW, iTunes, TF1, ZDF, Netflix, Magnolia Pictures, and more. Idewu produced the Cannes Film Festival “New Growth” and “Die Expats”.

Lanre has not only become the Vice President of The Geffen Playhouse Advisory Council but also a mentor to the NFL Player Association’s Pro Hollywood and ultimately a founding member of the Catalyst Board for the Sundance Film Festival. He is also a certified trainer and fitness model for the P90X fitness system.

‘’Believe in yourself as if you have to find a way to channel the noise and stay focused on what you want, not necessarily how things look right now,’’ says Lanre Idewu. Wellness, Mental Health, Justice, Women’s Empowerment, and Homelessness are the causes near and dear to his heart.

Follow Lanre Idewu on Instagram I Twitter

Article: Andrea Esteban, Vaughn Lowery

Former Harvard Business School Professor Steven S. Rogers pushes his book A Letter to My White Friends and Colleagues via 360 MAGAZINE.

A Letter to My White Friends – Steven S. Rogers

What You Can Do Right Now to Help the Black Community 



From the life, professional experiences, and research of former Harvard Business School professor Steven S. Rogers comes his boldly stated, A Letter to My White Friends and Colleagues. This informative epistle investigates the causes of racial wealth disparity in the United States and provides solutions for addressing it. Through extensive data and historical research, anecdotes, teaching, and case studies, it presents practical ways White people can work with and help the Black community. It teaches readers that eliminating the $153,000 wealth gap between Black and White people is the solution to over 75% of our problems and offers solutions to help improve Black-White racial relations in the United States. 

In straightforward language, filled with facts, stories, advice, and sometimes even humor, A Letter to My White Friends and Colleagues encourages every White person to share his/her wealth with the Black community—plain and simple. This book recommends that you spend a portion of your annual household budget with Black-owned companies. If more money is spent on Black-owned businesses, those companies can grow and create more jobs for Black people. Rogers also proposes White people make large savings deposits into Black-owned banks. These are the financial institutions that are the backbone of the Black community that provides loans to the Black community for businesses, education, automobiles, and home mortgages. 

And finally, he resolutely encourages White people to support government reparations to Black Americans who are descendants of Black men and women, who were enslaved from 1619 to 1865. 

During our introspective conversation, Rogers educates our audience on the following: 

  • Disrupt the societal norms that have been so pervasive and implement simple changes to close the racial wealth divide.  
  • Understand the root causes of racial disparities in America 
  • Discover how they can personally contribute to reducing the inequality between Black and White people in the United States today 
  • Understand why it is important to redirect their spending to Black-owned institutions to help decrease the racial wealth gap 
  • Understand the politics of financial apartheid by sharing real-world examples of why simple things are made unnecessarily difficult because of skin color 
  • Why many in the black community are feeling racial fatigue and how to help turn this around 

“Steven Rogers is a brilliant and courageous thinker who makes us unsettled in order to get us to be real forces for good!” 
Cornel West 


“Steven Rogers brings a unique perspective to America’s long-standing challenge over the issues of race. Educated at Williams and Harvard Business School, he has leveraged his education, his intellect, and his ambition to achieve great success in both business and academia. From his professional perches, Rogers offers highly valuable advice to help diminish, if not erase, racial bias in our society. We can and need to do better, and Rogers’s prescriptions for the privileged among us is a solid roadmap to do just that.” 
John A. Byrne, former Executive Editor of Businessweek magazine and Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company magazine, currently CEO and Editor-in-Chief of C-Change Media 


“This book is a comprehensive accounting of the ongoing effects of racism. Rogers brings his finance and business expertise to explain the legacy of systemic exclusions on the current gaps in wealth. Not only does he cover the facts and the history with meticulous care, but he also proposes solutions for businesses, individuals, and governments focused on tangible remedies. This book is a must-read not just for Rogers’s white colleagues, but for anyone interested in being a part of the solution.” 
Mehrsa Baradaran, author of The Color of Money and Professor of Law at UC Irvine School of Law 


“Steven S. Rogers established the act without hesitation in plain language. Not surprisingly, I and many of our marginalized advocates will take action, calling for the well-deserved reparations to be made. It is time for our ancestors to receive justice for all the financial burdens that systemic racism in America has created. I am literally in contact with Congressman Ritchie Torres as my thumbs firmly press on the smartphone glass.” —Vaughn Lowery, President of 360 MAGAZINE, an NGLCC certified LGBT business enterprise.


Listen to Steven S. Rogers and Vaughn Lowery digest the plight of Black America on 360 MAG Spotify/Apple podcast HERE.