Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST MULTI Chef Robert Irvine in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE BEAUTY in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS Natori Pre-FW2024 in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see IN OUR BAG For A Tennis Link Up in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Frank Mckenna
In today's digital age, consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and discerning. When choosing a professional photographer, clients want more transparency in pricing information than ever before. A transparent photography pricing list can bring numerous benefits to the photographer and their potential clients. If you’re a photographer, then you’re in the right place because this article details why having a pricing list is a must.
One of the key advantages of a transparent pricing list is that it helps build trust with clients from the very beginning. By providing precise and detailed information about the services offered and their associated costs, photographers show that they have nothing to hide. Clients appreciate this level of honesty, which fosters trust and confidence in the photographer's professionalism. You could also compare pricing with competitors by giving photography pricing examples to your potential clients.
Transparent pricing allows potential clients to self-identify whether the photographer's services align with their budget and expectations. When clients know what they can expect in terms of pricing, there is no need for them to inquire or waste time if it is beyond their means. This prequalification process ensures that inquiries received are from serious prospects who are more likely to convert into paying customers.
By listing prices upfront, photographers save valuable time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth communication regarding pricing details. Instead of spending hours haggling or negotiating prices with potential clients who may not be willing or able to pay the established rates, photographers can focus on serving those who are genuinely interested and ready to make a booking.
A transparent pricing list sets realistic expectations for clients about the quality of service they will receive based on their budget constraints. By noting different packages or tiers along with their corresponding prices, photographers provide clarity regarding the scope of work included at each price point. Clients must be informed that the pay decides the quality of work.
A transparent photography pricing list serves as a testament to the photographer's professionalism and commitment to excellence. It shows that they have carefully considered factors such as time, expertise, and equipment costs when determining their rates. This level of transparency also indicates that the photographer values open communication and respects the client's right to make informed decisions.
Without a transparent pricing list, photographers may find themselves in uncomfortable situations where clients expect prices significantly lower than what the photographer typically charges. By clearly outlining the cost of services in advance, both parties are spared from potentially awkward or embarrassing conversations about price adjustments.
In a competitive industry like photography, having a transparent pricing list can help photographers establish credibility and differentiate themselves from the crowd. By openly displaying their prices alongside the value they deliver, photographers instill confidence in potential clients who are looking for reliable professionals they can trust to capture their most cherished moments.
When clients have access to a transparent pricing list, they are empowered to make informed decisions regarding which package or service best suits their needs and budget. They can assess the offerings without feeling pressured or rushed into making quick decisions, resulting in more satisfied and confident customers.
A transparent pricing list allows potential clients to compare different photographers based on their rates and offerings. By displaying prices openly, photographers invite clients to assess the value they would receive in exchange for their investment. This transparency helps clients make well-informed decisions about which photographer aligns best with their budget and desired level of service.
When clients have clear expectations about pricing, there is less room for misunderstandings or dissatisfaction later. A transparent photography pricing list ensures that clients know exactly what they are paying for, reducing the chances of unexpected charges or hidden fees. Satisfied customers are more likely to become loyal repeat clients and also refer the photographer to their friends, family, and colleagues.
The benefits of having a transparent photography pricing list are numerous: building trust with clients, prequalifying potential clients, saving time for both parties, setting realistic client expectations, demonstrating professionalism, reducing awkward conversations, building credibility and differentiation, and encouraging informed decision-making. The advantages go beyond just financial considerations; they leverage transparency to foster strong relationships between photographers and their clientele.
PHOTO CREDIT | Naked Nutrition
When you workout, you have a plan in mind whether it is maintaining your current physique, making sure that you have energy/endurance, or even focusing on areas - all of these would be goals. Like any goal there are plans and you have a number of things that you may need to do in order to achieve them. When it comes to working out consuming the nutrients that you need is essential! We have been talking about Naked Nutrition for awhile and we like that they make products that are clean and are good for our bodies. Like anything that involves working out, you may change up your gear, your routines, and whatever it is that you use to nourish your body! Being able to enjoy variety makes sure that you’re not in a rut and that you have options!
Recently, Naked Nutrition released their Strawberry Creatine Monohydrate Powder which is known as their Naked Creatine. If you have been enjoying your favorite protein or whey shake, here’s what you need to know about Naked Creatine in general! It is the highest grade, fastest dissolving, and rapidly absorbed creatine monohydrate that is on the market. Studies indicate that it enhances gains in maximum strength (including muscle energy and growth), repitition under sub-maximal load, delays of onset fatigue and it increases the body’s overall training capacity. You’ll find that the concentration of this product when it comes to muscle tissue - reduces the fatigue that takes place when exercising so that you can recover quicker and perform at your most optimal level. This could be felt when you are engaging in high-intensity workouts like weighlifting or sprinting. They also test for heavy metal testing via a third independent party. You’ll find that in this product, there are no additives as it only has premium ingredients. You’ll find that you can absorb this easily and that it dissolves quickly. All of this can make your work in the gym or your studio of choice optimized!
So with their Strawberry Creatine Monohydrate Powder, you can add to water, protein shakes, and your favorite smoothie. It’s made with real strawberry juice powder! It’s best enjoyed before your workout (you can take it 1 to 2 hours prior to heading to the gym) or after. It’s also worth noting that you should have it at the same time each day for maximum impact. You can include 2 scoops in a 14-16oz sports drink or beverage of your choice. You can also combine this with their Naked Whey for protein shake as a pre-workout or with a Naked BCAAS which assists in lean muscle building. It’s worth noting that this creatine uses a synthetic creatine powder that does not come from animal sources! Whether you are vegan or non-vegan, you can use this with your workouts since it is chemically and functionally identical to creatines that are animal-based. You will also find that it is soy-free as well as GMO free. If you have questions on whether it is good for your dietary lifestyle, you should consult a healthcare professional. If you are taking a break and not working out, stop using this until you go back to hitting the gym!
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelor Disney/John Fleenor
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC The Bachelorette
We’re down to the end now and a decision will be made! We’ll see who Jenn Tran picks or doesn’t on tonight’s episode of The Bachelorette. Devin and Marcus are left to meet Jenn’s family.
While we watch how it all ends, Jesse Palmer is hosting the After the Rose Ceremony and we see Jesse and Jonathan in the audience who cryptically say that they are there for the rumors of whatever happened! Tell us more!
Devin is up first and the family takes some time to get to know him more. Devin speaks so highly of Jenn and you can tell that he has feelings for her. Devin asks Jenn’s brother if he can have the blessing and he says he appreciates that he asked, but he hasn’t talked to the second guy.
Marcus now meets her family and talks about his experience with Jenn and how he wants to see it all the way through with her. Marcus tells his mom and sister that he is trying to get there and his mom says, “oh, you’re not ready to get engaged?” Her brother tells her that she can’t make excuses for him and she needs to know where he stands. In addition, she asks him point blank and he keeps saying things that were said make him feel better, but he is still trying to get there and she feels confused.
Devin and Jenn do a fun ceremony with Hawaaians from the island. They talk about their concerns and worries with one another even though they are excited to be with one another. He hears that she has a fear of abandonment and he realizes that they are a couple and that he will need to be there for her as well. They throw large rocks into the ocean to signify issues that they have had that wore them down that are not being lifted off of them. They submerge themselves into the water so that they can emerge as a new person who are ready to move on. She enjoyed her date with Devin and she enjoyed the love and respect that she felt from him and that he knows what he wants. She also has a final date with Marcus and she doesn’t know where he’s at with her and even when she asks, she can’t get a response so that she can be settled with his answer.
Jesse and Marcus meet up to catch up with what is going on. Even Jesse is confused about how Marcus still doesn’t know and he tells him he needs to look from within to see if he really does love her and if so, he needs to tell her. While she is getting ready for her final date with Marcus, she decides that it is time to get her answers and she’s not going to wait and makes her way to him. She still doesn’t get the answers that she is looking for and he says that he is in love with her and is afraid to lose her, but the fact that it always feels like she has to pull answers out of him and he says that he is scared, that doesn’t necessarily make people excited to be in that situation either. She gets up to take a minute and she knows she has spent a lot of time and energy on someone who doesn’t feel the same way. She comes back and he continues to talk about his love for her and how he has been scared and honest with himself. He tells her he’s not giving her what she needs, She lets him know that she opened his heart to him every time and that she got lost in it and gave too much along the way. She doesn’t want to give and prove herself to be considered to be worth it. She doesn’t want to wait around and see if someone will get there. She lets him know that she is done and although she had hope, she is walking away. She lets him know that she appreciates his honesty so that she got the answers that she needed.
Marcus is on the couch in front of Jesse. He explains that it was tough to watch that back and he knows that it was tough for both of them. He talks about what being in Hawaii was like and how he reflected on where his feelings were and whether he was living up to her expectations. He said that he stumbled on some painful truths and he wanted her to know about them. He explains that when he got home, he wasn’t sure if they made the right choice, but once he was home, he realized that they made the right choice to not go forward. Although it seems that Jenn was the one that said she had to move on.
Although we don’t know what happened between her and Devin yet, she comes out to chat with Marcus. She tells him that the way Devin came to her, she realized that they were not aligned and that her heart was not in the place that she could be with him. She felt that it made sense to talk with him on what would have been their last date so that they could have that closure.
We’re back in Hawaii and we see Devin selecting rings with Neil Lane. She talks with Jesse and says that she will not let him propose to her, she will propose to him so that he knows he will fight for her every day.
We expected to watch the proposal which seemed it would be sweet; however, Jesse said that he couldn’t show the footage without have Jenn say what happened. They left Hawaii engaged; however, he began pulling away from her and not letting her hang with his family or doing any of the promises that he made to her. He broke it off with her and said he had felt this way for a long time and all of a sudden there was nothing.
They still show the video of the proposal which is super uncomfortable to watch. It’s something that definitely made us leave feeling pretty icky.
Each night during this season, we have tweeted about The Bachelorette and you have been able to can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
During each week, we let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
PHOTO CREDIT | The Bachelor Contestants/Ricky Middlesworth
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see THE PICK ME UP in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see Coconut Beauty in mag.
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with the Executive Chef of Hav & Mar, a Marcus Samuelsson Group restaurant, James Beard Finalist, and Food Network Judge/TV Personality - Chef Fariyal Abullahi! We talked with her about how she came to the industry, her love for cooking, her culinary background, the importance of integrity, sustainability, and changing the restaurant industry culture! In addition, this cover editorial took place in her restaurant.
We also sat down with Team USA Track & Field Olympic Gold Medalist, Grant Holloway. We chatted with him the day after he won Gold in the 100M Hurdles. We talked about how this 2X Olympian came to the sport, his training process, winning the Gold, what he enjoyed about his Olympic experience, and more.
We also sat down with Team USA Climbing Olympian, Natalia Grossman. We talked about the sport, how she trains, where she enjoys climbing, being in The Olympic Village and more.
We caught up with Chef Andrew Wong about his Michelin-starred restaurant A. Wong in London. He talked about his passion for food, opening his restaurant, what we can expect when we dine there, and food anthropology.
We always enjoy chatting with Alysia Reiner as she was a former cover and we find that she is always involved in a new project or show that we are already fans of! She shares with us her fitness routines, TV shows and films she's part of and more.
We also have an interview with Le Jardinier's Chef Andrew Ayala as we wanted to know more about his Michelin restaurant, how he came to this hospitality group, and his participation in Outstanding in the Field which took place in Governors Island and was hosted by Billion Oyster Project.
We're always looking for our next streamed show and Apple TV+'s Bad Monkey is on our list. We had the pleasure of interviewing Natalie Martinez to talk about storytelling, why she wanted to be on this show, and more.
Keegan Michael Key sat down with us to talk about his partnership with Lysol, the importance of teaching, being on ABC's Abbott Elementaryand upcoming projects.
We enjoy attending Citi Taste of Tennis which allows tennis stars and hospitality to come together. We love eating a number of the bites from restaurants, seeing culinary competitions that involve creating dishes, and toasting the US Open! We also interviewed Andre Agassi, Ayan Broomfield and Prakash Amritraj who you can hear his commentary during the matches on Tennis Channel for Tennis Channel Live.
We also talked with Chef Ryan Ratino of Jônt and Ômo by Jônt for this month's The Art of the Snack. We talk about his culinary background, how he came to launching both of these restaurants, and what we can expect when we come in to dine.
This month's Athleisure List comes from wellness studio The Dominick Hotel in SoHo and Abaco Inn in the Bahamas.
This month’s 9PLAYLIST comes from Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball players Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng. This month we have our 9PLAYLIST MULTI from Chef Fariyal Abdullahi and Chef Robert Irvine who share their songs, books and podcasts/TV/films that they are enjoying. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from Team USA Olympic Track & Field Grant Holloway and Team USA Olympic Gymnastics Jordan Chiles. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Brooke Burke as well as last month's cover and WSL #2 ranked surfer who competed on Team USA Surfing Gina Colapinto who shares their routines that they do, enjoy, and have Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS and THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from Chef Reina Tang of SushiDelic in NYC, Executive Chef Tolu "Eros" Erogbogbo of Ile in LA, and Laurie McDuffie.
We've always enjoyed watching Beach Volleyball when we're watching the Olympic Games! This year our eyes are on Team USA Beach Volleyball duo, Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng! They're a fun pair to watch when they hit the sand and we can't wait to see what they do at Paris 2024. We caught up with them to find out how they came to the sport, what they love about it, combining their super powers, how they stay in shape, Safe Sun, and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with volleyball?
SARA HUGHES: I fell in love at the age of eight years old in Huntington Beach, California.
KELLY CHENG: I fell in love with volleyball back when I was 11 years old. I started out playing indoor and thought that was where I’d be for the rest of my life. When I tried out beach in high school… that all changed! I decided to play only beach in college and have been playing professionally ever since!
AM: What led to you choosing beach volleyball and what do you love about it?
SH: Beach volleyball has always had my heart from a young age. I love the environment and atmosphere of the sport. You have to be versatile and well versed in all aspects of the game. There are no subs or coaches when you are on the court so you have to figure out how to win with one other person beside you.
KC: I chose beach volleyball for so many reasons. The beach being my office is top of the list. Getting to be outside for so much of my life is such a joy. I love that there are only 2 people and no subs - you have to be adaptable and think on your feet. You’re so exposed out there on the court and have to figure out how to win just with you and your partner. Allowing my creativity to shine on the court is another passion of mine. There isn’t one way to play this game and I love pushing the envelope on how to play!
AM: You guys have been partners for awhile whether in high school, youth competitions, while competing at USC and beyond - tell me about your style of play and why this duo is so synergistic!
SH: We play with a lot of passion and love for the game. We are both athletic and dynamic and we love showing that on the court. We have great communication and inspire each other to get better every day and change the way the sport is played.
KC: We have such chemistry on and off the court. We connect well and make each other laugh. We enjoy doing life together. Those intangible things have always been easy for us. Now add on top of that our creativity, passion, determination - and we’re unstoppable!
AM: Kelly, you competed at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 and Sara you are looking to add this to your impressive resume! With us being 100 days out, what are the weeks ahead looking like in terms of qualifying and when you find out about getting this coveted slot?
SH: I am so excited to be going to my first Olympic Games. We actually found out a few weeks ago that we have qualified for Paris! We have 3 more big tournaments to compete in before the games but we have a solid month of training at home before the Olympics. During that time we will refine some skills, game plan, and most importantly have fun and enjoy the journey.
KC: We were pumped to qualify for Paris! It is so exciting to be going to my second Olympics. This time will be SO different. Tokyo was such a unique experience due to all the Covid protocols and it being a closed Olympics. This time around, my family will come and cheer me on!! We have a couple more tournaments worth Olympic points, but after that we get a chunk of time at home allowing us to spend time with family and prepare for the Paris Olympics.
AM: What are you looking forward to should you be able to go to the Summer Games?
SH: I am looking forward to proudly represent Team USA on the worlds largest stage. I also can’t wait to play in the stadium in Paris that will be under the Eiffel Tower.
KC: I’m really looking forward to opening ceremonies! So unique this year being on boats on the Seine River; it should be iconic. And speaking of iconic, our venue will be one of the most jaw dropping locations ever - right in front of the Eiffel Tower!
AM: What's an average week like in terms of training and working out individually as well as a duo?
SH: We train on the sand 4-5 times a week together. I am in the gym 3x a week but have routine stretches, rehab, and ab exercises that I complete every day.
KC: It depends on the week and where we’re at in season, but typically as a team, we train on the sand 4 times a week and watch film and/or have team meetings 2x a week; Solo, I do blocking work with my assistant coach 2x a week, in the gym (Stark) 3x a week, physical therapy 3x a week, sports psych once a week, and Pilates 3x a week. I also try to get a massage or ice bath in every week for recovery! It’s a full time job and I love it!
AM: Do you have any routines that you do before a match to get your head in the game and do you have anything you do after a match to come down from all that energy?
SH: I have a routine warm up that I complete that gets my body warm and ready to go. Kelly and I also share headphones and listen and jam out to music while we warm up. It is a fun way to do our individual routines but stay connected at the same time. After matches we debrief as a team and talk about how the game went.
KC: My favorite pre match routine that Sara and I do together is pray. It sets the tone for the match and always brings me back to the present and gives me perspective. After a match to cool down I love to FaceTime my family. They mean the world to me.
AM: Of course, as beach volleyball players, you're constantly in the sun, and SPF is an essential! How do you engage in safe sun?
SH: Absolutely, safe sun practices are crucial for us, given the amount of time we spend training and competing outdoors. I make sure to apply sunscreen liberally before each practice or match and reapply regularly throughout the day. The Bliss Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 is fantastic because it's not just about protection; it's about performance. Knowing we have a reliable sunscreen that's invisible and lightweight allows us to focus entirely on our game without worrying about sun damage.
KC: Engaging in safe sun practices is non-negotiable for us as beach volleyball players. We're out in the sun for hours on end, so protecting our skin is a top priority. I always start my day with a layer of SPF 30 sunscreen, and I carry it with me to reapply as needed. I also love how its neutralizing and almost mattifying! Teaming up with Bliss with their Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 is a game-changer. It's formulated to be invisible and lightweight, so it doesn't interfere with our performance on the sand.
AM: It seems like we're living in an interesting time where beauty brands are focusing on women's sports to get into their routines especially when it's being used directly in their sport! It makes sense as we can truly see how it is being used which allows us to see how it will work in our day-to-day! What do you think about this synergy between women athletes and beauty brands that are partnering in this way?
SH: It's an exciting development to see beauty brands like Bliss partnering with women athletes. This synergy between sports and beauty not only highlights the importance of skincare for active lifestyles but also celebrates the strength and beauty of women in sports. It's empowering to know that brands recognize our influence and want to support us in our endeavors both on and off the court.
KC: It's a testament to the growing recognition of the intersection between sports and skincare. As athletes, we're constantly exposed to the elements, so having products like Bliss SPF products designed specifically for our needs is invaluable.
AM: When you're not training or competing, how do you take time for yourselves?
SH: I love spending time with friends and family. They are the best support and outlets for me. I also love taking the time to read, jump in the ocean, and take a nice hot bath.
KC: I love a good self care day! A face mask, epsom salt bath, a massage, some quiet time with my Nintendo switch and I’m happy and recharged.
AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?
SH: Fun projects coming out with Delta Airlines, Chipotle, KT Tape, Nike, Optimum Nutrition, Eli Lilly, and NBC Sports.
KC: In January we will be running our third annual mentorship camp.
Each year in January we spend 3 days mentoring and pouring into young up and coming beach volleyball players. Usually sophomores or juniors in high school. My husband Jordan and I will ask 6 local female male beach volleyball pros (ranging from AVP champions, Olympians, and Olympic Gold medalists!) to join our camp! During those 3 days, the mentees get to partner up with their pro/mentor and train with them, eat meals together, learn from the whiteboard camps that the mentors run, and participate in fun, silly, competitive group activities together! I think the most beneficial part of camp is what comes after. We ask each mentor to try to continue investing in their mentee consistently for at least the rest of the year! The goal is to create life long relationships that allows an older figure to pour into the next up and coming generation of beach volleyball athletes.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 83 Team USA | PG 84, 9LIST STORI3S PG 89 - 94 Sara Hughes + Kelly Cheng | PG 86 Bliss |
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see JUST SPIKE IT | Sara Hughes + Kelly Cheng in mag.
Accessories are always that key component of your outfit that enhances elements of your look or your features. They are the pieces that become statements of conversation while also being fun ways to change up your style or reflect your personality in a cetain way! Whether you reach for them first to create your look or you finish it off with those touches, it's always something that we are on the hunt for! We have attended a number of editor previews, have enjoyed seeing items on the runway and beyond and of course, it's always fun scrolling our social feeds for great looks to add to our collections.
Parker Thatch is a luxury accessory brand that has been around since 2009 and we became aware of the brand a few years back. We love that its known for great handbag styles that are chic, has a number of fabrications that it offers, and has a great aesthetic that will never go out of style. When we had the chance to talk with Celebrity Costume Designer Allyson Fanger, she reminded us that not only is it a great handbag line, but they also have fun jewelry as well. After deep diving with the brand, we reached out to Irene Chen, Co-Founder of this line. We knew that she had a phenomenal background as a product developer at Donna Karan and we wanted to know more about how she got into the industry, how she came to designing this line with her husband Matt, and what we need to know about this brand as well as upcoming seasons!
ATHLEISURE MAG: I know your brand has been around for quite awhile, but I love how recently in the last few years how I have seen the videos that you do, the fun assortment, and how you engage with your customers as well as showing off how stylish you are as well. It’s so great to be connected to talk about the brand!
IRENE CHEN: Oh thank you! I’m really excited to chat with you as well as I really appreciate and love what you guys are doing with Athleisure Mag in terms of showing the importance of movement and fashion together. For me, it’s an important element of my life! I’m just so happy to speak with you.
IC: That is part of everything that I honestly so connect with and what we do you know. I feel that there are so many products out there these days and I think that the key is that there are so many people that they don’t feel great about themselves and they are stuck in their homes and they are not doing any kind of movement and I think about the connection of how do you get someone to get up and move so that they can feel good about it and make it really easy for you. I think that’s why I think that what you guys are doing is so cool.
AM: Well thank you!
Before we delve into talking about Parker Thatch and this great accessory brand, can you tell us about your background? You were at Donna Karan, that assortment had those elements and bones for that person who lived a full cycle from studio to office and everything in between. It would be great to know about your background and how you came to the fashion industry.
IC: It was totally one of those weirdo things! When I graduated from college, I went to UCLA, and then I cam back to San Francisco and then I just took a job like most people would out of college in consulting and I did that for about 2 years. Sometimes you look back at things that you did and wonder why you did certain things, but consulting really taught me and gave me the foundation for everything that we do like time management and all of that stuff. You wouldn’t be able to learn and that’s what I did. But then, 2 years after consulting, you decide on whether you will stay or go onto Business School in that transition and for me, I had this gnawing feeling as I didn’t want to do either of those things. I have always loved fashion personally and so I sent my resumes out and I think when you're young, you just have more courage sometimes. When I was consulting, you travel a lot and I read a magazine and they showed a picture of the President of Donna Karan and she was in a meeting and she was Asian and it was really interesting because at that time, there wasn’t a lot of representation and for people to see them in magazines and I was looking at this thinking that this was amazing and she was leading these people. For some reason, it dawned on me that I wanted to send her my resume and I had to figure out how I was going to do this.
You know, you do weird things so I pretended that I was sending a package and I called the mailroom as I knew I had to get the specific information in terms of the floor that she was on. So I sent my resume and they did call me and ask if I wanted to come in. It was this crazy thing and it happened in 2 seconds and I honestly leveraged my Excel Spreadsheet skills in terms of getting in the front door!
AM: Ha! We’ve all been there and same!
IC: Slowly but surely, I worked my way through and I really loved working with product. At the end of the day, I worked there a very long time. I got to learn how to develop product and all aspects of the business. It was an exciting time for me actually.
AM: I have such a respect for product developers as my aunt was one for a number of major brands. It’s such an amazing way to extend a brand especially when you get into licensing and other things like that so I think that it is so cool.
What led you to decide to go off on your own and to create Parker Thatch?
IC: Well it’s so funny because I was living in New York and I met my husband Matt who is my husband now. I think it was just close to the dot com time when we met and I was very burnt out with what I did and I was traveling almost every day of my life for a number of years and I was just really exhausted. We met and his mother got sick and I said, “why don’t we just go to Australia,” because that’s where his parents were. So we spent almost a year there and we thought that maybe we could do something on our own. So that’s what started us tinkering with businesses in the year 2000. It has been crazy! I think that when we started that we were a little too early so no one understood it and now it’s like we could have done x, y, and z under this company given now how the business works. We had to survive and we said let’s just do stationary because people kept saying that they loved our paper and they didn’t understand the tech version of it.
So they just wanted to buy the paper. So that’s how we started! We started our company at my parent’s basement in the room that I grew up in.
AM: Well I love a good piece of stationary.
IC: So stationary turned into home and then I think in about 2009, Matt had an idea because we were doing a lot of customizing. He said, “I think that we could customize on cotton.” Can you think of something we can do on cotton. I told him it would be great to have a tote bag and that’s how it happened. I started with the bag at my dry cleaners. It’s the craziest story.
AM: Ok, I love that story and I love when people get scrappy to figure out how to take their vision and bring it to life and to figure it out! What a good synergy it was for you to find her because when you were saying this I thought, “well just because you can hem a pant, doesn’t mean you can make a bag!”
IC: We wondered what kind of materials we could use because we had no money to do any of this stuff so then I was like, “I love canvas and we can cut 2 strips of leather.” So the bags were made from canvas that we bought at Joann Fabrics and 2 strips of leather that Matt cut and grommeted on and that’s how it came about. Then we did these stripes with your monogram on it and stripes with your monogram on it and at that time, it was all about magazine and gift guides. So we sent them out and people loved them and it was insane!
AM: That is incredible!
What has drawn me to your brand as I have always been aware of it from a handbag assortment as opposed to your jewelry, is when I was talking with Celebrity Costume Designer Allyson Fanger for our MAY ISSUE #101 -
IC: She’s the best, I love her!
AM: It was amazing to be able to chat with her as I have loved the work that she has done in her career and the way that she is able to tell story the looks of the character whether alone or when they are interacting with others.
IC: How cool is she?
AM: She is so cool -
IC: She is so damn cool!
AM: The whole time I’m looking at her and all of her jewelry and in addition to my role as the Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir. of Athleisure Mag, I’m also a Fashion Stylist and accessories are really my thing and it’s what I love utilizing as statement pieces when I am putting looks together.
So when she was talking about pieces she loves, she was pointing to her ring and said it was from Parker Thatch. I was surprised because I knew of your brand, but didn’t know that you made jewelry and she’s wearing it and we have a gab session for like 5 mins and I knew then that I would reach out to connect with you!
IC: Oh my God, I love that and she’s just so great! She’s such a great connector and she’s such a generous person when it comes to expanding to smaller designers and she’s just a great human being.
AM: In looking at the line again closely, I enjoy the clean aesthetic of what the brand is and I also love as you have mentioned that you work with your husband on this line and Athleisure Mag is also co-founded by a couple, my boyfriend and I.
IC: No way! I love it!
AM: We have a great flow. So what is your advice to people who are looking to start a venture whether it’s your significant other, a best friend, or a sister because when you have these relationships especially when you’re first starting out to make a business, it’s always good to keep some things in mind. So what is your advice?
IC: My biggest advice honestly, and I don’t know if you feel the same way, but really having respect for each other and the key I think fortuitously is to be on the same channel in terms of look and feel. The tone of voice – that is already naturally there and I don’t know if you feel that way.
AM: Yup!
IC: So that made it easy. But I think that it is truly respect and we each have skill sets that the other doesn’t have and we really lean on each other for those and I think that it’s also about growing up. It’s about getting away from always being right and becoming more vulnerable with yourself and saying, you know, that’s not my strength.
Exactly! I think that that is about building a team. We can’t be good at everything and I think a lot of time when you start a business, you think I can do everything – but you really can’t and it’s humbling yourself and respecting the other person. It’s like what you said, this is your lane and not mine and it’s worked for a very long time – we’re still married, we have 2 kids, and we’re still working!
AM: Ok, that’s amazing! Because times get hard sometimes!
IC: Haha don’t get it wrong! We still fight over stuff haha!
You know, when you make your own business, there are a lot reasons why you got to where you did and there is a lot of making the donuts and at the same time, it’s a lot of fun! Making your own business is super hard! The key is just moving forward every single day. There will be days where you feel like you can’t do it anymore and that you just have to put one foot in front of the other.
AM: 100% haha there are times you have to be your own hype person and just keep going!
IC: You just have to get it together and just move! That’s the key!
AM: If you’re able to still do things when the mountains continue to grow ahead of you and you don’t know how you would even think to climb it because there is no way to hold on and you find yourself in an
American Gladiator situation you know that you’re going to keep giving it your all!
IC: It really is! It’s a mindset and I think that that is the key. You have to do hard things and sometimes those challenges let you see that you can do way more than what you believe you can do. We sometimes hold ourselves back from what we can do.
I think that it’s fascinating that you said all that because for the last 6 years I have been focused on getting fit and learning about a lot of that. There is this whole concept of Zone 2 training which is about running slow actually makes you go faster. I think that that concept, I really take to heart. That's exactly what you are saying. Sometimes you need to just chill out. When you do that, I think that it makes things go much faster and smoother.
I love the fact that you do that because you’re able to keep moving! Just like you said, it's all about moving forward! That is truly what it is to be focused, to move, and to not be distracted. You want to do everything, but you can’t!
AM: 100% and that’s a huge lesson that you learn and it humbles you ha!
For someone who is not familiar with Parker Thatch, how would you describe this brand to someone who is just coming into it?
IC: Definitely this brand is all about what we say daily, it’s about ease and elegance and I really believe that. It’s about how do I make a product for you that is easy to put on and that you feel great! It’s not about being fussy and it’s always about one beautiful piece that you put on and that’s why I love jewelry. I love a great white shirt and a pair of jeans and then stack up that necklace and you look 100% and that takes 5 seconds. I think that for me, that was very important for that woman that sometimes feel stuck – how do I get you to just get out of the house? Like, you need to feel good to get that motivation so that you can have a good day! It’s not going to be everyday that you may feel that way, but I want to make products that will help you get there!
AM: In looking at the assortment, I love the Charlie bag which is amazing, the Cross Your Heart Sling is another one and personally, I’m not someone who tends to gravitate towards that style, but when I’m styling on set, I actually do use that style as it’s a great way for me to have what I need to set my outfits without running back to our set up since we sometimes take over an entire building or space. So being able to have my jewelry and everything on me as we transition from one look to the next and knowing its secure is how came to embracing slings initially.
What would you say are 3 must haves whether it be in handbags or your jewelry that people should be adding to their closets or to begin establishing their Parker Thatch collections?
IC: I love that! For sure, if you’re not a sling bag person, it’s this weird bag that when you want to be hands free and it’s not just a nylon sling bag. You can also make it into a clutch which is really great for travel. The Charlie bag for sure! It’s our newest bag. It hits all the points. It zips, it’s slouchy, it’s cool, and I just wanted to create a bag that when you feel you’re in those cool jeans that you love you feel it all together. You know, when you look at a surfer or a skateboarder, I’m always inspired by them. Even when they’re just carrying their skateboard, I’m always like, “damn, you look so cool!”
AM: It comes off so easy and effortless.
IC: Yeah and the way that they walk, there’s such a slouch to what they do and that’s how I conceptualized it. It took awhile to get that bag with its material to have that slouch and we had to keep testing it to get it there. I think that when you carry it, it kind of makes you feel like that. So I think that that bag is a fantastic bag! Then for me personally, the Jane bag again, it’s all about slouchiness for me! That bag again is great for travel and if you want to dump all of your commuter stuff in it, it’s a great bag!
So those three bags, I personally use them every day. It’s kind of a bag within a bag that’s within a bag. I do love that!
Now jewelry wise, for sure the Long Links Necklace. The huge Manifestation Crystal is a really popular thing and again, I love it when you can hang it. That Long Links Necklace looks amazing when you do that and again, for me it is about the slouchiness. You can make it long and you can make it short and it has this sexiness when you wear it with an open shirt and I love that. So for me, that’s what I am doing every day.
AM: What is your process in terms of adding styles to the brand or when you are thinking about colorways? Sometimes when you are looking at various brand the assortment is so vast and although there are a lot of options, it can also generate a lot of noise when it is not curated, edited, or rotated so that pieces can stand out.
IC: Definitely, it’s interesting because most of our stuff is pretty evergreen so we will always bring in the colors and I always feel like that. I’m a practical human. If I am going to buy an expensive big item, I’m thinking about if I am going to be using this every day. That’s important to me. When we bring in the colors, I’m always thinking about the little things that you can bring into your bag when you’re looking to go out. We kind of move a little bit with the seasons. Our best sellers are always the Caramel Suede, the tan colors, and so we’re always keeping that as the foundation. Camo is a big thing for me and it’s really interesting. When we first put it out there I was like ok and it’s great to see how our camo with the pink and red stripe has really become a big thing for us.
AM: It’s cute.
IC: Yeah and it’s such a great bag to travel with and a great bag to work with.
AM: Where do you go for inspiration? Even though the line has those evergreen elements in terms of your assortment, I’m sure that you’re still adding things here and there or looking at trend reports, Pantones, etc.
IC: You know, I always say that when you look at the products, for me the designs that we do are always a little familiar to you. But then the inspirations and feel is about putting a little something to it. So is it a red handle versus a brown one?
Our bags are familiar and yet there is something not familiar about it? That’s what makes me want to buy things these days because there are so many things that are out there like the fanny pack which is our sling bag. It is a fanny pack which is familiar, but lets do it in a beautiful leather and let’s use a strap and put in a pop of color so that your personality comes forward. I think that that is my inspiration and I am a practical person so that is what I draw from.
AM: I love the straps!
IC: They are so fun!
AM: I like that you can customize it and make it your own a little bit. Going back to the Sling Bag it’s a style that generally would not be one that I would personally gravitate to.
IC: I know!
AM: But then you hit IG, and I’m looking at how it’s larger than a traditional sling bag and I’m like, “why not change out the one I use on set and bring that in?” or I was just at Governors Ball and I did have a sling mini backpack that I brought, I would have preferred to have this body style and of course, I have styled a number of shoots where I have had sling bags in them. Then once you get to thinking about an accessory paired with my moto jacket you start to see how it can be worn personally. To your point, it’s about the familiar with these tones that have a little something nuanced. I do love a good slouchy bag style and years ago, there were so many and now not so much. There are versions that are oversized but that structure of the slouch that gives that cool girl style is not always there it’s just large. So a bag like XL Jane that is in my wheel house!
IC: It's putting your vision on it where the familiar meets the unfamiliar! That’s what takes it to the next level and you’re like, I need that! The familiar lets you connect with that memory and then the part that isn’t you say hmm there’s something there and together it becomes something that you love – it’s a little link and a little extra!
AM: It’s a little something. I love that and I love visual texture. Now there is a place I love visual texture. Now there is a place for something that is completely new, but then you have to think about it and see how it sits in your life. I knew that these pieces felt familiar while being presented differently. I knew when I looked at the colorways and the fabrications that I would wear a good portion of them and in some cases it reminded me of a bag from many years ago that I either wanted but couldn’t get, or had been part of my collection and had been lost to time, or would just be a silhouette that would be in a primary rotation.
IC: Oh thank you!
AM: Yeah and then you think about how versatile it can be with my leggings, jeans, maxi dresses, etc. I love visual mapping outfits because I love collecting pieces but there is a tight edit of my go-to’s that are with me when I’m out and about, at a meeting, etc. Those are the pieces that you live out of. So I like the classic and effortless components with that little bite so that it’s not too sweet. I’m not a fan of anything personally that is too sweet.
IC: Me neither! That’s so funny! I’m not a frilly person, but I will wear a shirt with a puffy sleeve, but then I have to put it with a pair of jeans.
AM: Same. I had a fun summer boho puffy sleeved maxi dress in black and it felt a little sweet, but of course, I paired it with my Caviar Beaded Lagos and a pair of Adidas Superstars with my Carrera’s to edge it up.
IC: You always have to juxtapose it. Even when we first started with that tote bag, we put leather straps on it and then a monogram and it took a canvas bag to something that was different. It’s fun!
AM: Have you guys done collaborations or are you working on any?
IC: We’re starting to do more of them. We just did one with Larissa Mills, she has a great story. She's a mom in Boston who has this insane following on Tiktok and Instagram and she has amazing style. She has collaborated with everybody like the Gap and for some reason, we really connected and we just did this cool little envelope clutch and we’re looking to do more of that and I just feel that I really love to meet those who share the same sense of sensibility and it can be any product! It’s about making that familiar product and making it a little bit extra!
AM: What will Fall and Holiday look like – or anything that you can share on that front.front.
IC: Yeah, Fall and Holiday is really all about burgundy tones, dark espressos, navy, and a lot of suedes. The Charlie bag has done really well for us and we want to bring more of that slouch in there with the jewel tones. We are doing textures like basketweave and hair – I love hair. So I love a cheetah, I love a great zebra print, and also playing with hot pink hair and yellow hair! That’s really fun on straps! So taking fun stuff and putting it on a strap so you’re not married to hot pink on the main part of the bag. But you can bring that texture in. A lot of croc and shiny things – like little tiny shiny things for Holiday!
AM: Oh that’s exciting! I can’t wait for that to come out!
IC: We’re really excited about that and it’s just really yummy. I love a burgundy and I really love an oxblood which is perfect for fall.
AM: You can never have enough oxblood. I love it when you talk about leather accessories, I love that color when you talk about a gel mani – it’s so rich and although for me it’s like a new neutral, it’s really great in the Fall!
You know, there are a number of brands that have lived in the handbag portion of the accessory category and they are now branching out into travel and travel specific pieces.
IC: Yeah.
AM: Is that something that you envision for the brand?
IC: Yes! That Charlie bag that we just introduced, we just did it in an XL and I tested it by taking it to Iceland and it was awesome! We are going to do more of that. We’re also working on a really good slouchy tote and again, over the shoulder, really slouchy, beautiful leathers and I can’t wait for that!
AM: Oh that sounds amazing and I can’t wait to check it out.
IC: It’s a great bag and it’s going to be one of those things that you’ll want to drag it everywhere! I want people to live in these bags! Also understand that it’s ok for it to get messy. People get so crazy when they spill on it and I’m like, “dude, that’s life man!” You should be proud of that, that means that you are moving and yeah it got dirty. If there is a drop of wine on that, that’s life!
We had the great honor of meeting 4X Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Medalist Kerry Walsh Jennings (G3, B1) and I think that she is just so bad ass! I remember when she was pregnant and she won that Gold medal and I was like, damn, she is so badass! So she came in and she had our sling bag on and she was like yeah but I spilled on it and I feel awful and I was like that’s awesome. She carries it everyday and she’s so tall and that’s life and I loved it! It should be your companion and that is what we want to strive for and we want you to grab it and know that it feels good and it does what it needs to for you.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Parker Thatch
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see PARKER THATCH | Irene Chen in mag.
We love a Christmas holiday destination. There’s nothing else like packing your cozy clothes for Christmas morning, talking about what you might serve or be served for Christmas lunch, and imagining all the snowmen you’ll build and the snowball fights you’ll have that will be followed by hot chocolate with marshmallows. Spending the holidays in the US might mean a long flight or a short drive, a white Christmas, or perhaps a warm one, but it always means a lot of love, some time off with family and friends, and delicious food wherever you are. For the perfect Christmas backdrop, check out these incredible destinations.
PHOTO CREDIT | Free photo from pikbest.com
Christmas comes early in the Danish-inspired village of Solvang, so you should plan to visit any time from late November. Quaint and charming describe Solvang year round, but the town's transformation over Christmas takes it to the next level.
Julefest, as the celebration is known, is an experience that will make you think you’ve landed in Europe rather than California. The magical tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 6th, and the parade (which features floats, marching bands, and street food) takes place down the town’s main road the following day.
The hygge (a Danish term that encompasses concepts like coziness, contentment, and friendliness) spirit overflows all season long at events like the Maker’s Market. Though Solvang is a small town, Santa Ynez Airport is easy to reach, whether on a luxury plane charter or a commercial flight.
Southern hospitality is genuine and kicks into high gear over the festive season. If you love Christmas and everything that comes with it, except for the below-freezing weather, then Charleston is calling out your name.
The city is already a beautiful destination, but wait until you see it with all its classic Christmas decorations. The festive spirit is strong in Charleston, and there's a lot to do and see, both holiday-themed and otherwise. Make sure to check out which events are happening when so you can experience all the fun.
Charleston hosts the Festival of Trees every year, featuring 16 gorgeously decorated fir trees. The Sound of Charleston also happens every year, bringing you a massive dose of Christmas spirit through heartwarming carols, Christmas tunes, gospel, and jazz.
New York is known as one of the most enticing Christmas destinations in the world, and we certainly agree with that assessment. As the snow begins to fall, the city transforms from a hustle and bustle into a winter wonderland full of steamed-up cafe windows, sparkling lights, and the delicious scent of freshly baked goods.
If you like to stay busy, this might be your holiday destination. From the Rockettes’ Christmas special at Radio City Music Hall to ice skating in Central Park, there's festive cheer all over town. New Yorkers in general, but Brooklynites in particular go hard for the holidays, so there are a few neighborhoods worth a visit to walk by all the beautifully decorated homes.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pexels/Marani Ceja
Are you looking for something completely different from any Christmas destination you’ve tried? Spend the weeks leading up to Christmas and the holiday in Kennebunkport in snowy, cozy New England. Since Maine is so focused on fishing, it's no surprise that Santa Claus arrives on a lobster boat at the Christmas Prelude event.
The town overflows with festivity during Prelude (December 5th to December 15th), including classic holiday activities like caroling at the Franciscan Monastery. During this street festival, you can sip, nibble, and shop away any winter blues and view the town’s most famous Christmas tree made from lobster traps.
In most cultures, Christmas isn't traditionally a seafood season, but spending the holidays here will make gingerbread and sugar plums a thing of the past. Lobster rolls are the new turkey.
New Orleans doesn't do half-measures when it comes to its celebrations. The installations and decorations that pepper the city during December are the perfect complement to all the delicious festival food and drinks served up at festivals like Celebration in the Oaks, and that's over and above the delightful foodie experiences available in New Orleans all year long.
If you’re in the city on Christmas Eve, you’ll be in for a real treat at the annual lighting of the bonfires along the banks of the gorgeous Mississippi. If you’re lucky enough to stay at the Ritz Carlton, you can enjoy events like gingerbread house building and even a four-course dinner after watching the bonfires spring into action.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pexels/Luka Susak
Christmas in a desert climate is different for many Americans, and Santa Fe is ready to be your host with the most. The city is gorgeous, warm, and welcoming all year round, but the way the plaza is lit up and twinkling every holiday season adds a bit of happiness and cheer.
If you’re the church-going type, you can attend a traditional midnight mass at the well-known and visually stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi. If art galleries are your version of church, check out the seasonal exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Art every year. There are flamenco performances, gorgeous winter markets and fairs, and wonderfully mild temperatures to enjoy.
The Christmas holidays are a wonderful time of year best experienced with the ones you love. Choosing any one of these unique and enticing Christmas destinations will help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
This month, we made our way to Kintsugi Omakase to have an epic meal that we will talk about for quite a bit! We knew that there would be a number of courses that would be created in front of us by Chef Victor Chen who was in last month's issue in our THE 9LIST 9M3NU feature.
Our meal didn't disappoint! We were able to enjoy a 16-course meal that is part of their Kintsugi Experience. It's a fantastic experience where upon entering the restaurant, you are sitting with 9 other guests who have a front row seat at a meal that is next level. We wanted to know more about when the restaurant launched, why they provide omakase, and what you can expect when it comes to heading to this SoHo destination!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Kintsugi launch and can you tell us about the founders/owners of the restaurant?
ASHE YEUNG: Kintsugi was originally founded in 2018 by owners and New York-based creative partners, Ashe Yeung, an architect, and Tim Madrid, an Art Director.
AM: Can you tell us about the chef as well and his background?
AY: Executive Chef Victor Chen, formerly of New York Sushi Ko & Sushi Seki, is a passionate sushi chef that prepares his sushi in the traditional edomae style. Unlike many other sushi chefs, he does not solely use Japanese ingredients. A long-standing relationship with fishmongers allows Kintsugi Omakase to offer locally sourced fish, enabling for a broader selection and more moderate prices.
AM: Can you tell us about the ambiance of the restaurant and what guests can expect when they come in for a visit?
AY: The dining room is centered around a natural wood 10-seat sushi counter, which is framed by dark charcoal walls. Soothing light is filtered through Japanese wooden slats creating a relaxing mood for guests. Each course is presented on dinnerware in collaboration with EM Ceramics and Spark Bird Studio who has created an exclusive line of handcrafted, gold-fused dinnerware for Kintsugi.
AM: We know what omakase is, but can you tell us the history of what this dining experience is?
AY: Omakase, rooted in Japanese culinary tradition, traces its origins to the Edomae sushi culture of early 19th-century in Tokyo. Initially, it is referred to entrusting the chef to create a meal based on seasonal ingredients. Over time, omakase has evolved into a revered dining experience where patrons place complete trust in the chef's expertise and creativity, highlighting the essence of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
AM: You only offer omakase. Why was that the experience that you wanted to focus on?
AY: Omakase represents the pinnacle of our culinary philosophy, emphasizing quality, seasonality, and the art of storytelling through food. By exclusively offering omakase, we curate a deeply personal and memorable dining journey for each guest, showcasing the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques that define a culinary vision. It allows us to foster a direct connection with diners, sharing not just a meal, but a transformative gastronomic experience that celebrates tradition with a modern touch.
AM: For those that are coming for lunch, what can you tell us about The Lunch Rush Omakase?
AY: The Lunch Rush Omakase is a combination of a quick sushi fix with a high quality offering and also serves as an introduction to omakase for those who have never tried. Our Lunch Rush Omakase is a 12-course one-hour experience for $60. It is served only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We always promote the art of omakase and it is key for us to have an omakase with an affordable price tag.
AM: For dinner, you offer The Grand Street Classic, The SoHo Experience, and the Kintsugi Omakase - the latter which we enjoyed this recently. Can you tell us about each one of those and what the differences are between them?
AY: We serve three tiers of premium omakase which include seasonal appetizers and sushi: The Kintsugi Omakase, a 16-course service for $195; The Soho Experience; a 13-course experience for $155; and The Grand Street Classic; a 10-course meal for $95. All tastings also include a sushi chef’s choice of hand roll, gourmet miso soup, tamago, and seasonal dessert. Each tier features a varied amount of seasonal and premium ingredients diligently prepared by our chef. Our goal is to be able to cater to as many customer as possible and feature different offerings with the same high quality standards.
AM: Are there additional items that you can pair with these packages?
AY: We offer a seasonal beverage pairing featuring sake breweries that are high quality and paired perfectly with our omakase. We also do a seasonal sea urchin (uni) tasting that showcases different sea urchins from around the world; and from time to time, we offer prized auction grade uni.
AM: Can you tell us about 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have on our next visit?
AY: We only have one cocktail called Murasaki, which in Japanese means purple. The cocktail itself is a beautiful vibrant purple color made with yuzu, sake and violet extract.
AM: Can you tell us about 3 sakes, beers, or cider that we should pair with our meal?
AY: We are a big fan of Echigo Koshihikari beer, which used the same rice that most sushi restaurants use as the basis of their beer, perfectly paired with our omakase. We are also avid enthusiasts of the Masumi brewery. Masumi is one of Japan's premier sake brands, produced by Miyasaka Brewing Company in Nagano Prefecturel they have been making sake since 1662. For a more modern flavor profile, we highly recommend the uka sake series. They are made very well with a combination of Japanese and American crafts into one single bottle
AM: Are there any special events taking place this summer or fall that you would like us to know about?
AY: We will be participating in the NYC Restaurant Week with the NYC Tourism Board. Our goal is to promote the craft of omakase from now to September 1st. We will be taking a short break after September 1st and will re-open on September 12th. Then, we will be transitioning into our fall menu, which to all edomae style sushi lovers, it is the best season where all the fish are fragrant, fatty, and simply delicious. We highly recommend all patrons to book ahead of time to make sure that they can save a seat.
For those that want to try Kintsugi Omakase, Restaurant Week kicked off Jul 22nd and goes through Aug 18th with participating restaurants. The below is available until Sep 1st. Kintsugi will offer a 12-course prix fixe menu for $60 per person with an optional seasonal sake flight for an additional $30 per person. Guests can add-on a premium seasonal uni handroll for $30 per person. The menu is subject to change due to availability and seasonality, highlights include their Housemade Japanese Potato Salad with Arctic Sweet Shrimp, Orata/Seabream from Greece, and Hotate/Scallop from Hokkaido Japan - to name a few.
IG @kintsuginyc
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Mr. Grant Hao-Wei Lin/Kintsugi
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK Kintsugi Omakase in mag.
As we're all enjoying our favorite teams and sports that are taking place at Paris 2024, we have a series of interviews with Olympians that are in this issue that we participated in when we were within the 100 days of the games. We're kicking it off with 2X Team USA Olympics Gymnastics, Jordan Chiles (G1, S1) who competed in Tokyo 2020 and is competing in Paris alongside her teammates Simone Biles (G5, S1, B2), Suni Lee (G2, S1, B1), Jade Carey (G2), and Hezly Rivera (G1), known as The Golden Girls! They have already won a Gold medal from the Paris 2024 games!
We sat down with Jordan to talk about the sport, becoming an Olympian, how much she is looking forward to this year's Summer Games which will have an audience in attendance as well as being able to meet other athletes, and how she maintains self-care! We have enjoyed seeing her floor routines which mix Hip-Hop, Beyoncé, and more. She also has fans that include Megan Thee Stallion, 2X Gold Medalist + 6X NBA Champion Michael Jordan, and Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed seeing you do and it’s great to chat with you!
JORDAN CHILES: Thank you so much for having me! I love opportunities like this and to have the ability to be able to speak with you about my goals and everything like that, this should be fun!
AM: What’s your earliest gymnastics memory that made you love this sport?
JC: I would probably say that I was around 9 or 10 years old and I had really bad ADHD when I was younger. So I always say that gymnastics saved me because I was able to get all of my energy out before I realized that I had a gift and talent and that I would be able to go somewhere with it. I just thought that it was all fun and games so I really just wanted to be able to take that energy to the next level around 9/10/11 years old so it was pretty cool to just take off and to see what else I could do.
AM: I love that!
Everyone has their specialty in the sport, what do you feel are your areas of things that you love to do?
JC: I kind of just love my sport in general. I don’t have a specialty in what I do. I’m just known as the hype woman a lot as people say! I give a lot of energy to the crowd and to my teammates. I just think that being a leader as well and kind of knowing and understanding each and every aspect of what it is to be an athlete – mentally, physically, and so I can say that it’s about me being myself and being authentic to who I am.
AM: You have been on the Women’s US National Gymnastic Team since 2013, what does it mean to you that you have represented your country from the Olympics to World Championships, NCAA Championships with UCLA, and just owning all of the spaces?
JC: Man, it’s been crazy! I can say knowing that I have been on the National Team since I was 12 years old it’s been a whirlwind, a crazy ride, it’s been up and down – the road wasn’t straight or smooth. It was very bumpy and curvy, but I am really proud to say that I represent Team USA and just being able to help the country understand that our sport is such a unique and different thing than it is to other sports in that it’s hard work, it’s dedication, and it’s a simplicity thing to who you want to be. I think that it’s pretty cool. I can say that representing Team USA wearing Red, White, and Blue and always having it wherever I go on my back is definitely something that I cherish for sure!
AM: I have always enjoyed watching your routines and I have literally had tears in my eyes just watching you perform. Whether it’s you in UCLA incorporating Hip-Hop, Beyoncé and all of these different things – what goes into creating these performances and obviously deciding the elements that are involved as well as the music and all of that?
JC: So when it comes to my floor routine, the first one that I had, I was really little and it was Michael Jackson and I did a tribute to him. I think that it’s really about the culture and the music and how pop culture has kind of changed the atmosphere into what it means to putting your own touch and taste to it – your own piece – like your cherry on top you know? It’s like you have this awesome sundae and you want to put that cherry on top to show who you are! So, when it came to my music, obviously I just want to be able to not only get the crowd involved, but also to take it back for them. Because they are watching and if they hear something that they’re like, “oh my gosh, I remember when I was in high school listening to this song,” that is what I do, whether it is Beyoncé, the 90s, taking it back to the Michael Jackson days, or even bring in superheroes! I’ve done that too! It’s pretty cool to put my own touch into everything.
AM: When you competed at the Summer Games in Tokyo and you came home with a medal, did you always imagine that you would be on that stage?
JC: I always imagined that I would be an Olympian for sure and go to the Olympics, but I didn’t believe whatsoever that it would be in Gymnastics! Back in 2008, I told my mom when we were watching the Olympic Games, “you know what? One day I want to go to the Olympics!” Back then, I didn’t know what sport I was doing, I was young. So, knowing that it was for Gymnastics and I was able to bring home a medal, being there in that position and being on that stage – not a lot of people get to experience that and I am beyond proud of myself for sure. I can just say that the little me would be very proud and to be able to continue on with something that I have always dreamed of.
AM: What are the challenges of being an Olympic Gymnast and what does an average day or week look like when you’re training and preparing for the upcoming Summer Games?
JC: Obviously, it’s a little different. My first Olympic Games, I was really a nobody! Knowing that I am going into this 2nd Olympic cycle with an Olympics under my belt, it’s different for sure! But, I am still doing everything that I was doing just like it would be my first. I have been taking it day by day and month by month. As we’re talking right now, we are under 100 days away! Knowing that makes me just like ahh – oh my gosh this is so crazy and I’m doing this all over again, but it definitely is a mental game and for someone like me who's kind of already been through it, I know what to do, but for others that maybe this is their first time trying out for the Olympics, just take this moment as this will always be something that you will be able to cherish. Just take it piece by piece, remember your why, and that’s how I always think of it every step of the way.
AM: With it being less than 100 days to Paris 2024, what does it look like in terms of your schedule for qualifying and other things on the Road to the Olympics.
JC: Knowing that we’re just a few days away as I will say it like that because it just sounds more reasonable! Right?
AM: Right!
JC: We have a competition this week which starts off with the Core Classics. Our season actually started at the beginning of Jan, but unfortunately, I was unable to compete due to a shoulder injury that I had. So this meet that is coming up this weekend is my first meet that will put me on the platform to show people where I am at, what I am doing, and to give our head people an understanding of where – if I am picked – where I can be on the team. Obviously, 2 weeks after that, we have Championships which is a really big meet as well and then about 2 and a half weeks after that, we have Olympic Trials. That will be where they pick the Olympic Team and the Olympic Alternates. It’s definitely a fast cycle for us. We are one of the last Team USA sports that do – besides Track & Field, that we are the last to find out who gets to go!
AM: Yeah, we’ve been watching other sports on Team USA that are already confirmed and we keep checking for you guys to see when those announcements will be.
JC: Yeah, us and Track & Field, we’re always the last to figure out what the team is. But I feel that that is the coolest part of it because it’s like, “ooo who is it going to be?” It’s also motivating to see other people that have already made it so it pushes you to think that you want to make it so that you can meet some of the other people who will also be there as well! It’s a great process and I think that the qualifying part is the biggest that you will ever experience.
AM: In terms of Paris, what are you looking forward to?
JC: Well, knowing that I have been to Paris already a few times, I still think that every single time that I get off the plane, it’s just beautiful. I love being out there! The culture, the atmosphere, the designers, everything fashion – it’s just amazing! I think that the biggest thing is just enjoying and having an Olympic Games that will be normal. In Tokyo there was COVID and we didn’t get to do a lot and just to be able to go around the Olympic Village with people and being able to have an audience and to enjoy the Olympic experience. So I am truly looking forward to that! Also being able to get to meet people we didn’t do that last time. I hope that I will be able to meet a basketball player or a volleyball player, golf or whatever it is and to be able to experience that!
AM: With that time being so close, you have partnered with Bliss. What is the synergy between you and the brand?
JC: So Bliss felt very natural to me. It felt like it fit in with who I am trying to be and especially with their commitment to self-care which is a very key thing to me whether it’s in your skincare, your beauty, taking a nap you know? Having the ability to just embrace who you are and with their Lemon Sage Body Butter, it’s definitely a game changer for sure. I feel very confident, elegant, and smooth who I am. It’s just a nourishment for sure and being able to have Bliss as a partner within my daily routine, makes me feel like a brand new person every single time!
AM: I have to say that I am a long time fan of this scent and that product and you get that luxury feeling when you put it on.
In terms of self-care, what do you do? I know that you’re always traveling and you have a schedule so what do you do to take that time so you have moments for yourself?
JC: A lot of times when it comes to self-care, it does come to beauty and you want to take that time to feel as beautiful as possible because you know that this world is very crucial and it does take a whirlwind on you. Within my self-care, I like to take time to myself. It could be sitting in my room and drawing, whether I’m looking at a Netflix show and binge watching and just being by myself because I am around a lot of people 24/7 so sometimes taking that sound and putting it away helps a lot. I take naps! I take naps all of the time! If you don’t know where I went, and you don’t see me at all – it’s because I’m asleep in my room napping. That’s how I do self-care for myself or sometimes I go shopping. Retail therapy is the best!
AM: How do you keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated especially when you think about travel, doing all of the movements when you have perspiration and the chalk you use? Looking at your skin right now, obviously you’ve got it down as your skin is glowing and it looks beautiful.
JC: Oh thank you! With the hydration part, I do a lot of intake of water because as a gymnast, we sweat a lot. I mean I’m not really a sweater but when it does come to working out, always grinding, we lose a lot of salt so, that does make our skin very dry and brittle. Also the magnesium we’re around in our chalk, it takes moisture out. So because of all of that, I drink a lot of water and I make sure that I am always moisturized no matter where I go! So whether it’s a lotion or a scrub or whatever it is, even for my lips, I keep everything hydrated because I am always in chalk! I don’t like chalk already because it’s nasty so that hydration, it really comes in to make you feel good. I wake up every morning, I wash my face, I do my whole skincare and if I forget to put my moisturizer on, oh I go crazy! I’m like my face is going to fall off! So I make sure that I am taking everything in for sure!
AM: Are there any kind of projects that you have that we should keep an eye out for as obviously you have an amazing schedule coming up and we can’t wait to see that! But is there anything else that we should know about?
JC: I can say that there is this one thing that is coming into play and I can’t really say a lot without saying a lot! It’s definitely going to give a perspective on when you feel you have done so much in your life that you can help others so I will leave it with that! So just keep an eye out on it and I feel that a lot of people will be able to take a lot from it. They will understand what it is like to be an athlete and to be someone that is more than just an athlete!
AM: What do you want your legacy to be whether it’s in the sport or outside of it? As you just stated it’s not just about being an athlete, it’s more than that.
JC: I think the legacy would be more so that I was always having fun, I always - I don’t like to say this, but I wasn’t always a rule follower. I always did things outside of the box and just enjoyed being the person that I was, being authentic to who I am as a person, and knowing that there is only one you and that nobody can change that. I think that the legacy is who you are, what you want to do in your life, and how can you control that within yourself!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 66 Team USA Facebook | PG 71 + 9PLAYLIST PG 76 Team USA | PG 74 Bliss | PG 78 + 63MIX ROUTIN3S PG 80 Jordan Chiles |
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see TRUE JORDAN | Jordan Chiles in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Photo Unsplash/Lukas Tennie
Dealing with red spider veins on your legs can be more than just a cosmetic concern. For many, these web-like clusters of blood vessels can cause discomfort, itching, or a heavy sensation, leading to a decline in confidence and well-being.
Taking steps to address spider veins can significantly improve your quality of life. Here are the most effective ways to get rid of red spider veins for good.
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They commonly form on the legs and can vary in color from red to blue or purple. These veins are often caused by factors like genetics, hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing, and age.
While generally harmless, many people find them unsightly and uncomfortable, prompting them to seek ways to remove them for both cosmetic and health reasons.
Consulting a doctor for spider veins is a good first step in exploring treatment options, as they can recommend procedures such as sclerotherapy or laser therapy based on your condition.
Additionally, pain management doctors can help address any discomfort or pain associated with spider veins, ensuring a comprehensive approach to both treatment and relief from spider vein symptoms.
Sclerotherapy is one of the well-known spider vein treatments, offering a minimally invasive and highly effective solution.
During this procedure, a doctor injects a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to swell and collapse. Over time, the treated veins fade away as they are reabsorbed by the body.
The procedure is usually quick, lasting about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of veins being treated. Most patients will need several sessions spaced a few weeks apart to achieve the best results.
Sclerotherapy is ideal for small to medium-sized spider veins and is performed with little to no downtime, allowing most individuals to return to normal activities almost immediately.
While some temporary side effects like mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur, these typically resolve within a few days. With a high success rate, sclerotherapy remains a popular choice for those looking to eliminate spider veins effectively.
Laser therapy provides another effective option, particularly for spider veins that are too small for sclerotherapy or for those who prefer a non-invasive approach.
This method uses focused light to heat and destroy the veins without damaging the surrounding skin. The light targets the blood inside the vein, causing it to coagulate and the vein to collapse, which is then gradually absorbed by the body.
Laser therapy often requires multiple sessions (typically between 2 to 6) for optimal results. Post-treatment care includes protecting the treated area from sun exposure and possibly wearing compression stockings to support circulation and healing.
Although it may cause temporary redness, bruising, and mild discomfort, these side effects are usually minimal, making laser therapy a viable option for those seeking a less invasive spider vein treatment.
Microphlebectomy, also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that directly removes spider veins from the legs through tiny incisions.
This treatment is usually recommended for larger or more prominent veins that are not suitable for sclerotherapy or laser treatments.
Microphlebectomy is performed under local anesthesia and is typically done on an outpatient basis and takes about an hour. The recovery time is short, with most patients resuming their normal activities within 1 to 2 days.
Although some bruising or swelling may occur, these effects usually resolve within a few weeks. Microphlebectomy provides immediate results with minimal scarring, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more direct approach to vein removal.
Compression stockings are a practical, non-surgical solution for managing spider veins, particularly for individuals unable or unwilling to undergo medical procedures.
These stockings are designed to improve blood flow in the legs by applying graduated pressure, which reduces the pooling of blood in the veins and minimizes symptoms such as swelling and aching.
Compression stockings come in various styles and compression levels, allowing for a customized fit that enhances their effectiveness.
Regular use can prevent new spider veins from forming and provide ongoing relief from discomfort. However, it is important to wear them consistently, especially for those whose jobs require prolonged sitting or standing, to achieve healthy veins over time.
Natural remedies, such as creams and gels containing horse chestnut, vitamin K, or witch hazel, are often marketed as solutions for reducing the appearance of spider veins.
While these products may help alleviate symptoms like itching or mild swelling, they are generally less effective than medical treatments in eliminating spider veins entirely. Nonetheless, they can offer some benefits when used in conjunction with other therapies.
It is important to patch-test these products on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions and consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen, especially if there are concerns about skin sensitivity or existing health conditions.
Spider vein removal can significantly boost your comfort, confidence, and overall vein health. With several effective treatment options available, you can find the right approach for your needs. Begin your journey to healthier, clearer legs today by exploring the best treatment solutions for you.
