Because one just isn't enough, anymore...

In this day and age, you can't just be an amazing singer. If you aren't also a great actor, model, director, designer, carpenter, lawyer, entrepreneur... Alright, I may have trailed off there, but you see my point. You've got to get really creative now to make it in the world. Especially in the entertainment industry, it's critical to find a niche that either hasn't been covered a thousand times, or recreate one in such a way that seems fresh, and evolved from its predecessors. So who can we look to for advice and inspiration?





For starters, great business minds are everywhere we look if you just open your eyes. Justin Bieber to the general public is just a pop star who appeals in large part to teen girls. However,  I've been reading Forbes lately, and it looks like he's got more on his mind than just music and screaming fans. He's looking to create a long lasting empire. The Beib has started making micro-investments in start-up companies such as Enflick, Tinychat and Spotify. These are companies with large promise, which, for the people who can afford to may want to jump on board with. He's not the poster child for business entrepreneurs, but a good example of someone current who is thinking about the long term, not just the millions he's making today.

Another important skill everyone needs to have- no matter how strongly you want to focus on what's on the inside- is image. This is another facet of your life you have to chameleon yourself through. When you have a style all your own, that's great, you're halfway there. Although, you have to be able to take your star shape and be able to mold it to fit into the other slots too. If you can be a square, a triangle, and a circle as well as a star above all, you are far ahead of the rest. You know the ones who are a one trick pony, and they either don't stick around for long, or don't stick in our minds long after they're gone. It's not enough to have a hit, the key here, and in my previous point is you must think about longevity. When you can make people believe you can fit any archetype, do anything that needs to be done, you will more likely than not, be considered within the fields you work in and are a part of, in your life.

I personally didn't necessarily decide to be a Renaissance Man, I'm just the type of person that has to do everything all the time, all at once, and I don't know how to focus on one at a time. And when I stop and realize all the things that I want to do, such as photography, music, design, and learning to speak three different languages, I have to think about keeping a balance. Which brings me to my final point: Balance. To be multifaceted, you have to understand that the whole garden needs to be shown love and support, not just that pretty one with all the colours that is most important to you. When you only focus on the thing you want the most in your life, while it's likely to succeed, you risk deteriorating friendships, family constantly calling you to visit more often, and dwindling health. The key is to stay hungry. You want to get that career that's so important to you, but you need to be healthy and happy to properly work towards that career. So between taking over the world and having a healthy, happy home and/or social life, make sure you know what's important, and prioritize. if you don't care about your life, who else is going to do it for you?

Because it's not nice enough to go to the beach, but too nice to stay inside...

 

Well it wasn't the greatest of Wednesdays, but it was still warm. Near the end of the day I saw at least a little sun. Vancouver weather is funny like that. You'll have an entire day of clouds, and when it's almost done, they clear up and it's time to get out and enjoy the fresh air. I suppose it really makes one appreciate those moments of clarity, and teach one to be more spontaneous. Otherwise we'd never go outside!

 The street I live on offers a lot in the way of Asian produce and cuisine. Just beyond my door, and down the street for about ten blocks there are a number of things to check out. If you like to cook, some of the above featured images show just a fraction of what seem like endless choices of ingredients to add to your recipe.

To the left, you can see some beautiful ripe tomatoes. There are a few produce markets that offer the freshest every day. Depending on which one you go to, it might help to know some Mandarin, but I'm sure you can get by if you know what you want and you have cash. I don't particularly buy produce a lot on my own street- just because Costco is easier when you're living on a small budget- but it's worth it if you can afford it.

egg tart

Ah, the egg tart. 2 parts egg, 1 part tart. And to make one you simply start with the shell by- okay I don't know how to make egg tarts. Fortunately, you don't have to when you live where I live. Down Victoria drive, particularly between 30th and 45th, I could count 5 bakeries that sell these delightful confections, and a great many other, equally tasty things for (and in cash only) under a dollar each. Anyone who has never heard of, or tried one had better familiarize yourselves now. They are an amazing, small treat to either enjoy before or after a meal, and even by itself when you're feeling peckish. I'm not really a tart person myself, but these are the exception for sure. Vancouver has plenty of places that sell these. The most well known being the T&T Market- which can be located right by the Stadium Sky Train Station- or Maxim's Bakery- located roughly at Victoria and 41st. However these two places exist elsewhere too: Metrotown, Burnaby and Surrey. If you get a chance, pop into your local Asian bakery and try one! And once again, remember it's CASH ONLY. You'll be sorely disappointed if you forget this crucial detail...

Shrimp Roll. Tasty start to a meal!

Iced Green Tea. Normally served hot.

Now no experience in the world of Asian culture and food is complete without a visit to your local Pho! (pronounced Fe. The "o" is pronounced like the 'oo' in cook). There are a million of these places throughout Vancouver. They've become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They have an amazing soup which shares the same name, which is simply made- more or less- of broth, noodles, and beef. The regular portion is a pretty decent size, however if you're really hungry there is an even bigger one! They come most commonly in small and large. If you want to eat out, and you want to be sure you'll know what it's going to taste like when you order, go to Pho. You can almost always guarantee the taste you expect. But besides that, most Pho's offer small appetizers, such as the well known shrimp roll (featured right). This is served with an amazing peanut sauce. It's light, and in my opinion much better than a salad to begin your meal. A couple shrimp rolls can also make a great snack on their own.

For all you who haven't found an alternative to Starbucks' addictive drinks:

Bubble Tea!

It comes in tones of flavors, it quenches your thirst, and you won't find these at any coffee shop. Bubble Tea is another thing you must try if you have never. There are places especially just for this drink (which usually feature tea or bubble tea in their name), but there are others such as some Pho's that serve it too. You can drink it as a slush, a milk drink or you can even have it hot. Depending on your mood, I can say with certainty it will satisfy. The one featured above is called Taro Bubble Tea. If you are thinking it looks weird and purple, try it before you knock it. It's sweet, and the great thing about bubble tea is that it's got just enough flavor. Never too much, never too little. But they aren't all purple in color if you find it too strange.



All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth

Because summer sun and fun is just too beautiful not to enjoy, no matter what you're doing...

I honestly believe that even when I have to be inside all day, I can savor that little bit of sunlight I get on the trip from home to work. However, the days you get to go wherever and do whatever are worth waiting for all year. Things such as ice cream or walking around town just to feel the sun on your skin are fleeting memories that you hold dear until the next summer comes around.

Always remember: When you go to the beach, you wear shorts, whether it's "shorts" weather or not! With the weather in Vancouver usually featuring rain or a chill, one really learns to appreciate when they can throw on a pair of shorts and be in the open air comfortably, without a coat. I hate to feel bulky when I am out for any extended period of time, so summer is really when I thrive. This image here shows me trying to wear shoes without socks. I grew up in a family who wears socks no matter what (baring sandals of course). It was a strange feeling, but I got used to it after I opened myself up to it. I'm also a sucker for blue, so I relish any opportunity to wear as much blue as possible! As a bonus it matches my eyes. This is also one of the few times I ventured the idea of wearing a fedora. Generally, I don't applaud the look of it. However, there are some occasions where it has merit. I'm also wearing a pocket watch necklace. Not a new concept, but it went well with the ensemble.

If you don't want to eat at just any old restaurant, check out Cafe Crepe(featured left, image by Joffery Hollsworth). They offer a wide variety, some I didn't realize one could put in a crepe. I can't pretend to be the authority on the tasty pastry, but if you aren't sure what to order, try the strawberry/banana crepe. Classic combination, and a light, fluffy treat. As a plus, upon walking right out that door, you have an abundance of shopping Vancouver has to offer. Popular stores such as Zara, Club Monaco, Aldo Shoes and Armani Exchange stretch down Robson Street. If you're of a more high end taste, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes and more great designers are near by. Particularly make an effort to visit LV, because in my experience they continue to boast beautiful window displays, and have the best staff, always ready to offer assistance. Further, if you're more of a mall goer, Pacific Center has lots of great shopping as well! They've got H&M, Miss Sixty, the newly opened Express, and a highly revered store called Holt Renfrew, which definitely gives you a sample of the much finer things in life. They go a step up from shopping the streets and give you Louboutin, Emporio Armani and Gucci, among others. The three tiered, classy shopping of the creme de la creme is just beautiful and in what seems like an always pristine state.

All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth