Change the World
Wow hard to believe it’s been so long since I’ve last updated.
I came across this video while browsing through some TED talk videos and this video truly hit home for me.
– JJ
Shopping for groceries through Facebook in India
Now who would of thought that in the year 2011 consumers could use Facebook to shop for groceries. Wait no more, the Aaramshop (in India) let’s the consumer use its service through Facebook. Aaramshop also offers neighborhood retailers a free online storefront on its multivendor site. Everyone is happy because the service that Aaramshop provides is free for the consumer and the retailer.
Maybe we can expect to see Facebook ruling the world in years to come.
– JJ
For all the beer lovers out there
Yes, you heard correct. Beer candy made by Beercandy (one word) is out and available for consumption. I am not an avid beer drinking, but I always like trying new things especially when it comes to food and in this case candy. And Beercandy made sure to satisfy those who love to IPA’s or maybe even Lager. How nice of them right?
– JJ
App (in progress) that detects potholes using sensors
I am somewhat shocked and inspired about this work in progress app that detects potholes using sensors on smartphones. People continue to think of new innovative ideas and I continue to be impressed by new ideas by extremely bright thinkers. Although this app is still in it’s prototype stages, how cool and useful would it be for people to know where potholes are in their cities? Travel made easier is something that citizens would all enjoy.
More info on this app in progress
– JJ
TRON – time lapse Aerosol Mural
Seriously amazing artwork.
– JJ
“Stay Inspired”
Lifted Research Group also known as LRG is a clothing brand that targets those who are willing to be bold, to not to go with traditional, to create the tradition. I was especially inspired after reading about what Jonas Bevacqua (Co-founder and Creative Director of LRG) had to say about the inception of LRG and the identity of LRG.
Bevacqua on what it means to support independents:
” To be able to do what you want, whenever you want and not answer to anyone. To be able to hold your head high and say ‘we’re independent as fuck,’ and then say bravo.”
I highly recommend reading the whole conversation with Bevacqua, you can read it here, Conversation with Jonas Bevacqua.
– JJ
Airport Park? in Amsterdam
I’ve come to realize how creative this world is. I think I might just create a mini theme park at an airport or maybe a zoo…
– JJ
San Francisco Art
Sometimes I wish I was more artistic. I guess it’s never too late to learn right?
– JJ
Interview with Caroline Rooney
When I first met Caroline I was blown away by how warm and friendly she was. Little did I know that she was running her own business on top of college. I thought I was doing great in balancing my schedule as a student-athlete, but Caroline running a business while taking classes. That is unheard of. As I began to know Caroline better I was especially inspired by her creativity, her perspective on life, and where her inspiration has come from.
The month of April is quite tough for students at the University of Michigan especially for seniors,considering that graduation is nearing and finals seem to take the lives of students. But in the month of April, Caroline served as the co-creative director for the TEDxUofM event. TEDx talks in short is a program that gives communities, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to stimulate ideas and spread ideas. So planning this even was no small feat for Caroline.
So for those of you who have not heard of Caroline Rooney shame on you…. no just kidding.
~Interview~
JJ: Give us a little background on who you are, where you are from, etc.
CR: I’m Caroline Rooney, founder of The Bearon, a socially conscious clothing company and lifestyle blog based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition to running the company, I am also currently graduating from the University of Michigan in organizational management and history of art.
JJ: What inspires you?
CR: I find inspiration from creative young people- designers, artists, graphic designers, musicians… Otherwise, I find inspiration from architecture, art, hotels, studying different cultures, traveling, reading, and visiting gourmet and fabric shops. I am obsessed with beauty- whether that means the perfectly ripe strawberry, the design on a wine bottle, the notepad in a hotel room, or the cover art on an album. I love all of these little elements that make the world a more beautiful place.
JJ: Tell us a little about The Bearon and how it all started. What inspired you to start The Bearon?
CR: I started The Bearon three years ago as a freshman at Michigan. During my senior year of high school I learned a traditional Japanese silk screen process which I used to create my first shirt, The Bearon’s Peace & Love design. I was inspired to create the Peace & Love shirt from a trip I took to the United Nations in New York City where I met with groups of young people from around the world for a conference on youth education and advocacy as it relates to encouraging young people to feel inspired and get involved in global issues. From this trip I was also inspired to work closely with nonprofit organizations which receive 10% of profits from The Bearon.
JJ: What is the philosophy behind The Bearon?
CR: The Bearon is all about encouraging young people to follow their passions, to be motivated and curious, and to provide a platform for the work of creative young people.
JJ: How have you been able to balance your business and school?
CR: This is the most difficult part of running a business as a student. It was always really important to me to put my education first, but there were definitely times where that meant holding the company back from growth. However, I think that this taught me incredible time management and the importance of prioritizing. I am also incredibly lucky to have supportive friends and family who help me to send out orders and update the website when school needs to come first.
JJ: Where do you see your business in 10 years?
CR: I’m really not sure. I see my professional life developing in a lot of different ways, and while The Bearon is definitely a part of that, I’m certain that it will grow and change in ways I can’t even imagine. In the last three years alone, The Bearon has changed and developed more than I could have ever anticipated. I know that I will continue to be involved in fashion, art, and entrepreneurship, though, for my entire life.
JJ: Any advice for those who are inspired to create something, but don’t know where to start?
CR: Surround yourself with positive, hard working people. Even if you don’t share an interest in a certain industry, you can learn a lot just by listening and shadowing people who’s work you respect. Also, just start with something small. Don’t get overwhelmed by the magnitude of what you want to accomplish- the most important thing is to just start moving forward.
Special thanks to Caroline for doing this interview.
For more info on Caroline’s company, The Bearon and TEDxUof M:
~ http://tedxuofm.com – you can check out all the talks from this year’s conference
– JJ