Lena Hunt » Lena Hunt Photography

The Paraiso Riviera Maya-Paradise on Earth

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:25:24 +0000

Paraiso pool by Lena Hunt Photography

After blowing my isla bonita home on Cozumel island a kiss goodbye, I settle into a half-dream as the yellow ferry steals me away to cosmopolitan mainland town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. A trip to Playa is the BIG city trip for me because island life is so tranquil; I look forward to the hustle of “civilization”.

It’s hard for me to contain the Clampetts-move-to-Beverly-Hills excitement as island fever seems to become a part of daily life sometimes.

“Bix-a-bel!” A happy greeting, radiant smile and a flick of his straw hat and my chauffeur whisk the all-too-common black luggage to splendid Lincoln Navigator. The cold washcloth is impeccably handed to me on a silver platter (not joking!) as I select Simply Red’s CD from the music menu as we roll through lush Mayan Riviera jungle. My driver weaves tales of hidden freshwater canals and lagoons that are within the greenery. A strange animal that appears to be part raccoon and part weasel smugly smiles at me as he hides a tropical fruit. “That is a scarlet tanager, indigenous of this area, ” the driver says with pride about his homeland.

A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, Virtuoso, and the only five-diamond resort in the Riviera Maya, the Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso Spa has been home away from home for Dustin Hoffman, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, John Gallliano, and Raquel Welch. In a few minutes it will be my howe away from home. The Riviera Maya is now the fastest growing travel destination in the western hemisphere according to USA Today. The area stretches below Cancun and remains pristine. Ancient Tulum ruins hug the cliffs along the Caribbean Sea nearby and the famous national park Xel-Ha with incredibly mysterious cenotes and ancient nearly-extinct gigantic sea turtles beckon visitors to come visit.The resort was carved into the flourishing jungle and not the other way around as the area has strict regulations on maintaining the ecosystem. Unlike Cancun, which is often known as Mexico’s Las Vegas, respect for the environment requires that architecture be low keyed and to work in tune with nature.

“Bix-a-Bel, Lena!” The gatekeeper welcomes me with that same greeting. As we drive along the beautiful grounds, everyone knows my name. “Bix-a-Bel. How was your trip from the island” is said in unison this time as the resort staff nearly pulls me out of the vehicle. Cold tropical drinks with multicolored laerys, kisses, and introductions are passed around as I’m amazed at how hospitable the staff is. “We meet for twenty minutes first thing in the morning and brief everyone on each guest, where they’re coming from, their likes and dislikes, and more so that we can cater specifically to their every desire,” the manager tells me as the wonderful Isabel Mendez, Events Coordinator, navigates my method of transportation during my stay – a sparkling white golf cart. We drive along perfectly landscaped paths, which have an array of water fountains and ponds as sugar-white sandy beach sit at my right while mangroves that house endemic species of wildlife rest to my left.

Even with forest creatures as neighbors, the human creature comforts far surpassed any place I had traversed before! Draped in marble, thick luxurious fabrics, and treasures from around the world, the hacienda-style suites are named and inspired after some of the owner/architecture’s most beloved regions in the world including Bali, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Fans from Bali, furniture from Thailand, and treasures from the four corners of the Earth fill the resort. The feng shui table setting immediately catches my eye as I enter the suite. Nature competes with humans as she sings her song through what seems like a thousand exotic birds as the indoor surroundings fight for first place in grabbing my attention. The villa is equipped with technological goodies such as wifi, satellite tv , DVD and CD player. A fully stocked bar (customized per guests’ requests), Bvlgari toiletries, plush Turkish towels, sunken European marble tub, glass shower with its own mini garden, a large handwoven beach bag for her, and a welcome bottle of Tequila for him are just a few of the small details that make such a huge impression.

Private Pool by Lena Hunt Photography

My suite spills out into the Caribbean outdoors as the open terrace leads to a private pool and a can’t-help-but-sink-into outdoor daybed. Two dining areas for savoring a private breakfast or a moonlit dinner make up a very ample veranda. I ponder upon the decision of doing nothing inside or outside and come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter as long as I practice the skill of being spoiled. Yes, this skill is truly a lost art that I should not let die. With an incredible staff-to-guest ratio and nightly bed turndowns (chocolates and souvenir seashells with a unique description), this art of being spoiled should not be too difficult to practice! The owner’s dream was to create the perfect resort by taking his favorite parts from various international resorts. What he created whispers intimate elegance with glorious reflecting pools, small ponds, and worldly prizes placed throughout the entire resort. Mayan carvings, Grecian urns, Asian chairs, European rugs are just few things that were delivered from his trips around the world.

As the resort offers a hint of many flavors from around the world with its various regional themes so do the restaurants on the premises. French chef Fabrice Guisset is the artist of the flavorful menu creations. I partake of both the indoor and outdoor dining at the Kaax Restaurante which hugs the beach. Casual dining with a sprig of elegance presents me with the opportunity to try traditional dishes with a dash of untraditional thrown in. Char Grilled Beef Hamburger with Cheese, Pineapple, and Spicy Red Onion gives me the cheeseburger-in-paradise fix that I always need. With the added hit of sweet tangy pineapple and spiced-up onion slice, it’s strikes the right balance for the taste buds. For dessert, cheesecake is always a celebration in itself. Enter hazelnut and guava sauce and it becomes a tropical celebration!

The jungle mural on the restaurant wall becomes alive as parrots and other exotic life watch over me as I watch over other guests who are feasting on a very fresh and very large fish. Although quite spoiled already, I covet my neighbors’ seafood fare. When asked how they scored such a fine catch, they explained to me that they had gone on the resort’s boat for early fishing and Chef Fabrice prepared the fish exactly to their requests. This is the second time I had ever visited with the chef and yet his energy and conversation makes me feel as if I’m member of the family. “Come, look! Here is the new outdoor kitchen I’m building. The hurricane destroyed the old one so why not make it better?” He asks with a sparkle in his eye. We examine the new grill carefully as this is his piece of art.

Fresh Lobster by Lena Hunt Photography

Lunch with the sales manager is at the elegant-yet-comfortable fine dining La Canoa restaurant. Guests have the option of dining within the all-glass doors or outside. Either choice provides a breathtaking view of the sea. Chef Fabrice pops in for a few jokes and laughs. He is as invigorating and unique as his “Cuisine de los Soles” which is a fusion of flavors from equator-latitude-and-attitude countries. Caribbean lobster with a backdrop of the blue-green sea is what I savor for this meal. With two gorgeous fine dining restaurants that offer indoor and outdoor seating, a beachside grill and pool bar, the Library Bar, and private dining sprinkled throughout the resort, many options are available to guests who expect only the very best.

I see children walk by and remember reading online that parents with children (under the age of sixteen) are asked to enjoy their private time without kids in tow. However, there were a few children on the premises during my two visits. When I inquired about this, the lovely manager informed me that they will return back to that policy in January 2007 as an outstanding level of privacy and luxury is their goal for discerning guests. (I must mention that the children at the resort were wonderful.)

Evening falls and Isabel announces a very special surprise for my dinner. “Just show up at the main pool,” she says and I can hear the smile in her voice. I am alarmed to find that I had not packed a pair of heels to go with my gown. No shoes! Walking to the pool was a stressful nightmare as I am frustrated by my situation—formal gown and casual flip flops. What a dilemma! Apologetically, I explain my apparel to the waiter as I look around for my table. He simply smiles and says, “Bix-a-Bel, Lena” and reaches for my beach bag (compliments of the resort). “No shoes necessary,” he smiles and into the shallow area of the pool we go. The full moon shimmies on the water of the sea and pool as I am being swooned and serenaded by romantic mariachis in the background. Lo and behold! The dining table is in the center of the pool in its shallow level! Other guests smile gently as they watch the event of my dinner.

Swish. Swish. Swish. My waiter wades through the water and delivers a bottle of Cabernet Tempranillo Vino Tinto 2003 from Baja, CA. Swish. Swish. Swish. “A special appertif from Chef Fabrice,” he announces. Caribbean Lobster and Tender Vegetable Salad makes for a great wake-up call for my taste buds. Aromatic spices and herbs liven up traditional mayonnaise and mustard in this dish.

Swish. Swish. Swish. Tiger Shrimps arrive wearing “chopsticks” (cilantro stems). Rice pilaf plays “Hide and Seek” in a banana leaf. The dishes are as artistic and whimsical as they are tantalizing. This Thai creation’s spiciness is softened by the coconut, pineapple, and tomato. Thai creations are known for their explosions of flavors and textures and this fare delivers the crunch of fresh organic lettuces and the creaminess of the dressing. Tangy yet sweet and the little surprises continue with each bite.

Dinner in pool. Photography by Lena Hunt

Swish. Swish. Swish. With each course enters another wine from another country. My senses are happy from the sounds of the musicians behind me, the taste of delectable signature piece de resistance, the moon beam above, and my feet soaking in the water. But then happiness reaches ecstacy when swish, swish, swish, dessert alights as the grande finale. And oh what a grande finale lay before my eyes! The march of desserts consist of: Dark Chocolate Marquise (fresh strawberries carpaccio infused in ginger root), Wild Lime Pie with Smashed Buayaba, and Tequila infused with Yucatan mint, bitter cacao, and cardamon veloute, Cold White Chocolate Sabayon with Raspberry Confit, Coconut Bounty with Roasted Spicy Pineapple Bunelo, and Warm Tatin Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Sweet Mexican Green Sauce. The Chef’s touch just shines in these desserts and it is impossible to determine which one is my favorite. (And YES! I did eat them ALL!) What a glorious evening dining under the stars!

And yet another day of doing nothing finds me pool hopping. A gentleman in white linens and the infamous straw hat (a resort signature) spritzes spa seawater from an atomizer and offers a chilled washcloth from a Moroccan wood bowl at the main pool. This invigorates me for my incredible feat of rolling from one pool to the other. It’s hard work to pry oneself from a very soft, very large double chaise lounger. Perhaps I should have them deliver another chilled vino blanco or a petit four for extra energy.

The seawater pool separates from the 24,000 square foot Thalasso Center and Spa. Seawater is extracted from the ocean nearby. It is not treated in order to deliver essential minerals and elements to the human body. The seawater is warmed to provide therapeutic healing. Seawater contains all the elements that are fundamental to every life form. Thalassotherapy was developed in ancient Greek and Rome and means “to cure by the ocean”. Seawater, marine algae, and marine mud are incorporated for therapeutic treatments. Via osmosis minerals and trace elements are reloaded into the body. Some of the specific programs offered are weight loss, anti-cellulite, anti-stress, leg fatigue, holistic and cosmetic treatments. With the salt and mineral content, I literally “float” on top of the water and with a big inhalation of air, my body becomes even lighter and “floats” even higher and glides “atop” the water. Body, mind, and spirit completely drift into pure bliss.

As if I wasn’t Jell-O enough after all this pampering, it is time for a thalassotherapy treatment. Yanina Martinez, whom I had the pleasure of meeting once before, and Luis Vasquez treat me with the “Under Afusion Shower Shower Massage”, the spa’s newest Mayan fusion. A constant stream of warm seawater is rainforest-sprinkled as aromatic oils are gently applied during the massage.

Whether you want an active vacation, a romantic retreat, or a luxurious getaway, the small premier luxury hotel Paraiso de la Bonita will cater to your biggest wishes and your smallest whims. The resort offers: luxury accommodations fit for royalty and celebrities (who I’ve had the pleasure to meet), impeccable guest services, private sailing, the only Thalasso-certified spa in North America, an inspired international cuisine by French Chef Fabrice, romantic weddings and honeymoon packages, adventure tours to the Mayan ruins and water sports galore, and more. Private roundtrip transfers via Lincoln Navigator with white-glove limo service from Cancun International Airport is included.

Rooms start at $875.00 USD per night for a one-bedroom suite to $3,575.00 USD per night for the Presidential Suite (over 3,000 square feet). The amenities and activities are endless. The luxury cannot be put into words. The service is unimaginable. A bilingual staff member will assist you and he or she may be reached at:

Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso

Carretera Chetumal Cancun, Km 328, SM 31

Bahia Petempich

Puerto Morelos, Q. Roo, Mexico 77580

Tel: +52 (998) 872 8300 / Fax: +52 (998) 872 8301

Come enjoy a private retreat or an adventure getaway at Paraiso de la Bonita, a most exclusive resort where the most discerning tastes are satisfied. If you don’t believe me, ask Dustin Hoffman or Ricky Martin. I will see you soon in the Mayan Riviera and oh, “Bix-a-Bel!” is the Mayan greeting for “Hello. How are you?”

Learn more about the Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso Spa, a personal favorite for many spoiled reasons.

Tampa Bay Fashion Week makes a huge fashion statement

admin — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:20:04 +0000

Orange Designer Gown Lena Hunt Photography

It should have been a sign that Tampa Bay would be making a huge fashion statement on one of my many trips to Florida, coming home with (surprise, surprise) fur-lined snow boots and amazingly warm and stylish winter coats at extremely low prices.  Go figure. Winter wear from Florida? Who knew.

A few years ago I was offered a writing position for a luxury watch magazine. “There’s no fashion in the Tampa Bay area. Miami, maybe but not this side of the state,” I was told when I mentioned my new job. Even after I visited the luxury watch magazine’s office based in Clearwater, I myself started to wonder if there would be much fashion coming out of the West Coast of Florida.

In all fairness to the ones who said there was no fashion on the Gulf side of Florida, yeah this area really wasn’t known for being fashion forward and it was not known for producing many designs that would set the nation stepping its fashionable foot forward.

Yet time has ticked, ticked away and designers, makeup artists, stylists, fashion editors, writers, photographers, the area’s local residents and even those in the fashion scene from other states were not only dreaming, they were putting their passion into action.

Enter Fashion Week Tampa Bay with Nancy Vaughn and her entourage to blaze the trail and set Tampa Bay on the fashion map forever. Now all the coat-lugging that I did all these years can be found on the runways. Maybe I had more of a fashion sense then I knew!

An enormous white tent was set up riverside at the historic Tampa Armature Works location. This made for a unique setup because the Armature was a place where mining equipment and machinery were repaired. It was a surreal setting as it was a fusion of glam plus industry along a lazy river on Riverview. Beautiful, shiny new automobiles by the main sponsor Audi Clearwater sparkle against the rustic industrial buildings’ interior and exterior, Audi reps in polished black suit and tie, and a mix of Florida’s A-List mixing with the press made for a real live magazine photo shoot. Cameras clicked, clicked, clicked and video cameras rolled all evening as the media-infested event carried on.

I was able to sit back and enjoy the drinks and extras as I had VIP seating while my photographers did an amazing job of capturing everything that was happening in front of our eyes and the eyes of the cameras.

Showcasing mixed designs and styles for different occasions, this year’s designers mixed casual with glam. Luxury with everyday. Polished, smooth fabrics, sequins and dazzle, everyday and extravagant bikinis, glammed-out fantasy loungewear and lingerie, dream wedding dresses, military-inspired every day outfits, dazzling flowing fabric gowns, custom design pill box hats and military mixed with couture hats, and even a rhinestone-studded spandex swimwear found itself walking down the runway.
Men are people too and they need to be decked out as well. Imaginations were well crafted onto garments that will set the pace for Spring 2011.

As I had attended all the events before the runway show, I had a chance to do my own little mingling with all those involved in Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Parties at Clearwater Audi, a charity event at Neiman Marcus, and more led to additional birthday parties and brunches. Lunch with a designer at the The Cheesecake Factory led to some custom hats which were designed by Neva Durham of Divas Joy, especially for my upcoming trips to NYC and Miami.

A hilarious karoake birthday party at some of Florida’s A-list also led me to more rubbing shoulders with the designers and models. One designer who attended the birthday party is Audrey “Pat” McGhee. Her urban couture clothing rocked the house, I mean, the tent on the night of the runway show. Future brunch appointments with stylists and a fashion show at an art gallery are just a few of the upcoming events that came out of this one special week. Thanks, TBFW.

The music that was pumping during the evening was just as creative and varied as the designers’ creations. From tropical to rock to a sick version of “Sweet Dreams are Made of This” (my personal favorite), Fashion Week Tampa Bay guests were well entertained. The refreshments, free gifts, and excitement kept right up with the models that were cat-walking down the runway one after the other. It was an intense evening; a cranking up the fashion notch by several levels that I’m sure will be topped during next year’s event.  With two new makeovers, a bag of goodies from the event, hundreds of photos, new friends, a pile of business cards for more amazing networking, and a collection of custom made hats I have an even greater appreciation for the fashion scene. This was all possible due to Tampa Bay Fashion Week.

The only thing that I could have asked for (which I’m sure will be created soon) is an automated way to purchase the outfits that I wanted as it was brisking by. And no sooner than I can finish typing this last sentence, my new friend, owner of a modeling agency and also a programmer whose wife is a model, tells me that he has been working on creating such a device.  This year’s events were a huge hit as it offered something for everyone. Whether you’re more conservative or more glitzy in your fashion, whether you’re there for the charity or there to grab the hottest fashion to hit the market, Tampa Bay Fashion Week offered something special. Bravo! A standing ovation to you, Tampa Bay, as you have permanently become THE perfect accessory for the Miami and NYC fashions and making yourself a permanent fixture on USA’s fashion map. See you with your new title on Google Maps!

Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg, Florida

admin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:15:24 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Lyndsay Edelstein
305-814-2367
Festivals of Speed

Festivals of Speed Partners with the Florida Power Boat Club for 2011 Return to St. Petersburg

St. Pete, FL Festivals of Speed

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (January, 2011) – Festivals of Speed is expanding the annual high-end automotive event weekend in St. Petersburg. The 8th Annual Festivals of Speed St. Pete, will return April 1-3 with the best in luxury lifestyle as well as an increased display of rare vintage & contemporary aircraft, exotic cars, custom-created motorcycles, and high performance boats and yachts.

“Thanks to the tremendous success and local support we had in 2010, we will be expanding the main event area to include a yacht hop and powerboat showing, as well as an additional display area for exotic vintage and contemporary vehicles” stated Joe Sabatini, the founder and CEO of the Festivals of Speed. “We are also pleased to announce a partnership with The Florida Powerboat Club to amplify the display for event goers and participants”.

The Festivals of Speed weekend will once again begin with the Luxury Lifestyle Jet Port Reception set for April 1. The evening, staged in an actual aircraft hangar, will showcase the world’s finest in aircraft, art displays, watercraft, and automobiles for a lavish reception.

The main event on Sunday, April 3 will be held in beautiful North Straub Park, and expand into Spa Beach and The Renaissance Vinoy Marina in Downtown St. Petersburg. Featured will be an extremely rare, multi-million dollar display of vehicles, a salute to the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type, motorcycles, and watercraft. Also, to heighten the day, there will be a Yacht Hop and Display as well as a Poker Run and Powerboat showing hosted by The Florida Power Boat Club. Collectors and guests will also enjoy luxury lifestyle displays from our sponsors while reveling in live entertainment, fine wines, champagnes, and culinary delights. Guests who appreciate the VIP lifestyle can purchase tickets to a beautiful pavilion section to indulge in an array of fine foods and premium alcohol.

Tickets for the Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg receptions and Sunday main event VIP pavilion can be purchased in advance at www.festivalsofspeed.com. Sunday main event general admission tickets, are available either online or onsite at North Straub Park April 3.

About Festivals of Speed
Headquartered in Eustis, Florida, Festivals of Speed was founded as the ultimate luxury lifestyle showcase for discerning enthusiasts with a passion for all forms of transportation. With a series of extremely special events scheduled throughout the year, Festivals of Speed joins the very best in automotive, aircraft, marine and motorcycle transportation with the finest culinary, wine, spirits, and fashion for the ultimate luxury experience. For more information, please visit www.festivalsofspeed.com or telephone 352-385-9450.

Press Release

Why is “It’s a Wonderful Life” so popular?

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:55:06 +0000

“It’s a Wonderful Life” remains to be one of the top Christmas movies year after year. Why does it remain so popular? Well, I believe that the life of George and Mary Bailey, played by James Stewart and Donna Reed, still resembles the joys and struggles of America. With our current economy crisis, I believe that it portrays the American Dream even more now.

Like George, many of us have dreams and ambitions and work toward these as much as we can and yet these are usually pushed aside for the most urgent such as family needs, work, and responsibilities. These aren’t bad in and of themselves as they do contribute to things we love, having a focus and a drive, and meet the basic necessities of life. They can provide both intrinsic and extrinsic value.

However, situations can get out of control and, like George, it seems that sometimes you work and you work and yet things just keep piling up. The bills keep adding up, the children get sick, and the relationship that you dreamed about isn’t how it used to be. It can be easy to wonder why all you want is a decent job so that you can earn a living and you can’t even have that or how can it be so tough just to make it in this world?

Especially during the holidays, the emotions and questions of tough times can be more intense. Like George Baily, we question many things when one thing after the other happens. In the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” George has a car accident and drives into a tree, which only adds to his surmounting problems. He questions why he was even born and contemplates suicide and thinks that with the value of his life insurance policy, he is worth more dead than alive.

I’m sure that many of you have felt this way when the pressure keeps rising and all you do is work and struggle. I’ve never contemplated suicide yet I do run into times when I wonder how can it be so hard just to have the bare necessities in life. I question the American Dream at times.

Returning to the holiday classic movie, George runs into Clarence, his guardian angel (played by Henry Travers). Clarence is the perfect human angel as he doesn’t appear as a gleaming beautiful angel all shiny and sparkling and untouchable. He is an everyday fellow who looks ordinary and as if he completely understands. Clarence is not your typical storybook angel. He shows George what life and his little town would have been like had it not been for George. As these things were being revealed to him he sees the truth, the blessings, and the things that he could not focus on as he was so heavily focusing on the negative.

He prays for forgiveness and is granted his wish with much grace. George suddenly appreciates the “little” things which all along have been the big things and realizes that he indeed does have a wonderful life.

We can all relate to this. How often have we had to get to a certain point or something tragic had to happen for us to realize how we have forgotten that we are already truly blessed? How often have we focused on the things that will never be satisfied, can never be met, and will drive us to insanity? Then when our lives get so out of balance, something dramatic happens (maybe not an angel in pajamas) but the small or large miracles that reveal to us that we do indeed have many blessings and that it is truly a wonderful life.

When it comes to shooting sunset photographs, timing is everything.

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:54:18 +0000

When it comes to catching that very special sunset moment on camera, timing is everything. Here are some tips for taking shots during those stunning times so that you can leave little room for, “Pictures just don’t do justice”:

Only a few rare times in life do you get that perfect sunset shot naturally without any effort whatsoever. In most cases, some planning and timing must be involved.

Planning is the key to everything.

Determine what time the sun will set and keep an eye on the weather too.

Allow enough time to get there and to set up your equipment.

Look for the best spot to set up, test your equipment, and prefocus.

Determine your subject and set your camera in the right mode. I.e., if you are shooting a moving subject such as a jobber, keep your camera on the continuous mode drive.

Isolate your subject by finding the biggest section in the frame and then isolating it there.

Allow some time after sunset as some of the best “action” and colors happen after the sun goes down.

The WRITE way to get your photographs the attention they deserve.

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:50:08 +0000

We spend so much time on our photography from loading up our equipment, getting to our destination, and editing the shots in order to get the attention of the ones who view our photos. And, yes, a picture does speak a million words BUT in the digital world, which is loaded with photos and videos bombarding us, how do we stand above the pile of pictures? By truly telling the stories with caption and a short blog or description.

A flowing stream in the mountains can be enhanced by telling the story of the brisk air, jumping fish, and how long it took to wait on just the right sunlight. An amazing castle photograph can speak even more with a history of the royal families who once dwelled within its halls. A simple flower picture is painted more graphically by giving the name of the flora and perhaps the meaning of the name. Also, if you’re going to put your photograph online, those words can drive your photos, blog site, and websites up the search engines. This is a win-win situation: to be user friendly and have search engine visibility.

A real life success story. A real life recommendation.

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:46:47 +0000

Many people ask me why I don’t write fiction. “Because all of life is a story,” is my answer. Without the actual experience, this recommendation could not have been written in the way that only real life can tell it. My recommendation of my Consultant Daniel Stoica:

“I’m so frustrated. I am working on an all-commission basis for two companies and I’m supporting this specific cause. I’m spending twelve hours per day, six days a week, and even a few hours on Sundays and getting nowhere! On top of that, sales are extremely low due to the economy yet the result of my work are obvious such as ads being placed in print and online magazines, banners are all over various sites, and back-end linking are being created but I’m not getting income because I’m on all commission.” I told Daniel Stoica. He could hear my frustration over the phone.

My new Consultant, Daniel created a word picture so that I could see my life’s scenario in my mind’s eye. “Okay, imagine three circles and each represents your various business endeavors. One is for this company. One stands for the other company. The last one stands for the cause where you donate your time and efforts. Each circle also has to do with luxury, or in other words, things that are more desired in a better economy. Now I’m drawing a big circle around the three smaller circles. This big circle represents Lena. You are working on all three yet none of them belong to you. You’re spending all this time without pay to build someone else’s business. Not only that, you’re promoting things that aren’t really that needed right now.” Daniel told me quite honestly and I listened very intently.

He asked me what my passion is and said he already knew and had it written down. “My passion is writing, photography, creating artwork, designing and sewing, creative marketing. It is fitness and traveling.” I went on to describe the things I truly enjoy. “Those are parts or factors of your passion but what is your passion?”

I searched my heart. it took a few minutes because I kept coming up with favorite interests and hobbies. Then suddenly, it came to me although my gut instinct had been nudging my mind to pay attention. “OH! I know my passion! Whether I’m jogging on the beach or writing a magazine feature, I do everything with such creativity, I have to say that my passion is to be intensely creative.”

“Exactly!” my Consultant exclaimed. After that enlightening conversation, in a month’s time he helped me to revamp my love and experience for writing, photography, marketing, public relations, and people skills into a business that is mine and that will help others in a time when people are needing to network. Business networking is the new revolution as people turn to this form of connecting to find jobs and to reach their business goals.

“Celebritize You,” said Daniel. And this is how CelebritizeYou.com and Lena’s working on something for Lena was born. I assist others in redoing their profiles and digital presence. I help them find the right words and use SEO web copy and writings to get the attention of their target audience (user friendly) and to climb the search engines (search engine visibility).

Celebritize You allows me to assist others in their success. By taking my passion (which I have been doing as a writer, photographer, and creative marketing expert) and creating a niche, the phone is ringing again and the e-mails are coming in.

Having Daniel Stoica as my full time Consultant has changed my work from a daily frustration to a daily joy of looking forward to helping others meet their goals as I meet mine. It makes all the difference in the world when my passion is my profession!

By Lena Hunt

Turn your passion into your profession.

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:45:50 +0000

Why settle for clocking in and clocking out doing what you’re told to do and when to take coffee breaks and lunch breaks? Why work night and day only to long for some free time when you can play your guitar, travel the world, or tear apart that computer to see how it’s built? Why wait for some day to do what you really want to do? I had decided over ten years ago that seeing the world, taking shots of my trips, and writing about the great time that I spent with my family would be my profession. I gave myself a goal of six months. It happened in two. By submitting a short article that I had written about a recent trip to a Caribbean island, my article was published within the first week of submission and began a decade-long journey of making my passion of travel writing into my profession.

Now I have a full-time Consultant who guides me throughout my business endeavors to help me to continue on the the path of turning my passion into my profession. Regardless of the various business ventures that I come upon, Daniel Stoica insures that what I do professionally will always be done passionately. It’s a WORLD of difference when you have someone who makes it his passion to turn your passion into your profession.