Archive for category: Member

Francesco Di Maio, Founder of Italian Men’s Magazine Uomo Moderno lives in Philadelphia but works a lot in New York – and attends our events here in Manhattan.

Franceso, please tell us about yourself?

My family and I are from an island in the Bay of Naples (Italy), which is called Ischia (pronounced eess key ya). Often referred to as the “Emerald Island,” Ischia is situated next to the island of Capri. Interestingly, after being DNA tested our family dates back thousands of years to the Arabs of Yemen and the Phoenicians (current day Lebanon).

How long have you been a member and involved in EuroCircle?

I have been involved with EuroCircle since the spring of this year (2014).

What is Uomo Moderno Magazine, how did you start it, and what is Uomo Moderno’s Mission?

Uomo Moderno, which means ‘modern man’ in Italian, is the first and only men’s fashion and lifestyle magazine that features exclusively “contemporary Italy,” covering Italy’s fashion, décor, music, sports, cuisine, travel, and more. The magazine is designed to teach the true essence of living in style as it uses modern-day Italy as an example—hence the complete title and tagline Uomo Moderno, Living in Italian Style.

A combination of factors motivated me to launch this new adventure. Over the years I had been deeply saddened by Italy’s economic collapse, which prevented me from establishing a lasting career in the country. Secondly, the misconceptions and stereotypes of Italy (especially Italian Americans) greatly discouraged me. Finally, the prevalent lack of style among men in the United States stirred me to decisive action!

uomo magazine

How long have you been involved in the fashion industry?

I have been increasingly involved in the fashion industry for over 20 years.

What has been the best thing you have done so far in your career?

Before I entered the world of fashion, I was working in international development. I spent 15 years in underdeveloped countries, improving education systems, fighting for human rights and democracy, and launching small businesses for young people.

What makes Italy so special?

I think all countries and people are special. I have a deep love and appreciation of all countries and cultures. Nevertheless, what probably sets Italy apart is history of design in most every field.

What time of year is the best to visit Italy and what are the must see places when visiting there?

Generally speaking, the best times to visit Italy are early spring and early autumn. There are so many amazing destinations in Italy that deciding on where to go and what to see really depends on the personal interests of the visitor.

What places do you like best in NYC and why: any favorite cafes, restaurants?

I love the smaller neighborhoods and back streets of New York, as well as the tiny cafes and restaurants that are tucked away within them. Each time I visit, I try to explore another area of the city.

How can people get in touch with you?

People can write to me, Francesco, at info (at) uomo-moderno (dot) com. They can also check out the website at www.uomo-moderno.com.

I am fascinated with startups since Gary and I started DilogR. When I found out that Kuki and Laura had moved from Madrid, Spain to Austin, TX to run their company here I was fascinated – and wanted to feature them immediately. So many people dream about living in Spain – and they moved to Texas.

Please introduce yourselves.

I’m Juan Luis Bastos but everybody calls me Kuki. I was born in Oegstgeest – a little town in Holland – but we moved to Madrid when I was 1 year old. I was raised in Madrid (Spain).

I’m Laura Megías, I was born and raised in Madrid as well. I studied Law and have Masters degree in Marketing and Commercial Management. I have always worked in marketing( business), the last few years focusing on the Internet.

When and why did you move to the USA and left Spain?

We moved from Madrid to Austin one year ago (2013). We did it for several reasons.
A family “challenge” was something we wanted to take on. We wanted to live in another country to experience how it is to live immersed in another culture. We have a daughter and a son (14 and 11 years old) whom we would like to grow up bilingual. We feel this is the best gift we can give them.
As entrepreneurs, we have to find the best business opportunities – and those opportunities carried us to Austin.

What do you enjoy most about the USA/Austin ? After a year you have a bit more experience, how’s the quality of life compared to other US cities, Spain or NL you may know?

USA is a huge country but in general what we enjoy the most, is the feeling that things are easier for people. There isn’t so many administrative steps to follow for everything and for example the companies don’t have to pay so many taxes when they are starting like in Spain.
Austin compered to Madrid is a small city – we like that. Everybody complains about the traffic, but it can be worse believe us! On the other hand, we have to say that the public transportation in Madrid is excellent, and you can move everywhere by Subway or bus.

Kuki: There is a huge problem with the new people moving to USA that I faced – Credit score. In our countries we are people with loans, credits, mortgages and a (good) reputation, but here in USA you don’t even exist until 1 or 1 year and a half. Your past does not matter – even if you bring a letter from your previous banks etc

Usually there are some negatives, what are the ones for Austin that really stand out for you personally

We are impressed with the music selection that Austin offers. Almost every week there are some nice concert/s. But we miss painting and sculpture exhibitions of relevance. If you want to see something very nice you usually have to take a trip to Dallas or Houston.

Austin is in the middle of Texas, so it’s far far away from other interesting cities/states we want to visit on short weekend trips.

Do you feel Austin is a good place for you as an entrepreneur right now? Are there any areas expats like you might like in the USA in your opinion better than Austin. WHY?

I only can say good things about Austin as an entrepreneur right now! We found the people and the funds to build a fantastic project. Obviously Silicon Valley is THE place for startups. However, it is expensive, the competition is huge and we discovered a lot of people from California and NY moving to Austin. Austin is a very hot place for startups right now.

Which are the best places/suburbs to live in Austin as an expat in your experience?

We chose Southwest Austin because we were looking for quality public schools, and we are happy there. It is a green area with many parks and sports area, and the neighbors are young and professional.

Do you go out a lot – hobbies? Or is everything about work/home right now?

Laura: I go to the gym – and I like to do Yoga and do some biking. Our son plays soccer with Lone Star and I drive him twice a week to practice. Our daughter Claudia loves drawing and photography.

We also like to visit new places like water holes, Wimberley etc….

Kuki: I’m trying to do some biking and swim at lunch time everyday. I love crafting, and Austin is also the city for crafting and recycling. I re-discovered working with wood: tables, coffee tables and also I love iPhone photography. I’m experimenting with some inventions I made as accessories for taking pictures, lens, etc

What’s the cost of living compared to other cities you are familiar with? What is cheap or expensive in particular?

Electricity and gas are cheaper here, restaurants are a little bit cheaper as well. In Spain you have buy the school books even if your children go to a public school, here the state pays for it. On the other hand the college it’s much more expensive than in Spain.

What it is really expensive here is health care. We don’t feel that health care is just business. That is what health care is for most companies here, business! You must be very careful if you don’t want to bankrupt yourselves if something goes wrong.

Did you think it is easy meeting people/other startups and making friends in Austin?

Kuki: For me Austin is a city for connecting people. I always find people that know people who are doing something related to my project. That’s how we started here.

Tell us about your company?

Wake App is a company that started focused is design and develop mobile apps for music, entertainment and Health. Sounds like Yamaha Corporation that make pianos and motorcycles 😉 We are not developers, we are designers, thinkers and creatives with a very special way of thinking. We developed some very successful apps in Spain. We were finalist at SXSW interactive 2014 with N by Jorge Drexler, a combinatory music app.

How about getting funding/banking?

We found the partners and the funds to develop a super secret new product related to chid’s education. I can’t say more… just http://www.kidu.com

What are your favorite restaurants/bars in Austin – why?

Best pad thai: Tai Passion (unfortunately is closing soon)
Best carbonara: Congress and 3rd
Best Fish tacos: Turf N’ Surf Po Boy

Kuki at LindedIn
Kuki at Twitter
Kuki at Facebook
www.wakeapp.com
www.kidu.com

Laura at Facebook
EuroCircle Austin Facebook GROUP

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Wednesday, Jan 20 2016
We are very saddened when we heard the news on Laura’s death yesterday. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Please let us know anything we can do for you just to help you cope with this difficult situation.
Our love and sympathy to you and your family, Kaisa & Gary – EuroCircle Family

Please introduce yourself.

My documented name is Alireza Shabankareh Bandari, but the name that most people know me by that is Kambiz Shabankare. I was born in Iran/ Tehran 1973. My my mom’s parents were refugees from Russia after Second World War. My grandma has been telling me stories about the difficulties they had faced under communist/Stalinist admiration in Russia, plus not being welcomed in a country, Iran, that they tried to seek safety in there.
I studied Mechanical Engineering (1995) and Theater (2007) in Iran. My career as a journalist began in 1996 in a literary magazine. I switched to social issues and politics in 2000.
I started my work as a photographer in 1987 in a small photo studio and meantime acting in theater. All of these led me to huge change in my life. In 1997 I received my first offer to work in a TV show as casting manager, writer and actor. This became an open door to the film industry. In 2000 I started to switch from a portrait and landscape photographer to photojournalist, which all these changes together, made me papered for my future career as a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. My first feature film was 2005’s, Tehran 25 O’clock that, because of its sensitive subject, was banned by Iranian national TV and all copies and footage were collected by law enforcement. And this was beginning of future bans on my movies, poems and short stories.
My first arrest happened in 1999 during the student protest in Tehran.

When and why did you move to the USA/left your country?

I left my country in late 2008 after the presidential election in 2009. The pressure on journalists, filmmakers, and activists became intolerable. Especially for those, who like me, had been imprisoned before. I had no safe place to stay. Spending few days in a friend’s house and then in other friend’s house, and finally there was nowhere to hide so I used the opportunity to travel from one city to another, to remain safe and also having the chance to talk to people and make them aware of the country’s situation. Through my words I became a mobile newspaper, and I became the subject of life a documentary without being able to film it.
My family was scared and exhausted by my situation, and I had no chance but going to prison or leaving the country, so my friends and family convinced me to the second one.
I went to Tajikistan, after few months it became dangerous for me, due to the relationship between Iran and Tajikistan, and then I left to Emirates, Jordan, and India. Some human rights and journalist protection organizations like CPJ advised me that Turkey will be a better option because they actually could help me better if I would move there.
I spent less than two years in there, and then UNHCR sent me to the United States in August 2011.

What do you enjoy most about the USA/Austin, now when you have more experience, how’s the quality of life compared to other US cities or Turkey/Iran?

People have different opinions about the cities this doesn’t make any city best or worst; it’s just based on different opinions. Austin is a nice city and not very crowded. But for me is not exactly the city that I can imagine myself in. I am coming from cold and rainy weather, so the hit in Texas makes it hard to adapt myself. Also difficulty of traveling in the United Sates especially, by public bus is another problem I have been dealing with. I love using public transportation for daily purpose, and also taking bus to go from one city to another. I have been doing this most of my life but here, in U.S, everybody has a car, so people fly from one town to another, and people don’t have much time to sit down and talk. These are kind of values that I used to have in my life.
But overall, Austin compares with many southern cities in the United States is much better, for someone like me. It is more liberal and less expensive to live.

Americans are very proud to say they are the most democratic country in the world – you have lived in countries like Iran and Turkey which at this point are probably both (Turkey much less) somewhat scary and mostly very unknown countries to most Americans. Do you feel comfortable telling us what are the best/worst issues as far as democracy and human rights go in all these 3 countries are in your view and from your perspective?

America is not much different than Iran or Turkey or other countries that they use democracy as tool for propaganda. Racism, domestic violence, gender discrimination, and etc. are the facts that exist in this country, plus this country is greatest consumer of child/sex trafficking and organ trafficking.
American government supports terrorism as much as Iran or Russia does. The meaning of freedom in this country has been twisted by government as much as in Iran, Turkey, China, and Russia. If I want to be honest, this country is a dictatorship – not a democratic country, dictatorship of corporations, parties, and in some case white males.
As a non-white person you can see discrimination and racism in some aspect. I have had this experience. Searching my luggage at the gate under the claim of random search while the airplane had 200 passengers and that random search only applied to me, or even couple of times that I tried online dating. When the girls understood I am from Middle East, it was a huge turn off for them. It doesn’t feel good.
I am a journalist, so I pay attention to people’s behavior. If you try to see, you will find many attitudes that can be interpreted as racism or discrimination. But one of the reasona that people ignore it, is because, unfortunately some Americans, have wrong definition about racism. They think calling an Iranian, or Afghan, an Arab has nothing to do with racism or discrimination. They feel telling you that “bring me some Iranian girls” is not offensive, but it is.
I respect my Arab friends but the fact is I am not Arab – just as much as they are not Iranians. We are different nations with some similarities but many differences.

How do feel about ISIS and their success having seen their beheading videos – ultimate social media usage – in TV?

I don’t appreciate any kind of violation of human rights. Any kind of genocide or violence is something that I was fighting against my entire life. I lost my country and my family because of that and nothing stops me from speaking out when it comes to human rights.
But we need to be smart; ISIS, Al-Qaida, or other terrorist groups couldn’t exist without support from world powers. People in the world suffer from lack of humanity in governments like Russia, United States, Iran, China and etc. they play people, they destroy life for mere economic or political benefits.
We need to ask where ISIS got its weapons. The first and greatest financial support for ISIS came from Saudi Arabia, and isn’t Saudi Arabia America’s ally? All, the weapons Saudi Arabia has, are made in USA. So let’s not to blame Iraqis or Muslims for what is happening right now in the Middle East.
People in many countries have been victim of tyranny by other countries like those I mentioned. What is happening in Iraq and Syria is just a conflict between Iran, Russia and USA and none of the try to be there for the benefit of people.

You have suffered for being outspoken, been imprisoned for your opinions? I think for most people you meet in Austin cannot imagine being unable to disagree with someone without endangering yourself. Why did you do it and how did you get the courage to do that? I always feel ridiculous when people say well I would never have obeyed Hitler. Very easy to say but maybe not as easy to do when you know the result may be death, torture or prison. I rather would say I hope I’d find a way to resist and survive in one piece – mentally and physically?

I can tell you in one word – responsibility. I believe, we as humans are responsible for each other and for the society. I believe a human being never can be in peace while another human being is suffering. If my neighbor suffers, I am responsible. Remaining silent doesn’t make me better that someone who makes others suffer. And taking this responsibility has consequences that we pay to have better society.
You won’t believe if I say I didn’t feel pain when they were torturing me in prison, because I had the picture of a child who lives in a great society in my mind.
I remember when I was a kid, my oldest aunt (my mom’s sister) once told me “Gandhi was not special, neither was Malcolm X- anybody can be Gandhi or Malcolm X, he just needs to love people and value the comfort of the entire world over your temporary personal desire.”
My aunt was imprisoned and tortured several times during the Shah’s administration in Iran. I understood what she said, I believed it, I lived it and I try to teach it to others.

What do you think the most American Muslims feel about the current situation in the Middle East? (Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, and Africa)

As you know I am not Muslim. However, I have many Muslim friends and colleagues who don’t appreciate fundamentalism, as much as they don’t appreciate the American or Iranian Diplomacy toward the region as well. USA accuses Muslims, all Muslims of being terrorists. Just watch all the movies that have been made especially in recent years, and Iran is using the religion as a tool for its own purpose which has nothing to do with peace in the region. Muslim people are peaceful as much as people in other religions, the problem is not people. Problem is government and their propaganda and the media in many countries.

Do you feel Austin is a good place for you as a creative freelancer right now? Are there any areas expats like you might like in the USA in your opinion better than Austin (entrepreneurs/startups)? WHY?

Austin is a nice city; I have met some great people here, but it is not an ideal place for someone like me. Austin wants someone who can shut up and live his/her life. I can’t do that. There are two aspects that make it impossible for me to be a part of this city or any cities in the United States: capitalism and individualism. I can’t imagine myself feeling comfortable while the personal desire goes above the value of a society. We live together, humans built the societies together and I am responsible for other human being.

How would you rate the public transport? What are the different options? Do you need to own a car?

I can say it’s really bad. It’s totally unreliable and so expensive. Anybody who has lived in other countries, especially Europe, can see the difference. I heard that the condition of public transportation is bad, because they try to make the giant car companies happy. I don’t know it is true or not, although makes total sense, but if it is true, it’s a shame.
For three years, I tried to not to have a car but it was impossible to do my job, so I have finally surrendered and bought one. It’s like the society forces you to do that.

Do you go out a lot – hobbies? Or is everything about work right now?

No, unfortunately I don’t go out much, first because I don’t have much time, and second, I didn’t have much good experience with people in this town. Some attitudes made me uncomfortable and I decided to not to experience those attitudes any more.

What’s the cost of living compared to other cities you are familiar with? What is cheap or expensive in particular?

Austin compared to many cities in the United States is much cheaper but still cost of living compare to some other countries , especially Europe, is high.

What are the locals like; do you feel you mix mainly with other expats?

I tried but some expats I met have been Americanized. Some deny the quality of life in their country. Call me oldfashioned, but I believe in roots. I am a proud of my Iranian background, and I have Russian “roots” as well.I believe those made me who I am. I cannot say that every single person is like that, there some people that still believe in the value of the countries that they are coming from, despite all the difficulties in those countries, so I was able to make some friends.

Did you think it is easy meeting people/other startups and making friends in Austin?

Yes it is easy and this is one of the great things about Austin.

What’s the economic climate like in Austin, how would you compare it to the other cities you know of? Why? How does the work culture/life style differ from other countries you have lived in?

As I said earlier, compared to some other cities in the United States, Austin is much better. However, your success is still measured by the money you make. I believe that’s nonsense. This is a capitalistic culture. According to this measure, Van Gogh was not successful at all.

Did you have any misconceptions about the USA or Texas that have turned out to be super wrong….or vice versa, you thought something will be great and it is exactly the other way around?

Before coming to USA I had a good knowledge of the country – I was almost right on target.

Do you think your career (business) would be the same in Iran/Turkey – or does this work better for you? Either way, please explain more.

I could be more successful in almost any country, than I am trying to be in US. The problem is here the culture doesn’t appreciate the experience you have in the past. It means you have to start from where you have started years ago, which is frustrating. The hiring system also is wrong. Getting hired most of the time has nothing to do with your expertise. It’s important how you can “sell” yourself through the interview process. In some cases, a liar who speaks better, has a greater chance than someone who actually knows how to do the job.Perception mean more than reality!

What are your favorite restaurants/bars in Austin – why ? If you know of any great Turkish/Iranian restaurant we would love to know as I love Turkish food.

There are some places that I love. The first is The Russian House. I like its design, it’s almost look like the house I grew up in (furniture, Russian Dolls, Samovar and etc.). I have to mention their food that tastes like my mom’s. Being there is like being at home.
Then Is Intercontinental Stephen F. bar and restaurant, which is a place to have a great time – food and environment and design is wonderful. I love Mozart Café, Café Medici, and Aviary Décor. All of them are great places to have a coffee as well good for a conversation or reading a book.

Is there any advice you would like to offer new expat arrivals or contemplating a move to Austin – especially for a startup/entrepreneurs/freelancers??

Not really, just keep up a great job, never give up and value honesty, and yourself as a human being, share love and try to not to judge anybody.

Is there anyone/group that you would like to connect within the European community – who would they/it be?

I love art, classical music, literature, philosophy and serious conversation over politics so any groups that provide these opportunities are my deep interests.

Connect with Kambiz:

Kambiz at Facebook
www.shabankare.com
Kambiz at LinkedIn

 

Matilda is an Art Dealer from Sweden that lives with her husband and children in New York. She has also modeled at some of the EuroCircle fashion shows in the past.

Tell us about yourself, please?

My name is Matilda Herdland. I am from Uppsala, Sweden. My whole family live back in Sweden these days. My father lived and worked in New York for over 10 years, but is now back in Sweden. I am married and have two wonderful daughters.

How long have you been a member of EuroCircle?

I have been a member of Eurocircle since 2007.

How long have you been in New York?

I moved to New York from San Francisco with my husband in October 2002

When did you start working as an Art Dealer?

A good friend of mine, introduced me to the Painter, Marita Killian Engelcrona 5 years ago.

What do you love the best about working in Art?

The joy of meeting interesting people everyday and being introduced to new Artists and their work.

Can you share with us any highlights, achievements you have reached during your career in Art?

I had an exhibition at the Swedish church in New York that really caught peoples eyes.

Can you tell us more about what you do in the Art World?

I do a couple of exhibitions each year. The most recent one was at Fika, a Swedish cafe in midtown.

Workwise – how do you see Europeans being different from Americans – also culturally, what stands out in your chosen profession?

The Swedish people have a high work standard but are custom to take regular coffee breaks called, fika even at some of the big companies. As an Art Dealer I think I have been able to take advantage of my International background and multiple language knowledge.

Can you share any Art tips for our members on what to look for when buying art?

Trust your personal taste if you don’t like it don’t invest just because it’s a famous piece.

Who is your favorite artist and why?

My favorite artist is by far Edgar Degas, as he captured movement in his paintings of ballet dancers and horses.
One of my favorite is “At the Races”.

Do you try to go back to Europe every year? The language and the culture are different than in New York. What is home for you outside the US, What do you miss the most – and the least?

I go back usually once a year, mostly in the summer time.
New York has become my home now after living her for 12 years.
What I miss the most about my Stockholm, Sweden is probably the lack of people sometimes if you arrive at Arlanda, (Airport outside of Stockholm) and it’s very empty. Your first thought is have something happened, like did they find a something suspicious and had to evacuate the place.

I also miss the Swedish Au Natural yoghurt with Swedish granola for breakfast. Then Swedish candy, even though you can find that now in New York

When is the best time of year to visit Sweden in your opinion and how often do you go back?

Visit Sweden in the summer and take advantage of visiting the Archipelago outside of Stockholm. The Crayfish traditions in mid August are also fun to be part of.

When you think about life in Europe vs USA before you moved to the USA – did you have misconceptions that turned out to be wrong?

As I had received a scholarship to attend a college for one year straight after high school I was familiar with the cultural. I also visited my father frequently before moving to New York.

What would you like anyone know and appreciate about your country? (food, music, culture, people, history….)

The Swedish nature and freedom to visit any beaches or old buildings that has so much history to offer.
For example the apartment where I stay in when I’m in Stockholm is over 100 years old. It doesn’t have an elevator, but there is a beautiful staircase.

The Swedish fresh fish and less sugary bread, pickled herring is something to try when visiting.
In the summer the offer a lots of free outside concerts, theater and ballet that you just have to show up for.

What places do you like best in NYC and why..any favorite cafes, restaurants?

My favorite places in the city are all the new and old rooftops lounges. VicRoy, Opia, Surrey to mention a few. Some favorite restaurants lately are: General Assembly, upscale service and excellent food, The newly renovated Boat House for brunch. Locally I like restaurant Il Melograno in Hell’s Kitchen for their excellent pasta and the owner Alberto will make you feel at home.

When I miss the Swedish cinnamon buns I go to the Swedish church. The coffee is brewed the Swedish way too = strong.

Could you share with us what are your plans for the future? What is it in life that makes you happy or content – that means different stuff for all of us.

My future immediate plans are to enjoy this city and the new people I meet everyday of life. I always find interesting people whatever I am doing and often starts a conversation because I’m curious by nature. I talk to young or old people on the bus for example. Often people initiate a contact with me too.

To be healthy and be able to feel strong both physical and mentally makes me content. I do that throw my long runs and recently also yoga.

What make me happy I think has nothing to do with what city I live in but, that I’m surrounded by family and friends that I care about and love. These circle of friends is what makes the city special to me!

Connect with Matilda:

My two Artists:

Marita Killian Engelcrona: http://www.artapple.nu
Brian Farrell: http://www.brianfarrellart.com
Email Matilda!

 

Ingrid is a model and health coach that lives in New York City.

Tell us about yourself, please?

I am from a small, but very beautiful country, Slovakia. (Comment by editor: Slovakia is about 5 million people. However, Slovaks are Slavic people, having a common cultural, historic and linguistic heritage with their fellow Slavs. Slavs number over 300 million and are the largest European ethnic and linguistic body.)

I lived there until my 20s with my loving parents and two older brothers. Then I continued with my studies in London, following Tokyo. I have studied Hotel Management and Leisure. My training took place @ Hotel Cumberland Marble Arch on Oxford street. After London I moved to Tokyo.

How long have you been a member of EuroCircle?

I became a member of EuroCircle this year in 2014

How long have you been in New York?

All together, it has been 6 moths. I am moving between Tokyo, Barcelona and New York.

What has been the best thing you have done so far in your career?

To be able to communicate with Japanese clients on a professional level in the international company – Global Blue.

Is there any particular story, moment, an award or an achievement throughout your career that you are particularly proud of?

Yes, I helped to solve a financial problem for client. He was so happy that he sent me a personal present. It feels wonderful to be appreciated.

Can you tell us more about your health coaching business? When did you start it?

I have started to see clients this year, during the school. I am doing my marketing plan now, focusing on people with eating disorders and lack of energy. In September I am going to participate in a school program about acknowledging young students how to care about their health with natural diet.

Any health/wellness tips for our members?

We all have our bio individuality and different things work for different people. I always start my session with Health History procedure. However, generally speaking, it is always beneficial to separate your plate into 3 parts. One is for protein, second for greens and the third one is for healthy carbohydrates or whole grains. It is always good to add little bit of healthy oils like flax seed oil, or olive oil into your diet. Lessen the consumption of salts in your diet and please, beware of using sweeteners. It is always better to use a little bit of natural sugar than harmful chemicals. If possible, try to shop only organically raised foods without added chemicals or pesticides.

In addition to your health coaching business, you are a model. How did you get into the modeling business?

One day, I obtained a business card from the model agent. I thought it was a great idea that helped me with my school payments. Than they kept extending my contract after school.

What is your favorite modeling job/campaign?

Beautiful Campaign for Tahiti Nui Airlines. We spent 7 beautiful days shooting commercial movie on Bora Bora island at the Four Seasons Resort. We flew first class from Tokyo. It was a fantastic time, breath-taking scenery and amazing team of 30 people working on this project.

Where are you originally from and what do you love about it?

I was born in Slovakia. It is a beautiful country with lovely nature, history and culture.

When is the best time of year to visit your country? How often do you go back?

I personally think summer or autumn is the best, however, as I love snowboarding, I would recommend winter, as well. It is a great place to enjoy winter sports. The High Tatras Mountains are wonderful during the snowy winter.

If someone was visiting your country, what would you recommend seeing/doing? Any special restaurants or places they have to go?

You should not miss to see some of our beautiful castles and chateaux in Slovakia. They all have a special history to tell.

Our capital, Bratislava, is really lovely. I would recommend to take a walking tour through the old part of the city. Small streets and cafes are always welcoming. I would also recommend to see our traditional dance festivals, which are taking place during summer.

What places do you like best in NYC and why..any favorite cafes, restaurants?

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan, I love to see the city from this view. As for the restaurants, there are numerous, its New York City, but one close to heart would be Ootoya. I am a Japanese food lover and I know that the taste here is really authentic. I would definitely recommend this place to any selective customer.

Connect with Ingrid: http://ingrid-gregusova.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com
Ingrid Gregus on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ingrid.gregus.5