EBN #40 Nominee Male Model Thomas Harper

Written by Crystal Walker

Thomas Harper is a live and vibrant hard worker in the world of male modeling.Keeping up with him will be hard because he is constantly on the go. Growing up in Nashville, from an early age on Thomas always knew what he was interested. From modern art photography to his passion for how he appreciated vision and design.In 2008 during a Campaign he was apart of really ignited his joy for this business. Loving the enthusiastic experience of the different looks and styles of modeling, each day became more and more appreciative. Starting off on his own he began to do what any other model would do, he started to network. If not through social media, it was more word-to-mouth. Talking with models, that led to many different photographers eventually landed him in major roles. Even though his passion is always modeling, Thomas also does hair as well. Always thinking of ways to keep his income rolling in at all times. Now, becoming more into the world of hair and modeling Thomas managed to juggle both of his careers, which keeps even busier day by day. Hard work definitely pays off for Thomas, from working in music videos with pop star Kesha to landing a role on an upcoming TV show on Lifetime, which should air this upcoming March. With working 16 hours a day, Thomas literally has to create time to not only himself, but family as well. Making time for himself is so important to him these days, and every time he does, he makes his time enjoy a quiet space. Since that doesn't come as often Thomas just quickly snatches 10-15 minutes to himself, to allow himself to recharge. Now, nominated for male model of the year for the 2013 EBN Awards, he felt so surprised at the nomination. He felt honored, because this is something he loves to do, and for the community to recognize his accomplishments, he is very grateful.

EBN #39 Nominee Indie Author Dabney Johnson

Written by Crystal Walker

Passionate about writing and reading every since she was a child, Dabney knew her true calling was to become a writer. As a child growing up she read many novels and love stories. During the years of junior high, she wrote many plays for her school. Becoming so engaged into writing her drive to become a writer became stronger and stronger. Over her time in school Dabney had already had a booklet filled with all type of different plays. Throughout her time growing up inspiration to continue writing came more from everyday life to movies, things she has seen, or even heard. Dabney's choices of becoming a writer were always based from a true spiritual calling. As a writer, she knew there would be obstacles she had to face and overcome. Over the years that is exactly what she endured, from trying to manage and publish her own book, or even managing time aside to write becomes a struggle as well. If it's not attending to her daughter, it's her disability with her back. Having that makes it very difficult for her to sit in one place at a long period of time. Throughout all of these reasons to no longer continue, Dabney still maintain and push through to reach her dream towards writing her book. With six years of work she can finally say she has completed her first book in the year of 2012. Releasing her book entitled, "Corporate Thug Love", she received a tremendous response from her community. With nothing but positive feedback staying true to herself, and her 12-year-old daughter giving her the motivation, and the joy for writing urban books, Dabney has made sure all this hard work would pay off. She sees becoming a writer as a gift, something that is not for everyone. It is easy for someone to say, they want to write a book. Versus actually pulling it all the way through now with a nomination from 2013 EBN Awards for Author of the Year. At first, she didn't believe it, then upon her doing history, she realized that her nomination wasn't a joke and became ecstatic! She feels so grateful for the recognition of her work. To keep up with all with what's happening with Dabney Johnson her website address is www.authordabneyjohnson@weebly.com and also at facebook/authordabneyjohnson

EBN #38 EBN Top10 Marvel Movies

EBN Top 10 Marvel Movies in this order if you disagree by all means leave a comment.

EBN #37 Fritzi Knapp

Written by Crystal Walker

Fritzi Knapp has worked as a hair stylist for the past 7 years. Wanting to find more ways to branch out and do more, she decided to switch things up and add to her career. She saw becoming an make up artist would be better, and bring more opportunities. With that, she saw more possibilities and more moves could be made while doing make up. Moving from California to Hermitage, TN she knew how styles may change.

Reaching out to her cousin, whom is also a hair stylist and make up artist, lives in California, and they use each other to network. Bouncing different ideas between one another was one of the ways she stayed connected with her family, while brainstorming new ideas as a make up artist and hairstylist between the two. Having so much support and looking up to people such as Tammy Johnson. Fritzi was able to stay focused and create Silver Image Salon. Participating in hair shows, to various fashion shows, Elite Business Network fashion show, as well as RAW Artist. In this business she knows there is always something to learn, and she never feels she is at her best because there is always something better. Her game is to always keep stepping up. Keeping her spunky and own unique style, she tries to stay unique, not wanting to be the same. Fritzi is all about keeping herself apart from the average, and stay up to date with a different style. Loving this fast paced world, working at music video shoots, to flash parties, and even body painting events for hair and make up. Fritzi Knapp has found a career that can keep up with her energy and passion she has towards her business. For upcoming information and contact information she can be found through Silver Image Salon and also facebook/silverimagesalon.

EBN #36 Nominee Male Entrepreneur Jay Umboh

Written by Crystal Walker

Today, allot of people create ways to start a business. As for Jay Umboh, his brother, and sister, they all created Lotus Energy Drink. In 2009, they all wanted to create something people could use and a product that can relate to the crowd they wanted to reach. While on a vacation one day, Jay's sister was drinking a Red Bull, and said that they could do something a whole lot better. That was all they motivation they needed to create a new flavorful energy drink. Developing a new product with siblings can be tough at times. With Jay, he had to deal with many different opinions, ideas, and plenty hard heads that were brought to the table.

Eventually the name, design, and favor all worked out for the greater good. Developing the formula, they gave a test run for many people to try it out. Choosing to go along with the energy market, it is very competitive. They all managed to create the two flavors which are high in antioxidants called Mangosteen and Acai Berry. With the taste, they succeeded and received a 9 out of 10 on the feedback. With most packaging, energy drinks are sometimes confusing. They all wanted to put out a cleaner, simple look, using a lotus flower, and a dragon. Using the lotus flower, coming from the muddy waters, represents purity. Meaning health, wealth, and prosperity. While showing that it doesn't matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to. The dragon brings out a feel of power and protection towards the flower. Pushing their product in the Nashville area, in such events as the MTAS Convention, Nashville Fashion Week, and Music Marathon Works. Wanting to connect with the 18-25, professional work hard by day and party at night hard workers, they don't want to forget them. With their street team they make sure they hit every major area to keep their brand trending. Receiving this nomination as Entrepreneur of the Year, for the 2013 EBN Awards, their response was with much surprise. To them it felt cool and good that their hard work has been noticed. Wanting to stay up to date with Lotus Energy Drink go to www.lotusforever.com or facebook/lotusforever. Vote for Jay

EBN #35 Nominee Master Barber Eric Williams

Written by Crystal Walker

Eric Williams of Revolution Barber and Style Emporium is really doing his thing. 7 years later of his life he never would've saw him self as a barber today. Growing up throughout his life he loved art. Anything with painting, music, or any type of art, he was involved. Realizing the money wasn't as good as the passion of loving art. Eric managed to use his creativity with styles, cuts, and designs within hair.

Money coming in steady and he is at an advantage where he can still be apart of what he loved to do for so long, which is his art. In the 1920s and 30s men styled, cut, washed, they did it all. Eric uses that skill within his establishment as well, from styling men,women, and children. He wants to try and bring that back into the wraps of things. Being a new face in the area for a barber shop, he had to think smart about his location. Wanting to respect the other companies, he manged to find a nice area where it convenient for all those around him. Pushing to open up another shop is very time consuming and a strenuous job, but he is very determined of finding yet another location, Staying within the wraps of those around him he keeps a very tight schedule. From many different fashion shows, to music videos, photo shoots, as well as pin up model contests, and t.v. show pilots. Stepping inside of the Revolution itself will only give you that full affect. Bringing the world of music and entertainment into the shop. With the decor of guitars hanging and the feel of Hard Rock Cafe turned barber shop. With the nomination for Best Barber of the Year of the 2013 EBN Awards he felt very humble. Receiving an award for Best Barber of the Year in 2009, he feels the same peace, gratitude, and is even more thankful for the people that show their appreciation. Revolution Barber and Style Emporium is located at 1305 Mt. Juliet rd or at www.revolutionbarberandstyle.com Vote for Eric

EBN #34 Nominee Fashion Designer Jennifer Evans

Written by Crystal Walker

Growing up in Paris, TN Jennifer Evans branched out and delved into the art of fashion. Attending school and studying subjects from fine arts, to graphic design. She became more and more intertwined with the idea of design. At the beginning she did plenty of print work, and graphic tees, but each and every time she would do that. Her mind would take her deeper, wanting to know how to not only do graphic t-shirts, but actually design full pieces on her on. Sewing all of her life, that was just more conformation she needed to pursue her goal.

Managing to maintain designs throughout school to participate in such fashion shows each year, showed her dedication. Now 6-8 years later, Jennifer has managed to create many designs. In love with the art form of a couture look she still reigns with ambition towards her designs just as if she were still in school. Choosing to go with the couture look, it is a bit challenging at times. Mainly, from dealing with the customers and not understanding the cost of fabric and time to create a piece of that design. Her passion runs through the frustration because this is the style she loves to bring to life. Each year Jennifer tries to have at least two collections, one Spring and one Fall. Using any type of way to get her pieces out and noticed, she gets plenty of photos. Working with her friend from high school , she as a model helps Jennifer out allot. Especially when it comes to knowing what of models she need for a certain look she wants to portray, there is never any issues there. Now while working on her new collection, she becomes more and more excited. Working with in different realms of the fashion world, to fashion week, to fashion shows, anything to get her designs recognized. The days seem to pass by rather quickly when it's all work and more work. Jennifer understands that it takes a toll on not only her but her loved ones as well, but coming from such an understanding family, they realize the time and effort she puts into her dream, and respects her for that. Jennifer still tries to keep a well rounded balance between her work, family, and friends. Her nomination for Fashion Designer of the Year for the 2013 EBN Awards, brought her to shock and she felt honored all at the same time. Giving her a feel of professionalism she has more motivation to push even harder. Working with more and more people and creating more ways to network she stays with in the loop of things. Jennifer utilizes her vision into something that is much deeper than a piece of clothing. Now, the client might not see the detail within her designs, meaning the the way she envisions her design, or the way she promotes inspiration for each piece. She doesn't look at it as a product to sell, it's more of an emotionally state. Jennifer knows that it's all about being behind the art, from getting the fabric to putting ideas together. She enjoys her career indefinitely.Vote for Jennifer