Gene Kiegel: Creative fountainhead. Interdisciplinary artist. UC Berkeley architecture. Central Saint Martins London tutor. Represented by Waterhouse Dodd NY/London

In this engaging episode of the 'Ben There Doing That Podcast', host Ben Yurcisin sits down with Gene Kegel in his art studio at Mana Contemporary, Jersey City. Gene recounts his journey from growing up in the USSR, now Ukraine, to becoming an artist in America, facing initial skepticism from his parents. After brief forays into computer science and engineering at UC Berkeley, Gene eventually pursued his passion for art and photography. His transformative experiences in Brazil during Carnival deeply impacted his artistic journey, leading him to experiment with photography and later with beeswax as a medium.

Gene shares insightful stories on breaking into the fashion and celebrity photography scene in LA, including experiences with Paris Hilton and Bai Ling. The conversation delves into his unique art style using beeswax, exploring themes of organic growth and universal beauty, offering listeners a profound look into the life and mind of an artist dedicated to his craft.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:59 Gene's Background and Early Life

02:02 Journey into Creativity and Video Games

03:39 College Life and Career Struggles

08:54 Inventions and Missed Opportunities

20:06 The Brazil Experience

31:54 Return to LA and Pursuing Photography

37:33 Life-Changing Decision

37:56 Starting a Photography Career

38:18 Crazy Advertising Experiences

41:57 First Fashion Week

46:13 Learning the Craft

56:34 Breakthrough with Celebrities

58:31 Innovative Marketing Strategies

01:08:16 Exploring Beeswax Art

01:21:36 Final Thoughts and Advice

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

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Connect with Gene:

https://www.instagram.com/genekiegel/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

Andy Karuza is the Marketing Leader atNachoNacho (a B2B SaaS marketplace powered by fintech). Andy is also a startup investor, inventor, and serial entrepreneur whose products have been sold in over 100 countries and featured in more than 100 top global media publications. He currently collaborates with founders to market leading AI and SaaS products in the software industry and works with his product team to conceptualize, design, and launch AI-powered features for the NachoNacho marketplace.

In this exciting episode of the ‘Ben There Doing That’ podcast, host Ben Yurcisin chats with his friend and entrepreneur, Andy Karuza. The conversation navigates from Andy’s initial foray into entrepreneurship through organizing college parties, to his current endeavors in the tech industry specifically with his role at NachoNacho.

Andy shares insights into monetizing social events in college, transitioning into tech, and his investment endeavors including his experience with the space communication company ASTS. He discusses the importance of a good team, timing, traction, and technology in evaluating successful businesses. The episode also highlights Andy’s life as a digital nomad and tips for leading a flexible career. Listeners get a peek into an array of experiences including Andy’s Shark Tank appearance and attending a space rocket launch. Fun and informative, this episode offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, investing, and living an adventurous life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:28 College Party Business Beginnings

01:27 Transition to Professional Events

04:46 Balancing Career and Personal Life

07:03 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons

19:20 Shark Tank Experience

29:32 Living the Hustle in Different Cities

32:23 Cool Experiences and Networking

33:08 Moving to New York: A Personal Journey

33:32 The Beauty of the Pacific Northwest

38:01 Nomadic Lifestyle and Flexibility

40:20 Defining Your Values and Happiness

43:34 Investment Insights and Space Stocks

01:00:13 Event Planning and Networking

01:02:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/EyDm0CLhvnGERzraGOzISR

Connect with Andy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykaruza/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/

Jerrra, Russian born, based in New York since 2009, abstract tattoo artist, singer (alternative, pop, experimental), immigrant who took your job, wife and mom.

In this engaging podcast episode of 'The Ben, There, Doing That' podcast, host Ben Yurcisin chats with Jerrraa Blues, a tattoo artist, musician, social media influencer, and martial artist. The episode covers Jera's multifaceted career, starting from her experiences with tattooing, tattoo fails, and her journey from Russia to America. They touch upon Jerrra's early days in breakdancing, rapping, and forming bands in New York City, as well as her personal growth through challenging gigs and relationships.

Jerrra also shares insights into balancing her creative pursuits with motherhood and striving for personal fulfillment. The conversation is sprinkled with humor and heartfelt moments, emphasizing the importance of facing fears and continually pursuing what makes one happy.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings

00:16 Tattoo Stories and Podcast Struggles

01:03 Meet Jera Blues: Influencer and Tattoo Artist

01:56 Jera's Creative Journey and Struggles

12:19 Life in New York and Forming a Band

26:54 Riding the Wave of Youth

27:14 Questioning the Big Picture

27:38 Struggles of a Young Musician

28:33 Band Breakups and Personal Insecurities

30:43 Transition to Tattooing

31:38 Boring Jobs and New Beginnings

34:51 Discovering Martial Arts

35:12 Social Media and Modeling

46:34 Balancing Motherhood and Career

51:05 Final Reflections and Advice

Join the Mindset Mavericks Community:

https://skool.com/mindsetmavericks

Connect with Jerrra:

https://www.instagram.com/jerrradraws/

Connect with Ben:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyurcisin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benyurcisin/