Kardinal Offishall feat Akon- Dangerous

I think we might have a hit on our hands… Shout out 2 all my peeps in the T.Dot, Mr. Morgan & Co. -!YG

Seven Year Old Steals A Car

I’ve heard it all….. “I wanted to do HOODRAT STUFF!” Classic….lol! Our youth are in trouble. This kid is seven going on 17. And Y is he wearing his big brother’s clothes? -!YG

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO

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Bolivia province votes 4 autonomy

It is interesting how the richest few want 2 break away. Evo has a lot of work ahead of him. -!YG [click 2 read]

Cyclone in Burma

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The Roots on Letterman

Fueled by Ramen

Cool article… I love they way these cats @ Fueled by Ramen label break new artist… Fueled by Ramen has put it in the pocket with their marketing approach. Branding Baby! Pete Wentz is definitely the anchor for this crew. Check out the article. -!YG [click 2 read]

Exxon Mobil reports $11,000,000,000.00 Profit in 1Q

Crazy…… What recession? Someone seem 2 making some gwop. Shout out 2 Dili 4 this one.. -!YG [click 2 read]

The Culturati Calendar

Do you want 2 rub elbows with the shoot callers? Well here are a list of events that you might want 2 check out. -!YG [click here]

YG Chats w/ Lisa Adams - LA Closet Design

A few weeks ago I had an opportunity 2 chat with Lisa Adams the founder of LA Closet Design (CLICK 2 READ LISA’S BIO). As many of you know, there has been a huge shift towards customization and creating unique experiences in and outside of the home. This firm specializes in custom designed closets for the home. I found LA Closet Design’s (CLICK 2 READ COMPANY BIO) business model to be interesting & thought you guys would benefit from our chat , especially all of you aspiring entrepreneurs. -!YG

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YG: Hey Lisa! Thx for taking time out to meet with me. So tell me more about LA Closet Design…. How did the concept for this business come about?

LA: I’ve always had a very diverse set of interests. My degrees are in chemistry and business, I’m a competitive athlete and I am fascinated by fashion, architecture and design. When I worked with a well-known kitchen and bath designer, I started adding to his residential projects with my input on wardrobe enhancement. Soon after I launched a wardrobe division for that company with the intention of making closets on-par with other luxurious living spaces in the home. Much like designing modern boudoirs, I wanted to create multi-functional wardrobe storage spaces that add to the value and experience of a home aesthetically and functionally. The reaction from clients was amazing so I made the decision to take that wardrobe design concept on my own and launched LA Closet Design. I am currently building my Pacific Design Center Showroom. It is a thrilling stage for my company.

YG: What is the point of difference for LA Closet? Why would I want to do business with you guys?

LA: There are many closet companies that primarily focus on their product—their cabinetry, and not a designer/design. At LA Closet Design, I am the designer and brand; therefore, my primary focus is on the closet design itself. While product is important, and I do use high-end product, it is secondary to the design and its details. As a designer, I offer my cultural background (Korean and Japanese), where I was raised (Honolulu, Hawaii), my passion for architecture and fashion, travels around the world, which all lend to the designs that I create with my clients. There is an element of fusion quality—the intermixing of materials and textures, that is found in my designs. I also pay particular attention to the eco-green friendly (CLICK 2 READ MORE) qualities in my design, which directly stems from the way I live at home.

YG: If you had to give 3 words that describes your brand, what would they be?

LA: Luxurious, Modern & Sophisticated

YG: You recently began contributing to a variety of publications & design focused websites… Why did you decide to begin working with these various media platforms?

LA: The prospect of working with new media platforms is something that has always appealed to me, but it has become especially relevant since I recently launched my own company. As an entrepreneur, contributing to websites and publications like Closetsguru.com and Closets Magazine can help me by not only communicating my vision and expertise to readers with an interest in my product, but also by just making people aware that a business like mine exists. I think there is a large general awareness of the custom closet business; although my business caters to a specific market, I still want to continue to communicate with a broad audience. And of course, we’re certain that the more people learn about the value LA Closet Design can add to their home, the more our business will grow.

YG: What approach do you use to work with clients and ensure that they are happy the finish product?

LA: A direct, hands-on approach is used with my clients. There is constant communication from live meetings to phone calls to pdf exchanges via email. The back-and-forth interaction among the client and myself is vital in the process to ensure that they like the finished design / closet. I also provide 3-D modeled renderings to help clients visualize the design on paper and “bring it to life.”

YG: Who or what inspires you as a designer?

LA: Architecture, fashion, design magazines, boutique hotels, trendy classic restaurant bathrooms, Hawaii, Asia, Europe, etc.

YG: What advice would you give to people looking to start their own business?

LA: My first advice would be to spend a lot of time “perfecting” your business plan. This should be your bible for the business. Also, be cognizant of your budget and take risks when you can. Treat your employees like “gold”—they are pivotal to growing a successful business. Get out of your comfort zone—network, network, network. Growing and maintaining relationships is key, especially in a start-up business.

YG: What does LA Closet Design have on tap for 2008?

LA: CLOSETS book, Robb Report inclusion, Angeleno inclusion, InStyle inclusion, studio opening, TV appearances, cutting edge residential and multi-unit designs, articles in Closets magazine, etc.