Erik Thor Bartkowiak

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

Calmness is not often attained when we’re surrounded by serenity. It can actually be quite excruciating to feel calm when the storm ceases. But when we are ready to let go of our chaos, the doors to our sacred garden emerge. Creative Soul, Erik Thor Bartkowiak, is inviting us into his verdant garden, guiding us to embrace being friends with silent moments to break the chains that anchor us to chaotic loops.

A native of Boston, Erik is an Army veteran with 10 years of service (thank you for your service, Erik!), a retired firefighter, a high school teacher, and a professor of jiu-jitsu. Erik has the bravery of an eagle wrapped in the skin of a panther with the heart of a hummingbird, giving his all to every task he has ever embarked upon.

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Everyone has experiences that can easily be turned into a movie, and Erik has some mind-blowing ones, which we can read in his memoir, Becoming The Warrior In The Garden. From childhood anecdotes to bizarre encounters with dangerous men, unbelievable rescue missions, and his most recent achievements in jiu-jitsu, Becoming The Warrior In The Garden is sure to keep readers on edge and fascinated from beginning to end.

What started as a random idea Erik and his kids had, of listing all the jobs he’s ever had, became the seedling of his creative force. Erik explains that one day, while jotting down the jobs, his friend Glen noticed and asked what he was doing. Impressed by the long list of interested positions, Glen suggested that he write a book. Erik didn’t overthink it, and the book was a go right away.

“It was remarkably easy to write it,” Erik recalls how words filled the blank pages without hesitation. Within ten days, Erik had finished the book, and on November 1st, 2025, Becoming The Warrior In The Garden was self-published and is now available on Amazon, with an audiobook underway.

Erik not only recounts some intense and compelling moments in his life, but he walks us through his magic-like journey with plant medicine and the benefits of letting the wind take the reins to free the mind, body, and spirit from needing conflict to thrive. “I believe the book was written for me to read it,” Erik shares that, after reading his own words, he was faced with how he had been living his life. As if it felt unnatural for him to be without conflict and enjoy life. As if one couldn’t exist without the other.

“Sometimes, taking risks is not so much about the task itself but about losing ourselves. That’s the risk -to stop being who we think we are if we don’t do something we want.” It became clear to Erik that an internal renewal needed to take place to find true fulfilment, adding that, “the lessons I took from the book are: How to go from being the calm in the storm?

How can someone operate in chaotic situations and have full calmness, but not have any calmness when there’s no chaos? How to respond instead of reacting? It takes a complete transformation to balance the continuous flow of life.”

Erik gives credit to the art of jiu-jitsu and the guidance from his wise and legendary professors, because each stage has allowed him to evolve at a character level, more so than the physical one. Colleagues and friends he met along the way encouraged him to find the right path at the right moment, and step by step, showed him the light when darkness was all there was. His wife, Brenda, and his kids are his heaven-on-earth -his treasures, and they have been his constant sunlight, supporting him in immeasurable ways.

“I know it’s my job to pass it on to others. Creating an eco-system on becoming a warrior in the garden,” this is Erik’s goal, to be there for anyone who is going through the same conflict. His vision includes building “The 3rd Place” to host workshops for professional and personal development and be an interactive community for diverse groups who are looking for a positive balance in their lives.

The bitter-sweet nectar of life can help us sprout or wither, but what we make of our life’s story is what validates our purpose on this Earth. Erik is an admirable warrior of light who has transmuted his chaos into medicine. He’s teaching us to honour wearing our golden armour without needing to go into a battle, and instead, to step into solid ground and Become The Warrior In The Garden.

“If you’re thriving on pressure but struggling to be present when things slow down, there’s a way to get there, but you need to understand how to get there. You’ve got to reverse engineer your spirit without giving up on what makes you you. Using the mind, body, and soul approach to accomplish this.” Erik Thor Bartkowiak

SIM MIAMI

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

A man poses in front of a backdrop for the SIM Industry Connect event, wearing a blue shirt and smiling while pointing at the camera.

Creativity is the fundamental superpower of our existence. It propels us to dream big and inspires us to face our fears with an optimistic heart. But what should we do with our bag full of dreams? Which direction should we take to see them through? SIM Industry Connect (SIM MIAMI) is here to answer these questions, providing an exclusive platform where we can connect with like-minded professionals, dreamers just like us, and gain invaluable knowledge to expand our horizons.

A female singer performing on stage with a blue planetarium dome background, engaging an audience that is applauding.

SIM (Sports, Innovation & Music) Industry Connect is a first-of-its-kind experience designed to unite global leaders, creatives, and decision-makers from different fields, designed to spark collaboration, thought leadership, and cultural impact. SIM is a strategic and experiential consulting agency on a mission to unlock potential, ignite passion, and drive meaningful impact.*

A speaker stands on stage in front of a large screen displaying the text 'SIM' at an event focused on sports, innovation, music, lifestyle, and culture. The audience is seated in a theater setting.

Turning connections/networking into tangible opportunities, SIM MIAMI is the perfect universe where we can engage with pioneers in the community to deepen our growth. From World Guinness Record holders to renowned radio and weather announcers, famous actors/actresses, cutting-edge Engineers, notable authors, and top-chart musicians, SIM MIAMI brings the stars to us to brighten our personal and professional journeys.

A speaker in a white suit addresses an audience at the SIM Industry Connect event, with four panelists seated on chairs in a theater setting, showcasing creativity and collaboration.

A panel discussion featuring four men seated on chairs, speaking into microphones, with a blue and white background and large SIM letters displayed prominently.

SIM MIAMI offers its members the opportunity to turn the vision board into a productive realization. They present us with the right tools to brainstorm on ideas and plan accordingly to attain sustainable results.

Our creativity needs room to spread its wings and have the perfect sky to soar as far and as high as it can. SIM MIAMI is the trusted source for our creative souls to have the chance to shine.

Unlock your full potential with SIM Industry Connect. Join their movement.

Two individuals engaged in conversation at a professional event, with a backdrop featuring logos of various companies.

A performer passionately singing into a microphone while playing a piano, illuminated by stage lights.

A man in a blue suit enthusiastically poses with both hands pointing towards the camera against a backdrop featuring various logos, including SIM Industry Connect and other sponsors.

MORE ABOUT SIM

The following content belongs to SIM INDUSTRY CONNECT – *(“About Us,” https://www.simindustryconnect.com/ Accessed on 6 October 2025).

PURPOSE:

Unlock your true potential, ignite your passion, and create a lasting impact on your industry and the world.

SIM INDUSTRY CONNECT is designed to spark collaboration, thought leadership, and cultural impact.

Extensive focus across music, sports, technology, leadership, and brand development.

JOURNEY:

Over 15 years of experience in activating partnerships, building talent-driven brands, and creating cultural experiences.

REAL COMPROMISE:

Trusted partner for artists, athletes, executives, and global brands.

EXPERTISE:

Talent representation, coaching, content creation, education, exclusive events, and business development.

WHAT THEY DO:

EVENTS ORGANIZATION

We produce SIM Industry Connect and other world-class experiences that unite leaders from different fields, designed to spark collaboration, thought leadership, and cultural impact.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Our Brand Partnerships division is a full-service agency connecting celebrities, athletes, and influencers with brands to create high-impact campaigns, endorsements, synchs, merch, and touring.

TALENT REPRESENTATION

We represent artists, athletes, influencers, and public figures, among other celebrities, securing meaningful opportunities while offering expert support in career strategy, brand building, and immigration visa services.

LEARN MORE HERE

AFFILIATION

Learn more about our affiliation here: synclanding.com

SIM Feature by Noemi Creative Souls

MUNNYCAT

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

A creative duo, K808 and Khaledzou, posing in a stylish and artistic manner, with K808 in the foreground wearing a headpiece and striking a confident pose, while Khaledzou appears with a serious expression in the background, both set against a neutral backdrop.

Creative Souls, Katianne (“K808”) and Khaled (“Khaledzou”), are a love story woven with threads of musical notes. They are a modern Indie-Pop and music marvel duo, creators of MUNNYCAT.

MUNNYCAT is K808 and Khaledzou’s music-child through which they honor their talents and dreams. Together, they have released several songs, including “Giddy Up,” “Honest,” “So Fresh,” and “Boom!” available to stream everywhere. Their latest album, “‘Till Death We Do Art,” gives listeners a one-of-a-kind experience with their vinyl version -it can be used as glasses to see the stereoscopic 3D artwork within it. The duo also directs and produces fantastic music videos, and they have a line of apparel and accessories available in their online store.

Illustration of two characters standing in front of a tarot card featuring a figure with wings, labeled 'MUNNYCAT'. The background is a bright blue sky, and there is colorful text at the bottom referencing 'Jay-Z + Beyoncé'.

A person sitting cross-legged on the floor, wearing a light-colored oversized shirt and white pants, with a neutral background. The individual has long, light-colored hair and is looking directly at the camera.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, they currently reside in L.A.. K808 and Khaledzou attended the same high school, shared the same interests and friends, and were declared the most musically talented in their yearbook. They even studied digital media in college, but didn’t know of each other’s existence until years later.

As time went by, Khaledzou had his popular rock band, The Zou, and K808 was performing solo gigs around town. On one occasion, after a packed show, K808 was asked by the owner of the venue to help with the next music event for the town’s St. Patrick’s music festival at a new bar. She was in charge of booking the bands to fill three stages, and The Zou was highly recommended. When K808 looked them up on Facebook, she realized that they had about 450 friends in common. She invited him and the band to be part of the show, and they agreed to participate. Khaledzou was smitten by K808’s creative brilliance, finding her presence in his life imminent. By Christmas of that same year, they started dating.

A behind-the-scenes black and white photo of a music video shoot in a desert location, featuring a man in a tank top and cap, a woman in a stylish outfit, and a person operating a camera on a tripod near a parked vehicle.

A stylish couple poses back-to-back, with the woman wearing earmuffs and a checkered dress, while the man sports glasses and a casual sweater.

Khaledzou’s genre is pure rock, and K808 is more like Paramore. Different, but the same, they complement each other through their love for music and the endless possibilities in their vast creative souls.

They organically gravitated to working on each other’s projects; K808 even collaborated with his band and contributed to a few songs and music videos. Working together but separately, helping each other reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Then, MUNNYCAT was born.

A woman with short hair and a crown poses confidently in a desert landscape, wearing a stylish white outfit and long white sleeves, basking in the sunlight.

A man with curly hair and glasses sitting in the back of a car under an open trunk, reading a book or tablet, with a blurred background of grass and trees.

Khaledzou had written down the name MUNNYCAT (meaning, lucky cat) back in 2009, not knowing what it would become. With MUNNYCAT, they wanted the style and genre to be fun. “Which songs made us dance when we were kids? That’s the music we love and wanted to create,” the duo explains. Influenced by 90s music (Spice Girls, Ace of Base, The Dixie Chicks, to mention a few), they started following their gut to write and produce music that aligned with who they are. MUNNYCAT has allowed them to reinvent their repertoire, giving Indie-Pop music an entirely new Hyperpop take.

Twice a year, they began to attend music conferences in L.A. to find a home for their songs. They submitted their separate music, as well as the ones with MUNNYCAT, and they got the most compliments for the songs they did together. Finding limitless possibilities for growth in the City of Angels, in 2016, they made it officially their home.

They signed a licensing deal with a company in Portland, learning how to work with publishers, and narrowing down their music path, choosing to pursue the music sync licensing route. To date, they have had over 500 placements, including Apple, Crest, Xbox, H&M, and the 2019 FIFA video game, among others. Their first sync placement came as a surprise for a JCPenney commercial that was shown on national TV. Then, they landed a song for a Polish McDonald’s commercial. As a result, they generate a supportive group of fans, helping MUNNYCAT to become notable. They have also served as mentors and panelists at major sync events, such as the Hawai’i Songwriting Festival.

A stylish portrait of a couple, K808 and Khaledzou, against a deep blue background. K808 is wearing a unique outfit with a crown headpiece, while Khaledzou sits beside her in a black suit, both exuding confidence and artistic flair.

In August of 2022, they got married, adding a harmonious balance to their relationship. “We wanna spend so much time making art that the fact we work together helps enrich the marriage and work towards something that feeds us emotionally and as artists,” K808’s words reflect how their love has helped them have mutual respect, support, and the courage to not be afraid to set healthy boundaries and stay true to themselves.

K808 and Khaledzou are enchanting the world with their unique magic and hyper-vibing music. They inspire us to unbind the child within, and from time to time, dance, jump, and sing carefree as a lucky cat.

“We don’t have to do anything. Instead, we get to create something, so, fall in love with the process of creating and making things. It removes the pressure. Art heals … it makes full the void of fear and pain.” -K808 and Khaledzou, MUNNYCAT

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THE RIES BROTHERS

June 3, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

RiesBrothers Creative Souls Featured Reel by Noemi Creative Souls

How high does the mountain go? Are we ready to climb it and keep on when the ropes burn up? It takes an immeasurable amount of courage, purpose, and determination to pursue our creative dreams and feel motivated enough to get up after sliding off the gravelly mountain. The Ries Brothers have been on the climb as rays of sunshine, bonded by mutual love and respect, with the same artistic aspirations, filling the world with fabled music.

The Ries Brothers, Charlie (lead vocals, drums, keyboard bass), and Kevin (guitar, background vocals), are a beloved musical duo from St. Pete, Florida. They have several albums under their belt, with long-time favorite singles such as Street Lights, Echoing Dream, Road Map, Something, and Live at Sugarshack. Their blend of rock, blues, funk, and reggae wraps you in a blanket of milk and honey making you feel at ease and joyous.

Charlie and Kevin’s maternal grandparents were classical musicians, setting the road for them to find their way into the music world. Growing up in the hot Summers of Florida, Charlie would look for anything that had an air conditioner. One of those Summers, at the age of 6, his mom offered him a few recreational activities to choose from, and Charlie picked the piano, more so for the air conditioning, but the piano gave him a good base for music. All the while, Kevin was getting very familiar with the guitar, eventually learning to play the ukulele, bass, and “anything with stings,” as Kevin puts it.

The brothers were in bands in middle school but realized they were the only ones showing up to practice. They were passionate enough about music to decide to start their musical duo, The Ries Brothers, making this the career of their lives. Charlie started to play bass on the piano and 10 years later, it remains their base sound. “Music helped us to be together,” their 4 years apart doesn’t represent any conflict between the brothers. They share that they fight more at home than when they work together.

The Ries Brothers have a smooth way of crafting their songwriting sessions, with Kevin writing the main riff, Charlie crafting a melody from it, and they both work on the lyrics. Starting with two original songs and playing some off-the-chain covers, Charlie was just 22 and Kevin 18 when they started touring around town, recalling how Kevin had to leave the bars each time after the gigs because of his age.

In 2017, they reached out to Sugarshack and proposed to do a session. A few months later, they were at the Shack recording the first of many top favorite videos on their music channel.

The duo started to grow and by 2018 they were opening for notorious bands (G Love & Special Sauce ‘18 – ‘19, Stick Figure, 311, David Shaw, amongst many others). They also headlined their own shows at local beach bars, and festivals (Sunfest, Cali Roots, Gasparilla, Rootfire and Summer Camp, Cali Vibes, and Okeechobee Music Fest., to mention a few), going regional and gradually expanding outside of Florida. They also performed in the 2023 311 Caribbean Cruise, as well as in a month-long residency cruise with Virgin Voyages, where their hit Your Friday Night was born.

In 2020, Charlie and Kevin had prepared for the biggest time of their careers, but it was taken down by the avalanche that was the pandemic. “It was hard to overcome it. The momentum was stopped,” Charlie explains that they had to cancel 40 big shows and festivals. They also faced the challenge of being dropped by an agency, but that didn’t stop the ascension towards their dreams. “We got to pull ourselves together. It is what it is, and we got to get motivated and keep on,” Charlie remembers that turbulent time that pushed them to rebuild their foundation.

“We took the time to find our groove, going inwards to find what represents us best,” Charlie and Kevin reached their true essence, leading them to write their EP, The Ries Brothers, recorded with Johnny Radelat (Gary Clark Jr.’s drummer) as producer-engineer, bringing into this EP the live sound they put on their shows.

The Ries Brothers are great performers! They can carry you through their phenomenal performance, dancing, jumping, singing along, and flowing with the crowd. Making the floor, the roof, and the entire body shake, Charlie and Kevin will help you forget about your troubles, about having unreached goals or without much sleep under your eyes, and be motivated to just have a freaking good time.

“It’s been like climbing a mountain, even though it’s been a long way, we have learned and achieved so much. It has been a gratifying ride,” shares Charlie, astonished at how, even in their hometown, they have gone from playing at a beach bar with a few spectators to filling an entire theater.

In December 2023, they embarked on the Big Something Headspace Tour, performing in every major city. Their latest single, “Destination Unknown,” is featured in the film “Plight,” and it’s available to stream everywhere.

Getting to the top means different things for everyone. Just as there are many mountains for us to choose from to climb. It can be a rigorous journey, and holding on to what we do and who we are with a passionate stance can make reaching ‘the top’ a bit easier to handle. The Ries Brothers, Charlie & Kevin, set out on a climb that has led them to become supernova musicians, innocently oblivious that they have been the mountain all along.

The Ries Brothers – Momentum (Loop) (Live Music) | Sugarshack Sessions

“Be unapologetically yourself no matter what others think of you, focus on you… We took a not-so-conventional path and have received support, but sometimes when you don’t receive the support it can be hard, and become afraid of failure. Overcome your fears and believe in what you do. Things take time and if you stick with it long enough things will happen.” – The Ries Brothers

DERAJ

May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

Have you ever witnessed an oak tree grow? Most of the time, we stumble upon giant oak trees, not realizing that it takes many sunrises and sunsets to have a strong bark and flourish evergreen. Creative Soul, Deraj, is an admirable artist whose journey took divine timing and wholehearted dedication to become the mighty oak he is today.

Deraj is a Hip-Hop artist, singer-songwriter, music producer, graphic designer, voice actor, coach, and mentor, founder of See & HearⓇ and rep.indieⓇ. He’s a creative entrepreneur and top-liner music sync artist, with one of his songs featured in the trailer for Marvel’s Black Panther.

Inspired by creating things that catch our eyes and ears, Deraj established See & HearⓇ, a one-stop music house for Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop for TV and Film, serving as a sync agency for indie musicians. Together with his team, Deraj caters songs for trailers, commercials, and games, having landed placements with Fortnite, NBA, Samsung, Armani, and Call of Duty, to mention a few.

Music was merely a hobby for Deraj, who wrote his first rap at age 9. Born and raised in Maryland, Deraj grew up witnessing music through his older brother, who was part of a rap group. In middle school, joined by his step-brother, Deraj started creating beats and having fun with music. When his family moved to Virginia, Deraj continued making music as a high schooler. He began performing at the youth group talent nights at his church, showcasing his music for the first time to an audience. His music was well-received, and he started releasing records and having a feel for live shows.

Deraj took on sketching for a little while and doing some photography as well. Appreciating how fond Deraj felt towards the creative arts, his father guided him to attend Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where he earned a degree in digital arts and design.

Connected with a broader group of creatives in Orlando, Deraj continued making Christian Hip-Hop, performing at churches and open mics. He got inevitable recognition, standing out with his self-made and well-represented brand.

After graduating from the university, Deraj got a job with Reflection Music Group as a branding designer for other artists. At the time, the label was unaware of the fruitfulness of Deraj’s music. A few years after working for the label, the first artist he designed for saw Deraj rap and mentioned to the label to check him out. In 2014, Deraj officially signed with the label.

A smart-minded-creative, Deraj was working full time as a graphic and brand designer for a church and balancing his performances. His music was streaming well, providing some revenue, but not enough to leave his day job. “I don’t know all that I did, but it is working now, but back then it was a question lingering, trying to figure it out: Who was I in relation to my music,” Deraj explains that although things unfolded organically for him, he was trying to see the big picture of his life, along with his wife, trying to put the pieces together for his music career. “Figuring out how to get ahead. I wanted to develop and max my talents, noticing patterns that were not helping to max my potential.” With strategy, development, and kin admin skills, Deraj worked on the next chapter of his life, creating music that resonated with his soul.

Being with the music label exposed Deraj to all the details behind the music business, helping him hone his skills as an artist and entrepreneur. His first sync placement came as a surprise to everyone, including the label, when he landed a song with ESPN from the first EP recorded and produced by him. “This was a light-bulb moment for me,” Deraj recalls, realizing the potential to grow even more with his music.

Even though Deraj had a positive experience and relationship with Reflection Music Group, in 2019, he left the label and became an independent artist. “I was growing and had new goals in mind,” expresses Deraj, whose focus shifted to synchronized motion to picture (SYNC), researching all he could to get his music to the right people for sync placements. Deraj later joined a course by Cathy Heller, learning about music sync licensing, and receiving the right tools to keep moving forward. “It was perfect timing, and it really helped me build a solid foundation of what this industry is, what type of music I need to be creating, how I needed to be thinking in this space?” Soon thereafter, Deraj started making music for briefs, reaching out to music supervisors and agencies, attending conferences, and submitting songs to music libraries.

Within a year and a half, Deraj landed placements on projects such as Law & Order, Cruella, Lucifer, All American, and many more. No longer a sapling, Deraj had reached the sky with his flourishing branches, earning a sustainable income which allowed him to leave his job of 11 years to dedicate all his time to his music path. When he got to earning six figures with music placements, Deraj thought of offering his formula to success to indie musicians. In 2020, he built an audience in Club House, expanding his next work independently, mentoring, coaching, and being there for artists step by step on how to get placements on TV and film.

“I like results, and not just results for myself but results for those who are a part of my community. I don’t want us to get excited about the idea of licensing because that’s fleeting. We need something substantive where artists know how to become businesses and actually figure out how to make it sustainable,” explains Deraj, who launched rep.indieⓇ to welcome indie artists to join a solid community where they receive a well-rounded system and education to align with their music, vision, and goals. “I would just bring more into the fold and help artists really understand and be able to partake in this space that we call SYNC, and be able to find the type of sustainability for a music career I know everybody is looking for, and to be able to do that with some like-minded artists and have a clear path and clear mentorship to get there.”

Besides music, indie artists can benefit from Deraj ventures by affiliating with concept art.Ⓡ, a contemporary clothing brand that embodies the essence of the modern creative*. This online store features hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts expressing positive messages.

With each sunrise and sunset, Derja takes conscious action to keep sprouting, honoring his family and faith with the colors and sounds within his core. Deraj is a keystone for the creative arts community, inspiring us to build strong roots, See ourselves, Hear the calling of our souls, and become the majestic oak trees we are here to be.

“Not to relent from the things that you’re hoping for. Don’t ignore those things that you are sensing inwardly. They are there for a reason. Don’t let the internal or external conversations discourage you from what’s possible. It seems so cliché, but the only thing that prevents us from getting it is ourselves. Be relentless, with encouragement and grace, know that everything is absolutely possible.” -Deraj

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*About the brand: *concept art.* is a contemporary clothing brand that embodies the essence of the modern creative. Concept Art’s designs seamlessly blend simplicity and a classic feel, offering a unique fusion of style and artistic expression. Why does the brand exist: The vision of concept art. is to be more than just a clothing brand; it’s a celebration of creativity and individual expression. Our brand is inspired by creative people in their daily lives and manifested through contemporary design. Brand Mission: Our mission is to empower self-expression through fashion and to build a creative community of like-minded individuals. Ideal clients: The modern creative. Items are currently all men’s pieces / unisex. VISIT HERE

EVA

May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

Creative Souls, Pam Sheyne and Sarah Bethany’s new vocal duo project EVA, offers sweet nectar music from the heart.

With transcendental vocals and notable lyrics, Pam Sheyne and Sarah Bethany created EVA in the arms of the Big Island of Hawaii. EVA is pure female divinity, with songs that reflect upon the experience of life, love, and motherhood.

EVA means to be ALIVE – the LIVING ONE, the bearer of good news, being an activist for what’s right, and a nourisher for the brokenhearted. EVA is you and me. It’s everyone seeking to unlock the treasures we carry within ourselves to find peace and freedom. EVA has been possible with the assistance of producer Michael Surprenant (Mana Music & Media in Hilo, Hawaii), and arranger, August Eriksmoen.

Pamela Sheyne is a New Zealand born songwriter, producer, mentor, and singer best known for co-writing Christina Aguilera’s global smash debut single “Genie in a Bottle”. A multi platinum songwriter with 50+ million record sales, 100+ platinum sales, Pam has spent the majority of her career writing for other artists. She is a prestigious Ivor Novello Award-winning-songwriter and a 7 times BMI Radio Play Award recipient. Her songs have also been placed in multiple TV shows and films.*

Sarah Bethany is an artist and musician. She’s a prolific songwriter, producer, and composer, with Ave Maria vocals. Her style is Jazz, Blues, and Soulful, with delicate lyrics that touch the heart as an ointment needed to soothe the pain. Sarah’s songs have been featured on TV shows such as “The Game” on Paramount and “Sacrifice” on BET+. She also got to write and record the song for the opening scene of the ABC drama show, “The Company You Keep”.

Pam and Sarah met in 2017 at the Hawai’i Songwriting Festival and became fast friends. “I Forgive You” was the first song they co-wrote and performed in 2023. Pam says, “It’s a song that holds a mirror to us, so we may accept what cannot be undone, so we can be less hard on ourselves and ultimately shed the hurt through the act of forgiving oneself. We like to write meaningful songs that remind us of our connection as human beings and our capacity for good.”

What started as an a-capella project has become the union of two souls who want to create art together to make a difference in the world.

“A profound friendship was born,” adds Sarah, reflecting on how they started to complement each other, spending several hours in deep conversations. “We wanted to write songs about the things that mattered to us, our relationships, our surroundings, but mostly our feelings on life and love. Our aim is to put music out there that is uplifting, healing, and loving. I’m blossoming and it’s a gift to do it with Pam as we have a profound soul connection and a sisterhood that’s precious.”

“EVA has been organically unfolding, I believe we’re being guided with this project, we are both growing spiritually,” the duo describes their artistic and personal development, and how collaboration has been full of surprises. Pam surprised herself by taking the lead on the guitar in the writing process, and Sarah has honed her voice and musical ear. Working together has taught them to be patient with themselves and to surrender to a new process.

EVA is the home where twin flame sisters, Pam and Sarah, sow healing light, chiming tender serenity that makes time stand still, —embracing us in the depths of their garden to experience true agape.

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*Excerpt from: Pam’s website https://www.pamelasheyne.com/ & Wikipedia Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_Sheyne

ALYSSA MUSE

April 9, 2025November 4, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

Creative Soul, Alyssa Muse, uses colors and brushes as instruments of angelic light to transform the gray walls around us, adorning them with her meaningful art.

Alyssa is an artist and animal rescuer from Louisiana, and a recurrent live painter at Sugarshack Live Sessions. She’s the founder and director of The Aviary, an art studio and creature sanctuary dedicated to the arts and animal rescue. She offers live paintings at weddings, private events, and parties, and takes custom orders such as animal portrait commissions and mural projects. In addition, Alyssa weaves dream catchers and makes custom-made shirts with her art, available at her online shop.

The love for the arts and animals has allowed Alyssa to merge her two passions and positively impact her community. Using acrylic painting on nontraditional canvases, Alyssa’s art is unmatched and beautiful. Everything she adds to the canvas is pure magic, intuitively letting the brush and colors guide her. A portion of the proceeds from her art pieces go directly to supporting The Aviary.

Founded in 2018, The Aviary provides comprehensive animal rescue services to aid animals suffering from cruel circumstances. Alyssa’s and her team’s unwavering dedication and compassionate approach have significantly impacted countless animals’ lives, providing them with hope, healing, and a chance for a better future.

Growing up, Alyssa couldn’t foster her creativity, unaware of her innate talents as an artist. Life went on as she dedicated herself to becoming a professional doing legal work for an oil and gas firm near where she grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana. She went on to work for an international firm in Houston, Texas, and while being there, a headhunter found her for another job in Naples, Florida. It was at this job that her creativity started to spark. From decorating her office to doodling on her co-workers’ boards, these small moments of creativity birthed her artistic seed, not expecting it to grow in the most tender, strong, and fruitful way, as it has.

The delusion found in our busy schedules prompted Alyssa to find the courage and put her artistic superpower into full mode, leaving behind her career as a Paralegal. She started making Christmas ornaments, flipping thrift store items into art pieces, and selling them online. These ideas proved beneficial, and since then, she’s had between 2 to 3 commissions on deck, with a calendar flowing with bookings for events that have taken her on memorable adventures.

During the time she worked in Naples, Florida, Alyssa reached out to a Facebook group of ladies doing aerial acrobatics, joyfully hanging out from trees. Alyssa connected with one of the ladies from the group, Lisa, and asked to join, and a bond beyond the veil of cosmic love was born between these soul sisters.

Lisa, an aerialist and professional photographer, partner of Sugarshack’s founder, Eddie Kopp, offered her home (the Shack) for Alyssa to stay while she visited Bonita Springs. Oftentimes, Alyssa would be at the Shack during the Sugarshack Live Sessions, an unforgettable MUSIC DISCOVERY experience by attending an up-close, exclusive, and live recording of a Sugarshack Session. At one of the Sessions, Alyssa found herself spontaneously capturing the band’s live performance. Needless to say, she naturally became part of the Sugarshack family as a recurrent live painting artist.

After moving back to Louisiana from Florida, Alyssa connected with a group of animal rescuers, where she met her animal rescue partner, Carla Kates, and learned about fostering dogs. She then fostered a puppy pitbull, witnessing the substantial work behind animal rescuing and how much help was needed.

Alyssa recalls that after she had found a home for the pitbull, she started having surprise visits from ill dogs, including birds, as if she was holding an invisible sign letting them know she was their angel. Without any hesitation and feeling aligned with her true purpose, Alyssa established The Aviary.

Although local law enforcement regulations limit her from bringing her rescue programs to their full potential, she has been connecting with the right people who have helped her with her visions and goals to provide animals with the best care possible. Alyssa now counts with a team of volunteers and provides rescue programs, facilitating services to help find loving homes for animals in need. It’s been a journey of arduous work mixed with triumphs and disappointments, with a bold heart ready to work even harder. Alyssa is taking the necessary steps to help expand her horizons as a creative entrepreneur and to help The Aviary find acres of land for a sanctuary that can rescue all animals.

“It’s been a wildly organic process. All those things, they have found me,” Alyssa explains, grateful she can assist animals and at the same time restore hope to the world through her art.

Alyssa Muse motivates us to be there for those in need, especially the animals that fall victim to cruel treatment. She speaks on their behalf with her artistic creations, inspiring us to find beauty amid the ugly circumstances of life.

Support the artist . Support the art . Support animals.

“What is for you will find you.” -Alyssa Muse

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Photos credit: Lisa Hamilton

CREATIVE BUBBLE

ANIMAL SPIRIT ART

WOLF, Alyssa Muse @the_aviary

Unique art pieces based on the messages from animal spirits from the book, My Fauna Within, by Noemi Capote.

MORE HERE

CHRIS J.

March 27, 2025March 26, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

Creative Soul, Chris J., is a bright artist with a raw voice and songs that pump the heart with feel-good vibes. Chris allows his talents to reveal the layers of ingenuity that thread his soul.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Chris J. is a singer-songwriter and music producer based in Las Vegas. He specializes in Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B with four music projects under his belt, including “Liquor Store,” “Toxic Melodies,” “New Me,” and his latest, “Thank God I Survived,” available to stream everywhere.

Chris didn’t think music would become his ultimate passion until he got to college. There, he learned to make beats, rapping in groups, and slowly getting into the groove of the music world.

Up until then, Chris was doing music just for fun, networking, and establishing relationships with other musicians. He also produced for others while working on his own sound, and in 2018, he released his first project, “Allday.”

During the pandemic, Chris began learning about sync and later took a workshop with Sync Secrets by Ash, getting educated on music rights, publishing, and licensing for visual media productions. “I started writing differently but I think it helped me to write better.” Chris describes how he began focusing on writing better songs for sync, and the encouragement doubled when he got his first placement on the TV show “The Game.” Chris has also collaborated with peers to build a catalog exclusively for sync opportunities.

Chris is a sharp, creative entrepreneur who wears many hats in the development of his music career. He edits his music videos and is the director of marketing for his brand, attending listening sessions, events, and seminars to expand his knowledge and artistry. Chris’s potential is unlimited, and he’s taking the world by surprise with a modest heart and preeminent music.

“Don’t give up. Keep going and enjoy the journey.” -Chris J.

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BRYCE IVIE

March 5, 2025March 5, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

What are we going to be remembered for? Are we willing to work towards our legacy or let others create our path? It takes a special amount of courage to believe in our talents and trust our plans, while balancing life’s ups and downs, and going after our dreams with determination. Creative Soul, Bryce Ivie, pursues his artistic and entrepreneurial ideas with conviction in every step he takes. With a valiant heart, he’s pioneering auspicious projects that will have a long-lasting and rich impact on future generations.

Bryce Ivie is a singer-songwriter and lead vocalist and guitarist for the band, Sun State Blues. He’s also a member of Sugarshack Music Channel as a Podcast Host, Experience Director, and Venue Manager.

Growing up under the Miamian sun, Bryce revealed his musical talents as early as three years old, grabbing pots and pans to make music. The son of a pastor, the ministry environment introduced Bryce to the creative arts, full of dancing, music, and community.

In his teenage years, while living in Orlando, Florida, Bryce was drawn to exploring the underground and hard-core music era and finding inspiration to join garage bands. Once in high school and living in North Carolina, he was in orchestra and jazz bands, playing at church on the weekends, and loving music.

At 17, he moved to Bonita Springs, his current hometown where he honed his musical talents and started to write songs. “I love the creative process of a song.” Bryce describes how he enjoys taking a song apart, putting it back together, and molding it delicately. He recalls borrowing instruments from his teachers and recording raw sounds, such as the rain, to mix with his music and produce the songs in a quiet classroom.

Together with his friends, Bryce turned their passion project into a career, forming Sun State Blues, an Alternative Country Americana band. In 2024, they had their first Sugarshack Live Sessions performance. They also perform around Bonita Springs and other cities, spreading positive vibes with their groovy music, available to stream everywhere.

Bryce got involved with Sugarshack Music Channel in the most flabbergasting ways: While working at a coffee shop, Bryce was included in the commercial videos that were being shot by Sugarshack Media. Identifying Bryce was comfortable in front of the cameras, he caught the attention of the Sugarshack crew. At that moment, they were looking to add a new member to their creative team and Bryce seemed prodigious. In July 2022, Bryce officially became part of the Sugarshack family as a Podcast Host and later became their Experience Director and Venue Manager.

Bryce was an important part of the development and launching of the Sugarshack Music Experience, an unforgettable MUSIC DISCOVERY experience by attending an up close, exclusive, and live recording of a Sugarshack Session*. He oversees the guests and bands, assuring everyone has what they need and that everything is running accordingly and smoothly, creating a one-of-a-kind hypersurreal experience.

As the venue manager and booking director of Sugarshack Downtown, Bryce is happy to be part of a legacy of 20 years in the making and helping it grow. “It’s a work environment where the lifestyle and the workspace culture align with a person’s personal goals.” Bryce describes that being part of Sugarshack has been beyond fulfilling, and like no other business partnership. Bryce and the team are manifesting sustainable opportunities for local families, businesses, and musicians worldwide.

A DIY and hard-working soul, Bryce is reshaping the corporate and creative culture with groundbreaking and effective ideas made of steel. His journey is monumental, and his legacy will undoubtedly strike the earth and celestial horizons with the utmost rewards.

“If there is something in your life that you need to work on, try to slow down to do the work. Do it the right way, even if it’s painful. Be bold. Create something that is built to last. Whether it’s family, a creative venture, whatever it is, slow down and do the work, the hard work, to create something that is built to last.” – Bryce Ivie

Bryce & Family

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*CREDIT: WWW.SUGARSHACKSESSIONS.COM/EXPERIENCE

LISA HAMILTON

February 5, 2025November 4, 2025 by Noemi Capote "Mimi"

Creative Soul, Lisa Hamilton, shares the nectar of her illustrious heart in various artistic expressions. She’s the beholder of Nature’s essence, caring deeply for the well-being of all species and the planet, and she’s tinkering with the light that bonds us to nature, so we can remember what we are made of.

Lisa is a Herbalist, Energetic Healer, Professional Photographer, and Aerialist from Bonita Springs, Florida. Lisa has studied energy healing, EMF protection, and astro-herbalism, ever-growing her wisdom to offer effective remedies and services through The Apothefaery. “We have our medicine in our backyards,” declares Lisa, who carefully formulates natural remedies to improve our health.

Lisa grew up doing artistic sports such as gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading. Later in life, encouraged by her friend Laura, Lisa discovered the art of aerial silks, learning acrobatic movements on a long strip of fabric attached to the ceiling. Lisa reconnected with the gymnast within, and together with Laura and other talented local performers, they brought their passion to life through captivating shows and inspiring classes.

During her college days, Lisa was driven mainly by the 3D perception. She graduated with a BA in Biology from Florida Gulf Coast University. “If I can’t see it, then it’s not real,” Lisa recalls how she wouldn’t accept anything that didn’t have physical proof. It wasn’t until she was introduced to the practice of Yoga, that she realized the depth found in the realities within herself and the physical world.

As she progressed in her journey, Lisa transmuted her life, focusing not only on the physical but also the ethereal and the magic found in nature spirits. “Faeries bring me back to nature,” Lisa shares how much she feels connected to the fae realm, where she has activated important knowledge to create elixirs that can assure a long-lasting remembrance of the body’s capability to self-heal.

Lisa’s purpose expands into educating us on “how to connect to the nature around us and realize that we are nature.” She’s also formulating herbal remedies for animals, including frequency and energy healing for our furry friends.

Photography found its way to Lisa’s arms through her college soulmate, Eddie Kopp. He encouraged her to snap pics of the artists performing at Sugarshack Sessions for their social media, discovering she had a natural eye for it. “Sugarshack has been the ride of a lifetime. It’s been pretty great, meeting so many wonderful people.” Lisa shares how amazing it’s been to be part of Bonita Springs’s landmark music venue and how much it’s helped her expand her career as a photographer.

“Photography is a great creative source. It winds you up in so many places,” explains Lisa, who joined the Sugarshack Media team to shoot for the Trevor Hall concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. Lisa also joined her friend, Renee’s business (Love Letters Co.), shooting for weddings, and solidifying her skills as a photographer. Lisa specializes in brand, lifestyle, and home-birth photography. In 2024, Lisa released her series, Swamp Girl Summer, a fantasy shoot with her soul sisters, floating in the mystical wetlands of Florida.

We can catch Lisa every week in the podcast, Celestial Curiosities, with her podcast sisters, Meli and Maggie, where they share insightful topics on astrology, herbal remedies, and much more.

This planet counts with the assistance of whimsical Faeries like Lisa, alchemizing our consciousness to enjoy the abundance of benefits Gaia offers and realize that we are the medicine.

“Look to nature to find your answers. Go outside. Be with nature. We are nature. We are the stars. We are the earth. Finding that connection is so important.” -Lisa Hamilton, The Apothefaery