Erik Wakefield

Hailing from the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, NY; Erik always had a knack for entertainment. Being an avid fan of Yo! Mtv Raps and BET’s Rap City, he felt he had what it took to become a force within the Hip-Hop industry. In High School, him and a neighborhood friend/classmate decided to start a rap duo. While learning more about the business side of the industry, the duo decided to part ways, as Erik’s focus shifted into working behind the scenes and away from the mic.

In 2001, he then enrolled in a local Community College in Brooklyn and majored in Broadcasting Management. Since then, he discovered a love for the Radio Industry, and has been heavily involved in this business. During his tenure, he hosted a very successful Hip-Hop and R&B show called “Koncrete Radio” in which he wrote and produced all of his segments and sketches while working Promotions at  Clear Channel’s Power 105.1.

In his last year of Radio, Erik (formerly known as Eaztwood), decided to try his hand in journalism. He was a freelance web contributor for the popular Hip-Hop magazine; The Source. After a few months of maintaining the “Digital Dimes” column, The Source underwent some financial hardships, resulting in a shift of The Source’s website; specifically the “Digital Dimes” column. After a 2 year break, Erik is ready to regain his crown, and make a mark in this industry.

Now serving as the founder and Editor of Esleek Magazine, the self-proclaimed Hip-Hop head, credits Nas, Notorious BIG, and Jay-Z as his all time favorite rappers.

Michelle Wakefield

Article: Make up, Make up, Make up!

The Neighborhood of East New York in Brooklyn is Notorious for all the wrong reasons; gun violence, drugs, and High Crime. Although the town earned this stigma, many residents refused to become a product of their environment. Michelle Wakefield, the 29-year old freelance Make Up artist is proof that there is still a lot of talent in this section of Brooklyn.

Born in Nicaragua, Michelle always had an eye for fashion. While she favors trends of the 50’s and 60’s, her unique sense of style left her peers in suspense throughout High School. Although she appreciates fashion now, more than she did in High School, her interest shifted to Make Up. At the age of 23, Michelle taught herself how to do her own eyebrows, she admits to being nervous on her first try, however, the compliments she received was enough for her to keep going and not look back.

Fast Forward six years later, Michelle not only advanced her skill set, but also learned new techniques which gave her the ability to apply make up to all skin types. Her knowledge in Make Up and learning different brands earned her a steady client base in which she maintained successfully for one year. Michelle remains humble, as she knows this is only the beginning, “I’m grateful for my clients, but I have a long way to go. I want to continue to improve and show everyone that this is not for show, this is what I LOVE doing.”

                                                                        Article: Venus vs. Mars (Staying Healthy while Married)

Amira Hamid Joseph

Residing in Philadelphia, PA; fitness couple Ryan and Amira Hamid Joseph commits to a healthy lifestyle by motivating each other and celebrating their achievements. Although they were both hesitant on hitting the Gym together, Amira looked at it as quality time spent with her husband.Their hardwork and dedication led them to solid results in their first fitness competition: Amira came  in 5th in the Women’s Bikini Novice, while Ryan came in 2nd in Men’s physique. Due to his high placement, Ryan was qualified for the Men’s Nationals next year. We plan to see more of this inspirational couple within the next few years.

Ryan Joseph (Staying Healthy While Married) Pt. 2