[design]IMBIBE.

[designimbibe]

Taking a momentary hiatus to focus on the implementation of a momentous endeavor: Vodka Mariette. 

Please join us on this fascinating journey through VodkaMariette.com or on social media, including Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Thank you, and be back in a jiffy. 

[designimbibe]

Funding...connections... mean nothing without your hard work. 

[designimbibe]

So this is some of the weirdest, repurposed street art you'll ever see...

They say one man's trash is another man's treasure. Very few take that old adage to heart as literally as Francisco de Pajaro, a street artist whose work was seen this summer in London. That work, being the transformation of garbage into art. See more of it and read the entire article at TakePart.com.

Attempting to eliminate waste is most admirable. But let's not forget, we can also reclassify trash into something inspirational (above) or even something useful. 

A good example is the Tullibardine Whiskey distillery in Scotland. This scotch producer has begun to convert its by-products into an advanced bio-fuel capable of powering both petrol and diesel vehicles. However, they've had a right idea all along- the by-products were used for years before as animal feed and for other agricultural benefits. Either way, a nuisance became a positive contribution to the community and bottom line... Read more about it at Recycling International.

Another amazing example is certain members of the wine industry. Various vineyards and wineries have begun using and considering innovative upcycling techniques such as using grape residue or pomace as a meat preservative, hot dog nutrition booster and the grape seed extract to reduce carcinogenic compounds in red meat. They've also combined wastewater and animal manure to create a new alternative fuel source, used the grape pomace as a drug for diabetes and infused the skins into green tea to help prevent influenza contraction (among other health benefits). And now, they're taking things a step further and even testing what can be done with the stems, which they have discovered are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. Learn more at The Academic Wino.

[designimbibe]

Be DELUSIONAL (and act on it)!

Like all children of the late 80's and 90's, I was so saddened to receive the news of actor James Avery's death on December 31st. James Avery played the father figure (Uncle Phil) in the classic show that catapulted Will Smith to stardom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. (Absolutely beautiful article on Avery HERE) 

Hearing about the Fresh Prince made me think of Will Smith and the plethora of wise quotes he's known for. But one stuck out: "The first step before anyone else in the world believes it is that you have to believe it." ~ Will Smith

I think it came to mind due to something that happened to me last week. I was being interviewed for a potential media project about entrepreneurs. About halfway into the Interview, the inquisitor looked slightly confused and asked, "So, you've spent the last few years focused on this idea, or more specifically this thing that doesn't exist" (in reference to our brand, Vodka Mariette).  

Unfortunately, some people do not understand vision. EVERYTHING begins with a vision in your mind.

Yes, it is slightly delusional to believe in this literally imaginary thing. But delusion is only vision without action. And that is what separates those who think it's ridiculous to follow this brain fart, from those who understand it is the first step. Those with potential from those without. 

The vision we hold about the future, for our future, will manifest by attracting what it requires. This is because our vision for the future determines our actions in the present. As some put it, 'fake it 'til you make it.' 

Just like Avery with Uncle Phil, acting begins with a 'delusion.' They must start a vision for the character they want to create. Going inward to become this character to then put in into action. That's where they exude it and create it for others. 

proverbs 29:18 "where there is no vision, the people perish."

[designimbibe]

It's never the right time, with the right resources, with the right funding. And even if it seems like it is, things will change. So just start now. 

[designimbibe]

Life, Liberty, and the Founding Fathers' Pursuit of HOPPINESS. 

In case you didn't know, the Constitution was written by men who owned breweries, imported whiskey, and humped cows.

Read the fascinating story at The Daily Beast.

[designimbibe]

Be positive & celebrate the small wins. It's the formula for endurance & stamina. 

[designimbibe]

"If it gets rough, it's time to get rough."

Falling -Haim

[designimbibe]

Why Leaders Must Be Multilingual

Inglorious Basterds; the World War II action movie by Quentin Tarantino and starring Brad Pit. Of the plot about a special unit of Jewish soldiers sent to intimidate the Nazis, communication is a key staple. The opening scene where the hiding French Jews aren't aware to their impending death because the murderer chose to speak in English rather than French. The bar scene where the German soldier is discovered to be a spy when he orders 'three whiskeys' using the British hand symbol for three- not the German one. When three of the 'basterds' must humorously pretend to be Italian despite not speaking the language (above).

Sometimes the ability to literally speak in different languages is key. There's no doubt my French manufacturers get a better idea of my point when I tell them in French. Often, you just have to do your best; I can't speak Chinese, but to our suppliers there my e-mails are written in a broken, simple English that mimics theirs. This even applies to technology. The chinese are easier to get on Skype. My designers have to be called in order to get their attention. investors are busy, so might as well send an email. 

But what's truly most essential is the ability to translate areas of expertise between people. I have to explain government labeling regulations to the designer. Put the cost of this into terms investors can understand. Phrase investment activity in a manner that builds confidence in our suppliers. Ensure supplier requirements are clear to the research and development team at the lab. And that the attorney understands all of this. And so on.  

How is this done? First and foremost, you simply need to understand every aspect of the business. From branding to glassmaking to importing, every detail. This will also help to be a better manager. Secondly, think about who the message is for. A good marketing lesson, as well. Thirdly, for the actual message: KISS (keep it simple, stupid).  

"@GSElevator: #1: There are two universal languages... English & louder, slower English."

[designimbibe]

While 'their' reactions change, the constant here is that you never stop. No matter what.

[designimbibe]

The Benefit of Plans Gone Wrong.

Django Unchained. Ruthless, blood thirsty Candie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), slams his hand on the table. It seems his guests have plotted against him. During one take of that scene, DiCaprio unintentionally slammed his hand into glass, creating a gash that began to heavily bleed.

But he continued. He smeared his bloodied hand over Broomhilda's face in an act of evil dominance, never breaking character. She looks horrified as he does it. THIS was the take director Quentin Tarantino kept in the film.

Producer Stacey Sher recounted to Variety, "Leo had slammed his hand on the table countless times and he moved his hand further and he crushed a crystal cordial glass...Blood was dripping down his hand. He never broke character. He kept going. He was in such a zone. It was very intense. He required stitches."

The movie was brilliant. The scene epic. The 38-year-old actor now a Golden Globe nomination and Oscar buzz for playing an evil slave plantation owner.

Leave room for the X factor when planning. That spice of life when things just sort of go off-chart and it becomes beautiful. For our vodka, we had a bottle fillage issue. With no other option, we were forced to paint the entire bottle...making it look 100x better. Go with the flow. Not all surprises and uncertainty are bad. Roll with it.

Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place. 

[designimbibe]

For all y'all burning the midnight oil on a Thursday night...

[designimbibe]

Shake things up!

[designimbibe]

"There is no passion to be found playing small- settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

Nelson Mandela. 1918-2013.

[designimbibe]

So, is the glass is half full or half empty? Gratitude = Optimism

[designimbibe]

The Thanksgiving Secret…

is being GRATEFUL. Well, I know it’s obvious, but so many people don’t truly do it.

When you’re grateful, you increase the amount of good things in your life. Not only by attracting them, but understanding what you have now. We can already posses what we’re looking for and not even notice it! Often, we don’t need ‘more funding’, we just have an opportunity to spend more wisely and precisely. Or ’more employees’- we can just empower the current ones, making them contribute more AND be more fulfilled. Being grateful is the first step to being resourceful, which is essential.

So moving forward, whenever you’re looking outward for something you ‘need’. First take stock of what you already have. Most of the time, you’ll find that you’re already set.

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” -Tony Robbins

[designimbibe]

Know your destination, but go with the flow on your journey there. 

Pushing yourself TOO hard will only lead to burnout and frustration.