As Apple gears up for their annual WWDC (Apple Worldwide Developers Conference), we here at QNSMADE wanted to relive a moment.
One year and 2 days ago, on June 8, 2015, Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering announced the relaunch of Apple News at the 26thâs WWDC, and he had this to say:
âŠbut now, news is not just about the media titans, great content comes from all kinds of sources, and we want them all in [Apple] News, so whether that is a local newspaper, a blog, or a special interest publication theyâll all be here.
The âlocal newspaperâ he mentioned was in direct reference to us, QNSMADE. We were streaming it live, patiently waiting to see when we would pop up on the screen. It was a major moment for us. Not to be a humblebrag, but they put us first.
I think that not everybody is built to be a DIY hustler. Â I think for a lot of people, itâs just not part of their DNA. Â Some people are happy with a great 9 to 5 with great benefits and I donât want to knock those people but if you hate the fact that youâre in an office and just doing stuff that you donât feel passionate about, then I recommend you to just get the fuck out. I mean always figure out ways to make money but life is short and thereâs a timing for everything. You only get to go to college once in your life. Â You only get to go to prom once in your life. You only get to have sex for the first time once in your life. So I think everything has this timing and in your 20âs itâs very crucial for you to try as many things as you can because in your 30âs you have to start figuring out real life problems. And in your 40âs you just have to stick to what you know. Â If youâre like 23 and you have that hundred thousand dollar job working at Goldman Sachs and you feel like, âDamn son I just have this urge to do other shit, like this job is whack. I donât feel comfortable doing thisâ then I would recommend you to just get the fuck out and explore what you want to do. Like once you knock out that baby or once you start seeing your parents getting old and they canât take care of themselves, once you have all these real life problems come upon you, you might not even have the opportunity to do what you really want to do. Â So when you have the opportunity I encourage everyone to explore.
QNS+A: Karesia Batan of the Queensboro Dance Festival
Karesia Batan started the Queensboro Dance Festival in 2014 after realizing there was a lack of a common place for choreographers and dancers in Queens. The Queensboro Dance Festival highlights only Queens-based choreographers and dancers/dance companies, they are celebrating their 3rd annual festival this year on October 17th-23rd.
With Queens being so expansive and neighborhoods often feeling like their own separate worlds, it does take some digging to discover choreographers and dance groups, but that's the exciting part. Researching, asking around, learning of other Queens dance programming, diving into the community-- it's how I've met unique Queens dancers and resources that have been around for a long time.
Read more about Karesia, why she started the festival, and how you can get involved after the jump!
Can you give us a little background on where you grew up and where you are now?
My parents immigrated here from the Philippines in the 70s, and lived with my uncle in Jamaica Queens until I was born. So technically I'm from Flushing but raised in Connecticut. After college, I moved to NYC to pursue a career in dance, and growing up we often visited my cousins in Jamaica, so living in Queens felt more natural than any other borough. I've been living in Long Island City for almost 10 years now, and though I perform all throughout NYC, I'm enjoying more and more integrating my dance career with my neighborhood.
When did you start dancing?
I was one of those kids who had dance class as a toddler because that was just part of preschool, and then continued dance as a regular extra-curricular activity up though high school. I had a small dance scholarship with the Connecticut Ballet program in elementary school, which really exposed me to all kinds of dance-- ballet, tap, West African, Capoeira. We performed and toured with the professional company; it was inspiring and exciting. I later trained at another dance school until I was 18--ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap.
When I graduated, I had a choice: to take a public relations office job offer, or see where dance could take me. I figured the office could wait and promised myself to pursue dance for as long as I could sustain it.Â
Did you go to college for dance or take classes?
I loved dance, but when it came to college, I knew I wasn't technically strong enough to go into a college dance major or a conservatory program.â Bâut I was academically strong, and my parents emphasized the importance of a âwell-rounded education while figuring out a future career. So I attended Boston University as a communication major in public relations, and completed a dance minor. It was in college where I had the most exposure to modern dance, but among other styles like hip-hop and cultural/folk dance. When I graduated, I had a choice: to work in a public relations office, or see where dance could take me. I figured the office could wait and promised myself to pursue dance for as long as I could sustain it. I'm grateful that I've been able to be a freelance modern dancer/choreographer and also produce dance programming for artists, and I definitely attribute my production skills to my public relations studies in college.
Why did you start The Physical Plant dance group?Â
The Physical Plant is the name of my dance group, coined in 2010, primarily to house the dance works I was choreographing and showing at different theaters. When I started noticing a need in our dance community, that's when I began to create and produce programs like the Queensboro Dance Festival, and so now The Physical Plant has expanded to be a dance group + production company. I've been learning more and more about what's happening in the Queens dance world now, particularly since I started the Queensboro Dance Festival in 2014.
The Queensboro Dance Festival is an annual celebration of performances that only feature work by Queens-based choreographers. This came out of noticing that as a Queens-based dancer myself, it was difficult for me to find out where other Queens dancers were, what they do, what they are choreographing-- there was no common place for us to meet or share ideas.
What is the Queensboro Dance Festival? We love that you highlight dancers in Queens. Why did you feel it was important to keep the dancers and choreographers Queens-based?
The Queensboro Dance Festival is an annual celebration of performances that only feature work by Queens-based choreographers. This came out of noticing that as a Queens-based dancer myself, it was difficult for me to find out where other Queens dancers were, what they do, what they are choreographing-- there was no common place for us to meet or share ideas. There was no palpable sense of dance community in Queens the way Manhattan or Brooklyn had. So I started the festival with the mission to strengthen our Queens dance community, to find fellow choreographers in all corners of the borough and bring us together to share our works.
Has it been difficult finding dancers, resources, or collaborators in Queens?
With Queens being so expansive and neighborhoods often feeling like their own separate worlds, it does take some digging to discover choreographers and dance groups, but that's the exciting part. Researching, asking around, learning of other Queens dance programming, diving into the community-- it's how I've met unique Queens dancers and resources that have been around for a long time, and I just never knew about it. The Queensboro Dance Festival provides a platform to exchange all of this, and hopefully to better unify our dance community here. I knew when I started the festival three years ago that Queens was already coming into the spotlight as a residential and tourist attraction; things have been happening here and the greater public was beginning to take notice. But now is an especially exciting time for Queens dance, with major companies like the Joffrey Ballet and Jessica Lang Dance opening spaces in Long Island City later this year-- Queens dance is going to burst onto the scene, and I feel proud and fortunate that the Queensboro Dance Festival is a part of this movement.
There was no palpable sense of dance community in Queens the way Manhattan or Brooklyn had. So I started the festival with the mission to strengthen our Queens dance community, to find fellow choreographers in all corners of the borough and bring us together to share our works.Â
What are some Queens dance groups that are currently involved in the Festival?Â
This October will be the 3rd year of the festival, and we have thus far presented over 30 different Queens-based choreographers and dance companies. Some groups have been American Bolero Dance Company, a Flamenco company from LIC; #Taplife, a tap group from Howard Beach; and Gotham Dance Theater, a modern dance company from Sunnyside.
Are you still looking for more dancers? If so, what requirements do you have and how do people apply? Â
The call for choreographers is now open until July 11th for this year's festival, which runs October 17-23 at The Secret Theater in Long Island City. The main requirement is that you must be Queens-based with a resident mailing address. Dance pieces are selected based on merit, range of dances represented in the festival, and performance availability. More festival info and the application can be found at www.queensborodancefestival.com!
Photo c/o of Masato Kuroda
Follow the Queensboro Dance Festival:
Website / Instagram / Twitter
Follow Karesia & The Physical Plant:
Facebook
QNS+A is a short Q&A with a Queens, NY localâa spinoff of our longer format interviews, QNSMADE Profiles. A slice into the lives of Queens people doing cool things.
Beth & Tara started End of the AÂ in 2014Â as a mobile boutique and in September of last year opened up a brick and mortar in The Rockaways. Theyâve stocked QNS MADE gear and we are forever grateful for their support. Theyâll be operating both their truck and store this Memorial Day weekend, so be sure to pay them a visit!
Our identity is here in Rockaway and it played a huge part in the decision to quit our jobs, take a leap of faith and start the business.
Learn more about the duo, their advice for others looking to open up shop, and more after the jump!
Can you let us know a little background on how you started End of the A in 2014?
The truck was the first and best way we could think of starting a retail business on a budget. Another factor that played a part was the 'mobile' aspect of our business. We both live in an area that was affected by hurricane Sandy, it was comforting knowing our new venture could be relocated by the start of an engine.Â
Where are you both from and where do you currently reside?
Beth was born and raised in Rockaway Beach, she is fourth generation! Tara was born and raised in Brooklyn and moved to Rockaway in her teen years. We both met in high school which feels like a million years ago! We both currently live here in Rockaway and have no plans on leaving!Â
We both live in an area that was affected by hurricane Sandy, it was comforting knowing our new venture could be relocated by the start of an engine.
Can you share one difficulty you faced with the transition going from a retail truck to a store front?
The single most difficult part was filling the space up, getting enough merchandise and the best products for the space. I didn't think that was something I would stress upon so much having two years buying for the truck. However, the store is like a completely different world, the aesthetic resembles the truck but the merchandise we carry is totally different. It's a work in progress every day, we add new displays and keep things fresh so customers don't see the same thing every time they shop with us.
Are you planning on setting up the truck along with operating the store this summer?
Yes! The truck is getting its tune up and getting cleaned up from hibernating during the winter months. We are really excited to have both running from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. We meet so many amazing people with the truck.
We're so grateful to live in a community that understands the importance of supporting small businesses, the people we work with inspire us every day
Is it important to you both to operate out of the Rockaways (or in Queens in general) or do you see yourselves moving/expanding elsewhere?
Our identity is here in Rockaway and it played a huge part in the decision to quit our jobs, take a leap of faith and start the business. It would be a dream to expand and we hope to one day, but right now if we did expand it would be another store or truck in Queens. We're so grateful to live in a community that understands the importance of supporting small businesses, the people we work with inspire us every day, like you ladies!
From both of your experiences, what 3 tips would you give to someone looking into opening a retail store (or truck)?
There's so many things but we're going to try to think of just three!
Make sure that you really enjoy talking, helping and meeting new people. It's not a job for someone who doesn't want to engage in conversation or help someone out who needs a little retail therapy! If you want to start a retail business consider working at an existing store first for experience.
Take a few business classes if you aren't already familiar with how to start a business. The city offers free classes too, we took ones at the QEDC before we launched the truck. (Queens Economical Development Center). Beth is a wizard of spreadsheets and Tara has an eye for design so we've been a good balance for each other in that aspect.
Be prepared to be working when most others are not. If you are determined to be your own boss just remember that there's nobody else to cover you when you can't work! For us, it's turned into a 24/7 gig especially with the brick and mortar taking off but it's something we enjoy so much it doesn't really feel like work (most of the time). Make sure to pick one day a week for free time and shut your phone off if you have to so you can reboot! It's definitely necessary in order to keep loving what you are doing. Â
Make sure to pick one day a week for free time and shut your phone off if you have to so you can reboot! It's definitely necessary in order to keep loving what you are doing. Â
Follow End of the A:
Website / Instagram  / Twitter / Facebook
Find the End of the A Truck
QNS+A is a short Q&A with a Queens, NY localâa spinoff of our longer format interviews, QNSMADE Profiles. A slice into the lives of Queens people doing cool things.
QNS+A: Tania Mattos, co-founder of Queens Neighborhoods United (QNU) and the Education and Outreach coordinator at UnLocal.
Tania Mattos was born in La Paz, Bolivia, but has been living in Jackson Heights Queens for the past 28 years.Â
She co-founded Queens Neighborhoods United (QNU), a grassroots organization made up of community members across Queens fighting against displacement, gentrification, BIDs, and police brutality. Currently, she holds a full-time job at UnLocal, a non-for-profit immigration legal clinic as the Education and Outreach Coordinator.
Learn more after the jump about how Tania got into organizing and why speaking up and speaking out has become her life mantra.
How did you get into organizing? What were your first memories of social justice?
Growing up, my father was involved in social justice movements in Bolivia, so my brother and I would always hear about the importance of being involved. Most of my family are union members. I interned at various government offices, but I truly started to organize in 2010 around the federal DREAM Act in NYC. The bill would have directly affected me and it was the first time I ever saw anyone that I related to declare that they were undocumented in public. I felt inspired, empowered and believed we could change the world.
How do you balance your time between Queens Neighborhoods United (QNU) and UnLocal?
Having a full-time job and organizing on the side is challenging. I work during the week days and go to events or meetings related to QNU during week nights and weekends. QNU focuses on displacement and police abuse within Jackson Heights and Corona and UnLocal provides legal representation and education for immigrants. There is overlap in the work I do because most of the residents of JH and Corona are either undocumented immigrants or permanent resident.Â
Below: The poster from Five Boro Story Project for Queens Documented: The Fight for Social Justice.
You spoke at Queens Documented: The Fight for Social Justice in Flushing, Queens. How was that experience for you?Â
Queens Documented was a fun and inspiring experience for me. Some of us have kept in touch and inform one another about what's going on in our hoods. It was really an honor to be part of that group.Â
Below: Tania speaking at IMI Corona. Photo credit:Â Luisa Rebeca
You are an outspoken, strong woman and a power house. You werenât always that way, can you speak to why you do what you do?
I was always shy, but living in Queens taught me to stand up for myself when I had to. As a kid, I remember seeing my mother, father and other family members struggle with the English language. They felt shy to ask questions. Iâll never forgot the struggles of being a recent immigrant.Â
But as I grew older there were different events that led me to the 30-something year-old woman that I am today. One of those instances was an article by Jorge Ramos titled "Silencio Que Mata" (Silence That Kills). It was about how no one at that time was standing up for immigrants. No one was "giving" them a voice. That was in 2007. Today, the case is different. My views on speaking up and speaking out has evolved to being a mantra. It's an important factor in fighting fear, empowering others and teaching youth.Â
Featured photo credit: Sophia Wallace
Follow Tania on:
Twitter
Follow Queens Neighborhoods United (QNU) on:
Website / Facebook / Twitter
Follow UnLocal on:
Website / Facebook / Twitter
QNS+A is a short Q&A with a Queens, NY localâa spinoff of our longer format interviews, QNSMADE Profiles. A slice into the lives of Queens people doing cool things.
We chatted with Sue Yacka, most people know her by her twitter handle and food blog with the same name tastoriaqueens. The tagline being âoccasional musings on my favorite meals and snacks in Astoria, Queensâ but we know Sue brings much more to the table than just that. Here, she opens about what sheâll miss in Astoria and Queens as a whole (she is moving out of this borough) and how she sees food as an extension of community and how food writing is "connected to everything: race, immigration, environment and ecology, legislation of all sorts and etc.â
More about Sue, the force behind tastoriqueens and her thoughts on the changing borough. As well as the foods and places sheâll miss dearly in Astoria, Queens after the jump!
We first met on Twitter and then IRL. In todayâs world, how has social media channels like Twitter play a role in your life and for your food blog, tastoriaqueens?
As an exceedingly social person, Twitter is just an extension of that sociability. Iâm as likely to talk to you in person as I am online, and relish both.
I was never really comfortable with blogging because it felt so one-sided: there was no back and forth conversation, and no listening involved. I think we are all better when we are in dialogue with one another, respectively and respectfully talking and listening, then when we are simply pushing out our own opinions into the world.
I would say when people need a suggestion for a good meal in Astoria, you are on the top of people's list to reach out to. When you moved to Astoria from Jersey, did you ever think your side passion project would lead to this?
I love talking with people about food. The joy that we express when talking about trying something new for the first time, a favorite restaurant, a beloved family recipe, or particular dish from where we were born or raised is one of the fundamental things that connects us to one another. I am so grateful that I found a forum in Astoria, in Queens, and in New York City where I can have those conversations with total strangers. Some of those strangers have become friends, which is even better. Wherever we strive for connection, we build community.
Now that you are moving away from Queens. What are some things you will miss about Astoria?
I said in an interview once that my favorite places in Astoria are the restaurants I went to with my girlfriend when we were first dating: Jerusalem Pita (Pita Hot), Vesta, and Gregory's 26 Corner Taverna. We split this year, which was hard, but those are still my favorite places, even if my memories of them are now a bit more complicated and somewhat harder to bear. For me, the maps of the people and the places we love are the same. Â
Below: Steamed PEI Mussels and Crispy Snap Peas with a Margherita Pizza from the Astoria restaurant Vesta.
Below: Kreatopita from the Astoria restaurant Ovelia
What have you learned since living in Queens as a whole?
Queens is an exceptional place, but all of our New York City neighborhoods were once exceptional in their own ways.
I hope Queens can fight off the monochromatic gentrification that is fast encroaching, and retain some of what makes it unique and special. And to anyone who reads this and thinks âoh, change is inevitable,â Iâll simply say that âchangeâ is not actually change when it is a dull formula. If we donât organize and mobilize, this city will be entirely glass box towers, banks, and a 24-hour CVS. Â Â
You work at New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), can you tell us a little bit about what they do? What do you do there? You once said tastoriaqueens is your getaway space, from the heavy, emotional weight of your work. How do you balance the two?
Iâm the Communications Director at AVP. It is an organization that empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
It [AVP] is intense work, and I used to think about it as entirely separate from my writing and talking about food. More recently though, Iâve been seeing the similarities. If you can make a true connection with someone, whether talking about food, or talking about being a survivor of violence, well, thatâs a starting place from which really anything is possible. Most of us love food. Most of us are survivors of something awful. Letâs talk. Â
Aside from writing about food, you also wrote about gentrification and talk about your opinion publicly via your social media. What are your feelings on the topic currently?
For one thing, I can see my own role in the gentrification of Astoria more clearly. We all want neighborhoods to stay exactly as they were when we moved into themâas I naively did when I moved to Astoria 7 years agoâbut thatâs not how the process of gentrification works. We need to be willing to interrogate and disrupt that process at every step if we want to have a city that is egalitarian, affordable, and humane for every one of our eight and a half million neighbors.
How has Astoria changed in those 7 years?
Astoria has changed a lot since I first moved here, and not necessarily in ways that I like. But since I have loved and still do love so much about Astoria, and as Iâm about to leave, Iâll just list some of the places I will miss most, and hope youâll always go.
And more, Iâm sure, that I'm forgetting, but will come back to me as beautiful memories. [FIN]
All photos courtesy of Sue Yacka of tastoriaqueens (the featured photo is of Corn Dog Buttons from the Astoria restaurant Ovelia.
Follow Sue:
Website  / Twitter
QNS+A is a short Q&A with a Queens, NY localâa spinoff of our longer format interviews, QNSMADE Profiles. A slice into the lives of Queens people doing cool things.
Around this time two years ago, on April 23, 2014, we raised $8,780 via our Kickstarter campaign. Here was a fun video we did with some locals! Thanks everyone!
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