On the Couch with Winsome Sinclair

What is your name & What do you do?

My name is Winsome Sinclair & I am a Casting Director/Producer? Entrepreneur

When did you 'love affair' with film begin?
I have always loved film..I think the first grown up film I remember loving was LOVE STORY with Ryan O'Neal & Ali Mcgraw However My love affair with film took hold in 12th grade when I took a film study class with Mr. Flaherty... He taught us how to love & analyze films

How long have you been working in the film industry? Since September of 1989.. SO I just passed my 22nd Anniversary

Tell us about your lifestyle brand Breezes and the philosophy behind it?
Hmm BREEZES as a lifestyle is something that was conceptualized based on us truly loving the life we live... I come from a family that loves a great conversation...And loves to Enjoy life.. We were raised a certain way and we take that every where we go.. Even in terms of how and who we do business with other people. I think one of the greatest compliments I ever got from a colleague that knew me and some of my siblings is that when you meet a Sinclair you meet all the Sinclairs you know it when we walk in the room....This makes my parents proud..

What has been your career high-light to date?
Hmmm Its been a really great run thus far and I have many moments I remember fondly... I loved doing MO BETTER BLUES.. My intro to this industry.. I really loved doing MALCOLM X and working with Forrest Whitaker & Whitney Houston on WAITING TO EXHALE also working with Hype Williams on his Debut feature BELLY , with Speilberg on AMISTAD.. I loved meeting Oliver Stone and working with Lee Daniels on PRECIOUS...I loved being invited back to my Alma Mater ( Florida A & M University ) to speak. I am excited to be working on the remake of SPARKLE now with Whitney Houston and TD Jakes...And the list just keeps on. It is not lost on me how VERY Blessed I have been

What was your big break?
My big Break was getting an internship on the set of MO BETTER BLUES.

What are your goals and aspirations?
Goals & Aspirations are to continue to do the kind of work and be aligned with the kind of projects that will make my grand children proud.. I also look forward to collaborating with people of like minds & sensibilities to create the kind of product & projects that will have an impact on this industry and the way we do business... You see I am clear that my ministry is in Entertainment. This is where GOD sent me and this is where for 22 years he has continued to use me to do his work... I really do LOVE my JOB!!!

What should every woman know about pursuing her dreams?
Stay focused , Remain Humble but also KNOW your WORTH... Put GOD 1st in all your decision making. HE will never steer you wrong

What is next for Winsome?
BREEZES Lifestyle presents the WSA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL in NEGRIL JAMAICA 2012

To Contact Winsome: wsacasting@aol.com
www.wsaentertainment.com

Photo Credit: Daniel Green

Curvespiration: Celebrity Photographer Rowena Husbands

Late last year I was introduced to celebrity photographer Rowena Husbands, it was love at first site...Rowena is one of the most down to earth people that I have ever met and also an absolute sweetheart. I hope you enjoy this peek into her world.

Until Next Time,

Etoile

When did you 'love affair' with photography begin?
I worked for Canon USA after my daughter was born and I had borrowed some camera equipment to take pictures of her. In 1993 when she was about 3 yrs old I took her to a well known celebrity photographer to have her modeling photos done... and after seeing his photos I said to myself “I can do this” and I started taking her pictures myself.

How long have you been working as a photographer?
I have been working as a photographer for about 17 years.

At what point did you realize that photography was not only something that you liked to do but something that you were passionate about?
When I was told by famed photographer Daniel Perry and choreographer Robin Dunn that I had such confidence and a great eye for photography; that is when it became a passion for me and not just a hobby.

What was your entree into the world of celebrity photography?
My entry in to the world of celebrity photography was when my friend Choreographer Robin Dunn introduced me to Mona Scott-Young who at the time managed the careers of Busta, Missy Elliott, Q Tip, Foxy Brown, LL, and Allure. Mona Scott-Young gave me the first opportunity to photograph her girl group Allure's album release party, and then by word of mouth I started getting calls from other people in the industry to shoot events, and the rest is “Herstory” which is the way I like to refer to my story.

What has been your career high-light to date?
When I was hired by publicist Gwendolyn Quinn, to shoot the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin at BB Kings…I still have a copy of the check she gave me...

Who are a few people that you photographed that you just could not believe that you had the opportunity to photograph?
Susan Lucci, Tandi Newton, Alicia Keys , Michael Bolton…there are far to many to name...

What projects are you working on now?
I am currently working as the official ‘on-set’ photographer for VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop” Season 2.

Who are some of your clients that you work with on a regular basis?
Missy Elliott, Actor Jamie Hector, and I am also the official photographer for New York Women in Film & TV.

What are your goals and aspirations?
My goals & Aspirations are to be the best person and photographer that I can be, I am constantly challenging myself in my craft. I also plan on beginning a mentoring program for young women who are interested in being a photographer

Where can we expect to see Rowena in the future?
You can expect to see me on the big screen in the near future...

Check out Rowena's Web-Site Here:
www.blinkofaneyephotographyonline.com