 Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief / Photos by Vonoi Media Technology is changing faster than many communities can prepare for it. What once took years to develop can now transform in months, weeks, days, and sometimes even minutes. As artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced energy systems, and other emerging technologies continue to reshape the economy, communities across America are facing an important question: How do we embrace the opportunities of the future without sacrificing the quality of life, natural resources, and people that make those communities worth living in? That question was at the center of a powerful conversation among civic leaders focused on the future of technology, climate, energy, and economic development. The discussion made one thing clear. Technology is not going away. The real opportunity is for communities to prepare themselves, understand what is coming, and make sure they have a seat at the table before major decisions are made. Data is moving at an incredible speed, creating opportunities that were difficult to imagine only a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is advancing research, creating efficiencies, filling gaps across industries, and opening doors to new economic possibilities. At the same time, the growth of technology requires enormous amounts of energy, water, land, and infrastructure. That creates a responsibility for leaders to think beyond the immediate economic opportunity and consider the long-term impact on their communities. One mayor described living in a community surrounded by three rivers, creating tremendous opportunities for economic development but also raising important questions about protecting natural resources. The conversation around a potential 55,000-acre reservoir demonstrates the tension communities can face. Development can create jobs and investment, but leaders must also ask how natural assets can be protected while supporting future growth.  Energy has become one of the most important pieces of that conversation. Communities are beginning to explore everything from solar and nuclear power to geothermal energy and different forms of hydrogen. The goal is not simply to produce more energy. It is to develop smarter energy management systems that protect existing resources and make communities more resilient. One example discussed was a partnership with South Korean energy experts to explore advanced energy management. South Korea has developed systems designed around redundancy and energy reliability, creating a model that communities elsewhere can study as they prepare for growing technological demands. The larger lesson is that communities do not have to figure everything out alone. International partnerships can bring knowledge, technology, and new ideas to local challenges. Climate protection is also becoming part of the economic development conversation. Leaders emphasized that environmental protection should not be viewed as separate from growth. It should be part of the planning process from the beginning. One community highlighted its commitment to LEED principles and its effort to bring a broad range of residents into the conversation, including business leaders, neighborhood residents, church leaders, hunters, fishermen, conservation advocates, and others who have a direct connection to the land and natural environment. That kind of community engagement matters because trust has become one of the most important issues surrounding large-scale development. Residents want transparency. They want to know what is being built, how it will affect their neighborhoods, how much water and energy it will use, and what they will receive in return. Most importantly, they want to feel that their voices matter before decisions are finalized.  The conversation around data centers brought those concerns into sharp focus. Data centers can bring investment, construction, technology, and jobs, but they can also create demands on local infrastructure. Electricity, water, land, transportation, noise, fire safety, and transmission infrastructure are all part of the equation. One mayor shared an example involving a data center that promised a community park as part of its development. Years later, the company sought to use the land originally associated with the promised park for additional transmission infrastructure. For residents who had already experienced significant construction and the presence of diesel generators and large battery systems, the change represented more than a land-use decision. It became a question of whether promises made to the community would actually be honored. The message was clear. Communities are not simply looking for companies that want to build in their cities. They are looking for partners. That distinction is important. Economic development has traditionally focused heavily on attracting companies, investment, and jobs. The next generation of economic development may require communities to look more closely at the quality of that investment, the infrastructure demands it creates, the jobs it produces, the environmental impact it has, and whether the company is willing to become part of the community. For cities like Phoenix, the conversation is also about preparing for an economy that may look dramatically different in the future. Financial services and other traditional industries could experience significant disruption from artificial intelligence. That means cities must think about what industries will exist five, ten, and twenty years from now and prepare their workforce accordingly.  Education is becoming a critical part of that strategy. Partnerships between universities, medical schools, engineering programs, technology companies, and other institutions can help prepare students for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and advanced technology. The objective is not simply to attract technology companies. It is to make sure local residents have opportunities to participate in the industries those companies create. Water remains another critical consideration, particularly in communities where resources are limited. Leaders emphasized that development should produce maximum benefits for residents while protecting resources that communities cannot afford to lose. That means examining not only how much economic activity a project creates, but also how much water and energy it consumes and whether the benefits justify those demands. The conversation also challenged the idea that cities should simply compete against one another to attract data centers. Instead, leaders discussed creating higher standards and sharing information so communities can learn from one another. That philosophy has helped lead to a global urban data center pact involving cities and partners from around the world. The initiative brings together cities, business partners, consultants, and other participants in the data center ecosystem around a shared goal of encouraging responsible development. The emphasis is on locating facilities where they can make productive use of existing infrastructure, considering brownfield sites and areas that may benefit from investment, pursuing cleaner energy, listening to local communities, and creating meaningful local economic benefits.  The international nature of the effort demonstrates how interconnected the technology economy has become. Cities from multiple continents are dealing with many of the same questions. How much energy should data centers consume? Who pays for infrastructure improvements? How should communities benefit? Where should these facilities be located? How can natural resources be protected? What happens when a project affects neighborhoods that already carry a disproportionate share of infrastructure? There is also growing evidence that communities care about how technology companies approach sustainability. Clean energy, community engagement, and local investment can influence how residents view major technology developments. That creates an opportunity for both cities and businesses to approach development as a partnership rather than a transaction. Partnership was one of the strongest themes throughout the discussion. Public-private partnerships can help communities address complicated challenges, but successful partnerships require benefits on both sides. Businesses need infrastructure, land, energy, and local cooperation. Communities need investment, jobs, responsible development, environmental protection, and long-term economic value. Local governments have a unique position in that relationship because mayors and local leaders live directly in the communities they represent. They shop at the same stores, attend local events, interact with residents, and experience the consequences of development firsthand. Unlike decisions made far away from a community, local decisions are visible every day. That proximity can become a major advantage. As technology continues to move forward, local leaders have an opportunity to establish expectations before development arrives. Communities can identify appropriate locations, infrastructure requirements, environmental standards, workforce opportunities, energy expectations, and community benefits before companies begin building. Planning upstream can help prevent conflicts downstream.  The same approach applies beyond data centers. Affordable housing, workforce housing, energy affordability, climate resilience, transportation, education, and economic development all require communities to think ahead rather than simply react to circumstances after they arrive.
The leaders in this conversation also emphasized that progress is happening throughout the country at the local level. Even when national politics and federal policy create uncertainty, cities and states continue working on climate, economic development, infrastructure, technology, and quality-of-life initiatives. That local momentum matters. The future will require cities to work with universities, businesses, residents, nonprofit organizations, technology companies, neighboring communities, and international partners. No single organization has all the answers. The communities that create strong networks of collaboration will be better positioned to understand technological change and determine how it can serve their residents. The message from these civic leaders was not to fear technology. It was to prepare for it. Artificial intelligence and data centers represent a significant part of the next economy. They can create opportunities for research, jobs, education, infrastructure, and innovation. At the same time, those opportunities come with responsibilities. Communities must protect their natural assets, demand transparency, prepare their workforce, manage energy and water resources, and make sure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that will shape their neighborhoods. The future is already arriving. The question is not whether communities will experience technological change. The question is whether they will simply react to it or help shape what comes next. For these leaders, the answer is partnership, preparation, transparency, and community engagement. Technology may be moving faster than ever, but the people who live in these communities still have a voice in determining what that future looks like. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief - Vonoi Magazine / Photos by Vonoi Media Harlem has never been afraid to have a conversation about its future, and that spirit was on full display at a recent community town hall focused on the One45 development and the future of Harlem. Residents, community leaders, business owners, elected officials, developers, advocates and longtime Harlem residents gathered to talk openly about housing, affordability, jobs, development, small businesses and what it really means to keep Harlem a place where the people who built the community can continue to live, work and thrive. The meeting was about much more than a real estate project. At its heart was a larger question that Harlem has been wrestling with for years. How does a community grow without losing the people, culture and history that made it special in the first place? That question brought emotion, passion and some difficult conversations into the room. It also created something important that every community needs, an opportunity for people with different perspectives to sit in the same room and actually talk. The One45 project, located at West 145th Street and Lenox Avenue, has been debated for years. The currently approved plan calls for approximately 1,000 residential units across three buildings, including 338 affordable units. The plan includes 126 affordable units at an average of 60 percent of Area Median Income, 122 units at an average of 80 percent AMI, and a third building planned as 100 percent affordable senior housing with 90 units. One of the strongest themes of the evening was the idea that housing cannot simply be measured by the number of apartments created. Housing is about families. It is about seniors. It is about working people. It is about young people trying to establish themselves. It is about longtime residents who do not want to be forced out of the neighborhood they have called home for decades. It is also about creating opportunities for people to participate in the economic activity that comes with development.   That was one of the most powerful messages throughout the evening. Harlem residents want development, but they also want development that creates opportunities for Harlem residents. They want jobs. They want training. They want businesses from the community to have an opportunity to participate. They want young people to see construction and development not simply as something happening around them, but as an opportunity to build careers and create economic stability for themselves and their families. The Community Benefits Agreement connected many of those ideas. The project includes plans for a 23,000 square foot technology center with community rooms, along with approximately 30,000 square feet of commercial, retail and community space. The agreement also includes provisions intended to create opportunities for Harlem businesses and minority and women owned businesses. Public information released by the City Council also identifies job training, employment and other community investments connected to the project. That part of the conversation deserves attention because economic development is about more than putting up buildings. If a new building comes into a neighborhood but the people who live there do not have access to the jobs, businesses, contracts, training and opportunities connected to that investment, the community is left asking an important question, Who is the development really for?  The town hall also highlighted the importance of Harlem's history. One of the speakers spoke passionately about the generations of families, churches, mosques, synagogues, entrepreneurs, activists and community organizations that helped build Harlem. Harlem's history is not simply a collection of buildings and streets. It is a history of people who created institutions, fought for dignity, built businesses and protected their community during difficult periods. That history was particularly important when Dr. Malcolm Punter of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement spoke about HCCI's role in Harlem. HCCI describes itself as a community organization focused on housing and economic development and says it has produced nearly 3,000 units of affordable housing for the Harlem community. Punter also made an important distinction during the discussion. He explained that HCCI's role as a community benefits administrator requires neutrality in evaluating whether the commitments associated with the agreement are being fulfilled. That distinction matters because community organizations involved in these agreements have to maintain credibility with residents while also working with developers, government agencies and other partners.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of the evening was the willingness of residents to ask hard questions. People asked about affordability. They asked about displacement. They asked about construction jobs. They asked about small businesses. They asked about environmental concerns. They asked about seniors. They asked about residents who may not fit neatly into the income categories established for the apartments. They asked about construction impacts, including concerns about rodents and environmental testing. They asked what would happen to surrounding businesses and cultural institutions as the neighborhood changes. Those questions demonstrated something important about Harlem. Residents are paying attention. They are not simply looking at a rendering and deciding whether they like the architecture. They are thinking about what happens after the ribbon cutting. They are thinking about whether their children will be able to afford to stay. They are thinking about whether the neighborhood's small businesses will survive. They are thinking about whether young people will have access to meaningful employment. They are thinking about seniors who have lived in Harlem for generations. They are thinking about people who may earn too much to qualify for some affordable housing programs but not enough to comfortably afford market rate housing.  The discussion about small businesses was especially important. Harlem's identity has always been connected to its entrepreneurs, restaurants, shops, cultural institutions, churches and locally owned businesses. New development can bring additional customers and investment, but it can also create pressure on surrounding commercial corridors. The town hall brought that issue directly into the conversation, with residents asking how local businesses would be supported as development moves forward. Another major theme was workforce development. The conversation made it clear that residents want more than temporary construction jobs. They want pathways into careers. The Community Benefits Agreement includes workforce initiatives involving job readiness, specialized training, workplace safety and trade skills. The goal discussed at the meeting was to give Harlem residents the preparation necessary to qualify for opportunities connected to the project and potentially build careers beyond a single development. That is an important distinction. A job can help someone today. A skill can continue paying someone tomorrow. The developers also provided an update on the project timeline, explaining that site preparation and demolition were underway and that construction would follow the necessary approvals and permitting process. The development team described plans for the two larger buildings to move forward together, with the senior housing building tied to the future availability of the third site. Public reporting has likewise documented the project's progression toward construction following City Council approval.  Council Member Yusef Salaam's message throughout the meeting centered on the idea that no single development can solve every housing problem facing Harlem. That point became especially relevant as residents raised concerns that go beyond One45 itself. The discussion made clear that Harlem's housing challenges involve both creating new housing and preserving existing housing. That may have been one of the most important takeaways from the entire evening. The conversation should not be reduced to simply being for or against one development. Harlem's housing situation is much bigger than one property. There are longtime residents struggling with rising costs. There are aging buildings that require investment. There are seniors who need accessible housing. There are working families caught between income levels. There are young people who want to remain in the community where they were raised. There are small businesses trying to survive rising expenses. There is also a generation of Harlem residents who want to participate in the economic future of their own neighborhood. That is where the idea of collective economics came into the conversation. The message was simple, Harlem has always survived through community. People pooling resources, supporting one another, creating institutions and building businesses has been part of Harlem's story for generations. Development should create opportunities for that tradition to continue. The evening was not without disagreement. In fact, the disagreement was one of the most important parts of the town hall. Residents voiced concerns about the number of affordable units, income requirements and whether the project would do enough for longtime Harlem residents. Kai from Defend Harlem presented a statement calling for additional affordability and more deeply affordable units, along with a meeting with city officials and project representatives to discuss potential changes. The response from the organizers was equally important. Rather than pretending everyone agreed, speakers acknowledged that disagreement is part of community life. The message was that residents have every right to hold elected officials, developers and community organizations accountable, but those conversations should be grounded in facts and conducted respectfully. That is what a town hall is supposed to do. It is supposed to create a space where people can question decisions, explain their concerns, hear information directly from the people responsible for making or implementing those decisions, and continue the conversation after the microphones are turned off.  The One45 conversation is ultimately a conversation about what Harlem becomes next. The neighborhood has changed before. It will continue to change. The question is how that change happens and who gets an opportunity to participate in it. Harlem deserves investment. Harlem deserves quality housing. Harlem deserves jobs and workforce training. Harlem deserves strong small businesses. Harlem deserves opportunities for young people. Harlem deserves housing options for seniors. Harlem also deserves to protect the cultural institutions, families and businesses that have carried this community through generations.
The most powerful part of the town hall was not that everyone walked away agreeing. They did not. The powerful part was that people showed up. They asked questions. They challenged assumptions. They shared personal experiences. They talked about their families. They talked about their businesses. They talked about housing. They talked about history. They talked about the future. That is how communities remain communities. The future of Harlem cannot be decided by one developer, one elected official, one organization or one project. It will continue to be shaped by the people who live here, work here, build here, invest here and care enough to show up and speak. One45 is one chapter in that much larger Harlem story. The town hall reminded everyone in the room that the story is still being written. Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief Climate change is no longer a conversation reserved for scientists, environmental advocates, or government agencies. In 2026, it has become a defining business issue that is influencing how companies operate, where investors place their money, and what consumers expect from the brands they support. From rising insurance costs and supply chain disruptions to clean energy innovation and sustainable manufacturing, climate change is shaping the future of commerce at every level. For entrepreneurs, the question is no longer whether climate change is real. The question is how prepared their businesses are for the opportunities and challenges it presents. The companies that recognize this shift are positioning themselves to lead the next generation of economic growth. Those who ignore it risk falling behind in a marketplace that increasingly rewards resilience, innovation, and long term thinking. Across the globe, extreme weather events have continued to affect communities and industries. Floods, droughts, wildfires, and stronger storms have disrupted transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Small businesses often feel these impacts the hardest because they typically have fewer financial resources to recover from unexpected interruptions. A delayed shipment, a damaged facility, or higher operating costs can quickly affect profitability. Consumers are also changing. Buyers are paying closer attention to where products come from, how they are manufactured, and whether companies are making meaningful efforts to reduce their environmental impact. While price and quality remain important, transparency has become another competitive advantage. Businesses that clearly communicate their sustainability efforts are earning greater trust from customers who want to support organizations that share their values. Investors have also shifted their focus. Many financial institutions are evaluating climate related risks when deciding where to invest capital. Companies that demonstrate strong environmental planning and responsible operations are often viewed as better prepared for long term success. This trend is encouraging businesses of every size to think beyond quarterly profits and develop strategies that create lasting value.  Technology is playing a major role in this transformation. Artificial intelligence is helping companies improve energy efficiency, predict weather related disruptions, optimize logistics, and reduce waste throughout their operations. Renewable energy continues to expand as solar, wind, and battery storage become more accessible and cost effective. Entrepreneurs who embrace these innovations are finding new ways to lower expenses while increasing operational efficiency. The automotive industry continues its transition toward electric vehicles, while manufacturers are investing in cleaner production methods and recyclable materials. Commercial buildings are becoming smarter through energy management systems that reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. Even industries once considered difficult to modernize are discovering practical ways to reduce emissions without sacrificing productivity. Climate change is also creating entirely new markets. Entrepreneurs are launching businesses focused on clean technology, sustainable packaging, carbon management, water conservation, green construction, and environmental consulting. These industries are generating jobs while addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Innovation is proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can move in the same direction. Government policies continue to influence the pace of change. Incentives for renewable energy, electric transportation, and infrastructure improvements are encouraging private sector investment. At the same time, businesses are navigating new reporting requirements and evolving environmental regulations. Staying informed has become a competitive advantage as compliance increasingly intersects with business strategy.  Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Around the world, entrepreneurs are demonstrating that innovation often accelerates during periods of change. Businesses are developing products that use fewer resources, creating circular business models that minimize waste, and finding creative solutions to environmental problems that also generate profit. Climate challenges are driving a new wave of entrepreneurship that rewards adaptability and forward thinking. Leadership has also evolved. Today's business leaders are expected to think beyond financial performance. Employees, customers, and investors increasingly look for organizations that contribute positively to their communities and the environment. Purpose driven leadership is becoming an important part of brand identity and long term business success. For small businesses, meaningful progress does not always require massive investments. Reducing energy consumption, improving operational efficiency, sourcing responsibly, and educating employees about sustainability can all contribute to stronger financial performance while reducing environmental impact. Small improvements, when applied consistently, often produce significant long term results. Climate change remains one of the defining issues of our time, but it is also becoming one of the greatest catalysts for innovation. Every challenge creates an opportunity for someone willing to think differently. The entrepreneurs who build solutions for a changing world will not simply respond to the future. They will help create it.  At Vonoi Magazine, we believe entrepreneurs have always been problem solvers. Climate change presents one of the biggest problems facing the global economy, but it also presents one of the greatest opportunities for visionary business leaders. The future will belong to those who embrace innovation, invest in resilience, and build companies that create value for both people and the planet. In 2026, sustainability is no longer just a social responsibility. It is a business strategy that is helping define the next generation of industry leaders.
Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine The biggest deals in business rarely happen without scrutiny. When those deals involve billion dollar media companies, political influence, and allegations of corporate misconduct, the stakes become even higher. A newly filed shareholder derivative lawsuit in Delaware has placed Paramount Skydance Corporation and several of its top executives at the center of one of the most closely watched corporate legal battles in America. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Paramount shareholders, alleges that executives and board members breached their fiduciary duties by pursuing a merger strategy that relied on providing improper benefits to President Donald Trump in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment. The defendants deny wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Even so, the case raises important questions about corporate governance, ethics, political influence, and the responsibilities of executives who oversee some of the world's largest media companies. According to the complaint, the lawsuit centers on two major transactions. The first is the acquisition of Paramount by Skydance, and the second is the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that would create one of the largest entertainment companies in history. The shareholder bringing the case argues that executives prioritized their own financial interests while exposing the company to significant legal and reputational risks. One of the lawsuit's most significant allegations is that executives allegedly offered favorable treatment, advertising commitments, and editorial changes in exchange for government approval of major mergers. The complaint argues that these actions could violate federal bribery laws and represent a breach of the fiduciary duty that corporate leaders owe to shareholders. The defendants have not been found liable, and these allegations remain subject to judicial review.  The complaint also focuses heavily on corporate governance. It alleges that the company's leadership structure gives extraordinary voting authority to David Ellison, allowing him to exercise influence far beyond that of a traditional chief executive officer. The lawsuit claims that this concentration of power created conflicts of interest during the approval of the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery transaction, particularly because executives stood to receive substantial financial awards if the merger closed. Beyond the legal claims, the lawsuit paints a broader picture of how business, media ownership, and politics have become increasingly interconnected. When media companies also become political players, questions naturally arise about editorial independence, regulatory fairness, and public trust. Those issues extend well beyond a single corporation and speak to the future of the American media landscape. For entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, this lawsuit serves as an important reminder that governance matters just as much as growth. Building a larger company means little if leadership decisions expose the business to legal uncertainty or damage long term credibility. Investors increasingly expect transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from executives entrusted with billions of dollars in shareholder value. The Potential Benefits if the Merger Succeeds Supporters of the merger argue that combining Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery could create one of the strongest entertainment companies in the world. The combined business would own an enormous collection of film studios, television networks, streaming platforms, sports rights, and intellectual property. Greater scale could improve profitability, strengthen negotiating power, reduce operating costs, and create a stronger competitor against streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Apple. A larger organization could also create new opportunities for technology investments, global distribution, artificial intelligence driven content strategies, and expanded advertising revenue. Investors who favor consolidation believe that media companies must become larger in order to survive an increasingly competitive entertainment marketplace.  The Risks Highlighted by the Lawsuit
The lawsuit argues that these potential business benefits could be overshadowed if the allegations prove true. The company could face significant legal exposure, regulatory investigations, shareholder litigation, financial penalties, and lasting damage to its reputation. Trust is one of the most valuable assets any media company possesses. Allegations that political considerations influenced editorial decisions could weaken public confidence in news organizations and entertainment brands owned by the company. Even if the company ultimately prevails in court, prolonged litigation can consume executive attention, increase legal expenses, and create uncertainty for employees, investors, advertisers, and business partners. The lawsuit also highlights another important lesson for corporate America. Strong financial performance does not eliminate the need for strong governance. Boards of directors are expected to act independently, avoid conflicts of interest, and make decisions that serve all shareholders rather than a select group of insiders. The Bigger Business Lesson Whether this lawsuit succeeds or fails, it reflects a growing trend in modern business. Investors are paying closer attention to how companies are governed, not simply how much money they generate. Leadership decisions are increasingly evaluated through the lens of ethics, transparency, and long term shareholder value. Corporate leaders today operate in an environment where every major decision can be examined by regulators, shareholders, the media, and the public. Reputation has become as valuable as revenue, and trust has become as important as market share. The Delaware Court of Chancery will ultimately determine whether the allegations have legal merit. Until then, this case stands as a powerful example of how leadership decisions at the highest levels of business can shape not only the future of a company, but also public confidence in corporate America itself. Vonoi Magazine  Mr. Joey - Team Member Stepping into a tufting studio for the first time is an experience that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and curiosity. What appears to be a simple process quickly reveals itself as an art form that demands patience, precision, and practice. During a recent visit to a Midtown Manhattan tufting workshop, Vonoi Magazine had the opportunity to meet Joey, an artist and instructor whose passion for creating has inspired a growing community of makers. From the beginning of our conversation, it became clear that Joey's artistic abilities extend far beyond tufting. Sculpture, design, and other creative disciplines have all played a role in shaping his artistic journey. Creativity has always been a natural part of his life, allowing him to experiment with different mediums while continually challenging himself to learn something new. That willingness to explore has become the foundation of his work today. Tufting itself is an increasingly popular textile art that allows artists to create custom rugs and wall pieces using a specialized tufting gun. While the finished artwork often looks effortless, the process requires careful attention to detail. Joey explained that one of the biggest lessons for beginners is understanding pressure and angle. Too much pressure or the wrong position can prevent the yarn from locking into the backing material properly. Once those fundamentals are mastered, the process becomes smoother and far more enjoyable. As someone experiencing tufting for the first time, I quickly realized exactly what Joey meant. Finding the proper angle took several attempts, and there were certainly a few imperfect lines along the way. At one point I even had to remove sections after realizing I had not followed the threading process correctly. Fortunately, Joey remained calm and encouraging throughout the entire session, patiently walking through each step without making anyone feel intimidated. That level of patience is one of the qualities that separates a good instructor from a great one. Advertisment   Watching the tufting gun glide across the fabric was surprisingly familiar. The movement reminded me of operating a sewing machine, with each pass adding another layer of texture and personality to the design. Every adjustment made a visible difference, reinforcing the idea that craftsmanship often comes from repetition, practice, and learning from mistakes rather than striving for perfection on the very first attempt. Joey also shared that his passion for crafting eventually inspired him to launch his own clothing brand, a reflection of his desire to express creativity across multiple disciplines. His entrepreneurial mindset demonstrates how artists today are expanding beyond traditional boundaries, building brands that allow them to connect with audiences through fashion, design, and handmade products. What makes the Midtown studio especially unique is that it is much more than a place to make rugs. It has become a creative hub where people gather to learn, collaborate, and build lasting friendships. Whether guests arrive alone or with a group of friends, they become part of a welcoming community that shares ideas, encourages one another, and celebrates each finished project.  Mr. Randall - Editor In Chief - Vonoi Magazine The studio regularly hosts workshops, group sessions, and special events where participants can continue developing their skills while showcasing their completed pieces. Beyond tufting, visitors can also explore additional creative classes, making the space an ongoing destination for anyone looking to discover new artistic hobbies. One detail that stood out was how accessible the classes are. With workshops offered throughout the week, finding a convenient session is easy compared to many creative studios that only schedule occasional events. That consistency makes it simple for beginners to jump in without waiting weeks for the next available class. The experience serves as a reminder that art is not reserved for professionals. It is something anyone can explore with the right guidance, a little patience, and a willingness to make mistakes. Every finished piece tells a story, and every imperfect line becomes part of the learning process.
The most impressive thing about this business is that all the staff are so nice and pleasant as instructors. You can tell they actually love krafts. Fatih made a surprise visit and came and spoke to us while we were being creative. I told him about a problem with the candle we had after it was completed the day before. His response was "No problem, I'm going to give you a kit to take home and get it right. He explained "As the candle is cooling down you can longer touch it as it may cause it to cave in like my candle did. I loved that his entire focus was to make sure my experience there for the last two days was amazing and for that I recommend this business 10 out 10. They also offered light snacks cookies, water, and soda (bring your own ice - soft drinks were warm - lol) Iris and Jackie were very nice and welcoming. The music in the background was nice and calming. The entire vibe so relaxing and a great place to be creative in.  Mr. Joey - Guiding with patience No matter how many mistakes I made and how many questions I asked, Mr Joey never got mad or upset, he would smile and simply show me how to solve the problem. During a time where the internet, texting, and mobile phones is how people communicate, It was refreshing to return back to human contact in business. You can tell Mr Joey cares about human's no matter who they are or where they are from. Joey only see's the human in all people.
For anyone searching for a new creative outlet, tufting offers an opportunity to slow down, work with your hands, and leave with something uniquely your own. Thanks to instructors like Joey, first time visitors quickly discover that the real masterpiece is not just the rug they create, but the confidence they gain along the way. You can learn more about Kraft Stories at KraftStories.com and don't be surprised if one of the co-founders stops by just to say hello and make sure your experience is amazing. Tell Joey Hello Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor In Chief Arnell Thomas is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the fastest growing beverage categories by blending Caribbean heritage with wellness. As the founder of Irie Brew Kombucha, Thomas has created a probiotic drink that celebrates the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Caribbean while introducing consumers to a healthier way to enjoy functional beverages. Inspired by her family's roots in Jamaica and Guyana, her mission is to create a kombucha brand that reflects culture, community, and better living. For Thomas, Irie Brew Kombucha is more than another health drink on the shelf. It is an opportunity to bring representation to an industry where few Black entrepreneurs have established a presence. Rather than following trends, she chose to build a brand around authentic Caribbean ingredients that many consumers have yet to experience. By combining her passion for health and wellness with flavors rooted in her upbringing, she believes Irie Brew offers something truly unique in today's marketplace. One of the signature ingredients featured in the brand is sorrel, a Caribbean staple that is closely related to hibiscus. Known for its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, sorrel has long been enjoyed throughout the Caribbean and now serves as one of the ingredients helping Irie Brew stand apart from traditional kombucha brands. Thomas hopes these familiar flavors will resonate with Caribbean communities while introducing new audiences to the richness of the region's culinary traditions.  Although the company is currently in its early stages, Thomas has ambitious goals for the future. The official launch is scheduled for August, with customers already able to place preorders through the company's direct to consumer website. While she is currently building the business independently, her vision reaches far beyond online sales. Over the next five years, he hopes to see Irie Brew Kombucha on the shelves of major retailers such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, making Caribbean-inspired wellness beverages accessible to consumers across the country. Thomas also sees opportunities to expand the product line beyond its initial bottle size. She envisions convenient wellness shots that could be sold in cafés, grocery stores, and grab-and-go retail locations, giving customers another way to enjoy the health benefits of kombucha in a quick, portable format. As consumer demand continues to grow for functional beverages, Irie Brew is positioning itself to meet that demand with products that are both nutritious and culturally inspired.  For now, the focus remains on building awareness, connecting directly with customers, and establishing a loyal community around the brand. Consumers can follow Irie Brew Kombucha on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on product releases, launch announcements, and future retail availability.
As the conversation came to a close, Thomas summed up her message with a simple and memorable invitation that reflects both the brand and its Caribbean spirit: "Drink Irie Brew Kombucha." With authenticity, cultural pride, and wellness at the center of the business, Irie Brew Kombucha is proving that innovation often begins by embracing your roots and sharing them with the world. Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall Jr -Editor In Chief Sometimes the best businesses begin with a simple disagreement. For the founders of Wani Cakes, the journey started while planning their wedding. What began as a debate over who should bake the wedding cake eventually became the foundation for a fast growing snack company that is proving healthier treats do not have to sacrifice great taste. Based in Detroit, Wani Cakes has spent the last three years building a brand that gives consumers permission to indulge while making smarter food choices. The company produces better for you snacks that are high in protein, contain 50 calories or less per serving, and feature reduced sugar, offering an alternative for consumers who want both nutrition and flavor. "We give customers an opportunity to eat better while still enjoying something indulgent," explained co-founder Anwelli during his conversation with Vonoi Magazine. The story behind Wani Cakes is one that many entrepreneurs can appreciate. While preparing for their wedding, Anwelli insisted on baking the wedding cake himself. His wife was not immediately convinced that was a good idea. After creating a beautiful display and delivering a cake that impressed both his bride and their guests, family and friends began encouraging the couple to turn that talent into a business. They did not rush into entrepreneurship. Instead, they took time to develop their vision before officially launching Wani Cakes in 2023. Today, the company continues to expand its reach while staying committed to creating products that balance health and enjoyment. Wani Cakes serves both business and consumer markets. The company works with wholesale partners while also selling directly to customers through its website, allowing shoppers across the United States to order products delivered to their homes. In addition, the brand has secured placement in grocery stores throughout Michigan and is now introducing its products to consumers in New York.  Like many food entrepreneurs, one of the greatest challenges was not creating the product itself but learning the business behind the business. "The biggest obstacle has been understanding the industry," Anwelli shared. "Knowing when to work with manufacturers, when to bring in distributors, understanding cost structures, and learning all of the nuances that come with scaling a food company." Rather than trying to figure everything out alone, the founders leaned heavily on mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry organizations. Those resources helped shorten the learning curve and provided guidance from people who had already navigated the competitive food marketplace. That willingness to seek advice reflects an important lesson for entrepreneurs in every industry. Success often comes from putting yourself in environments where experienced people can help you grow. Building relationships can be just as valuable as building products. When asked how customers have responded to Wani Cakes, Anwelli did not hesitate. "The response has been phenomenal." Consumers are paying closer attention to nutrition than ever before, but the founders understand that health benefits alone will not create loyal customers. During the interview, one point became abundantly clear. Taste still wins. Many protein snacks promise healthier ingredients but fail to deliver an enjoyable eating experience. Wani Cakes made flavor its highest priority from the very beginning. The company's philosophy is simple. If customers genuinely enjoy eating the product, they are far more likely to come back again.  That focus on repeat customers is what separates sustainable brands from short lived trends. A business cannot survive on one time purchases alone. Long term growth comes from creating products people crave enough to buy repeatedly.
As Wani Cakes continues expanding beyond Detroit and into new markets, the company remains focused on its mission of making healthier snacking more enjoyable without asking consumers to compromise on flavor. With a memorable origin story, a commitment to better nutrition, and an unwavering focus on taste, Wani Cakes is positioning itself as a brand that understands what today's consumers truly want. Healthy choices that still feel like a treat. As the interview came to a close, Anwelli expressed his excitement about bringing Wani Cakes to New York and continuing the company's growth across the country. It was a fitting ending for a business that began with a wedding cake and has grown into a brand built on partnership, perseverance, and the belief that great tasting food can also be good for you. I let my Vonoi Team taste test and the lemon blueberry cake was team favorite. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief In today's crowded snack industry, creating a product that stands apart takes more than attractive packaging or clever marketing. It requires a commitment to quality, authenticity, and an understanding of what today's consumers truly want. Dorrel has built its brand around that philosophy, crafting premium chocolate covered treats that celebrate nature's finest ingredients while delivering a luxurious snacking experience that consumers can feel good about. The inspiration behind Dorrel came from recognizing a gap in the marketplace. The company's founder saw an opportunity to create a better product by combining a love for chocolate with the natural sweetness of dates and the rich flavor of premium nuts. Rather than producing another candy filled with artificial ingredients and added sugars, the goal was to create a snack that tastes indulgent while remaining true to simple, wholesome ingredients. Founded in 2021, Dorrel has experienced impressive growth in a relatively short period of time. The brand has established a strong retail presence throughout New York and can be found in supermarkets including Key Food, C-Town, Sea Town, and other neighborhood grocery stores. Through strategic distribution partnerships, Dorrel has expanded well beyond online sales, making its products easily accessible to customers looking for healthier snack alternatives. One of Dorrel's most popular products is its pistachio variety. As pistachio flavored desserts continue to gain popularity across social media, consumer demand has grown rapidly. While trends often introduce shoppers to new products, Dorrel believes customers return because of the quality inside every package. The company focuses on delivering a balanced combination of rich chocolate, naturally sweet fruit, and premium nuts that creates a satisfying experience without overwhelming the palate.  Dorrel describes its products as treats crafted from the earth's purest gifts. Every bite combines carefully selected fruits, premium nuts, and exquisite chocolate into a harmonious blend of flavors. The result is a snack that feels indulgent while providing the natural fullness and satisfaction that highly processed candy often lacks. Quality remains at the center of everything Dorrel produces. The company sources only premium ingredients and manufactures every product in the United States. Dorrel products are non GMO, Kosher Pareve, vegan friendly, and contain no added sugars, giving health conscious consumers an option that aligns with their lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. This commitment to clean ingredients reflects the company's belief that consumers should never have to choose between great taste and better nutrition. Building a successful food brand, however, requires much more than creating an exceptional product. During our conversation, they explained that one of the greatest challenges facing emerging food companies is understanding retail pricing. Many entrepreneurs focus only on maximizing their own profits and fail to leave enough margin for distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Without a pricing structure that works for every partner in the supply chain, even outstanding products can struggle to earn valuable shelf space. The founder emphasized that success in retail comes from understanding the entire business ecosystem. Every participant, from the manufacturer to the grocery store, must have the opportunity to earn a reasonable profit. Learning this lesson early allowed Dorrel to build stronger relationships with distributors and retailers while positioning the brand for long term growth.  What stands out most about Dorrel is its refusal to compromise on quality. While many brands reduce costs by using lower quality ingredients, Dorrel continues to invest in premium fruits, nuts, and chocolate because the company believes consumers can taste the difference. That philosophy has become the foundation of its growing reputation and expanding customer base.
As consumers continue searching for snacks that combine wellness with indulgence, Dorrel is proving that luxury and clean ingredients can exist in the same product. Every bite reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, thoughtful sourcing, and a belief that nature already provides the finest ingredients. In an industry driven by trends, Dorrel is building something far more valuable. It is creating a brand that earns customer loyalty through exceptional quality, honest ingredients, and unforgettable flavor. Vonoi Media  Story by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor In Chief / Photos By Vonoi Global Media For years, the conversation around vegetarian and vegan food has centered on what people are giving up. Less meat. Less dairy. Less of the traditional foods many of us grew up eating. Tom Trainor, Chief Executive Officer of Future Foods and the driving force behind the PAOW Foods brand, believes that conversation is overdue for a change. Rather than positioning his products as meat substitutes or alternatives, Tom sees them as something entirely different. He sees them as protein. It is a subtle but powerful shift in thinking that could reshape how consumers approach food over the next decade. "Our brand stands for People And Our World," Tom explained. "We've created products that are clean, versatile, chef inspired, and designed for today's consumer." Unlike many products that rely on lengthy ingredient lists, PAOW Foods focuses on simplicity. Built primarily from soy and water, the products are developed by professional chefs to provide flexibility in the kitchen. One product can become dozens of different meals depending on the creativity of the chef preparing it. That versatility was born out of frustration with what Tom saw in the marketplace.  "There wasn't enough innovation," he said. "Everything was being labeled plant based, but consumers weren't getting exciting options. We wanted to create something that could fit into multiple recipes without sacrificing taste or texture." For restaurants, hospitals, schools, senior living communities, and food service operators, versatility means more than convenience. It also means reducing waste. Traditional meat products naturally lose weight during cooking. A five ounce chicken breast may shrink to three and a half ounces after preparation. With PAOW Foods, what goes into the pan is exactly what comes out. "There is no waste," Tom explained. "If you prepare four ounces, you're serving four ounces." That efficiency has become an attractive advantage for commercial kitchens managing food costs while still trying to provide high quality meals. As eating habits continue to evolve, Tom believes America is moving beyond simply identifying as vegan or vegetarian. A rapidly growing segment of consumers now identify as flexitarians, people who regularly eat plant based meals while still occasionally consuming meat or seafood.  "They're flexible," he said. "They're looking for more choices." That flexibility is exactly where PAOW Foods believes the future of food is heading. Instead of focusing on what consumers are eliminating from their diets, Tom believes companies should focus on what they are adding, specifically more protein, more fiber, and more flavorful experiences. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding plant based foods, he says, is the assumption that they lack protein. "It's really an education issue," Tom explained. "People hear plant based and immediately think lettuce and broccoli. They're not thinking about ingredients like soy that provide significant amounts of protein." PAOW Foods delivers approximately 17 grams of protein per serving while maintaining a clean ingredient profile. For Tom, changing public perception begins with changing the language. "As soon as you tell someone something is plant based, they've already formed an opinion," he said. "Instead of saying it's plant based, ask someone if they'd like to try Korean barbecue or curry over rice. Suddenly they're interested." His philosophy is simple. People eat with their eyes first. Then they eat with flavor.  Taste and texture remain the deciding factors, regardless of dietary preference. "We're focused on taste and texture because that's what people remember," Tom said. "Soy absorbs flavor incredibly well. Whatever seasoning or sauce you use becomes part of the experience." That philosophy has already found success across multiple markets. Hospitals, colleges, universities, and senior living communities have embraced the products as demand grows for healthier protein options. Retail expansion is also accelerating. Consumers will soon find PAOW Foods products in Food Bazaar stores, while Sprouts Farmers Market already carries several of the company's offerings, including its popular Korean Barbecue and Philly style products. One of the company's most interesting partnerships has been with Plantega, a New York distributor serving neighborhood bodegas. Their meatball sandwich has become the number one selling sandwich in participating locations. After that success, Plantega asked PAOW Foods to develop a plant based chorizo. The new product reached testing in just 45 days and has quickly become another customer favorite. For longtime vegetarians and vegans, the expansion of flavorful options represents something many have waited decades to see. Only twenty five years ago, finding vegetarian meals in New York City often meant settling for limited choices. Today, entire restaurant concepts, neighborhood bodegas, and major grocery retailers are embracing chef driven protein options that appeal not only to vegetarians, but to everyone. That may ultimately be Tom's biggest message. PAOW Foods is not trying to create food exclusively for vegans. It is creating food everyone can enjoy.  "We tell operators to stop calling it Meatless Monday," he said. "Call it World Cuisine
Wednesday or Chef Inspired Tuesday. Everybody can eat these products." As consumer awareness around health, sustainability, and protein continues to grow, companies that focus on flavor rather than labels may be best positioned for the future. Tom leaves potential customers with one simple piece of advice. "Try it," he said. "You have to taste it because we're changing the perception." Sometimes the future of food isn't about replacing what's on your plate. It's about reimagining what protein can become. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor in Chief / All Photos by Vonoi Magaine Artificial intelligence is reshaping the rules of commerce, marketing, and consumer behavior faster than many businesses realize. During a thought provoking panel discussion by EMARKETER Principal Analyst Max Willens, industry leaders explored how AI is transforming the way brands connect with consumers and how businesses must adapt to remain competitive. Joining Willens on stage were Principal Analyst Nate Elliott and Maura Smith, who shared their perspectives on the rapidly evolving relationship between AI platforms, publishers, marketers, creators, and consumers. One message became clear throughout the discussion. The future of marketing may no longer revolve around clicks. Instead, it may revolve around visibility. For decades, marketers have relied on a familiar formula. Create content, attract attention, generate clicks, and convert those clicks into revenue. That model helped build some of the world's largest brands and transformed the digital economy. According to Elliott, the industry has experienced similar transitions before, search engines, email marketing, social media, and mobile technology all required marketers to learn new rules and adapt to changing consumer behavior. AI represents the next major evolution, although the pace of change may be even faster than previous technological shifts. What makes this moment different is that AI is disrupting one of digital marketing's most valuable assets. Throughout the discussion, Willens highlighted research showing that many marketing leaders still struggle to connect AI visibility directly to business outcomes. Without clicks, brands lose one of the primary ways they have historically measured effectiveness. This creates a significant challenge for marketers attempting to understand how AI generated recommendations influence consumer purchasing decisions.
Smith emphasized that the traditional measurement system was built around consumers clicking content produced by publishers and brands. AI changes that dynamic by delivering answers directly to users, often eliminating the need for a click altogether. That shift creates a fundamental question. If consumers receive answers without leaving the AI platform, how do publishers, creators, and brands measure the value they contribute? The panelists agreed that this challenge represents one of the most important issues facing the marketing industry today. Publishers are finding themselves at the center of the conversation. Their content powers many of the responses generated by large language models. Their articles, reviews, research, and expertise help train and inform AI systems. Yet many publishers are not receiving compensation proportional to the value their content creates. Smith described this as a growing imbalance within the ecosystem. Publisher content has never been more valuable to AI platforms, yet the traditional monetization model based on clicks and traffic is becoming less effective. Elliott noted that the entire industry is engaged in a learning process. Brands, publishers, retailers, creators, and AI platform providers are all attempting to understand how value is being created and how that value should be distributed throughout the ecosystem. One of the most interesting discussions centered around the opportunities AI may create for smaller businesses and independent creators. Conventional wisdom suggests that large corporations with massive budgets will dominate the AI era. However, examples shared during the panel suggest the reality may be more nuanced.  Elliott pointed to instances where major brands with decades of market leadership do not automatically dominate AI recommendations. In some cases, AI platforms recommend lesser known brands, creators, or publishers based on relevance, authority, and context rather than pure market size. For entrepreneurs, this presents an enormous opportunity.
A small business with strong expertise and authentic content may compete for visibility alongside industry giants. The barriers to earning attention are changing. Willens and Elliott both highlighted how AI systems frequently rely on trusted publisher content, creator communities, discussion forums, and user generated content when generating responses. This creates opportunities for businesses willing to invest in expertise, authority, authenticity, and credibility. The conversation also explored a question that many entrepreneurs are asking. What human qualities become more valuable in an AI driven economy? The answer repeatedly returned to trust. As more content becomes automated, authentic experiences, personal perspectives, and genuine expertise become increasingly valuable. Consumers continue to seek human connection even as technology becomes more sophisticated. For creators, entrepreneurs, and brands, that means authenticity may become one of the most powerful competitive advantages available. Another key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of participation. Businesses that wait for measurement standards to be established by others may eventually find themselves operating within systems they had little influence in creating. Elliott stressed that companies actively engaging with AI today have the opportunity to help shape future standards for measurement, compensation, and visibility. Those who remain on the sidelines risk losing that opportunity. The panel concluded with an important reminder. AI is no longer a future trend waiting to arrive. It is already influencing how consumers gather information, evaluate products, and make purchasing decisions. The businesses that thrive in the coming decade will not simply be the companies with the largest advertising budgets. They will be the organizations that understand how visibility, authority, trust, and influence operate inside AI ecosystems. As Willens, Elliott, and Smith made clear throughout the discussion, the rules of commerce are evolving. Visibility is becoming the new currency of the digital economy. The companies that learn how to earn it, measure it, and leverage it effectively will be positioned to lead the next era of business growth. Vonoi Magazine |
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