 Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief / Photos: Vonoi Global Media At The Nest Climate Panel in New York City, held at the Javits Center and presented by Adapt2Win.org, the conversation about climate change took an important turn. It was not simply a discussion about temperatures, rising seas, flooding or environmental policy. It was a conversation about leadership, community, sports, youth and the power of people who have platforms to use their voices for something bigger than themselves. Former NBA players Rick Fox and Pops Mensah-Bonsu shared personal experiences that demonstrated how climate change is becoming impossible to separate from the places where people live, work, play and grow. For Pops Mensah-Bonsu, the connection between sports and social responsibility became clear through his work in Ghana. As a former professional basketball player, he understood the influence athletes can have because people often trust athletes and listen to them beyond the basketball court. What began as a platform created through sports became something much larger when he saw how climate change was affecting young people and the environments where they played. Mensah-Bonsu spoke about his academy in Ghana, where basketball is used as a vehicle to empower young people across Ghana and Africa. The program is about much more than basketball. It incorporates soft skills and character development, giving young people tools they can carry with them away from the court. Then came a realization that changed his perspective. Ghana has limited indoor athletic facilities, meaning many young people depend on outdoor spaces to participate in sports. In a tropical country, playing outside might seem natural. However, changing climate conditions are making those outdoor environments increasingly difficult and, at times, dangerous.  Mensah-Bonsu described experiencing extreme heat firsthand, including an occasion when the heat was so intense that his shoes melted. That moment forced him to think about the young people who experience those conditions regularly. What might seem like an inconvenience to one person can become a barrier to opportunity for an entire generation. That experience pushed him deeper into climate advocacy. His story demonstrates how personal experience can transform awareness into action. Before experiencing the impact directly, he did not necessarily see himself as someone who occupied a space in the climate conversation. Once climate change began affecting the work he was doing with young people, he recognized that his platform as an athlete could be used to raise awareness and bring the conversation into rooms where it might not otherwise exist. That is one of the central messages of the Adapt2Win conversation. Everyone has a role to play. Rick Fox brought another perspective to the discussion. The former NBA player, actor, entrepreneur and now public servant spoke about his home country of The Bahamas, a nation living on the front lines of climate change. For Fox, the issue is no longer something theoretical or distant. It is something experienced directly by communities.  Fox recalled returning to The Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian in 2019, a devastating storm that severely affected the country. That experience changed the way he viewed his own responsibility. Earlier in his life, he had contributed to causes financially. This time, he wanted to get physically involved and become part of the solution. Fox described the first 50 years of his life as being heavily focused on his own goals and aspirations. Having achieved a level of success, he began looking at the next chapter differently. The power of his platform, his experiences as an athlete, his business career, his entertainment background and his relationships could all be used in service of something larger. For Fox, leadership began with lessons he learned through sports. Sports taught him that teams succeed together. They also taught him that leadership is not simply about being the most talented person in the room. It is about understanding that everyone has a role and that the outcome depends on collective commitment. That philosophy now extends beyond the basketball court. Fox explained how his career moved from athletics into entertainment, business and eventually public service. Each chapter gave him another set of tools to use. Story telling taught him the emotional power of narratives. Business taught him about investment and innovation. Sports taught him teamwork and leadership. Public service gave him an opportunity to participate in policy conversations.  Climate change brought all of those experiences together. One of the most powerful moments of the conversation centered on something as simple as playing basketball outdoors. For generations, young athletes have played sports outside because that is where the courts and fields were. In many communities around the world, outdoor sports are not simply recreation. They are gathering places. They are where young people build friendships, learn discipline, develop confidence and discover their talents. But what happens when the outdoor environment becomes too hot? Fox shared an experience from the United Arab Emirates, where he had been working with his company, on carbon negative building materials. During his time there, temperatures became so extreme that simply walking outside felt dangerous. He noticed basketball courts and tennis courts sitting empty during the hottest parts of the day. Then he noticed something else. People were playing basketball at 2 o'clock in the morning. The temperature was still around 102 degrees. That observation raised a larger question. If extreme temperatures push young people indoors or into the middle of the night simply to participate in sports, what happens to those who do not have safe facilities available? What happens when flooding destroys athletic fields? What happens when storms damage community facilities? What happens when children lose one of the places where they would normally spend their afternoons? The consequences can extend far beyond sports. For young people, organized sports can provide structure, mentorship, community and positive alternatives. When those opportunities disappear, communities have to consider what replaces them. Fox connected that reality to his experience in The Bahamas, where flooding and damaged facilities can leave young people without places to participate in sports. For him, the issue is not simply about whether someone can play basketball. It is about what opportunities exist for young people to make positive choices. The panel also emphasized that climate change does not look the same everywhere. A community in Ghana may face different challenges than a community in The Bahamas. Jamaica may face different challenges from the United Arab Emirates. One place may be dealing with extreme heat while another is dealing with flooding, hurricanes, drought or damaged infrastructure. The people living in those communities understand those challenges firsthand. That is why local knowledge matters. The panel highlighted the importance of listening to communities rather than assuming that one solution can work everywhere. Climate adaptation requires understanding the specific realities of each location and giving the people who live there a voice in developing solutions.  For Mensah-Bonsu, that means using his platform to make sure people hear what is happening in Ghana and across Africa. For Fox, it means using his experience and position to bring greater attention to what is happening in The Bahamas and other vulnerable communities. Both men represent a larger evolution taking place among athletes. Athletes have always had influence. Their platforms traditionally revolved around competition, entertainment and performance. Today, many athletes are also using their visibility to discuss education, community development, environmental issues, business, social responsibility and the future of younger generations. The power of that platform comes from connection. People watched these athletes compete. They followed their careers. They celebrated their victories. They watched them travel the world. That relationship creates an opportunity to communicate ideas that extend beyond sports. The challenge is turning that influence into action. The panel made clear that awareness alone is not enough. Conversations have to lead to execution. Communities need solutions, investment, infrastructure, education and people willing to participate in the work. Climate change is also not a problem that can simply be handed to the next generation. That was another important message from the conversation. The idea that climate change is something future generations will have to solve ignores what is already happening today. Young people are already experiencing extreme heat, flooding, changing weather patterns and disruptions to the environments where they live and play. The responsibility therefore belongs to the current generation as well.  Rick Fox and Pops Mensah-Bonsu are demonstrating that an athlete's greatest contribution may not always happen on the court. Sometimes the most important game is the one being played in the community. -Vonoi Magazine
The Adapt2Win conversation at the Javits Center offered a different way of looking at climate leadership. It showed what can happen when athletes take the lessons they learned through competition and apply them to the challenges facing their communities. The willingness to keep playing even when the conditions change. Those are lessons athletes have understood for generations. Now, those same lessons are being brought into the climate conversation. Where the stakes involve young people's futures, safe places to live and play, and the ability of communities to adapt to a changing world. The message coming from this panel was clear, climate change is already affecting communities around the world, and the people with platforms have an opportunity to help move the conversation forward. Athletes have the ability to reach people, inspire action and connect global issues to personal experiences. The next generation is watching, and the question is not simply whether we can adapt. It is whether we are willing to use everything we have learned, every platform we have built and every voice we have been given to help create a future where the next generation still has a place to play, grow, lead and win. Vonoi Magazine  Written By: Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief - Vonoi Magazine Fashion has always been about making a statement, but at the fourth annual CatWalk FurBaby, the statement was much bigger than fashion. The runway became a platform for compassion, awareness and second chances as dogs took center stage alongside their human companions, all with one important mission, helping dogs find loving homes and responsible owners. Presented by Elysian Impact, CatWalk FurBaby brought together fashion, entertainment and animal advocacy in a setting where the stars of the show were not just the people walking the runway. They were the dogs. Dressed in beautiful and creative outfits, the dogs showed that style can have a purpose when it is used to bring attention to animals that need homes, families and a second chance at life. What made the event especially powerful was seeing the connection between the dogs and the people presenting them. One of the most memorable moments captured on the runway featured a woman holding a beautifully dressed dog in her arms while smiling and looking into the dog's eyes. It was a simple moment, but it represented the heart of the entire event. These animals are not accessories. They are companions, family members and living beings looking for someone who will love and care for them.  Photo by: Vonoi Magazine CatWalk FurBaby demonstrates how creative events can bring attention to important causes in a way that reaches people emotionally. A traditional adoption event may bring people into a shelter or organization, but a fashion forward event like this creates an entirely different kind of visibility. It puts dogs in front of an audience that may not have been thinking about adoption when they walked through the door, giving these animals another opportunity to connect with potential owners. The runway also showed the power of fashion to tell stories. Every outfit, every appearance and every walk down the runway helped create a larger conversation about the importance of giving dogs a home. The dogs became ambassadors for adoption, reminding everyone watching that there are animals waiting for someone to choose them. For many dogs, finding a home can be the difference between spending their lives waiting and finally becoming part of a family. Events such as CatWalk FurBaby help create awareness around that reality while making the process of learning about adoption exciting, memorable and accessible.  Photo By: Vonoi Magazine The fourth annual CatWalk FurBaby was more than a runway show. It was a celebration of the bond between people and animals and a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can give another living being is a place to call home.
At the end of the day, the real runway goal was not simply to showcase beautiful dogs in beautiful outfits. It was to get people to stop, look, connect and hopefully open their hearts and homes. CatWalk FurBaby proves that when fashion meets purpose, the runway can become a pathway to a new beginning. Vonoi Magazine  Written By Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief LeBron James has officially stepped onto the golf course in a whole new way, and the response has been massive. The NBA superstar launched his new golf-focused YouTube channel with a debut episode featuring some of the most recognizable members of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship team. Within just one day, the channel reportedly attracted more than 532,000 subscribers, showing once again that when LeBron James puts his name and personality behind a project, people pay attention. The debut episode takes viewers far away from the basketball court and into the breathtaking landscape of Scotland, where LeBron reunites with former Cavaliers teammates Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Richard Jefferson, Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye. The trip marks the 10-year anniversary of the Cavaliers' historic 2016 NBA championship, a title that remains one of the greatest comeback stories in professional sports history. After falling behind 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, Cleveland became the first team in NBA Finals history to overcome that deficit and win the championship, delivering the city its first major professional sports title in 52 years. Now, a decade later, the championship crew is getting together again, this time with golf clubs in their hands instead of basketballs. The group travels to Castle Stuart Golf Links at Cabot Highlands in Scotland for a competitive 3-on-3 scramble surrounded by spectacular views and an atmosphere that feels more like a reunion among old friends than a traditional sports program. The course provides the perfect backdrop for LeBron and his former teammates to reflect on their championship journey while creating new memories together. What makes the series interesting is that the golf is only part of the story. LeBron's new channel appears designed to capture the personalities behind the athletes. The conversations, jokes, friendly competition, food, wine and stories give viewers an opportunity to see these former teammates away from the intensity of the NBA. These are men who shared one of the most unforgettable moments in sports history, and the chemistry they developed during their championship run is still evident years later.  For LeBron, the channel also represents another chapter in his evolution as an entertainment entrepreneur and media personality. He has spent years building a business and entertainment empire that extends well beyond basketball. His ability to connect with audiences across sports, entertainment, business and popular culture has made his personal brand one of the most powerful in the world. YouTube gives him another direct connection to his audience without the traditional television or media gatekeepers. The golf concept is particularly smart because the sport has become increasingly connected to celebrity culture, professional athletes and digital entertainment. Golf provides an environment where people can compete while still having conversations, telling stories and enjoying the surroundings. For LeBron and his friends, it creates a natural setting for storytelling. Viewers are not simply watching athletes play golf. They are watching longtime friends reconnect, compete and remember where they came from. The Scotland setting adds another dimension to the production. Castle Stuart Golf Links offers dramatic coastal scenery and a championship level course that makes the debut episode feel bigger than a typical celebrity YouTube video. The combination of international travel, golf, friendship, food, wine and sports history gives the channel a lifestyle component that could appeal to audiences far beyond traditional basketball fans. The timing is also important. The 10-year anniversary of the 2016 Cavaliers championship gives the first episode an emotional foundation. For fans who watched that team make history, seeing LeBron, Love, Smith, Jefferson, Thompson and Frye together again is a trip down memory lane. For younger viewers who may not have experienced the 2016 Finals in real time, the series provides an opportunity to learn about the personalities who were part of one of the most important chapters in Cleveland sports history.  The early subscriber numbers suggest that audiences are interested in seeing this side of LeBron. More than 532,000 subscribers in the first day is a significant opening statement for a new YouTube channel. It demonstrates the power of LeBron's existing audience while also highlighting the opportunity available when a global sports icon creates content around something people genuinely enjoy.
The biggest question now is what comes next. If LeBron continues taking viewers to some of the world's most celebrated golf courses while bringing along athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs and longtime friends, the channel could become much more than a golf series. It could become a travel and lifestyle platform built around the conversations and relationships that happen between rounds. LeBron's golf channel is ultimately about more than golf. It is about friendship, competition, travel, storytelling and enjoying life after the championship lights fade. The debut episode proves that LeBron does not have to be on a basketball court to command an audience. Give him a golf club, a beautiful course, a group of friends and a camera, and millions of people are willing to come along for the ride. For fans, the message is simple: come for the golf, stay for the stories, the food, the wine, the laughs and the unforgettable personalities. LeBron James has opened another door into his world, and judging by the first-day response, plenty of people are already walking through it. 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 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 Jr - Editor in Chief At one of the largest food industry conferences in the country, thousands of brands competed for attention. Yet one booth stood out not only for its vibrant packaging, but also for the energy, laughter, and family spirit behind it. That booth belonged to Plantaizin, a fast growing plant based snack company founded by Milton and his family. "We're using plant-based snacks that taste amazing," Milton said with a smile. "We started with our line of plantain chips featuring sea salt and seasoned flavors. We're excited about this brand because we want people to know that better for you doesn't have to mean boring." For Milton, Plantaizin represents much more than a snack company. It is a celebration of Caribbean heritage, healthy living, family, and purpose. The company's mission is rooted in the flavors they grew up enjoying and the belief that nutritious snacks should be every bit as satisfying as traditional favorites. "We grew up eating green plantains and yellow plantains," Milton explained. "One day my brother in-law Kervens called me and said, 'Why don't we start our own brand?' That conversation became Plantaizin." Now, approximately two and a half years into its journey, Plantaizin has established itself in both the business to business and business to consumer markets. The company sells directly through its website while also supplying schools, hospitals, corporate pantries, and food service providers.  What separates Plantaizin from the growing number of snack brands on store shelves is its commitment to combining authentic Caribbean flavors with premium presentation and intentional snacking. "Plantain chips have been around for a long time, but many people have never even tried them," Milton said. "We saw an opportunity to introduce these snacks to people in places where they hadn't seen them before. We want people to know they can snack with both flavor and healthy intention." Each bag is thoughtfully designed with colorful branding and a QR code that connects customers to recipes, serving ideas, and additional ways to enjoy the products. Printed at the bottom of every package is a simple reminder that reflects the company's philosophy: "You're Amazing." "Everybody is amazing," Milton said. "We wanted our brand to remind people of that every time they picked up a bag."One of the biggest challenges facing any startup food company is balancing growth with limited resources. Milton explained that Plantaizin focused on building strong relationships from the very beginning. "Community is the biggest thing," he said.
Instead of waiting until they could afford massive production runs, the team partnered with manufacturers willing to help them start small. "Our first production run was about a thousand bags," Milton recalled. "The people who partnered with us believed in our passion and our vision. That gave us the opportunity to introduce the product to businesses and continue growing from there." As the company expanded, Plantaizin explored grants, alternative financing opportunities, and strategic partnerships to continue scaling responsibly without losing sight of its mission. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the interview came when Milton was asked what it is like working alongside family. "It's terrible. I don't really like these guys," he joked, drawing laughter from everyone around him before quickly making it clear that he was kidding. "It has truly been a blessing," he said. "We pray before every meeting. The opportunity isn't simply about building the biggest snack company in the world. It's about asking ourselves where this brand can go, how we can continue serving others, how we can encourage people, and how we can continue sharing God's love." That sense of purpose is what gives Plantaizin its identity. The company is not simply selling snacks. It is sharing a culture, strengthening relationships, and creating moments that bring people together.  When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Milton's answer had nothing to do with sales or market share. "I want to be remembered as someone who never stopped sharing a little love." In an industry driven by trends and competition, Plantaizin is proving that authenticity, community, and family remain some of the strongest ingredients any brand can possess.
Every bag represents more than a delicious plantain chip. It represents heritage, kindness, and a belief that food has the power to connect people across cultures. For those looking to experience Caribbean-inspired flavors with a modern, better-for-you approach, Plantaizin is building a brand that is every bit as meaningful as it is flavorful. To learn more about Plantaizin and explore its growing line of products, visit Plantaizin.com. Vonoi Magazine Growth Show Returns to New York: Retail's Biggest Minds Gather to Shape the Future of Commerce6/18/2026
 Story by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor In Chief New York City is once again preparing to host one of the retail industry's most anticipated events as Growth Show returns with an impressive lineup of more than 150 industry-leading speakers, over 2,700 retailers and technology innovators, and more than 60 sessions designed to help businesses navigate the rapidly evolving world of commerce. As the retail landscape continues to transform through technology, consumer behavior shifts, and artificial intelligence, Growth Show has established itself as a premier destination for executives, entrepreneurs, marketers, ecommerce leaders, and innovators seeking actionable strategies to drive growth. The event brings together some of the brightest minds in retail for two days of networking, education, and insight sharing that can immediately impact business performance. This year's event builds on a strong legacy of attracting top-level decision makers from some of the world's most recognized brands. Previous editions featured C-suite executives and senior leaders from major organizations including Ulta Beauty, Vuori, Foot Locker, Wayfair, Sam's Club, IKEA, Coach, and The Vitamin Shoppe. Their participation reflects the show's growing reputation as a platform where industry leaders openly discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping modern retail. What makes Growth Show particularly valuable is its focus on practical knowledge. Rather than simply highlighting trends, the conference delivers strategies that businesses can implement immediately. Attendees will gain access to discussions covering customer acquisition, conversion optimization, loyalty programs, omnichannel transformation, marketing innovation, and operational excellence. These sessions are designed to provide real-world solutions that help organizations increase revenue, improve customer experiences, and remain competitive in an increasingly crowded marketplace.  One of the most anticipated topics at the 2026 event is the rise of agentic AI and its impact on commerce. Industry experts will explore how artificial intelligence is evolving beyond automation into systems capable of making decisions, personalizing customer interactions, and improving marketing efficiency at unprecedented levels. As consumers become more comfortable interacting with AI powered experiences, retailers are being challenged to rethink how they engage customers across digital and physical channels. Commerce media will also take center stage as brands look for new ways to connect with consumers closer to the point of purchase. The continued growth of retail media networks has created significant opportunities for brands and retailers to generate new revenue streams while delivering more relevant advertising experiences. Growth Show will provide insights into how organizations can capitalize on this rapidly expanding sector. Beyond the educational sessions, the event serves as a powerful networking hub where established retailers, emerging brands, technology providers, investors, and entrepreneurs can connect. With more than 2,700 attendees expected, the opportunities for collaboration and partnership are substantial. Many attendees view the relationships formed at Growth Show as valuable as the content itself.  As retail continues its transformation, events like Growth Show play an important role in helping business leaders stay informed and prepared for the future. The return of the conference to New York underscores the city's position as a global center for commerce, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
For companies seeking fresh ideas, strategic insights, and meaningful connections, Growth Show promises to be one of the most influential retail gatherings of 2026. The future of retail is being written in real time, and when Growth Show returns to New York, many of the industry's most important conversations will be happening under one roof. 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  Staff Writer for Vonoi Magazine For years, Shark Tank has represented one of the greatest stages in America for entrepreneurs chasing opportunity. The show gave dreamers, inventors, hustlers, and business builders the chance to sit in front of investors and change their lives with one presentation. Now the iconic business series is making a major cultural move by filming in Atlanta at Tyler Perry Studios, and the decision says a lot about where business, media, and influence are headed next. Atlanta is no longer simply an emerging city. Atlanta is a global business force. The city has become one of the most important hubs for Black entrepreneurship, entertainment, technology, logistics, film production, and wealth creation in America. Moving Shark Tank into the heart of Atlanta places the show directly inside one of the most dynamic ecosystems of innovation in the country. Tyler Perry Studios represents more than a production lot. It symbolizes ownership, vision, and economic power. Built on a former military base, the studio stands as one of the largest independently owned film studios in America. Tyler Perry created an institution that changed the conversation around what Black ownership in entertainment could look like at scale. There is something powerful about entrepreneurs pitching million dollar ideas inside a studio built by a man who once struggled to fund his own productions. That energy matters. That symbolism matters. Every founder who walks through those studio doors will feel it.  The move also reflects the changing geography of American business. For decades, many major opportunities were concentrated in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Today, Atlanta has become a magnet for creators, founders, investors, athletes, entertainers, and innovators looking to build wealth and community at the same time.
Shark Tank filming in Atlanta opens the door for a broader range of stories and entrepreneurs to be seen. The South has always been rich with talent, creativity, and business ideas. Many entrepreneurs in the region simply lacked access to the same visibility and networks available in other markets. This shift could help introduce audiences to a new generation of founders whose stories reflect the diversity and ambition of modern entrepreneurship. The partnership between Shark Tank and Tyler Perry Studios also creates an interesting intersection between entertainment and business education. Tyler Perry built his empire by understanding ownership, audience loyalty, distribution, and long-term vision. Shark Tank has consistently taught viewers about negotiation, valuation, branding, and scaling companies. Bringing these worlds together creates a unique atmosphere where entrepreneurship becomes more than television. It becomes culture. This move is also another reminder that infrastructure matters. Cities that invest in creative industries, technology, production, and entrepreneurship position themselves for long term economic growth. Atlanta continues to prove that when visionaries build ecosystems instead of isolated companies, opportunities multiply for everyone connected to the environment. The next era of entrepreneurship will not only be defined by products and services. It will be defined by storytelling, access, ownership, collaboration, and culture. Atlanta sits at the center of that conversation right now. Shark Tank arriving at Tyler Perry Studios feels bigger than a location change. It feels like a signal. The future of business media is becoming more diverse, more culturally connected, and more reflective of the real entrepreneurs building across America today. One thing is certain. The energy in that room is about to feel different, and entrepreneurs everywhere will be watching. Vonoi Magazine Inside the Scent Lab: How IFF and The Dry Down Club Opened the Doors to the Future of Fragrance5/22/2026
 Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief - Vonoi Magazine In New York City, behind secured doors and quiet hallways filled with the aroma of rare ingredients from around the world, a select group of fragrance lovers received an experience few people ever get to witness. The collaboration between International Flavors & Fragrances, better known as IFF, and The Dry Down Club offered an intimate behind the scenes look into the artistry, science, and innovation shaping the future of scent. Hosted at IFF’s New York creative offices, the experience was curated by Dry Down Club founder Paola and featured conversations with perfumers, evaluators, fragrance experts, and creators responsible for some of the most recognizable scents in the world. Members toured the Creative Center, explored the labs, smelled exclusive raw materials, and stepped directly into the process of how fragrances are imagined, developed, refined, and ultimately brought to life. This was not simply a perfume event. This was access to a hidden world.  Photo credit: Vonoi Magazine Inside IFF, fragrance is treated as both chemistry and emotion. Every ingredient tells a story. Every note is attached to memory, culture, mood, and identity. One conversation during the event perfectly captured the intersection between modern technology and human creativity. While discussing the rise of artificial intelligence in fragrance development, one perfumer explained how even advanced systems still rely heavily on human interpretation and expertise.  The conversation began casually around a familiar scent memory involving kiwi vanilla perfume, celebrity fragrances, and nostalgic beauty culture. Soon, it evolved into a deeper discussion about whether AI could truly create fragrance formulas that replicate emotion and originality. “If somebody doesn’t know what the ingredients smell like, how are you going to guide it?” one fragrance expert explained during the discussion. “The human is still very important in what we do.” That insight became one of the defining themes of the afternoon.  Artificial intelligence may now assist perfumers by identifying ingredient combinations, organizing fragrance databases, and accelerating discovery phases, but scent remains deeply human. Machines can process data. Perfumers process feeling. IFF’s internal technology systems already help perfumers search formulas, analyze scent structures, and revisit fragrance families from decades past. Yet the people behind the scents emphasized that no algorithm can replace instinct, taste, or emotional interpretation. “The machine learns every day,” one expert shared. “But you still need somebody with the knowledge to use it.” Inside the fragrance industry, that balance between innovation and artistry is becoming one of the most fascinating conversations shaping the future.   What made the experience memorable was not only the education, but also the transparency. Luxury consumers often interact with fragrance only at the retail level through campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and beautifully designed bottles. Very few ever witness the process behind the product. IFF and The Dry Down Club changed that. Guests were able to ask questions directly to fragrance evaluators, discuss formulation strategies, understand raw material sourcing, and even explore how trends are analyzed internally within one of the most influential fragrance companies in the world. There was humor throughout the experience, casual conversations about online fragrance reviews, debates about digital fragrance culture, and discussions around how communities now shape perfume popularity faster than traditional advertising ever could. Still, the core message remained clear. Fragrance is deeply personal. No database, machine, trend report, or viral review can replace the emotional reaction someone experiences when a scent reminds them of childhood, confidence, love, ambition, or memory.  Paola and The Dry Down Club continue to redefine what fragrance communities can look like in the modern era. Rather than centering exclusivity around status, the club creates access through education, immersion, and cultural connection. This collaboration with IFF reflected a growing appetite for luxury experiences that go beyond surface level consumption. Today’s consumers want proximity to craftsmanship. They want to meet the creators. They want to understand process. They want stories attached to products. Inside IFF’s New York offices, attendees did not just smell fragrances.They experienced the future of scent culture firsthand. For one afternoon, the invisible world behind perfume became visible.  The swag bags given out by IFF were First class gifts.
Our tour guides for the experience, they both were amazing.  I give this experience 12 stars out of 10. Bravo well done. Vonoi Magazine
|
Get Your Copy Today
Issue 700
Issue 601
Issue 600
Issue 400
Issue 300
Issue 200
Issue 100
AuthorThe Business of Doing Business. Archives
October 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
|
|
(c) 2022 - 2026 Copyright, Vonoi Magazine a Vonoi Broadcasting Corporation Company, New York, NY 10001 All Rights Reserved