Episode 70: Sebastian Norena Opens Up About His Journey In Creating Impactful Luxury Experiences That Resonate

Sebastian Norena is a hospitality executive born and raised in Colombia, yet he has called the US home for a while now. He worked his way up from entry-level positions to management, corporate, and executive roles with Nikki Beach Worldwide and the Butter Group in New York City. His body of work includes experience in both major cities and international markets to generate successful and impactful brand messaging and revenue, that drive initiatives for his portfolio of clients. Working with the likes of Richie Akiva to produce experiences at Coachella, Paris Fashion Week, the Cannes Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Art Basel Miami, amfAR Gala after parties, and Rihanna’s Fenty NYFW and PFW official after parties. Industry leaders seek out Sebastian, asking him to spearhead their projects and consult on a variety of branding and event-based projects, which led to the birth of his company KIP Hospitality, where he has worked with Mercedes Benz and the Academy Awards, scouting the talent for their events, bringing celebrities such as Mase, Guy Gerber, Paris Hilton, and Wycliff. Sebastian’s experiences and those he’s a part of resonate with consumers, media, and attendees and in turn, create long term returns and retention.

Episode 42: Being Shot By Top Brands From Levis To Valentino, Kimanee Mason Now Elevates Women With Her Brand Grace & Company

Born and raised in Westmoreland Jamaica, Kimanee Mason moved to New York City for college at 15 and was soon discovered by Elite model management. The next day she shot for Teen Vogue. Her modeling career spanned over 15 years from runways to commercial work, working with top designers from Oscar de la Renta to Valentino. Kimanee completed her BFA in design at New York School of Interior Design, transitioning into a career in commercial design at Perkins Eastman Architects. She launched Grace & Company in 2015 with a passion for creating luxury products that are as equally functional as they are fashionable and beautiful. Kimanee and her husband Frank reside in New York City and have three boys, with a girl on the way. She is a woman of faith and supports causes aimed at elevating the worth of women. 

We talk about her modeling career, her decision to start her own brand, and her decision to take her Christian faith seriously.

The Soulful Side Of Life Podcast Trailer

As a child, I was enthralled with history and biographies. I struggled in Math and Science, but one rainy Friday day, my 4th grade teacher pointed out I was good in History and my life changed at that moment. I decided that day I would major in History. So that’s what I did 9 years later, I entered university in Washington, DC to study History- a continuation of learning and analyzing people’s lives and decisions. I interned in the US Congress, at The White House, and for NGOs; and volunteered on political campaigns, and worked in the city after graduation. But moving to London to study for my Masters changed my worldview. I’ve lived in 9 countries and have found myself in a completely different arena: fashion. Over the past 6 years, I have developed an eye for couture craftsmanship, learning how to put intricate and detailed collections into words. As a result, I have developed relationships with some of the world's most leading brands, covering Paris, Milan, New York, and Riyadh Fashion Week shows. I also have a faith and lifestyle magazine, Seele that I founded. I decided to launch ‘The Soulful Side Of Life,’ an amalgamation of my experiences, where I interview people in areas that have touched my life in: fashion, faith, entertainment, music, business, and entrepreneurship. The podcast is an extension of my interests in discussing people’s stories.

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