Karma Has Spoken

Fashionista and all-around girl boss Karen Buscemi joins Danialle Karmanos to chat about her new book, All That We Hide, and her passion for serving the community through her various business ventures, including the Detroit Garment Group and Detroit Sewn. Then, Metro Detroiter Kanu Mehta shares the emotional journey of becoming the full-time caregiver for his wife, Sumi, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago. Karen Buscemi Karen Buscemi is the founder and president of Detroit Garment Group, a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to educating Southeast Michigan's fashion community. She also serves as CEO of Detroit Sewn, a full-service sewing and dye sublimation shop in downtown Pontiac. But wait, there's more! Buscemi is also an accomplished author — her new book, All That We Hide, is available now. In this episode, she discusses her passion for serving the community, as well as her writing process. Follow Karen Buscemi on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Follow the Detroit Garment Group on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Follow Detroit Sewn on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Kanu Mehta Next, you'll want to grab a tissue for the story of Kanu "KC" Mehta. KC is the full time caregiver for his wife Sumi, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago. He tells the heartwarming story of meeting his wife in India and the life they built together here in Michigan before everything changed. An engineer by trade, KC’s role as a husband evolved along with the disease. He talks about his journey of personal growth.

On this episode of Karma Has Spoken, Danialle gets cozy in her igloo with Amanda Fisher and Jennifer Granger, the powerhouse duo behind Fashion x Philanthropy, to explore their organization and the stylish ways they're giving back to the community. Then, Dr. James Blessman — or, as Danialle calls him, "the real most interesting man in the world" — shares his impressive medical background and explains what it means to "honor your design." Fashion x Philanthropy Powerhouse duo Amanda Fisher and Jennifer Granger talk about Fashion x Philanthropy (that's pronounced Fashion BY Philanthropy), their "friend blind date," City Year, and the amazing things their organization is doing for the community. Follow Fashion x Philanthropy on Facebook and Instagram. For more information visit, fashionxphilanthropy.com. Dr. James Blessman Next, the man Danialle calls "the real most interesting man in the world," Dr. James Blessman, explains what it means to "honor your design." Dr. Blessman has quite the resume: He's a graduate of Detroit's Cass Tech High School, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, and he's board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine. He's practiced preventive medicine for more than 25 years and is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine Public Health Sciences at Wayne State University, as well as the assistant chief medical officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections. Hear what he as to say about all these roles, and more. Follow Dr. James Blessman on Facebook. To learn more visit, betterme.us.

Danialle gets to know Detroit beatboxer Stevie Soul and hears the story of how he transformed a childhood weakness into an incredible strength. Then, Bird Box author Josh Malerman spills details on the hit movie's upcoming sequel, Malorie, and shares insight into the man behind the Netflix phenomenon. Beatboxer Stevie Soul Stevie Soul spent his childhood struggling with a stuttering problem. By high school, he discovered beat boxing, and turned his limitation into a strength. He stops by Lucy to share his story with Danialle. Follow Stevie Soul on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Bird Box Author Josh Malerman Next, you may know Josh Malerman from Bird Box, his book-turned-Netflix-phenomenon. But in this wide-ranging conversation, he and Danialle step outside the, well, box to cover everything from Malerman's band crashing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to how he met his fiance (hint: there was a Sharpie involved). The pair also discusses Bird Box and its upcoming sequel, Malorie. Follow Josh Malerman on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Read more about Josh and the upcoming Bird Box sequel "Malorie" on SEEN.

Good shoes take you good places — at least according to renowned shoe designer Aki Choklat. In this episode, Danialle learns about Aki's experience in the fashion industry as well as his involvement in the Detroit community. Plus: She gets to know the inspiring men behind Pingree Detroit, a manufacturing company that employs U.S. veterans to create upcycled leather goods from auto materials. Aki Choklat Today world-renowned shoe designer Aki Choklat tells Danialle about his experience in the fashion industry, his work at the College for Creative Studies and shares what surprised him the most about Detroit, the city he calls home. (Spoiler: He wasn't planning on staying long.) For more about Aki, visit akichoklat.com. Follow Aki Choklat on Instagram and Facebook. Jarret Schlaff and Nathaniel Crawford II of Pingree Detroit Next, meet Jarret Schlaff and Nathaniel Crawford II, two of the inspiring men behind Pingree Detroit, where U.S. veterans are paid a living wage to craft bags, urban utility footwear, and accessories using luxury-grade car seat leather upcycled from the American auto industry. The worker-owned, community based manufacturing company, which operates out of its workshop on Woodward and Milwaukee, was co-founded in January 2015. Hear how Jarret's public policy and non-profit background meshed with Nate's military service to form Pingree, which strives to improve the lives of people in our community. For more information visit, pingreedetroit.com. Follow Pingree Detroit on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about Pingree Detroit on SEEN.

Danialle sits down with Nancy Sovran, executive director of Wish Upon a Teen, to find out what sparked her desire to become involved with the nonprofit, which helps improve the lives of sick kids. Then, University of Michigan neurologist Dr. Eva Feldman — one of the world's foremost experts on the human brain — shares exciting new developments in her field. Nancy Sovran founder of Wish Upon a Teen When Nancy Sovran's daughter Hope needed a bone marrow transplant, her hospital room looked like most others — dark, dreary and depressing. So Nancy decided to spruce it up. The result: Hope's spirits were lifted. That experience led her to create Wish Upon a Teen, a nonprofit that helps make the lives of sick kids better — and, in many cases, "normal." Nancy tells Danialle about all the amazing work her organization is doing. For more information visit, www.wishuponateen.org Follow Wish Upon a Teen on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Dr. Eva Feldman Not far from Hope's Ann Arbor hospital room, we find University of Michigan doctor Eva Feldman, one of the world's leading experts on the human brain. Dr. Feldman has done extensive research in the fields of Alzheimer's disease, ALS and even diabetes. She dives into recent developments in neurological research that will blow your mind (pun intended). To learn more about Dr. Eva Feldman visit, medicine.umich.edu

Danialle chats with Amy Haimerl, of Shady Ladies Literary Society, about her organization that revolves around really good books, then gets to know blind artist and musician Cordelia Grimm, as she shares her fascinating story. Amy Haimerl of Shady Ladies Literary Society Who doesn't enjoy curling up with a good book? Why not make that a social event with some of your best (and new) girlfriends? Amy Haimerl's Shady Ladies Literary Society does just that, putting on huge events (with cocktails, of course) around new book releases. Amy takes us inside the organization. Follow Shady Ladies Literary Society on Facebook and Instagram. Cordelia Grimm Cordelia Grimm, formerly Brendan Patrick, is an inspiring story of perseverance. Born with cystic fibrosis, Brendan overcame many medical issues to become a renowned artist and is now transitioning to become Cordelia Grimm. Cordelia's enthusiasm and positive energy are contagious as she takes Danialle through the various stages of her life, including her punk band The Wretched Sights, and her art. Oh, and did we mention she's blind? Find out how a blind artist creates masterpieces that she can't see in this fascinating interview. Follow Cordelia Grimm on Facebook.

Danialle gets together with Emily T Gail to discuss "nice things about Detroit," and Patricia Mooradian to discover what it's like to be the first female CEO of The Henry Ford Museum. Emily T Gail Chances are, you've seen those yellow "Say Nice Things About Detroit" stickers. We welcome the woman who started this decades-long movement — back when people were not saying nice things about our city. Emily T Gail visits "Lucy" and tells Danialle her story. To learn more about Emily vist, emilys.org. Patricia Mooradian, CEO of The Henry Ford Museum Next, Patricia Mooradian is the first female CEO of The Henry Ford Museum in its 90-year history. But she and Danialle talk about more than just the museum. They discuss the myriad educational opportunities the organization runs, their television shows that have won Emmy Awards and upcoming holiday events. Oh, and yes, they do give a sneak peak into the "archives." Follow The Henry Ford on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Danialle takes a trip around Detroit with Kerry Doman who connects youngs professionals and families with everything happening around the city, and with Mary Pat Rosen of Impact100, who with her organization helps fund worthy causes in the area. Kerry Doman Kerry Doman is "in the know" with everything happening in and around Detroit. She explains how she connects young professionals, and now families, together through After5 Detroit and LittleGuide Detroit. Follow After 5 Detroit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow LittleGuide Detroit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Mary Pat Rosen of Impact100 Mary Pat Rosen is an accomplished attorney who is representing several victims in the Larry Nassar case. In addition to sharing those details, Mary Pat tells Danialle about Impact100. Impact100 Oakland County collects $1,000 donations from each member and selects worthy causes in the area to fund. Learn how to get involved with the organization and the amazing groups it has donated to. Follow Impact100 Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

When four friends discovered a mobile bar while traveling, they thought, "Why doesn't Detroit have one of these?" So began the quest of Lauryn Laszczak and Kim Warner (and their husbands) to find a suitable vehicle for their venture. The end product was "The Llama," a mobile bar that can be booked for events. Lauryn and Kim stop by to tell Danialle their story — and serve delicious cocktails. Next, Jen Guarino, the former vice president of manufacturing for Shinola stops by. She is now the president of ISAIC, Detroit's Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center. ISAIC will be located inside Carhartt, and it will teach Detroiters sewing skills, emerging technologies in the fashion industry and offer fair and equitable job opportunities. It's the latest avenue to help community members in need to get back on their feet. Detroit Mobile Bar To book or find out more information head to detroitmobilebar.com. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="234,233,235"] Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center The ISAIC's mission is to create a sustainable community empowered ecosystem for apparel manufacturing with an innovative approach to facility design, application of technology and advanced career path development. For more information, head to their website at isaic.org. [gallery link="none" size="full" columns="2" ids="237,236"]

In episode 5 of Karma Has Spoken, Danialle explores how beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and while the eyes may be the windows to the soul, they are also the windows to your overall health and well being. First up is our expert, Dr. Bill Koppin of Shades Optical in Birmingham. Dr. Bill explains how an eye exam can reveal signs of diabetes, high blood pressure and auto immune diseases. Of course we touch on eyewear fashion as well. Next, Danialle's longtime friend Elliot Broom joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. Danialle and Elliot's shared experience working at the Ritz Carlton taught them about pride in their work and attention to detail, including the "trash pocket." Elliot explains his role as VP of Operations for the Detroit Institute of Arts, what the museum is up to and how art appreciation really is in the eye of beholder. Elliot also describes some of the more unusual pieces that now adorn his living space. [gallery link="file" size="full" columns="1" ids="214,213,211,212"] ABOUT DR. BILL KOPPIN For three decades, Michigan optometrist, Dr. Bill Koppin, has been changing the standard of eye care in Metro Detroit. His practice, Shades Optical located in Birmingham, Michigan is celebrating their 30 year and remains committed to delivering an extraordinary level of personalized service and attention to detail for their patients that come from all over the globe. Dr. Bill believes, the eyes are the window to whole body wellness. A Shades Optical exam serves as more than just a standard eye exam, it’s a combination of the best innovation and personalized attention to detail that provides a preventative measure and a deeper window into a patient’s health. This eye-body connection is at the core of Dr. Bill Koppin’s overall philosophy about integrative care that Shades Optical refers to as the Line of Sight. ABOUT ELLIOT BROOM - VP of Detroit Institute of Arts Museum Operations Elliott Broom joined the Detroit Institute of Arts in August 2008 as Vice President of Museum Operations. Prior to the DIA, Broom worked in the hospitality industry for eighteen years, working for companies such as Kimpton, Peninsula, Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton hotels. Since returning to Detroit, Broom became an active member of the Ruth Ellis Center Board of Directors and was Board Chair from 2015 to 2017. He also currently holds volunteer positions on the boards of Midtown Detroit Inc. and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Mr. Broom is a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from the University of Michigan Dearborn.

Jessica Van Valkenburgh, marketing coordinator for Christian Dior shares her top makeup and skincare tips and trends and how to look amazing without spending hours watching tutorials on YouTube. Then, meet Gwen Jimmere, founder of Naturalicious. She is the first African American woman to earn a patent for a natural hair care product. Gwen opens up about her journey from the automotive world, through some harrowing personal struggles, to creating a multi-million dollar company. [gallery size="full" link="file" columns="2" ids="157,156"] ABOUT JESSICA VAN VALKENBURGH – Christian Dior Make-up Expert Jessica has served as the Detroit Market Coordinator for Christian Dior for the last 3 years. She is a licensed Cosmetologist and Certified Make-up Artist. Jessica also holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. A former model and dancer, Jessica loves bringing the glitz and glamour of the stage to her Dior clients. She strives to educate and inspire with her easy to learn techniques for building confidence. Mrs. Van Valkenburgh lives for 999 red Dior lipstick and tacos! ABOUT GWEN JIMMERE – CEO and Founder of Naturalicious Gwen Jimmere is a gifted visionary on an unrelenting mission to shatter the rules of the beauty game and change them for good. As CEO and founder of Naturalicious, she’s already cemented her place in history as the first African American woman to hold a patent for a natural hair care product. She is the mastermind behind The Hello Gorgeous Hair Care System; the only sulfate, paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, gluten, and cruelty free line of products that actually smashes your hair care routine into smithereens by combining several necessary steps for flawless hair into only 3 simple products. A respected authority in the hair care industry, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans in the U.S. along with the likes of Beyoncé and LeBron James. She was also named one of the Top 10 Business Women in the state of Michigan, as well as the winner of the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Competition, and has been featured on Fox News, TVOne, and in Entrepreneur, Essence, Fast Company, and The Washington Post. Gwen’s irresistible charm and relatable personality make her an explosive and highly sought-after speaker. She lights up stages across the country, giving keynotes and talks on what it takes to win in business, entrepreneurship, and life. Based in Detroit, MI, when she’s not strategizing her next business move, you can find her hanging out with her son Caiden, Naturalicious’ CCO (Chief Candy Curator). Naturalicious www.naturalicious.net Follow Naturalicious on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube.

Sisters-in-law Farah and Oula left behind their day jobs as an occupational therapist and pharmacist to follow their passion for flowers. They combined their two names to create Maison Farola, known for their signature hatbox arrangements. They join Danialle and "Lucy" to share their story, talk flower trends and care. Amy Kaherl, co-founder of Detroit Soup and a White House Champion of Change, talks about her background and how that led her to create to a new way to pitch and fund ideas in our local communities, that is being implemented around the world. She also talks about religion, pop culture, and her time as a DJ. [gallery link="file" size="full" columns="2" ids="89,83,84,81,80,79"] About Maison Farola Maison Farola is a floral design business founded by Farah and Oula in 2015. The incredible floral designs in their signature hat box have quickly won over Metro Detroiters as well as their many fans on social media. Maison Farola maisonfarola.com (313) 400-2074 About Amy Kaherl and Detroit Soup Amy Kaherl is the co-founder of Detroit SOUP and now the Chief Curator and Builder of Global SOUP. Amy received her MA in Theology (emphasizing popular culture) in 2008 from Fuller Theological Seminary. SOUP is a micro-granting dinner that celebrates creative ideas in cities across the world. Built in Detroit and replicated through its simple model of communal exchange, SOUP has grown into a global community built through local crowdfunding dinners promoting collaboration, democracy, creativity and trust. Amy and SOUP have recently been honored as an Obama White House Champion of Change for her crowdfunding efforts with Detroit SOUP and have been recently awarded the German Marshall Memorial Fellowship and Red Bull Amaphiko Entrepreneur. While not running SOUP, Amy also moonlights as DJ Amy Dreamcatcher with the monthly party, Nothing Elegant. SOUP 2701 Bagley Detroit, MI 48216 info@detroitsoup.com DONATE to SOUP

Danialle is back, starting with the hot new trend of Goat Yoga. Shawn Cannarile, owner of Hilltop View Farms in Lansing, joins us to explain what exactly Goat Yoga is. Also, Shawn tells us how it's improving the lives and well-being of her clients. Next, songwriter Bob Mervak joins us to talk about the amazing places his music has taken him. From working with George Clooney, odd encounters with Phillip Seymour Hoffman and growing up with lifelong friend Kristen Bell, Bob shares his incredible stories and closes with Oopsie, the new "carpool anthem" of Danialle's four sons. [gallery link="file" size="full" columns="2" ids="71,72,70,69"] About Shawn Cannarile and Hilltop Views Farm Shawn and her husband purchased Hilltop Views Farm and started their new life that soon turned in to adopting goats for no more than simple joy and companionship. Their first two cuties, Petunia and Oakley were the sweetest little addition to our farm. They quickly wanted more, and shortly after adopted Rosey Valentine. Most recently their Christmas baby came along, Frosty. Each of the goats have their own unique personality that makes guests laugh and smile every day. This farm and these animals have brought us so much joy and Shawn wants to share it with everyone! Hilltop Views Farm info@goatyoga.net 1-888-992-4628 Follow Shawn and Hilltop Views Farm on Instagram and Facebook for lots of cute goat pictures, classes and events! All images below courtesy of Hilltop Views Farm website. [gallery link="file" size="full" columns="2" ids="185,189" orderby="rand"] About Bob Mervak Bob Mervak is a Detroit-based pianist, vocalist, songwriter, and studio writer whose dynamic range spans everything from pop to jazz, rootsy-indy original songs to Ben Folds-esque intelligent, introspective, and unapologetic compositions. He's blessed and honored to have worked with musicians he considers to be some of the most important in the game, throughout Detroit and all over the place. Bob was the main composer on Dax Shepard's major motion picture, "Hit & Run (2012)," as well as the writer/performer of the theme to Dax's new podcast, "Armchair Expert (2018)." He was also the pianist/vocalist featured in director George Clooney's hit American political Drama, "The Ides of March," in 2011. Bob has been a session musician, writer, and arranger on many varied record releases over the years, including Samantha Fish's "Chills and Fever," which rose to the no.1 spot on iTunes blues charts in 2017. He recently released a new song, Oopsies, with longtime friend Kristen Bell. Watch Oopsies music video below and download all of Bob's music on Apple Music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_eaSkXYOSg Follow Bob on Instagram at @bobmervak For booking, contact: John Rutherford john@brassjarmusic.com

In our first episode, Danialle Karmanos sits down with personal stylist Clare Pollard to discuss style trends for Spring and Summer 2019. Then, we hear the inspiring story of Veronika Scott, who created coats for the homeless that turn into sleeping bags. "The Coat Lady," as she was called, soon got the attention of some very big names and became a global force to be reckoned with. Now, her nonprofit, The Empowerment Plan, not only helps the homeless, it employs them too. [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="full" ids="75,74,76,77"] About Clare Pollard While accompanying her mother to beautiful stores in her hometown and around the world, Clare learned how the clothes we wear have an impact on our sense of self. In college, Clare spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy studying fashion design with a Swedish designer. Creating her own collection from start to finish helped her appreciate the artistic process that goes into bringing fashion to life. After graduating from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder, she started her career in marketing, and was fortunate to live in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Miami – places brimming with styling inspiration. Today – as a mom of two energetic children – Clare starts a new chapter with Pollard Style to continue to follow her love for fashion, styling, and helping people feel great. pollardstyle.com Instagram: @pollardstyle About Veronika Scott and The Empowerment Plan Founder of 'The Empowerment Plan', a Detroit-based social enterprise, Veronika Scott has built an organization that began around a single idea: to design a coat that transforms into a sleeping bag for individuals that are homeless. That idea has now transformed into a system of empowerment that creates jobs to permanently lift people out of poverty. The production staff, which is composed of previously homeless women and men, has proven that Empowerment Plan is radically changing workforce development. Each employee is paid to learn how to produce the coat, employed full time, and is also provided with supportive services. This opportunity gives employees a chance to earn a stable income, find secure housing, and gain back independence for themselves and their families. Veronika is the youngest recipient of the JFK New Frontier Award and received an honorary doctorate from Johnson State College. She is a winner of the IDEA Gold Award, the Diane von Furstenberg People’s Voice Award, and has been named one of Forbes 30 Under 30, Chronicle of Philanthropy's 40 Under 40, and CNN’s 10 Visionary Women. Her organization's story has been told at the World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Forbes 400 Philanthropy Summit, and on other platforms across the globe. [caption id="attachment_191" align="alignnone" width="420"] Veronika Scott, "Coat Lady" and founder / CEO of The Empowerment Plan stands by her famous sleeping bag coats.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190" align="alignnone" width="600"] French Moore of Detroit sews pieces of the sleeping bag coats at The Empowerment Plan[/caption] The Empowerment Plan 7640 Kercheval Ave Detroit, MI 48214 info@theempowermentplan.org

Welcome to Karma Has Spoken. A podcast that's a chance for us to connect in a uniquely cool, meaningful way. Karma is the sum of our actions. And I like to hang out with people who are interesting, and inspiring, and live their lives fearlessly and boldly. Following their karma. Our lives, this moment, our purpose is all about happiness. Intentional happiness with meaningful connections. And our conversations here is a chance to connect and take it all in. Soak up the inspirations, feed our soul and ignite our minds. I think there is something really powerful that happens when our hearts are on fire and our heads are filled with ideas. My favorite two words are "What if." What if we think outside the box. What if we break the rules. What if we think there are no rules. What if we dare to be the best version of ourselves. I believe you can be completely bold and badass and kind while laughing and learning and being blissfully content. [gallery link="file" size="full" columns="2" ids="94,103,102,106,92"] And who am I? My name is Danialle Karmanos, and karma is in my name. And my life is a combination of all the little parts that make up, me. I'm a wife and mom. I love adventure and I love to laugh. I'm a friend and social entrepreneur. I'm a beekeeper and knitter and crafter and have six chicks. I box and meditate. And sitting still is not my strong suit. And at any given moment, I can feel completely overwhelmed and inspired at exactly the same time. And were here right now, in my retro trailer "Lucy". She's locked, stocked and ready to take us for a ride. I hope we learn a little, laugh a lot. And feel inspired to try something new. So let's jump in! - Danialle