The Rise and Impact of Buy Now, Pay Later Services

 


In recent years, a financial trend has gained significant popularity among consumers — Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. This innovative payment option has revolutionized people’s shopping by providing greater flexibility and convenience. Below, we will explore the concept of BNPL, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and its impact on consumer behavior and the retail industry.

Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later

“Buy Now, Pay Later” is an innovative payment option that allows consumers to make purchases and defer their payment over time, typically in interest-free installments. This model has gained traction due to its simplicity and accessibility. By breaking down the total cost into manageable payments, BNPL services enable consumers to afford higher-priced items without upfront expenses. Companies offering BNPL services partner with retailers, allowing customers to select this payment option during checkout and complete their purchases without needing a credit card.

Benefits of Buy Now, Pay Later

The popularity of BNPL services can be attributed to several key benefits it offers consumers. First and foremost, it provides increased financial flexibility. By spreading payments over time, individuals can manage their budgets more effectively and avoid straining their finances. BNPL services also eliminate the need for credit checks, making them accessible to a broader customer base, including those with limited credit history. Moreover, with quick and easy approval processes, customers can complete transactions seamlessly, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Additionally, the interest-free installment plans offered by BNPL providers make high-priced items more affordable, allowing consumers to make desired purchases without the burden of upfront costs.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While Buy Now, Pay Later services have their advantages, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks as well. One concern is the potential for overspending. The convenience of deferred payments may tempt individuals to make impulsive purchases, leading to increased debt. Additionally, missed or late payments can result in fees or interest charges, impacting customers’ financial well-being. Furthermore, the ease of the BNPL process may lead to a detachment from the actual cost of purchases, potentially encouraging unnecessary spending. It is crucial for consumers to exercise responsible spending habits and thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of the BNPL agreement to avoid any unforeseen consequences.

Impact on Consumer Behaviour

The rise of BNPL services has had a profound impact on consumer behaviour and the retail industry. Firstly, it has opened up opportunities for businesses to increase sales by appealing to a wider customer base. The availability of BNPL options has been shown to drive higher conversion rates and average order values. Moreover, by offering an alternative to traditional credit cards, retailers can attract younger consumers who may prefer the flexibility and convenience of BNPL services. On the consumer side, BNPL has transformed purchasing habits, with many individuals opting for this payment method for everyday items as well as larger purchases. Additionally, it has aided in the expansion of online shopping, as online retailers often integrate BNPL options seamlessly into their checkout process, providing a frictionless shopping experience.

Buy Now, Pay Later services has become a popular and convenient payment option, revolutionizing the way people shop. While it offers flexibility and accessibility, consumers must exercise caution and responsible spending habits. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, BNPL services are likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping consumer behavior and driving sales.

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of Global Elite Entrepreneur Magazine: Carl Runefelt

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With the crazy crypto boom around the world, there is a bit too much information to process online, so it’s hard to take your pick. But there are a few special people who have both the understanding as well as the belief. “Carl Runefelt” is one such individual. Runefelt has made his fortune with considerate assessment and belief in the law of attraction. The golden boy from the crypto industry shares an exclusive interview with the readers of Global Elite Entrepreneur magazine.

The founder of The Moon Group, Carl Runefelt is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. The Moon Group is a group of companies in the cryptocurrency space. Currently, his establishments are working on numerous projects to increase crypto adoption into the mainstream economy using blockchain technology, not just financial markets.

Carl is most known for his success on YouTube and his massive following across all social media platforms. He has the largest crypto analysis channel on the platform and is one of the biggest Twitter personalities in the crypto space, with over four million followers across social media. Runefelt is the fifth most influential person in the crypto industry, according to Hackernoon.

Carl is very firm about his vision of crypto being the only currency we will use in the future. He has always believed that one bitcoin can be worth millions in the imminent extended stripe. He has invested in more than four hundred crypto startups, making him possibly the world’s largest crypto angel investor. With a following of over four million subscriptions across all social media platforms, Runefelt is prompting more and more people to share his journey, lifestyle, and reliance on the decree of magnetism. His YouTube channel has been one of the most significant apparatuses in his accomplishment and distinction.

The founder of The Moon Group’s faith is in the law of attraction. He believes firm visions of your future can lead to possibilities of all your goals and dreams. The know-how of leveraging the internet to mint money and the ability to foresee the future of digital money have allowed him to climb the success ladder.

In an exclusive interview with Global Elite Entrepreneur, Runefelt said, “The power of my social platform has greatly assisted my abilities to bring mass awareness to crypto and showcase individuals on how they can use crypto to better their lives, just as it did for me. It’s a great way to reach and impact others.”

Runefelt mentally transformed himself into a person, from where he was to where he is and now to where he’s headed. It’s been a shift of mindset and approaches toward life. Self-belief and optimism about the future gave him the enthusiasm, courage, and strength to overcome the barriers. The entrepreneur dropped out of school early because he could not concentrate due to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). He started working in a grocery store to make a living. During that time, his daily routine consisted of working at the store and sitting at home watching YouTube videos but essentially being unproductive. He realized he needed a change because if he continued to live like this, he’d never have the life of his dreams. More than anything, Runefelt wanted to do something that would make his parents proud.

Talking to The Global Elite Entrepreneur, he said, “When I was working as a cashier in a grocery store, I was watching luxury content on YouTube and Instagram of successful billionaires; this inspired me. I was so motivated by watching these people with their Bugatti’s and expensive watches that it helped me visualize my dream life; it helped me to get where I am today. Now that I am in the same place as the people I watched back then, I want to give back, that’s why I am showing people my luxury lifestyle. By showing them my Bugatti, my office, my million-dollar crypto punk NFT, I wish to show people that you can go from working in a grocery store to buying a Bugatti within 3 years if you simply use the Law of Attraction and prioritizing mindset, realizing, that mindset is everything.”

Carl is also a philanthropist; sharing a bit about his social work, he said, “Previous year, I donated an amount to a charity for disabled children. This year one of my goals is to donate a lot of money to charity through smart campaigns. I’m currently developing a few that I am excited to release publicly soon.”

The entrepreneur wants to be remembered for his extensive career. Wealth creation is no longer motivating; he wants to contribute to society through philanthropic ventures.

He says: “I want to be remembered as a great person who did great things. I already know I’ll be one of the wealthiest people in the world, so it’s no longer a big motivator. I want people to remember me as someone who did well for other people and made a positive impact for many humans in this world.”

He believes achieving success is not a matter of luck but a decision. He said: “I thank myself every day. I decided to become the person I am today because I wasn’t happy with who I was before. The way to become whoever you want is to believe in your mind that you’re already that person. Act as if it’s already your reality, and you’ll attract it. When I was working in a grocery store, I was visualizing myself with a Bugatti and flying in a private jet on a weekly basis. Now it’s finally my reality.”

Under The Moon Group, Carl now manages a workforce of more than 120 employees, an impressive feat that directly affects the lives of his workers. He takes great pride in his success, and his parents are equally proud of him. Achieving this level of growth and influence in such a short time through building his crypto empire is truly remarkable.

5 Strategies To Make Inflation An Accessory To Success

Inflation can cause concern for many people, often leading to rising prices, lower purchasing power, and economic instability. However, some strategies can be employed to make inflation work in your favor and turn it into an accessory to success.

Invest in assets

One such strategy is investing in assets that appreciate with inflation. This can include real estate, commodities, and stocks of companies that have pricing power. Real estate, for instance, tends to appreciate with inflation, as the value of the property increases in tandem with rising prices. Commodities such as gold, oil, and other natural resources can also appreciate with inflation, as their values are tied to supply and demand dynamics. Investing in stocks of companies with pricing power can also be a way to benefit from inflation, as they can raise prices to match rising costs without hurting demand for their products or services.

Increase your own earnings potential

Another strategy is taking advantage of inflation to increase your earnings potential. Inflation often leads to higher wages and salaries as businesses try to keep up with rising costs. This can be an opportunity to negotiate for higher pay or seek better-paying job opportunities. Additionally, starting a business can be a way to take advantage of inflation, as rising prices can lead to increased demand for certain goods and services.

Consider inflation when making financial decisions

When making financial choices, take inflation into account, such as taking out loans or saving for retirement. Inflation can lessen the value of your savings over time, so it is vital to invest in assets that can keep up with or outpace inflation. For example, investing in stocks or bonds can provide a higher rate of return than a savings account, which typically offers lower interest rates that may not keep up with inflation.

Use inflation when negotiating loans

Another strategy is to use inflation to your advantage when negotiating loans. Inflation can decrease the actual value of debt over time, making it easier to pay off in the future. This can be a helpful tactic when negotiating loan terms, as lenders may be more willing to offer favorable terms in a higher inflation environment.

Learn to adjust your financial strategy

Lastly, it is essential to keep an eye on inflation and adjust your financial strategy accordingly. Inflation rates can fluctuate over time, so it is essential to monitor changes and adjust your investment and spending strategies accordingly. This can include diversifying your portfolio, taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and seeking professional financial advice.

In conclusion, while inflation can be a cause for concern, some strategies can be employed to make it work in your favor and turn it into an accessory to success. Investing in assets that appreciate with inflation, taking advantage of increased earnings potential, considering inflation in financial decisions, negotiating loans, and adjusting financial strategies over time can all be effective ways to benefit from inflation and achieve financial success.

Meet The Supermodel Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of GEQ Magazine: Joanne Nicolas

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Joanne Nicolas is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of occupations. She is a supermodel, solicitor, fitness instructor, model teacher, small-scale property developer, and, most importantly, a mother of three. Her children include two boys and a newborn baby girl named Av’e Maria, who was born on Valentine’s Day.

Joanne is known for her strong work ethic. Despite being six months pregnant, she strutted down the runway during Paris Fashion Week and modeled for numerous designer lookbooks. She has always wanted to be a mother to a baby girl, and now she has fulfilled her dream with the arrival of Av’e Maria. Joanne’s modeling career has spanned two decades, and she recently achieved the title of Global Elite Supermodel of 2022. She was scouted for Victoria’s Secret casting in 2011 in New York and judged and mentored on Elite Supermodel Australia 2021. She collaborated with America’s Next Top Model, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce Gabbana, Issey Miyake, Hugo Boss, Loreal, Karl Lagerfeld, Myer, David Jones, Westpac Bank, Westfield, Maybelline, Vera Wang, Sony, Max Mara, and numerous others. Remarkably, she achieved all of this without an Instagram account, relying solely on her posing skills and the ability to shoot quickly. Joanne has always believed in laying a solid foundation, including perfecting her poses and runway walk. As a result, every pose and walk is flawless, making every shot an ideal one. She is known for being a hard worker, and no brand or client is beneath her. She accepts jobs from both big and small brands, believing that every brand deserves a chance to shine. She feels humbled and grateful that they have chosen her to represent their brand.

Over the past six years, Joanne has established herself as a supermodel, primarily working in New York, Paris, and Milan. However, she has also shared her expertise as a model teacher with thousands of models across various academies, including the Academy of Modeling Excellence, the Style Academy, Elite, and Luxe.

GEQ magazine recently caught up with Joanne to discuss her journey in the industry and here’s what went down:

Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl. Tell us a little about her name and how you’re feeling about this new addition.

Thanks so much. My baby girl was born at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick. She was born on Valentine’s Day and is just a quiet baby girl. Her name is Av’e Maria which is one of my fave church hymns, and it doesn’t matter how I’m feeling – if I hear that Church song, it just gives me so much peace and instant calm. Her middle name Valentina was added because she was born at 9:15 on Valentine’s Day. I feel like a lifelong dream of having my own girl has finally been realised. After having two boys and being super content with them, I am super thankful this baby is not just healthy, but that she’s a little girl. I can do all the things with her I’ve always wanted. It was no secret to those who knew my wish for a girl. Im elated; I can’t stop smiling when I see her and hold her. She’s been what I’ve prayed for such a long time.

What was it like for you growing up and your family upbringing?

I’m one of four children from a strict Catholic family and private Catholic schooling. I remember my childhood and teens as a majority of sports and have a massive collection of sports trophies that don’t fit into our cabinet. I had straight A’s across all my subjects and enjoyed PDHPE the most, in fact, I was always first in PDHPE. I also enjoyed work experience at Sydney Chambers tremendously with a Barrister and mentor of now 20 years Rory McCrudden, His first comment to me upon meeting me was “Oh, what are you doing here? Go and become a supermodel.”

When my parents divorced, I decided to stay with my dad and take care of him as best I could. Having taken the road less travelled is something I feel has shaped me incredibly. My dad demands excellence, and he is the hardest worker. My aunty and grandmother have played an important role in my womanhood, celebrating my achievements and I love them tremendously.

You’re unique in the sense of being a Supermodel, a Solicitor, a fitness instructor model teacher, and also into property renovations/ development. Can you tell us more about how you managed to acquire different titles and how you managed to do so many things as well as being a mum?

I always thought sports would be a career path. I travelled to Malaysia at 14 for netball, but I could have easily had a career in elite-level running as my times were relatively fast. I decided to study law as I was simultaneously offered a Scholarship for Law and Certificate 3 in fitness at Tafe. It was mentally gruelling. I became a solicitor by age 22 via the NSW Law Society and graduated with Certificate 3 at TAFE, qualifying me as a fitness instructor. Modelling jobs were throughout my studies, and I travelled to New York after being scouted by Elite Models New York and Victoria’s Secret by Monica Mitro, the VP. My studies were intense as I was on a Scholarship, but it was worth the late nights of study after I graduated, and I could solely focus on climbing the modelling ladder in New York. I’ve naturally also been called through the last eight years to teach at various Academies all over Australia, as well as a Judge and Mentor at Elite Supermodel Australia, which was an incredible opportunity. The title of property developer (small scale) comes from my passion for property and turning ordinary into extraordinary.

What area of law do I mostly enjoy and work in?

I work primarily in construction law and criminal law. I really enjoyed studying my LLM Masters in Law at Sydney University, particularly Intellectual Property, however, it’s such a niche area, but what I most enjoy is criminal law and construction law. It also pays off to have construction clients as they always help me with my renovations on properties, and my house has been texture rendered three times by my renderer client. It’s so white I can’t look at it when the sun shines on it – it’s quite blinding. I have had Members (the equivalent of Local Court Magistrates of NCAT ) Moss and Livingstone both state after winning my cases “excellent lawyering “ Miss Nicolas, and “always 1000 steps ahead Miss Nicolas” at NCAT. With 15 years of experience of being a solicitor, I find those compliments mean gold to me. I enjoy criminal law and helping clients’ situations. I don’t judge my clients – that’s God’s job.

What’s your 20-year career highlight?

Over 20 years, there are so many that come to mind. What first comes to mind is being selected as the Global Elite Supermodel of 2022. I am so humbled to have received it on my 20th anniversary year of modelling with an AMAZING bunch of people like Mike Ilagan, Sue Turner, and Vicki Chew. Also, being in demand for the whole 20 years makes me feel humbled that my look and hard work are appreciated by the brands. Definitely, some career highlights include Victoria’s Secret runway in New York, Judging and Mentoring at Elite Supermodel Australia, strutting a runway for Oppo with America’s Next Top Model, as well as high fashion brands such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana, Paris Fashion Week, Karl Lagerfeld, Max Mara, L’Oréal on International Day of Women, Balenciaga, Westfield, Vera Wang, Sony, David Jones, and Myer – they all make me feel so accomplished and Im so grateful Ive been able to make a career from my passion. Magazine covers always bring a smile to my face, and I am so immensely humbled and elated shooting this cover two weeks after having my baby girl. I love this magazine and its director, and shooting in one of my favourite Sutherland locations is just icing on the cake. We shared a bottle of Moet, and I am still on this amazing natural high from one career highlight to another.

Have your modelling and law worlds ever collided?

Actually yes. When I was Judge and Mentor at Elite Supermodel Australia, I was also asked to edit their legal retainer, and I enjoyed doing both roles utilising my legal knowledge. One minute I’m at the Judging table asking models to see their walk and tell me about them, and by night legally drafting and editing.

A previous boss walked in with her daughter to audition on the casting day. When her turn came, we gave each other the biggest hug. I hadn’t seen her in years. She was an awesome boss, always letting me leave work early if I had a model event. When Im in court, I can just tell other solicitors are aware of my modelling profile, but I’m serious about my clients’ situations and achieving resolve for their legal problems. I try mostly to appear in court electronically these days. When I studied for my LLM Masters in Law, my mediation teacher recognised me from modelling and stated she was impressed with my modelling and legal/ academic achievements.

How do you cope with fame and constantly being in the spotlight for modelling?

It’s such a progressive fame journey, but now it seems everybody everywhere I go, someone wants a selfie or autograph. I don’t mind the cameras flashing, as I am generally sociable. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but I switch off at home through exercise, jogging in our home gym, boxercise, aerobics sessions I’ve made for myself, prayer, planting new plants in the garden, and maintaining regular contact with my loved ones who make life feel at home.

I love spending quality time with my children in the backyard and the sandpit, and I love nurturing their talents. They have a way of making me feel the cameras are far away. When I was at the Judging table for Elite Supermodel, so many of the models were shaking when they would talk to me so nervously, and I would say, why are you shaking? Just breathe. They would say because I’ve always wanted to meet you, and you’re right there. I didn’t see myself in that way.

How do you keep looking young and slim after having children, and what are your fitness and beauty secrets?

No secrets at all. I’m a vegetarian and have been my entire life. I eat as organically as possible, and salmon is my favourite food. I love blueberries and strawberries and eat PLENTY of fruits and vegetables. My year 12 jersey said ‘99% fat-free’. I’ve always eaten healthily, and water is my best friend. I drink so much water, and I remember fitness and sport has been part of my life way before modelling ever was. I exercise daily and play many sports in the backyard with my children. I do like to train downstairs in our home gym, and holding planks is something I attribute a strong core to, and I do my own homemade aerobics sessions. My husband holds the mitts up for boxercise, and as he was a personal trainer, we both value fitness. I believe good skin and looking young are all in the food, no illicit drugs, alcohol on special occasions, good sleep, and not stressing about things. Every year or two at Christmas, I just get peels such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, and it keeps me looking young. My skincare is Cosmelan and Sekissei creams from Japan, and a sunscreen over SPF 50+ daily. These brands tend to work for me, as well as L’Oréal products. I try not to wear makeup for too long as I believe the skin needs to breathe.

What achievements am I most proud of?

I am mostly so happy with being a mum. I love my children to death, and they are my biggest achievement, especially my little girl who was almost going to be a neonatal baby as she was very tiny and somehow made it to a healthy baby born on Valentine’s Day. It’s no secret to anyone that knows me. I have always wanted a little girl, and I’m so blessed she’s finally here. I’m so blessed to have them.

I am also super content with the fact I’ve, from a young age, put my wealth in the right places and been able to buy property in my 20s without a bank. Not many people can buy property without a bank. I attribute this to my taking life seriously from a young age, working so damn hard at law and modelling from the get-go, taking modelling seriously. I’ve gone from building my modelling portfolio to building a property portfolio. I’ve made wise choices regarding property, and I remember the day I bought the house I’m currently at, the real estate agent Ben Gibbons asked if the cheque would bounce. We laughed, and I assured him it wasn’t, and five days later, he was handing over the key. I owned my Mercedes from a young age. I wasn’t even legally allowed to drive it and had an RMS exemption to drive a supercharged vehicle. My Galia Lahav handmade in Israel wedding gown was quite pricy at $20,000, but at the end of the day, what makes me happy is not these tangibles but rather the love of family and friends and the things which I can’t see that give me inner peace.

Congratulations on the birth of your new baby girl. How are you all doing, and how did your two little boys react to her arrival?

Thank you.  Av’e Maria is honestly the quietest baby ever. I don’t feel her presence compared to when my boys were newborns. She doesn’t even cry when she has soiled her nappy. I don’t feel like I have a newborn; she’s an angel baby.

Matthew was so protective, acting like a goalkeeper to her cot, saying no, Nicolas, stay away from the baby. Nicolas was so excited, and he was saying can I pat it? Can I touch it? Where is she from, mum? He was trying so hard to pat her, and Matthew was so protective of her. I have to explain to them every day she’s from mummy’s tummy, remember .. the baby in mummy’s tummy. I always find Nick trying to pat her, feed her a bottle, and try to carry her. I have always stopped him, but he’s so excited by her. Matthew is just the most precious caring brother to her. He won’t let anyone touch her. I can already tell they will both be great older brothers for her.

What is your parenting style like?

I would say strict but give them heaps of love. Love needs nurturing daily, and kids like routine. I shower my children with love, but they know they cant misbehave and that mum is boss. I am big on routine, and they’re in many sports. My boys attend swimming, athletics, soccer, and bowling classes. The bowling class is more so fun class they do after soccer than competitive junior league bowling. Im constantly playing with their soccer and any active sports in our backyard and park. I am big on sports and the fact children should be active. I don’t let them watch tv unless it’s phonics or something they can learn from. I live by the same principle and think my parents have done a great job providing that healthy outlet for sport. They keep bugging me for gadgets, but I won’t give in. I take them to the library, get them to borrow books, and read to them every night. My son Nick is big on books, and Matthew sometimes wants to play in the sand pit or soccer with me. Our nanny knows my routine and my focus on sports and healthy food. My boys have adjusted well to my busy schedule swimmingly, and all their teachers say they’re happy little kids.

Would you let your children model?

I get asked this question a lot. The answer is only if they want to. I don’t think childhood should be commodified, particularly if it’s just the parents who want their son or daughter to model. You can never get your childhood back full stop. It’s really important to me for my children to have stability, love, and the best possible childhood memories. There’s always time to model, ONLY if they want.. and I personally won’t push any of my children to model or make any career in general that they are not passionate about. They won’t go far if they’re not passionate about something away. It needs to be that fire inside for something, with any career, really.

Yes, I admit some children are just made for the camera, and I’ve taught many child models as young as seven who have a natural modelling personality in various Academies. Certain personalities cope very well, and other times when I’m just not sure the child has an idea of what’s actually going on at the photo shoot, I can’t take any instruction from photographers. I’m wondering if the child wants this at all or if it is just the parents. It’s important to strike a balance as children’s self-esteem and memories they carry through to adulthood were discussed here, not something I take lightly. I would only expose them to that world if they showed signs of wanting to model, and only then would I help them succeed.

Tell us where we could expect to find you in private or spare time.

Spare time? What is that? I fed the homeless every Thursday night for more than 15 years in Sydney and New York with the Church United Palace Cathedral. My time has become so pressed I now struggle to find time for myself. I also don’t have the luxury of privacy anymore, so I find myself making private donations to good causes instead of being in the public eye helping hand out food face to face, which I regularly did in Sydney, New York, through UPC Church ministry. It’s just difficult as fame changes things. I have a massive soft spot for homeless people and those of ABTSI heritage. They are the gatekeepers and have suffered so much historically, so it’s important for me to help them at any opportunity I can despite not getting any money from it. I wish the Government would help more with homeless people as I see large amounts allocated to things like renovating stadiums. Still, yet there are more and more people becoming homeless. It really needs Government intervention and wouldn’t blow the budget to build homeless housing facilities, which takes priority over a stadium renovation. I am finalising my model book and tending to the newborn at the moment, so spare time doesn’t exist.

At the moment, and to be honest, for some time, spare time hasn’t existed. I’ve been such a busy mum, model travelling both internationally and interstate, model teacher teaching models all over Australia even amidst covid via Zoom, solicitor, and fixing up property spare time seems to be a thing of the past. But I hope to find that balance in the next 20 years where I can have more me time and children time with less nanny. You will always find me daily, finding time to jog or do planks. I have a green thumb, and sometimes I make that trip to Bunnings to choose some plants to add to the garden.

Congratulations on reaching 20 years of modelling. What are your plans and career goals for the next 20 years?

Firstly, Thanks so much. I celebrated shooting this with a bottle of Moet at the same location I shot at, and it was the first time I saw a heart on the rocks, and I have previously been lucky enough to see a whale surface in the past. As for the next 20 years, first, I will be publishing my model advice book, continuing practising in law, and working on the next property development. This property is ready for sale, so I’m looking keenly for the next project. I will always enjoy being in the courtroom advocating, renovating, fitness, and teaching models. There’s been so much interest in me going back and modelling for Paris Fashion Week and shooting more campaigns. There has also been interest in New York for me to become an agent and teacher leading a New York-based agency. I am weighing up so many options at the moment. I’d like to further my law career and take my time and pray on things, so I make the right choice given I have young children. I feel I’ve given enough of myself to modelling and now it’s time to give my other talents time to shine.

On a last note, I’m so grateful to have reached this 20th Anniversary Milestone of modelling, especially shooting this cover with an amazing magazine. I’ve worked so hard and am so grateful to the modelling industry for giving me so many opportunities. I’ve met incredible people, made lifelong friends, and this cover is something that I will treasure forever.

10 Tips to Create Highly Engaging Content In Social Media

Creating engaging content for social media is essential for building a loyal following and growing your brand online. Below are some tips on how to create engaging content for social media:

Know your audience

The first step in creating engaging content for social media is to know your audience. Who are they, what are their interests, and what kind of content do they respond to? You can produce content that connects with your audience once you grasp them well.

Use visuals

Visuals are an essential part of social media content. Use high-quality images, graphics, and videos to capture your audience’s attention and make your content more visually appealing.

Tell a story

People love stories, so incorporate storytelling into your social media content. This can be a personal story about your brand or a story that connects with your audience’s interests and experiences.

Be authentic

Authenticity is critical to creating engaging social media content. Be true to your brand and values, and don’t be afraid to show your personality and quirks. Your audience will value your genuineness and sincerity.

Use humour

A fantastic technique to engage your audience and make them smile is through humour. Incorporate humour into your social media content, but ensure it aligns with your brand and is appropriate for your audience.

Ask questions

Asking questions is a great way to encourage engagement on social media. Ask your audience for their opinions, thoughts, and experiences, and respond to their comments to keep the conversation going.

Use hashtags

Incorporating hashtags in your social media strategy is an effective strategy for expanding the reach of your social media content. Use relevant hashtags that align with your content and your audience’s interests to reach new followers and expand your brand’s reach.

Post consistently

To develop a devoted audience, you must be consistent on social media. Post regularly and consistently, but ensure you’re not sacrificing quality for quantity.

Use call-to-actions

Include a call-to-action in your social media content to encourage your audience to take action, such as liking, commenting, or sharing your post. This can increase engagement and help your content reach a wider audience.

Measure your results

Finally, it’s critical to evaluate the outcomes of your social media content. Analyze your engagement, reach, and other metrics to see what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your content strategy accordingly.

Creating engaging content for social media takes time, effort, and creativity. By following these simple yet effective tips, you’ll be able to produce content that connects with your audience and strengthens your brand, thereby helping you achieve your social media goals.

10 Key Types Of Social Media Content For Building A Successful Brand In Today’s Economy

Social media has become a crucial part of our daily lives, and for businesses, it’s an important tool for connecting with their audience. However, with so many brands competing for consumers’ attention on social media platforms, it’s important to stand out by creating compelling content. Here are ten types of social media content that can make your brand a success:

Educational Content

People love to learn new things, and educational content is a great way to provide value to your audience. Create how-to videos or write blog posts that offer helpful tips and tricks related to your industry or niche.

Behind-The-Scenes Content

Giving your audience a peek behind the curtain can help them feel more connected to your brand. Share photos or videos of your team at work, or take them on a virtual office tour.

User-Generated Content

Encourage your followers to create content featuring your brand, whether photos, videos, or reviews. User-generated content can help build social proof and trust with your audience.

Interactive Content

Interactive content, such as polls or quizzes, can be fun to engage with your audience and gather valuable insights about their preferences and opinions.

Inspirational Content

Inspiring quotes, stories, or images can be a great way to motivate your audience and build brand loyalty. Share content that aligns with your brand values and resonates with your audience.

Entertaining Content

Social media users often look for entertainment, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your content. Share memes, videos, or anecdotes that will make your audience smile.

Product Demonstrations

Showcasing your products or services can help your audience understand how they work and what benefits they offer. Create short videos or photos that highlight your products’ features and benefits.

News and Current Events

Staying on top of your industry’s most current news and trends can help position your brand as a thought leader. Share news articles, opinion pieces, or thought-provoking content related to your industry.

Live Videos

Live videos are a great way to connect with your audience in real time. Host Q&A sessions, product demos, or behind-the-scenes tours to give your followers an inside look at your brand.

Personalized Content

Personalized content can help make your audience feel seen and heard. Use their names in your messaging, send them personalized offers or promotions, or create content that speaks directly to their needs and interests.

In conclusion, creating compelling social media content is vital to building a successful brand on social media. By incorporating these ten types of content into your social media strategy, you can engage your audience – don’t be afraid to get creative!

Meet The Model Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of Global Elite Models Magazine: Abi Grigsby

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Abi Grigsby is a rising model who has made a name for herself in the modelling industry through her natural talent and dedication to her craft. Abi discovered her love for modelling at a young age and pursued it relentlessly throughout her childhood and teenage years. She honed her skills through pageants, runway shows, and various photoshoots, building a solid foundation of experience and confidence to serve her well in her future career. She initially got into the modelling industry by entering beauty pageants. She joined the Top Model of the World Philippines pageant in July 2016 with two weeks’ notice. The pageant needed a specific number for the competition to go ahead, and the pageant’s director contacted her to join. She eventually became the second runner-up, which shocked her as she had no previous experience in pageants so she wasn’t expecting to make it into the Top 5.

The following year she entered a pageant called “Mutya Ng Pilipinas Australia” (Pearl of Australia) beauty pageant. She gained a lot of exposure in the modelling industry by joining this pageant, which led her into me meeting the majority of the photographers that she now works with regularly. When she competed overseas, she also gained several contacts with various modelling agencies and photographers. Throughout 2017 she also competed in the Miss International Australia pageant, finishing as second runner-up and winning the Miss Model of the World Title. Furthermore, she competed in the Miss Teen Universe Australia pageant in December of that year. All of these competitions led her to meet so many creatives in the industry; photographers were looking for fresh faces to shoot, and makeup artists needed a model to work on for skill enhancements. Slowly, through these connections, she was able to build the network that she currently has.

As she looks to the future, Abi remains focused on her craft and committed to expanding her horizons. With her talent, drive, and passion for her work, Abi is poised to become one of the industry’s most sought-after models, inspiring audiences and fellow models alike with her artistry and vision.

Global Elite Models magazine recently caught up with Abi to discuss her journey in the modelling industry and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers something about yourself that others don’t probably know about?

Most people don’t know that I am actually quite a sporty person. When I tell people I play cricket, I’m often met with a shocked response, as those around me see me post a lot of my modelling work, so they assume that I model full-time. However, I do enjoy playing community sports, as it gives me a chance to stay active, as well as allows me to socialise and meet new people.

How did you become a model? What’s it like to be a model?

I started modelling when I was 17, and it all began when I started participating in beauty pageants. As I am half Filipino, I competed in the local Miss Philippines pageants they held in Melbourne. Starting in small competitions led me to compete internationally twice so far and was an excellent gateway to the modelling world.

As for how it feels to be a model, I don’t feel any different from the people around me. Modelling is essentially a paying hobby for me, and it certainly has taken me places. However, at the end of the day, I just feel like anyone else – a simple human being just trying to get by in this crazy life!

What has been your greatest triumph, to date?

The greatest triumph to date would be competing in international beauty pageants and gracing magazine covers, just like this one.

Every now and then, I still remember my teenage years, when I was painfully shy and so insecure about my looks. I remember every day fantasising about looking like someone else. It took me years to build self-confidence and finally be happy in the body that I am in.

What has been your greatest lesson, and how have you used that lesson in your life?

The greatest life lesson I carry with me to this day is to not worry about trying to please everyone or anyone. At first, I found it difficult to accept that there are people who won’t like you based on your life choices, interests or simply have different preferences in life. Still, I have learned that you should never let someone’s disapproval of you deter you from doing whatever it is you want in life.

If you could travel back in time and alter one historical event, where would you go and what would you attempt to change?

If I could travel back and alter a historical event, I would prevent the holocaust from happening and save millions of innocent lives. The holocaust was heavily touched on throughout my teenage years, particularly in high school, so that historical event, in particular, has always had a profound impact on me. It is definitely a touchy subject for myself and others, even in this present day.

What do you think you came into this life to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach?

I believe I came into this life to learn that things won’t always go the way you planned, no matter how certain you are of the situation. I had big plans for my life when I was 18 that didn’t come to fruition, and honestly, when I realised things wouldn’t turn out the way I’d always hoped, I felt disheartened and didn’t have a plan for the next step.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned to trust the process and the struggle you go through. I’ve always firmly believed in the saying, “everything happens for a reason,” I also think that in life, you are never denied, only redirected!

What projects are you working on right now?

I am currently focusing on my pageantry and hoping to compete internationally again this year. Most people don’t realise how much time, effort, and preparation goes into competing in pageants, especially internationally. A lot of work goes behind the scenes for both the organisers and the contestants, so I am currently building myself up to be able to give my best performance when the time comes to be on stage again!

What would you still like to attempt in your modeling career?

In terms of my modelling career, I would still like to give international modelling a try. I have never had the opportunity to travel for work opportunities. However, I believe modelling would be a great opportunity to gain that experience in working abroad, as I’ve always loved the idea of travel, so it would be fulfilling to get paid work out of it too!

What advice would you give to those hoping to follow in your footsteps?

As cliche as it may sound, my only advice would be to keep going and never give up. When I first decided to get into modelling, and start participating in beauty pageants, I had my share of people who discouraged me and tried to sway me against it. I found that when I cut off people who didn’t support me and instead surrounded myself with people who believed in me, it fuelled me to try even harder for them and to prove to myself that my ambitions are valid and achievable goals.

Event-documentary Portrait of the Queen, to hit select cinemas for a limited time on March 18.

Portrait of the Queen, an event-documentary that looks at the moving, enthralling and controversial 70-year reign of late Queen Elizabeth II through the eyes of the world’s best photographers, will release to select Australian cinemas for a limited time on March 18.

The film, an original and intimate portrait that goes far beyond the dictates of standard conventional biographies, interweaves the story of the Queen’s life with the equally fascinating lives of the extraordinary photographers who accompanied – and often created – the image of British monarchy itself. Those who, through their work, established, conveyed, and spread the image of Her Majesty.

A special, careful look of the thousands upon thousands of images that have portrayed her, means that we can perhaps find a new way to approach a Queen we feel we have always known, but who has always seemed equally out-of-reach. Each portrait presented in this film, each conversation with the photographers involved in the project, all the accounts of experiences shared by actresses, designers, and British subjects, fit carefully and intricately into the screenplay like pieces of a mosaic that capture some of the multifaceted aspects of the Queen’s image, all different but connected, all equally powerful and significant.

Directed by award-winning photographer Fabrizio FerriPortrait of the Queen is based on the book, Elisabetta II: Ritratto di Regina by Paola Calvett. The documentary features legendary British actor Charles Dance (The CrownGame of Thrones), with contributions from Emma Blau, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Isabella RosselliniSusan Sarandon and the Queen’s photographers Brian Aris, Jason Bell, Julian Calder, Chris Levine, David MontgomeryJohn Swannell.

Meet The Man Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of Global Elite Entrepreneur Magazine: Elton A. Hollis, III

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As one of America’s most sought-after entrepreneurs, Texas-based Elton A. Hollis, III shares his tips on how to be more successful in 2023.

With over 25 years of experience in the Oil and Gas Construction field, Elton A. Hollis, III provides consulting, training, executive coaching, and all facets of safety management and compliance services to clients in the industrial, commercial and small business industries. He has appeared on the cover of international magazines such as Global Millionaire Magazine and InLife International and has had articles published in Elitepedia, The Los Angelers, Refine Post, and The Global Celebrity. VT Post has also named him in the Top 100 Entrepreneurs in Texas.

In late 2021 he published his first book, “Creative Problem Solving” and has recently published his second book, “Buy Into Yourself First” – an engaging and enlightening book that provides a detailed approach on how to not only survive the pitfalls of entrepreneurship but to flourish while enjoying the journey. It’s a book that outlines successful business development tactics and teaches entrepreneurs how to make their businesses more successful.

During his career, Elton has held a wide range of titles, from Field Laborer to Executive Ownership. He prides himself on problem-solving for his clients by utilizing a diligent work attitude with creative, critical thinking. He is well-regarded in the Safety and Training field for his Small Business training grant work in collaboration with the Lamar Institute of Technology. Elton combines this with a particular interest in helping Small Businesses to succeed by conducting marketing meetings, events, and numerous mentor speaking engagements.

Specializing in developing business growth, Elton’s mission is to use his experience, expertise, and voice to help motivate and empower entrepreneurs to realize there is a path to achieving sustainable life satisfaction and inherent success. He brings the voice of business, understands the industry perspective, cares deeply about entrepreneurs, and is not afraid to challenge conventional thinking.

Elton is the owner of Hol-Tech Resources, LLC.- a full-service consulting service that provides guidance and training in the Safety, Quality, and Compliance realms. He is also the General Manager of RT Technical Solutions LLC, where he helps lead their team to the forefront of the Industrial Electrical and Instrumentation fields. In his spare time, Elton enjoys spending time outdoors exploring the Texas Hill Country on hiking trails.

We recently sat down and talked entrepreneurship with Elton, and here’s what he had to say:

What was your life like before starting your business?

I grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, for most of my elementary and junior high school years. We led a pretty humble and simple life. Looking back, I can tell we definitely were struggling and of the lower income class. However, I never once knew that when I was younger. It wasn’t until high school that I realized how far we had come. I was extremely fortunate to have a rock-solid family unit. A man couldn’t ask for a better set of parents and sisters than I have. I also had the advantage of our neighbors being just as important and loving as our own family. This was very important as my father worked lots of overtime and side jobs to help sustain us. My mother was raising three kids, our extracurricular activities, and getting her teaching degree from Lamar University. After she graduated, we moved to Kirbyville, Texas. This is where I spent my high school and young adult years. The people I met there and the friendships I’ve made along the way, I couldn’t imagine a better place in the world for an impressionable young man to grow up and learn. This is probably the biggest reason it was an easy decision to write my first song, “Kirbyville .” It outlines and highlights some of the simple yet crucial things I learned there.

What event in your life made you decide that you were going to be in business?

When I was 28 years old, I was approached by someone I respected for their business knowledge and professionalism. Basically, the pitch given to me was this, they needed someone who could bring a blue-collar work ethic, all-around knowledge of problem-solving, and the ability to make it relatable and applicable to everyone to join their ownership. I literally looked behind me when the pitch was given, as if they were talking to someone behind me. No money to put in, no fancy suit, no polished vocabulary, just the basic things my father, mother, and my mentors had instilled in me for many years, in every endeavor since those basic things have gotten me promoted and pushed ahead more than anything.

What were the “big wins” early on that made you realize “this really is going work?

Ironically my “big win” was a failure…or more specifically, a failure happened, and the whole world didn’t end. Sure, it hurt for a bit. I was embarrassed, angry, and all the usual emotions, but the following day came regardless. I got up, showed up, and went at it again. It was exhilarating to realize one failure wasn’t the end. Coworkers still spoke to me, still believed in me, and most importantly, they gave me advice on how not to have it happen that way again. At the end of the day, I went home, and my kids still loved me, which awakened my true desire to succeed. I relate this to my first time wearing football pads at football practice. I’m lined up across from a pretty athletic guy with more experience than me, probably 50 more pounds than me. The whistle blows, and BAM… he plows me over. I got up and realized nothing was broken, no blood, and it really didn’t even hurt. Game on! I found a whole other gear and adrenaline level I had never experienced. For me, in business, it’s the exact same way when you are faced with that tough challenge or a ruthless problem; it’s time to lower your shoulder and go right through it.

On the flip side, what events happened where you weren’t sure if the business would survive, but you figured out a way to pull through?

The COVID-19 pandemic was by far the toughest challenge in business I have ever faced. Dealing with a direct problem can be extremely tough but dealing with a problem that you have no control over, now that can be maddening. It challenged us to a whole new level. Made small, local niche companies have to think on a global scale to survive. It pushed us to all work together, even if we were remote. My biggest fear in business is being unable to hand a team member their paycheck. I literally have had nightmares over this. I know we still deal with some of the fallout from the pandemic today, but it is encouraging to see the business community’s resolve to come through it.

What makes your business stand out from your competitors?

My ability to blend common sense, production practices, and safety together has been a massive part of my success with Hol-Tech Resources LLC. I also spend most of my time understanding what my potential does, what their work culture looks like, and what regulations they may be subject to. When it comes to safety consulting and training, I believe that finding a solution that is either cost-effective or could possibly make the client money in the future is the best course of action.

What motivates you daily?

My main motivation is that amazing feeling I get when I’m able to see some sort of growth or change for the better that I have played a part in, no matter how small. Helping others and spreading knowledge and wisdom have always been a huge driving factor in keeping me energized and driven toward my goal.

Who are your influences growing up and in business?

My father and mother were my first big inspirations. They taught me the value of hard work. They also showed me how a team should work by watching them work together to raise our family. I have been extremely fortunate to learn from some outstanding individuals in business. Working with my father for the first several years, he took every opportunity to ensure I learned all the ancillary pieces to be a well-rounded and effective worker. Kasey Taylor, the CEO of RT Technical strengthened my belief in humanity by teaching me to be kind to everyone I meet because you never know what they are going through. My good friend and business associate Joe Tant continually inspires me with his diligent spirit to help people and businesses. He has shown me how important it is to stop and realize every business is made up of people with individual personalities and needs. If you take time to help or inspire one, that act can spread like wildfire to the next.

Going forward, what big goals do you have for this business for the next 3-10 years?

I’m excited about the new year opportunity, and we have some exciting things coming to Hol-Tech. We are looking at expanding our services to include a full-service site compliance piece in our business. This will help facilities be better prepared for the entities that hold them accountable and keep their employees more aware and safer.

Even more exciting is watching our Small Business Friday! Video Podcast grow. Joe Tant and I started this about a year ago now and it has continued to grow beyond our expectations. We spotlight local small businesses free of charge on each episode. This allows them to save money on advertising and helps get their name out on over ten social media platforms with just over 3.1 million viewers. In the spirit of constantly changing and growing, we have added the superb talents of Bonnie Revia (BMAX Inc. Productions) and our local drone master, Matthew Chance (Drone Wurx), to our team. The response to our program has been amazing, and we appreciate our team and our gracious sponsors who make it possible.

What’s Your Top 3 advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners?

• Never, ever give up. Don’t blame anyone else for your failures; learn and move up.
• Embrace the suck. It’s going to happen, just find a positive note and push on.
• Don’t be offended so easily. It’s called “taking offense” for a reason. It can’t be given, so just refuse to fall into the trap of taking it.

How do you want to impact the world, and what kind of legacy do you want to have?

I hope I can leave this world just a little bit kinder than I found it. I don’t mean the mushy, sunshine, and rainbows feeling. I’m talking about true, steadfast kindness. Doing something nice for someone, without expecting anything, is the grandest and most sincere thing you can do for an individual. Impact, to me, is a very powerful thing. I’ve heard it said, if we had the phrase “But, what if I’m wrong” tattooed on our trigger finger and the hand we type or write with, maybe we would save some massive heartache to the world. This phrase really resonates with me. In the age of “keyboard warriors” and just firing off malicious text, social media responses, or the ill-conceived notion of “Cancel Culture,” I hope that by what I have done, said, or taught, will have debunked these methods and shone a light on how important kindness and grace are to our world.

The Impact Of Social Media In Today’s Society: How Connected Is Too Connected?

I was walking to work when I saw this businesswoman walking towards me. She was impeccably dressed in a knee-length pencil skirt paired with a lovely, flowy, short-sleeve blouse for the early summer weather. She took confident strides in her envy-inducing mid-heel pumps, and slung over one forearm was the successful, modern woman’s perfect accessory, the drool-worthy leather tote. But, in a practice that I see more often than not, her head was buried in the cell phone she held in her hands. Whatever was on the screen had her rapt attention that she didn’t notice the streetlamp in her path. That is until she ran right into it.

While that experience had me trying to hide my laughter, I had another encounter on the other end of the spectrum. I found myself having to grab a teenager’s backpack to stop him from walking right into the middle of a busy intersection! He was too busy staring at his phone to realise the danger that he was in. From the look of horror on his face, it was clear that he was completely oblivious until he felt me yank on his bag.

So how connected is too connected? Is the text, tweet, post, or whatever that held their attention worth her embarrassment, in the case of the businesswoman, or his life, in the case of the teenager? Our easy answer is no. But then, how many times have we been guilty of this ourselves? Let me give you this answer. Too many. So many that laws had to be created to make it illegal to be on your phone while driving. So many that automotive engineers had to design cars that can stop on their own when it detects danger before the driver does – a direct consequence of distracted driving. And how many times have you yourself given the bashful “I’m sorry” when you’ve run into someone because you were looking at your phone?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m actually a firm believer that the internet and social media can be a powerful force for good. More than at any other time in history, we have unprecedented access to information. Information that would have taken hours of research in the past is now available in a few keystrokes. Social media first emerged as a powerful tool of change during a period in the early 2010’s called the ‘Arab Spring’ where demonstrators used it to organize their protests (through the hashtag ‘#ArabSpring) throughout the Arab world, which included Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen and more. The uprising saw whole governments overthrown, leaders ousted, and constitutional reforms enacted. In the Western world, the internet and social media have given us more exposure to controversial issues such as police brutality, given us more chances to engage in public debate, and allowed us the opportunity to participate in causes and campaigns such as the very popular ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ a while back that raised over a hundred million dollars for the motor neuron disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). And on a more personal level, it has enabled friends and families separated by great distances to now easily keep in touch with each other.

But again, how connected is too connected? Like everything else in life, keeping things in moderation is the key. But having such easy access to the internet makes tuning out a lot more difficult. The rapid growth of the internet and social media also means that the rules of etiquette and guidelines for its use are still catching up, especially for the younger generation. I heard some sage advice about that recently: “If you don’t want your boss, or future boss, to see it or read about it, don’t put it on Facebook.” But what do teenagers think of that when they’re having fun at a party? It is becoming increasingly the norm to ‘share’ whatever it is you’re doing, eating, etc., on social media. But where do you draw the line? Three young women from Philadelphia tragically found out the hard way when the car they were traveling in slammed into a parked tractor-trailer and burst into flames. Because of the fire, bystanders could not come to their aid, and all three were burned to death. Relatives of one of the girls said that they received a Snapchat video showing them going at about 73 mph (117 km/h) minutes before they crashed.

The line has definitely been crossed when there are deaths involved and when there are words like ‘cyberbullying’ are added to the dictionary. But this world of instant information and instant connections is our new reality, so when do you recognize that it’s too much? It’s when your online acquaintances take second place to the people within your life. It’s when you choose to learn about the world via the internet rather than actually going out there and experiencing it. And it’s when you do finally turn off that computer and put down that phone, and you can’t answer this question: “Who am I without it?” That’s when you know you’re too connected.