MeetNewsday’s Brand Ambassadors

Q&A

Hometown/Where you live now:

Born in Freeport, live in Baldwin

Occupation:

I run a construction business and am the founder of Cultivating Lives, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to educate, mentor and empower individuals and families living in compromised communities with programming that focuses on financial literacy, education, career building, character development, life skills and reentry. I also work in the media industry, consulting with companies, entertainment personalities and celebrity influencers on branding strategies.

Social media handle:

IG: @cultivatinglives_nonprofit | Facebook: La Lukes

Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?

I love Long Island and want to share with others what makes it special. I’m the mother of five high-achieving children and two adventurous and loveable grandchildren and have enjoyed life with them here.

What do you like to post on your social media accounts?

Daily outings, events and inspirational posts. On my @cultivatinglives_nonprofit Instagram account I like to post job listings, including civil service opportunities. That’s also where you can find information on my financial literacy projects, including Black Credit Matters.

How are you living your best life on Long Island?

Being a boat owner, I love the water and fishing. I enjoy the seasonal fairs and festivals.

What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?

I enjoy the finer restaurants of Long Island. One of my favorites is Prime in Huntington.

What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?

I want to visit Lavender By The Bay in East Marion.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

Everyone knows I love fashion, and my nickname is “Shoes.”

Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?

Roll.

Q&A

Occupation/background:

My story begins in Massachusetts, born and raised. At a very young age I was fascinated by fashion, spending hours playing dress-up with my Barbie dolls. I also played art teacher – watching my mother for years at an easel in the classroom sparked curiosity. Fast-forward to today, I’ve lived on Long Island for 20-plus years, 19 of them as an art teacher and dressing like I’m on a runway every day! Losing my father a few years ago catapulted me into sharing my love for fashion, and that’s when Hinchology was born.

Hinchology is a fashion-based blog and social media community that helps women feel confident, upbeat and willing to take on the day by using simple elements of art to create their own unique styles. You can find my blog at Hinchology.com, splashed with ways to see fashion and how to re-imagine the pieces in your wardrobe.

Social media handles:

IG: @hinchology | FB: Hinchology | TikTok: hinchology

Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?

I am excited to become a Newsday Ambassador to connect with other people who have a passion for fashion and want to make an impact in the world with kindness and leadership. Showing my community that Long Island is a great place to live, work and play. From the city to the Hamptons there is so much culture, diversity and adventures to share – fashionably of course!

What do you like to post on your social media accounts?

Fun, inspiring posts and videos to spark creativity, kindness and style. Sometimes you will find me roping in my husband and teenage son to join in on the shenanigans.

What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?

A few of my favorite things to do on Long Island is go to the beach, explore historical landmarks and, of course, shopping. From Americana Manhasset to boutiques and thrift shops. Supporting locally owned businesses and boutiques while highlighting their uniqueness is one of my favorite things to do.

What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?

A few places that I am looking forward to visiting are the Parrish Art Museum and the Pollock-Krasner House. I’m sure along the way that there will be some shopping.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I do love a DIY moment! From tulle skirts to Sharpie markers on a Christmas tree topper, I love to be hands-on creative!

Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?

My bacon, egg and cheese will forever be on a sesame seed bagel, and don’t forget to add a slice of tomato with a little salt!

Q&A

Occupation/background:

I was born in Brooklyn. Around the age of 12, I moved to Uniondale. I went to Uniondale High School where I immersed myself in a variety of afterschool activities such as volleyball and track and field. I even did stats for the football team! I am currently living in Elmont. I am the founder and executive director of BOLD MYNDS, a youth organization that caters to the empowerment of young children. In 2015, I left a career in the education system to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Yes, I am the type to take the leap of faith and succeed. I prefer the path unknown, but deep down, I know!

Social media handles:

IG: / @Solemauricebolden/@Boldmynds | FB: /soledad.s.maurice/BOLDMYNDS

Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?

Being an ambassador for Newsday would provide me the opportunity to become more involved in the community and participate and collaborate with individuals. This would be a wonderful addition to what I am already doing as I can add value to the work I do daily, in turn giving back to the community.

What do you like to post on your social media accounts?

I love to post things of substance on my social media that keep my followers informed. Topics on entrepreneurship, business opportunities, entertainment and motivational stories are at the top of my list. I love posting about what other individuals have going on in their businesses to support them.

What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?

The Nautical Mile will always be my favorite place on Long Island. That is where my husband proposed to me. I love overlooking the wonderful bays of the Long Island Sound shores, the view of the various yachts, and the nice calm winds that blow through the night. It does not get any better than that!

What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?

I have never been to Fire Island! I must take a trip there.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

My older brother and I are (almost) exactly 1 year apart. I was born on September 18 and he was born September 19. Yes, I was and will always be his birthday gift! LOL!

Lastly, bacon, egg, and cheese – on a bagel or roll?

I do not eat bacon or eggs, but when I did — it was on a roll of course!

Q&A

Hometown/Where you live now:

Babylon

Occupation:

TV host/TV producer/multimedia journalist/certified life coach at The Bohemian Beauty Queen, LLC., an award-winning inspirational lifestyle blog, service, brand and production company.

Social media handles:

IG: @MicheleAMcDonald | @TheBohemianBeautyQueen

Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?

It’s an incredible honor to share my Long Island experience with Newsday’s audience.

What do you like to post on your social media accounts?

On @MicheleAMcDonald I tend to post personal stuff. I like to post about experiences I’ve shared with my friends and family, puppy posts of my dog, Sebastian, and posts about me performing stand-up comedy. On @TheBohemianBeautyQueen I post about the balance of coastal casual and glitz and glam of Long Island lifestyle. I also post about the shows The Bohemian Beauty Queen produces, events hosted, events attended and, of course, lifestyle tips.

How are you living your best life?

Living your BEST life is not something that happens by chance. It’s the reward we receive by making the choice to choose happiness. I believe planning is the pathway of getting there and staying there. Accountability is key and a goal with a deadline is what turns a dream into reality.

What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?

I simply adore how Long Island is the perfect combination of beaches, vineyards and farms and how inviting each of these environments are to the community. One of my favorite things to do is ride my bike to the beach, or start my day with Yoga in the Vines at one of my favorite vineyards, Wolffer, and visit Mulford Farm in East Hampton. Mulford Farm is my favorite farm across all of Long Island and has been around since 1680. It’s considered one of America’s most significant English Colonial homesteads.

What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?

I still haven’t experienced the Belmont Stakes or a sunset sail around Montauk. I haven’t stopped at each of the places designated on the Washington Spy Trail, yet, or even gone Long Island seal and whale watching. But they’re on the list!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I had the pleasure and privilege of representing the women of Suffolk County in a state pageant before representing the women of New York at a national pageant.

Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?

Oh my gawd, seriously we’re on Long Island – our bagels are just better than bagels anywhere else. Our water has low levels of calcium and magnesium which makes it softer than other places, contributing to why our bagels are just better. There are places in Florida that import our water in an attempt to mimic. I will always choose a Long Island bagel, or a flagel if given the option.

Q&A

Occupation/background:

I’m an attorney handling New York no-fault litigation and arbitration, helping medical professionals obtain compensation for their treatment of patients.

I’m also a Long Island historian and co-author of the book Hey Long Island… Do U Remember? that covers a history of Long Island’s iconic people and places through beautiful images and stories.

Social media handles:

IG: / @HeyLongIsland / @StacyMandel79 | Twitter:/@StacyL79| FB: / HeyLongIsland / StacyL79

Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?

Newsday has always been a staple in our home, since the days when my brother was a Newsday carrier on our block, delivering the newspaper to our neighbors. Being an ambassador allows me to continue that tradition in today’s virtual world, delivering useful information to our Long Island neighbors!

What do you like to post on your social media accounts?

When I love a topic that I think others will love, too, I share it on social media, including the numerous local Facebook groups I administrate. Whether it’s Long Island memories and nostalgia with Hey Long Island… Do U Remember ….?, my love of my hometown with We Love Oceanside, NY, the joy of local houseplant hobbyists with Long Island House Plant Love, or the wonders of live music and shows at Broadway and Theatre Talk and Hey Long Island… Do U Remember the Music….? there is always something new, exciting and fun happening.

How are you living your best life on Long Island?

Living on the water enables our family to enjoy the feeling of Long Island. Watching the ducks in the canal, hearing the sounds of the boats going by and seeing the sunsets in the evening over the water allow us to cherish Long Island every single day.

What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?

I love going to great restaurants and live events with family and friends: music concerts, comedy shows, live theater, musical theater – especially musical theater! Finding a great venue and hearing and seeing our local talented performers… that is the best way to celebrate the talent of Long Island.

What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?

I would love to do a weekend winery and spa tour out on the East End and really explore parts of the Island I have not yet been to, finding great niche restaurants and learning about and tasting fine wines.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I’ll share with you two fun facts: I love ’80s music and am a super-fan of singer-songwriter Rick Springfield. And I have more than 150 species of house plants in our home.

Lastly, bacon, egg, and cheese – on a bagel or roll?

BECSPB on a seedless ROLL, please!

Q&A

Occupation:

Co-Founder of The Nesting Place and Doula

Hometown/Where you live now:

Islip

Social media handles:

IG: @islandmama_doula

Why did you want to become a Newsday Brand Ambassador?

I am passionate about connecting people with resources.

What do you like to post on your social media accounts?

Places I go and pictures of my kids :)

How are you living your best life on Long Island?

We try to take the kids to the beach at least once a week and enjoy the many things (and wine) Long Island has to offer.

What’s your favorite place/favorite thing to do on Long Island?

Without kids: Wineries on North Fork; With kids: Beach

What’s something you haven’t done on Long Island yet that you can’t wait to do?

I haven’t been to Adventureland as an adult, yet!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I went to the University of Hawaii for college.

Lastly, a bacon, egg and cheese – on a bagel or roll?

Roll.