Milo and Stacy aka Socareign

Love and Soca - Milo & Stacy

Season 1

Episode 1

Soca Music makes us happy, it makes us feel good and sometimes it makes us fall in LOVE. Meet one of the most driven, family oriented and successful couple in Queens, NY who are making big moves on the soca scene (locally and internationally). 

Milo and Stacy, A young couple breaking down barriers, canceling stereotypes and doing it while raising babies, building a foundation and spreading LOVE.

Who is Milo? 

International DJ, producer, eventologist, father and husband. 

Who is Stacy? 

I am a Mom, a Wife, a cook, a maid, a caretaker, a partner, a friend....the list goes on lol

How did you two meet? 

That’s a good question. We found love in a hopeless place, the club 😭

Milo - How long have you been a DJ? What motivated you to become a DJ? 

I’ve been a DJ ever since I could remember. My Dad was a DJ so I guess you could say I followed in his footsteps.

What made you go into the Promotion Business and what part does Stacy play? 

I wanted to Bridge the gap between the quality of events around the world and locally. There was something that was missing from events in Queens, NY which is my (Milo) hometown and I believe we brought that missing element. As for Stacy...she’s the boss, I’m just a face.

Stacy, Outside of helping Milo build his brand and raising two adorable daughters what else do you do? 

I work in Human Resources Information Technology for Northwell Health. 

Who comes up with best ideas?

One of the best parts of our relationship is we both actually have pretty good ideas and we just feed off of each other. 

As a team, what is one of the biggest lessons you both learned regarding planning events? 

Even though the perfectionist in us at times feel the need to do it all by ourselves because we think no one can do it as good as us...we do need a team. Thank goodness we have a team of talented, strong minded individuals that really have our best interest and the best interest of whatever we do, at heart. Shout out to Team Milo!

How has the Corona Virus affected both of you?

We’ve been hit like everyone else. Milo’s Carnival events have been canceled, wedding bookings have been pushed back...flights are now a thing of memory. Fortunately enough we have other our other businesses that sustain us and I am still able to work from home, but it has been challenging with the little ones driving us bananas lol. The positive thing to come out of this trying situation is it has taught us how to value each other and our family more. It’s taught us to be even more grateful for the things we have and the things we would normally take for granted. 

How do you manage two small children, work and running a business? 

Alcohol, LOTS of alcohol 🤣 only kidding (not really), but honestly it’s not easy. We try to make a daily schedule for ourselves each day which includes everything that we need to and plan on getting done that day. Sometimes that list does not get completed until way after the kids go to bed, but so far it’s been working for us. What can I say? I’m supermom, I get sh*t done! Hahaha jk it’s really a team effort honestly and we make a great team.

Where do you see your brand in the next 2-3 years? 

Although our brand is international there is always somewhere we haven’t been, or something we haven’t done, so the goal remains the same every year. Explore somewhere new, and expand our database, whether it be as an entertainer, a promoter, or just Myles and Stacy.

What advice would you give other couples who are starting a business together? 

Starting a business together requires a lot of hard work, dedication and communication. COMMMMUUUNNIICAAAATIIOONNN ISSSSSS KEYYYYY!!!! It’s easy to hear, it’s harder to LISTEN! Write that down.

What do you miss most about being outside? 

Whining in somebody fete. 

What do you guys do for fun? 

We cook, bbq and blast Milo’s precious sound system that he loves more than me and the kids 🤣 

Any plans for more children? 

Hmm...just might walk out of quarantine with one...who knows 🤷🏽‍♀️

Being under quarantine for over 2 months, how have you both survived? 

Keeping busy and putting all the extra time that we now have into our businesses and our family. 

Stacy, What is one piece of advise you would give to a young couple? 

Relationships are hard. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows, but if you listen and communicate with each other you’ll be just fine.

Milo, What is one piece of advise you would give to a young couple? 

Don’t rush anything. What is to be will be.

What is the first place you plan to travel when this is over? 

Back home to sweet Trinidad! 

Milo or Stacy

Rules Enforcer? Milo

Push Over? Stacy

Cook? We both are

First to apologize? Stacy

First to get upset? Stacy

Who shops more? Milo 

Who wants more kids? We both do

Website:

Www.milomyles.com

Booking contact:

Info@milomyles.com

IG:

@milomyles

@socareign

@s.ann.88

Facebook:

Milo Myles

Isis - Business woman, Teacher, Mother, Treehugger.

If you partied in Aristocrat Manor, Club Carnival or The Elite Ark back in the day you definitely came in contact with this free spirited, opinionated, beautiful, loving, friendly lady.  Now three children and many successful business later we had the chance to sit down (virtually) to talk to this amazing mother, teacher and woman.The woman who bought one of the first all female Dj's sounds Fatal Angels to the NYC Soca Scene is now a women of so many other talents. She is the true definition of Living, Learning, Loving and Growing. 

Who is Isis?

I am a mother, I'm an Early Childhood Educator, I'm a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, I'm a Doula, I'm a Reiki Practitioner. I'm a multiple business owner, I'm a lover of books and reading. I crave knowledge, I'm a tree hugger, I'm an Earther. I love to laugh, I love to smile. For the most part I'm a happy jolly person naturally.

You are a woman of many talents. Tell us about what you are most passionate about.

Everything I do now i'm passionate about. I've turn all my passions into businesses. I've always adored children. I mean adored especially the Early childhood years. So I started a day care. I had a miscarriage very far into a pregnancy (6 months), after that life changing happening, I started my holistic website Divine Sacred Space to always implore everyone especially women to honor the God in us all. We do this by taking care of our thoughts, our bodies and our health by using what this Earth has given to us through God.

A lot of us remember the Isis from Fatal Angel Days. Do you miss being a DJ? Why did you start? What made you stop? 

Ahhh. Yes Fatal Angels! I do miss being a dj at times because I loved music. I can't really remember what made me start dj'ing but one day I said I want to start an all female dj sound. I had only heard about a few prior to that, but none definitely on the “soca scene”. So we started Fatal Angels. Fatal Angels was a lot fun & we had some great times. I stopped dj'ing because I was beginning to feel very run down. I was exhausted being out sometimes from Wednesday to Sunday. My relationships were failing miserably. All my ex's said they could handle a woman who dj'ed but they really couldn't and all I was hearing was “no one wants to settle down with a party girl” “Everyone knows you” bla bla blah. What really made me stop dj'ing is because I wanted to have more children.

What do you miss most about partying back in the day? 

I miss wining for my LIFE! Lol. I miss the carefree don't give a damn approach to life. I've had some wild party nights & am so thankful phones and social media wasn't so big because “Jah knows' lol.

How are you dealing with Covid-19? 

I hate it. Hate it hate it! But I'm living my life authentically just as before.

What is the biggest lesson you think we are learning from this pandemic? 

I think the biggest lesson that we are learning from this pandemic is we need to take care of ourselves from the inside out. Health is wealth.

What do you predict our future looks like? 

Big scheups! Lol. There needs to be a revolution. Without it we are sitting ducks waiting for this vile place they call America to do as they please with us. Our future is not looking good unless there is a major change with the 1%.

You are big on Organic/Home Grown/Fresh Fruits and Veggies, What are you growing now? Any tips?

This year we are growing: Okra, different types of lettuce, super greens, chive, tomatoes, watermelon, onions, garlic, ginger, potatoes, carrots, pimento pepper, scotch bonnet, broccoli, corn, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, beets, Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers. I hear a lot of people say how do I start a garden or I don't have any space in my apartment. You CAN! It can be as simple as starting off with one thing. So start your garden immediately. No excuses! Also, compost is the best for your garden. Save all your scraps of food and use it to fertilize your garden. You'll get the best nutrients for your plants from your compost.

Random Questions

Dark or White Liquor? 

White

Groovy or Power Soca? 

Groovy

Beach or Pool? 

Beach

Pretty Mas or Jouvert? 

Jouvert

Tea or Coffee? 

Tea

Girls Trip or Baecation? 

Baecation

Fry or Boil Plantain? 

Fry

Corn soup or Bake & Shark? 

Corn soup

Children's Quality Advanced Child Care LLC

2 Locations in Brooklyn NY

@cqaccchildcare

Holistic Website: www.divinesacredspace.com

@divinesacredspaces

Doula Services with Doula Isis  

@isisthebright

Natasha Marshall aka NNJM Designs

Rum Punch had the pleasure of finally scheduling some time to talk to the super busy Natasha Marshall.

With 2018 being her break out year in the Mas industry, along with her still maintaining a regular 9-5 we consider Natasha the modern day Super Mas Woman. As she proudly wears a big rhinestoned "S" on her feathered cape, Natasha is ready to take the world by storm and we are ready to go along the ride with her.

Who is Natasha Marshall? 

Natasha Marshall is a simple down to earth full of life yet a little crazy girl born in Jamaica raised in Brooklyn that always had dreams of designing. My passion for designing goes as far back as I can remember, my mom can tell you as a little girl there was no magazine that was safe when it came to my grandmothers or my mom’s house I was always cutting out women and making paper dolls changing up their cloths painting their faces etc.    

When did you start designing?

I started to design over 20yrs ago when I worked for one of the top designing companies in N.Y.  I also made jewelry, clutches, hand painting on jeans oil painting you name it I did it, I always wanted to look different so I would buy cheap cloths and rip them up and attached things just for my liking, I LOVE DESIGNING. I sleep, eat, drink design, my head is always going.  

What is your motivation?

I wouldn’t say one particular thing motivates me, I see art in everything everyday life. you would be surprise just by looking deep enough into a piece of trash on the street can give you color that can turn into a masterpiece.   

2018 was a Major year for you, What was the most exciting moment?

Hhhmmm my most exciting moment was the moment right before I won the Tribe Design Challenge I wanted to cry, faint, scream, hide all at the same time. This was a dream of mine, I use to watch all these big bands every year in my living room saying “God please one day” I would get goose bumps just sitting there watching those models come out on the stage with these beautiful costumes and beg the man above just to experience that moment once in my life. DREAMS DO COME TRUE.     

What was your biggest challenge during the Tribe Challenge? 

My biggest challenge was not being there during the taping of the episodes, I really wanted to be there but it was very difficult especially when you have a 9-5.  

How has your life changed since becoming the winner of Tribe's design challenge?

Uummm my life has changed a lot my DM/messenger is on over load lol till this day I haven’t said thank you to everyone that sent messages, I like to respond to everyone  they took the time to say something nice, some of them complete strangers. I think sending a blast message is so impersonal sometimes, I appreciate everyone so if it takes till next year I will respond. The support I have received especially after the win have been amazing I have received a lot of love. The thing that is the funniest to me though is when people stop you on the street or at a party to congratulate you, I’m always amazed when someone recognizes me, you think it’s the fro? lol     

What are your thoughts on the Mas/Costume Design World today?

I think Mas/Costumes worldwide is an amazing thing and one year I just want to touch every country lol maybe after I clone myself. Seriously though I think this business is so important it kind of brings everyone together, it’s all love.     

What changes do you think could be made in the Mas/Design World?

I want to see more pretty mas, a lot of people go by less is more, that’s not designing anybody can do that. I would love to see more designing. more trim, more stones, more feathers. I hate to see just a string covering your hooha and 2 circles covering your areola that’s NOT a design sorry.

If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self what 3 pieces of advice would you give?

1. Don’t stress what people say and think they are going to do it anyway good or bad.

2. Be you, your true you, not what this one wants you to be or that one wants you to be, be you.

3. Go after your dreams and never ever let anyone tell you that you can’t.

If your life was a funny sitcom, What would you name it and who will be the main characters?

You know the comedies that have multiple characters played by the same person? That’s what it would be and it would be called “Natasha & Her 8 Others” main characters Natasha Artsy , Natasha Crazy, Natasha Happy, Natasha Sad, Natasha Paranoid, Natasha Fainter, Natasha Uplifter, & last but not lease Natasha Scaredy Cat because I am scared of anything and everything that moves too fast lol. ssshhhh wait what's that? gone with the smoke behind you. lol.   

Have you had a moment when you just wanted to give up on designing?

NEVER

On your down time what do you like to do?

Sketch and create more designs. I have lots of designs just in my house laying around, my design for Xodus/Jamaica 2019 was laying in my house for 1 ½ years and that was done on a down time lol.

What's on your travel bucket list? 

Dubai, New Zealand

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years I should have designed for everywhere that they have carnival lol.

What can we look forward to from you in 2019?

In 2019 I will have my designs in 4 Islands and in Atlanta starting with, Trinidad (Tribe) Jamaica (Exodus) Bermuda (CodeRed) & Barbados (Krave) I will also have 2 sections in Atlanta for Atlanta Carnival in May with Sesame Atlanta.  I have a few more tricks up my sleeves but cannot say just yet.

Random Questions

Drumstick or Wing? Wings

Johnny or Circo? Johnny

Fete or Road? Road

Trim or Loose Stones? 50/50

Panty or Thongs? Thongs

Stockings or None? Stocking

Netflix or Hulu? Netflix

Frontline or Backline? Front all the way

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

Christmas or Carnival? Carnival

Bus or Subway? Subway

KFC or Royal Castle? Royal Castle

Chicken or Beef? Chicken

Flats or Heels? Heels

Fancy date or Fun Date? Fun Date

Stay On Track with OnTrack

Over 1 year ago I decided to start an entertainment blog for our Caribbean community. I felt like there was a void that needed to be filled. Not with Bacchanal or Drama. Just Fun, Entertaining, Information from the people in our Caribbean Circle. One of the first people that came to mind was a guy I've seen over the years build an empire from the ground up. He is an inspiration to many of use who dream of taking the leap and becoming an Entrepreneur. Ontrack as we know him, took time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his life and his plans for the future.  Keep in mind this interview is over a year old and he has stayed true to every word.

Who is Ontrack? Where are you from?
I'm the GO TO GUY. A cool dude who is cool with everyone and I just want to see everyone doing well. I'm also from Panama.

When did you decide to open a restaurant?
In August 2015 I started working with a restaurant called Greenlight Lounge. By Christmas eve of that same year we parted ways.  From January 2016 - March 2016 I was on the hunt for a new space to open my own restaurant.  By April I found the perfect spot and I had my grand opening on May 15th.  Palooza Restaurant didn't feel right so we decided to go with Palooza Kitchen. 

Was there ever a moment where you wanted to give up?
No. After the way things ended with Greenlight, I put on my blinders and I became focused. I become driven when someone underestimates me and I want to show them I can get things done. 

What is your role here at Palooza Kitchen?
I do Everything. From the shopping, Inventory, Payroll to Accounting.

What is your Favorite Dish here at Palooza?
My favorite dish is the Brown Stew Snapper.

What is the customers Favorite Dish?
They love the Salmon pasta and Sorrell wings.

Can you cook?
Yes I can cook. Growing up in Panama I played sports, but I was always in the kitchen with my grandmother and aunt. My parents owned a bakery in Panama so I knew the business. I wanted to go to Culinary school but I wasn’t paying $30k for people to show me how to cook.  Especially when I learned for free from my grandma and mom.

Who cooks at home?
I do, but not much cooking gets done at home except for the holidays. It's part of the deal I have with my fiancee. 

On your off time what do you like to do?
I like to be home with my son and daughter, Family Time.

What's next for Ontrack?
One year ago Greenlight lounge closed down and that is where I will be opening my new lounge called BROOKLYN PRIME.

What is the most expensive thing you broke?
I brought a ceramic Santa Claus when I was younger.

Where are some unusual places you've been?
Haiti, never thought I would visit, but it was one of the best vacations I ever had.

White or Dark Liquor?
It depends on the mood, mainly Dark.

What movie /song quote do you use on a regular basis?
Stay On Track

WCW Award

We sat down and spoke with the talented, humble and Beautiful DJ NuNu. The female DJ that is taking the Caribbean scene by Storm. You've seen her playing music in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Houston, DC and her hometown of Brooklyn NY just to name a few places.

Who is DJ NUNU? Dj Nunu is an international female dj, trying to showcase her talent to the world.

Where did you get the name DJ Nunu? It was a nickname given to me in high school, it originally came from the ATL movie.

What Island do you represent? Trinidad

What inspired you to be a DJ? I always had a passion for music and I loved the art of djing so I was eager to learn the craft. I use to study the way djs would play play in parties, from different song selections and how the crowd reactions to it. I use to watch random videos on YouTube that had anything to do with djing, thinking to myself I want to be able to do this one day.

When did you start to DJ? I started djing in 2007.

Where was the biggest crowd you played for? Xaymaca international in Jamaica 

What makes you nervous? Big crowds actually make me nervous but I loveeee playing for large crowds at the same time lol. 

Is it difficult working in a Male Dominated Industry? It is definitely a challenge working in a male dominated industry, I don’t believe they respect female Dj’s as much as they do with men. We are very overlooked and underrated. 

What would you change about this Industry? A lot! Would definitely encourage the Industry to be able to come together as one instead of the constant fight down. I know that’s a hard thing to change but it would definitely make a difference if people were able to communicate better with one another and be able to work together. So many big things can happen if we all simply just work together instead of going against one another. 

What is something you dislike about promoters? I dislike when promoters feel they can take advantage when it comes to paying the djing for their services. 

What is something you dislike about party goers/Crowd? I feel like some of the crowd needs to be more open minded when it comes to music, instead of sticking in that one mind frame of only wanting to hear the top 20 songs. There is so much music to be heard! 

What song gives you life? This is hard because there’s a bunch, but I every time I hear Big Bad Soca it gives me life. 

What song makes you want to leave a fete or Road? Palance 🌚

What other DJ would you like to work with? Walshy Fire, B2B 

What’s the best DJ experience you had so far? My top two would be Hookie DC and Xaymaca International. 

What’s next for DJ Nunu? My goal is too be able to travel more, there’s so many different opportunities that I want to be able to experience. I want to be able to expand my brand beyond my goals that I set for myself, it may not be easy but I eventually will make it happen. 

Which one do you like the most as a DJ Road or Fete? Road, that adrenaline rush feeling on the road is indescribable! 

Favorite Color? Turquoise 

Favorite Food? Love seafood, preferably Salmon 

Johnny or Circo? JOHNNYYYY Advice for a female DJ. My advice would be to keep going no matter what obstacles you may face. There's always going to be difficult times you face especially being a female in this industry, but your passion for music wouldn’t let that get in the way. Every time you perform whether the fete is empty or full, play like it is your last performance because you never know who is listening or what that one party may be able to do for you and your future. Your only competition is yourself. Sky’s the limit!