OPEN MODEL CALL | I AM HERO PHOTOSHOOT

Model: Adoch. Photography: Anthony Jordon. Makeup & Hair: Tahisha Legrand

We are looking for experienced models with GLGH (good look + good heart). We are a socially conscious fashion brand. Our current social initiative is to raise awareness concerning sex trafficking here in South Florida.

On October 25th, 2014 we are hosting a unique event at the Wynwood Warehouse Project. It is a community photo shoot. We are looking for 8-10 models, both male and female of various ethnicities, shapes, sizes and heights to represent our 2015 I AM + HERO Campaign.

If you are interested in joining the battle to end sex trafficking, but don't know how, here's your chance.  Email your portfolio or head shots to info@cloakinc.com.

This is a TFCD opportunity. Your photo may appear in our 2015 city-wide anti-sex trafficking campaign. This is a great portfolio opportunity.

Photography by James Eagles and AnthonyJordon Photography.

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Learn more about the project at http://IAMHEROPROJECT.ORG/

CLOAKINC.COM

Socially Conscious Fashion Brand Inspires Community Heroes to “Strike-A-Pose” to End Sex Trafficking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sep. 29, 2014 - MIAMI -- It started with a simple question, “What can I do to end sex trafficking here in Miami?” This was the question that CLOAK INC CEO and Founder, Ebonie Mukasa, asked herself when confronted with the view of her community and the apathy she saw among those in it. She found that many were overwhelmed by the issue and had no idea where to start. So, she decided to approach the subject creatively through a fashionable, message based, retro graphic novel concept entitled, “SAVESEX”. An evolution to this concept, the “I AM + HERO” Anti-sex trafficking campaign will be launched in the spring of 2015. "Finding creative ways to deal with tough issues is the basis of CLOAK INC’s business model,” says Ebonie. Founded in 2008, they have been on a mission of love by being the voice of the voiceless and supporting organizations helping those in our global community face some of the toughest moments in their lives.

To that end, on Saturday, October 25, 2014, CLOAK INC will host its first “I AM + HERO” Community Photo shoot at the Wynwood Warehouse Project located at 450 NW 27th Street, Miami, FL., 33127 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. They invite YOU to participate as a model in what will be a city-wide awareness campaign that will take place in spring 2015. This action packed event will be a day of fashion, music, food and fun as we "Strike-A-Pose and Liberate Lives!" The event will also honor community heroes, Jorge Vietia, Executive Director of Life of Freedom Center, a community resource that offers free support and restorative programs for female survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking; and Linda Pulley Freeman is the Executive Director of Peacemakers at Trinity Church (Miami) and author of The Thrive Journal. Linda is donating 100% of the proceeds from her most recent published work, Inspired for Greater Things, to support the work of Teen Challenge Cambodia (TCC). TCC's mission is to provide rehabilitation and restoration programs for those who desire to escape the drug and sex trafficking industry on the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The urgency of addressing human trafficking couldn’t be more apparent. According to the United States Department of Justice, each year an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked in the United States alone. These are staggering numbers that speak to a huge problem that can no longer be ignored. Human sex trafficking is more lucrative than the drug trade because the victim can be sold over and over again. Therefore, prevention and awareness are paramount. Often people are deterred from the fight because they think that it involves knocking down doors of houses that harbor those who have possibly been kidnapped and exploited. Combatting this mindset is what makes events like the “I AM+ HERO” Community Photo Shoot so important. The event offers those attending an opportunity to identify individuals and organizations in the community who are lending their resources to the fight. Attendees are also joining the fight simply by purchasing a ticket to the event because 20% of the proceeds will go to Life of Freedom Center, a resource that offers free support and restorative programs to female survivors.

Of course, an event of this magnitude and scope could not be possible without a group of sponsors and collaborators dedicated to making a difference. With the generous support of its sponsors, The Dreaded Indie, Jennjins Sweets & Premier Events, WEBNIE | Creative Business Solutions, and OUCHGirl International this event was made possible. As well, CLOAK INC has found a dynamic group of partners to make this event an experience unlike any other. Among those lending their talents to the “I AM + HERO” Community Photo Shoot are photographers James Eagles and Anthony Jordon, makeup artists Tahisha Legrand, Christina Neptune, and Katherine Cardona with makeup provided, in part, by Mary Kay Director, Alice Fields, and musical guests Shekitra Starke and Chris Wisdom Leger.

For anyone who ever asked what they could do to make a difference in ending the human trafficking epidemic, attending the “I AM + HERO” Community Photo Shoot on October 25th is a good start. For more information or to RSVP please contact Dawn Mangham by phone at 305-725-6633 or email pr@cloakinc.com. Connect with CLOAK INC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram “@cloakinc”.

Additionally, feel free to visit the event website at http://IAMHEROPROJECT.ORG.

ABOUT CLOAK INC

CLOAK INC is a social enterprise that, since 2008, has been on a mission to cover those in need through fashion. Using our moral and faith based values as a guide, our simple formula for social change is to be a part of the solution or to create one. We create unique fashion campaign collections to raise awareness and funds for social issues facing our global community. LOVE is our engine, HOPE is our message, and HELP is our purpose.

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CLOAKINC.COM

Jennjinn Cupcakes N' Cakes - A Foodie with a Heart

After being approached by Creative Mornings Miami to be their April 2014 presenter, they graciously gave us creative license to make our "talk" as unique as our brand.  Of course ideas began swirling, and we thought, why not bring aboard Jennifer Beltran, owner of Jennjins Cupcakes N' Cakes to make our foodie experience surprising. She agreed to be the food sponsor for the event. 

The creative process with Jen was too much fun.  She's a fast thinker, obviously well versed in her craft. The moment I shared our concept for the day, she began rattling off tasty ideas, ending with a menu we know will enchant those who attend.

Check out a few of her tasty delights. We know you won't be disappointed!

 

About Jennifer Beltran

Jennjins Cupcakes N’ Cakes is owned and operated by Jennifer Beltran and family since September 2012.  We offer freshly baked treats from scratch and use only quality ingredients and believe that by doing this we can offer you a “Smile with every bite”! Our creations are unique and custom made to satisfy each of our customers needs and wants in a sweet treat. Give us a call and place your order and Taste the difference in a cake or treat designed and baked just the way You want it!

Contact

Jennjins Cupcakes N’ Cakes

North Miami, FL 33161

786-552-2343

jennjinscupcakes@hotmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/JennjinsCupcakesNCakes

http://instagram.com/jennjinscupcakes

cloakinc.com

CLOAK INC to present at Creative Mornings Miami on 4/4/14

 

Join us on April 4th, 2014, 8:30am - 10:00am at
Miami Ironside as we present on the topic: SEX.
Come meet and network with some of MIA's most creative individuals.
Haute topic, crafty food, cool venue...nuff said.
RSVP today! http://creativemornings.com/talks/e-m-mukasa-cloak-inc.

cloakinc.com

Socially Conscious Fashion Brand to lead Virtual March on Twitter

On 1/12/14 CLOAK INC will hosts its 4th Annual, "ONE12 Haiti Solidarity Virtual Marc" on Twitter @cloakinc. The purpose of this year's March is to raise awareness concerning human trafficking in Haiti.

Jan. 1, 2014 - MIAMI -- In its fourth year, the Virtual March hosted by CLOAK INC promotes love and support for Haiti on Twitter @CLOAKINC. Over the past three years this online march has gained momentum and has found a unique way of getting us to celebrate the resilience of those who lived through and commemorate those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake of 2010. This year’s march will focus on raising awareness and speaking up concerning trafficking of Haiti’s most vulnerable, its children.

Local artists and activist such as Mecca aka Grimo, Eveline Pierre, Executive Director of the Haitian Heritage Museum, musical artists Giel, LaVie and Sekajipo of the band Sekajipo and the Jungle and others from across Miami-Dade and Broward county have joined together for three years to tweet their sentiments of love, hope and help for Haiti. “It’s an exhilarating hour, from 4:53pm to 5:53pm for the past three years, our company has facilitated a yearly one hour conversation that we hope has a lifelong impact,” says Ebonie M. Mukasa, CLOAK INC CEO and Founder. “To not forget what ‘we’ don’t see requires effort. There are tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of children in Haiti who live unprotected lives.” “The loss of a childhood due to poverty is tragic, but its loss due to trafficking is catastrophic,” she continues. “This year’s March will focus on raising awareness concerning the trafficking of Haiti’s children.”

This year CLOAK is sending out moderator invitations across the nation in hopes of garnering more participation from organizations, companies, bloggers, designers and the like for this impactful event.

CLOAK INC in May of 2013 announced its newest social initiative - joining the fight against human trafficking. In June 2013 they launched their newest Campaign Collection entitled, “I AM”. “The ‘I AM’ Collection is a simple concept that speaks to a complex issue,” says Ebonie. “Self-identity, self-respect and, love of self can be issues victims of human trafficking face. As well, traffickers and philanders of the industry often objectify and dehumanize their victims. ‘I AM’ is a declaration that gives way to liberty and life.”

CLOAK INC has hosted its Virtual March raising awareness for Haiti on Twitter @CLOAKINC. Thousands of tweets flood Twitter and hashtag #ilovehaiti resonates on tweets from around the globe. The virtual march will symbolize the solidarity people have for the nation that endured one of the most epic earthquakes in history. Community leaders and activists will participate by tweeting their thoughts of love, hope and help using the event hashtags at designated times during the hour long March. The CLOAK INC moderated event anticipates raising funds to support educating and safe guarding Haiti’s children. They hope to garner a huge following in hopes to trend on Twitter.

This year, CLOAK will continue the annual Haiti Solidarity Virtual March on Twitter. The virtual event kicks off on the historic anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake, January 12, 2014 at exactly 4:53pm, the recorded time of the earthquake.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Tweet the day of the event on January 12, 2014 starting at 4:53pm (EST)

Follow CLOAK INC on Twitter @CLOAKINC now to get connected.

Make a Pledge per Tweet. Go online at http://www.HAITIVIRTUALMARCH.COM and complete the pledge form. Help us support educating and safe-guarding Haiti’s children.Get a t-shirt.

Pre-Order your 2014 ONE12 Haiti Solidarity Virtual t-shirt for $25.00. $5 from every t-shirt sold will be donated to Mission of Hope: Haiti and the Convoy of Hope: Haiti.

Become an Official March Moderator, Partner and Sponsor. Contact CLOAK INC at pr@cloakinc.com.

ABOUT CLOAK
We are a social enterprise. Since 2008, we have been on a mission of love to cover/cloak those in need through fashion. Using our moral and faith based values as a guide, our simple formula for social change is to be a part of the solution or to create one. We create unique fashion campaign collections to raise awareness and funds for social issues facing our global community. LOVE is our engine, HOPE is our message and HELP is our purpose.

You can learn more about CLOAK INC by visiting its website at http://www.cloakinc.com.

cloakinc.com

A HEART OF GOLD: INTERVIEW WITH HEART 2 HEART NYC

FEATURE POST
Heart 2 Heart NYC | An organization, building relationships, spreading love, & serving the less fortunate.
We interviewed Lucrecia Floresta, Founder of Heart 2 Heart in early November.  They liked one of our pictures on Instagram, we visited their profile page and was awe-struck by the work this young organization is doing in the city of New York.  We decided to save her interview to be our holiday post. 

In this season of giving, we thought her story would bless your heart the way it did ours.  It is the eve of Christmas, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of gift giving, entertaining or possibly spending tomorrow alone - away from those you love.  If so, it's time to refocus.  You are blessed to have at this very moment the ability, means and opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life.  What is your gifting, talent or idea?  We challenge you to put it to use tomorrow. Get creative! You ask how?  Read on and find out...

Tell us about yourself and how Heart 2 Heart is a reflection of who you are. 

I am a 24 year-old college grad from Florida. My story isn't different from any other New Yorker in the sense that I moved to New York to make a better living for myself within my field of study (fashion marketing) but of course I ended up going a different route. I am naturally a giver. I love to give, whether it's to help my family or for a complete stranger. I just never thought in a million years that I would be using my "gift of giving" to help people right here in my own community.

Everyone sees the bright lights and the beauty when they think of New York City, however within the bright lights there are so many needy and homeless people trying to find shelter and a meal to eat. Of course we see them on the train or as we walk through the city everyday, so people have conditioned themselves to ignore them and act as if these people or this issue doesn't exist. I don't have much to give, but I was compelled to try and give more than just a dollar or some change. I sew, and I had a great vision to start creating pillows to give to homeless, it's not much to us but it's everything to a homeless person sleeping on the cold concrete streets.

What is the purpose and mission of Heart 2 Heart?
The purpose of Heart 2 Heart is to build relationships with the homeless and displaced to let them know that are not forgotten and that they are loved. Just to spread love and encouragement.

Where is Heart 2 Heart located? Do work in other communities, states or countries?Heart 2 Heart is located in Brooklyn, NY. Right now we are working out of my home. We would love to spread out to other communities eventually, but right now we want to tackle what is going on right here in our own community.

What is the positive social impact Heart 2 Heart is providing to the community?
We just want to help those who have fallen and need a little pick me up. Encouragement goes a long way. You never know, your small gesture can have a huge impact in someone's life. We want to encourage people to do this in their own community by purchasing pillows from us and giving them to the homeless where they are. We want to encourage them to share their efforts in serving and spreading love with us by posting pictures of their service on Instagram using hashtag "Heart2Heart".

Describe the moment you got the idea to create pillows for the homeless? I had the idea to origanally do it for kids only, but one day I was walking down the street and I saw a homeless man who was in need and I had nothing to give and I asked God what can I possibly do for this man. And he gave me the vision and from there I just knew it was right. I was so happy. It was one of the first instances in my life for a long time that everything was clear.

How long has Heart 2 Heart been doing its work?
We are a young organization. I have been putting together the idea since April 2013 and I gave out my first set of pillows in July 2013. Since then people have gained interest and have been wanting to support in anyway they can, so I have a small team now. Our next date to give out pillows will be right before thanksgiving, which is November 23rd and I am so excited about it.

Tell us about your product (fabric, design, material sourcing, etc). 
Right now, I am using regular cotton fabric, 14in x 14in, and basic colors. I sew the pillows myself with my sewing machine and stuff them with polyester pillow stuffing. 

Do you only make pillows for the homeless or do you make home decor pillows that can be purchased and those sales help support your work?
Right now I am only working with the homeless. My future goals however, do include making home decor pillows which I can sell and the proceeds will help the homeless.

What's next for Heart 2 Heart? 
Great question! Wherever God take me! Aside from that, I plan to give out pillows every 2-3 months.

How can our readers get involved in Heart 2 Hearts work? 
They can make or purchase a pillow from us to give to someone homeless. Take pictures to encourage others to do the same. Post your pictures on Instagram using the hashtag  #heart2heartnyc and state one thing they learned about that individual. Our goal is to spread love in a world where love has diminished.

Is there anything else you would like to share about Heart 2 Heart? I would like for people to see that Heart 2 Heart is more than just an organization. It's the act of sharing your love and building relationships with people that we normally wouldn't speak to. Every word counts when speaking to someone in need. Open your heart and they will definitely open theirs.

Please share how our readers can connect with you.
Check out our web site: Heart2HeartNYC.org
Connect with us on Instagram: Heart2HeartNYC
Email me: Heart2heartnyc@Heart2heartnyc.org

Support Heart2HeartNYC by giving a donation that will enabling them to give more pillows to the homeless.

We give a huge thank you and a standing ovation to Heart 2 Heart NYC for the work that you are doing.  If you are living in the New York area and want to get involved in the work of this life changing organization we encourage you to contact them. 

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!

cloakinc.com