TVR News

"Ringtone" @ Fashion Meets Music

Have you ever been to a place and knew exactly where you fit in? Usually these surreal moments of peace and connectivity are not self-created. We mostly stumble upon them while searching for something deep inside ourselves to affirm and validate our dreams. If you were ever confused about what The VEG Ringtone is… I would say that The VEG Ringtone is a generator of such moments. Amongst many examples is Rian- The VEG Ringtone’s newest model- who met Michael Elliott the day of the event. He directed her to Lorraine, who spoke with her briefly via phone prior to arriving to the Fashion Meets Music event on December 7th, 2019. During the conversation Lorraine and Rian struggled to decipher what Mike’s purpose was in making the introduction, because Rian is a photographer who also models. She committed to find a babysitter and arrived at the event with a pair of heels. There was no time for formal introductions with Lorraine or the models’ stage manager; but some way Rian made her way backstage, got dressed, and strutted the runway as if she and The VEG had been united long before. It was not until then that Lorraine was finally able to connect Rian’s face with the voice she heard on the phone.

The super sweet soul of Kyss Kyss also found herself answering what it means to be a part of The VEG Ringtone as she sang Halo by Beyoncé. Kyss Kyss subtly incorporated The VEG into her lyrics: “And I can see your Halo, Halo, Halo, Oooooo, I can see your Ringtone, ringtone, ringtone, Oooooo oooo oooo.”  The whole crowd started singing with her, and the energy in the room was at its highest. Lorraine perceived it as a revelation for those who have dreams that they are not quitting on. Like Michael Elliott, founder of The VEG Ringtone, they keep hearing. They keep listening to the desires of their heart and following the path that they lead.

I.C. Jonez shared the same stage as Rian, Kyss Kyss and Ms. Arkansas (a professional comedian), but used it to hold his album release party for #GospelTrapMusic and to celebrate his birthday. His path leads him to be with “all the gangstas, all the dealers, all the thugs, and all the killers, tryna put God ‘em” – a desire of his heart that is sure to be fulfilled. No matter where your path leads, or how you are called to experience what The VEG Ringtone has to offer, know that there is a place for you here.  Keep following The VEG Ringtone. Support, share, bring others in and truly discover what it is you are listening to. Continuing the lyrics of Halo, let The VEG Ringtone “Hit you like a ray of sun and burn through your darkest night…” Baby can you feel its halo? “…Pray it won’t fade away.”

"Champion" @ Fashion Meets Music 

There are defining moments in each of our lives that require us to make the right choices amid opportunities and obstacles. At times it appears that opportunities and obstacles are two opponents in a boxing ring fighting for the prize we call “our dream.” As much as we want our opportunities to come without obstacles, these two are forever dancing – blow by blow – until one takes the belt. 

Prolific Poet, a self-proclaimed “street poet,” stepped into the ring the day he auditioned to be a part of Fashion Meets Music’s line-up of talent on November 23, 2019. Once his audition secured his opportunity to perform, the obstacles started throwing punches. Prolific had to ride the bus to Saturday’s event and foresaw himself being 15 minutes late. He called Lorraine, The VEG’s Organizational Director, at 12:15 pm to notify her. She asked if he was going to be 15 minutes late from 12:00 pm (the gathering time for artists) or 15 minutes late from 1:00 pm (the time the show begins). Prolific replied, “from 1 o’clock.” There was silence on the phone. Lorraine plainly stated, “The show starts at 1:00 pm.” There was silence again…until Prolific vocalized “Ugh,” and hung up               the phone.  

During an interview Lorraine described Prolific Poet as “beautiful and talented, giving you chills.” But she knows that beauty and talent will only carry an artist so far, and that sound business ethics are also required for true success. Prolific was On the Ropes as he faced this fact. In between the silence on the phone there was a Right Hook- talent wouldn’t keep his opportunity, a Jab- honor your commitments and be on time, an Uppercut- if you show up late don’t expect to perform.

Fortunately, Prolific did not have a Glass Jaw and the power of his opportunity outweighed his obstacle. He learned to become a Pressure Fighter that day and tapped Lorraine on her shoulder at 12:59 pm for the Knockout. He understood, in Lorraine’s own words, “There are rules when you step on stage so that your art reaches the audience before where you come from.” She hugged him around his waist, looked him in his eyes and said, “I don’t take excuses.” “I love you” he replied, looking back at her with tears swelling in his eyes. Throughout his performance that whole energy was felt in the room, the whole energy of working together. There were more than 150 people in attendance- families, gathering at Fashion Meets Music. 

“If you put yourself in the energy of the arena, it’s going to happen” says Lorraine. Keep following The VEG Ringtone. Support, share, bring others in and make the right choices that let your opportunities out-champion your obstacles. As Muhammad Ali aptly stated, “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

xoxo The Notetaker

"Go Together" @ Fashion Meets Music

Do you want to know what the future holds for fashionistas, musicians and entrepreneurs in Las Vegas?  Ask The VEG Ringtone!  On Saturday, November 9, 2019, The VEG merged the iconic styles of two thriving industries at their community-centered event “Fashion Meets Music.”  No stone was left unturned in their one-of-a-kind showcase hosted at 3 Star Bar on Nellis Boulevard.  In addition to a fashion show, musical guests, and comedians, The VEG presented awards celebrating the efforts of Sweet Lou Collins of The Voice radio program, and Kenneth Dorsey of Planet Mike Earth.  Both heroes are known for how they encourage and uplift their communities- which is at the heart of The VEG Ringtone’s mission.  “We are a business that thrives on people needing people.  We present a platform for the community to benefit local establishments, and leverage those establishments to benefit others,” says Lorraine, The VEG’s Organizational Director.  

Several businesses were in attendance networking with hosts Michael Elliott and Marley BP- while vibing to the sounds of DJ Rayven- including: It’s Gorgeous clothing line, Stella & Dot (jewelry), 1QTee Boutique, Hookah Smokes 702, The Edible Bunch (vegan cuisine), Paparazzi Accessories and Vaquero Steaks.  They all know that their future starts with community and progress is sure to be made.  Keep following The VEG Ringtone.  Support, share, bring others in and contribute to the new mix of elements that distinguish their events.  As the great African Proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

xoxo The Notetaker