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Ben PASTERNAK
Business

Ben Pasternak the Young Visionary Redefining Tech & Food Innovation

Ben Pasternak The Young Visionary Redefining Tech and Food Innovation By Peter Davis Ben Pasternak, born on September 6, 1999, in Sydney, Australia, is a trailblazing entrepreneur whose innovative spirit has left a significant mark on both the technology and food industries. From a young age, Pasternak displayed a natural aptitude for innovation, quickly gaining international recognition for his groundbreaking creations. His journey from an ambitious teenager to a highly successful businessman is a testament to the power of creativity, risk-taking, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior. Raised in Sydney, Pasternak’s passion for technology became evident during his early teenage years. While attending high school, he developed a mobile game called Impossible Rush during a science class. What started as a simple project quickly turned into a global sensation, amassing millions of downloads and soaring to the 16th spot on the U.S. App Store charts. This unexpected success catapulted Pasternak into the tech world, attracting attention from industry giants like Facebook and Google, both of whom offered him internship opportunities. However, the young entrepreneur had bigger aspirations and turned down these offers to focus on building his own ventures. At just 15, Ben Pasternak made a bold decision to leave high school and move to New York City, determined to carve his own path. In 2015, he launched Flogg, a social networking app designed to facilitate buying and selling among teenagers. The app gained rapid traction, briefly reaching the top trending spot on the U.S. App Store. This early success solidified Pasternak’s reputation as a rising star in the tech industry and proved that he had a keen understanding of the digital habits of his generation. Building on his momentum, Ben Pasternak introduced Monkey in late 2016, an app that allowed teenagers to engage in video chats with peers around the world. The platform became an instant hit, attracting over 20 million users and facilitating billions of calls. Its popularity underscored Pasternak’s ability to create digital products that resonated deeply with young audiences. The overwhelming success of Monkey led to its acquisition by the social networking company Holla in 2018, marking another major milestone in Pasternak’s career. With an entrepreneurial mindset that refused to settle, Ben Pasternak shifted his focus to an entirely different industry—food technology. In 2018, he co-founded SIMULATE, a company dedicated to “upgrading the world to a positive food system.” His vision was to revolutionize the way people consume protein, making it more sustainable and accessible. The company’s flagship product, NUGGS, a plant-based chicken nugget alternative, debuted in July 2019 and quickly gained traction among consumers. Unlike traditional plant-based products that often struggled with taste and texture, NUGGS were designed to closely mimic real chicken, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The product became a major success, positioning SIMULATE as a leader in the alternative protein market. Ben Pasternak’s ability to attract investors further validated his business acumen. By June 2021, SIMULATE had raised over $50 million in funding from high-profile investors, including Alexis Ohanian’s venture fund Seven Seven Six, billionaire entrepreneur Chris Sacca, global frozen food giant McCain Foods, and even rapper Jay-Z. The company’s valuation skyrocketed to over $250 million, a remarkable achievement for a venture founded by a young entrepreneur who had only just begun to explore the food industry. His trailblazing work has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Ben Pasternak has been recognized for his extraordinary contributions to technology and business. In 2016, Time magazine named him one of the world’s most influential teenagers, an honor that reflected his growing impact on digital culture. In 2021, he was featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, further cementing his reputation as a game-changer in consumer technology and food innovation. Today, Ben Pasternak resides in the vibrant Soho neighborhood of New York City, where he continues to push the boundaries of innovation. His journey from a teenage app developer to a multi-industry entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. He has proven that age is not a barrier to success and that with the right mix of creativity, risk-taking, and vision, it is possible to disrupt even the most established industries. Ben Pasternak’s story is a reminder that the future belongs to those who dare to think differently. As he continues to redefine the way people interact with technology and food, the world eagerly awaits his next big move.

Caroline Receveur From Reality TV to Fashion Empire A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
Lifestyle

Caroline Receveur From Reality TV to Fashion Empire A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

Caroline Receveur From Reality TV to Fashion Empire A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention By Diya Vora Caroline Jocelyne Receveur stands as a multifaceted French personality, seamlessly blending roles as a fashion blogger, television presenter, actress, and entrepreneur. Born on November 10, 1987, in Épinal, Vosges, France, she is the second of three children in her family. Her father, Jacky Receveur, was a professional footballer who played for FC Metz during the 1970s. From a young age, Caroline harbored aspirations of becoming a model, a dream she pursued with determination. Caroline’s journey into the limelight began in her teenage years. At 14, she attended her first casting calls, often accompanied by her mother. She attended Claude Gellée High School in Épinal, where she completed her baccalauréat littéraire at 17. With her parents’ support, she relocated to Paris to chase her modeling ambitions.  Soon after, she secured a contract with the Roxane modeling agency. However, her height of 1.69 meters posed challenges in securing consistent modeling work, leading her to juggle roles as a waitress in Metz while attending casting calls in Paris. In 2008, Caroline ventured into reality television by participating in the second season of Secret Story on TF1.  Her secret involvement with another contestant, Nicolas, was unveiled early, resulting in her elimination after just two weeks. Undeterred, she returned to the reality TV scene in 2010 with appearances on NRJ 12’s La Maison du Bluff and the second season of Les Anges de la télé-réalité. These stints amplified her public profile, culminating in her role as Caroline Valès in the scripted reality series Hollywood Girls from 2012 to 2014.  Beyond acting, Caroline showcased her versatility by co-hosting Le Mag in 2014 and participating in the seventh season of Danse avec les Stars in 2016, where she honored her late father through her performances. Caroline’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Wandertea in 2014, a brand offering detox products made from natural teas and plants, developed in collaboration with pharmacist and herbalist Julien Duschene.  Leveraging her growing influence, she launched a personal blog to share fashion insights, beauty tips, and lifestyle advice. Her authentic engagement attracted a substantial following, positioning her as a prominent figure in the digital space. In 2019, Caroline expanded her business portfolio by founding Recc Paris, a clothing line reflecting her signature rock and glamour style. The brand emphasizes originality and sophistication, with many pieces produced in Parisian ateliers and new collections released bi-monthly. Her entrepreneurial achievements garnered significant attention, leading to her feature on the cover of Forbes France’s summer issue in 2019. Caroline’s adept use of social media platforms, particularly Instagram, has been instrumental in her success. By 2019, she amassed over three million followers, a number that has since grown, enabling her to collaborate with renowned brands like L’Oréal, Braun, Moa, APM Monaco, and Morgan. Her content, a blend of personal moments, fashion showcases, and lifestyle snippets, resonates with a broad audience, solidifying her status as a leading influencer. Caroline’s personal journey has been marked by significant milestones and challenges. In January 2012, she began a relationship with Valentin Lucas, with whom she shared plans of marriage and starting a family. The couple moved to London in 2015 but parted ways in November 2016. Shortly after, Caroline started dating French model Hugo Philip in December 2016.  The couple welcomed their son, Marlon Philip Receveur, on July 6, 2018, and tied the knot in a private ceremony on July 11, 2020, in Paris. Later that year, they relocated to Dubai, citing both lifestyle preferences and financial considerations. In July 2023, Caroline faced a personal health challenge when she announced her diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer.  Her openness about her condition highlighted her resilience and commitment to raising awareness about health issues. Caroline’s business endeavors have not been without scrutiny.  In September 2019, her Paris residence and associated premises were searched by French tax authorities. The investigation centered on allegations that she had registered two of her companies, Island Keys Ltd and Caroline Receveur Ltd, in the UK while primarily operating in France. Caroline contested the legality of these actions, but in February 2021, the Paris Court of Appeal upheld the legitimacy of the searches, underscoring the complexities of international business operations. Caroline Receveur’s trajectory from aspiring model to influential entrepreneur and media personality exemplifies adaptability and determination. Her ability to navigate various industries, coupled with her entrepreneurial acumen, has established her as a role model for aspiring influencers and businesswomen. By authentically sharing her experiences, both triumphs and challenges, Caroline continues to inspire a global audience, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of fashion, media, and entrepreneurship.

Bakht art
Lifestyle

The Bakht Art Journey Arab Heritage Woven into Fashion

Arab Heritage Woven into Fashion The Bakht Art Journey By Wissal Labbane By Afef Yousfi The journey of Bakht Art began as a personal passion when I was preparing for my trousseau. I wanted every linen and embroidery piece to be uniquely designed to reflect my taste. My creations quickly caught the attention of friends and family, who began requesting personalized bedding and linens. Realizing the potential, I founded Bakht Art in 2017, establishing both a workshop and a brand. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to significant success in Tunisia. Initially focused on home linens and honeymoon nightwear, my creative vision evolved over time. I began reinterpreting traditional robes, incorporating embroidery and experimenting with fabrics. My designs gradually transformed into Carthaginian dresses, deeply inspired by Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage. Each year, especially during Ramadan, Bakht Art introduces new collections that push creative boundaries. My signature style—bold necklines—symbolizes the independence and strength of Tunisian women. I continuously explore new sleeve and neckline designs, making them standout features in my pieces. My color palettes are influenced by Tunisia’s landscapes, featuring shades of blue reflecting the sea and sky, green representing nature, pink inspired by native flowers, and golden hues reminiscent of desert sands. Tunisia’s 3,000-year-old history is a profound source of inspiration. With influences from multiple civilizations, the country has a vast artistic heritage reflected in embroidery, engravings, and traditional garments. This deep-rooted culture shapes the creative identity of Bakht Art, allowing us to honor our past while creating contemporary designs. While initially catering to Tunisian and Maghrebi women, our clientele has expanded following our participation in major exhibitions such as Abu Dhabi Exhibition 2024 and Dakkakin Exhibition in Riyadh, held under the patronage of Princess Adela bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Our designs resonate with Arab women who value art and tradition, viewing our creations as a reflection of their heritage and identity. Many eagerly anticipate our latest collections, not only to wear but also to appreciate as wearable art. Inspired by Tunisia’s historical and social legacy, I have extensively studied the evolution of the jebba, a traditional garment once reserved for special occasions. My goal has been to modernize the jebba, making it an essential piece for today’s woman while preserving its authenticity. I carefully select fabrics and colors to enhance each woman’s individuality, ensuring that fashion becomes an expression of both soul and heritage. Many Tunisian celebrities have embraced Bakht Art, contributing to its widespread recognition. Influencer and TV personality Mariam Dabbegh has been a strong supporter, showcasing our designs globally. Our brand gained further prestige when media figures like Sonia Al-Younsi adorned our designs during Ramadan. A major milestone was our Paris Fashion Week show at the Shangri-La Palace, featuring the internationally renowned Rym Saidi. For Rym, we designed a bespoke Carthaginian jebba, incorporating sifsari silk and intricate Hammamet-style embroidery, completed in 52 hours using gold and silver threads. The design, inspired by Carthaginian warrior attire, fused ancient aesthetics with modern elegance, creating a regal, timeless piece. Our expansion plans include a strong presence in Dubai, a city known for fostering creativity and investment. London, a global fashion capital, is also on our radar, with a planned showcase at September Fashion Week. Since its inception, Bakht Art has thrived through social media exposure, particularly on Instagram. Looking ahead, we are excited to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into our creative process, further evolving our designs. “Bakht Art’s designs are an extension of our history and a connection to our heritage, with a modern touch that reflects contemporary taste.”

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