Meet Sandboxer Phil Kaye! Phil is Co-Director and Principle Performer at Project VOICE, a well-known touring company performing original spoken word poetry and leading workshops allover the world. And just in January, he published his first book, a collection of poems called “A Lightbulb Symphony”.Find Phil on Facebook.

1.Tell us the story of your latest project / occupation.

I’ve spent the last year splitting my time between art and management at Project VOICE: touring with the company and running its business operations. Project VOICE in its current iteration started out as a crazy dream idea four years ago between myself and a best friend and fellow poet, Sarah Kay. The idea was not only to be able to tour with our own work, but also to shape an organization that helped others write and create as well.

2. What are you doing and how did you get there?

Convincing the world, my parents, and – most of all – myself that I could pay my Manhattan rent doing poetry full time was not easy. I fell in love with poetry at 17, and even though it had always been my passion as I began to see it as a hobby and wonder what I could do in the “real world”. And then, in a blazing moment of John Mayer glory, I realized that there’s no such thing as the real world. I bypassed the option of running through the halls of my high school and/or screaming at the top of my lungs, and decided to take a big leap of faith on doing Project VOICE full time. So far, we’ve been incredibly lucky to find major success and gotten to reach tens of thousands of audience members a year. And I still have a roof over my head.

3. Tell us about the biggest successes and failures in your life. What worked, what didn’t, and what did you learn?

Being both an artist and entrepreneur, you come up against a constant cycle of success and disappointment. One of my most devastating disappointments came at the very beginning of my poetry career six years ago, when I performed in front of 800 people (my first large show) and completely bombed. I almost gave up on poetry right then. I still think about that one show when I come up against issues now – not just in poetry but also in running an organization.But the memory of that show is comforting now. That day was awful, but I got better. And I’ve still got a ways to go.

4. What do you want to achieve in

a) the next week: Move into my new apartment with Pootie Tang-lover and fellow Sandboxer Steve Daniels.

b) the next year: Find more time to write and work on my next book .

c) the next 10 years: Help create a world where poetry is cool again.

5. What was your most inspiring moment during the last two weeks?

Aside from Project VOICE, I have been lucky enough to perform with and head coach the 2011 Providence National Poetry team, which was recently ranked third in the nation at the National Poetry Slam. As I said before, art comes with its healthy share of flops and disappointments, so its a really wonderful feeling to know that you’re at least getting something right.

7. How could other Sandboxers and the outside world support you and why would that be exciting for them.

The biggest thing we are dealing with now is trying to figure out better ways to reach out to schools and organizations that might be interested in us but don’t know we exist. I’d absolutely love to talk with anyone who is interested about marketing strategy – it’s a big crazy world and I feel like there are many people who know much more about it than I do. And also if anyone has an idea of a specific venue where Project VOICE would be a good fit, don’t hesitate to pass along thoughts!

7. Phil’s favorite:

-book: “Notes from Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

-movie: The Sandlot

-place on earth: My Aunt and Uncle’s kitchen in Tokyo

-travel destination during last year: A toss up between Rome and New Orleans

-food: Avocados

-drink: Water

- Quote: “Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future: he lives as if he is never going to die, then dies having never really lived.” - Dalai Lama.

Meet Sandboxer Sarah Gross! Sarah describes herself as vegan, dancer, business owner and entrepreneur. Sarah Gross is the founder of Rescue Chocolate, where she has combined her two great passions in life – chocolate and animal welfare. Find Sarah on Facebook and Twitter.

1.Tell us the story of your latest project / occupation.

I’m organizing vegan events in NYC with appeal to general audiences, through the company I co-founded, U.S. Veg Corp. My goal is to educate people who would otherwise never have sought out information about the healthfulness and deliciousness of a vegan diet. I bring them in with fun things like ping pong tournaments and fashion shows, and then hit them with amazing vegan munchies.

2. What are you doing and how did you get there?

I came to Brooklyn via Louisiana (where I grew up), Salt Lake City (where I attended college as a ballet major), San Diego and the capital of South Carolina (where I danced with professional ballet companies). I had pursued a ballet career with all of my heart since the age of 11, but then turned that into just a hobby. I wanted my work to reflect my desire to change the world in the arena I’ve always felt most strongly about: animals that humans have taken dominion over. Animals as pets, lab subjects, entertainers, and of course, cheap food.

3. Tell us about the biggest successes and failures in your life. What worked, what didn’t, and what did you learn?

The biggest success has been launching and operating Rescue Chocolate, a vegan chocolate company which donates all profits to animal rescue organizations. I’ve learned that there is always room in the marketplace for one more really good idea, and that positive change comes in slow but sure steps.

Failures: Staying still. Being spiritual. I haven’t been able to participate in religious or meditative experiences because of my always-on-the-go mentality. It does not work to keep the adrenaline up all the time, lurching from crisis to crisis. I’ve learned that it is important every once in awhile to take a step back and breathe.

4. What do you want to achieve in

a) the next week: Get the U.S. Veg Corp’s September 15 fashion event’s designers booked and the event promoted around the city!

b) the next year: Secure major sponsors for the US Veg Corp’s signature event, the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, so that we don’t have to worry about getting the venue paid for, and instead we can focus on planning the event, making it even BETTER, and taking home some pay checks (for a change).

c) the next 10 years: Living internationally and being entrepreneurial as I travel far and wide, thinking up new ideas and opportunities.

5. What was your most inspiring moment during the last two weeks?

Don’t know if this counts… Last week while getting 2 wisdom teeth out and after receiving some laughing gas and Novocaine, I had a great sense of well-being, peace, happiness, and unstopability! I’d like to think that the drugs were just a little push and that I’m sustaining this mental state on my own now.

Also, I went yesterday to the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. It’s newly renovated and has some gorgeous airy white spaces. I saw a short film by Jim Henson, Time Piece. Even with only 2 words in the whole 11-minute movie, it really got my creative juices flowing.

7. How could other Sandboxers and the outside world support you and why would that be exciting for them.

Send all vegans my way, especially if you know those in fashion, catering, food production, and music. I’d like to be in touch with anyone who’s curious and wants to know more about living vegetarian or closer to veg. Buy Rescue Chocolate and suggest that your local pet store/natural foods store/veterinary clinic carry Rescue Chocolate. Have RC do favors and gifts for your and your friends’ weddings and celebrations. Adopt your next pets from the animal shelter or a local rescue.

7. Sarah’s favorite:

-book: “Redemption” by Nathan Winograd

-movie: Live and Become

-place on earth: Rio de Janeiro

-travel destination during last year: Medellin, Colombia

-food: the darkest chocolate, of course

-drink: club soda with lime

- Quote:  “Every man gives his life to what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, and so they give their lives to little or nothing…” Joan of Arc

]]> http://www.sandbox-network.com/meet-a-sandboxer/meet-a-sandboxer-sarah-gross/feed/ 1 http://www.sandbox-network.com/meet-a-sandboxer/meet-a-sandboxer-gustav-borgefalk/ http://www.sandbox-network.com/meet-a-sandboxer/meet-a-sandboxer-gustav-borgefalk/#comments Sun, 25 Apr 2010 10:00:00 +0000 Fabian Pfortmüller http://www.sandbox-network.com/?p=390

It was a gorgeous spring morning in New York, and the Bacchanal festival at Columbia University was in full swing when Gustav Borgefalk and I met for coffee. Gustav is currently a student at the Stockholm School of Economics. Mild mannered, friendly and easygoing, he told me all about his passion for essay writing and case studies, and how this has provided inspiration for his newest venture, Student Competitions. Gustav on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell us about the story of your latest project/occupation

My current focus is on Student Competitions (SC), a website that I started with friends in Sweden. We pitched the idea for this company on the Swedish version of the television show, Dragon’s Den, and are now up and running at full speed. We bridge the information gap between students and organizations that hold student competitions, by guiding students to both local and global events. Hence, we provide them a larger sphere in which to participate and showcase their skills. Competition is intrinsic to life, and I believe that it can lead to positive growth. It gives anyone the opportunity to become an academic superstar, and win opportunities and recognition regardless of their background. Currently, we have offices in Sweden, the UK and India, and are in the process of expanding to China and the US. SC was recently one named of the world’s 100 Most Innovative Student Ventures by the Kairos Society and exhibited at a fair at the New York Stock Exchange!

What are you doing and how did you get there?

My desire to found Student Competitions originated from my own passion for competition. Last year I submitted a case study for a microfinance organization in India called Hand in Hand and won the opportunity to do an internship in Tamil Nadu. We worked on bridging the ‘digital divide’ that has arisen in urban and rural India, by providing self-sustaining Internet access in rural India. I consider myself an opportunist, and do not turn opportunities down. I just say yes and make the most of it! By helping other people, you will always be presented with new opportunities. The good you do will come back to you, because individuals want to help one another succeed if you are helpful to them.

Tell us about the biggest successes and failures in your life. What worked, what didn’t and what did you learn?

For me, the biggest success in life is really tied into being a happy person. Feeling good about myself, and what I do, is the most important thing. Being able to pursue, and stay committed to, an entrepreneurial path in life has been one of my successes. Winning one of the world’s largest student essay competitions in 2007 helped me realize that I was a strong competitor and has paved the way for the rest of my opportunities. However, I have had my fair share of failures too. Often, I have not been able to live up to people’s expectations because I’m constantly trying to live up to my own. Two years ago I entered a business venture with seven other friends, but found that I had stepped into a role that I wasn’t really ready for and consequently was not able to deliver results. It taught me how important it is to be comfortable with my settings; one that includes the right people, in an environment that I’m in control of, at an appropriate stage in my life. On the occasion that I won the St. Gallen Wings of Excellence Award, I had travelled to Switzerland to present my paper. I climbed onto the stage, in front of 600 of the world’s most influential leaders…and promptly fainted in under a minute! In hindsight, it was the best PR stunt I could ever have pulled. It meant that they actually had to read my paper for themselves to find out what I was going to say.

What do you want to achieve in a) the next week, b) the next year, and c) the next 10 years?

a) Firstly, I have to make it back to Europe this week, once air traffic is back to normal. I am throwing a launch party for Student Competitions back in Sweden, in connection with Dragon’s Den. I am also going to reconnect with old friends, as well as apply for one or two new competitions. I try to participate in one every week!

b) Next year, I want Student Competitions to be the worlds best website for information on student competitions. I want to do new things, continue exploring the world, and meet great new people. I’m also going to graduate! Just a few more exams to take care of.

c) In the next 10 years, I want to work with the worlds greatest entrepreneurs, make the world a better place, and have a lot of fun while doing it =D

What was your most inspiring moment during the last two weeks?

Since it is my first time to the US, experiencing springtime in New York has been just smashing! My first meeting with Sandboxers in NY was also truly inspirational.

How could other Sandboxers and the outside world support you and why would that be exciting for them?

Sandboxers can help me spread the world about Student Competitions by talking and blogging about it. I know that Sandboxers love global opportunities, and by helping me with this venture, perhaps I too can guide them towards competitions that are of interest, or assist them with new undertakings. I’m very grateful to Fabian for providing me with invaluable support here in NY.

Gustav’s Favorites:

Quote: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” (Henry Ford) 
Travel

Destination: Nepal. Wonderful climate, people, heritage, and SCENERY! I love mountains!

People: Happy people =)

Music: 80’s Music and Rock.

Nirav Devnani works with Sandbox in New York and studies at Columbia College. He wants to thank the volcano for giving him the chance to interview one more stranded Sandboxer! He hopes do do many more : )

Nirav Devnani is a student at Columbia College, originally from Dubai, and supports the Sandbox community in New York. He’s excited about all the Volcano-stranded Sandboxers in NYC.

Sandbox member Emily Dubner is a 25-year-old entrepreneur living in NYC. In September she launched Baking for Good, an online bake sale. They bake delicious brownies and cookies and ship them across the US, and 15% of every purchase goes to a cause the customer chooses. She graduated from Harvard in 2006 and then went on to work at a management consulting firm. She loves to cook and bake, explore the city, travel, and run in Central Park. Emily on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell us the story of your latest project / occupation

Baking for Good is a modern-day interpretation of the bake sale. I developed the idea based on two assumptions. First, I believe there is a growing market for baked goods, especially when considered as a gift (e.g. as an alternative to flowers). Second, there’s a long history of selling baked goods as a way of raising money for great causes. I brought these two ideas together as the inspiration for Baking for Good. I left my consulting job last spring and have been experiencing all the highs and lows (mostly highs) of being on my own as an entrepreneur!

What are you doing and how did you get there?

I run the business side of things at Baking for Good. I’m working with a fantastic baker who bakes and ships all the treats, leaving me to manage the website, customer inquiries, finances, marketing, PR, etc. There hasn’t exactly been a direct path to my getting here. I studied Social Studies and Chinese in college and then consulted to energy and telecom companies. Needless to say, I’ve been learning a lot while running my own online business!

Tell us about the biggest successes and failures in your life. What worked, what didn’t, and what did you learn?

Biggest successes: I’m really proud of having launched Baking for Good. Hopefully it will continue to be a success! I like to think I haven’t had any major failures in my life. I’m a firm believer that if you’re happy with how things are going in the present, then nothing in the past could have been a failure. Everything in the past has brought you to where you are now, so why have regrets?

What do you want to achieve in the next week, the next year, the next 10 years?

In the next week: Sell lots of spring treats!
In the next year: Continue to grow Baking for Good. Have a really awesome win, perhaps some major PR. That would be exciting.
In the next 10 years: I would love to work with other start-ups, whether my own or others that I believe in.

What was your most inspring moment during the last two weeks?

I taught a 5th grader how to solve basic algebra problems, and there was a moment when I could see on his face that it had clicked. He looked surprised, delighted, and enchanted all at once. It was great!

How could other Sandboxers and the outside world support you and why would that be exciting for them?

Tell others about Baking for Good. Order our treats for yourselves or someone you care about in the US. Send us your ideas for new product offerings, new partnerships, new marketing campaigns, etc. I would love to hear from other Sandboxers and be inspired. I am new at this; there is plenty I can learn!

Emily’s favourites:

book – A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
travel destination during last year – Cayman Islands
food – Lately: brie and caramelized apple sandwiches. And anything Baking for Good, of course!
quote – a little sugar goes a long way.

• We’re looking for an intern based in New York to join our US office.
• The internship is part-time, around 8 hours per week, starting asap.
• We’re a fast growing startup that connects exceptional young people worldwide and helps them to make their ideas happen.
• This internship is different; you will meet outstanding people, take over responsibility and be inspired at the same time.

Still interested? Read on.

About us

We’re a global network of exceptional young achievers under 30. Our members have already in their twenties a significant impact on the world by running businesses, building social ventures, leading organizations or creating art. We carefully select them, bring them together, and help them make bigger things happen. As a community we help large organizations to find atypical solutions for complex problems. The rest of this website will tell you more

The adventure: what the internship is about

There are so many exciting things happen to Sandbox in the US, we’re exploding. And we need your help to make these ambitious plans happen

• Help us grow the Sandbox Network in the US in all aspects of community management. Support our members by connecting them with other members or senior leaders worldwide, screening new applicants and helping them to find the right resources within our network.

• Plan and execute NYC and East Coast focused Sandbox activities and events.

• Help us build up the Sandbox content team that produces insightful stories about young innovators and their ideas worldwide.

• Support us with client work and trend research.

• Regularly brainstorm crazy ideas with Fabian and Paul over Coffee on how to take over the world.

The hero: who we’re looking for

We’re looking for an ambitious young New Yorker who loves to make things happen as much as we do. The job requires that you have a strong interest in meeting people, connecting people, organizing events and leading projects. Communication is key and ideally you love writing and are good at simply explaining complex messages.

Overall we prefer passionate people to great CVs / good grades. We are looking for someone who got bored by the traditional internship experience, rather wants to take responsibility, has an entrepreneurial mind and is not afraid of working hard The formal expectations are simple: we ask you to invest at least 8 hours per week over the next 6 months and live in New York. You are free to work from our office or remotely. We ideally look for someone who can start now

The treasure: what we offer

This position is unpaid in its traditional sense but priceless in terms of experience, inspiration, fun and network. By working with us, we’ll open you the door to an exceptional network of young people who will shake the world in a few years and to the senior leaders that we interact with every day. And we promise that by being around people who make their dreams happen you’ll be inspired just as much as we are. Last but not least we wll try hard to make work fun and an exceptional learning experience. Plus we’ll buy you very strong Espresso and will make you eat more Swiss Chocolate than you can handle

Talk to us!

If you’re motivated to invest at least 8 hours per week over the next 6 months, live in New York and are up for the adventure described above, contact Fabian Pfortmuller, co-founder of Sandbox and Head of the US activities, drop him a line (fabian [at] sandbox-network.com) and tell us more about you. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Learn more

• Read what people said who worked with us in the past (the ones who still talk to us haha
• Get a little “behind-the-scenes” view on what the Sandbox team is like
• Meet Fabian in New York and let him tell you more.