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S2 E38 | Behind the Lens: Trop’s Journey into Video Production

Step behind the camera with Trop, the 24-year-old founder of Cinewave Films who’s rapidly making his mark on Tampa’s creative scene. What began with a basic Canon camera at age 17 has evolved into a thriving videography business specializing in music videos and performance content that stands out through distinctive lighting and creative direction.

Trop walks us through his fascinating creative evolution—from his early “Wet Snap” Instagram photography days and stint as DJ Tropical to the moment he recognized his Sony A6400 could become more than just a personal creative outlet. His entrepreneurial journey contains valuable lessons about charging what you’re worth (after learning firsthand that “cheap customers are the worst”), developing a signature style, and the power of filling knowledge gaps through self-education.

The conversation takes entertaining detours through Tampa’s evolving nightlife scene, with Trop sharing his recommendations from Urban 1701 to McDitton’s, while reminiscing about how Ybor City has changed over the years. Music lovers will appreciate his breakdown of favorite artists—from Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug to Future, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar—sparking a wider discussion about hip-hop’s evolution from NWA to today’s stars.

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S2 E37 | Beyond Beauty: How Marandan Renea Built Her Empire

When Marandan Renea picked up a brush at age six, little did she know she was taking her first steps toward a dazzling career creating iconic looks for WWE superstars, New York Fashion Week models, and brides across the country. From getting her cosmetology license in high school to establishing a thriving “concierge beauty” empire, Marandan’s journey reveals what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive world of beauty.

On this episode, Marandan pulls back the curtain on her fascinating work with WWE wrestlers like Jade Cargill, where her distinctive makeup designs (including that jaw-dropping symmetrical line down the face) have become part of wrestling history. She shares the adrenaline rush of transforming a performer’s entire look in just nine minutes backstage at Wrestlemania, proving that grace under pressure might be her greatest superpower.

But Marandan’s wisdom extends far beyond technique. She delivers candid insights about the business side of beauty – why bridesmaid drama is more common than bridezilla moments, how collaboration trumps gatekeeping for real success, and why genuine service must remain at the heart of even the most glamorous beauty brand. Her “I Touch Myself” series takes makeup beyond the surface, creating space for women to explore self-love and confidence beyond cosmetics.

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S2 E36 | Colin Biedenkapp with the Versatile Mind: Software, Music and Entrepreneurship

What happens when you combine technical brilliance with creative passion? Meet Colin Biedenkapp, a software engineering CEO who moonlights as a pianist and DJ while running a successful flight simulation company. This episode takes you on an unexpected journey through seemingly disconnected worlds that Colin navigates with remarkable fluidity.

Colin’s story begins in the isolation of rural upstate New York, where a 12-year-old with too much time and a computer discovered flight simulation. What started as simple file edits to improve existing simulators evolved organically into Invernix, a company now known for creating sophisticated aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator and infrastructure for virtual aviation communities. The serendipitous nature of his career path challenges conventional wisdom about planning and specialization.

The conversation shifts between technical discussions of flight physics and heartfelt reflections on musical expression. Colin reveals how he taught himself piano after being inspired by Billy Joel, overcoming performance anxiety to eventually become DJ Catching Lightning. His approach to music—balancing technical proficiency with emotional authenticity—mirrors his philosophy toward software development, where he values human creativity alongside technological advancement.

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Send Your Question

Got burning questions about business, entrepreneurship, or anything in between? We want to hear from you! Send us your queries, and hosts Manny and Sean Febre will answer them on an upcoming episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights while having a great time. Simply drop us a message with your questions, and let’s dive into the world of business together!

E45 | Cliff's Chronicle: Crafting Tampa's Digital Buzz, Foodie Fame, and the Pursuit of Social Media Mastery

Navigating Tampa’s Digital Currents: A Deep Dive with Cliff Carithers on Happy Hour Holidaze

Welcome to another enthralling episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, where hosts Sean and Manny Febre explore the fascinating world of digital entrepreneurship with Cliff Carithers, the visionary behind TampaLatest. Episode 45 offers a vibrant mix of insightful business strategies, personal growth tales, and an insider’s look at Tampa’s bustling digital scene. Join us as we decode the secrets behind building a successful online presence in one of Florida’s most dynamic cities.

From Humble Beginnings to Digital Maverick

Cliff Carithers didn’t start with a roadmap to digital success. His journey began as a fresh-faced high school graduate, whose curiosity and drive plunged him into the complex world of SEO and digital marketing. Early in the episode, Cliff shares how his initial experiences working for a local SEO firm laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a thriving personal venture.

As he navigated through the initial challenges, Cliff’s breakthrough came from recognizing a niche for TampaLatest—a platform dedicated not just to highlighting the glossy side of Tampa but to broadcasting a genuine narrative of the city through social media. This approach not only differentiated him from the crowd but also created a loyal community base eager for authentic content.

The Art and Science of Engagement

One of the episode’s highlights is Cliff’s detailed discussion on the art of engaging content creation. He delves into the mechanics of what makes content shareable and engaging, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and strategic planning. Whether it’s highlighting a local business, covering an event, or sharing a piece of city news, Cliff’s approach is meticulous and data-driven, aimed at maximizing reach and engagement on social media platforms.

Sean and Manny probe into the specifics of how Cliff manages to keep his content fresh and relevant. Cliff reveals his strategy of balancing educational and entertaining content, which has been crucial in building and maintaining his audience. He also touches on the tools and technologies that aid his content creation, from scheduling tools to analytics software that helps track performance and engagement metrics.

Navigating Brand Partnerships and Growth

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to exploring Cliff’s partnerships with major brands like Busch Gardens and Red Bull. Here, Cliff provides a playbook on how budding digital entrepreneurs can attract and maintain fruitful collaborations. He stresses the importance of alignment in brand values and audience demographics, which ensures that partnerships resonate well with existing followers while attracting new ones.

Cliff’s narrative is a testament to the power of strategic growth and networking. His ability to leverage relationships into opportunities has seen TampaLatest become a pivotal part of Tampa’s digital and real-life communities. This segment is particularly enlightening for listeners interested in understanding the dynamics of brand partnerships and influencer marketing.

Ethics and the Future of Digital Influence

In an increasingly digital world, the ethical considerations of influence and content creation are more relevant than ever. Cliff and the hosts discuss the responsibilities that come with a large online following, including the impact of their content on public opinion and individual behavior. This part of the episode shifts to a more reflective tone, where Cliff shares his philosophy on transparency and integrity in digital communications.

Looking ahead, Cliff expresses his ambitions for TampaLatest, revealing plans to expand into real estate and other sectors. His vision for the platform encompasses a broader service offering, aiming to match Tampa residents and newcomers with ideal living situations through engaging, informative content.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Glasses Raised

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the key lessons from their discussion with Cliff. For aspiring digital marketers and entrepreneurs, Cliff’s story is a blueprint for thoughtful growth, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of staying true to one’s values.

Listeners are left with a mix of actionable business insights and a dose of inspiration, all served up in the convivial, relaxed atmosphere that Happy Hour Holidaze is known for. So, raise your glass to new learnings, a ripple of laughter, and the endless possibilities that await in the digital world.

Don’t forget to tune in next week for another episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, and in the meantime, follow us on all platforms for more episodes that blend business savvy with life’s lighter moments.

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