Top 16 FINE Magazine Interviews of 2015

This past year, FINE has interviewed a number of different local and out-of-town businesses, designers, and entertainers for both our website and our print magazine. As the year winds down, we thought we’d bring you one last time our top 16 interviews heading into 2016. Browse through our favorites, then find your way to the comments down below to tell us which interviews rocked your world, and what you’d like to see more of in 2016!

16 Christopher Yanov of San Diego’s Reality Changers

Reality Changers is an amazing nonprofit charity program that focuses on changing the lives of gang members and getting them to college. Founded in 2001 by UCSD alumni Christopher Yanov, the program offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn their lives around. Read about Christopher Yanov’s inspired vision here!

15 Scott Kavanaugh of First Foundation Inc

Scott Kavanaugh leads the First Foundation Bank, and he is an incredibly successful businessman in San Diego. This past March, we interviewed Kavanaugh about his company, his business history, and why San Diego is the must-be place for all things business. This is a fantastic read for all of the financially-savvy out there. Read more here!

14 Malcolm Floyd, Danny Woodhead, and Melvin Gordon of the San Diego Chargers

What could be better than one interview? Why, three of course! Back in September, we interviewed Malcolm Floyd, Danny Woodhead, and Melvin Gordon of the San Diego Chargers. From Floyd, who is near the end of his career, to Gordon, who is still a rookie, FINE Magazine brings you multiple perspectives from the world of NFL football!

13 Charmaine J Rodriguez of Charmaine Joie Couture

Love fashion? Then this in-depth interview is perfect for you! Charmaine J Rodriguez is an up and coming fashion designer who has appeared in BCBG and on NBC’s Fashion Star.  This interview details how Rodriguez started out in the fashion industry, what her design inspiration is, and all about her signature look. Check out Charmaine Joie Couture.

12 UDC Luxury Homes

UDC Luxury Homes designs custom-made large, luxury homes in North County San Diego. In this interview, owners Rick Schroeder and Russel Kaup spoke about their design styles, the inspiration behind UDC Luxury Homes, and what their business means to them. For anyone interested in real estate, this interview is a fascinating look into the world of home design.

11 Nadia Castillo

Believe it or not, it is possible to have it all! Nadia Castillo is a model, fashion designer, and a mother! This interview features Castillo’s story as she started out in the fashion industry, and how she balances her professional life with her personal one. Plus, this interview includes a fun gallery filled with some of Castillo’s designs! Our Nadia Castillo interview is a must-read!

10 Jerry Van Leeuwen of California Center for the Arts

Back in March, we interviewed Jerry Van Leeuwen of the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Van Leeuwen shared information about some of the highlights of the 2015 season, and how the California Center for the Arts impacts the community. Read this interview here!

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9 Monique Friedman of Flipinista

Love summer weather but hate how tacky flip flops look outside of the beach? Well Monique Friedman felt exactly the same, inspiring her to create Flipinista. This company creates elegant, chic summer shoes perfect for the warm weather. For more of Friedman’s style tips and her advice on starting your own business, check out her interview!

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8 Kenneth Barlis

Kenneth Barlis is his name, and designing menswear, couture dresses, and bridal gowns is his game! In this interview, Barlis describes his sense of style, his various fashion lines, and his charity work. Barlis’s studio recently moved to La Jolla, with the Grand Opening scheduled for January. Check it out!

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7 Igor Tsigelny

There have been some amazing scientific breakthroughs over the last few years, but none have hit closer to home than scientist Igor Tsigelny’s potential breakthrough in glioblastoma treatment. Tsigelny researches cancer treatment at UCSD, and we were lucky enough to speak with him about his latest breakthrough. Read the cool interview here!

6 Sam Roberts-Smith of the TEN Tenors

The TEN Tenors is an Australian music group known for performing in worldwide tours. They sing rock and pop classics, as well as operatic arias and Broadway hits. Sam Roberts-Smith is one of the newer members of the famed group, and in this interview, he shares his experiences performing, touring, and planning for 2016. 

5 Tony Martinez of Wine Down Box

It's rare that young companies make as much of a splash in our community as Wine Down Box has. Less than 6 months old, the owners of this wine pairings subscription box hit the ground running and have already cultivated a quality product, producing monthly gift and subscription boxes filled with wine, meat, and cheese. We interview owner Tony Martinez about Wine Down Box and where the company is headed in 2016.

4 Deanna Smith of Deanna’s Gluten-Free Bakery

Gluten-Free cuisine has become popular in the recent years, and nobody does it better than Deanna Smith of Deanna’s Gluten-Free Bakery. Smith’s products are found in some major stores and restaurants, including Jimbos, Seasons 52, Legoland, and Disneyland. This is a great interview for anyone trying to learn about a gluten-free diet!

3 Somsi Nor of Somsi Couture

One of the most important fashion choices of any woman’s life is what she wears on her wedding day. Luckily, FINE Magazine has you covered! In 2015, we interviewed Somsi Couture, a San Diego bridal couture house founded in 2000. We interviewed the founder of the company about her bridal gowns, so if you are in the market for a wedding dress, this is a must-read!

2 Dallas Eakins of the San Diego Gulls

It was a proud day in AHL hockey when the Gulls finally returned to the west coast. Coach Dallas Eakins, a retired defensive lineman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, spoke with FINE Magazine about San Diego, and what having the Gulls in town will mean for the Anaheim Ducks and the NHL. This is definitely an interview you don’t want to miss!

1 Scott Bradlee of Postmodern Jukebox

If you haven’t heard of the Youtube-famous Postmodern Jukebox, you may want to step out of that bunker you’ve clearly been living in. The Postmodern Jukebox has been taking the internet by storm for the past 2 years, with creator Scott Bradlee at the helm. In this interview, Bradlee talks about his Youtube channel and how he got started making music. It’s a fascinating read, and the Postmodern Jukebox is a must-follow Youtube channel. Check out our Scott Bradlee interview!