The 2011 countdown has begun!!! “Experience the Lifestyle” again with NXL21 Charlotte. We have provided an exclusive atmosphere for the well-educated, fashion-forward, media-savvy young professional - QUALITY. On Friday, December 31, 2010, join us at the sexy Lava Bistro & Bar located on the University Lake. #WIN

Purchase your “Early Bird” ticket for $10 immediately- only 50 available online! For those who wish to upgrade your New Year’s Eve experience, be sure to get your “Early Bird” V.I.P. ticket online- limited availability. This special package will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast.

“Early Bird” V.I.P. Tables start at $250. This special package includes complimentary champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and bottle service for all of your guests!

***Again, these prices are for a limited time only - DON’T WAIT***

Last year, Forever Young 2009 was a sold-out event! With a new and intimate venue facing the waterfront, we know this year will be indistinguishable.

“Experience the Lifestyle…Quality”

Forever Young 2010: New Years Eve Event

Lava Bistro & Bar

8708 JW Clay Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28262

Friday, December 31, 2010

Doors open @ 10pm

Attire: Stylish & Sophisticated

http://www.foreveryoungnye.eventbrite.com/

Man of Style || The Jeffrey Lee Interview

-By: Chanel Murphy

NXL21 Charlotte engaged in a session of Q&A with the CEO of HTDOGWTR- Jeffrey Lee. This clothing line is fresh and innovative, designed specifically for the “individual.” “My inspiration is to push people to be individuals. You set your tone. Make your own statement. I only make a certain amount of pieces,” said Jeffrey Lee.

NXL21 Charlotte: When did you start your clothing line HTDOGWTR?

Jeffrey Lee: I started my clothing line in 2006.

NXL21 Charlotte: The name of your clothing line is interesting. What’s the story behind the name "HTDOGWTR?"

Jeffrey Lee: When I was younger I grew up around my grandpa and grandma. They used to take us to the park and my grandpa would cook on the grill. He used to give us a hotdog and tell us to go to the water fountain. That’s where the name came from. I was trying to come up with a name for my line and that’s what stuck. People said it was something I couldn't do. There was a challenge within the name itself.

NXL21 Charlotte: What kind of products do you make?

Jeffrey Lee: I started out making women's handbags. But now HTDOGWTR carries hats, shirts, dresses, jeans, eyewear, etc. for men and women- a full line.

NXL21 Charlotte: When did you become interested in creating clothing?

Jeffrey Lee: I’m an only child and grew up with a single parent. My mom used to make my Halloween costumes. I learned how to sew at the age of five.

NXL21 Charlotte: You don’t create clothing based on the seasons -spring/summer and fall/winter- like most fashion designers. How often do you produce new clothing?

Jeffrey Lee: I design in collections and it depends on how I’m feeling at the time. I don’t believe in the ordinary trends of fashion. My clothing is not for the average person. Don’t let the clothes make you. Make the clothes. Fashion is about expression.

NXL21 Charlotte: What fashion trend do you foresee becoming popular soon?

Jeffrey Lee: Raccoon tails and fox tails. People are wearing them on bags, hips, and belt loops. I saw it during New York Fashion Week.

NXL21 Charlotte: What are some setbacks that you have encountered?

Jeffrey Lee: One setback is that I'm doing it by myself. I'm the jack of all trades. Marketing. PR. I have one person who does all the characters and his name is 2E.

NXL21 Charlotte: Have you had any recent initiatives?

Jeffrey Lee: I sponsored the clothing for the whole second season of Fantasia Barrino's show on VH1- Fantasia For Real. Also, we're coming out with Fantasia's tour shirt.

NXL21 Charlotte: Where can customers purchase your clothing?

Jeffrey Lee: They can purchase products online at www.htdogwtr.com or at boutique Boris and Natasha in Charlotte.

NXL21 Charlotte: What is your favorite experience with NXL21 Charlotte?

Jeffrey Lee: The networking event downtown at Aquavina. It was last year.

NXL21 Charlotte: Lastly, do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?

Jeffrey Lee: Stay focused. Don't give up. Keep pushing. Some things may not go your way but keep pushing.

Be sure to follow Jeffrey Lee on twitter @htdogwtr.

Join NXL21 Charlotte! We are a close-knit team of young professionals seeking to expand our family. We are looking for photographers, models, writers, or anyone who enjoys networking, is dependable, energetic, culturally-diverse, well-rounded, and works well with others.

*Requirements:

-21+

-Full-time Job or In College

*Photographers, models and writers: please be prepared to provide sample work upon request.

Email us your contact information, a brief bio and/or resume at QC@nxlevelent.com.

Driven, talented, and beautiful, Courtnee Mason has graced covers of magazines, television stations, and received the title of Miss Black Charlotte NC USA® 2011. She was also the face of Charlotte, North Carolina’s First Annual Fashion Week, named Charlotte Style Magazine’s 25 Most Stylish, and appeared on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. “I am constantly competing with myself and driven to become the best at everything I set out to accomplish,” said Courtnee Mason.

Courtnee Mason’s most recent accomplishment was being casted on VH1’s You’re Cut Off!, a reality show about nine privileged “princesses” who are stripped of their luxuries and forced to live life like “normal” people. They went through challenges to learn self-improvement, responsibility, and independency in hopes of graduating the Princess Program. Here is Courtnee Mason’s experience when she found out she was cut off:

Nxlevel Charlotte: Why did you decide to go on VH1’s You’re Cut Off!?

Courtnee Mason: All of the girls, including me, thought that we were going to be on a show called The Good Life…but little did we know! We didn’t find out that we were on a show called You’re Cut Off! until we got to the West coast. Regardless of what the show was called, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would not change it for the world. It was a career move for me. So many others go on reality shows to jumpstart their career; it’s a chance to be seen on a national scale.

Nxlevel Charlotte: How does it feel having cameras tape your every move?

Courtnee Mason: (Laughs) It was weird at first, but I loved it!

Nxlevel Charlotte: Did you have a hard time living on a budget?

Courtnee Mason: It was not hard for me because I have always lived on some sort of budget. When you go grocery shopping with people who have never been, it is. I am from the south and one thing about my parents is that you have to know how to cook, clean, and grocery shop. That is a must in the Mason house. I am not talking about microwave dinners; I am talking about from scratch.

Nxlevel Charlotte: Describe your experience living in a house with all females.

Courtnee Mason: I hated the elementary school arguments. All I kept thinking was, ‘Are you serious or are you doing this for camera time?’ Let’s just say what you saw was real because it was like that when the cameras were on and off. You didn’t get to see the half of it. Just know that Jersey Shore had nothing on the girls in that house. (Laughs)

Nxlevel Charlotte: What was the most difficult part about the show?

Courtnee Mason: Of course living with the eight other females! It was worse than a college dorm room and we had four to five people in a room. Also, dealing with eight over the tippy-top personalities was difficult.

Nxlevel Charlotte: You went through several challenges on the show. What was the most important lesson you learned on You’re Cut Off!?

Courtnee Mason: I have learned to appreciate the little things so much more. I also realized that I need to step it up and give more of my time to those in need. PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) was my favorite challenge on the show.

Nxlevel Charlotte: Has attention from viewers been negative or positive after the show?

Courtnee Mason: The attention from viewers has been more positive than negative. Of course you have a handful of people who base their reality on reality shows; to them I am a spoiled brat. All I can say is- it’s TV!

Nxlevel Charlotte: Has your lifestyle changed or remained the same since being on the show?

Courtnee Mason: It has changed. I am ready to take over the world like Pinky and the Brain. I am ready to lead by example. So many people tell me they admired me for the way I carried myself on the show which is surprising because ratings come from the drama-filled people. It means the world to me that although I was not front and center, I was noticed for my character. I am more driven than ever before!

Nxlevel Charlotte: Is there any advice you would give women in the same situation?

Courtnee Mason: Your habits are a reflection of your insecurities. Your excessive spending or vanity is a cover-up for something deeper that is hindering your progress in life. Dig deep and find out why you do, act, or believe what you do. Know that everything can be taken from you at any given time. Be thankful and if you can afford to give, do so. ‘Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.’

Nxlevel Charlotte: What have you been doing career-wise post-show?

Courtnee Mason: I am a blog writer for Russell Simmons' Global Grind and I have also been getting ready to compete for the title of Miss Black NC USA® 2011. The pageant is this November. There are so many more projects I have been working on but I cannot reveal what they are until they are finalized. For anyone who wants to keep up with my journey, go to www.courtneemason.com and check out my weekly blog posts on www.globalgrind.com.

Nxlevel Charlotte: Last but definitely not least, what was your favorite Nxlevel experience?

Courtnee Mason: GHOE (Greatest Homecoming on Earth) 2009. I love the VIP treatment no matter where I am in North Carolina. Nxlevel takes great care of me!

Be sure to follow Courtnee Mason on Twitter @CourtneeMason.

*Image above from You're Cut Off!

*Above: The Mirror Challenge

Thoughts of a Man: Part 1 || Is HE Listening?

-By Heisman. Walls

Inspired by a true story, this literature articulates the mind of a dreamer.

Aroused by the "possibilities," it became more than a dream. Once it became attainable, the road-most-traveled seemed illogical - why not? With a sincere passion he invested time and energy.

A foundation anchored by a spiritual liaison rooted a presence in his life that was stronger than ever - a divine truth fueled by inevitable experiences and sincere devotion. The audacity of his pursuit was religiously justified. His unworldly influence qualified ALL “possibilities” to be possible - by any man who believed.

With opportunistic goals, sincere faith, and positive intent - the lack of results started to weigh heavier. How could Job* be punished? He knew but did not understand. And as time taunted him, patience lacked. He questioned, not only the process, but overall concept. He questioned, not only the purpose and direction, but his spiritual teachings and understanding - "What if HE (God) doesn't deliver the desires of my heart?"

He goes to church almost every Sunday; he dismisses wreckless lust. He sits, thinks, and occasionally sheds a tear. Invested time, money and faith overwhelmingly takes its toll. He isolates himself away from all of you a day or two - sometimes weeks. In his mother's basement, he prays for enlightenment.

Did he dream too big? Did he make the right decision?

During the day, while driving, he ponders a more realistic journey or dream overlooked - maybe? As he pleads, he needs a divine intervention.

Yearning for instant guidance he can only ask, "Where do I go from here?" ...A few seconds, days, and now weeks later - no answer. Is HE listening?...

Recap || Happy Endings

*Pictures Courtesy of CLTExposed Magazine

We Appreciate You || Happy Endings

We would like to thank everyone who attended Happy Endings at Dharma Lounge! Also, we would like to thank our partners- A 2 Z Entertainment and TV Entertainment. Stay tuned for our upcoming events! You won't want to miss out. Be sure to follow us on twitter for updates and entertainment @Nxl21Charlotte.

A Special Thanks to the Nxlevel Charlotte Team!