Master barber and CEO Michael "Checo" Checo shares his journey from growing up in his father's bodega to building Stache, a thriving barbershop brand in Union, NJ with his partner Chaz Hazlitt. He dives into business growth, balancing fatherhood, creating a nonprofit foundation, and giving back through free haircuts for kids. Tune in for insights on leadership, scaling a barbershop, and staying humble while building a legacy.

Discover how Juan Alzate turned his passion for videography into a thriving business while overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From filming nightlife events to working with top artists like Bad Bunny and 50 Cent, Juan’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and success. Tune in for a conversation on creativity, mental health, and what it takes to achieve your dreams.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Meet Chef Antonino “Nino” LoCascio, a professionally trained executive chef and the creative force behind Grano Pizzeria and Tavern in Scotch Plains, NJ. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman dives into Chef Nino’s incredible journey—from his beginnings in a family-run bakery to crafting innovative culinary experiences in some of New Jersey’s top establishments.

Discover how a spur-of-the-moment leap into culinary school turned into a 25-year career filled with lessons in leadership, perseverance, and passion. Chef Nino shares his story of transforming Grano into a hub for community, creativity, and unforgettable meals. Along the way, he dishes on the realities of running a restaurant, the power of adaptability, and the art of building connections through food.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—subscribe now and be sure to visit Grano Pizzeria to experience the magic for yourself.

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Steve Griggs, the founder of Steve Griggs Design, an award-winning landscape design firm. Known for crafting luxurious outdoor spaces, Steve shares his journey from humble beginnings working alongside his father to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and on Bravo.

Steve opens up about the lessons learned in sales, his resourceful approach to business, and how his passion for creating stunning backyard experiences translates into his broader vision for success. From the challenges of managing a business to the thrill of delivering exceptional results, this episode is packed with advice and stories for creatives and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their craft.

Tune in to discover how Steve balances artistry with business acumen and why his motto is all about pushing boundaries and delivering excellence.

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Josh Pele, a celebrity magician, mentalist, and the founder of Josh Pele Magic. Josh shares his inspiring journey from discovering magic at 21 during a trip to Milan to performing for some of the biggest names, including Travis Kelce, Mike Tyson, J Balvin, and more.

From his philosophy of continual growth and optimization to the art of reading people, Josh explains how he’s mastered the business side of magic while staying true to his craft. Listen in as he discusses the lessons he’s learned, the challenges of scaling his business, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for his audience—whether they’re children at a birthday party or celebrities at exclusive events.

Don’t miss Josh’s mind-blowing magic trick at the end!

🔗 Follow Josh Pele Magic:Instagram: @JoshPeleMagicWebsite: JoshPeleMagic.com

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Brian Walter, a Michelin-star executive chef with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey of dedication, artistry, and mastery in the culinary world. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman explores Brian’s rise through the ranks, from his time at prestigious NYC kitchens to shaping the dining experience at 87 Sussex in Jersey City.

Learn about Brian’s inspirations, his approach to blending tradition with innovation, and the invaluable lessons he’s gained from decades in the fast-paced restaurant industry. This is a story of passion, discipline, and creating unforgettable moments through food.

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with his longtime friend, Chaz Haslett, an influential figure in barbershop culture, master barber, and creator of Stache Barbershop. Chaz opens up about his path from New Jersey kid with big dreams to grooming celebrities and building a brand with global reach. They dive into his journey, from managing artists in the music industry to co-founding a one-of-a-kind community hub with Stash Barbershop, featuring coffee, craft beer, and more. Chaz shares stories of working with icons like Nas and Method Man, how he balances his family and career, and his legacy-building children’s book co-authored with his daughter. This conversation offers a glimpse into Chaz’s heart, his work ethic, and how he's shaped a unique space in the world of barbering and beyond.

In this episode of I'm An Artist, Not An Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Danilo Bonazza, a globally renowned mosaic artist whose work graces high-profile homes, hotels, and even iconic brands. Danilo shares the incredible journey from his early days in Italy, experimenting with broken glass and sand, to becoming a top-five mosaic artist worldwide. Hear how he overcame financial hardships, skepticism from his own family, and intense career challenges to build his dream.

This conversation dives deep into resilience, passion, and the artistic process, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship and the creative mindset. Danilo's unwavering commitment to his craft has led him to incredible projects for major clients like the WWE, Ivanka Trump, and luxury resorts. With tales of sacrifice, hard work, and the importance of “swinging the axe,” this episode is a must-listen for anyone who dreams of turning their art into a career.

Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or someone in need of a dose of motivation, Danilo’s story will inspire you to push forward and keep swinging. Don’t miss this powerful episode, and remember to subscribe for more inspiring interviews!