Jeff Yang’s life is a mosaic of music, art, and a cultural journey that began halfway across the world. Born in Taiwan to parents who had fled wartime China, Jeff’s early years were shaped by stories of resilience, courage, and family legacy. When he immigrated to the United States at age eight, Jeff found himself in a world that felt foreign. Yet, amidst the disorientation, music emerged as a constant, becoming his language, his grounding force, and ultimately, his purpose.

Growing up in New Jersey and later Seattle, Jeff discovered that music transcends language and culture. “No matter where you’re from, music has a way of connecting you to others,” he shares. He embraced the violin at an early age, inspired by his older half-siblings and a violin left behind by his sister. As he progressed, Jeff’s skill grew, and music became a bridge that connected him to new cultures and communities. Pursuing this path led him to a scholarship at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he was able to dive fully into the world of orchestras, eventually performing internationally.

Jeff’s journey took him across the world, where he performed in places as far-reaching as Italy, Russia, and Israel. Performing in different cultures taught him the power of art to bridge gaps in understanding, and he noticed that regardless of language, music was universally felt. As he put it, “I was good at music and good at moving people.” His ability to convey emotion across cultures reinforced his belief that music has an unmatched power to connect people.

Beyond performance, Jeff’s career evolved into a unique blend of art and experience, integrating sensory elements to create immersive events. Jeff’s vision is to use music, scents, and visuals to craft moments that transcend everyday life. His first event, in 2018, was a test of this idea—a multisensory experience that brought together music, art installations, and carefully crafted scents. Collaborating with chefs, perfumers, and visual artists, Jeff’s event invited attendees to experience art through all senses. “The beauty of life is in its subtleties, in the things that make you feel alive,” Jeff explains.

For Jeff, it’s about more than the art itself—it’s about capturing those moments of wonder that modern life often pushes aside. In a world where technology makes everything instantly accessible, he believes we risk losing touch with what makes us feel deeply connected to the present moment. “We’re so used to things being fed to us that we stop paying attention,” he reflects. By combining multiple senses, Jeff’s events remind people to feel and engage in the richness of each moment.

Reflecting on his life as an artist, Jeff speaks to the value of risk-taking and self-discovery. He acknowledges that pursuing a life in the arts hasn’t always been easy; there were moments where he played on street corners or relied on side gigs to make ends meet. But for Jeff, it’s all been part of a larger mission—to create experiences that inspire people to see life from a fresh perspective. “Knowing yourself and what you’re good at is essential,” he says. By embracing his unique strengths, Jeff has been able to create something truly unique and fulfilling.

Through his creative events, Jeff has touched the lives of many, reminding us that art has a profound role in fostering empathy and understanding. His projects with In the Realm of Senses—a platform that uses art to explore humanity’s shared experiences—blend music, food, and fragrance to create transformative encounters. From multisensory dinners paired with classical music to immersive outdoor concerts, Jeff’s work speaks to the value of art in cultivating peace and harmony.

Today, Jeff continues to create these experiences in Chicago and beyond. By connecting people through shared sensory experiences, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for art, culture, and life itself. It’s a reminder that, in a fast-paced

Zhanna Biletska’s story is one of courage, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to growth. Born and raised in Ukraine, Zhanna’s passion for art was evident from an early age. By the time she was nine, she was already attending art school, honing her skills in drawing, painting, and composition. But the journey that brought her to where she is today—a thriving artist and photographer based in Chicago—was anything but linear.

Zhanna’s artistic journey is marked by moments of discomfort and fear, which she has consistently confronted head-on. This theme of stepping out of her comfort zone is a thread that runs through her entire life. She recalls, “I was really, really scared too, but I just put myself in the situation that put me out of my comfort zone. And I think it's the only way you can grow and change.”

This willingness to face fear has taken her far beyond the boundaries of her hometown in Ukraine. Zhanna moved to the United States over a decade ago, initially just to travel and explore a new culture. What was meant to be a temporary visit turned into a permanent move when she decided to stay in Chicago, a city she now calls home.

Zhanna’s decision to join the U.S. Army—a rare path for an immigrant artist—was driven by a practical need to expedite her citizenship process. However, this experience turned out to be one of the most challenging and transformative periods of her life. As someone who never considered herself an athlete, the physical demands and the cultural shock of military life were daunting. Yet, Zhanna persevered, pushing through self-doubt and emerging stronger on the other side.

Her advice to others, particularly immigrants facing similar challenges, is simple yet profound: “You have to go towards your fear.” Zhanna believes that staying in your comfort zone stifles growth. For her, true change and personal development only come when you push yourself beyond what feels safe and familiar.

This philosophy extends to her art. Zhanna’s love for plein air painting, a style that involves capturing the natural world outdoors, is a testament to her commitment to engaging directly with her surroundings, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Despite initial doubts about whether she could make a living from her art, Zhanna found success by staying true to what she loved. She shares, “You have to do what you actually love, not what you think will make money.”

Zhanna’s story also highlights the importance of community. While Chicago’s vibrant Ukrainian community provided a sense of familiarity, it was her desire to connect with a broader audience that fueled her growth. She started interacting more with English-speaking clients and artists, even though it was challenging. “I was so embarrassed, like when they are talking, and I’m just smiling. But that’s part of the process,” she says.

This drive to connect with others, despite the language barrier and cultural differences, has not only helped Zhanna grow as an artist but has also expanded her network in significant ways. Her work, particularly her commissioned paintings of local Chicago architecture, has garnered attention and praise, leading to more opportunities and a growing client base.

As an artist and entrepreneur, Zhanna has had to wear many hats—everything from creator to marketer to customer service representative. The demands of running her own business have sometimes led to burnout, but she’s learned to recognize when it’s time to take a step back. “There have been moments that I was burned out, that I got insane,” she admits, underscoring the importance of self-care in sustaining creativity.

For aspiring artists, Zhanna offers this advice: don’t be discouraged by the difficulty of making a living from your art. Keep practicing, keep refining your skills, and most importantly, keep doing what you love. “It’s crazy how that happens—when you’re chasing it, it runs away from you. And then when...

Dariel Love, a performing artist with roots on the West Side of Chicago, isn't just another name in the music industry. His story is one of unapologetic individuality, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. As he sat down to discuss his life and career, Dariel made it clear that his path was never meant to mimic anyone else's. "I'm the first of my kind," he confidently states, embracing the fact that his journey is uniquely his own.

Growing up in the Austin neighborhood, Dariel's experiences were shaped by a blend of city life and small-town influences. His family moved to a tiny town in Illinois when he was ten, giving him a fresh perspective on life that most kids his age never encountered. This duality of experiences—urban summers with his father in Chicago and quieter school years in a predominantly white town—helped him see the world from multiple vantage points, shaping the artist he would become.

Music wasn't just a hobby for Dariel; it was a calling. From a young age, he found himself drawn to the rhythms and lyrics that filled the airwaves. He recalls how he and his older brother would buy blank cassette tapes from the beauty supply store and record their own raps using a box radio. "I knew every word to every song," he reminisces, highlighting his early passion for music. But for Dariel, music was more than just something to enjoy—it was a medium through which he could express his deepest thoughts and experiences.

As he matured, Dariel's vision for his life became more refined. What began as a simple desire to rap evolved into aspirations of owning a record label, publishing his own music, and eventually, exploring other creative avenues. "The more you paint, the clearer it becomes," he explains, likening his life to a canvas that he's been meticulously crafting over the years. His journey isn't just about making music—it's about creating a legacy that transcends the boundaries of any one industry.

Dariel's approach to life is one of intentionality and purpose. He doesn't just want to be an artist; he wants to be a multifaceted creator who controls every aspect of his brand. This drive led him to explore real estate, fashion, and even screenwriting, each endeavor adding another layer to his ever-expanding canvas. "This is America, dawg. You better own something," he asserts, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels his many pursuits.

But for all his success, Dariel remains grounded in the belief that it's his individuality that sets him apart. He urges others to embrace their uniqueness, reminding them that their experiences are unlike anyone else's. "You are your individual, and your individuality is what's going to play out for you in the long run," he advises, offering a powerful message for anyone struggling to find their own voice.

For Dariel, it's not about chasing fame or fortune—it's about staying true to who he is and enjoying the ride along the way. He balances his ambitious goals with a genuine love for life, whether he's attending fashion shows, connecting with interesting people, or simply enjoying the company of a beautiful woman. "You gotta enjoy yourself, man," he says, emphasizing the importance of balancing the highs and lows with a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Looking ahead, Dariel's vision continues to grow. He's working on a screenplay that has already spanned over 500 pages, and he's eager to add more properties to his real estate portfolio. Traveling is also on his list, with dreams of visiting clean, beautiful places like Fukuoka, Japan. But no matter where life takes him, Dariel's focus remains on completing the vision that's been with him from the start. "I gotta see it to the end," he says with determination.

Dariel Love is more than just a performing artist—he's a creator, a thinker, and a visionary. His story is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself and the importance of crafting a life that's...