“Yes, I am. And she understands everything I’m doing now. So, instead of us getting involved in just the local parties, events, and concerts, we’re now conversing on international deals, while talking to all of the brands who want to be a part of it. That’s even the new way of using music now. It’s not about how the album sells anymore, it’s all about producing the big shows, and all of the tieins that come with a hit song. All we have to do is know who’s hot. And as Kanye West has continued to prove with his music, it’s not just a black or white thing. You gotta get out there and get everybody’s money. So you have to continue to create the kind of products and teamwork that you’ll need to compete in a more diverse market.”

Levonia was impressed. Ivan was giving her more information than she had expected from him. She couldn’t even use that much information in a print article. She would have to link the rest of it to his website.

Again, she nodded and said, “Wow.” She then looked at her notes to see what he hadn’t answered yet. But before she could ask him her next question, Carol Henderson made her way out of her back office to give Ivan a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Nathan immediately got the two of them to pose for a picture.

Carol said good-naturedly, “You make sure you write a good article on this young man. And make sure you add that it all started for him right here in my restaurant.”

Ivan said, “Yeah, this is one of the many brands that I want to make famous in more than just San Diego.” He had made his peace with her daughter Ida. Business was business, and fortunately their brief attempt at pleasure did not destroy it.

Levonia smiled and decided to ask Carol a few things.

“What do you think about how far Ivan has come since throwing his first event here at your restaurant?”

Carol paused before she answered. She said, “When I first spoke to Ivan years ago, right here at this restaurant, he looked me straight in my eyes and told me what he wanted to do, and I believed him. Now, I had no idea of knowing if he was lying to me or not,” she added with a chuckle. “But being able to believe in a person is the first part of business. And Ivan has a gift for making you believe.”

She added, “But I don’t want to take up too much of his interview, just make sure you get some good pictures of him around the restaurant.”

“Oh, I got you on that,” Nathan promised her.

Before Levonia could ask her anything else, Carol was already making her way back to her office. She was in and out.