J A N / FE B 2 0 1 7
E S T E L L E volume 1, no. 1
“INT ERVIEW W IT H T H E A RT I ST ” : J UST I N CO P E L A N D “AN O P E N LE T T E R TO 2 0 1 7 ” MUS IC: D O M J O N E S & T H E H E R E M P I R E REAL LOVE: T H E A RT O F I N T E R N A L H E A LI N G T HE FAS H I O N & B E AU TY R U N D OWN
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B L AC M IN E RA LS.CO M
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T H E
N E W
Y E A R
I S S U E
E D ITOR I N C H I EF Adrina Nelson CO N T R I B UTI N G WRI TERS Princella Talley (twitter: @p_talley101) Tahmara Bonds (instagram: @author_mara_prose) Minkie English (instagram: @printbyprint) P H OTOGRAP H ERS Joseph Jones Jr. (instagram: @cboimages) S Lynn Foto (instagram: @slynnfoto) I N TERN S Asha Bey (instagram: @Asha.b_)
COV ER “Sanaa” by Justin Copeland www.justincopelandart.com O P P OS I TE PAGE REFUZ Nation Streetwear (instagram: @refuznation)
I N QUI RI ES www.estellemag.com New York, NY all rights reserved copyright © 2017
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E D I T O R ’ S
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N O T E
E D I T O R ’ S
N O T E
A NE W DI RE CT I ON FO R A N E W Y E A R
It’s a brand new year! I recently celebrated 34 years of existence on New Years Day, so each year is literally a new beginning and fresh start for me. Estelle will also have a fresh start this year! With a brand new layout, size, new writers and interns. I want to bring our readers more articles and interviews. My vision for the magazine has always been to highlight new talent while reporting culture, art, fashion, and more. It is also my goal to have Estelle across the globe this year gracing the shelves of indie boutiques. I envision a group of millennial professionals and creatives enjoying page-turning info from our publication. In this issue, we start the year with strong fashion editorials and layouts, features of artist, Justin Copeland and music lyricist, Don Jones. Our writers give us the rundown of the past election, goalsetting, and making mental health a priority. I would like to welcome new and existing writers, Tahmara, Princella, Shaun, and Otaymah. Also, a special shoutout to our new interns, Asha who contributed to this issue, and Kwynn, Courtney, and Malinda who will all make their contributions in the March/April issue. I hope you enjoy this issue and have a great and prosperous New Year!
A DRI N A N ELS ON Editor-in-Chief
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I N
NE W
T H I S
Y E ARS
I SS U E
R ES O LU T I O N S
52 Contributing writer, Princella Talley talks about making New Years resolutions. “... For most of us, [resolutions] will quickly be lost somewhere between McDonald’s french fries, cancelled workout sessions and luxury purchases that were just too good to pass up...”
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F ASHI O N E DI TO R I A L 10 Winter Falls
SP O TLI GHT: RE F UZ N A T I O N
22
A platform for creative entrepreneurs
F ASHI O N E DI TO R I A L
25
LOST
THE BE AU TY RUN D OWN
28
Check out our list of products for men and women to keep your skin and hair moisturized and rejuvenated this winter.
F E ATU RE : JU ST I N C OP E L A N D
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Artist, Justin Copeleand talks about life as an artist.
AN AF TE RN O O N WI T H R UT H
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Minkie English spoke with artist, Ruth Miller about her artwork, inspirations, and life as an artist.
DI N N E R F O R TW O : VA L E N T I N E R E C I P E S
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Skip the reservations, and stay in! Try these recipes with your significant other this Valentine’s Day.
AN O P E N LE TTE R T O 2 0 1 7
48
Tahmara Prose pens a letter to 2017
A N E W Y E AR, A N E W P R E S I D E N T
50
Shaun writes an opinion piece about our past election.
P ART 1: THE AR T O F I N T E R N A L H E A L I N G
56
We examine the first steps of internal healing so you can enjoy life and your relationships to its fullest potential.
MU SI C F E ATU RE: D O M J ON E S
58
We speak with Dom Jones about life as an artist.
HE AV Y RO TATI O N
66
Our music picks for the new year!
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
WI N TE R
FAL LS P H O T O :
M O D E L :
L O R E N Z O
J O S E P H
P O Z Z A N
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J O N E S
S T Y L I S T :
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A D R I N A
F A N O R E
EDITORIAL ENSEMBLE Poncho, Adrina Fanore; Fedora Hat, H&M; Crochet Scarf, Ke Bracelets, Zip Steel Co.
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“...a man’s style is his identity...”
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
WRAPPED UP: OV ERSIZ ED SCARF
When Lenny Kravitz was captured on the streets in a massive, oversized scarf, it put a spotlight on the rise of menswear and winter fashion accessories for men. Runways across the world are showing men accessorized with oversized scarves for the upcoming autumn/ winter collections. Check out these looks.
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F A S H I O N
B Y
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B E A U T Y
A S H A
B E Y
W I N T E R FRE S HN E SS
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
O
ur intern, Asha gave us a taste of fresh and easy pieces to add to your wardrobe this winter.
1) Turtleneck Pullover Sweater, PINKQUEEN.COM, $37; 2) Playa Backpack, POPMAP.COM, $43; 3) Chico’s Penelope Watch, CHICOS.COM, $59; 4) Luxe Fuji Double Zip Hooded Jacket, SUPERDRY.COM, $145; 5)Rihanna x Puma Velvet Creepers, KIXIFY.COM, $300; 6) Boyfriend Low Trashed Jeans, HM.COM, $30; 7) Black Knit Beanie with Fleece Lining, LUXURYDIVAS.COM, $18; 8) Tourmaline Crystal Necklace, LILYBOUTIQUE.COM, $14; 9) Fur-Ball Pompom Keychain Charm, GROUPON.COM, $5
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
S P O T L I G H T
RE F UZ NATION: THE NU CREATIVE
“REFUZ is an entrepreneurial platform for self-driven and free thinking creatives who just realized their true potential and REFUZ to be normal. “We are a new apparel company made to be worn with a purpose. Each color scheme was created to represent motivation throughout your journey. We’re breaking away from what we’re told we had to do. Now, we’re moving forward to what we want to do!” -J www.refuznation.com
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
LOST P H O T O :
M O D E L :
J E R O M E
H I N D S
S
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LY N N
F O T O
S T Y L I S T :
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A D R I N A
F A N O R E
Coat , Adrina Fanore; Sweater, H&M; Pant, GAP (Opposite) Cardigan, Adrina Fanore; Thermal tee, H&M; Bracelet, Zip Steel Co.
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
T H E B E AU TY R U N D OW N Dry, brittle hair and cracking skin? Winter requires us to add an extra step to our beauty regimen. From soaps, oils, and something for our dapper gentlemen too, we chose affordable beauty products from across the globe to keep your hair and skin moisturized this season.
N U BI A N H ER I TAG ECOCO N U T & PA PAYA B A R S OA P Formulated with rich, tropical ingredients high in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, Coconut Oil and Papaya Extract nourish the skin. Vanilla Beans buff skin as Papaya’s enzymatic action gently exfoliates. Organic Shea Butter and Coconut Oil rehydrate the skin leaving it moisturized and renewed. nubianheritage.com
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
JAN E C ART E R: CURL D E F I N I N G C R E A M Composed of shea butter, avocado and jojoba oil, this versatile cream elongates tight curls and defines looser curls without leaving any residue. It adds incredible shine, dries soft to the touch and is perfect for wash-and-wear curls. janecartersolution.com
S H EA MO I ST U R E MA NU KA H O NEY & MA FU RA O I L I NT ENS I V E H Y D RAT I O N B O DY S C R U B An invigorating scrub that gently exfoliates and nourishes with a rich blend of certified organic Shea Butter, Honey, Mafura and Baobab that super-boost skin’s hydration. This scrub will leave the skin soft, moisturized, and rejuvenated! sheamoisture.com
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
BEAR DBRAN D : B E A R D WA SH Beardbrand has released the finest beard wash. This stuff was designed from the ground up specifically for beards. The wash has a very gentle lather that is soft enough for your face and tough enough to handle curly, coarse beard hairs. Recommendation: Apply the beard wash once or twice a week, but you can use it daily if you are in environments where your beard gets dirty regularly. Always follow up with a matching beard softener. beardbrand.com
B EKU RA Bekura (‘bee-kure-ah’) is a specialty, avant-garde line of sanctuary spa naturals inspired to rest fatigued dry skin & hair. The beauty recipes are culinary crafted into warm comfort blends…..harnessing deeply moisturizing, epicurean-grade botanicals such as floral honey nectars, cacao bean, & cold-pressed fruit butters. Fresh real ingredients are the foundation for every product we create….never any lifeless fillers, synthetic coloring, parabens, petrochemicals, GMO’s, or animal testing. bekurabeauty.com
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F A S H I O N
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B E A U T Y
B ALM & CO G E R A N I U M S A LT BAT H Balm & Co. came to life in 2014. The products are created naturally and in small batches with the intention of bringing holistic, planet + people friendly skincare to those near and far. The products are vegan, handmade with fair trade ingredients and are 100% all natural. The Geranium bath soak is made with mineral-rich grey Celtic salt, which is detoxifying, soothing, and healing all at once. shopthebalm.co
S H EA R & S H I NE R EGA L B EA R D O I L Shear & Shine is a mens grooming line based in Croydon. The line includes high quality shampoos, beard oils, and after shaves. The Regal Beard Oil is a popular item. The peppermint extracts in the beard oil help to clear the pores in the face and kick your beard into healthier, fuller growth! With its enticing aroma, Shear & Shine Regal Beard Oil combines Sweet Almond Oil, Citrus and Cinnamon Oils It also reduces beard itch and moisturizes. shearandshinegrooming.co.uk
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A R T
I N T E R V I E W
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C U LT U R E
W I T H
T H E
A R T I S T
JUSTIN COPELAND
Baltimore-bred digital painter, Justin Copeland expresses black beauty and promotes self love. The self-taught artist spoke with Estelle about his influences, the industry, and his work.
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A R T
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C U LT U R E
When did you discover your gift as an artist? I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember but it was only until a couple months back when I realized art was my gift. I started sharing my work online and I’ve been receiving so much love and support since then. I finally found something I can own.
people. What’s next for Justin Copeland Art? Whats next is creating art thats more powerful and finding new ways I can support women through creativity.
What are your inspirations? I’m inspired by women and natural hair. How do you feel about the art industry in NYC? I haven’t experienced the art industry in NYC yet. Maybe one day. You have a lot of color in your work. Is this symbolic of something? Color is what I see when I see a women. It symbolizes everything. Pain, beauty, love, life, the universe… the list goes on and on. The essence of a women goes on and on. So I guess the colors symbolize my questions in way. What is the role of the artist in society? I guess the role of an artist would be to force love to resurface by connecting others. How has being an artist contribute to your evolution as a man? Art allows me to figure out who I am as a being and how I can use everything I am to connect with others. It’s the only thing that’s ever showed me pure and genuine love and I want to recycle that love and use it to connect with
Opposite: “Here”; Above: “ETTA”
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A R T
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C U LT U R E
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A R T
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C U LT U R E
W W W. J U S T I N CO P E L A N D A R T. CO M
O P P O S IT E A B OVE :
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PAG E :
“C H IA MA KA”
J UST IN
CO P EL A N D
A R T
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C U LT U R E
M I N K I E
E N G L I S H
AFTE RN O O N W I T H RUTH MI L L E R
Ruth Miller has been working on her art for the past 7 years hidden away in semi-rural Mississippi. Despite this, I happened to discover her art one day at a gallery in Mt Vernon, NY and was blown away. Her portraits (embroidered, no less!) have such a high level of drafting ability, skillful use of color and intimate storytelling that I was moved to find her and share her talent with the world. On working counter to current conceptualism and abstraction, she says:
“Maybe realism is not for everyone! I approach
art-making differently from many artists. I use it mainly to build and strengthen my character. For this I need to see clearly. I’m always considering that what’s most important is how I live my life. Art helps me do this. The making of it helps me clarify my motivations; the selling of it toughens, sharpens and polishes me until I meet the world on equal terms.” On the prevalence of shock art and the disregard for beauty in art:
“Audiences come in droves to view what they can’t believe someone had the audacity to present as art.
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Maybe realism is not for everyone! I approach art-making differently from many artists. I use it mainly to build and strengthen my character. -Ruth Miller
Because they’re willing to pay for this experience, they get more and more of it. Much of what is notorious is also ugly. So common is this that many people think art needs to be ugly or otherwise it’s superficial. I don’t. Even if I did tackle an unpleasant subject, I would look for a way to express it beautifully because I believe beauty heals.” Ruth escaped to the country to create pieces for a future one-woman show. Because stitching life-sized portraits is a meticulous process, she allocated ten years for this. I caught up with Ruth on a trip back to her former home in Harlem while she was preparing for the Art’s Conscience II Exhibition with the Mackey Twins Gallery. Our interview, just a few short days after the 2016 presidential election, took place in front of what I call her political manifesto. She said it’s the only overtly political piece she ever expects to make so it includes all her thoughts about how we choose our leaders and what those choices get for us. Created in 2008 as a contemporary illuminated manuscript, Ruth calls it Full Circle. Its text reads: “At the dawn of our existence, we were free to live or die by our own efforts. Seeking greater security, we banded together and chose others to bear responsibility for our lives. We chose the wise, the strong and those closest to God because of our disinterest in learning, our weakness and our fear that we were beneath God’s notice and concern. Having Little, we fed them and traded our autonomy for their leadership abilities.
The comfortably slow pace of progress led us to believe this was how things had always been and always would be. And they came to believe their leadership was worth more; they used us accordingly to settle the bill. As they consolidated their positions, it became a time of less---for us. Dark ages arrived, motivating us until we tired of our positions. In our despair---wanting out from under, wanting more--we strove for knowledge; hoping that we might free ourselves from poverty, brutality and endless toil. Many succeeded, causing many more of us to become superfluous to our leaders—who were now so distant that we no longer knew them by name. We came to value freedom for its own sake. Unbridled, it galloped toward license, slid into error,-----and limped into wisdom. AS IT NOW STANDS, PROGRESS IS RAMPANT AND WE TIRE OF ITS PACE. MILLIONS SEARCH FOR SOMEONE TO TELL THEM WHAT TO THINK AND DO OR AT LEAST WHAT TO BUY JUST TO GAIN A RESPITE. STILL, THE MORE THERE IS TO UNDERSTAND THE MORE WE WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO UNDERSTAND FOR US. AND LEADERSHIP (NOW INCORPORATED) COSTS--BIG TIME! THEY LEAD US TO BUY THINGS THAT WE NEVER KNEW WE WANTED AND HAVE NO SPACE TO STORE WITH MONEY WE HOPE TO EARN IN THE UNFORESEEABLE FUTURE, IF ALL GOES WELL. Meanwhile, under cover of our voluntary ignorance, the dark ages return (And the responsibility is OURS.)”
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BRU N C H
772
BABEL |
DE AN
S HOWCAS ES
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LIVE
MUS IC
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STREET
BROOKLY N ,
NY
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718. 484. 384 7
WWW. OD E TOBABEL.COM
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G O O D
VIB E S
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F O O D
S W E E T S
C HOCOL AT E D I P P E D STRAW B ERRY CHE E S E CA KE Yield : 18 mini cheesecakes
Ingredients 1 3/4 cups ground graham crackers 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 16 oz cream cheese 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 large yolk 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp fine sea salt 18 strawberries 8 oz dark chocolate (56%), melted
Directions 1) Combine ground graham crackers and melted butter. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoon of mixture into each mini cheesecake mold cavity. Use a tamper or cocktail muddler to pack crust into mold. Set aside. 2) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 3) In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar while the machine runs on slow. Add eggs and yolk one at a time. Scrape down bowl as needed to ensure thorough mixing. Add vanilla and salt. Mix until smooth. Evenly divide cheesecake filling among molds. Smooth tops.
4) Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cheesecake will puff up slightly during baking, but will flatten once cooled. Let baked cheesecake cool to room temperature in pan. Transfer to fridge and let chill for at least 1 hour. 5) Once cheesecakes are chilled throughout, remove mini cheesecake from mold by pushing up on the removable bottoms. Spoon melted chocolate over each individual cheesecake. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and place on top of chocolate covered cheesecake. Serve immediately.
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F O O D
E N T R E E
STEAK & S E A RE D SCA L LO PS Yield : 2 servings Ingredients 2 8oz filet mignon (cut 2” thick) 6 large scallops 3/4 tbsp of rock salt 1 tsp of black peppercorn 1/2 tsp (each) dried mince garlic & dried mince onion pinch of fennel seeds and red chili pepper flakes extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp of butter 1 tbsp mince shallot
1 garlic crushed and peeled 1/2 red wine (cabernet) 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth 1 sprig fresh rosemary salt and pepper
Directions 1) Place steak on a plate on the counter to warm up for about 20 minutes before starting to cook. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
4) Place skillet back over medium-high heat then add shallots and saute for 30 seconds. Add rosemary, garlic, and wine then simmer until wine is reduced by half, and then add beef broth and simmer until sauce is thickened and reduced, 7-9 minutes. Add remaining Tablespoon butter, taste and add salt and pepper if necessary, and then set sauce aside.
2) Add rock salt, peppercorns, dried garlic, dried onion, fennel, and red chili pepper flakes to a mortar and pestle then coarsely crush seasonings. Alternatively you could use a spice grinder or use your favorite store-bought steak rub instead. Drizzle tops of steaks with extra virgin olive oil then generously sprinkle on spice rub and rub into steaks. Repeat on the other side. 3) Heat a large, oven-safe cast iron or heavybottomed skillet over medium-high heat then add 1 Tablespoon butter. Once melted add steaks then sear until steaks have formed a golden brown crust on the bottom, 2 minutes. Flip steaks then place entire skillet into oven and roast for 10 minutes for medium (adjust roasting time up or down depending on how thick your steaks are - ours were 2” thick.) Remove steaks to a plate then tent a piece of foil on top and set aside to rest.
For the scallops: 1) While the pan sauce is reducing, melt butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. 2) Pat scallops dry between layers of paper towel, season with salt and pepper, and then place seasoned side down in hot skillet and sear for 90 seconds. Season tops with salt and pepper then flip and sear for 90 more seconds. 3) Scoop mashed potatoes onto plates then add steaks and scallops. Drizzle with pan sauce then serve.
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F O O D
C O C K TA I L S
B LOOD O RA N G E B OURBO N S MA S H Yield : 2 servings
Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar a pinch cayenne pepper 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped crushed ice 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup (or more if you want it sweeter!) a few drops of bitters 2 blood orange slices
Directions spicy vanilla sugar All the sugar, cayenne and scraped vanilla beans to a bowl and stir and mash together with a fork until the beans are distributed evenly. You can store this sugar in a jar if you make it ahead of time and in that case, keep the vanilla pod in the jar! Make a double or triple batch... hint hint.
6 ounces blood orange juice 1 1/2 ounces bourbon 2 ounces club soda extra blood orange slices for garnish fresh herbs for garnish
simple syrup To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and let the mixture come to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool completely then stored in a sealed jar in the fridge.
bourbon smash In the bottom of a chilled glass, add the simple syrup, bitters and an orange slice or two. Muddle together until the orange slices have broken down. Add crushed ice and pour the bourbon and blood orange juice over top. Stir to mix. Top off with the club soda and garnish with an orange slice and fresh herbs for color.
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L I F E
B Y
AN
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W E L L N E S S
TA H M A R A
P R O S E
OPEN LETTER TO 2017
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
Dear 2017,
decline this year. Black Lives Matter and other protests would not be necessary if people would stop feeding into the media-driven race war. The mainstream media actively works to divide the American people, and this has largely included race. We need people to wake up, come together and work to peacefully coexist.
I have high hopes for you. I would like to present you with a wish list. Many of us want to abate the storm of suffering we endured in 2016. There are a lot of crucial areas that you need to address so we can make this one hell of a year.
I have so much faith in you, 2017. I am positive you can make a lot of changes for the better. On a personal level, it’s becoming a year where I see the fruits of my labor from 2016’s year of transition. I would like to look back and say 2016 was transformational, but 2017 will be a year of melioration.
2016 was a let down to many, so let’s not make the same mistakes in the New Year. For instance, 2016 will forever be remembered, as the year Donald Trump became the President-elect. The anxiety of the election left many weary, afraid and hopeless. Therefore, I humbly request that you offset this by ushering in some peace and prosperity. Donald Trump may surprise us, but there is a 50/50 chance that he will prove more detrimental to our nation than any other President in history.
Sincerely, Mara
It would be nice if we could see signs of our economy stabilizing and not the follies we’ve seen. Travesties like Brexit occurred causing a catastrophic ripple effect throughout global markets and currencies. Please be a year of ‘lessons learned’. We desperately need to see reformation acts that improve the economic climate. And speaking of reformation, it would be nice if the racial tensions that ensued in 2016 would
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
S H A U N
A N EW Y EAR NE W PRESIDENT
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
Out of all of the unforeseen tragedies, events, and travesties from last year one that marks a new era is the presidency of Donald Trump.
Whether it is racism, gender wars, or other types of division, New Year’s resolutions only work if you stick with them.
Despite the tough fight that was put up by the Democrats, the Republicans were able to bring home the crown. Not only do the Republicans take the majority of Senate and the House but the Presidential post as well. With so many interesting challenges to face in this new year, where exactly does that leave the people?
Bringing together a new mentality, body, and even spirit can prove to be a formidable combination. Although our first Black President and family has bid us a farewell, that doesn’t mean we get to stay asleep. On the contrary, as a people, it is time to go to work. By embracing all that is wonderful to come and recognizing the negative along with putting it in its place, we can’t lose.
Because the President-elect is a well-known businessman, will that help stimulate the economy? On a positive note, one would say your position in life remains the same until you change it.
To get to the point, a new President, a new year, and more importantly a new you.
Politically speaking, this new administration will bring in some interesting new bills, repeals, or advisements to the table. The dynamics from the first year can set the tone for the rest of the term. But in foresight, will the incoming President be the representative of all people? Truthfully, it doesn’t matter who is in office because the choice to be a greater version of ourselves is left up to us. For many, the heat has been turned up, and now, it is time for a real change. Every year we tend to make promises to ourselves to be more productive, lose weight, and even schedule more time to relax. While there is nothing wrong with this, it is beyond time to build as a community.
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L I F E
B Y
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W E L L N E S S
P R I N C E L L A
TA L L E Y
N EW YE ARS RESOLUTION: M AKE THEM OR LEAVE THEM
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
It’s 2017! As you hop out of bed ready to start the day with more vigor than usual, you’re imagining a year full of promise and possibility. Your New Year’s resolutions have been made. You will have a better attitude at work. You will become healthier. And you will be more financially disciplined, because this year, it will all be different.
gym memberships and bountiful to-do lists. It’s also the perfect time for intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to rear their heads and duke it out to determine the goals we set. When we are intrinsically motivated, we have an innermost passion towards what we are doing. We feel capable and strong in our progression. We challenge ourselves to be better because self-improvement is an essential part of our existence. Then, there is the extrinsic motivation that inspires you to do something as a requirement based on personal need or external influences. You have to save money to buy the car that shows your elevated status to coworkers. You have to be in better shape so that special someone will find you more attractive or because your doctor demands you to lose weight.
For most of us, the aforementioned resolutions will quickly be lost somewhere between McDonald’s french fries, cancelled workout sessions and luxury purchases that were just too good to pass up. In fact, only 8% of people will stay dedicated to the goals set for the New Year. Every year, so many people vow to change and the majority fail. But why? Are we just spinning our wheels with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions? Yes, but not for the reasons you might think. In essence, a New Year’s resolution is a goal, and goal setting is a skill that involves time management, patience with yourself, realistic expectations and a true desire to change. But what is often forgotten in this formula is a true understanding of motivation.
Intrinsic motivation is that best friend you love like a family member while extrinsic motivation is that bratty cousin you’re morally obligated to hang out with because you’re a good person and family is important. Time flies by with your best friend, but you count down the minutes until you can escape the company of bratty cousin.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation What if we were to forget about New Year’s resolutions and focus on finding the sweet spot, the intrinsic motivation of each goal we set?
The New Year symbolizes a new beginning and is a time of reflection. How much progress was made last year? How can I have a more fulfilling life? These are thoughts that lead to an influx of
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
Tip: When you need encouragement to achieve a goal, reference S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goal setting. This can help with creating realistic goals and tracking your progress to keep you motivated. Your goals can be set in motion as soon as your heart and mind tells you it’s time.
Tip: When you need encouragement to achieve a goal, reference S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goal setting. This can help with creating realistic goals and tracking your progress to keep you motivated.
Let’s officially dismiss New Year’s resolutions, and do some daily soul-searching instead. Finding the real reason for your resolutions and how much they truly matter to you will be your determinant of success. Every day is a gift of new opportunity. Whether you’re returning to school, leaving your corporate job behind for a paintbrush and sketchpad, or planning to start a business, all you need is faith that you can and the courage to take action. A resolution is defined as “a firm decision to do or not to do something,” and that decision is not made on a specified date – it’s made when you’re ready. Your goals can be set in motion as soon as your heart and mind tells you it’s time.
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L I F E
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W E L L N E S S
S TA F F
TH E
W R I T E R
PART 1: ART OF INTERNAL HEALING
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L I F E
&
W E L L N E S S
I won’t start this article off with the cliche quote: “you can’t love anyone until you love yourself”. Although it’s true, we get it! Everyone has given the same advice, but let’s dig deeper into how loving ourselves affect the process of healing. Not just healing from negative external factors, but from the criticism we give ourselves as well. Subconsciously, these feelings affect our relationships with others. When we heal ourselves, we can heal others through comfort, better communication, and intimacy. Whether single or married, try a holistic approach to love.
own pain because that would somehow mean we are failing at something-- love, career, communication--- something. In reality, it means we are human and will fail at something, because we aren’t perfect, and never will be. Therefore, we must always evaluate our own actions rather point the finger at others even if they are at some fault. We are responsible for healing ourselves, not others. Make it a resolution to be completely honest with yourself at all times, accept it, then fix it. Accepting the Bullshit Let’s face it, the bullshit is going to happen. Break ups, infidelity, financial struggles, career woes, and much more, but we have to learn how to accept it with grace. You have every right to feel emotions. Cry if it helps, get mad, go for a run, but do not dwell in emotions. It is temporary but mastering the art of acceptance is forever. This is easier said than done, because there are external factors that won’t let you forget. This is when coping techniques are helpful. Meditation and eliminating people or things out of your life are necessary for sake of your peace.
As spiritual (not to be mistaken with religious) beings, we are moved by the energy that surrounds us, and more importantly, within us. It is imperative to keep a clean and healthy balance to have the ultimate healing experience. The best way to keep this balance is being blunt with yourself and accepting the bullshit in life. The Blunt Truth Lying to ourselves is the first prohibitor of internal healing. Pointing fingers is the second. Can you do better? Are you holding yourself accountable for anything? Have you really stepped back and evaluated the contributions you made to negativity in your life? Are your relationships/friendships suffering because of excuses you make? The truth is we create storms then complain about the rain. It’s difficult to accept we cause our
When you have done these two things effectively, healing becomes easier and faster. All of sudden, external factors don’t affect you as strongly. You have a different perspective on life, and you learn more about yourself. In part 2 (next issue), we will dive deeper in coping techniques.
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M U S I C
T H E
D O M
DOM
E M P I R E
T E A M
JONES
Estelle speaks with Dom Jones, an American-born African singer/songwriter, emcee/poet, author, orator, and vocal producer from Oakland, CA. She has graced the stage with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Goapele, Dead Prez, and even President Barack Obama.
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M U S I C
When did you take music seriously? I grew up in church, like many black kids, so music has always been deeply serious and spiritual for me. I joined the adult choir at 7 years old and started writing songs at 9 years old. I think that the only thing as powerful as silence is music.
Jay-Z, Biggie, Rah Digga, Busta Rhymes, early T.I., Kendrick, and I was raised as an emcee by an Oakland hip-hop supergroup called The Attik as well as two emcees named Will Bracy (who is now my primary producer) and i.d. (who is now my primary photographer). And OF COURSE I HAVE MY RATCHET GUILTY PLEASURES. All of this to say that I’m influenced by A LOT, and try to allow those influences to come through in my work organically. I’m not going for anything genre-based. I’m just going for the best that Dom Jones at her highest self can offer.
What was the name and inspiration behind your first song? I started writing pretty young, so the first song I actually remember writing and performing was a gospel tune called “Overcome.” At that time, I was deeply religious, but still had a sense of social justice, so it was inspired by this idea that both our resilience as black people would get us through tumultuous times and our belief in a higher power and conjuring that power in our favor. Your music gives me that neo-soul/spoken word feel. Is that the aesthetic you were going for? Why or why not? Because I’m an emcee, a poet, and a singer/ songwriter, I’m always trying to find the balance. I’m very influenced by soul artists like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, and Chaka Khan, but also jazz artists like Sarah Vaughan, Charles Mingus, and Ella Fitzgerald. Then, there are the writers I love like Diane Warren, Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, and Quincy Jones. I’m also a huge fan of James Taylor, Bette Midler, and Bonnie Raitt. As far as hip-hop, I love Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah,
What role should musicians have in society? Nina Simone said it perfectly, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” We demonize artists who proliferate ignorant messages, and I do think that there should be some thoughtfulness around what we create, but those artists are as much a reflection of the times as artists who are producing beautifully
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“Musicians should be working to move humanity back towards our higher selves.”
uplifting and “deep” art. Musicians should be working to move humanity back towards our higher selves. The world is moving in a very low vibration right now, which is allowing hatred, bigotry, and all of the isms to run rampant. We’re better than that. The bigots that we demonize and dismiss are capable of change. But it won’t be easy. It won’t be comfortable. It won’t be safe. Musicians have a great responsibility to facilitate the right energy in a world where the energy is getting more foul every day. We have the gifts that can save us all. We have to harness that power, without ego and with tremendous care. What mark do you want to leave in the industry/ world? It’s not just about music, I want to be a great businesswoman. I want my music to change lives and create jobs. I want my work to innovate change in the world of art. People think about paintings and sculptures as fine art, but music is the finest art there is. I want to be someone who helps grow that perception among consumers. How do you get inspiration for your music? Everything and anything is inspirational, but the music that I write for myself is almost always about my own life and experiences. Those close to me both love and hate that because they know that they may find themselves in a song and it won’t always be in the best light. When I write for someone else, I try to be observant and zone in on their experience. I’m also inspired by the times in which we live. The (real) news cycle is a songwriter’s best
friend. How do you feel about the underground music industry versus mainstream? Mainstream music has a lot of restriction, but is also intentionally programming people’s minds through the music. I appreciate folks who are able to cut through that like Kendrick and Solange or artists who are have built their influence from the ground up and then put out something wildly like Beyonce with Lemonade. I think there’s an underground culture that wants to stay in that sphere and there’s an underground culture that eventually wants to break into the mainstream and those two groups look different. The former is free wheeling with their creation and the latter may conform more to be accepted by the mainstream. At the end of the day, good music is good music, and if it reaches me, I will love it. Beyoncè is hugely popular, but Laura Mvula, Kwabs, and BJ The Chicago Kid mean just as much to me as her recent work has meant to me. I think sometimes saying “underground” or “mainstream” is almost a business marketing mechanism to create a certain perception of the artist. So, I guess I feel that we should just call music... music. What has been (or still is) your biggest obstacle? accomplishment? I’m in the midst of my biggest obstacle which is financing my education at Berklee College of Music. It has been a long held dream for me to attend this college to take my musicianship to the next level, and I have been relentless in that pursuit.
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“Artists are cyclical butterflies.... “
I don’t feel that lack of finances should inhibit me and I have both worked extremely hard and walked in what many have called an unrealistic belief that I will be able to pay for and graduate from this school on schedule. My experience so far has been amazing, and I believe the adage that when you truly want something, the universe will conspire to make it happen for you.
for the next time I burst from my cocoon with new wings and new songs to sing.
www.iamdomjones.com
My biggest accomplishment so far has been quitting a corporate job to be a broke college student in service of my dreams. I’ve won awards, and been acknowledged by some great people, released music, written a book, produced a web series, but it was taking that leap to say that I will build a career from my passion that means the most to me. I accept the highs and the lows of that decision, knowing that I will never turn back. When life offered me comfort, mediocrity, and ease, I said no and traded it in for greatness and purpose. What’s next for Dom Jones? I’m super focused on school, but I’m also writing every day. There will be more music, more media, more books, more poetry, more everything! I want to get my company, Dom Empire, funded by investors, and I also want to tour Europe after I graduate. I think social media has created this idea that we always have to be at the end game, always posting accomplishments, but I have no problem with the fact that this is certainly a time of heads down, hard work, growth, and preparation for the next phase. Artists are cyclical butterflies, and though I’m in transition right now, I can’t wait
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M U S I C :
NI N A
H E A V Y
R O TA T I O N
SI M O N E
Nina Simone was one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century, an icon of American music. She earned the moniker ‘High Priestess of Soul’ for she could weave a spell so seductive and hypnotic that the listener lost track of time and space as they became absorbed in the moment. When Nina died on April 21, 2003, she left a timeless treasure trove of musical magic spanning over four decades from her first hit, the 1959 Top 10 classic “I Loves You Porgy,” to “A Single Woman,” the title cut from her one and only 1993 Elektra album. ninasimone.com
GA L L A NT Christopher Gallant, better known as Gallant, is a singer and songwriter signed to Mind of a Genius Records. He self-released his debut EP, Zebra. On April 6, 2016, his debut studio album Ology (album) was released worldwide and received critical acclaim for his songwriting and vocal prowess. Gallant performed both weekends of Coachella in 2016. On May 12, 2016, he made his national television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Gallant performed “Weight in Gold”, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience. www.gallant.space
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M U S I C :
MI LE S
H E A V Y
R O TA T I O N
DAVI S
Miles Davis was a legendary trumpeter and bandleader, explorer of unknown musical paths and enduring icon of hip. Over six full decades, from his arrival on the national scene in 1945 until his death in 1991, Miles Davis made music that grew from an uncanny talent to hear the future and a headstrong desire to play it. From his beginnings in the circle of modern jazz, he came to intuit new worlds of sound and challenge.
In 2016, actor Don Cheadle starred and directed Miles Ahead, a biopic about the musician. milesdavis.com
A P R I L
+
V I STA
April George and Matthew Thompson make up the genre-bending duo April + Vista. From the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia area), they pull from eclectic ranges with trip-hop, R&B, jazz and indie rock influences. Their latest EP, Note to Self, debuted to much acclaim this summer. Afropunk, the 9:30 Club’s Half Past, and WAMU’s Bandwidth all gave the duo much needed props. The EP also landed the duo a spot on Ptchfork Radio and NPR’s Capital Soundtrack project. aprilandvista.com
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VIVRANT
BEAUTY
220 SAINT NIC HO L A S AV E . N E W YORK, NEW YO R K 10027 V I V R A N T B E AU TY. CO M
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M OVE
W I T H M E D I TAT I O N
G RAC E &
Y O G A
SUN STUDIO | 431 MYRTLE AVE. BROOKLYN, NY 11205 movewithgrace.com
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