Nov 2015
http://issuu.com/urbantymes/docs/utoct2015
Charlotte - Atlanta - Oakland - International
Cooler head must prevail, because To be a true business owner, a “boss� you have to be multiple indi- this is the path of a leader, a CEO, the boss above bosses. viduals: That super salesman to make those deals happen. The accountant to make sure the money is right, even when someone else is telling you it is. A custodian to clean up the mess that someone else made.
Many times we as business owners get so caught up in the day to day operations, that we forget that someone has to be driving this train, guiding this ship, steering this car, to the appointed destination that we placed out there to draw people in.
The delegate/mediator to make sure This month we feature several talall is working together for the posi- ented individuals that have cultivated their talents and tive growth of the business. entrepreneurial spirit toward a not only a dream but a goal they strive The delivery person, when it absolutely, positively got to be there like daily to attain. now! Within each of us there is that fire, All positions are important, but the and as we see others live their dreams and fulfill their destinies, most important one is the one that this should encourage us not the keep you in tact, cool, calm, and collected, especially when there are be scared, but step out on faith and bring it to fruition. folk that have lost their every lovin mind! A Till next time fam,
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“Dedicating 30 minutes to an hour 3 to 4 times a week could have a major impact on your overall health.� pg .33
No Gym Necessary With MarQues
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www.urbantmedia.com
NOV
Essentials Tyme 2 Talk pg 05
2015
5 Tips to Help Minimize your Debt During the Holiday Season pg 08
Volume 7 ISSUE 11
Disability Policies pg 10 Politically Speaking pg 12
Urbanity Arts Craig C. tha Artist Pg 27
14 Marty Da Barber Entrepreneur!
pg 13
Literary Treasures Lady Qetesh pg 31 Style & Fashion pg 35 Food & Wine Tyme Featuring Chef Liz pg 39 Early Bird Diner pg 41
Model Malinda Bell pg 21
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Finances* Business * Politics* * Health
By Curtis Reynolds
The holiday season is upon us and this is the time of year where many people become careless with their finances. There is a cultural expectation that during the months of November and December that we spend more money than we possibly have all year in these short 61 days. We’re faced with buying food to feed groups of people that cost just as much as some people car notes or rent. Even buying elaborate gifts for people we rarely spend time with let alone have an engaging conversation with throughout the year with because our nation has set this spending precedence. These two months can be a time where our stress levels skyrocket and our bank accounts empty out (I wonder if there is a correlation between stress and high levels of spending money in a short period of time, hhhmmmmm). The malls and large warehouse stores become sardine cans when Black Friday arrives because people are throwing money at alleged highly discounted items. Now, we have Cyber Monday where sales are supposedly breaking the Internet. Unfortunately, it’s an emotional time of the year where logical spending habits go out the door in hopes of finding huge sales to buy for large groups of people. This ideology is not healthy nor is it fiscally responsible. However, this is the season to be jolly and thankful for so many blessings. Since a majority of our nation has identified this as a time of year to recognize our loved ones with food and gifts, we should celebrate and acknowledge those people in our lives. It’s not a bad thing, actually it is a great thing because this is a time of
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year, that as a people, we agree that we should be selfless and share our love and show our appreciation for those we love (personally, I believe we should show appreciation all year long). To try to minimize the stress levels and keep more money in your bank accounts I have 5 Tips to help minimize your debt during the holiday season: 1. Buy your gifts all year round. Instead of trying to cram all of your gift buying into a short period of time, buy gifts throughout the year. This way you can budget how much you spend, reduce levels of anxiety and minimize the emotional spending due to last minute shopping. In fact, if you are one that uses credit cards to make purchases, early buying will allow you to have paid off the credit card debt before Christmas arrives, therefore you won’t have to go into the New Year with huge amounts of holiday debt. Remember, stores have great sales throughout the year and you have the opportunity to get great deals on clearance items that can save you upwards of 60% off retail pricing. Use these intra-year sales to your advantage.
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Your Finances
2. Treat credit cards like money. DON’T spend more on credit cards than you can afford as if you only had cash. Credit cards have interest rates that compiles on a daily bases. So that item you bought originally at a deep discounted price during these flash holiday sales can end up costing you more if you don’t pay it off in the credit card grace period. In fact that $9.99 item you put on the credit card could end up costing you $24.40; that is 144% more than the sale price of the item. Put simply like this, if the item retailed for $12.99 but you bought it on sale for $9.99 and paid for it with your
credit card that has a 12% interest rate that took you 12 months to pay off, you would have paid $24.40 for the item on sale rather than $12.99 if you would have just paid full retail value with cash. 3. Be realistic in your giving. Everyone does not have disposable income to buy gifts for everyone they would like to, so this is where you can become innovative in your gift giving. Instead of spending money on gifts you can’t afford, buy supplies to make crafts, cards or even jewelry. Buying bulk supplies can save you a lot of money because it’s possible to make 8-10 gifts from a simple $50 raw material purchase. That can turn into huge savings versus trying to buy store bought items that can easily cost you $50 for one gift. In reality, many people will appreciate more the thoughtfulness you put into the custom made gift.
gifts. This can be a huge savings especially if you are buying large items during the year. For instance, the Best Buy reward program allows you to bank points for buying any item in the store. Buying a washer and dryer set can easily give you reward points of $60-100, add that to other purchases throughout the year and by November you could have earned more than $200 in loyalty points. That can translate to several gifts on your shopping list without having to spend any extra money. 5. Give yourself a spending limit. Before you step out the door to any store to buy gifts, create yourself a spending limit based on your financial ability and stick to it. It will take discipline, however, if you know ahead of time that your limit for ALL gifts are $500, make sure that all the gifts you buy amounts to $500 or less. Being armed with a spending limit will give you truth in your spending and reduce the possibility of having a spending melee. Financial responsibility during the holiday season is very important to your stress levels, happiness and ability to enjoy your love ones during this time. The worst thing we can do to ourselves is enter into a new year with debt and stress that will be difficult to manage over the next year. So give yourself the first gift, a gift of holiday spending responsibility.
4. Take advantage of cash back or point reward programs. Many stores and credit cards offer loyalty points or cash bonuses on your Curtis Reynolds, CEO previous purchases. Accumulate Curtis Reynolds Entertainment those points throughout the year and use them to purchase holiday Management (CREM)
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Disability Policies Often times when we think about financial security we tend to look for ways to invest in our future with stocks, bonds and currencies. So many Americans are not prepared to deal with the loss of their most important asset. Do you know what that would be, you give up? If you said your home you would be wrong but you would’ve given the most popular answer. Take another guess, if you follow me, you’ve heard me teach and explain that your most important asset is your ability to earn an income. Have you ever thought about all the different items we place insurance on, cars, homes and our lives and while they are all important in a solid financial plan, why aren’t more people placing insurance on the income they make. Think about it, who are the people and the items that are affected the most is you are injured and are unable to work for a long period of time.
Do you realize that you are three times more likely to get hurt or injured during your working years than you are to die. If you are no longer working and brining an income how will you pay for all the insurance for the cars, homes and even life insurance. Many people think they are covered because they may have disability policies through work but don’t realize those benefits are taxed at 20%. Based on your current income, can your lifestyle survive a 60% reduction of your current income. That’s right, disability policies rarely cover your entire income as an incentive for the insured to get back to work. Disability policies when leveraged correctly can help with business buy sell agreements, business overhead expense like employee salaries, rent, utilities and even continue to contribute into your retirement account.
http://thisneedstobesaid.com
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Politically Speaking With Dru Ealons
The Presidential Debates: Void on African American Issues
disparities not only in achievement gaps but in disciplinary/suspension of black children. What unique education enhance programs and techniques that will cater to different learning styles? As for predominately black communities that are economically depressed, how will they insure that black owned businesses are part of the revitalization and economic boost? Line by line, I want to know the specifics as it relates to our community.
While I lean mostly liberal in my political views, this time around I am expecting the presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle to speak specifically to the needs of the African American community. I want them to touch on more than police brutality and the criminal justice system. Those are very important issues and I think the Black Lives Matter movement is doing a great job of holding the democrats accountable and I suspect they will be moving over to the Republicans too, or at least I hope. But we are more than that. We deserve to hear more. Our leaders should demand more. We as a community should demand more. Every debate thus far has fallen very short on issues concerning the African American community. Quite frankly, the policy concerns of the African American community aren’t much different from the rest of the country…with a few exceptions. As an African American woman, a wife, a mother of one son and an entrepreneur, to earn my vote I need them to breakdown their overall policy platform and specifically state how they plan to execute those policies for the African American community. When speaking about Education Reform, I don’t want to hear only about school choice, I want to know how they plan to end the
Because, as when you take a moment to look at each of the candidate’s policy platforms you will see a deep void in how they will improve the economic, education and health of the African American community. Moving forward, my expectation, actually my demand, is that there are more than 1 question that speak to our concerns. Each candidate has presented their platforms, it is time now that they put forth more effort to show that African American votes count. And we should no longer allow them to pacify us by saying buzz words like Black Lives Matter, police brutality, school choice and black unemployment rate. Those are just words and I haven’t seen any real effort to express how they will change the system and insure that our community is top of mind in their domestic policy decisions. I’m done with the rhetoric and empty debates on our issues. So, if they aren’t willing to put forth the effort to show our votes count, then we must teach them how much our votes count.
#WeDeserveMore #BlackVotersMatters
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Today, the dream of an entrepeneur still lives on, but one does with that dream still remains the most important question. A day in the life of Marty McCoy aka “Marty Da Barber” answers that questions several times over. I met Marty a few years back, during his tenure at Da Lucky Spot Barber Shop, then later at a grand reopening at the House of LeMond’s. At the event, Marty introduced his nature skin care line NUMU$ to everyone without skipping a beat.
is a retired police captain, and my mother is into accounting and real estate. I used to want to be a cop. However, my mind and my heart have always been set on business. Growing up, I remember my favorite thing to do on Saturdays, was go to the barber shop with my dad. Not because of the hair cut, but because of the neck duster my barber used to give me to hold. That was the only way, I'd sit there and get a cut in peace. I have that neck duster till this day... I actually use it. In the barber game, that is my prized possession! I loved how happy it made me to sit there and play with that duster. Then over time, I began to watch other people get their cuts and I eventually, I outFast forward to today, as grew the duster. I grew to pay athe was cutting my son’s tention to the barber's techniques, hair, his dialogue was not and all the different haircuts. By the normal chat about this time, I was begging for some sports and rappers and clippers. My mother took me to who’s dong what as you Wal-Mart and got me a pair of would normally hear in cheap clippers. My barber, “Growing up, I remember the shop. His words gave me a brand new pair of were about networking, trimmers. At that point, I was my favorite thing to do on opportunities in expanon! I was practicing in the mirSaturdays, was go to the sion, brands that he ror a lot in the beginning. There barber shop with my dad. recently contacted and were a many times I had to go Not because of the hair things in the works, to school with a nearly bald peppered with giving to head and scabs around my cut, but because of the the community. This is line. After a while I got good neck duster my barber what caught my enough for my friends to trust used to give me to hold.” attention, and this article me enough to shape them up. is the result of one Everybody was still afraid to man’s vision and determiget a full hair cut. Finally, my nation to make dreams best friend at the time, trusted me become reality one step at a time. enough to give him a cut. I did so good, I surprised myself. Next thing I knew, every Friday, my UT: Ok give us the background on Marty da mom's basement was full of classmates lined up Barber: I'm originally from Rocky Mount, NC. I'm to get cuts. I had the whole basement set up like 26 years old. I graduated high school back in a barber shop. $2 haircuts. I fell in love with it. I 2007. I started barber school that same year. So decided that I wanted to open my own shop and that makes 8 years I've been a barber legally. I cut hair for the rest of my life. I didn't have the actually started cutting hair in 2005. I've been in best grades in high school, but I knew I had to Charlotte almost 2 years now. I've cut hair make it out so I could get in barber school. So everywhere from Rocky Mount, NC to Atlanta, once I graduated, I knew it was meant to be. I got GA. into barber school, and came out at the top of my class. Becoming a registered barber, was my UT: What influenced you to go into the confirmation that it is God's will, that I go out here tonsorial profession? I come from a family of and be a great barber and blessing to my law enforcement and business people. My father community.
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UT: It’s apparent that not only you are a talented barber, but you also have an entrepreneurial spirit deep within. Tell our readers about your latest endeavor. I started my company called NUMUS Inc. I recently decided to share my line "God Body" all-natural homemade skin care products with the world. Things like custom soaps, exfoliating scrubs, whipped and scented shea butters, and exclusive fragrance oils. People seem to love it, so I keep it stocked up. I had a customer tell me she wasn't buying anything else out of the store as long as I carried it. The fellas love the product too. Especially, the exfoliating scrubs. They see how great life is in their relationships with a fresh hair cut, soft hands, smooth feet, and smelling good. In addition to that, I am building my company with other services. My biggest project is underway right now. Opening my first shop, and offering services that you won't find at your average shop. I'll be giving back to the community on an even larger scale as well.
UT: Share how important it is to give back to your community. Giving back to the community is in my opinion, mandatory. The community makes a barber successful. The community puts food on my table. The community makes me want to grow and do better. There are so many people in the community that are blessings in disguise. I feel like I have to show the same love that the community shows me. I have to show my community that I am grateful. They've done so much for me. I believe in energy transfer. So when I do things, I do them from the heart. Free hair cuts, words of encouragement, being a listening ear, feeding someone who is hungry, clothing someone who is cold. Doing those things extend the life of my blessings. These kids are coming up in a very disturbed world. As a young man, I adopted the responsibility to go out and do right by the future. Seeing people smile and say thank you... That's a feeling that you can't help but love.
“Giving back to the community is in my opinion, mandatory. The community makes a barber successful.”
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So if you had a chance to really connect and develop a lucrative business with a celebrity business owner, who would it be? Dame Dash UT: Why? Dame has a business mind out of this world. Dame doesn't do business just to generate revenue. Dame does business for his family. I strongly agree with building a legacy, and putting my family in a position to live and be great. Everything I do concerning business, is for the betterment of my family. I'm out here grinding, so my son doesn't have to go out here and get a job. Instead, he will inherit what I have built. It will be his. He will be taken care of. He will know how to use his blessings to bless others. In turn, keeping it going for the next generation. I don't want to see my family struggle. We all deserve to be great. The first step to that is being humble. Then you have to surround yourself with successful and humble people. The rest will fall in place as long as you work hard. Dame teaches that. UT: Wisest words or statement that stayed deeply rooted in you? "F*@k Impossible!" "I don't grind for my first name. I grind for my last."
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Health
Holiday Fitness Blues No Gym Necessary
T
he holidays bring about lost focus on what you put in your mouth and how often you exercise your body. However, you don’t have to give up on your fitness during this holiday season. In fact, this is a chance to cut fat, improve strength, stamina, and muscle tone. The best part is you don’t even have to leave your house. Fitness always starts with what we put in our bodies. Fresh bright green vegetables should be a staple in your diet and apart of almost every meal. Foods rich in fiber such as broccoli, spinach, and collard greens help with digestion and lowers cholesterol. Chicken, beef, and pork are all good sources of protein that aid the body in muscle growth. Limiting how much fried food you eat will help cut body fat.
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Getting to the gym during this time of year can be a task. Nobody likes to fight the freezing temperatures to go workout. On the days when leaving the house is out of the question, remember with next to no equipment you can get a great burn at home. Exercises using your own body weight and resistance bands can help burn those extra calories holiday meals tend to pack on. I have to admit I get the fitness blues this time of year too. So I’ve demonstrated some of my favorite home exercises below. Let’s beat the fitness blues together!!!!
CHEST
Bi-cep Curls - Tone Those Arms!!! Start standing up Slowly curl your arms to your chest Keep elbows stationary and close to sides Stop about 2 inches from chest and squeeze Bicep muscle ● Hold for 5 seconds\ ● Return to Starting position ● Reps: 15 - Sets: 5 Rest between sets: 15 seconds ● ● ● ●
*increase resistance by standing on band with both feet. Spread legs laterally to get higher resistance
Push up/side pushup - Best Way To Sculpt Chest! ● Lay chest down with hands flat by shoulders. ● Push straight up with back straight ● Lower chest to the ground until arms reach 90 degree angle and then push arms back up ● Lay on either side of body ● In front of your chest place free hand flat on the floor. ● Use hand to push straight up. Attempt to keep body in a straight line. 4 sets until muscle failure
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● Stand with feet hip width apart with band under feet, holding evenly onto the ends.
LEGS
Squat To Press 2 For 1 !!!
● Bend elbows and bring hands in front of shoulders. Lower into a squat. Keep chest up and head straight. ● As legs extend, press arms overhead. Return to start.
4 sets of 15 *If resistance is too much, bring feet closer together and repeat exercise.
Seated Back Rows Strengthen the Upper Back ● Sit on the floor with your legs slightly bent out in front. ● Loop the band around the soles of your feet, cross it in front of you and hold one end in each hand. ● Start with your arms straight in front of you, pointing at your toes. ● Pull back so you bend your elbows and your hands meet your chest. ● Return to the starting position. 4 Sets of 15 *Loop around feet more than for higher resistance.
BACK
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ABDOMINALS Toe Touching Flutter Kicks/Leg Raises
● Lay flat on your back, with a slight bend in the knee raise one leg vertically keeping other leg flat. ● Use hand opposite raised leg to touch your toe ● Alternate legs and opposite are. ● Lay flat on your back with hands underneath backside ● With knees slightly bent raise legs 90 degrees ● Lower legs and repeat *be sure to never let your legs rest on the ground
Many of the illnesses and injuries we suffer as we get older are due to lack of exercise and muscle failure. Dedicating 30 minutes to an hour 3 to 4 times a week could have a major impact on your overall health. Exercising gives you more energy, increases life expectancy, and improves self-esteem. I highly recommend that you purchase resistance bands to use as part of your exercise regimen. There are dozens of exercises that can be executed with resistance bands that you can use at home, on vacation, traveling or just visiting family without the need of ever trying to locate a gym. So start your exercise regimen today!
You can find me on Instagram: @m.q.d Facebook: Marques Woolford Twitter: @MarquesWoolford www.marqueswoolford.com For booking: Curtis Reynolds Entertainment Management 704.770.5359 cremgmnt@gmail.com
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Malinda Bell Interview by Elise Yeung Model: Malinda Bell "Yumyum" Lead Photographer: Elisa Yeung Assistant Photographer: Patty Lilly Make-Up: Michoacana Mondragon Hair & Wardrobe Styling: Yodassa Willliams Wardrobe Contributor: Audrey Baptist
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Arts - Literature - Travel - Fashion - Food
Malinda Bell, also adorably known as "YumYum" wears multiple hats as a full figure model, photographer, and radio host for WTSX Power 104.9. A former photography and wardrobe stylist student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, she furthers her dedication to bringing her visual concepts into the greater visual arena of print and film media in front of the camera as a model and behind it as photographer/conceptualist. Malinda's photography has been featured in XXL, Ebony, Vibe, Black Enterprise as well as independent published magazines. As a radio and TV host she has interviewed artists such as: Jim Jones, JaRule, Stephen Marley, R&B singer Joe, Chris Jasper Isley, D-Train and many more. As an actress, Malinda has appeared in indie films and will be featured in the upcoming 2015 Docu-Series: "eMotions" which will be featured on the Independent Film Channel. As a new resident to the Bay Area from New York she is excited to meet and collaborate with talented visionaries who want to bring life to their creative projects. With her beautiful smile, photogenic features and bubbly yet grounded personality, Malinda has a catalog of unheralded work which makes her a tremendous asset to any set as a model or photographer. Stay tuned, there's more to come!
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sire or enjoy doing…But! Don’t just not try shooting with a bigger model because of this, try it, and that model may photograph just as beautiful as a thin model with more liveliness and power that has never been captured before. With designers, some will say it’s less costly to design for a smaller model because they use less material and the belief system that the clothes drape better on a taller, thin model for the concept or “look”. I understand that point of view and my response is, to each his own. In this aspect, it makes room for designers who take on the joy and challenge in making plus size women look just as fabulous! There is room for everyone! 1) The term "plus size model" seems to be a hot buzzword being thrown around right now. What does it mean to you? My definition of plus size model is a model that does not fit society’s concept of what a mainstream model size is which is generally in range from 0-4. Sometimes size six is considered big. The average size of the American woman is a size 10 and up. What this means to me is that the industry places a controlled definition of what is standard and what is not in terms of who wears what, which is fine to a certain extent because I do believe there must always be rules and definitions in place. On the flip side of that I definitely believe in not letting someone define what can or can’t be done and to always break rules/barriers. 2) What are some common misconceptions about plus size models? Sometimes I read comments people write in articles about the plus size model movement, and some, not all comments or misconceptions can really be quite negative. Some view bigger models as unhealthy, unattractive, or very simply: fat girls. It’s funny really, because you know that the person who has this viewpoint, probably has something about themselves that they need to improve on or that they may have a mother, sister, aunt, wife, neighbor, friend, or co-worker that fits the profile they are making fun of. I mean, come on, who doesn’t know someone that isn’t a size 12 and up? It’s ridiculous. With photographers, some say it’s harder to photograph a bigger model because of her arms, thighs, tummy, butt, etc. and that they prefer to shoot a “straight” model. It’s a preference and I’m not mad at people who prefer what they de-
3) How do you find peace and comfort in your own body diversity? Am I more judgmental of myself if I am a bigger size? Do I like myself more if I am a smaller size that society says is more acceptable? No matter if I’m a size fourteen, seven, or two- I have to be comfortable within the skin I’m in. My inner peace comes from self-love which is based on my internal value system of knowing my self-worth and having a high self-esteem. Knowing the true value of who I am is not placed on my external being. Most importantly, in having self-love I am able to display this in being able to accept the differences and value of all I come in contact with by exhibiting respect, grace, and kindness. 4) What advice would you give to women who are struggling with their weight or body confidence? The most sincere advice I can give to anyone is to be honest with yourself. Look in the mirror and see what you can improve on. Once you are brutally honest with yourself, without beating yourself up per se, be ready to challenge yourself and commit to self-improvement without excuses. Even if you start and end up making a mistake; for example, if you end up eating several pieces of fried chicken or indulging in sweets knowing you should be eating a salad or working out- being able to forgive yourself and not give up. The next day commit to eating better and exercising. I would say another piece of advice is to write down what your goals are and surround yourself with positive people that help push you toward your goals. Don’t give up!
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5) What advice would you give to other models interested in breaking into the plus size industry? There’s tons of model advice, but I would say start off with these tips as a foundation. One should find what sector of modeling they would like to pursue. Start off with a great headshot, and full body image of yourself to present to agencies or casting directors. No pictures? Look in your local area for professional photographers who are willing to test shoot. I emphasize professional because there are a lot of people with cameras with no business ethics, so be careful. Even if you are more creative or wild in personality with your look, I would say still start off with a clean look: light make-up, conservative hair and short nails, and solid colors for clothing. Network with other models; hone your model walk by participating in local fashion shows, and practice posing in the mirror. Take care of your skin, hair, teeth and exercise. Last but not least, you have to be able to take constructive criticism in this business without getting an attitude. You may not see what others see you need to improve on. Being able to take healthy advice will make you a better person/model. 6) How do you respond to rejections from agencies or shows that prefer Standard sized models? No rejection feels good especially if you have high hopes in being picked for a particular show or casting. Rejection comes with the territory in this business and if you don’t have a thick skin then this business is not for you. If you do not get picked for something, tell yourself that it was not meant for you and you keep it moving to your next casting or project and someone else will recognize your greatness! You will eventually get picked for something. The world does not end because you do
not get chosen. It’s ok to be upset, just don’t let it prevent you from doing what you love. If there is a casting director who you prefers standard or “straight” models, you can present yourself and ask if you can be the plus model in the show and give them your comp card/picture. It doesn’t hurt to try. Even if they say no, they may remember you for the next show or casting and make something special for you and present you as their plus model. There will be days and nights of frustration, just know that perseverance and a positive attitude will always win. 7) Who or what inspires you to become a model? What is your message to the world? I am truly inspired by so many things-my list is long. My short list of inspirations are: photography, styling photo shoots, music, fashion & individual style, love, laughing, reading, traveling, culture, and meeting people from all walks of life. As a model I feel my true inspiration is love and being able to create images that inspire others to tap into their creative genius and greatness. My message to the world? Hmmm… that’s a good question… well, my message to the world would be: “To keep pushing no matter what, never give up on your dreams and what you imagine for yourself. Always spend quiet time with yourself and listen to your inner voice. Do not let fear keep you from fulfilling what you are supposed to do on this earth, and just do it! Do it! DO IT!” I
*Contact: Instagram: Yumdivayum / Twitter: Yumyumsworld/ Facebook: Malinda Bell
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The
ARTS Craig Carter (Craig C. Tha Artist) born 1981 is a contemporary visual artist born and raised from Houston, Texas that got into art at an young age by watching 80’s hip hop movies such as Krush Groove & Beat Street and as a way of expressing my emotions in a urban surrounding. As time went on this self –taught artist learned the basic techniques such as shading, composition and using a variety of mixed media that ranges from pencils to paints. Creating from imagination to everyday events and with guidance of different people I learned to develop a certain unique style about my work that I and fellow artists describe that’s a mixture of different styles with an urban twist. My drawings and paintings mainly portraits are expressed through vivid colors & meant to capture the observer’s attention. I like drawing and painting onto different surfaces such as canvas, paper, wood & anything else where I can show his inspiration, passion and creativity for figures and bold human facial expressions. Showing a great deal of appreciation and interest for all types of art, his work incorporates fresh and somewhat stylized visual imagery. Influenced by artists that range from Traditional to Graffiti, his style will continue to evolve. I have participated in several successful exhibitions such as Mano A Mano,working on children books and receiving international press in the U.K. (Bury Free Press, April,2011). My work has also been Houston's Channel 11, 39 and 26 and Indio Beer Company Billboards across the U.S.
Craig C. Tha Artist 27.
“Africa" ( collaboration with NYC/ Italy artist Robert Daniels, mixed media on canvas
"Let the music flow" (acrylic on canvas)
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WWW.ELIAHSOUL.COM
Literary Treasures With Kisha Green
Lady Qetesh is a Chicago native wife and mother of two. Writing has always been her passion. Always being an avid reader and writer since a young girl, it was always easy for her to get lost in the words. In 2012 while working as an English teacher, it was then that she actually entertained the idea of writing a fulllength novel. Lies, Sin and Desire is her debut novel and Lady Qetesh is currently working on her next novel.
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http://www.divabooksinconline.com
The House of LeMond 516 East 15th Street Charlotte NC 28205 704-712-9531
Style and Fashion 35.
T
oday, it is important for us to teach young
men the art of dressing for any occasion. As seen here by LeMond Hart, model, businessman and owner of the House of LeMond. Here’s a chart to give some insight to young and older men, on dressing to look the part! Remember, when you look good, you feel good, and are destined to do well!
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Chef Liz brings to the culinary world a fresh new perspective, along with a desire, a “hunger” if you will, to do so much more. As we sat and talked, you could hear the passion in her voice as she went over dishes she was working on, Philly, and future plans….. Chef Liz: Good Evening, First let me say that I deeply appreciate the opportunity to speak with you I am truly humble and blessed by this whole experienced. CW: Our pleasure my sister….lets share to the world your passion in this art form!
And here’s
Chef Liz 39.
What made you want to become a chef Liz?To be honest I never thought of being a chef. At the time I applied for school, I was on probation, something said. Shireena just do it. Everything will be fine. I left town as a fugitive and do not regret it. I went Miami to Le Cordon Bleu and I realize that I was doing something bigger than myself. I was taught by some of the best from around the world. Yes eventually I had to face my past. So I went back turned myself in and did what I had to do. I had the support of a a lot of friends and family. I went to court the judge saw that I was changing he said to me,"Miss Miller go back to Miami and finish school I do not ever want to see you in my court room again." I knew then what the voice met by everything will be all right. That is when I knew this is what I wanted to do. There would be no room for half stepping.
Tell our readers about your passion for the culinary arts. With everything you do in life, if there is no passion in it then why do it? Whether it is Chinese, French, Low Country, to Texas style BBQ, I love it all. I am always learning new techniques and opening up new taste buds for different flavors. In my world there are no limits to what you can do with food. Food can be made sweet, sour, salty, tangy, bitter, crunchy, hard, soft, and smooth. Salad: Multi Pepper and Red Onion Served Food make you dance, it can be so good you will fight someone for it. it puts a smile on your with you choice of 5oz of Salmon, Chicken, or Steak face. Food brings people together no matter if it’s a bushel of crabs, or Thanksgiving dinner. Entree: Lemon Oh let’s not forget the one piece of chocolate Blackened Salmon cake you know you’re not supposed to have. served with Mmmmm it feels so good going down. I am roasted mashed blessed to be able to do these things. If I do potatoes. not know then I have the ambition and drive Sautéed whole to find out. spinach leaves What would you say are your specialties as a chef? LOL...I get this all the time. This may be my shortest answer. I say this with all the respect in the world. My specialty is following direction, researching, and learning techniques. I love all food. I am not saying that I eat everything but learning, or wanting to learning new areas. To me is always a plus. topped off with roasted peppers, avocado, How crucial would you say creativity is as a lemon aioli and chives. professional chef? Being creative is beyond Dessert: (TO BE crucial in the Culinary and Pastry world. You have to keep people wanting more, or wanting SHARED OF COURSE) simple things like the special for the day. Most Walnut Cider Bread pudding with a Rum Custard stores, restaurants, diners, even food trucks, thrive on creativity. You can take a recipe and Canal (or Vanilla Canal) put new ingredients in or even remove some Fried Apples and Warn and make it your own. This is creativity. BringCaramel Glaze! ing a whole different style of cooking to a new city or town, this is creativity. You have to alI thank you again from the ways think ahead and be willing to take differbottom of my heart Love ent leaps of faith. Always Elizabeth Shireena Miller, aka Chef Liz aka Ok, so creative time, draw for our readers Che' Lizze' your preparation of a romantic meal for two….. Alright….. Appetizer: Shrimp and Crab Deviled Eggs with pickled Cucumber
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Charleston is known for many things but chicken and waffles does not reign at the top of the list. However, at the Early Bird Diner the infamous meal holds the spot for the most requested item on the menu. The anticipation of devouring this flavorsome dish almost distracted me from noticing the tiny but tasteful establishment located in the heart of Charleston. After circling around the packed parking lot full of lunch time locals , I was finally able to walk into this eclectic heaven of tasty treats. I immediately plopped down in one of the snug but comfy booths to admire various old newspaper articles and TV posters that plague the colorful walls of the restaurant. Included in the whimsical madness of dĂŠcor were numerous bookshelves nestled throughout the restaurant that housed everything from travel magazines to children books. Several
black chalk boards set high above the registers which listed an array of sweet treats such as grilled pound cake and buttermilk pie. However I was only after one thing, The pecan crusted fried chicken and cinnamon waffles drizzled with honey mustard sauce and maple syrup, Oh what a combination !The sweet juicy chicken breast crunched well with every bite. The flavorful combination of honey mustard and maple syrup accented the lightly seasoned piece of poultry. Both combinations of sweet and salty paired well with the lightly toasted cinnamon waffle that slightly melted in my mouth with each bite. The Early Bird Diner Chicken and Waffles has definitely made Charleston’s reputation for the best seafood a thing of the past.
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www.justrightcocktails.com