ISSUE 6
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NYOTA Magazine was founded
by two sisters who shared a love for discovering new talent and young entrepreneurs. Nyota /niːˈoʊtə/ means star in Swahili, this magazine focuses on finding and promoting the rising stars in fashion, music and culture. So if you know a young person who is serious about their craft, please contact us! The magazine will be released quarterly, (winter, spring, summer and fall).
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@nyotamagazine
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Cont 008
018 MUSIC
004 Contributors 005 Editor’s Letter
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008 Drew Vogelsang Interview 011 Music Rewind: A Seat at the Table 012 New Year’s Playlist 013 Valentine’s Playlist 015 On Repeat: Music We Love
tents 036 FASHION
018 Niara Wright Interview 022 Fashion Week Recap 030 Will You Be My Valentine?
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050
CULTURE
036 Kallie Kaiser Interview 038 The Female Vote 039 Last Minute Christmas Gifts 040 Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden 042 Fruit: A Portrait Series 048 Love Your Body Positively 050 Words of Wisdom: Lauren Maillian 054 Film is NOT Dead 062 Inspirational Feature: Natalie McGriff NYOTA
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TEAM
CAROL WRIGHT Co-Editor in Chief and Artistic Director NIARA WRIGHT Co-Editor in Chief and Fashion Director JOCELYN NAARDEN Graphic Designer and Visual Director
FEATURES
DREW VOGELSANG Singer NIARA WRIGHT Designer KALLIE KAISER Youtuber LAUREN MAILLIAN Entrepreneur NATALIE MCGRIFF Author
CONTRIBUTORS
MARIAH ESPADA Writer JOSELYN HAMILTON Writer SYDNEY LEA Writer ALLIYAH ALLEN Photographer PAIGE SALMON Photographer KRISTIE CHUA Photographer ALEXANDRA MORROW Model
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R E T T E L S ’ R EDITO Our sixth issue is particularly rewarding because it was truly an achievement to get everything together. Carol has been finishing up her first semester of college and Niara has been busy designing her first ever collection. With our plates full, we were worried things wouldn’t come together in time, but with the help of our amazing graphic designer and a huge team effort we did it! This issue has a range of material and features. From singers, designers, authors, musicians and entrepreneurs our features seem to span across every platform, and our contributors cover topics of self love and take photos celebrating the beauty of people of color. We hope you enjoy our sixth issue because as always we had a ton of fun creating it. Instagram: @nyotamagazine Twitter: @NYOTAMagazine Youtube: Nyota Magazine Love your Co-EICs, Carol and Niara Wright
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Drew Vogelsang Interviewed By: Carol Wright
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I create my music with a traditional base and expand on it with innovation and creativity. With my work, I hope to push music both sonically and culturally. WHAT INSPIRES THE SOUND OF YOUR MUSIC?
I had established a firm musical founda-
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT COVER-
I find that human emotion is what primar-
tion, I began to look for ways to create
ING OTHER ARTIST’S SONGS?
ily inspires the sound of my music. I write
something new. I started learning about
I love finding new music and exploring
the lyrics and design the instrumentation
synthesizers, drum machines, and other
unfamiliar artists. I would say that the sat-
around a specific event or mindset that I
equipment. At twelve years old I had de-
isfaction I get from just listening to a song
have had some kind of connection to in
signed a studio in my bedroom and start-
is almost comparable to that of when I’m
the past. The sound of the music often
ed recording my own music. Over time,
creating my own. It is incredible that I am
reflects that scenario and the emotion
my sound progressed and I began to de-
able to connect with a person that I have
that it included. For instance, “Days” was
velop who I was as an artist. This process
never even met on such a deep level sim-
written around the moment of driving in
is still continuing as I experiment with a
a car at dawn. Every piece of that song is
range of styles in search for my own.
influenced by the details within that occasion. The gentle pad synth that plays
THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT PATHS ART-
throughout the piece reflects the soft light
ISTS CAN TAKE WITH THEIR MUSIC. WHAT
of the sun setting behind the trees. The
MADE YOU WANT TO WRITE AND PRODUCE
subdued but constantly pushing rhythm
YOUR OWN SONGS?
of the drums mirror the feeling of the
I chose to write and produce my own
car continuously moving forward down
songs because I was inspired by all of
the street. I don’t consciously add these
the other music I was hearing around
elements into the songs, but when I am
me. I knew that I couldn’t replicate these
working with a concept in mind, I find that
sounds with just a piano, so I had to ex-
most of the parts fall into place on their
plore new territory. The artists that I ad-
ply by listening to their music. By taking
own. My work, both lyrically and sonically,
mired were known for a signature sound
the sentiment that they have given out to
is meant to put the listener in a certain
that any listener could recognize. I knew
the world and putting my own take on it, I
setting and give them a way of connecting
that with the unlimited possibilities of
am reflecting on their emotions and add-
with the sentiment of that moment.
combining technology and music, I would
ing a piece of myself. Covering the songs
be able to create my own. I constantly
of the other artists is my way of having a
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED
have new ideas in my head for how I want
conversation with another musician.
IN MUSIC?
a song to sound from vocals to beats to
I started taking classical piano lessons at
a simple atmosphere in the background.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MUSIC INSPIRA-
six years old. It started off as a chore that
Writing and producing is my way to mak-
TIONS?
was somewhat forced upon me by my
ing those ideas a reality. I live to create
I am inspired by artistry from all styles
family, but the more time I spent with it,
something unique that represents who I
and decades. Anybody that has created
the more it became a part of who I was.
am and what I feel, and the only way to
something to reflect their time period is
As I grew older I started singing in choirs
gain that is to be in control of every sound
someone that I am inspired by. This list
and playing piano for jazz quartets. After
that goes into my work.
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Rachmaninoff and Chopin, to modern art-
ited by a lack of knowledge or skill. I hope
ists, including Frank Ocean, James Blake,
to go to a school that allows me to contin-
and Kanye West. I create my music with
ue my exploration in music technology as
a traditional base and expand on it with
well as build relationships with members
innovation and creativity. With my work,
of the music business.
I hope to push music both sonically and culturally. Other artists that have done
CAN WE EXPECT AN EP FROM YOU IN THE
this in the past, no matter the genre, are
FUTURE?
my inspirations.
I am planning on releasing a body of work in the upcoming winter. I don’t want to call
ARE YOU HOPING TO PURSUE MUSIC IN COL-
it an EP or an album because I don’t think
LEGE?
that captures what I will be presenting.
Yes! I am hoping to attend college in a city that allows me to get in touch with
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOUR MUSIC?
the music and entertainment business. I
My music can be found on my website at:
believe that one of the most crucial ele-
www.drewvmusic.com
ments of being an artist is the people that
or on my SoundCloud at:
one connects with. I also want to attend
www.soundcloud.com/drewvmusic
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MUSIC REWIND
A SEAT AT THE TABLE Written By: Sydney Lea
A Seat At The Table is an impeccable art piece; a compilation of sounds of funk, r&b, jazz and neo-soul with lyrics that speak to consciousness, social issues, and self-love. Solange, who has made a few albums in the past, has really stood out with this one. She’s a bona fide creative lyricist with an incredible, angelic voice. The fourth song of the album, “Cranes In The Sky”, sat at the top of the charts for many weeks; with listeners from all over the world in awe of this amazing track with a beautiful message that most people can resonate with. This track talks of ways in which we as people try to deal with issues by not dealing with them at all. Another track that also is a consumer favorite is “Don’t Touch My Hair”. Fun and uplifting, this track is an anthem for many black women. With producer and artist Sampha on the track; together they make magic. Solange has created a masterpiece with this amazing album, which has led her to be the front-face of mainstream media. The world needs more albums such as this and I can’t wait to hear what Solange creates on her sophomore album.
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New Year’s Playlist 24K MAGIC// BRUNO MARS FAKE LOVE// DRAKE SHAMPAIN// MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS EXCUSE ME// A$AP ROCKY GOOD INTENTIONS// DISCLOSURE BLOWN// DNCE FATHER STRETCH MY HANDS, PT1 // KANYE WEST WONDERFUL// TRAVIS SCOTT
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Valentine’s Day playlist
OVERNIGHT SENSATION // BØRNS ROBBERS // THE 1975 EVERY OTHER FRECKLE // ALT-J HEART IS A DRUM // BECK HOLD ME // OLMOS JULY // DREW VOGELSANG DO I WANNA KNOW? // ARCTIC MONKEYS SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS // THE POSTAL SERVICE
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ON REPEAT: MUSIC WE LOVE
BEACH HOUSE: TEEN DREAM
SOLANGE: A SEAT AT THE TABLE
J COLE: 4 YOUR EYEZ ONLY
DRAKE: MORE LIFE
AWAKEN MY LOVE: CHILDISH GAMBINO
THE WEEKND: STARBOY
A$AP ROCKY: AT LONG LAST A$AP
SWELL: THERE’S STILL US
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NIARA WRIGHT Interviewed By: Carol Wright
OUR CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF IS A FASHION DE-
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN DESIGNING?
clothes are, he inspires me to be myself.
I’ve actually been designing clothes since
Lately I’ve been getting into streetwear
I was 10 years old but never took the time
a lot more which has led me to design-
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR TOMBAB COLLEC-
to make them. When I was coming up with
ers like Virgil of OFF-WHITE, Rio of Gypsy
TION?
ideas for Tombab, I looked through all of
Sport and anything Adidas.
SIGNER ON THE RISE
As I started to develop my personal
my designs since I was 10 and realized I
style, I realized that the clothes I like or
had been designing one whole collection
the way I dressed often had certain ste-
my whole life. Every design was already
I get inspired by so many different
reotypes linked to them but those stereo-
cohesive. God was truly in the works with
people. I truly just like people who aren’t
types didn’t fit who I was. As I got older,
that one.
afraid to be themselves and stand out.
I learned that there were other girls like
WHO ARE YOUR STYLE INSPIRATIONS?
But, if I had to pick specific people, I would
me, who dressed like I did and had a simi-
HOW DID IT FEEL TO GET ACCEPTED INTO
pick Janelle Monae, Coco and Breezy, Sar-
lar style but didn”t belong to the stereo-
THE INDEPENDENT DESIGNER DEVELOP-
ah Snyder and Teyana Taylor.
types put on them by society. I consider
MENT CONTEST?
my style very tomboy ish with a hint of
I was very surprised and nervous. Sur-
femininity. I love the shapes of mens-
prised because I truly thought I wouldn’t
wear, active wear, and streetwear but still
be picked. Nervous because getting se-
I think most people would say the de-
like to throw on a pair of heels every once
lected meant it was go time. I really had to
signing part but for me it the actual con-
in awhile. So when I had to design my line,
get things moving.
struction of the clothing. I have not been
I knew I had to creative clothing for this strong, confident, tomboy who was proud and strong in her womanhood. Thus, Tombab was born.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF COMING UP WITH A COLLECTION?
formally trained in sewing and tailoring WHO ARE YOUR FASHION DESIGN ICONS?
I have always been a huge fan of Marc Jacobs, I love how quirky and outlandish his
so I always have a mini heart attack once I cut into the fabric. Once you cut it, there’s no turning back!
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I GET INSPIRED BY SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE. I TRULY JUST LIKE PEOPLE WHO AREN’T AFRAID TO BE THEMSELVES AND STAND OUT. WHEN DID YOU LEARN HOW TO SEW? IS IT REWARDING TO DESIGN THE CLOTHES, SEW THEM AND THEN SEE THE FINAL PRODUCT ON A MODEL?
I first learned the basic and fundamental skills of sewing when I was in my junior year of high school. I was taking a fashion 101 elective which taught me enough to get by. When I was 20, a family friend taught me more advanced sewing skills and pattern making. I also would look up youtube videos here and there when I needed more help. It is such a reward to see a completed garment that I thought of, created and someone is wearing. As an artist, it brings a sort of validation when your work is out there in the world for others to enjoy. HOW LONG HAS ART AND DESIGN BEEN A PART OF YOUR LIFE?
When I was a toddler before my siblings were born, it was just my mother and I. I would follow her around all day long because I had nothing else to do. One day, my mom put me in a room with some paper and some crayons and the rest is history. Ive fully been an artist since I was 4 but fashion design has been in my life since I was 10. At that age, I had to start picking out my own clothes which struck my fashion gene. Art and design truly consumes my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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FASHION WEEK: RECAP Written By: Carol Wright
Hi loves, It’s your favorite Co-EIC here. In September I got the chance to experience a day of fashion week. Even though it was only a day, it was an eventful one. My best friend and I had originally planned to catch Refinery 29s 29 rooms event, but by the time we got there the line was crazy and they weren’t allowing anyone else inside. A bit frustrated we weren’t sure where to go next until we remembered that Tommy Pier would be open to the public the entire weekend. With Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid in mind we made our way to Pier 16 and were immediately immersed into a colorful, energetic, fashionista dream world. Afterwards we were able to catch Sally Skoufis’s Jewelry presentation, and we even ran into Hailey Baldwin at the Dream Downtown Hotel. All in all,
l o r a C , O XOX
I had a very fun and fashionable day.
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WILL YOU BE MY
VALENTINE? Photography By: Carol Wright Model: Alexandra Morrow
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Kallie Kaiser Interviewed By: Carol Wright
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR STYLE INSPIRATIONS? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN STYLE?
Ugh I love fashion, I adore Blake Lively’s, Bella Thorne’s, and Emma Roberts style. I would describe my own style as a little bit of everything. I love stepping out of my comfort zone with some bomb bold pieces. I have worn everything from rebel, chic, grungy, to fun and colorful. Lately WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL?
I did not plan to start an entire youtube channel, I posted my first video, which was a Triangl Swimwear review + Try On, so girls could watch someone trying on
Do not try to be some because your power world is you or look
the bikini and know what size to get. The
I have been wearing a lot of denim with
review video did very well, a lot of people
anything and everything I possibly can.
started subscribing and told me to make more videos. I guess you could say I pur-
DID YOU EVER EXPECT YOUR CHANNEL TO
sued my YouTube Channel out of bore-
GROW TO HAVING OVER 100,000 SUBSCRIB-
dom because I had just graduated from
ERS?
high school, I was working at my local
Honestly no, I am extremely apprecia-
Dairy Queen (Ice cream shop), and taking
tive to everyone that has subscribed and
a gap year before I went away to college.
continues to support my channel. It was
My first video was posted on July 15th
very exciting when I finally hit 100k.
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HOW HAS YOUTUBE CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
It has benefited me in ways I would have never imagined. I used to be very shy and to myself in the beginning of high school. Once I was on YouTube, I loved being in front of the camera. I have learned a lot about social media over the past two years, my online presence has given me opportunities to work with some of my favorite brands, like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and Missguided. DOES LIVING IN LA GIVE YOU INSPIRATION FOR YOUR CONTENT?
Living in LA gives me more motivation to find inspiration, because everyone around me is constantly creating or working hard on something new and exciting, I really admire that. YOU WENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA FOR A YEAR AND STUDIED ACTING, DO YOU THINK THAT YOUTUBE COULD LEAD YOU TO ACTING JOBS AS IT HAS DONE FOR SO MANY OTHERS?
eone you’re not, is that no one in the ks like you. I had an amazing year at The University of Arizona studying in their Theatre Arts
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE YOUTU-
be pursuing Acting, or Blogging, since
BERS?
I love photography and fashion just as
program with an emphasis in Acting. I do
I love watching Manny MUA, Sonya Es-
believe that my YouTube can open some
man, Maddi Bragg, mylifeaseva, Jeffery
acting doors for me.
Star, and Brianna Joy. They all have such a
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING
positive presence on social media, I really
YOUTUBERS?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VIDEO OF YOURS?
look up to and feel inspired by each.
I would have to say my Summer Morn-
much.
Yes, keep uploading content and always be yourself. Do not try to be someone
ing Routine video because I filmed it with
IF YOU WEREN’T MAKING VIDEOS WHAT
you’re not, because your power is that no
very tight shots and it was personal. It def-
DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING IN-
one in the world is you or looks like you.
initely shares who I am with the audience.
STEAD?
Xo
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the female vote Written By: Mariah Espada
The Female Vote: A Vital Component
The year of 2016 has bee election had a lot there is the to be made. Since thehas Progressive era women continued to battle battle for betw Thehave daunting justice, except now they have the ultimate Hillary Clinton for the sea method of instilling change: suffrage. Last that taken ev election,journey the female vote washas what determined the outcome as they were the maHowever, after pushing p jority of the voters that determined what why thehealth reelecti policies consider on abortion and women’s issues the country would follow. Canditremendous hope and ad dates are constantly aware about just women have been grante how significant the female vote is which heard. Whatfora their better is why they always compete sup- way port. Trump and Clinton have different community than voting in
The year of 2016 has been a time of tu-
en must recognize how much progression
multuous change and the election has had a lot to do with it being so revolutionary. The daunting battle between Donald Trump and Senator Hillary Clinton for the seat at the White House has been a long journey that has taken everyone on an rollercoaster of sorts. However, after pushing past the political chaos you should consider why the reelection season is also a time of tremendous hope and advancement. Now more than ever women have been granted the chance to make their voices heard. What a better way to instill change for the female community than
ideas regarding the future for women in 2. THE FIRST FEMALE CANDIDATE IN
the U.S. Although all women don’t share
1. The Journey Never before have we seen a female many, and when they are enough of the As we transition into this new political era, it’s impera 1. THE JOURNEY make it past the primaries of a Presiden- vote, they can make a nation wide imhave gone Whether through gain right to vote. Women fough As we transition into this new political tial election. or notto Clinton winsthe pact. If females want change they have era, it’s imperative to recognize the jourrace, her making Democratic the power to elect someone power that for the decades untilit toitthe was achieved. Now that weinhave the rig ney women have gone through to gain candidacy is a momentous occurrence would benefit the fight for women equalcivic duty and show up on election day. When you cast you the right to vote. Women fought for the that cannot be undone. Be a part of his- ity. So all females, you must recognize for tory theandmillions thathow once hadvoice the desire, but not women’s suffrage movement for decades either voteof for women the first female much your matters! The power voting in the 2016 election?
HISTORY
the same political views, they do share
until it was achieved. Now that we have
president in office or against it— either
of deciding what the next four years looks
the right it is important to always fulfill
way you will be a part of history.
like is in your hands.
2. The First Female Candidate in History our civic duty and show up on election have we seen a female make it past the day. When you cast your ballot don’t do 3. ANever NEED FORbefore NEW POLICY it just for you— do it for the millions of Although women have the right to vote, Whether or not Clinton wins the race, her making it to the D women that once had the desire, but not there is a lot more work to be done. Politioccurrence that cannot be undone. Be a part of history and the privilege to do so. cal change begins with new policy. Wompresident in office or against it— either way you will be a pa
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LAST MINUTE
Christmas Gifts 1
2
3
4 1. Visa gift card- While this gift might not be the most heartfelt no one can say they don’t appreciate money on christmas. 2. Room Decor- This will especially brighten up a college student’s christmas. It doesn’t take much to go out and buy a succulent or cute pillow to spruce up a room 3. A Book- In my opinion a book is as good a gift as any. It takes two seconds to run to Barnes & Noble and buy that one book your friend or family member has been babbling on about. 4. Vinyl- This gift is for all the music lovers with record players. Go to your nearest Urban Outfitters or Record store and make someone’s day.
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HIRSHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN Written By: Carol Wright
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IS TEEMING WITH MUSEUMS. EACH ONE EXPLORING A DIFFERENT ASPECT OF AMERICAN LIFE AND CULTURE. ONE OF MY FAVORITES IS THE HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN, CURRagnar Kjartansson at the Hirshhorn Museum RENTLY THE ENTIRE SECOND FLOOR IS DEDICATED TO RAGNAR KJARTANS-
SON’S PAINTINGS, ARTis AND PERFORMANCE ART.aspect of TheVIDEO District of Columbia teeming with museums. Each one exploring a different American life and culture. One of my favorites is the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, currently the entire second floor is dedicated to Ragnar Kjartansson’s paintings, video art and performance art.
His two favorite pieces of mine, are: Woman in E and The Visitors. Woman in E immerses you into a melancholy world of gold sequins. It is a performance art piece that focuses on a woman sitting down or standing up while only strumming E on the guitar. You can’t help but temporarily lose yourself in her lonely world of gold.
My favorite video art installment of Ragnar’s is The Visitors (not pictured). The visitors is one video showed in different parts, on nine screens. You can sit and watch as one person begins to sing, another starts to play the piano and another waits a few moments before playing the drums. Each screen shows someone adding to the ensemble, and joining every other museum-goer on the carpeted floor, just to take a moment to watch, filled me up with a weird feeling of togetherness. If you are in the DMV area and have not yet taken the time to see Ragnar’s work you need to; especially because it is only there until January 8th.
His two favorite pieces of mine, are: Woman in E and The Visitors. Woman in E immerses you into a melancholy world of gold sequins. It is a performance art
piece that focuses on a woman sitting down or standing up while only strumming E on the guitar. You can’t help but temporarily lose yourself in her lonely world of gold. My favorite video art installment of Ragnar’s is The Visitors (not pictured). The visitors is one video showed in different parts, on nine screens. You can sit and watch as one person begins to sing, another starts to play the piano and another waits a few moments before playing the drums. Each screen shows someone adding to the ensemble, and joining every other museum-goer on the carpeted floor, just to take a moment to watch, filled me up with a weird feeling of togetherness. If you are in the DMV area and have not yet taken the time to see Ragnar’s work you need to; especially because it is only there until January 8th.
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Fruit A
P OR TR AI T
SER I ES
By: Alliyah Allen
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Love Your Body Positively Written By: Joselyn S. Hamilton
Body positivity falls under the category
yourself in spite of anyone else’s influ-
people associate the word “Skinny” as a
of self-love. Self-love is a practice of mind-
ence. It means that you can acknowledge
compliment? Either word could be inter-
fulness which opens into an expanse of
someone else to be different and still feel
expectations that one holds themselves
confident in yourself. As a smaller sized
to. Unlike societal expectation and social
woman, I can attest to how difficult that is
norms, these personal expectations are
to obtain. Most times we are bombarded
developed through a process which re-
with praisal representation in media, but
quires acknowledging the ways around
not in a way that supports good health.
you, and determining your own defini-
They tell the world that skinny is better,
tion of who to be, as a result. More spe-
but only through diet and exercise. To
cifically, there is a lot of attention placed
the insecure, this message is accepted as
preted as either side of the body assess-
upon physical appearance. There is al-
proper way of life, but to those who are
ing spectrum, but the overarching idea re-
ways a new craze influencing “The Perfect
naturally skinny it comes with a life of
mains. Within the conversation, the main
Beach Body” and “How To Get The Biggest
comments such as, “I know all you eat is
statement includes curvy women getting
Booty”. Because of this extreme emphasis
salad.” or “Girl, look how skinny you are.
praise for loving their body, but because
on small frames, slimming physiques, and
You need to eat and put some meat on
of the image perpetuated through me-
large bottoms, there has been a direct ef-
those bones.” We are scrutinized for our
dia, it’s almost frowned upon for a skin-
fect that caused damage to women’s per-
natural size to uplift the women who are
ny woman to. Body positivity should be
spectives.
naturally plus sized. There are phrases
something attainable for all women, not
Whether it be a plus sized woman tak-
such as “Real women have curves” as if
just one section of the size spectrum.
ing measures to achieve a smaller size,
I am less of a woman because I have a
I had a random woman pinch my arm
a smaller sized woman wishing to be
smaller frame. I think that it is important
and say to me, “Baby, you are so little. I
“thicker”, or even a woman of any size
to encourage body positivity of women of
bet all you eat is salad… and y’all skinny
taking whatever measures they’ve cho-
any and every size. I don’t think that de-
women always think y’all better than
sen by influence of something outside
meaning one is the way to uplift another.
somebody, but ya really ain’t.” I was
of their own: it’s not a healthy situation.
How is it that the word “Fat” is seen as
embarrassed for this lady. I was disap-
To be body positive means that you love
such a rude and unacceptable label, but
pointed in society for breeding this way of
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I quickly explained am better than anyo that I am a Goddess
thinking. For a split second, I actually felt
“Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes
on up because old people respect you
a pang of disappointment in myself until
I won’t
when you quote the bible even if it’s only
I asked myself why. Why should I feel dis-
Depend of how the wind blows I might even
one of maybe five quotes that you have
appointed in myself for being my natural
paint my toes
size if you’re encouraged to be proud of
It really just depends on whatever feels
yours? I said to her, “Ma’am I don’t know
good in my soul
en we still have a long way to go in rela-
you, and you don’t know me. But what I
I’m not the average girl from your video
tion to the representation, respect, and
do know is that you deserve to feel beau-
And I ain’t built like a supermodel
realization of our need for unity. We must
tiful for who you are just the way that I
But I learned to love myself unconditionally,
all successfully practice mindfulness in re-
deserve that too. And I’ll be damned if I let
Because I am a queen”
spect to body positivity because whether
you, the media, or anything else dictate
memorized. Ultimately the fact remains that as wom-
Skinny, Fat, Tall, Short we all should love
how I see myself.” I said to her the lyrics
I quickly explained that I do not think
of the song Video by India Arie that goes:
that I am better than anyone, but what I
that I do not think that I one, but what I do think is s.
who we are, positively.
do think is that I am a Goddess. I am beautiful; for I am wonderfully and fearfully made. And that shut her right
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LaurM WORDS OF WIS
DOM:
YOU HAVE STARTED NUMEROUS COMPANIES, I SEE YOU CREDITED THE LEMONADE STAND AS YOUR FIRST ENTREPRENEURIAL STEP, TELL ME WHAT YOU LEARNED THEN THAT STILL RESONATES WITH YOU TODAY? WHAT INITIALLY GAVE YOU THE ENTREPRENEURIAL BUG?
What gave me the entrepreneurial bug is wanting to own my own destiny, wanting to call my own shots and always having a fiercely, independent spirit that was very determined. Determined to succeed, determined to do any and everything that I put my mind to and that’s still me today. The things that I learned in the lemonade stand that are still useful and valuable skill sets today is understanding your customer and knowing your market and being ready to adapt your product or service to the needs of that market in order to stay relevant and to show your customers that not only do you listen to them but that you care about them, and in an attempt to drive brands loyalty.
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and if I didn’t have two kids. The growing cost of life certainly keeps me coming back for more, and more and more.
ren Ma
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is
il l ia n Interviewed By: Carol Wright
to never give up, it’s that simple. You can easily get discouraged and things can always happen in life. We can’t predict or hold a crystal ball, but the best advice I’ve ever been given is to never give up. YOU HAVE NUMEROUS INTERESTS, FROM FASHION TO BUSINESS TO TRAVEL. DO YOU THINK THAT YOUR DIFFERENT INTERESTS HAVE HELPED YOU CREATE THE BUSINESSES YOU HAVE? I PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO
MY DAD IS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN
tribe of girlfriends, colleagues, everyone
KNOW BECAUSE I HAVE MANY INTERESTS
AND MANY PEOPLE THINK THAT BECAUSE
who unconditionally has my back and
AND SOMETIMES I FEEL OVERWHELMED-
OF THAT I HAVE HAD IT EASY, I RECOGNIZE
who has proven to unconditionally have
HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO FEED YOUR MANY
I HAVE HAD MORE OPPORTUNITIES THAN
my back; throughout my career or what
PASSIONS?
MOST, BUT I STILL WORK HARD, TO PROVE
it is I am going through and encounter-
I think that as an entrepreneur my job is
MYSELF. HAVE YOU FOUND YOURSELF IN
ing. There is a core group of twenty-five
to always find opportunity by either iden-
THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCE?
women that are always there for me no
tifying white space or realizing that I’m so
I think everyone has to prove them-
questions asked, that always tell me the
passionate about something that I want
selves in business in different ways and
truth, that are so personally invested in
to find a way to do it better, and that’s
respects depending on what the industry
my success and I am so personally invest-
what every entrepreneur does. They’re
is, where they’re coming from and what
ed in their success because it doesn’t re-
either a pro at finding white space or cre-
other affiliations or assumptions people
ally matter who gets what or who gets to
ating opportunity or they’re a pro at be-
may assume there to be, but I think that
where first or faster. It’s all about the fact
ing so deeply devoted to what it is they’re
that is a part of life in general. I think it’s
that if I get there first or you get there first,
passionate about that they find ways to
a part of adulthood, learning how to dif-
that gives us each the ability to pull the
make that particular industry, product
ferentiate yourself from everyone else,
other one ahead, that gives us the ability
or service better and better and better
learning how to play up your skill set but
to accelerate our chances of success inde-
based on their passion. So yes, I think that
most importantly learning how to very
pendently and collectively. I really credit
my passions have absolutely guided me in
quickly and undeniably add value.
my girlfriends and I really credit my chil-
my career and have shaped where I have
dren. My children are a huge source of
gone so far and where I will go in the fu-
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS AND
my inspiration, of course I love them im-
ture, but I think that the more and more
HOW HAVE THEY HELPED SHAPE WHO YOU
mensely, but they keep pushing me every
successful I become, and the more and
ARE?
single day. I could very easily retire to be
more successful people become, you be-
quite honest, right now today if I wanted
gin to look at other opportunities based
My biggest supporters are my tribe, my
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The best advice I’ve ever been given is to never give up, it’s that simple. You can easily get discouraged and things can always happen in life. We can’t predict or hold a crystal ball, but the best advice I’ve ever been given is to never give up. less on your passion and based more on
WHAT LED YOU TO TELEVISION? WHAT HAS
credibly hard to get to where it is that I
your expertise, and sometimes your ex-
BEEN THE BEST PART OF WORKING ON OXY-
want to go, and I don’t know how else I
pertise will hone in on where you’re most
GEN’S QUIT YOUR DAY JOB?
would’ve had to work differently if I wasn’t
passionate. It depends on who you are,
What led me to television was oppor-
a woman of color, but I will say that I think
but I work best when I’m most passion-
tunity, meeting preparation, meeting my
that we are finally in the place where re-
ate about what it is that I’m doing, and so
expertise. The things that I love about my
gardless of the color of your skin, you can
I think that there is an intersection there
show along with my co-stars, is that I also
finally work really hard and get where you
and it is incredibly valuable.
think not only have I loved making the
think you belong.
show but I’ve also loved seeing everyone’s DO YOU THINK IT’S ADVISABLE TO “SHELVE”
reaction to a new voice in the world of
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG
A PASSION, WHILE YOU DEVELOP ANOTHER
startups and business entrepreneurship
ENTREPRENEURS?
OR SHOULD IT HAPPEN ORGANICALLY?
and it’s been super, super, super awe-
It depends on the circumstance, what
some.
The advice I have for young entrepreneurs is try, try as much as you can, as early as you can because you have noth-
the passions are, what the trends are in the world and society and culture. What
BEING A BLACK WOMAN IN THE BUSINESS
ing to lose, and everything to learn and
the opportunities are and how you think
WORLD, WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR
gain, and find what you love.
you can add value. If someone is eight
BIGGEST OBSTACLES AND/OR CHALLENGES?
percent passionate about one thing that
I think that the obstacles and challenges
they know ten percent about and they’re
I’ve endured, I can’t tell you if it’s because
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO YOU WILL IN-
ten percent passionate about something
I’m a Black woman or not, because I’ve
VEST IN? WOULD YOU INVEST IN A TWENTY
that they know eighty percent about, then
always been a Black woman so I don’t
SOMETHING?
I say go where the most knowledge and
know what else it would look like or feel
Age never matters for me, and I invest in
the most passion is.
like or what situations I would be in, but
a business based on the concept, the size
I was raised to know that I have to work
of the opportunity, my personal expertise
YOU’RE A MOTHER AND AN ENTREPRENEUR.
harder than everyone else around me
and ways that I think I can or cannot be
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMAN
because of lack of opportunity, or lack of
helpful and I look for entrepreneurs that
WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN CREATING
network that may be built into another, to
show me why they will win. Either through
COMPANIES BUT FEEL AS THOUGH THEY
someone else that I don’t have so I can’t
their experience or expertise, their net-
CANNOT JUGGLE MOTHERHOOD AND BEING
honestly tell you or pinpoint one thing
works, their team or their approach
A CEO?
that I’ve done or had to do because I’m a
I say we only live once, take life by the horns and go after what you want.
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woman, or because I’m a woman of color but I can tell you that I have worked in-
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NYYO OTTA ACCU ULLTTU URREE ##N
Film is
not dead
N YY O O TT AA M M AA G G AA ZZ II N N EE 75 44 // // N
Featuring: Featuring: Paige Salmon Krystal Hu Kristie Chua Emma Salerno Carol Wright
PAIGE SALMON
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KRISTIE CHUA
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INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE
NATALIE MCGRIFF Interviewed By: Carol Wright
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A PUBLISHED AU-
money to make the books and pay for the
THOR, DID YOU IMAGINE IT WOULD HAPPEN
illustrations.
me. Especially the little kids. Yes because we started self-publishing and getting the word out.
It makes me feel special because black girls are looking up to me and that makes
SO SOON AND WHEN YOU ARE SO YOUNG?
It feels great because people look up to
YOU FEEL AND WHO INSPIRES YOU?
DID YOU EXPECT SO MUCH POSITIVE FEED-
me feel good. I am inspired by my grand-
BACK FROM YOUR BOOK?
ma because she always tells me to do the
Yes, because my book was teaching little
right things and she tells me to publish
girls how to love themselves and love the
more books so that I can inspire more
way they are.
girls.
YOU’RE A HUGE INSPIRATION TO BLACK
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE WORLD OF MOXIE MC-
GIRLS OF ALL AGES? HOW DOES THAT MAKE
GRIFF?
WHAT DID IT FEEL LIKE TO WIN $16K AT THE ONE SPARK CROWDFUNDING FESTIVAL?
It felt great because afterwards I had the
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I was just going to read books in Jacksonville. Now they see I am going to places around the country. No one is jealous though. SKIN COLOR AND HAIR HAS BEEN AN ISSUE
We are currently working on an animat-
FOR MANY PEOPLE AND NOT FOR OTHERS.
ed series. We are trying to get funding for
WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS AND WHAT
it.
CAN WE DO TO HELP OTHER CHILDREN LOVE THEMSELVES?
ARE YOU GOING TO CONTINUE WRITING OR
Because black girls see a lot of different
WAS THIS SOMETHING YOU DID AND NOW
people that don’t look like them on tv and
YOU ARE GOING TO DO ANOTHER PROJECT?
in books and movies. We don’t see too
MOREOVER, DO YOU FEEL PRESSURED TO
many girls that look like us. We should
CONTINUE WRITING? WOULD YOU LIKE TO
encourage them and give them compli-
TRY SOMETHING ELSE?
ments every morning so they can love
I am going to keep writing books. Yes,
themselves.
a little by my mother, because she wants me to perfect my skills. I want to make Moxie McGriff into a movie and cartoon.
LASTLY, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU MISS NATALIE?
I’m going to start creating more books and hopefully making movies and creat-
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING ON THE PANEL
ing cartoons.
FOR UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT?
It felt good because the girls wanted to hear my story. Although I was a little nervous. HOW HAVE YOUR FRIENDS REACTED TO YOU BEING A PUBLISHED AUTHOR? (WHEN I WAS SEVEN I’M PRETTY SURE THE MOST EXCITING THING I WAS DOING WAS GOING TO RECESS.) IF ANYONE WAS JEALOUS, HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?
They are amazed, because they thought
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