alt + shift. LOCATION: New York City
issue 02 www.altshiftmagazine.com @altshiftmagazine
COUNTRY: United States
@altshiftmag
POPULATION: 2+
the identity issue.
Meet th
CREA
he
ATORS
meet aria age: 21 location: new york city personal mantra: "mind your business."
anna.
I'm a New Yorker with a little more to her than Times Square and subway stops! As a Software Engineer and Digital Strategist with an overflowing creative side, I am half of alt + shift magazine.
"
"
age: 22 location: new york city personal mantra: "okay, sis!" "New York has truly shaped me into the indiviudual I am today. New York runs through my blood. I'm half of alt + shift magazine and a creative being."
m
meet sage.
CONT ENTS "Images courtesy of
Google + Pinterest + and the respective photographers."
14 ________
value.
16 ________
november playlist.
18 ________
lists.
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destination: toronto, ontario
26 ________
in full bloom.
28 ________
style spotlight.
46 ________
are men settling?
48 ________
podcasts.
50 ________
beauty products for men.
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real friends.
56 ________
james fauntleroy.
60 ________
9 to 5 to life.
62 ________
do it for the 'gram.
64 ________
breathe, stretch, shake, let it go.
66 ________
men's fashion.
70 ________
coping mechanisms.
72 ________
creative corner.
for the best viewing experience, please turn your smartphone horizontally. enjoy!
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a special thank you to Ms. gener
ENT
+
Annie. we appreciate your rosity.
TER
V You are both your biggest supporter and greatest demise. You are the person who knows where you want to be and all the roadblocks in your way. As we continue to progress in life, there are many things that we recognize that we want for ourselves or want to accomplish. The question is, what are you going to do about it? Are you actively taking steps to get you to where you need to go? If those things were to come now, would you be ready? Here are some ways you can stay ready so you never have to get ready:
alue.
teach yourself.
So much of our progression as people is connected to the value we see in ourselves and our ability to continue to grow our personal equity. Be fully aware of the skills and unique perspectives you bring to any table you choose to pull up a seat to. On that note, I was told to never do anything I’m good at for free.
know your worth.
make a case for yourself. There’s only so long we can wait for a sign or for that one thing to come along especially if we are not in a position to receive them. Fight for the positions you see yourself in. Be able to assess a situation and know the quality changes you can make there. Because you know your worth and the power in the work you’ve done, you are able to present to other people that you deserve your spot.
We have to continue to analyze ourselves, whether it’s professionally or personally, so we are not depending on old information to propel us. We also cannot continue to count on other people to pull us up or teach us the things we are dying to know. There are so many free or paid resources out there ready for our consumption. Invest in yourself and remember that the money or time you’re spending to learn these things will come back to you multiplied if you put the right energy into it.
Once we teach ourselves, guess what we can do? Teach others. Be that person you were dying to have when your were in a similar position. We also must recognize that we can’t do everything on our own. Knowing the value in your knowledge and what sets you apart will allow you to see those same qualities in other people to recognize what they can do with that information. Surround yourself with powerful minds with similar paths so you are able to reach your ultimate goals together.
build your own table & sit at it.
november playlist + a dedication to Mac Miller. gone too soon, but never will be forgotten. his music will continue to live on for generations to come. 92 till infinity. Traffic in the sky Aquarium Red Dot Music Self Care Best Day Ever The Way Weekend ft. Miguel Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza Therpay Thoughts From A Balcony Diablo S.D.S Nikes On My Feet Gees Avian Dang! Ladders Fight The Feeling Hurt Feelings Good Evening Of The Soul
"enjoy the best things in your life cuz you ain't gonna get to live it twice." - mac miller
lists. yes, this is a list of lists.
it is so important to put the things that we want (or don’t want) into the universe. by writing them down, you have a constant reminder as well as a place to go back to build on these things. * for the best results, print this out.
disclaimer:
things you’ve accomplished people holding you back * this should resemble your blocked contacts list
sources of happiness coping mechanisms that work for you running track of positive things to remember everything you want in an ideal partner everything you don’t want in an ideal partner all of your goals things to let go of ideas (even the “bad” ones) the contents of these lists may grow or shorten over time as you begin to get your shit together.
destination: toronto, ontario Toronto was a needed break from all the hectic ways of New York City. For me, I didn’t really have any expectations on how Toronto was going to go but honestly, I had a great time. The vibes, the food, the people, were all on point. Coming from New York City, we are a total hub for diversity but Toronto totally surprised me. There is so much to do that you can’t see everything in a few days. There are hidden gems all across the city which makes it even more of a dope place to visit. When I travel I always get this anxious feeling mixed with excitement because there is so much to see and learn from a new place. I hope one day, that everyone gets to experience the six (toronto!)
living. living. living. living.
In full bloom. It has taken me some time to truly understand myself. I’m still learning today. I’ve realized that I have changed more times than I can count. As I continue on my journey of self and self reflection, I’m officially understanding who I am. I’ve learned… to believe in myself, to embrace my imperfections, to embrace communication, to listen to your heart, to listen to your intuition, to take everything a day at a time, to be the truest form of myself. As I continue to blossom and evolve, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief within myself. A sense of accomplishment. I’m blossoming into something great. And everything is going to work out. With love & sincerity, alt + shift
STYLE
SPOTL
E
LIGHT
Name: Ming Lee Simmons Instagram: @mingleesimmons
Name: Kia Marie Instagram: @thenotoriuskia
Name: Dazhane Leah Instagram: @dazhaneleah
Name: Elisa Johnson Instagram: @elisajohnson
Name: Maria Chervotkina Instagram: @mariecher
Name: Kia Marie Instagram: @thenotoriuskia
Name: Danielle Bernstein Instagram: @weworewhat
Name: Tyrina Lee Instagram: @princesstyrinalee
Name: Kahlana Barfield Brown Instagram: @kahlanabarfield
Name: Selangie Herniquez Instagram: @sel.xo
Name: Elizabeth Instagram: @evolelizabeth
Name: Leon Bridges Instagram: @leonbridgesoffical
Name: Aleali Instagram: @alealimay
Name: Tinie Tempah Instagram: @tiniegram
Name: Denzel Dion Instagram: @denzeldion
Name: Rayya Instagram: @_l0velysurprise
Names: Diggy Simmons Instagram: @diggysimmons
ME
KNOW YOUR WO
Because of a man’s fear to taint his masculinity, a lot of men don’t allow themselves to be receptive to love or even come to terms, scared even, to admit that they want more. That balance between emotional intelligence and vulnerability has not been prioritized for men, especially in their formative years and it’s catching up to them now. I know so many men settling because they think that’s it for them, not realizing they could get the love they want if they let themselves want it. Many times, their partner is also comfortable, making the man believe he doesn’t have to reach any higher to keep what he has. There definitely isn’t a lack of great women either, you just don't want to work for those same women, both internally and externally.
This is connected to men not knowing what they have to offer in relation to what they’re “supposed” to have. Men subconsciously feel as if they don’t deserve love because they aren’t “there” or “ready” yet, which all comes from insecurities that haven’t been dealt with. You can’t continue lack emotional and financial depth, pick a struggle and work on the other. Know your worth, king. Turn the tables. Men, be able to tell a potential partner what you offer and be secure within yourself on a level that you are also open to them using what they have to further uplift you. If we want to distance ourselves from this stigma, we, as a people, have to come to the realization that relationships are filled not with equal value, but equal sacrifice.
EN
ORTH, KING: ARE Although I am firmly planted in my self appointed position as CEO of the Men Are Trash Society, I have this theory that all men are hopeless romantics. So much to the point where it seems like a lot of them are the complete opposite. I’m convinced that most men who jump from partner to partner are looking for a level of life-changing romantic fulfillment and simply aren’t finding it. Let’s dissect this a bit:
SETTLING?
I’m not going to blame this all on men. As women, we put a lot of the romantic work on men. Because society has reduced the woman’s role in a relationship to domestic tasks and sexual favors, we tend to attach our value to that and think that’s all we need to do. Men don’t always have clear indications or examples of romance that isn’t connected to lust. Maybe your man wants flowers on a Monday too, sis. Also, as women, we are known for our emotional support and availability. This trait has been trickled down and almost automatically instilled in us, especially as black women, that we must be strong in order to save everyone. Nope. Not anymore. We must strive to match our level of emotional intelligence the same way we would for traditional intelligence and finances. Men don’t acquire this trait because we don’t require it.
All of these (& much more) have built an unbalanced perception of what it’s like to be in a healthy romantic relationship for men and women alike. The difference is that women know what they want and aren’t afraid to say it. All in all, yes, men are settling and they will continue to do so until they become self aware and know who they are in order to pursue someone who matches.
podc
I admittedly have sticky notes all over the place from listening to this podcast. These episodes don’t age at all and you will hear something completely different every time. New York Times Best Selling Author, Luvvie Ajayi, and Comedian and Actress, Yvonne Orji, discuss their ongoing journey as African women navigating through their professions as friends and supporters of each other while maintaining their relationships and religion. This is the perfect thing to listen to when you’re at your job that you don’t want to be at because you know you want more.
The title speaks for itself. Crissle and Kid Fury come together every week to fill you in on all the nonsense that has gone down during the week. First of all, once you hear the intro song, you’re never gonna stop listening. These two unapologetic hosts tell you exactly how they feel with all the facts. The nicknames, segments, and commentary kill me every time and Crissle’s laugh is also so infectious, I warned you!
Keeping it real too real), Joe, Ma together twice a you the rundow hip-hop, culture, you may have mi the week. I can op need a regular do in my life to balanc else and this p for me. This fil has an explosiv controversial con you’ve been sle frequent plays o by The Gap Band
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Fran, Dustin, and Assante serve you mental health and messiness, “because who the hell wants a musty brain?” This trio always keeps me cackling with their antics as they talk about things happening in their personal lives, events in the outside world as well as the places where these two intersect. Fran’s iconic horn blowing paired with Dustin and Assante’s occasional duets are just some of the great things these three have in store for you!
Amanda Seales ranks quite high on my list of unapologetic black women. She lets you know the good, bad, and ugly sides of all stories. Everything she says, she says with her chest & she will tag you, which I admire. She constantly breaks out into song and her soundboard is beyond its time. In this podcast, Amanda explores many different factors that come as side effects of life and dissects them through an honest lens.
Beauty Products For Men I don’t know who told men that they’re exempt from taking care of themselves but I’m here to tell you guys otherwise. Here are some products to get you and your skin right!
Ayele & Co Beard Oil
Jack Black
Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
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KIEHL’S
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
$16.00
Murad
Cleansing Shave $30.00
The Ordinary
Ole Henriksen
“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
Banana Bright Eye Creme
$38.00
$14.80
Jack Black
Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
$19.00
splurge.
Cremo
Men’s Shaving Cream
FOREO
LUNA for Men 2 $6.99 $199.00
REAL FRIENDS, REAL FRIENDS, HOW REAL FRIENDS, HOW REAL FRIENDS, HOW REAL FRIENDS, HOW REAL FRIENDS, HOW
REAL FRIENDS, H
HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY
HOW MANY OF US W MANY OF US W MANY OF US W MANY OF US W MANY OF US W MANY OF US HOW MANY OF US
HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY HOW / MANY
a lot of us are bad friends. it’s okay. now that you know, we can fix that. as we continue to get older and things about us continue to change, everything around us needs to follow a similar cycle of evolution including our friendships. let me tell you why some of your friendships aren’t flowing right.
:
1.
You’re a bad listener. Point, blank,
period. Pay attention to your friends. Their loves, hates, insecurities, pain points, goals - all of that! There are little things that your friends may be doing that are direct indicators of what’s going on in their lives but you wouldn’t know. Being in tuned and attentive with your friends is just the beginning of a strong foundation.
3.
You know that old saying “birds of a feather, flock together”? That’s one of the biggest myths! We’re not all the same people and because of that, everyone requires a different approach to friendship. Think about the type of person your friend is and what they need without also overstepping what you’re willing to give. Exercise emotional intelligence to find this balance between selflessness and sanity.
You are not entitled to anyone’s time. People have their own things going on and can’t always drop everything for you. Respect your friends’ rights to say no. This doesn’t mean they don’t like you and you shouldn’t necessarily take it personally until given a distinct reason to do so. You can maintain a healthy and strong friendship from a distance, you just have to figure out what works for both of you!
4.
2.
On that note, remember that everything is not about you. Our selfishness takes such a toll on the relationships we keep and most times, it’s because we lack self-awareness. Someone is telling us about their day and then, all of a sudden, we are controlling and connecting the conversation to ourselves instead of looking at things from their point of view. Step back and remove yourself from the situation completely. Remove “if it were me” from your vocabulary altogether.
5.
It’s okay to admit that you’ve outgrown this friendship. People are truly meant to be in our lives for a season and sometimes, there is no longer a reason. Let it go. You may have met at a similar time in your life and when met with a crossroad, you went right and they went left. If that friend no longer allows you to grow and isn’t there for you the way you now need it (and vice versa), you guys are both bad friends to each other by hanging on to this situation.
6.
All of these issues you may be experiencing in your friendship might be because you’re not moving with love. You may be harboring some emotions against your friend that is contributing to some toxicity in your friendship. Love must be omnipresent for any other area of this friendship to flourish. Find the root of this problem and let it go if this is someone you would like to have a long-term position in your life.
JAMES FAUNT LEROY
the mastermind. James Edward Fauntleroy II, better known for his stage names, James Fauntleroy or Fauntleroy is a singer, songwriter, and producer. James Fauntleroy has an extremely unique vocal style and allows his rhymes to float along his song productions. The majority of Fauntleroy's beats have a soft, calming tone to them. He is able to utilize his instrumental skills by playing the guitar and drums in his production. Fauntleroy is associated with the musical group “Cocaine 80’s.” A hip-hop collective that was founded in 2011. The group features music producer, No I.D., Common, James Fauntleroy, and Jhene Aiko to name a few. The group released EP’s called, The Pursuit, Ghost Lady, Express OG, and The Flower of Life that all feature James Fauntleroy as the lead singer/vocalist on each individual song. Fauntleroy’s has also been featured on various high profile artist’s tracks such as, Frank Ocean, Drake, Jay-Z, Rihanna, J.Cole, The Internet, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott. James Fauntleroy is truly a mastermind behind the beats. He has collaborated with Frank Ocean on his debut mixtape, Nostalgia Ultra. From this we received an angelic and soulful outro on the song, American Wedding. He has also been featured on Travis Scott’s song, Drive. You can also hear the ethereal beats of Fauntleroy on Drake’s, Girls Love Beyonce, 24K Magic by Bruno Mars, The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake, ANTI by Rihanna, G.O.O.D music’s collaborative album, Cruel Summer, 4:44 and Magna Carter Holy Grail by Jay-Z, Born Sinner by J.Cole, To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar and many, many more. Although James Fauntleroy isn’t in the spotlight, he truly doesn't go unnoticed. His beats and music production will continue to be a major part of this industry.
RE
FO CUS
9 to 5 to life. Balancing being a creative and working a 9-5 (40 hours a week) job that doesn’t align with your passions is truly overwhelming. Everyday you are getting up to work somewhere you would prefer not to, but know that there is a reason for everything. You remember that the end goal you set forth is coming. But some days it feels like you are stuck. That the shit you are doing is for no reason. I feel this way often. I’m currently working at a job that has absolutely nothing to do with my passions, but its (1) experience and (2) money. But, I’m officially getting to a point in my life that I don’t want to continue to do things that don’t make me happy or fulfilled. Everyday the thought of just saying “fuck it,” and walking out of my job real badass-like graces my mind but then I realize that (1) I WILL NEED TO PUT THAT 2 WEEKS IN TO BE HONEST and (2) you need to help fund your dreams to get to the place you want to be. I say to myself everyday that things happen for a reason, and where I am in life is probably where I need to be to move forward on my journey. So as write this and prepare myself for a new day, I know things happen for a reason. This shit is going to pay off. Hopefully.
do it for the ‘gram:
how connected to social media is our self esteem? 178 likes
Just like most of you, Myspace was my first introduction to social media. The obnoxious poses with the even more obnoxious stickers, taking someone out of your top 8 when they were acting up, your favorite song blasting on your profile- the good old days. I happened to be in middle school around this time which are those years that I like to believe begin to shape the person you’re going to be. You’ve been alive long enough to have a mind of your own while acknowledging and being aware of how much more you have to go. These are also the years where most of us came face to face with our self-esteem, but now, we do this in our front facing cameras. Things only got worse when Instagram rolled around in my early high school days. Social media broke down the walls of having to know people in real life with constant interconnectivity and built a new wall of deception. Rightfully so, we always want to put our best foot (or face) forward but sometimes that can consume us. We tend to prioritize perception and these performative acts in order to mold our online selves into what would get the most likes, making us dependent on the approval of others for validation. So many features or trends in social media promote the idea of us not being able to be ourselves such as filters & finstas causing us to be in this oversaturated landscape of featured posts & fake followers. There are so many parts of ourselves that we have to ask if we even like them or is it just popular. We need to put health over vanity. We need to add reality to our routine. Social media and other digital outlets like it aren’t going anywhere but how we use it, as well as how we let it use us, will continue to transform.
Ask yourself: if the likes weren’t there, would you still like yourself?
“
“
breathe. stretch. shake. let it go.
- Ma$e
We all get anxious about things. Whether it’s school, work, social situations, or quite literally, anything else. As Harlem legend, Ma$e, said “breathe, stretch, shake, let it go”. I cannot stress (no pun intended) how important it is to breathe during these situations. Your body’s natural response to stress or anxiety is shallow breathing which is the cause of that tight feeling in your chest. Deep breaths taken straight from the diaphragm control your nerves and help to revert your body to a calmer state. Let me and Ma$e walk you through this: First things first: Find a relaxed, quiet area. This includes the restroom, your car, a conference room, or anywhere else you will remain unbothered.
breathe. Take deep breaths. Focus on your breathing and control them. Try 3 seconds inhaling, and 3 second exhaling. You can do this for as short as one minute or for as long as 20 minutes.
stretch. Sit up straight yet comfortably. Make sure your air can flow smoothly through your body.
shake. Regulate your breathing and bring yourself back to reality. Shake the stress away!
let it go. With every exhale, you’ve rebalanced your body and released a lot of that tension. Leave it to the universe now and go about your day.
men's fashion.
prints.
overcoats.
puffer coats.
turtlenecks.
accessories.
they trynna make me go to rehab & i said...
e
b ay m
Everyone has their vices. This has a lot to do with access, influence, and comfort. For some, it may be drugs or spending or eating and as much as we may feel better in the moment, it can do us so much harm in the long run. From personal experience, if there was a spike in my emotions, either positive or negative, I would go straight to the store. I was under the impression that a new mini skirt and a cute pair of boots could solve any problem. People, especially my family, would be concerned when a day couldn’t pass without me getting a package. My go-to line was “would you rather I shop or do drugs?” I have to admit, that was trash especially because it dismisses the reality of addiction and invalidates how the emotions of others manifests in ways that are different from my own. That mindset was also doing just as much damage to me (and my bank account) as drugs do to the body and the psyche. One day, I really looked at the piles of forgotten and untouched clothes and said “this ain’t it”. I was giving myself extra work to do in order to manage this spending habit and knew something had to change. I’m also an adult with new bills and working to instill fiscal responsibility into my routine before it’s too late. I put my bank account in rehab. She needed to recover from months, even years of damage. Instead of shopping, I channeled that energy and money into something else and made a conscious effort to curve this urge. One classic pass time I had was filling up my cart and convincing myself why I needed it but now I take that total, transfer it to my savings account, close the tab, and go about my business. My advice to you is to look your triggers in the eye and denounce their power over you. You have a lot more power over your actions than you think and these people or things eventually will only affect you as much as you allow them to. Find healthy ways to release your stress and manage these coping mechanisms before it becomes another problem for you to escape from.
Stop romanticizing your struggles. Understand your triggers. Ask for help.
CREAT
CORN
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tion of creatives e really enjoy. alt + heir goals, passion hind their brand.
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IV
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Fred Sans, IV Meet Fred, a creative director, designer, and photographer from Brooklyn, New York. alt + shift recently discussed with Fred, his goals moving forward and the passion, meaning, and creativity behind his work. This is Fred Sans, IV.
How did you get into the industry you are in? I started designing in high school, and started taking it seriously as a career path in like..college. Initially, I didn’t really see it for this graphic design stuff but it rapidly began to reveal itself as my passion. So, after a few years of designing professionally and all around Howard’s campus, I shot my shot at PAPER and they accepted.
What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? TIME MANAGEMENT! I always meet my deadlines, but I’m such a procrastinator. I hate that, because it’s like all of my creativity comes in a last minute wave, so it makes it a challenge for me to utilize the bulk of my time. Also, people don’t realize that there’s a certain level of psychology that’s involved with being a creative. We often have to read people’s minds or somehow translate their vision to bring their dream to life. It’s cool of course, but it can be daunting haha. Last thing, compromise. Sometimes, I have to compromise my vision when working with people because they may not favor my idea or execution. That’s just part of the game though.
Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? My biggest inspiration currently is Solange (no secret to anyone who knows me). I’ve watched her blossom as this somewhat enigmatic force who’s learned how to use her gift in varying forms and elevate it constantly. That mentality is so gorgeous! I aim for that. I think my way of doing so is by embracing my individuality, and allowing myself to be an instrument through which my gifts and aspirations flow.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years, I can only hope that I’ve done a series of art shows/installations, and possibly have moved to New Orleans. I also see this creative’s podcast (CURATED) being highly regarded and streamed everywhere! The goals don’t stop though so stay tuned. ivormerlyknownas
curatedpodcast
amanda
acevedo
Meet Amanda Acevedo, an artist and content creator from New York City. alt + shift recently discussed with Amanda, her goals and passion behind her brand. This is Amanda Acevedo. How did you get into the industry you are in?
What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? My self! I am my biggest critic and my own enemy at times. Living with anxiety is emotionally draining, and at times it is a battle of continuing or not. It’s a struggle to get out
Women everywhere. They are all so beautiful, women of color, trans women, women of all different shapes and sizes. I am in awe with them all and the strength they carry in this society. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
At a young When I was age, I always 18, I used to wanted to dream 5 years be a fashion "Women everywhere. They ahead. A nice designer. My apartment in are all so beautiful, women of boyfriend saw lower Manhattan, something in color, trans women, women of with amazing me last year big windows. all different shapes and sized. that I didn’t Fashion see in myself designer, I am in awe with them all and he is the working as my and the strength they carry in one that saved own boss. up to surprise I am 22 now, and society." me with an I feel so much iPad. With his has changed, I push, and my friend’s of your own head and no longer think into the advice to just put myself fight through the day. future, I prefer to live out there. Well, all I So much respect to my life in the present can do is thank them everyone out there who and enjoy. Whatever I and everyone else for can relate. You’re doing accomplish, all I want believing in me. I am an amazing job and I is to make a difference no fashion designer, don’t think we hear that somehow in this world. but I can proudly say I enough. am an artist/activist who is hoping to make a Who is your biggest byy.ana change and challenge inspiration for your society. work?
kris julien.
lyricleroux
Meet Kris Julien, a photographer from Brooklyn, New York. alt + shift recently discussed with Kris, her goals moving forward within her industry and the passion and meaning behind her work. This is Kris Julien. How did you get into industry/field you are in? Photography has always been a hobby of mine. I would attend plenty of concerts/festivals and was just inspired one day to go for it. That day in particular was Afropunk 2015. There were so many beautiful people & the music and energy were so inspiring. So fast forward to June 2016, I finally decided to purchase a camera. I haven’t looked back since. I didn’t think it would become my passion. My therapy even. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to work you do? When I first started photography, I would say my biggest challenge was the lack of other female photographers, especially at music venues. The team would mainly be male dominated. Now I see more females at the forefront so it definitely keeps me motivated. Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? My biggest inspiration would have to be a “what” more than a “who”. Music is definitely one of my biggest inspirations. I’m a avid music lover, but Hip Hop has my heart. The year was 1994. It was a cold day in November, I remember walking home from school listening to Wu-Tang’s “36 Chambers” album on my Walkman. I couldn’t wait to get home and brag to my older brother about how I revised most of the lyrics on the album. Once I got in, I turned the radio to HOT97. It was Funk Flex..voice blasting, bombs dropping, typical Flex style. He debuted Method Man’s “Bring The Pain” record. It was on that glorious day at the age of 12, that my love affair with hip hop began. Now, as an adult, I can fuse the two things I’m most passionate about and I’m loving the ride. I also can’t leave out the impact of 80’s and early 90’s films/shows inspire most of my street/ urban looks. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Ahh, so many big plans ahead but one that I’m currently and definitely aiming for is capturing/ highlighting some of the biggest influencers, innovators, genre benders/starters in hip hop or just music period.
Ky: Behind
Meet Ky, a musician from Providence, Rhode Island, now located in Los Angeles, California. alt + shift recently discussed with Ky, his goals moving forward within the music industry and the passion and meaning behind his work. This is Ky. How did you get into the industry you are in?
If I had to pick an industry I'm in, I guess I would say it's entertainment but specifically music & the fashion industry. I started singing/songwriting since I can remember, literally since I was like in the second grade, auditioning for talent shows, musicals, vocal lessons, playing guitar, choir, and so much other stuff. I officially started looking at myself as a musician when I was about 18/19 and I started hitting up studios, writing over beats, creating my own songs and putting my work on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Music and all that. I put out my first song 'Energy' and ended up booking my first show at SOB's in New York. I started performing way more original music, made my first lil' music video to that song and so much other cool stuff that I didn't think I was capable of doing, like getting placed on blogs, collaborations with other artists and performing at more shows. I couldn't believe everything I was doing only because I was in college full time, working full time, interning at record labels and was like, "wow, how am I managing to do all of this by myself with legit no help/management and still not feeling overwhelmed?" And it was simply because I was in love with what I was doing. Music has always been my first love. Aside from music & post-graduation, I work full time in fashion, which is dope. Fashion has always been my side hustle since I first started college. I did a lot of social media work with brands/companies & worked in retail a lot when I was younger and helped out with styling and fashion shows. My biggest accomplishment in the fashion scene was definitely working with a fashion + lifestyle publication me and my best friends started called, 'CEP Journal'. We launched it about 4 years ago, it was so much fun but that run definitely came to an end. It took a lot of funds and time out of our lives and we each decided to move on with our own personal endeavors but no regrets with that whatsoever. Fast forward to now I started modeling way more, working with brands, e-commerce, my first mens fashion week in New York last year. It's definitely something I enjoy doing and can see myself pursuing when the right cards are presented. It definitely goes hand in hand with music too especially in videos, collaborating with stylists and brands and all that good stuff. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? The biggest challenge I face would definitely be getting discouraged. The more we progress in
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music and fashion, the more self-conscious I feel creatives are becoming. As creatives in general, we are very sensitive people. The work we share is a complete representation of who we are. It's like we're giving away a piece of us whenever we share anything. So not being discouraged and actually being 100% confident every time I perform, share my work, or collaborate is essential for me, because I never want to do anything half-assed. I know in today's society everything is so numbers based like, "who's number 1? who did this? who did that? how many streams? what bag was secured?" and that sometimes drives people crazy who genuinely just want to create and share and not be in it for the glitz, glam and the glory. You know the recognition is a plus and accolades always bring a sense of accomplishment, but being surrounded by a bunch of people who claim to be creatives, especially so early out in our careers, but are so pressed over likes, and who's talking about them, and money, definitely becomes a challenge in wanting to grow and progress within my own environment. Sometimes it creeps in the back of my mind like, "damn is that something I should be worried about?" But then the universe always holds it down and those things come naturally to me without having to feel pressed or bend over backwards trying to crack the secret code on how to be #1. It's not about being #1, it's about Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? I'm so inspired by the 90's. When it comes to music, I'm inspired by Musiq Soulchild, Brandy, Ashanti, Destiny's Child, Jagged Edge, 112, and Usher. But then there's modern artists too that definitely inspire how I write and how I interpret myself like SZA, Brent Faiyaz, Frank Ocean, Tierra Whack, The Internet, Summer Walker, 6lack ... and some of my own friends that are in the industry like Lily Rayne, Code Green, Ze Taylor and so much more. In terms of fashion, I love low-key brands. No Sesso based here in LA, Fernando Flaquer from Providence, RI, and other brands too, like Joy Rich, DPLS, also styling boutiques like APRL_LA. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years, I definitely see myself on tour, working, performing, collaborating with brands as a creative director, on the runway for fashion week maybe. I've always wanted to be a mogul. I'm putting it out there, because everyone talks about how you can manifest your thoughts by speaking it into existence. I'm a first generation child so I always wanted to put on for my family and create history not only with my family but just in the industry in general. There's so many things I wanna do in life, so I kind of love/hate this question. It's like when people ask me, "why'd you move to LA," because why not? There's a bunch of things I wanna do and I plan on doing them!
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meet calah.
Meet Calah Jones, an entrepreneur from Atlanta, Georgia. At only 19 years old, this young female boss is the mind behind Female Consumer Goods and 16th Haven Private Women's Club. alt + shift recently discussed with Calah, her goals moving forward within her industry and the passion and meaning behind brand. This is Calah Jones. How did you get into industry/field you are in? I got into social entrepreneurship by being vulnerable and putting myself out there trying to be as fearless as possible! I've always wanted to do so many different things + the societal way never seemed like the way for me to go. I never had a huge interest in school or working for someone and a lot of that rooted from growing up with a lot of my family members who have their own businesses as well. I wanted to go after every single thing that I possibly wanted to show others that it is possible. Also by doing personal work, I really wanted to challenge the sides of me that were super shy + uptight and create a voice out of them. I've completely came out of my shell and I wouldn't trade this for anything! What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to work you do? Staying consistent and constantly producing — being a creative can be super on and off for me because sometimes you go through times where you are super creative and there are also blocks where you feel super uncreative. I've figured out ways to overcome a lot of this by constantly doing lots of different types of work. All of my projects are pretty much totally different due to the fact that my creative flow changes. Some days I really want to focus on one side of me and the other, I want to focus on a totally different one! Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? Benjamin Edgar! I love everything he puts out. Never lacks inspiration and is someone I think everyone should look into! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself working with a large team of creatives on many different projects. I want to always strive to be as much of a genius as I possibly can + be a better listener! It's also always been a passion of mine to help others start the things that they would like. I also plan to invest a lot of my money to help people obtain their dreams.
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PAULINE SA Meet Pauline Saintil, a multifaceted finance maven from the Providence/Greater Boston area. alt + shift recently discussed with Pauline, her goals moving forward within her industry and the creativity behind her brand. This is Pauline Saintil. How did you get into the industry you are in? So I graduated college with a BS in Finance. The finance world can be very broad - you can become a financial advisor, an analyst, an investment banker, CFO, etc. Luckily, I had the option to be involved in both a corporate finance internship, and work on an investment fund in college. That’s really where I made the choice to start off as analyst. It’s one thing to look at the numbers on paper, but it’s a really a challenge to understand them. To understand how every little change in politics, or even a consumers shopping habit, can really alter the markets and shake up the global economy. I specifically chose this industry because it can be quite cutthroat and that intrigues me. Part of the reason behind the Femme Financier blog, is because I think it’s so important that women know what’s going on in the economy, and how to develop their own financial awareness.
What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? I’m so lucky to be surrounded by some of the smartest women I’ve ever met on a daily basis. There are so few women in this industry, especially black women, and I’ve become very used to being the only female minority in many situations. I think as women, we constantly feel like we have to prove ourselves every day, and assert our intelligence, but as minority women it’s even more critical. If I make a mistake at work, I have this cloud hanging over my head for the rest of day and I think, “they probably wish they hired someone else”. A silver lining of working with numbers, is that my work is usually cut and dry. This is why these numbers are up. This is why these numbers are down. There isn’t much room for nonsense, so it sort of forces me to be confident in what I do.
Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? Everything I’ve done in college was to make my parents proud. There isn’t really a celebrity or hero that I specifically look up, more so an idea. As a young black girl, I grew up watching a lot of Gabrielle Union and Sanaa Lathan movies. They were always these beautiful, smart, capable, black
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"I think as women, we constantly feel like we have to prove ourselves every day, and assert our intelligence, but as minority women it’s even more critical." - Pauline Saintil for alt + shift magazine
women. Either a lawyer or big time executive. They had power and money, and this drive to succeed. I was like, "that’s what I’m going to be". I’m going to have a corner glass office on the top floor, have the best weave, and wear Louboutins to work every day. So I worked my absolute butt off in college. I juggled two internships, 4 classes, an actual job, and being a sorority for three years. I skipped my brother’s wedding to go to weekend long Wall Street based excel seminar. I was on the leadership team for our Finance academy. I really embodied what I believed Sanaa and Gabrielle’s characters did to get to where they were. Now, there are so many black female leaders that the next generations can look up to, and I hope to eventually be one of those people.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
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Forbes 30 Under 30! Hopefully, done with grad-school. I’m currently deciding whether or not to get an MBA or MSF (master’s in finance) or even go into IT. I would definitely be in a senior/executive role, and I love my current company which is global, so I would probably move to our European headquarters. Femme Financier, along with my lifestyle blog, will hopefully expand and gain some more traction. Who knows, I might even drop this whole thing and do something completely different because I’m impulsive. Either way, I know I’ll be making moves for the better, and learning so much more in the process. My mantra is, “Be so good, they can’t ignore you”. I so encourage everyone, no matter what your field is or what your dreams are, to do your absolute best at whatever you do. FEMME is French for woman, wife, girl, lady, Madame. This whole movement was inspired by my first blog, Femme Financier, which was a finance blog centered around educating women. Everyone who knows me knows, I’ve always been a “well if a guy can do it, so can I.” type of person. I work in a male-dominated industry, and it takes guts to walk in everyday as a woman and demand that your voice be heard. I think women are absolutely amazing. We hold so much more power than we know. And we aren’t fighting to be BETTER than men. That’s not what feminism is. It’s to be EQUAL. I wear my womanhood proud on my chest when I wear a femme shirt. When I wear my femme hat. It’s so much more than just apparel, it’s truly a movement. Plain and simple, it’s a movement that I want any and every one who supports women to be a part of. Because when we all unite, amazing things can happen.
SHOP THE FEMME COLLECTION: SAINTPEEZUS.COM
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meet aubree.
Meet Aubree Ashtynn Dumas, an artist and style enthusiasts from New York City. alt + shift recently discussed with Aubree, her goals moving forward within her industry and the passion and meaning behind her work. This is Aubree Ashtynn Dumas.
How did you get into industry/field you are in? I always loved finding a way to involve myself in the arts. I started dancing at a very young age and did a littler theatre while attending a performing arts high school. Now that I am back in the city, I've gotten a lot more into TV/Film, acting, and taking classes with some very talented people and recently booked two short films. When it comes to fashion, I feel like being in the arts helped me develop a unique sense of style which made me more interested in seeing what I could offer the fashion world whether that be in business or through my own platform. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to work you do? Staying true to who I am and what my purpose is, is definitely a huge challenge. Trying to make it in the entertainment industry while also being an active fashion student, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of what you think other people will want from you, but it is much more important to understand what you want and to make sure what you're feeding the world is in line with who you truly are. I believe that is the key to being a successful artist. Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? It's so hard for me to pick one. When it comes to acting I love young actors like Yara Shahidi and Amandla Stenberg because not only are they good at what they do, they also have a voice and inspire me to not just worry about myself but how I can give back to my community and stand up for something larger than myself. I also admire Issa Rae, Elaine Welteroth, Cynthia Nixon, Anna Sophia Robb, and many more. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself living a fulfilled life. Not just focused in one area. I believe I'm happiest when I can express myself through multiple different platforms and projects, so I see myself working on things that give me purpose and make me happy while being constantly surrounded by and working with like-minded and creative individuals.
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#BARS Meet India Summers, an author from Harlem, New York. alt + shift recently discussed with India, her goals moving forward and the passion and meaning behind her work. This is India Summers.
from victim to responsibility
The experience of a romantic love No longer stimulates me
from anger to positivity
I feel love and hate for my partner But neither feels free
i did everything that i think i needed but i am not free
To love is to thrive beyond the mind That is your peace
how can i be if i am still writing down the thoughts that i see i have to exit the mind,
True Love the love wouldn't fade if it was love anyway
goodbye
love
That one put a gun to my head When I didn't fuck him That one never wrote me back Because I sucked him
the only thing that i miss is how your tongue pressed on my clitoris
That one moved to Texas After we had sex, I tried to cuff him That one got cheated on When he didn't show affection, and a gave me nothin
when our lips kissed Muah!
That one had a girlfriend I found out after having sex with him That one had a girlfriend too She stromed in when I was in his bed after ten That one had a girlfriend three That's why you don't focus on boys while gettign your degree That one got a girlfriend during me I guess I didn't fulfill his needs That one snuck videos of me Giving him head He did it after the last one did To feel like he was getting ahead That one aimed a glass bottle at my head If it would of hit me, I would of been close to dead I should probably talk on TED Cause after all this trauma I should have been on meds The One
the things i hear you say i can't find on google most people would run away from it like the concept of voodoo it knocks on your ego like, who you? i really like what you can do you give me blues clues to my truth Blues Clues
Excerpts from India Summers novel #BARS
How did you get into industry/field you are in? I'm an author. My mother told me that she gave me my first book at 3 years old. I've been reading and writing since. The first book I read was called, "The Coldest Winter Ever" and then I started my first novel around the age of 11. I loved english and art class all throughout school. Since Kindergarten, I always did well. When I got into high school and college I started to win major scholarships and I got inducted into major honor societies for my essays and proposals. Those wins allowed me to study on exchange in California and study abroad in Thailand. I traveled to Nevada, Arizona, Malaysia, India, and Japan too. My goal after I graduated college was to write for ESSENCE magazine. So during college I wrote for 3 magazines to prepare myself for the industry. I realized that I didn't enjoy working on a deadline. So, I graduated and started to work for United Airlines because I wanted to continue traveling while working on my photography and fashion business at the time. I ended up writing and publishing my poetry book, #BARS. I've always been a writer at soul level. I loved words and communicating. So I'd say I've always been in the industry, since I was 3 years old. I'm just playing the corporate game now. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to work you do? My first book poured out of me quickly. I wrote a beautifully polished book with 106 poems in 4 months. I mean, I could of done it way faster, but as a perfectionist, I think it was quick for my first book. I received a lot of opinions about it. People were moved emotionally. A lot of people cried. My father wasn't too thrilled with the amount of information I shared about myself, and him. So the hardest thing for me (now) is remembering to speak from my heart, despite what other people have to say. It's difficult to be honest with yourself when you're busy trying to appease other people and save their feelings. But I'm on this self-love journey and it's teaching me to embrace my good and bad thoughts, despite what others think about it. So that's the difficult part. Doing that self-love work even when it hurts. Even when other people don't accept you. And then putting it on paper for the world to see. Selling the thoughts that your soul observes is interesting. You learn to be strong doing this work. Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? I'm my biggest inspiration for doing my work because I get to study my own thoughts. I have the ability to step out of my mind to observe my mind so that I can write what I see. Writing is a powerful thing. Typing this right now feels extremely powerful. Being able to understand words, and then piecing them together to compose a sentence that others will understand, that others will relate to, is astonishing. Anyway, I like myself and I like my voice. I'm inspired by me. But, I do admire the contemporary poets before me. I bought my first poetry book from Alex Elle, when I was around 16 years old. I'm 23 now, and she reminded me that I was a poet too. I thought to myself, I can do that. I've always done that. I just have to learn how to bind the poems together. Then my book blossomed years later. I was internally provoked to write my book after experiencing a lot of
hurt in my last relationship. I wanted to document that pain as a release. So, I guess you can say the relationships around me, and life in general, inspires me too. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Before I answer that question, I'd like to say that the most important moment in life is now. Without doing the proper work now, I can't get to that future me that I see. Right now I am writing. I am writing these words for this interview and I want to continue writing. In 5 years, I see myself with at least 10 books out, and thriving. I see myself having an online bookstore with all of my works and cool merchandise to go with it. I see myself having real-estate property. I see myself traveling the world. And I see myself in my floor to ceiling window cosy loft planted in nature. In Los Angeles ideally. I see myself with a great man too. And I see my little brother being well taken care of if my mom is no longer around to take care of him. He's autistic and non-verbal. But there's nothing wrong with him. He's like us. I also see myself knowing deeply that I need none of these external things to fulfill me or to make me happy. If I had none of those things, what can make me happy is being alone with myself and having those beautiful self-talks reminding myself that everything is and will be ok no matter what.
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