Fall/Winter 2009
www.ArtemisAllureModels.com
allure models AAM: Fashion Models Fitness Models Role Models - the publication for the modern women of strength and beauty
Aug09-Jan10 US6.95 CAN8.95
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Taylor
Apollo Male Models & Artemis Allure Models magazines release party at Karu & Y club, Feb. 14th 2009. Fashions by Maria LĂŠpe for women and Alex Ladino for men. Photos by Christopher Makris and Apollo GT.
Hair and make-up sponsored by Rocco Donna Salon, South Beach.
allure models
Contents
– Lingerie Miami ............................................................................................ 8 – Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY.................................. 10 – Miami Fashion Week ........................................................................ 12 – Green Fashion Miami ........................................................................ 14 – Funkshion - Miami Beach Fashion Week ................. 16 – Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Miami Swim .... 18 – Artemis Allure Cover-Model Taylor Kraemer.............. 20 – Amazin LeThi ............................................................................................ 24 – Time to Dance! .......................................................................................... 26 – Fura in Vivo at the Miami Film Festival ..................... 26 – Christine Avanti - nutritionist and author of
Skinny Chicks Don’t Eat Salads ......................................... 27 – Monet Colbert - From Dreaming to Doing ................. 28 – Color Me Nature ..................................................................................... 30 On the cover: Cover Model: Taylor Kraemer photo: Apollo GT fashion: Magaly Tiburcio from Miami Fashion Week ®
“ C o u t u r e Yo u r s e l f ”
w w w. L e p e Fa s h i o n . c o m
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W W W. A RT E M I S A L L U R E M O D E L S . C O M
Publisher: Apollo GT
Contributing Writers: Stacey Richardson
Contributing Models:
Taylor Kraemer, Lauren Hunt, Lays Da Silva
Contributing Designers:
Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura, Fevi Reyes, Herve Leger, KRELwear, Lépe, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli
Contributing Photographers:
Dan Lecca, Edward Le Poulin, Freedom - LABWORKS Media, Gavin Fernandes, Rick Schaff
Contributing Make-up Artist:
Phoenix, Rocco Donna Salon - Miami Beach
To advertise in Artemis Allure Models Magazine, please contact us through the provided info. below:
Artemis Allure Models
P.O. Box 612346 North Miami, FL 33261 USA Phone: 1 954 604 2984 Website: www.ArtemisAllureModels.com Email: ads@ArtemisAllureModels.com COPYRIGHT © 2009 APOLLO GT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Artemis Allure Models - ISSN 1947-4202 is published by Apollo GT (Giang Tran). No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted by any means without the prior written permission by the publisher. Apollo Male Models and its publisher holds no responsibility for the expressions, texts, images, and opinions by those appearing in Artemis Allure Models Publication.
August 2009 - January 2010
Taylor
AAM August - January 2010 Cover-Model: Taylor agency: Elite Miami photos: Apollo GT Fashion by: on the cover: Magaly Tiburcio on this page: KRELwear www.krelwear.com with runway fashion by: Franco Montoro, Olivia Lucas, and Federica Vaccaro from Miami Fashion Week ®
LINGERIE MIAMI - 2009 8
Agent Provocateur photos: Christopher Makris
Fifi Chachnil ARTEMIS ALLURE MODELS .com
On February 7, 2009 a new generation of philanthropy was born. Lingerie Miami was launched at the city’s historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It was the first couture lingerie show to come to the States, featuring three of the world’s most luxurious lingerie designers, who shared the runway together for the first time in history. A philanthropic brand was officially established to raise awareness and funding for empowering women out of poverty via microfinance initiatives. Hosted by actress Eva Longoria Parker and co-hosted by super model Veronica Webb, with a key-note speech by world renowned author and philosopher Deepak Chopra, Lingerie Miami’s inaugural event raised funds which will be invested in projects to assist women living on under a dollar a day in Brazil and Mexico. “Being sexy is empowering, so coupling lingerie with charity is a perfect match.” Eva Longoria Parker “The Empowerment of Women is probably the most important element in creating a better world.” Deepak Chopra THE FACTS: model: Lays da Silva agency: 301
LINGERIE MIAMI - 2009
photos: Christopher Makris
Lingerie Miami and subsequent fundraising events, Lingerie New York, Lingerie L.A. and Lingerie Las Vegas, will act as the fundraising arm for the 7Bar Foundation, with each event creating a platform for merchandise. Lingerie Miami is built on a business model for social impact.
Carine Gilson ARTEMIS ALLURE MODELS .com
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MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK NY - 2009
Diane Von Furstenberg
photos: Dan Lecca for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY
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MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK NY - 2009
Christian Siriano
photos: Dan Lecca for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY
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Belkola -
DominicanaModa Best Designer 2008
model: Taylor Kraemer agency: Elite Models Miami
MIAMI FASHION WEEK - 2009
photos: Apollo GT
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photos: Apollo GT
Cristian Lay
model: Kiki
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Julio Iglesias, Jr. attending Cristian Lay’s show
Amato Couture
by Furne One, Dubai photos: Apollo GT
MIAMI FASHION WEEK - 2009
model: Kiki
photo: Apollo GT
photo: Apollo GT
model: Elizabeth ThuyTien photo: Freedom - LABWORKS Media
Agatha Ruiz de la Prada - Special Guest Designer
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Rosita Hurtado — BOLIVIA photos: Apollo GT model: Laura Oliveira Miss Bolivia International 2009 agency: promociones Gloria
model: Yara La Santa
model: Dominique Peltier miss Bolivia 2009
GREEN FASHION MIAMI- FUNKSHION 2009
agency: promociones Gloria
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model: Miss Ecuador
model: Kiki
model: Katherine David miss Bolivia 2008 agency: promociones Gloria
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Francisco Perez — VENEZUELA photos: Apollo GT
model: Jana Murrell,
GREEN FASHION MIAMI- FUNKSHION 2009
Miss Earth USA 2008
model: Moana
model: Morgan agency: Next Models, Miami
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Maya
FUNKSHION - MIAMI BEACH FASHION WEEK - 2009
photos: Apollo GT
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model: Krystal
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FUNKSHION - MIAMI BEACH FASHION WEEK - 2009
KRELwear
model: Laura Peterson
Characterized by stunning stripes accented with lush gold and red metallic, KRELwear’s 2009 Fall Collection is playfully sexy, polished and chic. Classic black and white is re-invented by expanding the fiber content to include sustainable cotton, bamboo and metallic with recycled acrylics; modern stripes are juxtaposed with fiber contrast and hints of sparkle. KRELwear remains true to its eco-friendly roots by using the sustainable materials of today with reclaimed materials of yesterday.
agency: Elite
photos: Apollo GT
model: Taylor
model: Fernanda
model: Jennifer K.
model: Laura B.
model: Laura
agency: 301
agency: 301
agency: Front
Peterson
Kraemer
agency: Elite
agency: Elite
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MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK Miami Swim - 2009 18
Mara Hoffman photos: Edward Le Poulin
Ed Hardy
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model:
model: Cindy Taylor
make-up : Michael Serapiglia
make-up : Young Na
INCA @ W Hotel photos: Apollo GT
Firing up the summer night with the runway cutting into the swimming pool, Inca had the attendees’ and photographers’ full attention. Cindy Taylor and the other beauties of Wilhelmina models owned the runway. The breeze brought in from the shore added something alluring and magical to the whole experience. As for the fashion, each piece fitted the curves so well. Someone in the audience was secretly hoping for a wardrobe malfunction.
The 27th Year of Swimshow by Swimwear
Papillon Bleu
Association of Florida model: Emily Cattermole photo (from Kooey Editorial Book): Meiji Nguyen
Kooey model: Claudia photo (taken at the event): Apollo GT
Swimwear to the max! So many to look at and so many colors. From swimwear for women over 40 years of age to kids under 10, Swimshow packed them all! It was great to see so many swimwear brands at the Miami Beach Convention. We just wished we had more time to meet with all their representatives. We were happy to be able to meet with Nikki, director for Kooey from Australia, Joanne for Seasons UV Solutions from Ontario, and Vanessa, David, and model Claudia of Papillon Bleu from England. In the house were also Betsey Johnson, True Religion, and Ed Hardy, plus so many more! Artemis Allure Models Magazine sure will be covering this event more thoroughly next year. Of course, we are expecting more swimwear for men as well. —AAM
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Artemis Allure Models cover-model
Taylor Kraemer
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photos: Apollo GT fashion: Krelwear www.krelwear.com
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Entering her junior year in Fall of 2009 at her high school, Taylor Kraemer will have to work her schedule carefully to accommodate traveling time to fashion shows. Already signed with Elite in Miami and Marilyn in NY, she is kept busy most of the time with casting. Aside from making time to hang with her mom and her best friends Tiffany, Taryn , and Valerie, Taylor sat down with Artemis Allure Models Magazine for an interview and a refreshing photo shoot in South Beach.
event: Miami Fashion Week 速 2009 runway fashion: Franco Montoro
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height: 5’11” hair: blond eyes: brown measurements: 34”-24”-35” (US) shoes: 11 (US)
event: Miami Fashion Week ® 2009 runway fashion: Federica Vaccaro
event: Funkshion - Miami Beach Fashion Week 2009 runway fashion: Olivia Lucas
Won Top Model at Miami Fashion Week® at age 15 in 2009, this was Taylor’s first season back to modeling but had started modeling when she was just 7. Coming from Ohio where “casting was only about once every 4 months” as Taylor pointed out, the fashion scene in Miami in contrast has kept her busy. Heading to New York next, Taylor will not slow down for anything
photos: Apollo GT fashion:
Krelwear
www.krelwear.com
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as she expects to be working even more when Fashion Week in New York comes around in Fall of 2009. “I’m just really honored that at 15 and in my first season that I got the award [Top Model]. I had no idea, they kind of put me in this gorgeous dress and pushed me out on stage as I was getting dressed for my next show. Out of a sudden as I was there on stage they announced,’Top Model, Taylor Kraemer!’ and I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was great!” The award was a crystal plate from Tiffany with edging of the title Top Model, Miami Fashion Week 2009. Taylor also had the chance to walk for KRELwear at Funkshion, Miami Beach Fashion Week. “It’s super comfortable. Like, there’s other clothing that’s cute when you put it on but you just can’t wait to get it off. Her stuff I could sleep in it; it’s real soft. It’s cotton...and I’m in love with her purple shorts...” LOL
photos: Apollo GT fashion: Krelwear www.krelwear.com
— AAM
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Amazin LeThi photos: Gavin Fernandes
It’s up to the individual to see life as a challenge, an adventure, and live it to the fullest, or to simply view it as a difficult task and give up. For Amazin LeThi it is a chance to make life whatever she wishes it to be. And this actionpacked talent is replacing all the stop signs at every corner she arrive with lollipops.
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the interview: AAM - You are a very energetic person and can accomplish many things you want to do in your life. Does that sometime also make it difficult for you to focus on what you want to do? Amazin - I’ve always been very disciplined and clear in my mind what it is that I’ve wanted to achieve and do in my life and career. It’s feasible to accomplish and focus on a multi-faceted career and everything that I do actually benefit and relate to each other in one way or another. AAM - There aren’t many Vietnamese bodybuilders who had achieved the level of recognition that you have. Did you face harsh criticisms when you first started out? Amazin - I was a child when I first started bodybuilding, so it was very unusual for a little Asian girl to be interested in bodybuilding, training in a sport that was completely dominated by adult men. There were not even any Asian male bodybuilders that I knew of or saw when I started lifting weights so it seemed a very unique path for an Asian girl. I’ve always gone against the grain and pushed the envelope. Men didn’t really know what to make of me at first as I had somehow gate-crashed their boys club! I received quite a nasty back-lash from some other fellow bodybuilders they were quite bold with their comments. It never made sense to me back then why they seemed so angry and threatened by a little girl. I’m naturally very strong and can become muscular easily which added to being picked on by other guys that lifted weights. I was always a tough little girl it just made me more determined to stand my ground. These days I don’t think anyone would dare to make any sort of comment, all those years ago when I started bodybuilding probably toughened me up but by just seeing an Asian female bodybuilder already in some cases breaks down that passive stigma that we can be strong and independent. I spend time in different parts of the world where Asians are the minority in a minority and so in some cases it’s still seemed somewhat unusual to see an Asian female bodybuilder. I had never imagined that all these years down the track that I would be recognized by the ‘Vietnamese American National Gala’ for my achievement in the health and entertainment industry. That has been truly an honor and I’ve always been thankful for the support from the Asian community. AAM - You have written many books on fitness. Would you say it’s simple to stay in shape and be healthy? If yes, then why are there so many books by so many authors focusing on diet and exercise or bodybuilding? Amazin - Staying in shape takes discipline to make it part of your life that you give time in your daily schedule to motivate yourself to exercise regularly and eat healthy food. I started in the health and fitness industry over 15yrs ago so I learnt how to make it part of my life back then. Many people find it difficult to stay in shape and eat well, it’s far more complex in understanding than defining it as simple or not, one must look at each individual holistically…. Everyone needs a role model to motivate them so in your mind you can say if they did it so can I! Actually within the sea of health and fitness books there are very few Asian authors if any. That is why I write books, fitness articles and advocate within the health and fitness industry. AAM - What are you currently working on? What are your future goals, how do you unwind? Amazin - I’m currently writing a new series of books and I’m in pre-production with a feature film I’m producing and staring in. I’m also in development with a major health initiative and a TV project for Africa. I always like to keep busy with an eclectic range of projects. I’ve always felt it’s very important to support and give back to the community. In the near future I plan to launch some community based projects in Asia and in the US. Outside of bodybuilding and tap dancing classes, I tend to unwind via my other love- martial arts. I’ve studied various forms of martial arts nowadays I do a lot of weapons training, MMA and Wing Chun. I always like to keep my mind and my spirit challenged. — AAM
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X 2 Dance!
Artemis Allure Models Magazine met with some talented dancers and actresses while assisting actor/comedian Guy Richards with casting a group of dancers for Guy Richards: Bipolar Man Comedy Tour. Director Julie Arias, who teaches Salsa, Belly Dance, Pilates, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and tap, helped connecting us with Marni, Rachel, Meghan, Melissa, and Iris, just to name a few, at An Awakening Dream Studio.
An Awakening Dream Studio of the Arts is located at 200 Park Street, Miami Springs, Fl. 33166, established since 2003. www.anawakeningdream.net
Rachel is 20 years old, and currently a full-time dancer and student. She has been dancing for seventeen years, and said dance was the only reason she woke up everyday. While continuing her dance career, she is studying marketing and plan on eventually creating her own cosmetic line. “Since I have started working on the tour for Guy Richards, I have found new discoveries about myself. I have gained knowledge into the entertainment industry, and I have created many new friendships. This tour has become one of my most enjoyable and intriguing dance experiences, and I can not wait to show the world Marni, Julie, Melissa, and Meghan what entertainment really is.” photos: Apollo GT
Marni Lane, dancer, singer, songwriter, actress, and model was born for the stage. She has danced in hundreds of live stage performances and celebrity events including the nationally televised Latin Billboard Awards dancing for Wisin y Yandel and Thalia. As a member of Pfuzion, a professional dance company, Marni has and continues to train in various styles of dance learning from the best choreographers in the industry. In addition to being a dance sensation, Marni is currently writing and recording songs for an independent CD production. From her first commercial for Rooms to Go, Marni knew she wanted to be in commercials and film, which she is simultaneously pursuing. Her passion for entertainment is apparent in all she does. Marni loves that by expressing herself through singing, dancing, acting, and writing, she can inspire those around her.
Miami Film Festival — fura in vivo
Women do have the power to draw attention to themselves. Even when they stand still and not talk, or when given a bullhorn to voice their opinions, women will get the reactions from their viewers. In Fura In Vivo, the director Matteo Minetto had a group of topless women acted out savagely by beating one in the group with foam rods and thrashing one another with red liquid from buckets. The reactions from the spectators were equal to that of watching men in a boxing match if not more. Though harmless, it was equally intense. Why? Was it because women were not to act so wildly? “The reaction from the audiences to this film was great because they discovered something right in the middle of documentary and fiction; with no voice over and no interview, or special effect,” said Matteo. Take sometime and watch this film. Then imagine yourself being the one beatened with foam rods and try not to get angry because it’s just an act.
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Christine Avanti
nutritionist and author of Skinny Chicks Don’t Eat Salads AAM - True or false: It’s not that modern science couldn’t solve the problem with weight loss yet. It’s that most diet programs just want to make money by having the consumers pay for things they don’t need. Christine - Two separate questions and both are true AND false at once. 1) Has science solved the weight loss problem yet? Yes in that we understand how to make fat burn and no in that we can’t stop free people from eating cheesecake. People are not test tubes they are emotional and spiritual beings who draw tremendous comfort and joy from food. This is why losing weight is more than just a scientific problem. 2) Do most diet & weight loss companies sell customers things they don’t need? Yes. However, people need something as a catalyst to lose weight. People need knowledge but they also need inspiration. When a person understands how nutrients affect the body AND they believe that their plan will work, they lose weight like crazy. The worst of the diet programs on the market simply try to make people believe that it will be effortless and instantaneous when we all know it isn’t true. Knowing how your body uses your food and taking control of your own weight is empowering, inspiring, and leads to permanent weight loss and real life transformation. AAM - To you, what is the difference between a fashion model and a fitness model? What are some of the different rules you have to stick with? Christine - A fashion model’s job is to make clothes or products look good while a fitness model’s job is primarily showing her own body shape. Clearly a fitness model will have a little more muscle definition while a fashion model - it seems - is primarily concerned with a tall, elegant shape.
photo: Rick Schaff
the interview: AAM - You would hate me. I eat carbs all my life and ice cream every week. Pie, cake, muffin, you name it. And I have a slightly muscular body and weigh 125 pounds. Is it just me or it’s something everyone can do and weigh like I do? Christine - No that is not quite the same for everybody. Some people do have a faster metabolism and can seemingly eat anything but most likely you are very active in some form - either working out, dancing, running or maybe just a highly energetic work environment. Your body has carefully calibrated your energy requirements for your energy output and you are eating roughly in line with that. Without reviewing your actual situation, it is very difficult to say what is working for you. However, eating carbs even sweets - along with regular, healthy, balanced meals is not only acceptable, it is what I teach my clients to do. It is the dieting and bingeing that causes the metabolism to slow down and the fat to accumulate.
AAM - How long did it take you to become a nutritionist? Christine - It took all my life in preparation but the decision happened in a single moment. In my late 20’s I gained a lot of weight after the death of a beloved family member. The way I grieved was to eat and boy did I ever! I ate entire cakes in a single sitting, entire bags of Doritos, and entire pints of ice cream. 30 pounds later, I figured I could easily lose it by doing a low-carb diet. That was when all the craziness began. I would starve myself all day, eat a huge salad, then go home at night. Then I would literally crawl to the kitchen and the bingeing would start. First I would nibble a few cookies. Then I would finish the whole package. Then I would finish the ice cream. I could never seem to feel full. Over two years I tried many different diets and all of them would begin with some weight loss and then end by putting back on more than before. I felt like a crazy person - only later would I learn that this was due to the regulatory and counter-regulatory hormones trying to get equilibrium in my body during such crazy dieting. Then I met a nutritionist who taught me about eating to stabilize blood sugar levels. She wanted me to eat carbs and I was mad at her. I thought carbs were wrong. Eventually I tried it and the result was immediate. I lost weight, I felt better, and it was obvious that I now knew not only the answer to weight loss but my new profession. I vowed to share this message with the world. For more on my education go to my “about” page at www.christineavanti.com. — AAM
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From Dreaming to Doing… After revolutionizing the fitness industry with her cosmetics line, Monet Colbert is once again breaking new ground with her latest endeavor in financial services. By Stacey Richardson We all know Monet Colbert as the fearless female behind Shades of Monet cosmetics, as well as an avid fitness model and competitor, entrepreneur and devoted mother and wife. A trailblazer in her own right, Monet has broken down countless barriers in her career and personal life and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Here we take a look at Monet’s vision for 2009 and beyond, including what to expect from Shades of Monet Cosmetics in the future and how she is set to help those with financial troubles through her new ventures. Keeping the Faith Monet Colbert is a firm non-believer in coincidences. She is a woman who is eternally optimistic and believes that there is a God-given purpose to everything that happens in life; it’s a refreshingly positive attitude in the midst of a tumultuous time in America. However, that is not to say that her positivity has been a result of an easy road to success. From her troubled upbringing to the roadblocks that she has faced as a woman, competitor and entrepreneur, it is apparent that her determination and faith are no match for the trials and tribulations that have come before her, and are the key to her continued success. Monet Colbert wasn’t always so sure that she was destined for success in the world of fitness; in fact, she really didn’t anticipate where it could even take her. She says, “I really didn’t know where I wanted to go in it, but I knew I enjoyed it. Fitness became a venture in itself…it’s not something that I planned on doing, it just happened.” Her career was peppered with highs and lows- the highs including meeting one of her idols Mocha Lee (the first African American fitness model to grace the cover of Oxygen) and the lows that are commonly experienced in competitive sports such as rejection and lack of funding. It seemed that there was always a reason why she couldn’t secure a sponsorship or job offer, whether it was her exotic looks that didn’t quite fit into the blonde all-American ideal at the time, or her straightforward attitude which was seen by some in the industry as too blunt. The fitness world would provide many more ups and downs for Monet, with each experience building her drive and ambition to succeed further. Even in the face of adversity, she pushed on in search of her higher purpose and eventually, she found it. Monet now saw the power of having a stage, a platform from which to pursue her goal- to inspire and motivate others to achieve their dreams, just as she was. The Beginning of Shades of Monet Cosmetics Monet had always loved to challenge herself in the fitness world and it was no different in her professional life. She had been working a 9-5 corporate job while still competing, working as a makeup artist and running a tradeshow booth at fitness events- many times working and competing at the same event. Tired of trying to conform to industry standards and the politics that went along with it, Monet’s desire to make a name for herself in the industry was growing and eventually she realized how she could make this possible. She combined her leadership skills, love of fitness and knowledge of makeup artistry to create the first-ever cosmetics line geared towards the athletic woman- Shades of Monet cosmetics. “Shades of Monet cosmetics really opened up a lot of opportunities for me. It helped me in terms of becoming a good business person, becoming a good friend, becoming more true to myself as to where I wanted to be in life and what made me happy,” Colbert states. She realized that although it was her competitive nature that first lured her into the world of fitness, it was the emotional connections that she made with her clients and fellow competitors that kept her there. Through Shades of Monet, she was able to develop a superior cosmetic product that helped to unearth her innate ability to transform these women- both emotionally as well as physically. “One of the things I liked about the sport was sitting down with a girl who’s getting ready to compete for the first time, who went through her own struggles before she got there- usually it’s weight, sometimes it’s physical abuse from a spouse or lack of support- and I’d be able to sit there and I’d be able to talk to them and really just be their counselor before they went on. I’d love to say that my product was so great that it always made them shine but no, they actually made my product shine because I was able to get so far into their head before they got on stage that they would come back in tears saying, “I’m hooked, I’m ready! I looked beautiful! I felt beautiful!” But it wasn’t the application, it was what I was saying to them, I just made the exterior more socially acceptable.” It was a hectic time of balancing work, training, Shades of Monet as well as family commitments, but the feeling of accomplishment that she experienced as her clients would transform to strong and beautiful women with confidence was invaluable and pushed her to press on. She knew that these women had believed in themselves not only because of her cosmetics line but more importantly by her
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ability to connect to them on a personal level. The question was now how she was going to take it even further. From Fitness to Finance Monet had already built up a fantastic reputation for herself and her company with competition organizers, magazines, promoters, photographers and a long list of other connections that would further develop Shades of Monet, when an untimely blow was bestowed upon her. It appeared that in order to claim the rights to her name, she would have to enter into a costly legal battle with a major fashion brand. The odds seemed to be stacked against her: her opponent had more time, more money and more power than her humble company, and even her attorney suggested that she give up. But instead, in classic Monet fashion, she took on the mega-brand herself and won. In this case she won more than the rights to her name, she won validation that she was more than just a small company, and her vision was more than just a dream- it was real. Monet says of this ordeal, “The lesson in this situation was that ultimately if you believe in something- go for it all the way.” With Shades of Monet finally given the green light to go ahead, it seemed that everything was in place-except for the changes that were now happening in her personal life and the world around her. The economy was going bust, people were having their homes repossessed and many, including her husband, were losing their jobs. Monet had to now focus on keeping the family together and her business ventures were put on hold until things stabilized, but she never lost her sense of faith or purpose. In fact, she took those turbulent times as a blessing as they eventually led her to discovering a way to help and inspire people even more, but this time on a much larger scale. After a move from south Florida to Atlanta, Georgia and through a turn of events that could only have been sanctioned by a higher power, Monet was introduced to a powerful organization called the World Financial Group by a long time friend Erika Johnson, who was determined that it was the perfect fit for her. “When I was thinking of whom I wanted to go into business with, Monet was one of the first people that came to mind. Monet is a woman of great ambition. WFG is simply the vehicle to help her accomplish the many dreams she has always had. She is a strong woman who desires to inspire other women,” Johnson states. Backed by the powerhouse European finance group AEGON, the World Financial Group is a financial marketing firm dedicated to helping every family in America get their lives back on track and make the most of their money without discrimination or judgment. What attracted Monet to this new endeavor is the WFG’s vision to help every family in America regain their financial freedom and independence. Finally, she had a platform to help those who were in need of a life change. She had found an outlet where her ability to inspire people to make positive changes could meet with her desire to make a real difference in the lives of people all over America.
While some may see the disconnection between the fitness and financial world, one of her mentors and fellow representatives of the World Financial Group Jose Gaytan describes how it’s not only her past work experience but also her untapped potential that will ultimately be Colbert’s success. He says, “I believe Monet is incredibly gifted. Sometime very gifted people are limited by the business vehicle they are in. At World Financial Group, there are no limits. It’s a perfect environment for someone like Monet to be challenged to tap into the special gifts she was born with. Monet has a sense of urgency and independence and gets things done. There is no hesitation on her part once she feels the purpose has captured her heart.” Monet in 2009- The Future is Bright After the many ups and downs that have followed Shades of Monet, the future is still looking exceptionally bright. Shades of Monet cosmetics is currently undergoing many exciting changes and will be re-launching in 2011 with a whole new mission to inspire and motivate women everywhere. Monet is currently developing her business with the World Financial group in Georgia, California, Florida, Delaware and Washington DC and has begun to make a huge difference in many families’ lives and in the financial industry itself. She says of her new role in financial services, “It expresses who I am. I’m about integrity. I’m about hope. I’m about putting people in a position to make them believe. Our company is focused on Middle America right now. We’re a financial services company that ultimately is helping the middle to low income families and those who are typically overlooked by financial services today and you know what? Honestly….. it’s about time.” She has already made a deep impression on one of the top Executive Vice Chairman’s of World Financial Group (EVC), Mr. Jeff Levitan. He says, “Getting to know Monet this past year, and working with her on a daily basis has been an inspiration. Her business experience coupled with her competitive training background is very promising to say the least…she is on her way to impacting the lives of thousands and changing an industry!” There is no doubt that Monet Colbert is a dynamic woman with a mission. She is an inspiration to us all as she shows us the value of determination, the benefits of self-belief and the positive things that we can all achieve if we make the transition from dreaming to doing. If you are ready to make a personal change in your life and want to know how, then you can reach out to Monet at monet@shadesofmonet.com. Whether you are seeking financial advice, a way to better yourself physically or mentally, or simply to discuss how to make the progression from dreaming to doing, Monet is always happy to help others achieve their goals.
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— Stacey Richardson
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Color Me ϷNATURE
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photo: Apollo GT fashion director: Maria Lepe hair & make-up: Phoenix jewelry: Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura www.amazonfashionseeds.com representative: Aline Silva jewelry: Fevi Reyes wwww.FeviReyes.com models: Lays da Silva Lauren Hunt agency: 301 Agency, Miami
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fashion: Lépe® Fashion, Goddess from the Roses’R Collection one shoulder dress of white chiffon with drape detail, $950 www.LepeFashion.com jewelry: Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura www.amazonfashionseeds.com Necklace of turquoise, crystals, ceramic, wood and coconut. $130.00 model: Lauren Hunt agency: 301 Agency, Miami
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fashion: Roberto Cavalli Chiffon Caftan Top, $1,355.00 (Saks Fifth Avenue) fashion: Lépe® Fashion, Lycra Jumpsuit from Lépe Swim Collection, $180 www.LepeFashion.com jewelry: Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura www.amazonfashionseeds.com Necklace of turquoise, crystals, ceramic, wood and coconut. $130.00, same as on page 29 Bracelet of turquoise, mother of pearl and coconut. $45.00 jewelry: Fevi Reyes wwww.FeviReyes.com WW Cuff, sliver oxidized, hammered cuff. $250.00 each
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model: Lays da Silva agency: 301 Agency, Miami
fashion: Lépe® Fashion, Skirt from the Roses’R Collection lime green crinkled fabric, $200 Lycra Jumpsuit from Lépe Swim Collection, $180, same as on page 37 www.LepeFashion.com jewelry: Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura www.amazonfashionseeds.com Necklace of mother of pearl slices, Indian murano, wood rings and rami natural fibers. $51.00 model: Lauren Hunt agency: 301 Agency, Miami
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fashion: Rebecca Taylor, from Wild Flower Collection, $275 (Saks Fifth Avenue) jewelry: Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura www.amazonfashionseeds.com Necklace of mother of pearl teeth, Indian murano and coconut. $56.00 Mother of pearl pendant, juta natural fiber, wood rings and metal. $43.00 model: Lays da Silva agency: 301 Agency, Miami
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fashion: Herve Leger, price $1250.00 (Saks Fifth Avenue) jewelry: Amazon Fashion Seeds by Patricia Moura www.amazonfashionseeds.com Necklace of mother of pearl slices, gold grass and horn. $120.00 Bracelet of white quartz, mother of pearl and coconut, worn on model’s arm. $35.00 model: Lays da Silva agency: 301 Agency, Miami
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