BEAUTIFUL
December 2017 Issue 12
Cookies for Santa
Walking in a Winter
Wonderland Season for GIVING
1
letter from the EDITOR
Hello
BEAUTIFUL & DAUNTLESS,
We have made it to the last month of the year. Which makes this our 12th issue of Beautiful & Dauntless. It feels like it was just December 2016, when I began dreaming up the first issue. What a full and amazing year it has been! This is honestly my favorite time of year. I love the end of the year, when it starts to get colder outside. When there are Chistmas lights and decorations everywhere. Most people are so much nicer. I even have extra love and joy that explodes in my heart. It is so hard to explain and I know that most people do not expereince that but it is so wonderful that I try to start celebrating Christmas as soon as my birthday ends in July. Another reason that I love the Christmas season is that it is an excuse to shower people with love and give them gifts. During the year, time just goes so quickly that I forget sometimes to give little gifts to those that I love and so I am thankful for a day that reminds me to do that. Enjoy the season of giving and receiving. Share the love and have a Merry Christmas. XOXO,
Karissa Hagemeister 2
Photography by K Kalista 3
ABOUT BEAUTIFUL Beautiful magazine has always been a dream of mine, something that I knew would come eventually, I just cannot believe it is already here. Beautiful is a collection of art and illustrations, depicting inner and outer beauty. It is stories, it is real, it is life, it is pictures and it is just pure beauty. Beautiful is fashion, health, beauty tips, encouragement, life, art and truth. Beautiful is about you, your story, your life, your love, your pain and your fears. Beautiful is about us, our stories, our journeys, adventures and our moments of life that have been crafted specially to share with you. I want you, the reader, to feel safe reading Beautiful. I want you to feel like you are a part of the stories, the adventures and the passion that each one of the editors, writers and photographers bring to you. I want you to feel empowered, encouraged and excited about your beautiful journey in this life. Most of all, I want Beautiful to be the spark that makes a change in your life. Not a change for good or a change for the better, but a change for the BEST! Anytime you feel encouraged or have questions or just want to share something with the Beautiful team, shoot us an email at bringingbeautifulback@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you. Share Beautiful with those that need a little extra beauty in their life. Life is beautiful. You are beautiful. That is what Beautiful is all about. www.bringingbeautifulback.com @bringingbeautifulback
4
CONTENTS
30
/
December 2017
10 Feature Story Season for Giving 22 Momma’s Kitchen Cookies for Santa 30 Fashion Secrets Walking in a Winter Wonderland 34 Beauty Secrets #theBeautyRevolution 46 Dauntless
5
Meet the Beautiful CREATORS
Editor in Chief
Photograph by K Kalista
IG @karissaluvhagemeister FB: Karissa Hagemeister
Karissa Hagemeister is on a life long journey in the pursuit of love, beauty and truth. Not only does she want to discover these things for herself but she desires to share them with anyone willing to watch and listen. Beautiful was birthed out of this desire. She enjoys modeling, acting and singing. She has her own fashion line and partners her business with a jewelry line, Chloe + Isabel. In July of 2016, Karissa published her first book. Her future plans are to revamp the fashion & entertainment industry with the love, truth and beauty that she discovers by both her fashion business and Beautiful & Dauntless magazine.
KARISSA HAGEMEISTER Assistant Editor Jackie Cullum, 26, and is a wife, mom, and Chairperson for the Missions Committee at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Leo University and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Southeastern University. She plans on using her degrees in the missions field oversees. Her passion is for children and she wants to work with orphans by planting orphanages to help get children off the streets and providing them with an education so that they can have a brighter future.
JACKIE CULLUM 6
FashionEditor Arnette German is a native of Mt. Pleasant, SC. She took her leap of faith and finally decided to yield to her passion for fashion by enrolling in the online Graduate Program of Fashion Journalism at Academy Art University in San Francisco, CA. No stranger to the stage, Arnette is a member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, FL. Presently calling Bradenton, FL home, spends her free time either volunteering at her local church and/or spending time with friends and family, especially her best friend, affectionately referred to as by her 7 year old niece-Jaya Yvlene Kistia German. A foodie and a lover of nature and the arts-if she is not fishing, frequenting thrift stores/boutiques along w/other everyday joys‌Zumba being an added one, life is definitely in some shape and/or form and fashion being lived to the fullest.
ARNETTE GERMAN CREATIVES:
Writer: Terry Randolph
Dauntless Content Creator
Photographers: Josiah Richwine KKalista Photography Ashley Henricks Emilio Roman
Special Topics Photographer Editors Creative Photographer Beautiful Designs Photographer Fashion Secrets Photographer
Layout Designers: Xiomara Montalvo Story Layout & Graphics Designer
Published by Kingdom Dezigns, Inc. 7
8
Do you feel like you have fallen into a pit and cannot find a way out? Are you hurting? Desperate? Lost? Looking for answers, guidance, truth ...? I was too, not that long ago. If you are serious about getting out, read my story and find the help you need.
Available as an ebook at:
Or Paperback at:
WWW.KINGDOMDEZIGNSFASHION.COM
9
GIVING for
10
Feature Story
G
11
12
As soon as the sun begins to fade on Thanksgiving night, a shift happens in the hearts of many. As a kid, this means we begin looking forward to seeing all the Christmas decorations go up. It means that there will be presents under the Christmas tree soon with our name on it. We make lists of all the toys that we want and begin guessing and shaking the toys as they appear under the tree, deciding which one it could be. As we get older, things happen in life that make the joy of Christmas seem like a distant, childhood fantasy. We experience heartbreak, loss of loved ones, loss of finances, security, parents divorce, you name it ... These tragic life events move us from the state of childhood ecstasy to one of adult numbness and pain.
13
We lose the joy of Christmas and focus on our pains, the past, the tragedies and wish that things could be as they once were when we were children. Being an adult is hard but this is where we find what we are really made of. As you experience tragedies, you have two options: you can live in that tragedy for the rest of your life, replaying it, living in bitterness, grief and pain OR you can grieve and begin life again. I know that getting over the pain is difficult and it sometimes seems easier to stay in the grief. When you make it to the other side though, there is a new ray of light, a new found joy and a new purpose for living.
14
15
16
When we are lost in the pain, we can forget that there are many other people out there experiencing their own pain and living nightmares. One thing that I have found truly useful in a time of tragedy is to take my eyes off from myself and current circumstances. Look at those that are around you. As Christmas approaches, think of ways that you can give into their lives. It could be a gift, but it could be so much more. Maybe they need a hand around the house. Maybe they need a friend to share their thoughts with. Maybe they need some food, or shelter. Be creative.
17
This is the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you are enjoying it or living out a tragedy, look at ways that you can make it more wonderful for someone else. Watch as your own holiday begins to brighten and you feel that joy that you once had as a child. This time the joy will be from giving instead of just receiving. Merry Christmas.
By Karissa Hagemeister
18
19
20
Photo by Ash
hley Henricks
The ORIGINAL Beautiful Shirt Available exclusively at Kingdom Dezigns e-store:
21
Momma’s Kitchen
M
Cookies Leave These Out on Christmas Eve: * Gluten Free Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
22
SA
Momma’s Kitchen
s for
ANTA
23
Gluten Free Pe & Chocolat
24
eppermint te Cookies
Christmas time is all about the sweets at my house. We love baking and eating and eating some more. There are traditional recipes that my family has been using for generations and then there are always some newbys that we like to throw into the mixture. Because we have some allergies in our family and many of us are trying to eact much healthier, these cookies are paleo and gluten free. Special thanks to the Healthy Maven for this new treat.
25
26
27
28
29
Winter W
Fashion Secrets
Wal
30
lking in a
Wonderland 31
32
Winter Wonderland Inspired Shoot Dress: Wow Wear in White Jewelry: Chloe & Isabel Model: Karissa Hagemeister Hair & Make Up: Karissa Hagemeister Photographer (pictured to the left): Emilio Roman Luis & Co.
33
Beauty Secrets
B B #theBeautyR 34
BRevolution B by Karissa Hagemeister
35
Starting December 1st, 2017 there is a new revolution in town. I am a millennial and something that has been noted about my generation is that we are all trying to start revolutions. I know that there are many of us out there doing things. We have grown up seeing all of these crazy problems in our world and many of us have come up with solutions to the problems. Just like my peers, I have seen many problems and I wish I could fix them all but I am starting with this one. #theBeautyRevolution You may be wondering where the problem lies within beauty. The problem is not with beauty per say. Beauty is more the answer, as long as we can accept it for what it really is. Reader, have you ever felt less than beautiful? Do you, at this moment, feel unattractive? Why? Why do you see yourself that way? Have you ever really thought about it? Every single woman thinks or has thought of themselves us unattractive, ugly and everything but beautiful. That is the problem. We women have learned to compare ourselves with each other instead of seeing ourselves as a unique, beautiful individual. When you can see yourself as an individual, you can really see your true beauty shine through. Too many times, though, we are looking at others and think we need to look like them. So we try to change all of these things about ourselves: hair, facial structure, skin color, eye color, body structure, etc ...
36
37
What ends up happening is we begin to hate ourselves because we will never look like that other person, no matter how hard we try. We were not made to be copy cat versions of the 10 most sexiest women in the world. Your unique beauty has something special to offer the world. It’s a gift. You are a gift. You are precious, treasured and worth all the love and adoration that one human can handle. You are beautiful. It is about time that we each begin to look in the mirror and accept or beauty. It is about time that we each begin to realize that we are beautiful. You are beautiful. Your mother is beautiful. Your friends are beautiful.
#theBeautyR 38
It’s not a competition, never was and never can be. We cannot change who we were made to be. Accept your beauty. Accept yourself. Here is the challenge that comes with #theBeautyRevolution:
1. Tear down the pictures you have hanging up of all the women that you envy to be. 2. Look in the mirror and refuse to thoroughly examine your flaws. 3. Admire the parts of you that are most striking. 4. Tell yourself, in the mirror, “I am BEAUTIFUL, “ over and over again until you believe it. 5. Purchase one of our BEAUTIFUL products at www. kingdomdezignsfashion.com to keep and wear as a reminder. 6. Once you have accepted your beauty, start spreading the revolution to every woman in your life. 7. Tell them that they are beautiful and tell them why. 8. Get them some BEAUTIFUL swag and help them see themselves for the true beauty that they are. Accept yourself Beautiful, it is really that simple. But we can’t let the revolution stop here, we must share until every woman knows how beautifully amazing she is. Join with us in #theBeautyRevolution as we begin Bringing Beautiful Back across the globe.
Revolution 39
Kickboxing Klass with Karissa
Stay fit through the HOLIDAYS!! Only available online @ Udemy.com Start at ANY time & go at your own PACE 40
6-Week Intense Course 41
Chloe + Isa 42
abel 43
Who Will Take the Title for Ms. Beautiful January 2018?
Ms. Beautiful
Submit your choice by sen they shou 44
Email submiss
Who Will Take the Title for Mr. Dauntless January 2018?
Mr.
Dauntless
nding a picture, their name and a brief description of why uld be Mr. or Ms. for next month’s issue.
sions to bringingbeautifulback@gmail.com 45
46
DAUNTLESS Fashion
47
Social Media SPEAKS
You Spoke,
Christmas &
48
We Listened
& tradition
49
PRESENTS
50
What’s on the top of your Christmas Wish List?
Dear Santa, ... Flannel PJs that match and are not hand-me-downs. Shannon K. A prenatal massage. Jackie C. To sell my house. Stephanie B. I only pray that all in my family are happy and well. Peter H.
51
We love Christmas
MUSIC What is your favorite Christmas Song?
52
Baby, it’s Cold Outside - Christi R.
O Come Let Us Adore Him - Cassandra H. Silver Bells - Amanda Christmas Shoes - Brittany T.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Jason S,
The revved up version of “White Christmas” from the “Home Alone” movie. - Ron T.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Mark G.
Jingle Bell Rock - Stephanie S.
“I’ll be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby because it reminds me of my dad and childhood memories. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby was my mom’s favorite. - Dennis L.
Mary Did You Know? - Tammy H.
Silent Night - Carolyn P.
53
What is your favorite tradition for
Ch
Steven: White Elephant gift exchange
Mike
Dwaine: Watching “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Emilio - Watching “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Elf ” Brittany - New pajamas and a movie for the kids on Christmas Eve: comMichael plete with movie, candy, popcorn and hot chocolate.
RyFy - Family Mershawn - Mistletoe
Max Ben
54
hristmas? Donald: Either the Christmas village under the tree or nostalgic ornament exchange with family in from out of town Roy - Pistachios Jaime - The Christmas tree, delicious dinner, and family. John
Pattie
John - I’ve bought my wife a meaningful ornament every year since we’ve been married after Thanksgiving to start the season.
55
HATS O
HATS O 56
ON HATS
ON HATS 57
58
Mens STYLE
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
This article is written by our newest Beautiful & Dauntless creator:
Arnette German
68
MEET ARNETTE Arnette German is a native of Mt. Pleasant, SC by way of Atlanta, GA, is excited to be apart of the Bringing Beautiful Back Family. After her mother pointed out one day while shopping, after a stranger asked for her styling direction after complimenting her on her sense of style/wardrobe, her mother later added that, “usually happens when we are out. Especially with friends/ relatives too…always asking for your styling opinion(s) or to at least style them. This is a career and what you should be doing.”. It wasn’t until that mental note was made by Arnette, in February of 2016, she took her leap of faith and finally decided to yield to her passion for fashion by enrolling in the online Graduate Program of Fashion Journalism at Academy Art University in San Francisco, CA. No stranger to the stage, Arnette is a member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, FL. When not performing, she also volunteers in capacities as needed and/or times hired to work behind the scenes in various theatre capacities as well i.e. Assistant to Stage Manager, Stage Manager (for selected Artist Showcases) Stage Hand and/or Costumer/Dresser. An Alumna of the HBCU, Bethune Cookman University, Arnette obtained her BA in Religion and Philosophy and a Minor in Psychology. Additionally, she is a member of the national service sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma, the National Council for Negro Woman and a 2010-2011 Who’s Who of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs. Presently calling Bradenton, FL home, spends her free time either volunteering at her local church and/or spending time with friends and family, especially her best friend, affectionately referred to as by her 7 year old niece-Jaya Yvlene Kistia German. A foodie and a lover of nature and the arts-if she is not fishing, frequenting thrift stores/boutiques along w/other everyday joys… Zumba being an added one, life is definitely in some shape and/or form and fashion being lived to the fullest.
69
ABOUT DAUNTLESS The second half of this magazine is now being taken over by guys, for guys. Since the creation of this magazine, January 2017, we have excelled at offering real life stories, advice and insight into daily matters. Our writers share what is on their heart in order to bring some life to your current situation. Up to this point, much of the material has been more “lady focused” but we hate to leave out our male counterparts, as they need special rays of light to impact their life as well. In May 2017, after receiving much feedback from males asking for more content geared towards them, our wheels started turning. We came up with the idea of having the dual magazine, but we need a name. After conducting a poll on social media, we were given some insight as to what a guy might prefer to be thought of as, and DAUNTLESS was the winner. Below are a few of the reasons as to why Dauntless is now the name of the second half of our e-mag. So, gentlemen, as you are reading, think of yourself in these terms:
“Dauntless means, ‘I am BOLD, COURAGEOUS, and GALLANT. Which trumps all other choices. IMHO.” - Larry “Dauntless for sure. Dauntless means, ‘Showing FEARLESSNESS and DETERMINATION.’ That is how I would like to be defined.” - Arman
70
CONTENTS
/
December 2017
48 58 Mens Style D2AG 48 Social Media Speaks Christmas and Traditions 46 Dauntless Stocking Stuffers 42 Beautiful
71
DAUN LESS December 2017 Issue 12
D2AG Christmas & Traditions
72