December 2015 issue

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Imani Hakim: The Former "Everybody Hates Chris" Star is All Grown Up

DECEMBER 2015

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EDITOR’S

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Co-Owner/Editor In Chief

Shawn Stuldivant Co-Owner

Barry Stuldivant Issue Design/Layout Shawn Stuldivant

Writers (this issue) Deidra Brown Jo Jo Harder Amelia Moore Erin Napolean Kimberly Wyms

Photographer Contributor Amina Touray

On the Cover: Imani Hakim

'Tis the season for peace, love, and holiday cheer Bronze Beauties! I am happy that you have arrived here to read and be inspired by our December issue, the last issue of this year. Our cover star this month is the lovely actress Imani Hakim, star of the former sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris,” where she played the role of Tonya, the spoiled sister of Chris. The show was based on the life of comedian Chris Rock. Well, Imani is all grown up now and carving a new place for herself in Hollywood, and we are honored to have had her do a candid interview with our entertainment/lifestyle editor, Amelia “Ameliaismore” Moore.

In reading Imani’s inspirational interview, I am reminded of three words that always evoke certain feelings within me around this time of the year: growth, change, and transition. As I reflect upon all that has occurred in my life in 2015, I make it a point to take a personal inventory of myself in order to determine where I am currently, how far and where I need to go, and what steps I must to take to arrive at my desired destination. I feel a sense of comfort with this process, because it keeps me focused and ready to take on a brand new year. What is your process? How do you plan to grow, change, and transition in the new year? I’d love to hear from you!

I truly hope that this issue inspires you, and that you pass it on to inspire another. After all, that’s what it’s all about right? Paying it forward.

Wishing each of you a blessed and happy holidays. Until next year… stay beautiful!

Shawn Shawn Stuldivant Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

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DECEMBER 2015 CONTENTS

FEATURES

6 Naye

The twin sister, singer/songwriter duo "turn it up" with their R&B music.

8 DL Warfield

Imani Hakim:

Our cover star speaks candidly about her evolution from a child star in Hollywood.

The impactful celebrity artist shares his American Flag Remixed collection.

24 Alexandra Butler

The Celebrity makeup artist shares her favorite beauty products.

HOLIDAY

18 10 Holiday Gift Ideas For the woman who has everything

PHOTO EDITORIAL

10 Secret Agent Man

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Welcome to the World of

NAYE

By Erin Napolean 6 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM DECEMBER 2015

R&B

singer and song writers Patrina and Latrina Jones, also known as Naye, are fraternal twins from Montgomery, Alabama. They’ve been singing and performing since their voices were discovered at young ages. They then spent their whole lives using their vocal talents at schools and churches, recently moving up to live performances and being featured in magazines and blogs.

“Singing has always been a passion of ours, and we feel like we were blessed with this talent to share it with the world,” says Naye. Their journey and motivation into the music industry has been supported with their family, friends, and fans to keep them going.

Naye’s songs, “My Baby” and “April Showers,” as well as others, come from real life emotions and experiences. They want to be able to touch their listeners mentally and let them know that they aren’t alone in any situation. Their songs are relatable to different experiences such as break ups, longing for someone to be in your life, a long day, or just wanting to “turn up.” Their songs are typically a neo-soul type of sound and specialize in love. Growing up, artists like SWV, Aaliyah, 702, Destiny’s Child, Lauryn Hill, and other 90’s greats influenced Naye’s music and style choice.

They try to emulate those artists to help bring that type of music style back into today’s culture.

Naye is different from other artists, because to them its not about the fame, fortune, or money. Its about sending messages, reaching out to people, and going for what you truly love. When it comes to working in a group, they bump heads at times with different ideas because they're both considered to be perfectionists, but when the middle ground is found, its smooth sailing from there. Naye’s biggest obstacle is trying to balance their careers with their personal lives.

Their biggest advice to anyone who wants to get into the music industry is, “To every 10 no's there will be a yes. Don't give up. It's a competitive industry, you have to work, work, work, and never lose faith in yourself and what you believe in.”

Naye is currently taking their careers to the next level by working with Worldwide Records and Sony on a couple projects that are coming soon.

Follow Naye: www.itsnaye.com @nayemusic (Instagram & Twitter) www.reverbnation.com/Nayemusic

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DL Warfield: The Cultural Architect Artist D.L. Warfield has definitely made a name for himself with his impactful art work. Over the course of his career, he has worked with various artists including Usher, who describes D.L as “relentless” and passionate, and has used prominent musicians like Michael Jackson, TLC, and Lauryn Hill as a canvas. His works can be seen across the U.S., in art galleries and in the home of rapper, T.I., who owns three of his flag pieces.

In 2012, Warfield steered away from creating “fine art,” to creating “pop art,” which included images of icons like Jimi Hendrix and Steve Jobs. He cites a couple of his artistic inspirations as lava lamps, graffiti, and Quentin Tarentino. In addition, Warfield owns a creative company, Goldfinger, that has provided work for Nike, Dreamworks, Adidas, Vibe Magazine, and a number of other corporations.

D.L. is currently getting ready to release his latest project, The American Flag Remixed, which encompasses his perspective of American life, inspired by its diverse history and contradictions. In this political project, D.L uses various mediums such as metal, leather iron, and wood, as he depicts politics and the hip-hop culture through a collection of mixed media flags.

Remixing the iconic American flag, which was created in 1776, Warfield hopes to create a new view of the meaning of the flag, displaying Americans' feelings, but also maintaining the spirit and structure this country was built on. When describing his newest project, he says, “My flags, like Americans, are all different and custom fabricated to represent different passions, genres, ideas and cultures.”

by Deidra Brown

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Photo: Amina Touray Photography Models: Lamin Touray & Luwam Mikael Luwam: Dress - Express, shoes - Guess Lamin: Suit - Brothers, shoes - Din Sko (both stores are located in Stockholm Sweden)

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Secret Agent Man

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10 Holiday G for a Wo who has Eve

Some women just have it all! She has the shoes that you you desire! Need a clue about what to give her for a holi wow a woman who already seems to have it all!

Cloud 9 Living Experience first-hand the thrill and excitement of racing in a Sprint Cup NASCAR style stock car.

Miami Nascar Driving Experience, from $533 cloud9living.com Sheila Johnson Scarf Collection Finding Solace in the windless calm of a winter storm and the long grey shadows of the season's rest; Solace $395 sheilajohnsoncollection.com

Waterford Hope Ornament Waterford Crystal honors all of the courageous women who battle and have battled breast cancer with this special ornament. A portion of all proceeds donated directly to Breastcancer.org. $75 Waterford.com

Try the World Special Edition Holiday Gift Box Discover winter culinary traditions of different countries. Each box features authentic seasonal products such as Italian truffle infused olive oil and Swiss chocolates, as well as a culture guide that includes recipes, playlists, and movie selections, $39 trytheworld.com

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Gift Ideas oman erything

u want, jewelry that you need, and dresses iday gift? Here are 10 gifts that are sure to

By Jo Jo Harder

Sage Cuff Delicately detailed sage leaves circle this golden cuff, made from recycled metal with a warm, rich patina. Designed and hand-crafted in California’s Topanga Canyon by Alkemie, $198 shopterrain.com

America’s Top Dog Model ® 2016 Calendar Paw-fect holiday or hostess gift for the dog lover. The adorable photos in this calendar will put a smile on her face the entire year, $12.99 www.americastopdogmodel.com

Kate Spade Leopard Print Jacquard Bow Arm Warmer Go wild with this leopard jacquard bow arm warmer; perfect for smartphone fans, as your fingers are left free to tap and swipe, $48 katespade.com.

Bee Raw Varietal Honey Flight Perfect food lover gift, this collection of nine honeys offers varietals from around the US; Bee Raw Honey supports artisanal beekeepers and the mission to save endangered bees, $78 shopterrain.com

Venezuelan Spice Drinking Chocolate Crafted with gourmet custom blended Valrhona dark chocolate and blended with Ancho and Chipotle chili cinnamon blend for a spicy little kick, $18. elbowchocolates.com Typographer's Linen Hanger Slipcover Protect your wardrobe with a natural linen cover that slips over any standard hanger; it has a zippered pocket for stashing items. Order with or without monogram, $29 markandgraham.com

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Everybody Loves

Imani Hakim by amelia “ameliaismore” moore

E

veryone who knows and loves Chris Rock knew the hit show, “Everybody Hates Chris,” a sitcom that was based on the comedian's life. We had the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the main characters of that show (Chris' spoiled sister Tonya), now that she is all grown up and making a name for herself. If you are wondering who we’re talking about, wonder no moore… Bronze Bombers, welcome to the world of, “Everybody Loves Imani Hakim.”

BM: How long have you been acting, and what type of roles did you had before the show that made you a household name?

IH: Well, my first professional job in the industry was “Everybody Hates Chris.” I’m from Cleveland, Ohio and I started acting at the age of either 8 or 9 at our neighborhood theatre. I knew I wanted to be an actor at the age of 7.

BM: When the show became a hit, how did it change your life, or did it?

IH: When the show hit, it changed my life a lot. One of the things that changed obviously was people knowing who you are and noticing you. I went from no one knowing me to thousands, if not millions of people knowing me, and getting that recognition was a change. The other thing was, financially my life changed.

Another change was leaving a place like Cleveland, Ohio and moving to Los Angeles,California.

BM: The reason why I asked is because most times with physical changes in your life, often mental changes occur as well. Did your mindset change?

Did you feel that you had arrived? Were there any mental changes as well?

IH: Absolutely. I was a kid. At the age of 11, all you are worried about is your friends and little things that are important to you.

However, I booked a show, so I had a job now. I was part of a show that would be seen by people from all around the world.

I had to learn how to represent myself properly. I had to learn

how to carry myself, how to speak to people when being interviewed. There is a lot that goes into being part of a “hit” show.

BM: A lot of people don’t realize what is involved with a transition such as the one you experienced. At 21, you are currently experiencing another transition from child star to adult talent.

For many child stars that transition is very difficult. Are you doing anything particular to help you with that transition? Is it a mental mind-set, a professional mind-set, or preparation?

IH: Yes, I think it’s everything- mental, professional, it’s all of it when you do the transition from a child to an adult actor. In this industry, people are easily lost, especially when transitioning. It can be difficult. For me, it’s because I had a lot of success come to me really quickly as a child actor.

It has slightly slowed down as I got older, only because the transition is happening; therefore, that can easily make you discouraged. You can easily go off on the wrong path and get into trouble, and hang out with the wrong group to make yourself feel better for what is not happening for you. So I make sure I am surrounding myself with positive, uplifting people who are also very productive in their own lives, no matter what they are doing. My boyfriend and I meditate in the morning. I also write in my gratitude journal the 10 things that I am grateful for every morning. I practice things that are going to keep me grounded and positive while going through this transitional phase. It’s so easy to be bitter and feel all of these negative things. All I want to do is steer away as far as possible from that negativity. Instead, let this beautiful transition happen naturally in the most grateful way.

BM: Do you feel your role in “Chocolate City” is helping you with your transition? The >>>>

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reason why you took that role?

IH: I think so. I think that life itself is a journey, and every little thing that I decide to do is going to benefit me in the long run.

So I think that “Chocolate City” was a great step in that direction, where I want to be and where I plan to go. I look at it as a stepping stone and as positive practice. Everyone needs that first hint of, this is what it’s like, and I have finally done that with “Chocolate City.” I have always played younger than what I am, so this was the first time I actually got a chance to play my actual age. I now know what to expect.

BM: Let’s talk about that role, the character (Carmen) that you played in the movie. It was interesting to see the conflict within a young man (Michael) who was trying to uphold himself to the standard that he thought you had, while still understanding what he needed to do to support his family. Did your role have any reflection of you and the standard you have with your own personal relationships?

IH: Absolutely! Are you talking about the guy or are you talking about the standard that I have for my family?

BM: All of the above.

IH: You do have to respect the person that goes all out for themselves and their family. There are a lot of bad things you can resort to, but he chose not to do anything that would put him in jail. So, you have to respect the hustle and the grind when someone goes all out for the people they love. We all do it every day with different careers. I’m an actress. I am not only doing this because I love it, but I’m also doing it to pave the way for my older and younger siblings, and to change my mother and father’s lives. I just respect anyone who does that for others. There are so many lazy and selfish people out there that just worry about their own selves, that it’s great to see people go beyond the limit without having anything hold them back. All they want to do is provide for their family.

BM: It’s like the saying, when you give you get.

IH: I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction. It’s like karma.

What you put out there is what you are going to get in return.

BM: Let’s switch the subject matter a little. On the topic of strip clubs, right now that is the new form of entertainment, especially within the hip hop generation. What is your position on that lifestyle and that form of entertainment?

IH: (Sigh) I have been to strip clubs before, but not male dancers. I have seen female dancers, and it’s the sort of thing that, if you are not in the situation, you tend to judge those things. We would go to the strip club and talk to these girls.

You get to know them and you realize that they are people and they are doing this for a living- to pay off college, to keep their lights on, etc. It’s an interesting career path to take, but at the end of the day, we are all working for survival. From the outside looking in, it’s easy to judge what they do, but you have to respect their hustle. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I respect them for having the guts to do something like that, but I’m not so sure I could do what they do. I respect them for grinding so hard.

BM: Imani you are doing so many things. What is next for you?

IH: I can’t say right now because it’s confidential, but I am in the works of working on a new project. Hopefully soon I will let everyone know exactly what I’m doing.

BM: What is your definition of success?

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IH: I think it’s all about being happy, being loving, sharing and all those positive things. Success is great when it comes to what you chose to do with your career, and all those things, but what really defines success is what you feel inside. For me, success is when you love yourself and you are happy and loving to others around you. That is success. A lot of people don’t really feel that way about themselves because for many, doing that can be very hard.

BM: So many times, people try to understand your generation, that being the Millennials. Some say you are so technical that your interpersonal skills are not as strong. You would rather text someone instead of picking up the phone and calling them to talk with them directly. What do you say to those people to help them understand your generation?

IH: You know, it’s one of those things that in our world is constantly changing, so you can’t really do anything about that, and there are pro’s and con’s with everything. We learn so much from technology. For instance, there are so many things I learn from Twitter and from people texting me that might not make the news. Those are some of the pro’s to the technology that we have right now. Yes, sometimes the con’s are that we may not be as available to the people in the room because we are so glued to our phone. Yet today, we receive information a lot faster than we did 20 years ago because of technology.

With any generation, as the world goes on, there are going to be pro’s and con’s, so you just have to grow and take it as it is and not abuse it. People should learn to love and understand why the world is actually changing.

BM: Is there anything else you want our Bronze Bombers to know about Miss Imani Hakim?

IH: No, you asked really good questions. Thank you.

BM: Expect more from this lovely lady. I have a strong feeling that we will be seeing a lot more from this refreshing, progressive, young woman who is living proof that you are a product of your environment. Stay around positive people and you will be positive. Also, read Bronze Magazine for your dose of progress.

PEACE!

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T

he beauty industry has taken a toll on the world, and you can pretty much find a makeup artist or beauty professional anywhere. While makeup artists and beauty professionals are easy to find, it's not everyday you run across an individual that excels at their craft, and offers their technique to others. Alexandra Butler is just that!

Sprinkled with charisma and a slight Scandal addiction, Alexandra Butler is one of the few Bronze & Beautiful artists who has dominated the beauty industry world. Bronze Magazine recently had the chance to speak with Alexandra to find out how she got started, her favorite products, and what's next for the Atlanta based celebrity makeup artist.

KW: When did you know you'd be a makeup artist, and how did you go about pursuing it as a career?

AB: I started on YouTube by showing a group of future Destination Wedding Brides how I was going to do my makeup for my destination wedding.

I recorded myself doing my own makeup and began to get a response from random viewers.

Then I began to get requests to do more videos.

That's when I figured I was on to something, and saw that there was a career out there for being a Makeup Artist. At the time, I was still in engineering, so I didn't know how I was going to transition.

While still doing engineering, I freelanced at the MAC Counter once and knew that that's where I should get my start and experience. When I got fired from my job in engineering while in Indiana, my husband and I decided to move to Atlanta to try and pursue Makeup in a city that would be more promising. Once I got to Atlanta, I got another job in engineering, but was doing makeup on the side and was networking in the city.

THENNNN, when I got fired from that engineering job, I began working at the MAC counter full time and kept networking. I was there for 3 years then got fired from MAC, lol... After that, I took it as an opportunity to freelance full time and to take all the experiences I learned and pursue this career hard core. That was in 2012 and I haven't looked back since.

KW: What is your favorite part about working in the beauty industry?

AB: My favorite part is making women look and feel beautiful. It is truly priceless. Just by the swipe of my brush, I can change lives. Because I am an artist at heart, each face is like a canvas to me. I like to enhance women's features versus piling makeup on top of their face and covering them up. I love people, so I love just meeting new women and reuniting with existing clients.

KW: What advice would you give to black women pertaining to cosmetics and skincare? (i.e. what products should they look for, skincare they should use, etc.)

Behind the Makeup with Celebrity Makeup Artist

Alexandra Butler

By Kimberly Wyms

AB: I would advise all women to figure out the look that they want depending on their particular skin, and for a particular occasion. Women always ask me how to find the perfect foundation or concealer and I can’t tell them what’s best for them because I don’t know what they are use to wearing, what they want to look like, what products they already have, etc. There are two things that will help them determine the type of foundation they may want. First, is the coverage they want on their skin. Would they like for their skin to show through the products, or would they like no skin and an even flawless look. Think of pantyhose when it comes to coverage. There is everything ranging from full/opaque coverage foundation to a sheer/light coverage. Second, is the finish of their skin. Meaning, how does it look to the eye. You can have a matte finish (no shine) or a luminous/moisturized finish (more shiny.)

Each type of coverage or finish is determinant of an individual’s skin and preference.

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KW: What's next for Alexandra Butler Makeup Artistry?

AB: What's next for me is more success, more happiness, more exposure, more of the world recognizing me and my work... I wanted to possibly build my own "Makeup School" for artists and interested women, but I haven't fully committed to that being my goal. I am in the process of rethinking a game plan for my business and brand, so this is an exciting time for me. I have an exotic trip planned for Italy in a few weeks, so I will gain some inspiration and ideas from that, I hope. A DVD is definitely something that I wanted to create that will enable me to reach women from all over without having to physically travel so much as I have been doing in the past. I love traveling, but it can get exhausting since it's so frequent for me.

KW: What staple product would you recommend for our Bronze & Beautiful readers?

AB: Staple products start with good quality brushes, not necessarily expensive ones, but good sturdy brushes. I personally love Bdellium Tools brushes. For makeup products and for women who don't have a lot of time to get ready, I would recommend a concealer for starters. A skin toned concealer under the eye or on blemishes can give a nice even appearance on the face and can take the "tired/sleepy" look away. I am loving the Milani Secret concealers in the pot, and they are only $5. Mascara helps with opening the eyes which are the keys to the soul, obviously, and my fave is MAC Zoom Fast Black because it has carbon black pigment in it and makes lashes pop. And lastly, a little something on the lips. Whether it's a lip balm (my favorite is Bobbi Brown lip balm), lipgloss, or some lipstick. 5 minutess later, you are left looking awake, bright eyed, and ready to conquer the world.

Bdelium Tools Brushes

Milani Secret Concealer

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm

MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash

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“Celebrate and embrace th

Photographer: Amina Touray Photography Makeup Artist: Crystal Watana Models (from left to right): Krystal Willis, Alicia Erby, Linda Walton, Angela Meryl, and Chelsy Gantt

he beauty of women of color�

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