May 2017 digital issue(4) by Bronze Magazine

MAGAZINE

BRONZE ACTRESS

RACHEL CURRENCE

Talks career, The New Edition Movie and beauty regimen

BluJean

A Fashion Editorial By Creative Director/Stylist Christopher Giron & team

Accept Yourself Flaws & All

7 WEEK PLAN to Grow and Glow

DANIELLE MONÉ TRUITT

of BET’s hit new show ‘REBEL’ talks about the show and her passions for acting and community involvement

MAY 2017

www.bronzemagonline.com

AMINA TOURAY

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.aminatouray.com FASHION/PORTRAITS/HEADSHOTS/LIFESTYLE

Hello Bronze Beauties, Happy Mother’s Day!

Moms and caregivers, you deserve to be celebrated! Everyday should be a celebration for all that you do and the sacrifices you endure in order to provide a loving, safe, and better world for your children. But it’s also beautiful to have a special day designated just for you. I hope you enjoy it to the fullest, and always know that you are appreciated. One of the ways in which you can enjoy Mother’s Day is to relax and read this month’s issue of Bronze. Our cover star this month is the lovely Danielle Mone’ Truitt, star of BET’s hit show ‘Rebel.’ Danielle looks amazing in her first swimsuit shoot ever, and we have an exclusive interview with her as she talks to us about her role as the badass Rebecca “Rebel” Knight on the show, her passions for acting and community involvement, and her favorite Mother’s Day memory. Also in this issue is the bronze and beautiful Rachel Currence, who had a starring role in BET’s The New Edition Movie where she portrayed Shamari Fears, who was the lead singer of the now defunct R&B group Blaque, and who is also the wife of New Edition’s Ronnie Devoe. In a candid interview, Rachel talks about her preparation for the role, her success as an actress and who has inspired her along the way, and she shares a few of her own personal beauty favorites. We hope that you truly enjoy reading this issue. As always, it was meant to inspire! Enjoy your weekend moms! May it be filled with lots of love, celebration and pampering!

xoxo

Shawn Stuldivant

BRONZE

MAGAZINE

May 2017 Issue Editor’s Note

Cover Credits: Photographer: Amina Touray Cover Star: Danielle Moné Truitt Stylist: Janel Styles Makeup Artist: Niehla O Yellow bathing suit: WOW Couture @wowcouture_usa. Provided @fashionforwards_la Bracelet: Glamarella @glamarella_jewelry

Look for the BronzeMag App

Co-Owner/Editor In Chief

Shawn Stuldivant Co-Owner

Barry Stuldivant Cover Photographer

Amina Touray

Issue Design/Layout

Cheyenne Coston

Writers(This Issue)

Sheron Brown Keara George Jamelia Thompson

May

Cover Feature

Danielle MonĂŠ Truitt

CONTENTS

2017

Blu Jean

Fashion/Editorial

20 Accept Yourself Flaws & All Health/Fitness

and Glow: 30 Grow A 7-week Blueprint for

Maximizing Your Personal Power Health/Fitness

Rachel Currence

Feature/Interview/Editorial

Blu Jean Photographer: Luis Gonzalez http://www.656photography.com @656Photography Designer: Oseas Villatoro http://www.oseasvillatoro.com @DesignerOseasV Creative Director & Stylist: Christopher Giron http://www.domchristophstyle.com @ DomChristophStyle MUA: Joanna Camargo http://www.joannacamargo.com @joanna_hmc Hair: Amele Canada http://www.CanadaCoutureHair.com Talent: Jazz Monee Collins @jazzmonee https://www.dmtm-inc.com @dmtm_inc Jewelry: Anita K. Jewelry http://www.anitakjewelry.com @anitakjewelry

How often do we look on social media and compare ourselves to what we see? It’s not uncommon to do this, but while scrolling through your newsfeed, see what goes through your mind. Moving forward, spring is here and before you know it, summer will be right around the corner; usually that means more skin and less clothing and you should love the skin you’re in! Here’s a few ways to stay in shape without going to the gym: •Maintaining a clean diet •Going for a run in a park or on the track •Participating in cardio or a zumba class •Working out with a buddy or a group of friend These are all great ways to keep a healthy lifestyle after a long day of work or early in the morning before you start your busy day. Share these simple ideas with a friend. Take care Bronze beauties, and don’t forget to love yourself, flaws and all!

Sweet Eden’s “Sweet Sugar Detox” Do you eat half a cup of sugar every day? The average American does -- and doesn’t even know it! It’s not just the cookies and sweets. Sugar is in everything – often concealed by today’s prominent focus on healthy eating! OK, so you learn about food; but that doesn’t always solve the problem. We don’t usually crave sugar or start binge eating because we’re physically hungry.

It’s motivated by anger, stress, boredom, and loss of control. We hide our emotions and escape from them in our eating behavior – and it becomes a habit, then, an addiction. We need to change our behavior, learn new techniques to cope with stress and negativity. We need to reward ourselves through positive actions, increase our personal sense of satisfaction and gain new found control over our lives.

Sweet Eden’s “Sweet Sugar Detox” can make all of the difference. You’re not in this alone. Sweet Eden’s six week program will be there for you with: • Customized web coaching with practical guidance on life both before and after detox • Ten key secrets for breaking your sugar addiction • Weekly meal plans with real-world recipes that are quick and taste good • Delicious snack and food replacement ideas to end bad habits – even when you eat out • A community with which to share the journey and give you caring support What do you gain in addition to your success? Sweet Eden will help you: • Lose up to 30 pounds in a safe, healthy way • End cravings and that 2pm low blood sugar crash • Clear up unwanted acne and have smoother skin • Feel like a success because you’re fulfilling your own goals • Build a better self-image and a more satisfying life • Be a successful role model to your children and an inspiration to your family, friends and co-workers Register now and qualify to win an EXTRA WEEK of FREE COACHING or a health-promoting KITCHEN APPLIANCE valued at $200. (Only 20 people, registered by May 20, 2017, will qualify.) The start date is June 5th, so register now! The next program begins June 5, 2017, so register now visit www. sweetedenbysheron.com

DANIELLE MONÉ TRUITT

By Jamelia Thompson

Danielle Moné Truitt is a name that many should keep their ears and eyes alert for. Her ambitious and striving personality are what contributes to her ageless success that is dominating the entertainment scene- from making appearances in numerous plays such as A Raisin in the Sun, Hair or her very own show 3: Black Girl Blues, to performing the body movements for Tiana as well as performing the voice of Georgia in the 2009 Academy Award Nominated Animated movie, The Princess and the Frog. Truitt has now taken on new heights in her career. Recently, the starlet debuted her first lead television role as Rebecca ‘Rebel’ Knight, in John Singleton’s new BET show titled “REBEL.” In an interview with Truitt, the 36 year-old beauty invites Bronze to learn more about the person behind the camera as she shares with us her passions for acting and community involvement.

Photographer: Amina Touray @aminatphoto Makeup artist: Niehla O @niehlao Wardrobe stylist: Janel Styles @janelstyles77 Blue one piece: Designer: Paradies ranch @paradiseranchdesigns. Provided @nowprla

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

Rewind back to your first audition experience. What was the audition for? How did it the turn out? My first audition ever was in 6th grade for Beauty and the Beast at my school. I auditioned with a poem and ended up getting the lead role of Belle. It was great, it was fun. I got to wear a fancy dress.

How is your role as Rebecca ‘Rebel’ Knight in the new BET series “REBEL” different from other roles you have played? Well, this is a lot different from other roles I have played because it is my first lead television role, which makes it unique to me. The subject matter of the show makes it different as well since I’ve never been part of a show that tackles this current subject (police brutality). All the action and movements with guns set Rebel apart. I also never played a character that is so close to my own culture and where I’m from. I’m from Sacramento and Rebel is from Oakland, that (Oakland) is an hour away from my city which is cool.

“REBEL’s” subject matter is relevant to the current scrutiny among police and citizen relationships. How has playing this role changed and/or enlightened your own perspective on this situation? Playing this role helped me to gain a little more insight on what cops go through when they are in this situation. Life is complicated and playing this role helps show me that life is more complicated than we know.

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

How do you set aside your own bias and immerse yourself into your character? I keep in mind that I’m not playing myself, it’s about the world of my character and how she sees the way things are happening. I learned a long time ago that you should never judge your character. When you start to judge, you can't play the character authentically. My job is is to play Rebel's truth.

You and your family are highly involved with your community, whether providing meals and encouragement to the homeless, or helping the youths. In your opinion, why is it important that you give back and continue giving back to your community? How does your course of action reinforce the need for active participation from people within communities? None of us would be where we are if it wasn’t for our community. Whether a church or a school community, everybody has a support system of some sort. For me, service takes the focus off you and puts it on others. In my opinion, it does something, both spiritually and emotionally, when you give of yourself to help someone. Anyone can do it now. You don’t have to wait to reach a certain status to give back.

Blue one piece: Designer: Paradies ranch @paradiseranchdesigns. Provided @nowprla Earrings: Designer - Gold Philosophy @goldphilosophy. Provided @nowprla Ring: Designer - NMD @nowprla Shoes: JF London jflondon_official. Provided @prb_public_relations BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

Can you talk a bit about “Be Eternal?” What was your motivation behind pioneering this support system? How successful, in your opinion, has it been in fulfilling your expectations? Be Eternal started around the year 2013. It was created for artists as an outlet where we’re not performing but rather talking about issues that affect us. A lot of times we neglect our own personal growth and journey. I was truly inspired after Whitney Houston passed. I grew up listening to her and felt like she was my aunty, even though I didn’t know her. I was devastated by her passing, she touched so many people. Be Eternal was very successful but with the birth of my sons and work, the event hasn’t been active. I hope to restart Be Eternal this year. I’ve met so many great artists who can be guest speakers to make this time even better.

Your versatile background lends itself to defining you as a triple threat. If you had to choose one of the three- singing, dancing, or acting to continue with for the rest of your career, which would it be and why? Well, I can do all three if I’m acting [Lol]. I really love acting, I feel like I have a spiritual connection to all the different characters. I’m able to tap into different things that I wouldn’t be able to do in my regular life.

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why? Resilient. I’m a person that doesn’t give up. I can be knocked down or rejected and I still find a way to get what I deserve or what God has promised. I’m that energizer battery that keeps going!

As a mom of two sons, now that Mother’s Day is approaching, do you have a favorite Mother’s Day memory? Well, every Mother’s day is special because my wedding anniversary is around the same time. But one Mother’s day I remember, I got a day away from my kids and it was awesome. I went out and got a massage and then I bought my own cake and enjoyed it all by myself. I think Mother’s day should be the day when moms get to do whatever they want.

“I’m resilient. I’m a person that doesn’t give up.” Yellow bathing suit: WOW Couture @wowcouture_usa. Provided @fashionforwards_la Bracelet: Glamarella @glamarella_jewelry Earrings: Designer - Joey Galon @joeygalon. Provided by @nowprla @nowprla

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

Grow and Glow: A 7-week Blueprint for Maximizing Your Personal Power “(S)he who knows others is wise; (s)he who knows (her)self is enlightened.” The ancient mystic Lao Tzu said that. Essentially, he was saying that it is a good thing to understand others; it’s an even better thing to understand who you are. Another ancient mystic, Emmanuel the Christ, said the same but differently: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else .” As you seek or pursue to understand this kingdom, you are studying who you are and your personal power. Holding on to the knowledge of your personal power is challenged by the daily demands of life. For this reason, you must make time to remind yourself every day of who you are. If you make everything else in life more important than yourself—job, home responsibilities, friends, etc.— then you are robbing yourself of deepening your personal power. The little voice in your head may be saying, “I don’t know if I can do something every day.” If so, respond with this ask, “what is more important than me?” After a pause, the answer you may hear is “nothing.” Good. Now that the voice is silenced, use the 7-week blueprint as a guide to spending time with yourself daily, reminding yourself of who you are and connecting to your personal power. By the end of Week 1, you will definitely see and feel a difference in how you show up in the world. After seven weeks, the world will see you differently and feel your power. More importantly, you will know and understand with great clarity, YOUR kingdom within. Now go, grow, and glow!

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Day 13

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I have the right to be here.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I have the right to authentic connections.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I honor the power within me.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I am worthy of love.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: My voice is necessary.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I am open to the wisdom within.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I am guided by a higher power.

Day 2

Meditate for 5 to 10 minutes with previous day’s focus as your mantra.

Day 3

Listen to your favorite selfempowerment song.

Watch your favorite romance movie.

Dance to your favorite selfempowerment song.

Listen to your favorite love song.

Sing to your favorite selfempowerment song.

Watch your favorite fantasy movie.

Listen to your favorite spiritual/ sacred song.

Day 4

Make a meal for yourself and be conscious of every step of the process.

Unabashedly, take yourself on a date to your favorite restaurant.

Focus on your power while doing 10 to 20 minutes of strength training.

Volunteer for a cause that matters to you.

Speak your thoughts respectfully and courageously.

Visit a museum of your favorite type of art.

Take a yoga class. Take beginner’s if you’ve never done it before.

Day 54

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I love my body and trust its wisdom.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I deserve pleasure in my life.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: The fire within me burns through all blocks and fears.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I am loving myself and others.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I express myself with clear intent.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: I can manifest my vision.

Journal and reflect with this focus in mind: Divinity resides within.

Day 6

Take a walk while talking to yourself about the previous day’s focus.

Day 7

Relax in bath with frankincense essential oil bath salts.

Relax in bath with ginger essential oil bath salts.

Relax in bath with grapefruit essential oil bath salts.

Relax in bath with jasmine essential oil bath salts.

Relax in bath with sandalwood essential oil bath salts.

Relax in bath with sage essential oil bath salts.

Relax in bath with frankincense essential oil bath salts

Quote from Lao Tzu, The Tao Te Ching. Quote from Holy Bible, New Living Translation. 3 Journal statements from Anodea Judith, Eastern Body Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to Self. 4 Ibid. 1 2

Outfit Credit Floral Jumpsuit - Rochelle Carino Designs @rochellecarino Jewelries and shoes - Stylist’s own Team Credit Photographer: Amina Touray @aminatphoto Wardrobe Stylist: Chandra Dyani @chandradyanistyling Makeup Artist: Niehla O @niehalo Hair Stylist:Neisha Mitchell @creationsbyneisha Hair Stylists assistants:Ashley Bolden & Taylor Marie

The By Jamelia Thompson

26 year-old break out actress is no stranger to the lime light. From a young age she has always been attracted to stardom, having participated and won many titles in

beauty pageants, including Little Miss Southern California. Currence has also made appearances in various television and print commercials such as the TigerWoods/ Target campaign and Lightspan. Her niche for acting occurred when she was given her first speaking role on a television series titled The Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hood. After joining SAG, The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, she gained more exposure. She has been featured in several television shows and films including VP, The Ex-List, The Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tomb, a reoccurring role on Siblings, just to name a few, and now she tackles the role of Shamari DeVoe, wife of Ronnie DeVoe, a member of the New Edition group, in The New Edition Movie television mini series on BET. In a Q & A with the talented Currence, she shares with Bronze her successful and continuing acting career and offers some beauty tips. BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

From a young age you have been the eye of public attraction, participating in pageants and making appearances in commercials. Recalling back to those memories, would you say that you missed out on a normal childhood? Why or why not? For me I didn’t miss out. I loved my childhood, it was truly memorable. I had a blast with the other kids that were on set with me. To be with other kids who were doing the same things as me made it okay. Such exposure helped with my confidence and self-esteem. At any point did you feel like the attention you were receiving made you more cautious about the type of friendships and relationships you formed with others? In general, you should be wise of the company you keep. You have to have associates, friends and best friends. If you confuse those friendships, it can hurt you. I want a certain type of energy around me. I surround myself with the right people that motivate me. How did the opportunity to play as Shamari Fears in The New Edition Movie come about? Originally, I auditioned to play Ralph Tresvant’s wife but I got called back a day or two later to play Shamari. They casted me because of our similar personalities and how much we look alike.

Outfit Credit Left: Floral Jumpsuit - Rochelle Carino Designs @rochellecarino Jewelries and shoes - Stylist’s own Above: Green dress:Kevan Hall @kevanhalldesign Blue necklace:Bauble Bar @baublebar BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

How familiar were you with the New Edition life story before becoming a part of the cast? I was vaguely familiar with New Edition. But from a little girl I have always loved Shamari Fears. I would perform her songs from Blaque in talent shows. But after doing this film I realized the magnitude the group (New Edition) had on the music culture. How was the preparation for this role any different (if it was different) from other roles you've previously played? Getting to play her might sound cliché but it’s a dream come true. She is an admirable person, so playing her was something I was adamant on getting right. I studied a lot of her interviews and her mannerisms. We met for the first time at a rep party. Your role in The Parent’Hood provided you with your first speaking role. Did this opportunity peak your interest in pursuing more active speaking roles within your career? Yes, it fueled the fire for me to get involved in acting classes. My mom supported me and what I wanted to do. She would drive me back and forth to L.A for lessons.

Outfit Credit Above: Short multi colored dress- Kevan Hall @kevanhalldesign Gold shoes- Zara @zara Jewelries - Stylist’s own Right: Green dress:Kevan Hall @kevanhalldesign Blue necklace:Bauble Bar @baublebar 36

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

Are there any actors or actresses who you look up to for inspiration? If so, can you name a few? Halle Berry, she paved the way for black actresses. Viola Davis, she is beyond inspirational; jaw dropping inspirational. Denzel Washington. He brings a lot of depth in his movies. Mark Walberg and Meryl Streep. I am inspired by the best. What do you enjoy most about acting and being on set? Is there anything you enjoy least and would want to change about the industry? What I love most about acting is being able to tell a story or be a part of telling a story. I get to play dress up and be someone else. My least favorite thing is the long hours. Working into early mornings the next day. But you can’t do much about that. You have to man it out because when you see that final project it’s all worth it. When traveling, what are the must have items you absolutely have to take along with you? My IPad, Ok! Magazine, now Bronze Magazine of course, a book (I love autobiographies), LA MER products (they’re great products for skin care) and Paul Mitchell hair care products. Their coconut water products are great for moisturizing and hydration!

Outfit Credit Left: Short multi colored dress- Kevan Hall @kevanhalldesign Jewelries - Stylist’s own Above: Green dress:Kevan Hall @kevanhalldesign Blue necklace:Bauble Bar @baublebar BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

You expressed that a good regimen is key for you. If you were stranded on an island and could have one box of products sent to you, would they be facial or hair products? Why? Definitely facial because I am so big on my skin, especially because of the industry I work in. I started mixing my own face masks. I use avocado, honey and lemon. I do these masks 1-2 days out of the week. They work as a great pick me up!

Outfit Credit Above: Short multi colored dress- Kevan Hall @kevanhalldesign Gold shoes- Zara @zara Jewelries - Stylist’s own 40

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

MAY 2017

As you continue to further your career, what is next on your agenda? Do you have any special projects coming up? I appeared on an episode of Bosch but I also have a reoccurring role in the Netflix series Siblings. It’s a funny and relatable series. I play the fiancé of a governor who meets his siblings for the first time and I didn’t know what I was in for.

Advertise in our next issue For affordable placement options Request our Media Kit at info@bronzemagonline.com

BRONZE

fb @bronzemag twitter @bronzemagazine instagram @bronzemagazine PINTEREST @bronzemagazine