Spring 2012 Issue

Designers Collective

Spring Issue

Spring Fashions from some of the Hottest Indie Designers

Model Spotlight: Introducing Erica Nicole

Fashion for a Cause Featuring...

Cortney Ren’ae Linda Dominique Grosvenor Rebekah Star Livingston MARCH/APRIL 2012

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Pink Clover Photography

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2012

Special

32

Model Spotlight 18

Our cover model Erica Nicole shows that she’s got what it takes to steal the spotlight with style and flair.

Features

Fashion for a Cause 10

These business savvy individuals show us that philanthropy and fashion make a winning and inspiring combination.

Designers Collective

22 5 talented independent designers take the stage to share their unique and stylish visions for spring.

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Articles

Business/Finance 42 44 46

Become an Automation Queen

Want More Clients? 3 L’s for Business Explosion Drowning in Debt? How to Get Out of Debt and Put Your Life Back on Track

Inspiration 48

You Bloom Girl!

Lifestyle 50 52 54 56

Spring Into These Healthy Genes: Adopt a New Diet to Achieve a New Path

Bitter with the Sweet- Soups Bringing Missing Kids into Focus: One Woman’s Passion and Mission Where is Your Activism?

Relationships 58

Do You Ask for the Truth then Secretly Desire a Lie?

50 52

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Bronze Magazine Founder and Editor In Chief

Shawn Chavis Publisher

Barry Stuldivant Marketing Assistant

Trisha Stukes Copy Editor

Tanya Manning-Yarde Contributors (This Issue)

Phaedra Anderson Sylvia Browder Candice Frederick Angela Harris Osundara Mayuri Pamela Sams Tanya Smith Kellea Tibbs

On the Cover: Erica Nicole Photographer: Natasha Smith Makeup: Allison Bianca Hair: Sharonda Lawrence

Website: http://bronzemagonline.com

Job Board:

http://jobs.bronzemagonline.com

Facebook:

http://companies.to/bronzemagazine

Twitter:

@bronzemagazine

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Editor/Publisher’s Acknowledgement

Greetings friends and welcome back! Thank you for joining us for the 2nd edition of our quarterly digital/print installment- our spring issue; we know that you’ll enjoy reading it.

The theme of this issue is ‘Where fashion meets inspiration,’ where we spotlight various individuals in two special features: Fashion for a Cause and Designers Collective. The talented individuals featured utilize their flair for design and style to inspire others- whether it’s through philanthropy, community, or for just the love of fashion. Our contributors will inspire you as well through positive articles that educate, inform and empower!

We are especially proud of this issue because it’s filled with the promise of change and transition, just like the upcoming spring season. So sit back and relax in your most favorite place and let us inspire you. Happy reading!

Shawn Chavis Founder/ Editor In Chief

Barry Stuldivant Publisher

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE

Flourishe Promotes Self-Love and Confidence Through Natural Beauty Event

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outhern California’s Natural Beauty Pageant is an annual Social Empowerment event hosted by Flourishe, a social enterprise working to empower women to be their very best. The purpose of “So. Cal’s Natural Beauty Pageant” is to promote self-love, confidence & acceptance for one’s “Natural Beauty”. At the same time they focus on giving back by actively helping to be of service to help improve communities! We caught up with Flourishe’s Founder/CEO, Cortney Re’nae to learn more about the organization’s mission.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How did Flourishe come about?

CORTNEY RE’NAE: Flourishe came about after I had my daughter.

I was in a place where I was experiencing life in a whole new light and there were so many times I wanted to call or reach out to someone who could give me some encour.agement, listen to me vent, provide some wisdom or advice… SOMETHING! LOL Then I realized how small my circle was to even get that type of support. I really started to look at how badly our society needs to be more supportive towards one another and more importantly show more LOVE! So off I went, trying to connect with more and more women; through this experience I was inspired with different ideas on how I could create an avenue that provided support and empowerment.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Tell us about your So. Cal Natural Beauty Pageant. How do you select the contestants?

CORTNEY RE’NAE: This pageant really is like no other as it promotes self-love, confidence and acceptance for our true, natural beauty. We are separating ourselves from the traditional pageants of making women feel that they have to compete in some big fancy gown, look like a model/star they see on tv etc. We are simply about keeping it real and natural! We select participants that believe in what the pageant stands for and who have a commitment to servicing our communities with various projects that Flourishe supports throughout the year! This year alone the 2011 titleholders were active in at least 5 or more projects with Flourishe. Everyone can’t always participate due to other commitments, but they make it to what they can and always come excited and willing to help and I love it!

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How has Flourishe impacted your community?

CORTNEY RE’NAE: I believe Flourishe has impacted our communities first and foremost because we are actively involved. We aren’t just behind a computer screen talking about something, we are visibly showing our support through our promotional videos shown on our You Tube Channel (FlourisheChannel). Lastly and probably the most powerful way to see how we are impacting our communities is through our reviews that we receive from the public! I don’t know what else speaks more volumes than having people write a review! You can see for yourself here: www.flourishe.net/reviews BRONZE MAGAZINE: You are now upon your 1 year anniversary for Flourishe, Congrats! Where would you like the organization to be 5 years from now?

CORTNEY RE’NAE: Thank you! Where do I see Flourishe in 5 years….whew, I can’t call it. It seems so far ahead! LOL I really believe that we will most definitely FLOURISHE…. but with what we have accomplished in just one year, I am more and more excited for our future. I am truly grateful and thankful. God always seems to amaze me with the talents I have as I am able to dream, create and produce. I know one thing for sure, and that is I’m looking forward to the Flourishe team expanding. The more help we get….the bigger impact we will have and that is what it’s about, MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

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Pictured in photo: Cortney Re’nae; Photographer: www.modelvanity.org

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How does Flourishe empower women to be their best?

CORTNEY RE’NAE: Flourishe empowers women to be their best in several ways: We host Social Empowerment Events…. events that have a mission to provide some type of empowering experience such as our “Waiting to Exhale Parties” & “So. Cal’s Natural Beauty Pageant.” The pageant alone is something that encourages girls and women to celebrate expressing themselves as they are…because there is so much power in standing proud of who you are, loving yourself and even more so, loving others and servicing our communities. Currently we are working on an enhancement program behind the pageant, where we will have a team of businesses coming together to provide complimentary services designed to directly assist/support our titleholders... making a true experience out of competing in our pageants and performing community service. Stay tuned for more on this!

We lead by example by actively supporting our communities. Whether it’s supporting organizations run by women entrepreneurs such as The Purple Rose Foundation (www.mypurplerose.org) at the Walk for Lupus; Changing Shoes (www.ChangingShoes.org) at the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise event; sponsoring a special event for Jouissance of Expression (www.joelove.vp.web); or inviting organizations like C.U.S.P., Committed to Uplifting Single Parents (www.cusporg.org); Package of Prevention (www. packageofprevention.com) and My Genesis Kit (www.mygenesiskit.com); we are always looking to support and share all things empowering & inspiring!

Our social mission is to improve the quality of life for women. We want to see women “Flourishe” not only for themselves but for our children, families & communities. Our vision is to positively impact groups one city at a time. Seeing each city become a state and each state become a region; ultimately making the world a better place one group at a time.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How can individuals support and become involved with your organization?

CORTNEY RE’NAE: People can support Flourishe in so many different ways. The best thing that I always tell people is to engage with us. Tell us your feedback on things we share and how it helps you, or what you would like to see more of to help you in some way! Share our content with others, leave comments on our blogs or Facebook page ….we want to know what you want/need so we can be supportive in you becoming better!

Another way is staying connected and checking out what we are doing consistently by visiting our website at www.Flourishe. net, keeping up with us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/Flourishefanpage) & Twitter (www.Twitter.com/Flourishe) and even watching our videos on Youtube at www.youtube.com/FlourisheChannel is also a great way to support.

And last but definitely not least, financial support. Sponsorships & donations are very much needed! In order for us to continue to accomplish our goals on a cutting edge level, deliver content on a scale that puts us up there with the best, producing special projects/events and even financially supporting individuals during hard times (something we are working on creating)….we need funds to pay our staff. Flourishe is a Social Enterprise….which means everything we do is for our communities but we are also a company, one which has to function properly in order for us to do what we have set out to do!

The idea of this pageant encouraging Women to love themselves, one of the competitions include “Most Original Outfit.” Each participant is asked to wear what best represents their style. Whether it’s overalls and a bowtie or a summertime dress it just has to represent them in every way. We decided to take a look at some of the 2011 titleholders “Most Original Outfits” and find out a bit more about their take on Fashion”

Miss San Bernardino (Krystal Jackson) 1. Why do you feel this is your Most Original Outfit?

I call this outfit my “I’m ready” outfit because it serves all-purposes. Whether I’m going to brunch, to the mall or a night on the town with my friends, I know I will be ready for it all in this outfit. I believe that this outfit says a lot about my personality. Classy, unique with a little bit of spice.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

You can still look amazing without showing too much off. When people see you the first thing they look at is your appearance so what will your appearance say to people?

Miss Walnut (Rileshia Haynie)

Photographer: www.imagezbyBRIANphotography.com

1.Why do you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

This one piece sleeveless v-neck dress from H&M is my most original outfit because of its combination of colors and simplistic flattering silhouette for an edgy yet sophisticated person like me!!!

2.What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

Have fun with it. Growing up I was called the flower child because people couldn't figure out why I'd wear some of the color combinations and patterns that I wore; but people knew it was my signature because they'd say, “Only Rilesha could pull that off.” As one gets older their style will change and they will either be the trend-setter or succomb to being a part of fads.

Either way, feel free to simply express yourself as long as it's age appropriate and not a misrepresentation of self. Like I always say, ‘Its what you make of it.’

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Miss Anaheim (Danielle Walker) 1.Why you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

I bought this dress several months before the pageant.

At the time of purchase I did not have anywhere to wear it but I really liked it. When the pageant came around and I found out I needed an original outfit, I instantly thought of this dress. It summed up my sense of style. I love to wear dresses, tailored pieces, simple patterns, and pops of color. This dress had all of those things and it made me feel confident when I wore it on stage.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

Finding and perfecting your personal style can take time. Never be afraid to try on something you would not normally wear or pieces that do not sit well on a hanger. Think about what style will fit your everyday life. So do not torture yourself trying to squeeze into that size four. Be YOU and be okay with that.

Miss Riverside (Niya Leggette) 1.Why you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

I feel my outfit is Most Original because it portrays who I am, simple yet chic. Everything about a woman’s outfit starts off simple then is amplified by some type of chic. With the right accessories, shoes, earrings, different layers of clothing or colors any outfit can transform from simple to chic. In my outfit, I took a regular pair of ripped white jeans and a white tank top, matched it with a loose earth-tone shirt, earthtone shoes and some matching accessories.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

I would say, know your body; your curves, hips, legs, arms, etc. Know and love them for how they were beautifully and creatively made. Realize you have many options from what you already have in your household. By applying your own creativity to your ideal outfit, the possibilites are endless.

Princess Christine Evans 1.Why you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

I love hoodies because you can use them in so many different ways to be laid back, sporty or even casual; I added a tan jacket over mine because I like mixing different tops together. My choice of colors represent my personality which are calm and down to earth. My outfit in this picture really describes me in different ways. I like to be comfortable but very expressive at the same time.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

Don’t be afraid to step out of the box. Your style is your style; it’s a spitting image of who you are.Wear what makes you comfortable and happy. Don’t feel like you have to wear what’s in “style” or what other people are wearing in order to fit in. Be creative in your own way because that’s what going to make you unique.

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Miss Orange Jenn Mendoza 1.Why you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

This is my Most Original Outfit because I actually designed the T-shirt; it is one of my drawings from when I was 17. It reads, On The Otherside The Grass is Greener. The drawing meant a lot to me because you have a choice everyday when you wake up; you can either choose to be happy and make the best of life or you can choose to let your past and your current problems bring you down.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

Being yourself and being comfortable in your own skin is very hard to do because everyone in one way or another wants to “Fit In,” but being loved for who you are is the most rewarding feeling ever. So figure out your own style and stick with it regardless of what others say.

Miss Fontana (Sherrelle Johnson) 1.Why you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

I chose this outfit as my original piece because it makes me feel so much like the lady that I am. I love flowing skirts and accessories in bright radiant colors.

Dressing up in my own style gives me the confidence that drives me everyday.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

The advice I would give to teenagers and young women trying to find their own style is to be true to yourself. Resist the urge to fit in outside of your comfort zone. If it makes you feel good when you put it on who cares about what’s cool to others. What works for you comes from the inside-out so let your beautiful inner-self shine through!

Miss Palmdale (Vanessa Gardea) 1.Why you feel this is your Most Original outfit?

The outfit I wore for my original outfit is just something comfortable that can be a daytime office look, to an evening look. Just throw on some glam earrings and your set. I like to pick outfits from daytime to evening because I’m always on the go.

2. What message would you like to give to young girls and teenagers about figuring out their original style?

My message to girls or women is to dress in what you feel confident in. If your not confident in what you wear, then you have to find something that will make you feel more confident. I always say wear your personality. I’m a very happy person so I like to wear bright colors to bring that out. But it’s always up to you, but whatever you choose, wear it with a smile and feel great about it.

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE

Princess Dominique:

The Epitome of all Things Beautiful

By Shawn Chavis

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rincess Dominique (Linda Dominique Grosvenor) is the brainchild behind The Weekly Shoe Giveaway™ and the online vintage boutique Princess Dominique Vintage. Her witty take on shoes, how to buy them on sale and wear them painlessly (year ’round) has made her a media darling. Her boutique is is poised to become a hot destination for the woman who has ultimate style. In 2011 she also spearheaded Project Prom Angel in which she partners with generous sponsors to assist lower income teen girls with acquiring shoes and dresses to attend their prom.

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BRONZE MAGAZINE: When did you know that your blog about shoes was more than just a regular blog?

DOMINIQUE: I started blogging in 2004 or even before if I think about it. I did a segment on the Today Show in early February, 2011 about "Why Women Love Shoes" and the traffic to the website tripled after that. Advertising from blog owners, fashion websites and shoe brands have been clamoring to be a part of what's going on at PrincessDominique.com. I guess that's when I realized what I had was more than just a template with cute photos. It's been amazing to be able to do something you love, have it pay bills and express your creativity all at the same time.

BRONZE MAGAZINE:What types of shoes do you review? What’s your criterion for reviewing a shoe?

DOMINIQUE: I review shoes that are visually appealing. Normally if someone follows my blog they know I love wedges and very very VERY high heels. I'm open to reviewing almost anything.

Sponsors just have to be confident in their product before they send it because my approach is no holds barred; if I love a product you'll know it, and if I hate it--same thing...you'll know.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How did your well known “Weekly Shoe Giveaway” come about?

DOMINIQUE: The idea of The Weekly Shoe Giveaway™ was born one year when I did my annual downsizing of my closet. I normally give excess clothing and shoes to The Salvation Army every year, and I still do, but that particular year I decided to give away a pair of shoes I had never worn before on the website. The response was phenomenal! I thought a giveaway was an genius way to introduce hoards of shoe lovers to brands they may not have heard of or come across otherwise.

Awesome brands. Cutting edge products. Designers that fit right into the scheme, style and price point of what my readers were already buying--It was an instant hit!

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How can someone become a sponsor and/or a partner on your site?

DOMINIQUE: To become a sponsor we have 2 ways that brands can do that: We host exclusive giveaways with everything from food and accessories (including handbags) and they can also partner to host a shoe in The Weekly Shoe Giveaway™. Brands are finding that plugging into my audience broadens their readership as well and my readership grows because they love what I offer.

I'm excited to to give a variety of brands a platform and I also have affordable banner ads too. I think advertisers really like the fact that I garner such a tremendous amount of traffic and still offer such low prices for the monthly ads. They keep coming back and everyone benefits.

BRONZE MAGAZINE:Tell us about Project Prom Angel and its impact on young girls.

DOMINIQUE: Wow. Yes! I wanted to be more than just a blogger who posted pretty pictures. I wanted the ability to give back to girls especially. I imagined them at their prom in the prettiest dresses and shoes and ran with the idea and started soliciting brands and individuals in 2011.

We've gotten a massive response from cases of high heels from companies to a stunning evening dress or bridesmaid dress that a fashionista decided to donate to our cause. We can't wait for the Prom Salon this April, 2012. I believe the girls will not only be grateful but pleased with the selection that the generosity of the readers offers.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Are there any upcoming projects that you would like to share with us?

DOMINIQUE:Yes, I've received a lot of questions inquiring about how I do what I do so, I am going to be launching my long overdue eBook "Savvy Blogger". This book will basically walk bloggers through how I did what I did and what I continue to do today to not only grow my blog readership and connection with brands, but how I make a REALLY NICE chunk of change blogging. You can log on to PrincessDominique.com and subscribe in order to be notified when it becomes available in March, 2012.

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE

Rebekah Star Uses Style to Bring About Change in Education

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stablished in 2010 by volunteer teacher Rebekah Star, Change the Definition Apparel Company aims to bring about change in African-American communities one shirt at a time. While working in the Portland Public School System, Rebekah noticed that most of the students falling behind were African-American or Latino. As a black woman she became driven to uplift her community and her people. Years earlier Rebekah had thought of creating a shirt company, and now was the right time to revisit the idea. Following a life-changing trip Rebekah took to Ethiopia, Africa, a t-shirt design was completed consisting of the poem that changes the definition of black in the shape of a globe surrounding a “power to the people” fist. This symbol is fitting since Change the Definition strives to create change on a global level.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What encouraged you to become involved in philanthropy?

REBEKAH STAR: About 5 years ago I was going through a rough patch, trying to figure out which direction my life was headed and I knew that I needed to do something to help those that are less fortunate. I decided to volunteer to teach reading in one of our inner city schools and a light bulb went on. I felt like I was at home and ended up being helped more than I was helping. It changed my life and I made a decision from then on to always make a point to give to causes that I believe in.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How does your organization Change the Definition bring about change in the African American community?

REBEKAH STAR: Change The Definition's commitment is to help the underserved in our communities. We have done that in a number of different ways. In the past, we've made donations to smaller organizations to help their programs get off of the ground. We have also participated in different fundraisers and given our time on a regular basis to those who are in need. I had the desire to make a larger, more tangible impact on our communities, so I recently decided to create "official partnerships" with well established NPO's. I feel like the benefit to the community will be much greater and our funds will have a much farther reach than they have had in the past. 69% of African-American students cannot even read at a 4th grade level which leads to only 45% of black males graduating. Our hope is that we can get those numbers up by creating a steady foundation from which the students at risk of falling into these statistics can use to be successful in their education. I also strongly believe that this will lead to success in other areas as well.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What was the inspiration behind your t-shirts’ design?

REBEKAH STAR: The inspiration behind our 'Global Power To The People' t-shirt design came together quite smoothly. I asked some of my favorite people to give me the words that best describe them. It was one of the most beautiful things that I have experienced. My friends are all so intelligent and different, not fitting into any type of box that stereotypes, or even American media, tries to put them in. They are all comfortable with being whoever they are. I love that. So the t-shirt design is a collage of their words in the shape of a globe, which represents how far we want our reach to be. And a power to the people fist, which is what we intend to give through educating.

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BRONZE MAGAZINE: How did your trip to Ethiopia change your life?

REBEKAH STAR: My trip to Ethiopia came right on time. It was my first time outside of the country and I had no idea what I was in for. I had always seen the starving children on Tv, but to be in front of them was very eyeopening. It was raw. I constantly felt myself on the verge of breaking down, but I would give myself a little pep talk, not wanting the people to feel like I felt I was above them or felt pity for them, because I didn’t. They had nothing and the ironic thing was that they were full of love and joy, and that was so nice to see. One of the biggest lessons I took from that trip was that I need to take every advantage of the opportunities that I was born into. I need to have no fear in going after what I want. If I fail, I am OK. I also felt great being around my people and not being a minority anymore. There was no fighting and they were helping each other. The following 6 months after I returned to the states I experienced some of the toughest times in my life so far. I realized that things I would normally have fussed over were not a big deal. I just dealt with the issues over time and moved on. That trip was the best thing I have ever spent money on.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What are some of your organization’s recent projects/programs and how have they impacted the communities in which they serve?

REBEKAH STAR: One of the programs that we have supported on a regular basis is SMART (Start Making A Reader Today). It pairs up students who have fallen behind with a volunteer that helps them to feel confident and gain what they need to become up to the level of their classmates. I have personally worked with SMART for 4 years and have seen first hand how a student goes from not recognizing letters to being able to read basic words in just one school year. I believe reading is the most basic education that any American needs to survive and get ahead. So turning these kids into readers has an effect for generations to come.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What’s next for Change the Definition and where can we find your t-shirts?

REBEKAH STAR: Right now we are focused on meeting our goals so that we can help many and grow as a company. We plan to release a special edition ‘Election 2012’ t-shirt this May. Our shirts are sold in our online store at www.ChangeTheDef.com.

Follow us on twitter @changethedef “Like” our Facebook page: Change The Definition Apparel Company

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Model Spotlight

Erica Nicole

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ur cover model Erica Nicole had her first glimpse of modeling at the age of 20. Since then she has developed a true passion for the art of modeling and fashion. Erica has worked for several photographers in Florida doing editorial, fashion, hair and makeup, and glamour. She has also been in several runway productions. Every single project she has taken part in has helped Erica to develop her personal style and techniques while in front of the camera.

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Hair by Sharonda Lawrence Makeup by Allison Bianca Photography by Natasha Smith

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: e iv

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On the following pages you will be inspired by the unique visions of some of the most talented independent designers on the planet. Each designer brings a creative flair that cannot be duplicated. From Africa to London & Paris; the Caribbean and the United States,they are indeed the masterminds of their own destinies >>

Deenola G’wan by Charon MYCA Couture Sarahi House of Fashion

Photographer: Artcrazy Photography; Model: Kat

Unusual Star Jewelry

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TheTalented Duo Behind Deenola

Pictured from left: Olafemi Bela, Lauren (model) wearing the Nefertiti Dress, Deena Dee

Bronze chats with London designers Deena Dee and Olafemi Bela

By Shawn Chavis

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ne look at the chic collection from Deenola and you can see the attention given to details. The Ready-toWear fashion label was founded by Olafemi Bela and Deena Dee. With artistic backgrounds in makeup, fashion styling and music education, the talented pair uniquely collaborate to introduce creative pieces with versatility.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What sparked both of your interests in fashion/beauty?

OLAFEMI: I love magazines.I remember being obsessed and looking at advertisements for various brands.They were selling a dream of a lifestyle to people and I found it very fascinating.The psychology behind the industry is what personally attracted me to it.

DEENA: Fashion has always been part of my life through my East African culture, It was a real challenge to create an identity through vibrant fabrics and help change the overall perception of African fabrics.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What was your first big “break” in the industry?

OLAFEMI: I started to work with Theo Omambala, who was the artistic director for the magazine Aspire. I literally stalked that woman to get the job (lol) but I have learned so much.

DEENA: I have a music background, so for me it was all new; but i realized our impact when we did the AFWD show in Dublin and also when Shingai from Noisette wore one of our pieces on the cover of Pride magazine. >>

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BRONZE MAGAZINE: How did the two of you come to decide to collaborate together in business?

O&D: Well, we were friends first and I remember us being in my house and talking fashion, wondering if we could do a few samples with African fabrics because there were limited collections out there. It was so exciting and before we knew it, we were doing 14 samples for our first show in Dublin. It was a fact that the african fabric didn't have the exposure it deserves.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Please tell us about your dual cultural heritage.

O&D: Our Dual heritage is our strength and we have no problem using it in the aesthetic of the collection. It is even stronger because we are from different part of Africa: Deena is from the east (Comoros Island), and I am from Central (Cameroon), so something interesting needed to come out of this collaboration. It's'just amazing how rich our cultures are and how inspiring they are for us.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What was the inspiration behind the commercial for your beautiful collection?

O&D: Because we are obsessed with beautiful imagery and romantic stories we thought these elements would be the perfect backdrop to show the collection. Not only do people get to see the clothes, but they also have a sense of who the Deenola woman is, especially in one of the most romantic cities in Europe-Paris. We had to do it. We loved doing it and we will carry on doing it!

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What is the idea behind your brand and its inspirational element?

O&D: It has to be versatile so that you can dress it up and dress it down. It has to say a story about where we are from,and we use a lot of cowrys as embroideries because it was and still is very significant in the African culture. It does bring depth to the garment and has to be beyond trends.Trends come and go so all pieces have to be timeless.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What’s next for you and how can we purchase your collection?

O&D: We are getting ready for next year already, spring/ summer 2013. We are also working on the next video campaign. You can buy Deenola online at www.deenola.bigcartel.com and find out more about our collection on www.deenola.com!

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G’wan by Charon G’wan, as the people of St. Croix would say in their native language, means, “Go ahead!” Through her fashion designs, Charon Richardson, the creator of G’wan inspires women to fall in love once more with their authentic selves - G’wan ~ I dare you… to be you!” No matter what size or ethnicity, Charon’s fashion designs reconnect women with their innermost beauty.

At the age of sixteen, Charon was already experimenting with fashion designs for her appeal. Professionally trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City, Charon has spent years traveling the globe learning and experimenting with different design elements.Her styles reflect her global journeys and are designed for the real women of the world!

Charon’s diversified creativity has landed her positions at some of the most recognizable apparel companies in the business and her design style has been merchandised on some of the most coveted retail floors in the United States. These days Charon is lending her creativity and passion to her own collection, G’wan by Charon. She designs beautiful, versatile clothing & accessories to bring out the confident women in us all. Her ardent appreciation for a hint of vintage underlines her designs. Charon also continues to create lines of fashion that make women of all sizes feel empowered and self confident!

Charon’s Cruzan heritage, professional training, international exposure and years of experience all converge in thrilling expressions of fashion. Her indulgence in rich fabric and alluring textures makes you want to wrap yourself up in her designs. Charon’s feminine and modern styles present a fresh version of glamour for today’s real and fabulous women.

In the near future, G’wan by Charon will be launching pop-up stores and gracing Runways! Look out! This upand-coming fashion designer is about to burst the fashion doors wide open in ways that have never been done before! She definitely pulls out the fab-ooo woman in all of us.

Website: http://www.gwanbycharon.com

Pictured: Charon Richardson Photo: Pink Clover Photography

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MYCA COUTURE

Photographer: Artcrazy Photography; Model: Kat

A Luxury Brand with an Infinite Vision

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M

YCA, Founder and Designer of MYCA Couture was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She has incorporated the flavor and inspiration of her roots into her Fashion Brand. From an early age Fashion and creativity was instilled in her by grandmother who was a talented seamstress by hobby and a successful business woman by profession. MYCA was always included in her grandmothers daily activities and sewing tasks. She would design, thread, cut, measure, make patterns, crochet blankets, pillow cases, sew dresses and many other garments. Though her grandmother played a tremendous role in her development, the influence of her grandfather was much more significant. Her grandfather was a very successful entrepreneur and a man with impeccable style and class. MYCA describes her granDAD as, "the epitome of what a man should be; a true gentleman with a very unique style, unlike any other and truly one of a kind". He wore only Italian tailor made suits, silk ties, diamond cuff links, tie pins, genuine alligator shoes, with the matching belt and to complete his look and the best part of his ensemble were his custom made Hats that were designed and created to match each and every suit he owned. Her childhood experiences birth the passion that still runs in her blood today.

MYCA Couture is a Fashion Brand that represents; Art, Creative Expression, Luxury, Originality, Integrity and Excellence. This Brand offers Chic, Trendy and Hip Signature Hats, Exotic Accessories and Ready-To-Wear Fashion for Women and Men. All designs are Handcrafted in the USA with quality materials, great detail and precision. MYCA Couture is best known for their Signature 'Cocaine Cowboy' Hat Collection. Remiss to think Cocaine Cowboy as with the negative connotations as it is tied to, as it relates to the MYCA Couture Brand, it is quite the opposite. The Inspiration behind the 'Name' of their Hat Collection derived from the depiction of the ruthless Colombians and Quebens (Cocaine Cowboys) that invaded Miami in the 1980's. Cocaine Cowboys were some of the most daring and outrageously successful survivors of that era. But Hats itself stem back much earlier than this. In the 1920's Hats were synonymous with the Affluent, Flamboyant and Aristocratic Theme of Society. They represented style, luxury, wealth, power and respect. MYCA Couture Signature Hats are more than just an accessory, They have meaning, They tell a story: From the Modern Fashion Era in the 'Roaring 20's' --to-- the ruthless, yet colorful history in the 1980's. In addition, MYCA Couture's Exotic Accessories and Ready-To-Wear Fashion is equally if not as interesting as their Signature Hat designs. They are all luxurious, stylish and a true definition of "COUTURE".

If you would ask in a nutshell what is MYCA Couture all about, 'MYCA' will say: "It's modern luxury fashion meets ole skool NOLA Flare."

Photographer: Artcrazy Photography; Model: Kat

Shop MYCA Couture Signature Collections Exclusively at www.mycacouture.com

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Photographer: Artcrazy Photography; Model: Kat

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Clockwise from top: Photographer: Marc Tousignant, Model: Jacki, Denim Jacket designed by Jacinta Ligon; Photographer: Marc Tousignant, Model: Jacki, Dress designed by Jacinta Ligon; Photographer: Respek Fresh Photography, Model: Cas; Photographer: Artcrazy Photography, Model: Jacki

MYCA Couture Signature Hat Collection

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Suzette Kelly’s Sarahi House of Fashion Introduces:

Goddess of the Sea

2012 Spring Collection 32 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM MARCH/APRIL 2012

Photographer Chad Andreo Makeup Kendrick Rahmings & Korma Makeup team.

Makeup sponsored by Korma Nails by Kiss Hair by Paul Mitchell Beauty School

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Photographer Chad Andreo Makeup Kendrick Rahmings & Korma Makeup team.

Makeup sponsored by Korma Nails by Kiss Hair by Paul Mitchell Beauty School

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UNUSUAL STAR JEWELRY

nusual Star Jewelry is strictly for those who love to stand out in a crowd!!!!! These fashion forward individuals don't follow trends but create thier own. Oversized and completely daring, Claudia aka Jewelz, the self-taught designer of these fabulous pieces of ear art, who is a native of the Carribean and has been on the creative scene since 2005, makes sure that each pair of earrings are unforgettable.

This designer creates fierce, unique, & unusual pieces made from a variety of fabrics from leather, denim, vinyl, & even beads. No medium is off limits when creating her fabulous pieces of jewelry.

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Makeup by Shamara Yaya Best

U

Claudia Henry

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BRONZE BUSINESS

Photo by pixmac.com

Become An Automation Queen

Achieve personal and business success much easier through automation

By Tanya Smith

I

'm a firm believer there are certain things you should only manually do once. After all, technology has created opportunities for us that never existed before - one of which is the ability to replicate ourselves.

Automation means you take something you do well, identify the steps it takes to get results, then put technology in place to repeat the steps for you.

Why automate?

There are so many benefits to using automation in your personal and professional life. To name a few, you can save time, save money, and extend your reach. Ever have to say to a child, “ I only have two hands?"

Automating gives you more hands. You can be a virtual octopus if you choose!

I'm a mother, an employee, an entrepreneur, a leader in my community, a member, a daughter, a wife. Being everywhere at once is an unrealistic expectation…nevertheless, others do expect the service I promise to provide. And if you choose to commit yourself in such a way, it becomes critical to put tools and systems in place that allow you to breathe.

Let me give you an example - when I have a new prospect show interest in my coaching or consulting services through my website, I might be engaged in one of my many other roles.

I have put an automated system in place that offers the prospective client to apply, pay, receive their agreement to get started and set their first appointment. It is a simple process for them and what used to take hours for me...now is done in minutes! The entire process costs me nothing and it doesn't involve my attention.

Score 10 for automation!

You can apply automation to your personal life as well. I use an electronic, shared calendar to track every schedule in my household. Not only do I keep track of the kids’ soccer activities, but I get an alert when it’s time for a massage appointment – get the picture?

You too can become an automation queen. Just look for ways to replicate the steps you take daily, find a free or affordable technology that works for you while you do other things.

Next time you hear yourself saying, "I only have two hands” - remind yourself you may be able to automate.

About the Author: Tanya Smith is a creative small business strategist and coach specializing in showing service based entrepreneurs like coaches, consultants and freelancers how to save time & money with simple, online tools and systems. Her website, Systems Liberation, provides fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote ambitious professionals as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free report, How to Design Profitable Systems at: www.systemsliberation. com.

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BRONZE BUSINESS

As women in business, we know all too well that new customers don’t just fall into our laps; we must create a stellar plan for them to land there.

By Sylvia Browder Simply, the art of marketing is paramount to your overall success. So what does it take? Here are the 3 L’s to ensure that potential clients continuously land your way:

Leads

There are a multitude of FREE or low cost sources that can be used to help your business with highlyqualified sales leads.

Here are 3 ways to build your leads: Social Networks: Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are great FREE sources and highly effective in lead generation as it brings potential clients to your business.

Website: By creating a web presence, will bring new traffic to your site. Traffic = Leads! The key is to consistently publish fresh content such as articles, videos or interviews that highlights what your business offers and the benefits gained. In addition, having a FREE offer to entice visitors to leave their contact information is effective.

Referral Marketing: If you’ve spent time on relationship building, establishing communication, building trust and resolving potential problems or conflicts, then your customers will see little risk in recommending your company to their peers.

Just as people do business with people they know and trust, they also feel more comfortable when a product or service is recommended by a friend. A prospect that was referred to you has already been told about the quality and professionalism that you provide your customers with.

Say after implementing this or a similar plan, you gained 25 new leads per week. That’s 1300 new leads per year!

List

One of the most vital tools for business owners is the ‘LIST.’ To remain competitive, it’s do or die!

Your list is simply a database used to store your contacts such as name, business name, address, email, phone number and website address and more!

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Photo by pixmac.com

Want More Clients?

3 L’s for Business Explosion

If you need database software, A few systems that I am familiar with: •ACT: makes it easy for you to manage your contacts and calendar, and connect to powerful, subscription- based sales and marketing services.

•FileMaker Pro: worldwide leader in easy-to-use database software There are many ways to build a list, but here are two that work for me: E-newsletter: The use of e-newsletters has quickly come to be an indispensable component of the advertising campaigns of many businesses, large and small! This is an easy, low-cost and profitable way to be introduced to warm leads! Consider increasing your chances by creating a landing page that includes a ‘free offer’ or ‘discount’ on specific services. Make sure you use a service such as: •Aweber •Constant Contact •Mail Chimp Article Marketing: This is an effective and cost efficient way to provide solutions to potential prospects and current customers. Be sure your articles are well written with relevant content that relates to your niche. Your website or blog should include an RSS feature which allows visitors to subscribe to your feed.

Leverage

Ever wonder how billionaires such as Oprah Winfrey or Donald Trump are so successful? By leveraging their time and resources of course! This is a no brainer way to grow your business… by leveraging established relationships with your clients and your network!

Not sure how to leverage? Here are 3 ways: Leverage Peers. Can you think of any business owners that you know and whom you share mutual customers with? You should be running, not walking to discuss a collaborative venture. For instance, if you are a business writer, you can partner with a web designer, PR firm and / or an ad agency; and a realtor can partner with a mortgage lender, title service and home builders. The key is to learn about each team members business so that you can promote it as you would your own. Your new sales team will enable you to grow more rapidly. It makes so much sense to work smarter and not harder!

Leverage Experts. Partner with industry experts to collaborate on a project. For example, create an audio or video series by interviewing experts. Dr. Shannon Reece interviewed 12 leading women experts and offered the live events FREE to those who registered. These experts shared personal and professional experiences and keys to success. This series will soon be available at a cost. Can we say passive income!

Leverage Investors. Do you need capital to expand your business? Consider exploring investors who are willing to finance your growth. This can be a daunting task, but the outcome well worth it! As you near your forty-ninth business pitch, that fiftieth might be your lucky charm!

So what strategies will you put in place to continuously obtain leads; manage your list and leverages your business?

Sylvia Browder is CEO of Browder Consulting Group, a virtual small business consulting firm. In her role, she helps Women in Business grow and succeed. She is also founder of National Association Women on the Rise, a virtual community for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. She is employed as Project Director for The Women’s Business Center, Inc. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004.

For more information: •Become a fan of ‘National Association Women on the Rise:’ http://bit.ly/9qqvWW •Follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/sylviabrowder •Are you LinkedIn? http://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviabrowder •Join ‘National Association Women on the Rise’ on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/dsd5E0 •Join our community on NING, www.nawomenrise.com

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BRONZE FINANCE

Drowning in Debt?

How to Get Out of Debt and Put Your Life Back on Track

By Pamela Sams, CRPC

Photo by pixmac.com

This article provides helpful strategies to help you get out of debt and on track to a worry-free, stress-free, and most of all, debt-free future.

P

eople put themselves in debt for many different reasons. All too often it is due to over-spending, and in some cases they unintentionally find themselves in a position where they may be facing bankruptcy. You may be living above your means, which can easily happen when using too many credit cards and/or not monitoring expenses. When your finances are out of control, getting out of debt requires serious action. It is a challenge, but it can be accomplished in the following ways:

Credit Cards

If credit card debt is the problem,here are a few strategies you can start working on now: 1. Save one credit card to use only for emergencies. Cut up the other ones to avoid temptation and toss the pieces.

2. Only pay cash for essential purchases such as groceries, gas and clothes. Using credit cards for all your purchases racks up large balances, and the monthly interest can grow so quickly that before you know it, you owe thousands of dollars.

3. Pay off the credit card with the highest interest rate first. Create a plan to pay down the balance.

Once this card is paid off, apply what you were paying on it monthly to the credit card that has the next highest interest rate. This will help you pay off your credit cards quicker.

4. Call the credit card companies to negotiate the interest rate. If you inform the company that you are going to switch the balance to a card with a lower rate, they will usually work with you.

Do Away With Unnecessary Expenses

Other than credit cards, there are many other expenses that can be eliminated from your budget.

1. Cell phones or land lines - These days, most people operate using cell phones. If you have a cell phone and a land line, you probably don’t need both.

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2. Satellite television - While it is definitely nice to be able to watch movies, sports channels and other entertaining shows, it definitely isn’t something that is necessary for you to survive! Consider disconnecting satellite service altogether, or removing a package that costs $25 or $30 per month. All of the little savings quickly add up!

3. Internet - Everyone loves to surf the net, but unless you use it for your business it is another nonessential expense. You can do without it until your finances are back in order.

“

When you live paycheck to paycheck because of mismanaged spending, it can put a great deal of stress on you and your family.”

The Indulgences

Often, we don’t realize that the weekly indulgences we enjoy also have costs that add to our overall expenses. Here are some examples of small pleasures that quickly add up to big costs: 1. Specialty coffee. That daily stop to Starbucks on your way to work every morning is certainly a luxury you CAN live without it! Imagine how much money you will save by making your own coffee at home. Maybe not so tasty and indulgent, but the craving will pass while you save $25 or more a week!

2. Fast food lunches. If you work outside your home, chances are you buy lunch at least a couple of days per week. Even if you only spend $40 a month eating lunch out, that’s $40 that could otherwise reduce your debt by going toward a credit card payment. Or, even go into your savings account.

Track Your Expenses

Track every dime you spend for a month. This includes quick stops to the grocery store to pick up a few things and all those ‘little’ purchases that cost just a couple of dollars. Once you see how much those little things add up, you realize how important it becomes to laying out and sticking to a budget.

Bring in Additional Money

Here are some suggestions for how to bring in cash to help reduce your overall debt: 1. Get a second job. No one wants to work multiple jobs simultaneously, but consider it could be an effective short-term way to bring in more income, and thus more quickly reduce your debt. It may be that adding a 20 hour-per-week part-time job is all that is necessary to help bail yourself out.

2. Sell things you don’t need or no longer use. All of us have things we no longer need in the basement or storage shed. Collect every item you haven’t worn or used in the past year and sell them through eBay or a garage sale. You can bring in a tidy sum of money simply by cleaning out unused stuff.

3. Sell your car. If you live in a household where everyone has their own car, you could make arrangements so that everyone gets where they need to go with fewer cars. Selling off additional cars reduces extra expenses such as gas, maintenance and insurance.

A growing number of people are struggling from paycheck to paycheck because are not getting their spending under control.When you live paycheck to paycheck because of mismanaged spending, it can put a great deal of stress on you and your family. Try to avoid such stress and struggle by using the suggestions above to do away with unnecessary credit cards, reduce indulgences, convince yourself that you CAN live without those little extra luxuries, and bring in extra income. In so doing, you will find your bank account growing and your stress level decreasing.

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BRONZE INSPIRATION

YOU “BLOOM” GIRL!

By Phaedra T. Anderson

A

s a cold, frigid, blustery winter ends, SPRING begins; and with it comes warmth, beauty and new life. Everything in creation responds to the change of the NEW SEASON. The sun peaks and smiles on us a little while longer while adding more daylight to our days. Butterflies begin to hatch from their chrysalis cocoons and spread their beautiful wings after being subjected to a vigorous transition process. Birds begin to navigate their way back home singing a new tune alerting us that their migration season has passed. The color of the grass turns from brown to green signaling that new life is about to come forth, as the buds begin to open, the flowers begin to bloom showing off their greatest beauty after overcoming a season of dormancy.

So as you can see, EVERYTHING responds to the NEW SEASON and that EVERYTHING includes YOU. Some of us have been in cocoons all fall and winter, having undergone a complete metamorphosis, and now is your time to spread your wings and fly. Some of us have migrated to different places in our lives just waiting for the harshness of the times to end and now is your time to return with a new flock, singing a new song alerting us all that the season has now changed. Many of us have been lying dormant; shut down for a season, inactive to a certain degree; placed on pause in response to adverse conditions in our lives.

But SPRING is now here and that season is over for you, for you have conserved enough energy, you have ab-

sorbed enough heat, your tears have watered enough soil and now is your time to BLOOM; to BLOSSOM; to FLOURSISH; to THRIVE.

Each of us will BLOOM in different intervals of the season and each person’s bloom will be unique in its timing due to the combination of the sun, wind, water, temperature and the location that we are in our lives. Usually, the harshness of your fall and winter months, the severity of your trials and tribulations, and the strain of your environment and location will set the stage of your springtime bloom. Some of us may be like perennial bulbs and start sending out shoots by the end of the winter. A few of us may be early bloomers like shrubs and lilac spice bushes blooming early in the SPRING. But it doesn’t matter when you BLOOM, just as long as you open your buds and release your gifts, your talents, your skills, your abilities, your ideas, your beauty, YOURSELF and show the world what a beautiful flower you are.

Every SPRING I attend the flower show in Philadelphia and I am just amazed at the creative things that people are able to do with flowers. Well this SPRING the flower show is all about you. So you BLOOM GIRL and show the world all of the creative, amazing, inconceivable things that GOD is able to do with your petals. © 2012 Phaedra T. Anderson

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Photo by pixmac.com

It’s your time, your season, your moment to shine!

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PHAEDRA COMING SOON!

Phaedra T. Anderson will release her much-anticipated, long-awaited book in 2012. Phaedra’s book has been three years in the making and she has poured hope, faith and encouragement onto every page. The title has yet to be unleashed, but there will be no other book like it in any store on the market today. More than just an “inspirational” book, her book will be a beacon of light navigating readers of all walks of life to their purpose and destiny.

BRONZE LIFESTYLE

Spring Into These Healthy Genes: Adopt a New Diet to Achieve a New Path

D

Photo by pixmac.com

By Candice Frederick

Spring is upon us, and what better way to start the season than with a new pair of genes? No, this is not a typo. I mean G-E-N-E-S!

iseases of civilization such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes have steadily risen, and no one is immune. From elder to preschooler, these chronic conditions have skyrocketed throughout various populations. For example, the following are compelling statistics about heart disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost 1 in every 4 deaths in the United States is due to heart disease. The American Heart Association reports that heart disease has become the #1 killer of women than all cancers combined, and about 1 in 3 children are either overweight or obese at a rate triple that of cases occurring in 1963.

The British Broadcast Company recently reported in its health news that recent research suggests that men can inherit a form of heart disease from fathers through the Y chromosome. So if you have growing concerns of experiencing such diseases, particularly if they run in your family and you think your DNA has made you “genetically predisposed,” consider too this promising finding from recent genetic research; it is possible you can prevent getting them, even reversing their impact should you already suffer from them, by what is known as epigenetics.

Epigenetics is a field of study that looks into how gene expression is affected by factors other than DNA. For example, you may be predisposed to high blood pressure (a leading cause of heart disease) because your parents and grandparents have it, but because of dietary decisions you make, your experience of high blood pressure could possibly be minimized or even prevented. Epigenetics is a recent science that is helping to identify clues into the connection between daily diet and risk of disease, and suggest cues for how one’s diet can alter whether your genes express either wellness or illness. In all, epigenetics is steering us in a direction to suggest that DNA does not have to be your DESTINY. Epigenetic research contends that your daily nutritional decisions (for example, consuming fresh vs. processed food, or taking in too many or too little calories daily) send signals to

cells that then impact the DNA within them, possibly signaling to “turn off” genes that can lead to illness, or “turn on” others that enhance health. Moreover, the daily nutritional decisions we decide today can lead to not only short term benefits but improvements that last a lifetime. Genetic impact could also be beneficially passed onto your offspring. Epigenetics suggests we may have more control than previously imagined to encourage health and impact wellness of self and others.

Genetic Research Studies

Two recent epigenetic studies offer promising outcomes for one’s own health and the health of generations to come through simple changes in diet. Randy Jirtle, professor of radiation oncology at Duke University, along with postdoctoral student Robert Waterland, uncovered connections between diet and overall health in not only test subjects but their children.

They found that the consumption of B-vitamin supplements (vitamin B12, folic acid, choline and betaine) had a positive effect on test subjects’ overeating tendency, obesity, diabetes and shortened life span compared to those who did not take the supplements. They also found that such supplemental intake benefited the subjects’ offspring through being born healthier. Another finding was that caloric abundance or scarcity in one generation can have positive or negative effects on the next generation respectively.

Finally, the researchers contend that over a ten-year period of eating, one can make an imprint on genetic expression that continues to occur as many as four generations later. In another experiment, Dana Dolinoy, a geneticist and professor of environment health sciences at Duke University, found that test subjects’ consumption of phytoestrogen found in soy and legumes led to a decrease in their offspring’s obesity.

These experiments are great discoveries of diet-initiated epigenetic changes, promoting how such changes can benefit both self and generations to come.

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Diabetes and Epigenetics

Diabetes has been one of the most rampantly growing “diseases of civilization.” As cited by the American Diabetes Association, in 2011, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States (8.3% of total population) have diabetes, and 79 million people are estimated to be pre-diabetic. More and more scientists forewarn that adult onset diabetes lies in diet-related origins, attributable to an imbalanced intake of macronutrients—nutrients the body uses in large quantities such as fats and carbs—and a deficiency of micro-nutrients—nutrients essential to daily survival but used by the body in smaller quantities such as vitamins and minerals. They admonish us of the risk factors that make us all candidates for diabetes, inclusive of eating large qualities of refined sugar and a high-calorie diet consisting of lots of processed grains, just to name a few. They also warn of fat intake and family history as contributing factors too. A recent research project found that those families with a diabetic history had higher levels of lipids in their muscle tissue and more insulin resistance, compared to those that did not suffer from diabetes. Apparently, too much fat stored in muscle is linked to diabetes. Yet the connection between fat consumption and epigenetic is not exclusive to lineage. An interesting scientific discovery within another study was that muscle tissue exposed to high levels of circulating long-chain fatty acids (fat that is produced when excess fast-acting carbs are not immediately used for energy) makes us more prone to getting diabetes. This is of importance because in most type 2 diabetics, their muscles have a reduced ability to consume energy in the form of glucose (sugar). This suggests that diet can even go so far as to alter our physiology in critical ways.

A Change in Diet Can Transform Life

In a nutshell, heart disease, obesity and diabetes are diseases that are severely impacting the health of our nation. Poor diet seems to be the most common denominator in influencing wellness or illness, with repercussions not only for each of us but our children. It has become increasingly important to not eat for today (a challenge in our fast food society), but to eat with a mindfulness of long term benefits for self and generations to come. To ward off these detrimental diseases, I’d like to suggest consuming nutrient-dense fresh foods rich in the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, fiber, and balanced essential fats. Eat so that your G-E-N-E-S fit (and jeans too), so that they are not only fit for spring, but are fit for life.

Recipes for Life

Here are 3 great smoothie and juice options you can make each morning that integrate the whole spectrum of naturally occurring nutrients in food and their potential to heal, thus optimizing your epigenetic wellness.

Kale Lemonade (Makes 6 to 8 glasses) Starting the day with this nutrient- dense elixir is a delicious way to charge your system with nutrients.

Dark leafy greens are extremely alkalizing, meaning they foster a more neutral body environment for better functioning enzymes, compared with acid-forming foods like meats and dairy.

3 ½ cups of lemon juice 6 cups brown rice syrup/light maple syrup 6 ½ cups Hot Water 1 cup Kale Juice Cold Spring Water Grapefruit, Carrot and Ginger Juice (1 Serving) Liquids in the morning are easier on your digestive system than solid foods. The carrots in this zesty tonic deliver a blast of immunity-boosting vitamin C and enough fiber to sustain you until your first snack.

2 chopped grapefruits (peel and pit removed) 5 chopped carrots 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled and chopped) Use juice extractor, stir and serve *If using a blender, you can use fresh grapefruit and carrot juices instead Beet, Apple and Mint Juice (1 Serving) As antioxidant superstars, red beets contain betalains, compounds that fight inflammation and support your body’s detoxification by neutralizing toxins, making them water soluble and easily flushable.

1 chopped small beet 5 chopped carrots 1 cored and chopped apple ¼ cup fresh mint sprigs Use juice extractor, stir and serve *If using a blender: you can use fresh beet, apple and carrot juices instead

Photo by fotolia.com

Photo by fotolia.com Source material and information for this article comes from several websites (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and British Broadcast Company ) and other health publications (Well Being Journal, Spa Magazine, and Green Medicine).

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BRONZE LIFESTYLE

Bitter with the Sweet–Soups

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Photos by pixmac.com

By Osundara Mayuri

ur taste buds are wired to experience a balance of salt, sweet, bitter, sour and umami (Japanese word for brothy or meaty) taste. In Ayurveda, the Indian healing science tradition, taste also include pungent (hot or spicy) and astringent.

Overindulgence in specific food taste such as salt, sweet, fried or fatty foods (cooked oils) and dairy lead to elemental imbalances and health disorders. The doctor’s solution will be to put you on medication to keep you stable or alive. You can longer eat what you thought was the “good of the land.”

Thousands of taste buds are replaced every few weeks. Dull or irritated taste buds (from extreme hot or cold) can heal. It appears that it is possible to train our taste buds to include and enjoy foods and spices that we don’t normally eat, which can be beneficial to our health.

Even, if overindulgence is not your problem, the following suggestions for soups will be useful in maintaining health, keeping desired weight and giving you a balanced taste experience. We eat to maintain harmony in the body which can be facilitated by including various tastes that meet our elemental needs which can vary from person to person. Every food is made up of some combination of five basic elements which are present in the taste and these elements make up our physical bodies.

In essence our physical bodies are made up of various combinations of space, air, fire, water and earth.

For example some tastes increase fire in the body and some cool it. You may be eating too much of the astringent foods (air and earth) which are drying and cooling. They absorb water and promote blood clotting. Excessive use can cause constipation, obstruction of voice and circulation issues.

Pungent foods (fire and air) help with circulation and improve digestion but overuse can cause fatigue with heat and thirst. Salty (water and fire) taste aids digestion and improves flavor but nullifies all other taste, Excess salt can make your blood thick and cause hypertension.

Sweet (earth and water) taste relieves thirst and promotes growth of plasma. Excessive use can cause cold and heaviness in the body, tumors, diabetes and laziness. Sour (earth and fire) taste stimulates appetite, improves digestion and nourishes the heart. Overuse can cause excessive thirst, hyperacidity, heartburn, ulcers and can be toxic to the blood and cause skin conditions like dermatitis, acne, boils, psoriasis, and eczema.

Bitter (air and space) taste is cooling and drying. It reduces fever and can relieve intestinal gas.

Excessive consumption can cause extreme dryness, emaciation, depletion of plasma, blood, muscles, etc.* Umami taste is like breast milk, fermented foods like soy sauce, cured meats, shrimp paste, green tea, Chinese cabbage.

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SOUPS

Make your own soups - Most prepared soups such as canned or frozen are too high in sodium (salt).

In fact, most fast foods and prepared foods are loaded with unhealthy cooked fats, salt and sugar (high fructose corn syrup, etc.), not to forget the other questionable additives and synthetic chemicals. A nutritious soup can replace the breakfast meal or make for a satisfying lunch. If you prepare your soup while you are making dinner or after dinner you will be good to go the next day. The recipes don’t have exact measurements for additives. Trust your creativity. Start with small amounts and increase to achieve your desired taste keeping in mind your elemental needs.

2

Prepare your soup with very little or no salt.

Instead of salt, squeeze lemon (sour) on top at the time of serving the soup. This is also a good time to add a healthy oil such as cold pressed olive oil (sweet, cooling). However, oil is optional. Avoid cooked oils if possible. Most oils are sweet; Soy and Canola are astringent and cooling. Sesame is sweet and bitter.

Sunflower and corn oil are sweet/astringent. Ghee is sweet.

3

You change any soup into a cream soup just by pureeing cooked soup in a blender. No dairy is necessary. Add water to desired thinness.

Other ways to make a soup creamy and add additional taste is to: •

Add almond (sweet) or rice (sweet) milk (approx.

2 cups)

•

Soak nuts like almonds or cashews (sweet) and liquefy (approx. 2 cups water)

•

Use prepared nut butters by using several tablespoons to water and blending

4

Here is a list of soups and taste additives: Red lentil,(sweet/astringent) chick pea (sweet) or split mug beans soup (cook and puree with bitter turmeric/curry powder) – Other food items you can add are steamed spinach, fresh ginger (pungent), parsley (astringent/pungent), cumin, steamed mixed vegetables, rice, coriander (astringent , fennel (sweet), fresh cilantro, cayenne (pungent), coconut aminos which is like a soy sauce that is made from sap of the coconut tree, but has less sodium.

Pumpkin or buttercup squash soup (cook, puree with cashew butter, steamed string beans (sweet, astringent) and sweet organic red pepper).

Black bean or Navy bean soup -cook with cumin (pungent), seaweed, (salty) and puree.Pureed carrot (astringent) soup cooked with Italian herbs: other options to add are sliced carrots, diced celery (astringent), sweet peppers, turmeric (bitter), cumin (pungent), and cayenne (pungent).

Broccoli Soup (astringent) (Steam large head of diced broccoli and add to approx. 2 cups of almond milk in the blender and puree) Increase the taste by blending in a few tablespoons of cashew butter or soaked cashews. Serve with squeezed lemon.

Chicken (astringent, sweet, dark is sweet) Vegetable soup ( poach chicken in small amount of water), Add vegetables such as organic celery, frozen mixed vegetables, root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, squash (all are sweet, astringent), sweet potatoes (cooling), black eyed peas, green peas, spinach, zucchini, (all are astringent) Add spices and additional water if needed.

Optional: add cooked thin rice noodles or cooked rice, (i.e. brown, wild, basmati) -Other additives for vegetable soup include: cabbage, brussel sprouts cauliflower (astringent), okra (sweet/ astringent), arugula, dandelion leaves (bitter), kale (bitter/astringent or mustard greens (pungent), garlic (pungent), basil (astringent/bitter/sweet).

Making a transition to healthier eating and lifestyle habits benefits the body, the feeling world, the need to manifest, and the need to be in the fullness of life. Every day is a blessing and an opportunity to realize the ultimate state of being. “HEALTH IS BY CHOICE.” “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19) Mayuri is a retired science/health teacher with credentials as a Food Therapist.

In 1996, she published a booklet entitled “Healthy Eating for the Environment: Making Earthwise Choices to Benefit People and the Planet (with transitional and inspirational recipes for eating and living). * Lad, Usha and Dr.Vasant, Ayurvedic Cooking for SelfHealing, Albuquerque, The Ayurvedic Press, 1994.

Copyright 2012 by Osundara Mayuri – Author, The Book Of Mayuri: Why We Can’t Have Peace and How We Can Have Peace -Westbow Press, 2010 All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982

by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Contact: veranolarue@earthlink.net

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BRONZE LIFESTYLE

Bringing Missing Kids into Focus: One Woman’s Passion and Mission By Shawn Chavis

S

tatistics show that a child is abducted every 40 seconds, and 42% of those children are African American. Yet when children of color go missing, they receive the least media coverage.

Natalie Halloway, Caylee Anthony, and Jonbenet Ramsey resound famously in our minds because of media attention, but what about Yasmin Acree, Alexis S. Patterson, and Theresa Bunn whose stories (but not their importance) fall by the wayside?

Well, Denise Bethune is on a mission to change that unfortunate disparity. As Publicity Manager for Peas In Their Pods, Inc. and Editor of P.E.A.S. Magazine (Parenting, Education, Assistance and Support), she partners with various media outlets and organizations to spread the word about children who are missing or abducted. Peas In Their Pods, Inc. a self-funded, non-profit organization founded by Janis Lowery, is comprised of a team of volunteers who work diligently towards providing specific services to those who have missing loved ones. Its large-scale aim is to educate the nation about the epidemic of child abduction in the African American community, picking up where the Amber Alert System leaves off due to program criteria. P.E.A.S Magazine serves as an extension of the non-profit by providing the resources needed to keep communities informed and educated. It is a free monthly online publication providing photos, profiles and circumstantial details of disappeared children of all ages, including Rilya Alerts for children under the age of 17 who are believed by law enforcement to be in imminent danger of injury or death (named after Rilya Wilson, a 4-year-old foster child who disappeared from South Florida in 2000).

In a recent interview, I asked Denise why she thought the media continues to fail in reflecting the diversity of missing children. She responded that “Unfortunately, this is the world we live in. Prejudice still exists. The media tends to focus more on mainstream topics.” But through hers and the concerted efforts of others, she shared that “hopefully this will change in time for the better.” Prior to making the decision to become part of Peas In Their Pods, she first had to go through some soul searching. She initially discovered them on a popular social networking site and deliberated whether to contribute to their cause. Even after initiating contact with the organization’s founder and learning more about their mission, she still wasn’t yet quite sure if she was ready to take on such an enormity of responsibility due to its sensitive nature.

But after much careful thought, prayer, and reflection, Denise made the decision to join the organization’s mission.

She hasn’t looked back since.

Reflecting on the impact of the organization, Denise disclosed that the “Peas In Their Pods team works diligently as one in helping families. “It is never about us, it will always be about our children and families first.” Janice Lowery, Founder has put together a team that takes this issue with great passion. Gaetane Borders, President has also taken the message forward through the use of online and broadcast media (CNN, The Nancy Grace Show to name a few), and attending vigils with suffering families. Collectively, the PEAS team is trying to accomplish the goals of helping to find missing children of color, fighting against child abuse and keeping the public well informed. With such commitment and dedication to the many families in need, their diligence will certainly make these goals achievable.

For more information about how you can report a missing/runaway child, or to get involved with the PEAS in Their Pods organization, please visit their website at www.peasintheirpods. com

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BRONZE LIFESTYLE

Where is Your Activism?

Photo: Phillip Scott Andrews- The New York Times

By Kellea Tibbs

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ecently a memorial was unveiled in Washington, D.C., commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the great American icon who stood for justice, equality, and peace for all.

His vision and work actualized a dream for generations then and those to come. Most of our grandparents and parents grew up in during the early-and mid-20th century. They experienced firsthand and with a front row seat the trials of black folk and the movement for racial, economic, and educational liberties. Individually and collectively, they strived to make changes for African Americans. Some migrated North and became the American middle class, using the power of education and economics to attend college and get pretty good jobs, all in the name of taking care of their families and communities, while paving promise, prosperity and opportunity for future generations. Wherever they were, they continued advancing the work by picking up reigns of activism and making strides toward a better future.

Yet, for those of us born after Dr. King’s living works, a generation benefiting from his very contributions and legacy, it seems nowadays activism is more rhetoric than action. Given the latest rhetoric regarding social and community justice, who “should” be responsible for the Black community by way of jobs and services? As a member of Generation X (those of us who fall into the “30 and over crowd,” born between 1965 and 1980), the inheritors and beneficiaries of the post-Civil Rights Movement, I am made to ponder how (and whether) we are truly advancing the movement forward.

In light of the MLK Memorial, and the evidence of Dr. King’s accomplishments such as our country being lead by a native son, its first African American President, what are we as “Generation Xers” doing within our communities to address the issues that continue to plague us? How are we carrying on the legacies of Dr. King Jr., Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, Thurgood Marshall, Coretta Scott King, Angela Davis, and the other countless and sometimes nameless leaders of the movement? How are we carrying on the legacy of advocating for the rights of women, children, and the poor? How are we addressing and advancing the issues that affect our communities such as health care, poverty, homelessness, joblessness, racism, and sexism?

Here are a few questions and possible courses of action for us as a generation to act upon. . .

Are you an educator? Do you tutor?

Do you coach a sports team?

Do you mentor?

Have you signed a petition? Do you write your local politicians?

Do you visit the sick?

Do you give to the poor?

Do you feed the homeless?

Do you give to scholarship funds so our students can to go to college?

I’m hoping asking the question “Where is your activism?” will ignite us all to become active if we are not already. We should not wait for a president, politicians, or anyone else to do the work. We should be willing to get our hands dirty to fix our communities and hold them up to the standard that Dr. King and so many others previously upheld. Just as Dr. King took up the mantle for change, so must I. So must we.

So, now it comes down to us--those left with the mantel and legacy--to overcome a society made shallow by pop culture and the influence of false measures of success (and selective access to the American dream) and continue the work. How are we helping to keep the movement going? While we all can’t or won’t ever be able to replace our fallen activists and leaders of the past who were great agents of change, we all have our part to play.

TODAY. The 30 & Over Project Follow me on Twitter: @ivywriter Email: ivywriter@live.com

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BRONZE RELATIONSHIPS

Do You Ask for the Truth then Secretly Desire a Lie?

Photo by pixmac.com

Real talk about men who don’t want to commit and the women who fall for them

By Angela Harris

D

o you ask for the truth then secretly desire a lie? This question has been on my mind since having a recent conversation with a young man about relationships. He shared with me how troubling it was to set clear expectations and parameters regarding romance with women.

He wasn’t interested in a committed relationship. Yet, even after saying this and the women involved claiming to accept these terms of endearment, there were still hurt feelings. When the relationship came to an end, they would get very angry as though he had never said from the beginning, “I’m not in this for a lasting commitment, I’m simply in it for some fun and laughs.”

When I shared this story with other women, some recounted, “Then he needs to get out of the game.”

Yet I begun to think it wasn’t a game. He made it clear it was simply what it was, fun and closure. Yet it could be argued that perhaps he was holding the cards. He got to choose how it started and how it ended. Or did he? What was his partner’s part? On the other hand, couldn’t she, if wanting more, ended the relationship before it took her where she did not want to go? I shared this scenario with my niece Briana, who stated that the woman has power of choice. “She could have said at any time, ‘to the left, to the left’” (quoting Beyonce’s relationship anthem “Irreplaceable”). Briana retorted that if she upheld a “replaceable” attitude when the relationship was approaching its foreseen end, the woman could take the position that, “‘if you want to leave be my guest/you can step’” (again, quoting Beyonce).

58 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM MARCH/APRIL 2012

“

We as women have a tendency to hear what we want to hear and believe what we want to believe. Consequently, we find ourselves writhing in pain, disillusionment, frustration, bitterness, and anger.”

So I return to the question, “Do we as women truly want to hear the truth when in secret we desire the lie?” Given the example of the young man I earlier shared, if he tells a woman his intent, is the woman culpable when hearing his true intent but internalizing a lie? By “lie” I mean wanting a scenario to play out differently than how it was set. Here are some internalized scenarios: “He says he doesn’t want a commitment, but I can change him.” “He says he doesn’t want a commitment, but I know when he gets to know me he will change his mind.” “He says he doesn’t want a commitment, but since he’s spending so much time with me exclusively he must have changed his mind.”

The problem with these scenarios is the operative word “but.” But means what I just said is not what I meant. Perhaps in the case of the women dealing with this young man, “but” means what I heard is not really what I accept. What is heard is one’s internalized monologue of, “He didn’t really mean that. I can change him. Once he gets to know me he will want to be in a commitment.”

We as women have a tendency to hear what we want to hear and believe what we want to believe. Consequently, we find ourselves writhing in pain, disillusionment, frustration, bitterness, and anger. We are angry at men and this anger becomes a poison that drips from our very pores, drips from our lips. This poison seeps into relationships with other men we encounter and sub-

consciously hold them responsible for our pasts.

In truth, in this instance, we must be angry with ourselves. Unfortunately we are the mistresses of our own personal hell.

I have learned in my life, and I hope it is with you, that I must accept what anyone says to me as the truth until they not only say something different but their actions demonstrate different. The caveat in participating in “fun and closure” relationships is that you have to be real about what is expected at the beginning AND at the end. It is easy to plead victimhood at the end, to feel duped with the direction of the relationship was agreed to be traveled one way in the beginning, but shifting expectations caused conflict in traveling the road. If you can’t handle the truth then don’t delve into something that not only can’t you handle but don’t delve into something you’re not prepared to handle. Else we could find ourselves on the receiving end of the line made famous by Jack Nicholson in the movie “A Few Good Men,” that “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH.” There’s a saying, “I said what I mean and I mean what I say.” Let that be your mantra.

So if you want to be whole ladies, and as pain free as possible, accept the package as presented and decide whether to keep it and all that comes with it, dealing with it without complaint. Or, reject it at the door, stamping it as “return to sender.”

To the left, to the left . . .

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First Single “Rejoice” to be released March 2012

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