CIVILIAN - v1 i6 - James Arthur Cover by CIVILIAN

KAT VON D JAMES ARTHUR JACQUEES SHANTEL VANSANTEN JOSH WHITEHOUSE

w w w. b i l l y r e i d . c o m

INSIDE 6 Back to the Basics 10

Out with the Old! In with the New!

19 Blossoming 22

The Transforming Musician

New Ink

New Challenges and New Rewards

40 Equestrian 48

Rewriting the Stars

Infinite Growth on a Finite Planet

She’s Taking Charge

15 Minutes: More Forward Than Back

The Brilliant Flower

Take the Throne

Winter Grunge

Experience the Fanatic

Ravishing CJ Perry

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No Great Thing is Created Suddenly

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Breaking the Mold

116

Hawaiian Time-Travel Hideaways

122

For All Mankind to Rise Above

128

Lauren Duca Just Won’t Shut Up

132

The Irresistible Hotel

134

Experience the New Frontier: Space

Cover shot by Eleanor & Brian Love (Kat Von D) and Boris Brenman (James Arthur)

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CIVILIAN Publisher

Vanessa Ferrelli

International and Public Affairs Tiffany Shorter

Chief Digital Officer

Director of Technology

Editor-in-Chief

Senior Web Developer

Editorial Assistants

Social Media Manager

Kristina Villarini

Eiko Watanabe

Monica Dias, Alain Clerine, and Marian Nimoh

Creative Director

Tim Morrison

Art Director Tyon Weekes

Fashion Editor Ty-Ron Mayes

Travel Editor

Thomas Wilmer

Politics Editor Matt Anthes

Photo Editor Ron Contarsy

JP Martinez

Rebecca Koniahgari

Tara McDonough

VP, Brand Partnerships Makaila Kay Ho

Event Director Catherine Ho

Media Producer Gavy Contreras

Publicist

Joan Joffa

Staff Writers

Leonye McCalla and Louis Jones

Legal Counsel

Jeff Ostrow 1 West Las Olas Blvd., Suite 500 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, T. 954-525-4100

CIVILIAN is owned by myEPK Media, Inc.

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The entire contents of CIVILIAN are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. CIVILIAN accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs, and assume no liability for products or services advertised herein. CIVILIAN reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, and is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature same on CivilianMag.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EIKO WATANABE Hi, there! I hope you are concluding this year joyfully and victoriously, and getting ready to welcome the year of 2020 with open arms! I would like to take this opportunity to really thank you for all your warm support this past year. That said, before discussing New Year’s resolutions, here is an open-ended question: What have you learned this past year? I have learned so much about optimism – not the one where you think, “Somehow, it will work itself out,” but the one that you never ever give up on your own ability and strength to persevere and start off a day feeling like, “I can do this. We got this.” In order to get things done every day, I am constantly thinking about deadlines and logistics (ha!) but I have also realized that that’s

a tiny piece of this whole puzzle. The whole puzzle is how much I can challenge myself on a daily basis and how much I can expand my own life so that I can also support others. For that reason, as much as I tremendously appreciate countless people who support this publication, I am grateful that I was able to encounter this idea/concept/opportunity even before it brought itself to life as a platform to embrace each individual from every walk of life. Here, I dedicate my year-end EIC note to you, CIVILIAN. Cheers, Eiko Watanabe, Editor-in-Chief

JAMES MORRISON

Back to the

Tara McDonough

Basics

In 2007, English singer-songwriter James Morrison won the BRIT Award for British Male Solo Artist with his debut album Undiscovered – and his debut single “You Give Me Something” became a hit in multiple countries. Morrison went on to release two more albums before taking a four-year sabbatical from the music industry (up until 2015’s Higher Than Here), which was soon followed by another four-year hiatus. Over time, things have changed quite a bit.

Earlier this year, Morrison released You’re Stronger Than You Know, but has also had to adjust to new expectations of the business. “It’s a lot more ruthless,” he recalls. “The turnaround of what’s hot and what’s not is a lot quicker than what it used to be.” He’s found that there is a lack of mystery surrounding artists due to the output of behindthe-scenes videos, Twitter updates, and Instagram posts. Although he finds it more draining as an artist these days, his love for music and seeing fans on tour makes it all worth it.

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Jacket, ALLSAINTS. Shirt, RALPH LAUREN. Shoes, ALLSAINTS. Rings, TALENT’S OWN. Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

JAMES MORRISON

orrison owes a lot of his success to his upbringing; he feels that growing up in a very real environment with problems and issues toughened him up and gave him a good grounding. Being rooted in who he was as a person and what he believed in before entering the music industry allowed him to feel comfortable in his own skin from the very beginning. He has always made a conscious effort to keep his ego out of his decisions – and to remain in tune with how he feels – in order to move in the right direction (“I always try to be real as an artist. If something doesn’t feel right, I trust my instincts”). Although Morrison dealt with multiple tragedies in his personal life while taking time away from music, including the deaths in the family, it was working on You’re Stronger Than You Know that helped him come back from such a dark place, giving him the space to work through his emotions and produce an album that he was proud of. He says it was a therapeutic process for him, being able to manage the situation in that way as opposed to dealing with it head-on. “I sort of forgot where I was coming from. With this

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album, I’ve come back to what I’m about again – which is the songs,” he shares, also affirming that You’re Stronger Than You Know is one of the best albums he’s made so far. The entire recording process took two weeks as Morrison and his band maintained an unwavering focus on creating exactly what they were going for. “I wanted an empowering album title,” he adds. “And my other half, she needed to hear something positive like that.” When he’s not immersed in his music and writing process, Morrison tries to stay away from work at all costs and fully concentrate on being a good partner to his fiancée Gill and father to their two daughters Elsie and Ada-Rose. He also hopes to set up a studio in his home, which would allow him the freedom to continuously create and produce music that he is thrilled with while remaining close to his family. “I bought a house about ten years ago, and I’ve been working on it ever since,” he says. “To actually see my family in it and enjoy it – that’s my dream.” Photographer: Owen James Vincent Stylist: Laura Moss Men’s Grooming: Ruth Warrior Videographer: Sophie Todd Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to wagamama (@wagamama_uk www.wagamama.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Jacket, SUPERDRY. T-shirt, TALENT’S OWN. Jeans, ALLSAINTS. Shoes, LEVI’S. Rings, TALENT’S OWN. Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

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Photographer: Jeffrey Apoian (@jeffreyapoian)

Photographer Assistant: Dennis Mo (@systemaphoto) Fashion Editor Assistant: Laura Rooker

t’s a new year – and it’s time to update that old shoe wardrobe. Now is the time to celebrate your style with a modern twist for the holidays! Walk tall in classic shapes, stand strong in sophisticated styles, and kick 2019 to the side as your winter staples get updated for 2020! This season, weather the storm in black. Updating your wardrobe with black footwear is a must because they are the shoes to covet and never go out of style. Black boots give that polished-uptowngirl, some-downtown edge. And while the temperature plummets, your new year’s footwear will heat things up as you get your boot game on point. Why is that? Well, black is versatile, edgy, and elegant. With today’s technology, footwear options are endless. Bad-weather boots are not just functional – they are so beautiful, and they look like wearable art for your feet. They come in a plethora of shapes, finishes and textures, as well as cutting-edge materials.

FASHION

Love Moschino - Moschino

Piaf - Von D Shoes

Moon boots with crystal logos from Love Moschino. Adorned with red crystal hearts and whimsical peace signs, Jeremy Scott assures you that his Love Moschino moon boots are not only weather-repellent, but also stylish.

Crinkled-leather black wedge-heeled boots from Von D Shoes. Our cover model Kat Von D delivered a new take on winter footwear with her city-chic, wedge-heeled, veganleather boots.

Cassia Leather Boot - Michael Kors

Kitty - Von D Shoes

Cassia boots with chains and embellishments from Michael Kors. Michael Kors designed a “Cassia” snow bootie that features chains and a touch of bling that will help you weather the elements in style.

Mongolian faux-fur boots from Von D Shoes. You will be impervious to bad weather in her faux-fur, sustainable, vegan-leather boots that mimic the real deal.

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FASHION

Beautiisoles Pointy patent leather with gold platform and heel from Beautiisoles.

Helene Westbye High-heel star boots from Helene Westbye. If you find yourself snowed in at the resort, dance the night away in Helene Westbye’s supple suede boots with tone-on-tone stars.

Hex - Von D Shoes “Hex” vegan-leather slip-ons. Kat Von D even has great shoes for men, like her cool veganleather Hex shoes. It’s noteworthy and will surely be the shoe of the season.

Vera Suede Shearling Boot - Cougar Shoes Vera shearling mid-calf half boots from Cougar Shoes. Are you planning a ski trip to Aspen? No problem. From your private jet onto the slopes, a good pair of this superwarm shearling mid-calf half boots will comfortably make the journey.

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Helene Westbye Tall leather boots with back zipper from Helene Westbye.

Start the decade out right and kick-start your closet – load up your mudroom and get a shoe redo with cool black boots for the season. I promise that you can never have too many.

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ba dgleym isch ka .com @jewelbadgleymischka @badgleymischka

Top, LUOOIF STUDIO. Bottom, LUOOIF STUDIO. Black heel sandals, BADGLEY MISCHKA. Earrings, STYLIST’S OWN.

LYRIC ROSS

Blossoming Gavy Contreras

From acting in commercials and doing some work as an extra to starring in one of the biggest TV shows on network television, Lyric Ross has worked hard to get to where she is. The 16-year-old actress has portrayed Deja on NBC’s This Is Us, working alongside seasoned veteran actors such as Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Milo Ventimiglia. Ross knew she wanted to act from an extremely young age. “I’ve always wanted to act since I can remember. Everybody at [a young age] wants to be a princess or a superhero – I wanted to be those things too, but I would always want to stay an actress,” she says.

Despite being a teen, Ross has experienced firsthand the difficulties and frustration that come with being in the acting industry (“One of the most important things to know is that you have to have patience”). Before appearing on This Is Us, the young actress had a lot of “no’s” thrown at her. “I started to think, ‘Is this really what I’m supposed to be doing?’ It felt like I didn’t have the talent that people were looking for,” recalls Ross. However, she ultimately realized that rejection is all about the process and took it in stride. “It just wasn’t my time. People don’t really understand that concept when all you hear is ‘no.’ Patience is key when it comes to the process of auditioning,” she affirms.

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hrough all the “no’s,” Ross caught her big break with the NBC show. While playing this complex character that has experienced abuse and neglect, Ross has learned so much more about children in the foster care system – a topic she wasn’t really aware of beforehand. “I really would like to bring more attention to [foster care],” she says. “If it really just passed my mind like that, I imagine it can pass the minds of others.” According to the National Council For Adoption, the number of children in foster care increased in 2016 by 2.3%, making it 437,465 kids, a number that has risen every year since 2012. “It’s important to bring attention to those kids out there who are going through [the system] and no one is really paying attention to them,” she adds. Through her craft, Ross is continuing to learn more about herself and the world. She is becoming more conscious of the injustices happening around her, and would like to utilize her platform to help promote more awareness. Not only does she hope to expand her world knowledge, but she would also like to continue growing as a positive and productive person while honing her craft as a professional actor: “I don’t want to be lazy. In order to get into movies, you have to work hard!” she says. Photographer & Videographer: Sandra Selva Stylist: Loren Robles Hair: Randy Stodghill Makeup: Hendra Nasril Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to PodShare Venice (@podshare - podshare.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Blue dress, SELFIE LESLIE. Black heel sandals, BADGLEY MISCHKA.

Shirt, HUGO BOSS. Jeans, WANAKOME. Boots, HUGO BOSS. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

Musician

JOSH WHITEHOUSE

The Transforming Josh Whitehouse had bigger dreams he

wanted to pursue than what his hometown of Chester, England, could offer. The wide-eyed

18-year-old Whitehouse moved to London in hopes of making a career out of his love of

music. Little did he know that he would pick up a new passion along the way, mastering

the world of acting. “My plan was to try to get signed and release an album and sing songs.

I was living in London for a few years, and then was scouted for a modeling job,” he recalls.

That modeling job introduced him to Elaine

Constantine, the writer and director of the 2014 British film Northern Soul, who noticed his acting potential. After working closely

with Constantine and learning how to dance and act, he was ultimately cast in the film, starting his career in the industry and igniting this new love for the art.

Gavy Contreras

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JOSH WHITEHOUSE

ementing his influential status, the musician-turnedactor has been featured in the popular BBC One historical drama Poldark,

and in Burberry’s short film for their men’s fragrance Mr. Burberry, shot by Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen. Most recently, Whitehouse has starred as Sir Cole in the Netflix Christmas film, opposite Vanessa Hudgens, The Knight Before Christmas (“The film is a great romantic story, a classic tale with a twist about time travel”). Although Whitehouse has been following the acting route, he hasn’t given up on his original dream of pursuing music (you may recall his role as musician Liam in the 2017 film Modern Life Is Rubbish and his musical contribution to the movie). It’s still something that is very near and dear to him, and he even has his own band that includes his brother Matt Whitehouse, an indie-folk trio called More Like Trees. While the band is gearing up for the release of their upcoming album (which was recorded in his home studio that he built), Whitehouse has

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written and performed a track for The Knight Before Christmas, titled “Before Christmas.” “Honestly, I’ll always try to get a song in the film, and I’ve succeeded a couple of times,” he adds. “I recorded this idea I had in my head, and wrote the lyrics to fit the story of the film. I was just fortunate [director Monika Mitchell] really liked it, and everybody kind of got on board really quickly.” The charming English star combines his adoration for music and acting by writing songs to prepare for acting roles. “Sometimes, when I get into character, I often like to try to write music and sing something because I find that my emotions are a little more open when I get creative. I’ll just write songs to prepare for auditions, and nobody ever hears them,” Whitehouse shares. “My goal is to find some type of arrangement where I have time for music each year and can continue to do diverse and satisfying roles – that’s my dream.” Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Photographer Assistant: Joseph Chang Stylist: Loren Robles Men’s Grooming: Natalie Malchev Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

Suit, PAISLEY & GRAY. Pocket square, PAISLEY & GRAY.

Top, AAKASHA. Crucifix necklace, TALENT’S OWN. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

Kat Von D

KAT VON D

New

Ink

Gavy Contreras

What comes to mind when you think of Kat Von D is makeup mogul, tattoo legend, television personality, entrepreneur, and the list goes on. As a matter of fact, Von D has come a long way from being that young punk-rock girl listening to the Misfits in her bedroom. The tattoo artist was first introduced to the public on the TLC reality series Miami Ink, and then later acquired her own show for the same network, LA Ink. Shortly after her stint on television, Von D teamed up with beauty store chain Sephora in 2008 and launched her namesake cosmetics brand. “People always ask how I transitioned from tattooing to makeup, but the truth is, I never transitioned. I just want to do a lot of different things, and I don’t think we should be limited to one medium,” she says.

Over 10 years later, the business woman and her brand are thriving and exploring new and exciting ventures. Recently, on November 1 (also known as World Vegan Day), Von D launched her newest endeavor – a vegan shoe line – Von D Shoes. “Any project I’m involved with, I’m in it 110%. When it comes to the shoes, I didn’t partner with anybody. These [shoes] are hand-drawn designs that I came up with, and I created this vision of shoes that I personally would want to wear and other people might like too,” shares Von D, who is not only very hands-on with the logos and designs of her new footwear and makeup lines, but is also heavily involved with the production and packaging – even down to the tissue paper that goes into each package.

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“I want to make sure my imprint that I’m leaving [in this world] is not damaging.”

Dress, THE VAMPIRE’S WIFE. “Destroyer” platforms, VON D SHOES. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

Blouse, THOMAS WYLDE. Tulle maxi skirt, DAVID’S ROAD. “Fetish” platforms, VON D SHOES. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

years in the making, Von D Shoes are completely vegan, a decision that was made to align with Von D’s commitment to veganism and support for animal rights. “When I first became vegan, it was really just about a diet. As time went on, I learned so many different ways that we exploit animals, whether we know it or not. I want to make sure my imprint that I’m leaving [in this world] is not damaging, and actually is doing something good for the environment and good for animals,” she says, adding that one of the biggest problems she would run into with being vegan wasn’t the dietary restrictions, but the fact that most shoes were “made out of leather, but what people might not know is, even the adhesives that a lot of major shoe brands use are derived from animals, mainly horses. I just wanted to make it easy for people to live a cruelty-free lifestyle by providing stylish shoes that didn’t require the death of an animal.”

KAT VON D

he entrepreneur did her research and found a good amount of substitutes for leather, such as cacti, mushrooms, and pineapples. Some of the shoes, manufactured in Italy, are getting their leather substitute from compressed apples (“A lot of people who go vegan think they have to sacrifice so much, but the truth is, you’re just opening yourself to an entirely new world with so many amazing options”) while the sustainable and eco-friendly selection includes “slip-ons, flats, kitten heels, megaplatforms, sneakers, combat boots, and even fauxfur moon boots.” In addition, Von D affirms that there is something for everyone in this wide-range collection, and they are only going to expand from here. Given that she aspires to spread positivity in every aspect of life through her work, Von D’s successful empire has proved just that. Photographers & Videographers: Eleanor & Brian Love Stylist: Joshua David Reno (for Majesty Black) Associate Stylist: Victor Cruz (for Majesty Black) Hair: Sami Knight Makeup: Leah Carmichael Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Diablo Restaurant + Cantina (@diablotacola www.diablotacos.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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URIAH SHELTON

New Challenges and

New Rewards Tara McDonough

When Uriah Shelton auditioned for two of the lead roles in 13 Reasons Why, he just wasn’t the right fit – but the producers saw something in him that had them calling him back. “Acting – that’s what I think I’m really here for,” says the 22-year-old actor. Producers invited Shelton onto the set and had a new character ready for him to play, solidifying his place on a project that he found to be very important, bringing the subject of suicide awareness to the forefront.

Over the past decade-plus, Shelton’s focus on and enjoyment of acting haven’t wavered: “Every project I do presents new challenges and new rewards,” he says. With his role in the new Hulu series Looking for Alaska, released in October, and his lead role in the upcoming Blumhouse film, Shelton has a whole new set of rewards to look forward to.

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Jacket, WANAKOME. Shirt, MAZINE. Pants, STYLIST’S OWN.

Shirt, HUGO BOSS. Jacket, THEORY. Bow tie, STYLIST’S OWN. Pants, VINCE. Boots, JOHN VARVATOS.

URIAH SHELTON

lthough, due to his age, Shelton has been acting for a relatively shorter amount of time than some, he has had experience with multiple different levels of acting and film. He cites his time on Disney Channel as his first encounter with comedic timing and stage direction. As for his other projects, he was trained to sing in Lifted, and learned about set structure, child acting laws, and production in The Glades. One of his most influential experiences, though, was working alongside Julia Stiles and Rodrigo García in drama series Blue. “[During] the time I spent on Blue, I learned more about performance, acting, and [how to] just really throw your emotions in there, than on any project I’d ever done,” he recalls.

Looking for Alaska, his most recent project, was nerve-wracking for him and his co-stars to go into. The series is based on John Green’s 2005 novel of the same name, and of course, has a huge pre-existing fan base watching their every move (“[They’re] so hardcore about the story they love”). While Shelton does note that there are differences between the book and series, he is very happy with the work that they did while filming in New Orleans. More importantly, he says, Green was very pleased – which is what matters most. As for his character specifically, Shelton

plays Longwell, who is one of the main sources of conflict in the series. Constantly pulling pranks on the main characters, and having pranks pulled on him and his group, Shelton says that not only was this one of his favorite roles, but it’s also been one of his favorite projects to work on thus far. Before being cast in the upcoming Blumhouse project, Shelton had been a big fan of and wanting to work with Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, for years. He couldn’t be more excited to work with Blum on the thriller, as well as the cast including Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton. “It’s a very big blessing to be able to go from one project to another,” shares Shelton, who is grateful for how the past year has gone for him and especially for the people in his life that helped him get there. Shelton loves what he does and will be happy with whatever projects he may work on but it’s actually the prospect of growing a family and settling down that really drives him as he says, “I’d like a family and a ranch out somewhere – that’s what I’m working towards right now.” Photographer & Stylist: KAT Men’s Grooming: Emily Sims Videographer: Sandra Selva Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Dagwoods (@dagwoodspizza www.dagwoods.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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Jacket, OREN KASH. Shirt, BANANA REPUBLIC. Pants, TALENT’S OWN. Boots, VINCE.

“I’d like a family and a ranch out somewhere – that’s what I’m working towards right now.”

Equestrian Photographed by

Nuttia Sunittramat

Shirt, O.N.S CLOTHING. T-shirt, O.N.S CLOTHING. Jacket, BURBERRY. Long necklace, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK. Chain necklace, UNDEFINED.

Top, PALMIERS DU MAL. Pants, PALMIERS DU MAL. Choker necklace, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK. Leather necklace, JONAS STUDIO. Long necklace, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK. Bracelet, JONAS STUDIO. Shoes, KENNETH COLE.

Coat, VIA SPIGA (PHOTOGRAPHER’S OWN). Pants, O.N.S CLOTHING. Shirt, O.NS CLOTHING. Long necklace, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK. Choker necklace, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK. Chain necklace, UNDEFINED. Bracelets, UNDEFINED. Belt, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK.

Top, O.N.S CLOTHING. Coat, J.ING. Long necklace, MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK. Pants, O.N.S CLOTHING. Bracelet, UNDEFINED. Scarf, CALVIN KLEIN (PHOTOGRAPHER’S OWN).

Top, O.N.S CLOTHING. Suit jacket, PERRY ELLIS. Pants, RAG & BONE. Necklaces, UNDEFINED & JONAS STUDIO & MARC BERNSTEIN NEW YORK.

Photographer: Nuttia Sunittramat Model: Parker Brown (for Next Model Management) Stylist: Jenn Tachavichien Men’s Grooming: Torraty Singanipar (using Laura Mercier) Special thanks to Bergen Equestrian Center (@bergenequestrian - www.bergenequestrian.com)

JAMES ARTHUR

Rewriting the

Stars Monica Dias

At first glance, James Arthur looks just like any other young British man one would find strolling down a London street but looks can be deceiving, as Arthur’s life story is anything but normal.

Born to a working-class family in Middlesbrough, Arthur “came from a very humble background, grew up with not much.” When he was around nine years old, he briefly got a taste of the middle-class lifestyle when he and his family moved to Bahrain, but unfortunately, it didn’t last, and he moved back to England a few years later – which was when trouble really started. “I got kicked out of the house a lot for misbehaving, ended up in foster care, lived on my own, and fended for myself,” he recalls. “I felt like no one was stepping up for me and looking after me. It came to the point where I didn’t have anywhere to go.” With the help of an organization in town on a somewhat permanent arrangement, he stayed in foster care half of the week. His younger self, he says, was a “troubled soul” living in a rough neighborhood and dealing with a tumultuous family life and a precarious living situation; music was one of the few refuges in his life. “I became obsessed with it,” he adds. “I wouldn’t even write a song, I would just wail and throw stuff at the wall, and occasionally, something would stick and I would be like, ‘This could be a song.’ There was no structure, there were no rules. I like the way I used to write back then because I didn’t give a sh*t about formulas.”

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Grey wool jacket, SAYKI. T-shirt, RALPH LAUREN. Navy pants, SAYKI. Leather shoes, SAYKI. Watch, VERSACE. Ring, GUCCI (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, LOUIS VUITTON (TALENT’S OWN).

JAMES ARTHUR

espite the hardships that he endured throughout his adolescence, that time of his life also marked the beginning of his music career since he began writing and recording songs as an unsigned artist affiliated with a number of bands, mostly just to make ends meet. However, his big break came a few years later – in 2012, to be exact – when Arthur was suddenly presented with the opportunity to participate in the singing competition show, The X Factor. “I didn’t really want to do it,” he says. “One day, my lights went out. I begged my mom, ‘Please lend me a ten or a twenty,’ and she said, ‘Well, The X Factor is doing a mobile audition. If you go sing for The X Factor, then I’ll give you some money.’ So I went down there, stood in the back of the queue, and I actually left three times because I never thought that would be the path I’d take. I thought I’d make it being the front-runner of a rock band. But eventually, I got there, and I sang for them, and the rest is history.” Arthur now acknowledges that his experience on The X Factor was “traumatic – you go from not having many expectations to performing live in front of 11 million people every Saturday night. Everyone’s

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talking about you. It’s quite a strange contrast. I was suffering badly with anxiety, as well, and having panic attacks, and I wasn’t enjoying it as much.” Then, halfway through the competition, something “kicked into gear” when he realized that he had an actual knack for pleasing those who heard him sing, from the judges to the entire British audience. Nearly three months after his audition, he left The X Factor as a winner. Shortly after, Arthur’s debut single, a cover of Shontelle’s “Impossible,” has sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide, and he has since maintained a steady presence with hits like “You’re Nobody ’Til Somebody Loves You” and “Say You Won’t Let Go.” In the midst of touring to support his latest album YOU, Arthur pauses, takes a moment, and reflects: “I’m a normal guy who just had a dream of being someone who performs songs that move people and inspire people. Where I came from gave me a thick skin, and I’m a typical British bloke, but I’m just a guy with a dream of making music that lasts and stands the test of time.” Photographer: Boris Brenman Fashion Editor: Ty-Ron Mayes Men’s Grooming: Marc Cornwall Videographer: Becca Werntz Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Just Salad (@justsalad www.justsalad.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

Velvet tuxedo jacket, SAYKI. Shoes, SAYKI. Dress shirt, STEPHEN F. Jeans, CHEAP MONDAY. Watch, DIESEL. Ring, GUCCI (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, LOUIS VUITTON (TALENT’S OWN). Bracelets, SAYKI.

GREG KASYAN

Infinite Growth

on a Finite Planet Tara McDonough

For some people, it takes years to find a career they are passionate about. This wasn’t the case for actor Greg Kasyan. At the age of just 5 years old, Kasyan knew he wanted to be an actor. It’s difficult for him to remember what exactly inspired this decision, but he has stuck by it ever since.

Born and raised in Los Angeles before moving to Glendale, Kasyan officially began his acting career when he was around 7 while continuing to attend public school. “It was interesting balancing acting and all that,” says the 18-year-old actor. “My friends didn’t really understand what that was.”

Starting out so young and having already been to hundreds of auditions, Kasyan was able to develop a thick skin when it came to receiving rejections as a normal part of the process. Having this mindset, he says, allows him to do a better job during the course of auditions – to stay focused and give a hundred percent when there is less anxiety involved in readings.

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GREG KASYAN

asyan landed his first leading role in the 2017 feature film Quest - the Truth Always Rises and starred as Mills, a 12-yearold graffiti artist who is losing faith in integrity. On set, he worked alongside seasoned actors such as Lou Diamond Phillips, Betsy Brandt, and LaKeith Stanfield (“I tried to absorb as much information as I could”). The tips and techniques he learned while filming contributed to his foundation as an actor both on and off set. He began to focus much more on channeling his emotions into his scenes and continually asked himself, “How can I make this feel real to me?” He then started breaking down the scripts he was reading in order to see each scene from the point of view not only of an actor, but also of a writer, director, producer, and viewer. Kasyan’s most recent project, Netflix’s Daybreak, features a group of high schoolers facing life after the apocalypse to navigate through and survive the new world they live in. Despite its dark subject matter, the series is full of the typical comedy and drama that come with being a teenager. “My character’s name is Eli Cardashyan,” he shares. “Eli

didn’t really have a lot of material possessions, so now he’s making up for lost time by taking over the Glendale Mall.” As filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico spanned the course of 6 months, Kasyan found himself in an area that he didn’t know too well and without friends and family from home – but luckily, the cast and crew quickly became close, and Kasyan felt fully supported and comfortable throughout the process.

When he isn’t acting, Kasyan enjoys boxing and hanging out with friends and family in L.A. Besides his dreams of cultivating a career reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio or Robert De Niro, Kasyan also wants to positively impact today’s youth. Through first-hand experience, Kasyan understands the difficulty of staying on the right path – as opposed to the negative aspects of partying, getting caught up in what everyone else his age is doing, and choosing what to devote his time to. “I just really want to make a positive impact in the world before I leave this place,” he adds. “That’s pretty much it.” Photographer & Videographer: Sandra Selva Stylist: Beatrice Balaj Men’s Grooming: Benjamin Terry Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Tuck Hotel (@tuck.hotel - www.tuckhotel.com) & Diablo Restaurant + Cantina (@diablotacola - www.diablotacos.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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“I just really want to make a positive impact in the world before I leave this place, that’s pretty much it.”

VIOLETT BEANE

She’s Taking

Charge Tara McDonough

Long before starring in CBS’ God Friended Me, actress Violett Beane got her start performing on the stage of her high school in Austin, Texas. The daughter of an art teacher, Beane was always encouraged to be creative and had been involved in theater and choir since middle school. When her friends started applying for college, she found an agent and began auditioning for roles around Austin, eventually making the decision to move to L.A.

A few years later, with multiple roles under her belt, Beane began starring as Cara Bloom in God Friended Me; she acknowledges that her time with the show has been open and welcoming since day one. “Our show creators, since the beginning, have asked us for our opinions on choices they’ve written, which is something that I’d never experienced,” says the 23-yearold actress.

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oming from a family of Quakers, Beane has carried her certain qualities into the entertainment industry and stayed grounded: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. “It’s about being aware of yourself and your surroundings, and being conscious of your decisions,” she explains. In addition to starring in the 2018 film Truth or Dare alongside Tyler Posey and Lucy Hale, Beane has also become part of the DC Universe with her role as Jesse Quick in The CW’s The Flash (“Getting the suit was probably the best part. It’s a different experience, taking down bad guys”).

VIOLETT BEANE

esides having played a superhero on television, Beane has made a difference through working with PETA. Beane, whose diet is almost entirely plant-based now, posed nude for their 2018 ad campaign proclaiming, “All Animals Have the Same Parts. Have a Heart: Go Vegan.” By baring her own body parts, she aimed to support the fact that humans are also animals and the way we treat animals is a direct correlation to how we treat one another. A vegetarian since childhood, she learned more about the effects that the meat-farming industry had on the environment while growing up. “I think probably the biggest factor for me was the amount of energy and land and water that goes into producing meat,” she adds. “[When going vegan,] I noticed such a difference in my energy levels, as well.”

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Whenever she can, furthermore, Beane travels as much as possible, valuing her time in nature. She also spends time with her boyfriend – musician Eyelid Kid – working on projects in their home studio. While stepping into the music industry is a scary leap, it is something she enjoys doing on the side. Eventually, Beane wants to write, produce, and direct her own films and television series. “I’ve learned what it takes to create something from the bottom up,” she elaborates. “Each project that I work on, I try to learn as much as I can from every aspect of the production.” Photographer: Adam Brett Schnee Stylists: James Vazquez & Gabriela Langone Stylists Assistant: Josephine Gonzalez Hair: Naomi Porto Makeup: Jenny Gonzalez Videographer: Becca Werntz Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Lex Hotel NYC (@lexhotelnyc www.lexhotelnyc.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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JAKE MILLER

15 Minutes:

More Forward Than Back Alain Clerine

“Growing up, I was a pretty quiet kid. I was a shy kid. This music industry has been so cool for me because I’ve been able to flip the switch and turn into a character I wasn’t used to being growing up,” says Jake Miller who didn’t think he’d be here touring, making music, and living his dreams. Originally from Weston, Florida, Miller didn’t originally see himself in the entertainment industry. After high school, however, he made the decision to forgo college and pursue his dreams, citing the lack of passion for anything other than music. “I thought my whole life that I was going to go to school and get a job,” he recalls. “It wasn’t until the last few days of my high-school career that I decided I wanted to take my life in a completely different direction.”

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iller went from making rap songs in high school for fun to trying it out for real. He posted the songs on YouTube along with a few music videos, and gained a small fan base. “I don’t think there was ever that moment where one person discovered me and blew me up. It’s been a lot of stepping stones,” he says. “It’s been a lot of steps forward and a few steps back – definitely more forward than back.” His diligence earned him a recording contract with eOne Music that would eventually help bring him to the next level as an artist. After his full-length debut Us Against Them, the rapper-turned-singer then signed on with Warner Records (formerly known as Warner Bros. Records) where he spent about three years of his career.

JAKE MILLER

ith his tremendous vocal range with distinct instrumentation, Miller writes all of his own music and decided to learn how to mix and master his tracks, too. He cites Eminem, Kanye West, John Mayer and Charlie Puth as some of his favorite artists, and concludes that his music taste plays a big role in making him a unique artist: “I pull from everything I listen to. It’s hard to box me into one genre but I think that’s the coolest part about my sound. You don’t really hear anyone out there that’s similar to the music that I’m making,” he elaborates. As he becomes more well-rounded, Miller remains dedicated to his life as an artist, touring almost 6 months out of every year, something he’s become very accustomed to (“To me, the perfect schedule is three or four shows, then an off-day. That’s all I really need”).

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When he isn’t on tour, at the gym, or hanging out with former NBA star Dwyane Wade (Miller’s favorite athlete), he spreads positivity and hope by supporting a myriad of non-profit organizations, including The Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation – created in the memory of Miller’s longtime friend who took his own life – that promotes public awareness of suicide prevention through community outreach, and Musicians on Call, whose aim is to bring live performances and recorded music to patients’ bedsides in healthcare facilities. “I just think it’s very important to do my part,” he explains. “It’s just my way of giving back the best that I can.” Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Photographer Assistant: Joseph Chang Stylist: Loren Robles Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson (using Hora Skin Care) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Yuca's Restaurants (@yucasla - www.yucasla.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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Brilliant

CHLOE FLOWER

The

Flower Gavy Contreras

Pianist and composer Chloe Flower is taking the music world by storm. From performing with rapper Cardi B earlier this year at the 61st annual Grammy Awards (“It was my first time performing on live television. I was so nervous and had no idea what I was doing”) to producing an album to be released in early 2020, Flower has had quite the busy year. The talented musician has come a long way from sitting on a “telephone book and pillow” when she started playing the piano at just 2 years old, thanks to the continuous support from her parents. “I’m so lucky that my parents gave me all the necessary tools to be a musician if I wanted to. Growing up, I was able to practice all day because they really wanted me to focus on music,” she recalls.

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CHLOE FLOWER

ow at 34 years old, she has shown off her hard work and dedication to her craft. Her stellar Grammy performance sent the Twittersphere into a frenzy with tweets commending Flower for her skills and stage presence. Flower herself wasn’t even fully aware of the impact she made on stage until a few hours later. “It was crazy that I was trending. I wasn’t even sure if people liked it,” says Flower, adding that the next thing she knew, TIME was messaging her on Instagram and asking for an interview. “I was like, ‘Was my boob showing?’ I was wearing hotel slippers on stage too and was wondering if they were visible. I was really shocked they even wanted to talk to me.” When the accomplished pianist isn’t performing or composing, Flower works alongside many institutions (including the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime) supporting music education and anti-human trafficking. “In addition to awareness campaigns and PSAs, I really like to use music as a therapy option,” she says as she believes in the power of music and has gone to shelters to play piano for the residents. Furthermore, Flower collaborates with the Compton Unified School District where she shares her insights on the benefits of music and tries to get people excited about it. “There are no limitations when it comes to music. We all could be in an orchestra together, you don’t even have to be good!” affirms Flower whose mission is to help bring people and cultures together.

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lower’s latest single “No Limit” honors legendary 18thcentury composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, with her own flair incorporated to the piece. “I always want my music to be empowering. I want classical music to be exciting, new, and different – but always empowering and inspiring others,” says Flower, who also added various string instruments and percussion to the tune. “So many girls send me messages and videos of themselves dancing or getting ready to go out to my music. That makes me so happy. A lot of my boyfriend’s work friends even say they lift to my music.” Flower is planning to drop more singles before the anticipated release of her album next year as she hopes to keep stimulating the minds of others. “I want it not only to make people happy, but to [make them] feel excited or motivated. That’s what music has always meant to me,” she describes. “If I was feeling bad or having anxiety about something, any time I would practice the piano, it would go away.” Photographer: Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios) Stylist: Nirali Mehta Hair: Corey Tuttle (for Exclusive Artists Management - using R+Co) Makeup: Clarissa Luna Makeup Assistant: Desireé D'elia Media Producer: Gavy Contreras Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to W New York - Times Square (@wnytimessquare - www.whotelsnewyork.com/property/w-new-york-times-square/) & Just Salad (@justsalad - www.justsalad.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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JACQUEES

Throne

Take the

Alain Clerine

It’s a cold night in early November. While celebrating the release of King of R&B, Jacquees just had a very long press day, including his performance on The

Wendy Williams Show. He is exhausted but fulfilled and illuminated.

For 25-year-old singer-songwriter Jacquees, real name Rodriquez Jacquees Broadnax, the “King of R&B” moniker is not something he takes lightly. It isn’t meant as a slight to anyone as he recognizes the legends of the past and the ones still active. When he proclaimed it on Instagram, it wasn’t to cause an uproar; it was merely a vote of confidence in himself – confidence that he can fulfill his potential, the potential that not everyone always saw, but he did. And so did his mother, who bought him a karaoke machine and saw her then-9-year-old son singing and dancing like Michael Jackson.

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JACQUEES

he Atlanta-based crooner grew up on not only Michael Jackson, but The Jackson 5 and all the greats of the Motown era. Broadnax says his childhood was normal: go to school, join sports teams, and play outside. “My childhood was fun. I did everything regular kids get to do,” he shares. While most regular kids don’t know what their future holds, however, he always knew that singing was a part of his plans (“As soon as I found out I could sing, I got in a competition”) and went on to record and release music at the age of 14. Around that time, though, he hit puberty. “That’s the first thing that crushed [my] heart,” he recalls. “But luckily, my voice went back and got better. It was light and got deep, and it went back light.” With his vocal ability, Broadnax presents an oldschool feel with contemporary production and, of course, the drawn-out notes that have become synonymous with his music. He “stuck his foot” into the industry with his first commercial release, 19. He then signed with Birdman’s Cash Money Records and hasn’t looked back. With Billboard-charting singles like “B.E.D.” and “You,” and a successful debut album 4275 that officially put him on the map, Broadnax has

seen himself taking the next step and cementing his legacy. His new album King of R&B opens with a track called “King” featuring T.I., who made similar waves earlier in his career when he proclaimed himself the “King of the South.” The song begins with a recording of his Instagram manifesto, and then sees him pay his respects to earlier artists while doubling down on his declaration. “When I say I’m the ‘King of R&B,’ there are some people that believe it and some people I have to work to make them believe it,” he adds. “Shout-out to everybody in my league, no disrespect to them. I just feel like I’m the king.” With being the king, moreover, Broadnax is going to go further than that in every aspect of his life. “I want to be remembered as somebody that’s loved,” he acknowledges. “I want Grammys, I want all the accolades. I want everything that comes with this – I feel like I’ve gotten smarter and wiser and focused on what’s important and what really matters in life. I want to make it to heaven, provide for my family, become a better man, a better person, and always continue to be me and be real.” Photographer: Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios) Fashion Editor: Ty-Ron Mayes Men’s Grooming: Andrea E Wilson Videographer: Becca Werntz Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Hudson Hotel (@hudsonhotel www.morganshotelgroup.com/hudson/hudson-new-york) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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r e t n e i wrung

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Experience the Fanatic

ANDREAO “FANATIC” HEARD

For Andreao “Fanatic” Heard, life wasn’t supposed to go this way. Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, there weren’t many hip-hop artists for Heard to look up to in the ’80s. As an up-and-coming producer, most of his influences were based in New York City so he knew that’s where his future would lie although he couldn’t afford to move there yet. Nevertheless, he made a way for himself. Working as a hotel desk clerk at the time, Heard and partner Eli Davis would drive down to NYC on his off days and hang outside the famous Manhattan recording studio The Hit Factory. “We would network, take meetings, and try to hang out at the studio,” he recalls. “We were couch-surfing, sleeping in the car – anything we had to do.”

Heard’s break came when a mutual acquaintance introduced him to executives from the Bad Boy record label; he got to play his records, and one of those would later become Lil’ Kim’s hit single “Crush on You.” Heard soon

Alain Clerine

became a member of Bad Boy’s renowned production team, The Hitmen, who would produce a string of smash hits in the late ’90s and early 2000’s.

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ANDREAO “FANATIC” HEARD

ven after parting ways with the label, Heard parlayed his past successes into new opportunities, including a chance at producing a record for all-time icon Michael Jackson. “I figured

out how to play six degrees of separation,” he says. “I realized that there wasn’t anybody on the planet that we couldn’t get to – because we always knew somebody that knew somebody.” Heard and Jackson’s “Heaven Can Wait” collaboration is a perfect example of his take-no-prisoners mindset. Originally meant for singer Kevon Edmonds, Heard ran into roadblocks of label executives and A&Rs while trying to get the record in Jackson’s hands (“They told us nobody would cut this record because it’s about death”). Never one to be swayed, though, he managed to get it to Teddy Riley’s assistant, who then passed it on to Riley helping produce Jackson’s upcoming album. “Next thing I know, two weeks later, we were in Miami – Michael Jackson was standing two feet from me talking about this record,” he adds. Having produced music for the likes of Will Smith, Beyoncé and Anthony Hamilton for over two decades in the industry, Heard has seen his

fair share of success. For the love of the art, he continues to produce and record music through his new band, Billie Lennox, who mixes jazz, hip-hop, rock, and gospel to give music fans a kaleidoscopic feel.

When he isn’t creating music, Heard spends a lot of his time giving back to his hometown of Greensboro. Through his non-profit with Eli Davis, The Culture Pushers, Heard helps the community while also helping and advocating for underserved artists; he refers to it as his own version of artist development. “Study great artists from the past,” he says. “Second thing I would say is, don’t do anything for the money. Don’t sign that publishing deal with a publisher who is just siding with you because you have a hot record right now [but] hasn’t taken the time to get to know you – always remember why you got into this game and how you felt about making music because this business will take you through so many ups and downs. But if you remember why you got into it, you’ll never lose your passion for the music business.” Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Photographer Assistant: Joseph Chang Stylist: Jessica Armstrong Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Diablo Restaurant + Cantina (@diablotacola - www.diablotacos.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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LANA (CJ PERRY)

Ravishing

CJ Perry Alain Clerine

What makes a great WWE superstar? Some key components include a unique character, someone to portray that character in a way that resonates with fans, and the ability to tell a story – and keep a storyline going. For CJ Perry, also known as “The Ravishing Russian” Lana, her on-air promos seem so effortless because, for the most part, she’s lived it.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, Perry’s family relocated to Latvia shortly after her birth, and she spent her adolescence in the nation that was part of the former Soviet Union. Due to the authoritative culture, Perry was only able to focus on two things: school and her dance classes. Although a seemingly rigorous lifestyle, she credits her upbringing for her current resolve in life. “It has instilled discipline and resiliency in me, and that has stayed with me my entire life,” she says. Perry made her way back to the U.S. to dance professionally in New York City and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. It was there that she would find her true calling.

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n early fan of professional wrestling, she recalls her grandmother sending over videotapes of her favorites: Hulk Hogan, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and The Rock. “I just never thought it would be possible for this little ballerina to become a professional wrestler,” she shares. While in Los Angeles, she was presented with the opportunity to try out for the WWE as they were on the lookout for new talent. It was a six-month process but, with an athletic background, she was one of the five signees.

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LANA (CJ PERRY)

hile in-ring training, she was paired with future husband Miroslav Barnyashev, more commonly known as Rusev, and they portrayed a pair of pro-Russia, antiAmerican heels. The characters got them tons of heat as Rusev was booked to look very strong in the way he demolished opponents. What helped the pair stay so prevalent, though, was not just Barnyashev’s in-ring work, but rather Perry’s microphone skills. Since the former’s character was billed to not speak English, it was up to her to drive home their villainous ways and give fans a reason to boo the duo (“We’re storytellers, and we’re entertainers”). Furthermore, her character’s success has continued to pave the way for other women to be given an opportunity to cut promos and get more on-air time as Perry aims “to give hope to all the women who want equal opportunities.”

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While her in-ring career has flourished, Perry has also transferred her on-air charisma into other forms of entertainment: E!’s WWE reality series Total Divas, award-winning fantasy-romance film Another Version of You (formerly Other Versions of You), and her own YouTube channel where fans can get an inside look at her life. Additionally, Perry sees a future for herself in the fashion world. A passion of hers since childhood, she has attended New York Fashion Week’s high-profile shows and plans to delve into that realm sooner than later. “It’s a whole spectacle,” she affirms. “It’s art and it’s a story – and it also provokes an emotion. I want to make history and become the first woman to make it from the wrestling ring to the Met Gala.” Photographer: Nuttia Sunittramat Stylist: Andrew Philip Nguyen Hair: Carina Tafulu (using Oribe & Enzo Milano) Makeup: Natalie Malchev Videographer: Woraprat Attasawat Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to The Portofino Hotel & Marina (@portofinohotel - www.hotelportofino.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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CATHY KELLEY

No Great Thing is Created Suddenly Alain Clerine

“In this industry, there are going to be a lot of failures, and those failures are what gets you to the next level, not the wins. If you can power through that, those are the people who actually succeed,” says Cathy Kelley, 31, of perseverance. Raised by a scientist mother – who worked in a research lab and taught at a medical school – in the suburbs of Chicago, Kelley got an early look at what it meant to work hard. “That really influenced me to want to have a career as opposed to just a job,” she recalls. “It was important for me to do something I was passionate about.” By watching shows like MTV’s Total Request Live, Kelley’s interest in the media industry was piqued early on, wanting to follow in the footsteps of hosts La La Anthony and Vanessa Lachey. “I remember, from a very young age, whenever I would watch television, wanting to be a part of it,” she says. “I was just so in awe of it.”

With a newfound passion, Kelley honed her skills through her high school’s film program and later joined the news production team where she learned how to edit video packages and got her first taste in hosting a program that was broadcast throughout the school (“That was such an integral part of deciding that this was something I wanted to pursue”).

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CATHY KELLEY

hrough her diligent work ethic, opportunities arose. While in college, Kelley’s high-school teacher had a series picked up by a local Chicago television station and recruited Kelley to work as one of the anchors. There, she gained even more oncamera experience as a host, learning how to record segments. Much to her chagrin, the show never aired but she learned valuable lessons, an experience that epitomizes her upward climb in the industry. “There were a lot of little wins that helped me move forward and validated that this was the path I should be on,” she shares. After graduating from Loyola University Chicago, she worked at an ABC affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa. To further her career, she eventually took her talents to Los Angeles. Now, an on-air correspondent for WWE – the world’s largest wrestling promotion – Kelley attributes her current success to her determination and hard work. “People hear about all of these overnight successes, but the reality is, the people that are successful were waitressing for ten years and going through all the steps before they got their

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big break,” she elaborates. “Then it seems like an overnight success but no one really knows the number of hours, work, and sacrifice it takes to get there.” Kelley joined WWE in 2016, debuting as a digital correspondent during WrestleMania 32 week in Dallas. She confirms that WWE is the perfect medium for her to utilize her journalism skills while still being creative as she gets to work with “larger-than-life personalities.” You can surely guess who has been beyond proud of Kelley and all of her accomplishments. “One of my biggest goal was that I wanted my mom to watch me live on television, and that happened this past year,” she affirms. “That was probably my biggest goal in my career, and I accomplished it – so now it’s just about having fun.” Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Photographer Assistant: Joseph Chang Stylist: Loren Robles Hair: Carina Tafulu (using amika & Enzo Milano) Makeup: Natalie Malchev Makeup Assistant: Eric Jones Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

Snake-print shirt dress, LUCY PARIS. Black slip-on mules, MICHELE LOPRIORE.

FOLÁKÉ . . OLÓWÓFÔYEKÙ

Breaking

the

Mold Leonye McCalla

It’s not very often that mainstream television decides to delve into the life of a Nigerian woman finding love and evolving as a woman in the United States, but the writers of BOB ❤ ABISHOLA were up for the challenge, and they’ve found the perfect protagonist in Fóláké Olówófôyekù.

Hailing from Nigeria, Olówófôyekù is the youngest of a prominent family with 20 children, many boasting careers in law and politics but she was always interested in music. “My father’s love for music had a lot to do with that,” she recalls. “He started all of us on the piano, growing up. My father played classical piano and also played the organ. That had more of an influence on my artistic side. I was definitely more into music, and my parents were definitely, specifically, opposed to music as a career choice.”

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Blue coat, VINCE. Brown silk top, VINCE. Brown silk dress, VINCE. Shoes, ADIDAS. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN.

Black suit, NINA RICCI. Shoes, ADIDAS. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Necklaces, TALENT’S OWN.

FOLÁKÉ . . OLÓWÓFÔYEKÙ

owever, Olówófôyekù had other plans. In the early aughts, she ventured off to Long Island, New York, to visit her sister. Loving her newfound freedom, she enrolled in the City College of New York so she could do her “own thing.” This proved to be a marvelous idea as the big city opened her eyes to music, theatre, and modeling. She even played basketball for the school. “I wanted to be independent, and that’s what New York offered me,” says Olówófôyekù, who then became more self-sufficient and continued to hone her artistic talents. She took a liking to theatre, which incorporated her love of music into acting. The CCNY theatre department eventually became a cocoon for Olówófôyekù, where she learned to tap into her emotions in order to develop her acting chops. During this time, though, Olówófôyekù was still heavily involved in music – which led her to another artistic pursuit: audio engineering. At the Institute of Audio Research, she learned how to use digital tools to create and produce her own music. “I have about 100 songs, but I’ve only released one. I think I’m still battling the stigma that was attached to music on an emotional level, but I know I have to push through it,” shares Olówófôyekù, adding that she loves Afrobeats, as African percussion is a heavy presence in her music. (Her new single “Happy Happy (Money Dun Come)” is now available.)

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While Olówófôyekù, who is a lover of sci-fi, believed that her acting career would have her playing otherworldly characters, she has played a wide array of roles in popular shows like Westworld, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Modern Family. She even played a bassist in David Bowie’s music videos – “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)” and “The Next Day” – allowing her to showcase her musical skills for the legend. Olówófôyekù enjoys playing varied characters, tapping into different characteristics and sides of herself. “It was really organic, it was seamless. To create the character, I just had to draw from people who were already dear in my heart. I got to draw from my mother and the women I grew up with in Nigeria,” she says of her homegrown character Abishola on BOB ❤ ABISHOLA. In addition, the show has tackled many different topics that have been pushed to the forefront of American life: immigration, changing family dynamics, and women’s rights/identity, shedding light on new voices that may have been overlooked or forgotten. Abishola has been no damsel in distress, and Olówófôyekù has embodied that tenacity with elegance and grace. She hopes that the show has resonated with her fellow Nigerians as well as others – to show the beauty and depth of her culture: “I think all the work we’re doing as a human race is leading to opportunities that are interesting and new,” she affirms. Photographers: Eleanor & Brian Love Stylist: Toye Adedipe Hair: DaRico Jackson Makeup: Melissa R. Hibbért Videographer: Mason Kim Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Diablo Restaurant + Cantina (@diablotacola www.diablotacos.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

n a i i a w a H

s y a w a e d i H l e v a r T e m i T mas Tho

me Wil

There’s a paradox in Waikiki: Kalakaua Avenue is a showcase of cutting-edge architectural edifices and a litany of stylish shopping options from Jimmy Choo to Louis Vuitton, but right in the heart of the action, two waterfront resorts are vestiges of a long-vanished Hawai'i, a time before air travel when vacationers arrived aboard luxury ocean liners.

TRAVEL

oana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach first opened its doors in 1901, and the Grand Dame of Waikiki remains a seductive vestige of a time when Beaux-Arts architectural motifs were the rage. The hotel’s street-side temptations start with its immense Ionic-columned porte-cochère, counterpointed with an ultra-dreamy seaside lanai/veranda. The Moana Surfrider offers the rare opportunity to savor an elegant resort-hotel experience from a nostalgically laid-back time. When stepping onto Kalakaua Avenue out front, in contrast, you will find block after block of shopping madness, trendy bars, and rocking nightlife. But if you’re overdue for a total dose of tranquility, take a seat on the oceanside veranda framed by a towering banyan tree. Order a Mai Tai and watch the surfers and outrigger canoes skitter across the bay as the sun sets over the Pacific. Oh, and be sure to book a date in the spa to round out a perfect day-one in paradise. Day two, rent a surfboard and get out on the water, followed by an exhilarating outrigger-canoe ride.

TRAVEL

he Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort – fondly dubbed the Pink Palace of the Pacific – has defined luxury tourism since 1927; the legendary New York City architecture-firm Warren and Wetmore (designers of The Ritz-Carlton) created a Spanish-Moorish palace that was very popular and respected at the time. Historic postcard scenes of Waikiki show the Pink Palace dominating the Waikiki beach area, surrounded by discrete homes and small-business enterprises to its left and right. Today, the hotel is hemmed in by soaring high-rises and shopping malls. But here’s what’s really cool: The original sprawling gardens remain, and when you are ensconced within the bounds of the resort property, you’re encapsulated in a tranquil tropical paradise – you quickly forget there’s the hubbub of shoppers on Kalakaua Avenue. Alternately, since the Royal Hawaiian sits front row, center on Waikiki Beach, sunbathing, swimming and surfing are just steps in the other direction. Like the Moana Surfrider, there’s an enchanting porte-cochère, but this one is enshrouded in palms and fragrant plumeria. During World War II, the hotel was requisitioned by the U.S. Navy for use as a rest and relaxation facility for rotating troops. Like the Moana Surfrider, the Royal Hawaiian was designed to cater to the luxuryocean-liner crowd transiting between San Francisco, the South Pacific, and the Orient via Hawai’i.

TRAVEL

former sugar cane plantation on the Garden Isle of Kauai was masterfully reinvented following the demise of the industry. Rather than selling out to developers, the owners repurposed their plantation estate as a true hideaway-resort destination. On Kauai’s remote west side, seven miles north of the quaint village of Hanapepe – the home of Lilo & Stitch – you’ll find Waimea Plantation Cottages. Utter unpretentiousness rules here – with 61 restored century-old cane-worker cottages tucked into 43 oceanfront acres of picture-perfect palms, tropical flowers, and lawns. Daydreaming about strolling along an endless, people-free beach? This is the place. Waimea is not a four-star destination; travelers return because of the absence of frills. Guests can easily stroll to town markets, grab some fresh ahi tuna, and whip up a feast using their bungalow’s kitchen. This former plantation manager’s estate – beachfront Craftsmanstyle property with five bedrooms, a palatial living room, dining room, and four baths – is an ideal and affordable destination for large family groups and retreats. For more details, visit Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa: @themoanasurfrider – www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlwi-moanasurfrider-a-westin-resort-and-spa-waikiki-beach/ & The Royal Hawaiian: @royal_hawaiian – www.royal-hawaiian.com & Waimea Plantation Cottages: @waimeaplantationcottages – www.coasthotels.com/hotels/hawaii/waimea/ waimea-plantation-cottages

SHANTEL VANSANTEN

For All

Mankind to Rise Above Gavy Contreras

“I never thought of acting as a viable career option. I think when we’re raised in certain cultures and ways of thinking, we only know what we’re exposed to. I didn’t really grow up watching TV and movies, but now I feel really lucky to be able to do it,” says actress Shantel VanSanten, 34. The charismatic star, born in Minnesota and raised in Texas, didn’t know any actors or actresses growing up. Originally starting out as a model in “Seventeen and JCPenney catalogs,” she slowly made a transition to acting after being persuaded by her agent. Eventually moving to Los Angeles, VanSanten realized her passion for acting and has found immense success in her acting career. “It still feels like such a shock that I get to do something that just used to be a hobby and is something that I love,” she adds. The model-turned-actress has had an array of roles, and has starred in a number of shows, such as One Tree Hill, The Flash and Shooter. More recently, she has been in the role of Karen Baldwin on the new Apple TV+ drama series For All Mankind, set in an alternate reality exploring if it had been the Soviet Union that had landed the first human to walk on the moon 50 years ago.

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Top, TOPSHOP. Jacket, GIRLS ON FILM. Belt, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN (TALENT’S OWN). Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Rings, JENNIFER MEYER.

SHANTEL VANSANTEN

V Top, LAVENDER BROWN CLOTHING. Dress, ZARA. Belt, PHOTOGRAPHER’S OWN. Shoes, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN (TALENT’S OWN). Earrings, TALENT’S OWN.

anSanten is not only a hard-working actress, but she’s also a philanthropist and impassioned advocate for lung-disease awareness. She first got involved with the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative, after the untimely passing of her beloved grandmother. “My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer, and we didn’t understand why. In my mind, we associate lung cancer with smoking, and she was a nonsmoker. That was an ignorant thought,” she recalls. “After doing much research, I found out it’s the number-one cancer killer, not only because of smoking, but of pollution, radon, and so many other causes, and anybody can get it.” After the initial shock and anger of her grandmother’s passing, VanSanten and her family decided to dig deeper to make sense of the tragedy. They ultimately discovered that her grandmother passed away due to radon poisoning. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports radon as being responsible for about 21,000 lung-cancer deaths every year, and 2,900 of those deaths are of people who have never smoked.

as a way to bring awareness to others. Through her work, she has certainly inspired others and has even saved the life of one of her former co-workers. “I was telling him the story of how I got involved with the organization and encouraged him to get a radon detector. They tested their house, and they were living in toxic, toxic levels,” she says. “He said to me, ‘I feel like you saved our life.’ We have small simple conversations that plant seeds, and now we’re educating people about things existing around us that they wouldn’t really know about.” VanSanten has also spoken at many events and worked to raise funds for education and research. Not only does she find comfort in making an impact and educating others, but she also knows how proud her grandmother would be: “For me, being a part of that kind of organization matters. It’s the way I make sense of loss and know the work I’m doing and money we’re raising are honoring my grandmother. I just think about how much she would giggle and laugh, and how she would be astounded by the work we’re doing in her absence,” she affirms. Photographer & Videographer: Catherine Asanov (@catherineasanov) Stylist: Neal St Onge Stylist Assistant: Cecilia Ortega Hair: Michael Dueñas Makeup: Jessica Anderson Crocker Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Dagwoods (@dagwoodspizza www.dagwoods.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

However, VanSanten has decided to persevere and use this personal tragedy

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“It still feels like such a shock that I get to do something that just used to be a hobby and is something that I love.”

Jacket, ST. JOHN KNITS. Pants, TALENT’S OWN. Belt, TALENT’S OWN. Sandals, TALENT’S OWN. Earrings, JENNIFER MEYER.

LAUREN DUCA

Lauren Duca Just Won’t

Shut Up

Kristina Villarini

Here’s a chat with one of the Internet’s defiant darlings, who, by the way, is still queer, uncanceled, and really needs you to participate in our democracy. Growing up as a millennial woman in suburban New Jersey isn’t particularly noteworthy, but Lauren Duca is definitely that. Today, she’s a journalist, and opinion writer and editor; you have likely seen her work in HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Independent and more. This year, she released her first book, How to Start a Revolution: Young People and the Future of American Politics. Above all, she continues to prove that she was right all along and that the intersection of art, politics, civics, and pop culture is closer than you think. “Shouldn’t we be thinking differently and creatively about what methods should be used to pull people in? Because all of the tactics that are used to get people to watch a viral post, to click to buy a fried chicken sandwich, to go see the Transformers films – none of that is in any way attached to good, serious political journalism, to moral clarity, to the conviction of political opinion,” Duca says. “It’s a huge missed opportunity because the journalist’s job is to make the significant interesting. And that’s a place where my peers have adjudicated their duties. I wish that more influencers were conducting themselves like journalists.”

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Top, THE RANGE. Blazer, FRAME. Pants, THE RANGE. Shoes, REEBOK. Earrings, MONA SULTAN.

Jumpsuit, L.F.MARKEY. Shoes, REEBOK. Jewelry, BONHEUR JEWELRY.

LAUREN DUCA

n How to Start a Revolution, Duca hopes to be both a case study and a guide. She wants young people to have what she calls a “click moment,” and become good people, too. “The daily work of being a good person and being a good citizen is always delivering the energy to take care of yourself so that you can be fully present and share as much love as possible with the interconnected collective,” she adds. Despite her rallying cries for inclusion and equality, she’s encountered quite a few haters. There are the accusations that she is a charlatan and even, a scammer. About this, Duca recoils: “I feel that I was catapulted to this. And then I said, ‘I have this platform. I want to choose to work to sustain it and to use it for good.’ There’s this perception of me of being very wealthy and living this gilded life. Meanwhile, all of the best writers of our time are basically making the same as a middle manager at Best Buy.” But the constant accusations, about her character, her motives, her purpose – doesn’t it all become exhausting? “The thing that I lose my mind over is the erasure of the work, and the complete and total disregard for all of the research and recording that go into this role. It’s been hard to watch myself get turned into this caricature that is built off of weird rumors and flaws that are metastasized into the entirety of my being,” she contends. “So there will be these screeds about me as some sort of ‘viral phenomenon’ that then don’t mention that I interviewed hundreds of young people and wrote How to Start a Revolution to convince them that they have a right and duty to have political conversations.”

discovering how to participate in democracy, many for the very first time. Some even started their own non-profits. During the process, she also interviewed political scientists and college professors, including a (then) little-known political hopeful named Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “To me, it’s endlessly obvious to the point of absurdity that I am routinely being attacked and told to shut up, because I’m ‘too stupid’ and ‘too silly’ because that’s the core thing that I’m trying to combat,” says Duca. “But I feel like it is my duty to continue being vulnerable and to continue expressing myself at a level that is about political freedom, but also, all kinds of freedom. And I hope that I am right about the scale of awakening that is underway. I will continue to aim to serve that mission because I don’t know how to do anything else.” But about that whole scam thing… “If I do have a scam, my scam is trying to untangle the white supremacist patriarchy and replace it with equitable public power. So, I deeply hope for all of you that I get away with it,” Duca affirms. Photographer: Reka Nyari Stylist: Cristina Wasserman Stylist Assistant: Brian Robotham Hair & Makeup: Vassilis Kokkinidis (vassiliskokkinidis.com - for FORD Artists - using Trish McEvoy & Shu Uemura Art of Hair) Videographer: Bojan Ivovic Editor: Eiko Watanabe Editorial Assistant: Marian Nimoh Special thanks to Dr Smood (@drsmood - www.drsmood.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Duca spent years meeting, interviewing, and researching hundreds of newly engaged young people from around the country who were

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KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO CHICAGO

The Irresistible

Hotel

The recently renovated Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, located in the downtown Loop neighborhood, offers new reasons to visit as it is minutes away from Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, 360 CHICAGO (formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory), and The Art Institute of Chicago. Among the magnificent skyscrapers along the Chicago River, the hotel adds a historical charm to the city’s waterfront; the facade remains true to its original early-20th-century design when it was the headquarters of the D.B. Fisk & Co. hat company. The interior presents a stylish modern look with a vintage flair. Royal hues of blue complement the lobby and walls covered with black-and-white images of Chicago architecture. The redesigned guest rooms feature high ceilings, large bay windows, and walk-in showers with marble accents. Business and luxury travelers can enjoy spacious suites that offer separate sitting and work areas. Beyond the aesthetics, the hotel also offers many perks and treats: WiFi, daily newspapers, morning coffee and tea service, and a yoga mat in the closet. Additionally, the added convenience of valet parking and pet-friendly accommodations is a huge plus. Forgetful travelers can rely on the front desk to offer a phone charger, lip balm, deodorant, lint roller, and toiletries. The fitness-conscious can have a workout in the 24-hour gym equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines, weights, and headphones. For a workout in the fresh air, bikes are also available for a ride along the lakefront or around town. To relax inside, there are in-room spa services.

Vanessa Ferrelli & Tiffany Shorter

Most guests can be found near the lobby fireplace especially during the wine hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Complimentary selections of red and white wines are served along with delicious appetizers. The lobby also offers a wide variety of books curated by the Newberry Library that you can check out or read while sipping on the featured wine of the evening. Across from the lobby, Fisk & Co., the seafoodcentric upscale tavern, has a Belgian-inspired menu. Their specialty is mussels and fries, but its comfort food and raw bar of oysters and shellfish win the popular contest. Both guests and visitors stop by for the live music and cocktails on selected nights. Having a great time is easy, and it requires little work – thanks to the friendly staff. Upon arrival, the staff shares the current hotel events and promotions, the manager checks in to ask about your stay, and the front desk provides suggestions on the Windy City’s must-see sights, happenings, and attractions. With the style, convenience, cuisine, and the welcoming atmosphere, it is difficult to end a stay at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago when you never want to leave. For more details, visit: @monacochicago – www.monaco-chicago.com

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Experience the New Frontier:

SPACE Exploring the depths of space in the name of research and science has always been a massive endeavor. As technology has advanced, we have been able to improve our understanding about what space is, allowing us to see Earth from an entirely new perspective. Before, traveling to space was only accessible to specialists, astronauts, and those at the top of their field. But now, even civilians will be able to explore space and view the Earth from a distance. With the combined talents of Axiom Space and Roman & Erica, Inc., being able to take a tour into space is becoming closer to a reality.

xiom Space is a privately-owned space-station manufacturer/ service provider, who plans to create the world’s first commercial space station. With the goal of bringing private astronauts on a trip to orbit the Earth, Michael T. Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space and former manager of NASA’s International Space Station program, wants to give civilians the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be out in space, witnessing transcendental views of the Earth from 250 miles up, and to enrich their lives with the chance of a lifetime. And in order to bring this experience to the public, Roman & Erica, Inc., a globally-known luxury travel and lifestyle management firm based in New York, is connecting pioneering individuals – ready to discover the wonders of space travel – with Axiom Space.

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ith the proven reputation Roman & Erica, Inc. has built, clients will be among the very first to be offered the opportunity of a lifetime. While on board, clients can fulfill their own missions, unlocking possibilities on a global scale: Whether fostering awareness of urgent global issues or building a mission to advance their private foundation, guests are able to curate their own adventure. Experiencing the view of Earth from space, called the “overview effect,” will fundamentally change their perception of the world. The entire experience includes unprecedented access to NASA’s training facilities, including a 15week astronaut-training course, the transportation to and from the space station, and approximately ten enriching days of life in space and microgravity. You will be one of the few people in human history to have witnessed what lies beyond our planet’s atmosphere. For more details, visit Roman & Erica, Inc.: romananderica.com & Axiom Space: @axiom.space – axiomspace.com

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