Crowns Magazine January Issue by Crowns Magazine

Cr ow ns Magazine Januar y 20 19 Inside New Crowns Magazine VIP Member Kennedi Rodney pg 4 Agency Spotlight Evolution Talent pg 6 On The Cover Miss Universe pg 14 Beyond The Beauty Jenny Pitchett Pg 16 Fashion / Style 101 Sherri Hill pg 20 NYFW pg 24

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Kennedi Rodney New Cr ow n s M agazin e

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Kennedi Rodney was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, but raised in Kentucky for the majority of her childhood. Her father ?s position as Master Sergeant in the United States Army (currently serving) exposed Kennedi to many different cultures and places at a young age, including Fort Bragg NC, Fort Hood TX, Fort Knox KY, Fort Polk LA, Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq. For as long as she can remember, Kennedi has been fascinated with mathematics and the impact it has on our everyday lives. As Miss Fayettville Teen USA, Kennedi hopes to become and maintain the status of a positive role model for her younger sibling and her peers. Kennedi enjoys spending time with her family which includes her older brother and four younger siblings. Kennedi also enjoys mentoring children not only in math, but also through her love of sports. A strong soccer player through middle school, Kennedi has played for numerous teams in the Fayettville area including recreational and school teams. In February 2018 Kennedi earned the title of Miss Fayetteville Teen USA 2019. In October 2018 she completed in the Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2019 pageant. Outside of being an outstanding student, Kennedi is currently a Model signed with MMG out of New York City. Kennedi is a high school sophomore at Harnett County Early College where she maintains a consistent 3.6 GPA. Kennedi?s short-term goals are to sign her first modeling contract with a major company. Her long-term goals include graduating from Harnett County Early College with her diploma and Associates Degree then attend college in hopes to become a neonatologist .

Evolution Talent Agency is celebrating 18 years of business in the Southeast. Having locations in the Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, areas help Evolution to be one of the top industry leaders. Evolution is a full service agency that specializes in bookings for Feature Films, TV series, Commercials, print, runway, voice overs and runway. Talent range in age from 4 years to all age adults. The Evolution concept and brand was conceived by owner Scott Cooper. Their mission is to develop and place talent of all experience levels on projects throughout the country and internationally. The Evolution of careers has taken local talent to work in markets like New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Paris and many others. Evolution takes pride in guiding their talent in the right direction to find success on many different levels.

Scott Cooper; Evolution Talent Agency: Scott Cooper is the owner and Founder of Evolution Talent Agency. Cooper had been involved in the entertainment industry in many aspects from the age of 7 and wanted to take his experience and knowledge to help performers reach their full potential. Cooper started in theater as a young boy and became obsessed with the entire process. After graduating from Gardner Webb University with concentrations in theology, acting and music, Scott Cooper decided to pursue entertainment on a full time basis. Through his career, Cooper worked as a professional actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, manager, talent scout and manager. While living in New York, Cooper performed in Broadway Show AGENCY SPOTLIGHT tours and made many connections in the business. He then went to work as a performer, production and casting for Paramount/Viacom Parks. After realizing the great opportunities that were coming to North Carolina, Cooper returned to his roots in 2000 to work as a talent agent. Cooper launched the carrier of many celebrities which led him to work in Management in Los Angeles for a few years. Cooper now travels over 3 countries educating and auditioning up and coming talent and their families to help guide people down the path of success.

BEVERLY BROCK

Photo by All About That Face Photography

Miss November Peyton Money Scott Cooper 7

Success

Kennedy; Current Talent with Evolution "I was one of the original talents signed by Evolution as I was previously with another agency and when I heard Scott Cooper was starting his own agency, I knew I wanted to be represented and associated with anything that included him and his stellar name! I auditioned for his agency as soon as he was open for business and what I remember most is that he was very specific and direct with his suggestions and opportunities for improvement so I could be a candidate in many film and print categories. My daughter, Alexis, was in middle school at the time and wanted to venture into the modeling and acting world as well and he guided, directed and edited her career path effortlessly. Scott became a family member to our entire family and is the first on the list to be invited to our family gatherings as once you are with his agency, you are family. Over my career span with Evolution, I have been featured on the cover of two magazines, had speaking and non speaking roles in movies/commercials/tv shows, countless print catalogs and hosting gigs which gave me the confidence to host my own Television Show. Scott is truly a genius at making everyone feel confident and beautiful and having someone believe in me has given me the confidence to accomplish so much more than I would have ever accomplished without him. My best advice for other actors would be to take your craft seriously and do your homework. Take acting classes, improv classes and when you audition and do not land the job, ask for feedback. The old saying that practice makes perfect is true. Another bit of advice is BE YOURSELF! Unique is better than imposter and who does you better than YOU? One of my greatest accomplishments is being crowned Mrs. North Carolina America, International and United States and also Mrs. World Elite. Having the triple crown could never have been accomplished without the confidence and stage presence I learned from Evolution. The pageant world is a sisterhood and I have friends that are my "besties" from that sisterhood. Pageants are like Modeling Agencies as they both depend on you being your best, being prepared and owning the moment. Scott Cooper at Evolution was my guide, savior, mentor and life long friend and Evolution was "key" in many moments in my life!?

Debra is: Host of the Debra Kennedy Show (check out The Debra Kennedy Show on her You Tube Channel DebraLifestyle/Beauty Expert on NBC Charlotte Today, Fox Good Day Charlotte, WBBT Rising Columnist for Luxe Lifestyle Magazine Former Mrs. NC America, Mrs, NC International, Mrs. NC United States, Mrs. World Elite, Mrs. All-American Photo by Lenn Long

Melanie Mendez; Cur r ent Talent w it h Evolut ion

"I've been signed with Evolution for 4 and a half years, wild to think it's been that long. My husband and I were relocating from Montana to Charlotte, NC and I remember searching talent agencies, thinking I would love to get back into acting and modeling someday. I'm originally from Long Island, New York. I had taken a break from the arts after becoming a mommy right after graduating college and have a BFA, in Musical Theatre. I came across Evolution's website and remember thinking, this is who I want to work with. Their site was very polished and professional and I was able to read some great success stories, never did I imagine I would be one of them. Evolution has afforded me some wonderful opportunities in the industry, and my resume has grown tremendously. In 2017 I booked my first national television spot, co starring as "Denise Pena" on CBS's MacGyver. I have booked numerous commercials/industrials/ print campaigns and typically get rebooked regularly by some of their long standing clients. I've been able to create some great relationships in the industry and I feel so grateful to be living out my dreams. My advice to other actors, is to find a reputable agency to work with and really focus on adding value, being reliable, and building relationships within the industry. At the end of the day, your agent and their client want to know that you are easy to work with, and can show up and get the job done efficiently!?

Success

BEHIND THE SCENES

Julia Cornwell; Evolution Talent Agency: Julia moved to New York City from Mint Hill, North Carolina to attend Pace University and pursue her dreams in Broadcast. Having an acting background, she fell in love with entertainment news and interviewing during her time interning at a local news station in Charlotte. After graduating with a double Bachelor ?s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communications, Julia pursued her career while working in property management. She has been in multiple commercials, music videos, and entertainment television and radio shows. She is now the New Face Director at Evolution Talent Agency!

Beth Saunders; Evolution Talent Agency: Beth Saunders is currently the booking agent for the TV/Film/Commercial Divisions of Evolution Talent Agency. Evolution is a full service agency with offices in Charlotte and Atlanta. Evolution has been in business for over 18 years. We have discovered and placed talent all over the world. Some of our Talent alumni include: Supermodel Brooklyn Decker who is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Cover model and star of ?Just Go With it? starring opposite Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston. Jessica Stroup who Starred as Jennie Garth?s sister on the new ?Beverly Hills 90210? and Coy Stewart who is starring as Kevin on the TBS series ?Are We There Yet?? Since starting with Evolution, Beth has booked talent on The Broadway Tour of Lion King, The Walking Dead, Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, Nashville, MacGyver, Ozark, The Haunting of Hill House and several other projects. Over the past decade Evolution has gained the reputation of excellence. We are in the business of building careers from the ground up. Life is all about an evolution!

Amber Wright; Evolution Talent Agency: Amber Wright grew up in the entertainment industry. Watching her father perform in broadway shows, tours, etc. inspired her to be the agent she is today. One who supports and advances talent with a keen eye to know what it takes to help actors and models reach their goals and dreams. Amber has placed actors and models all over the world. You will see models placed by Amber in fashion shows from New York to Europe, modeling for huge fashion lines such as Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Isabel Marant, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Loewe, Longchamp, Jil Sander, Etro, Ferragamo, Missoni, Sacai Official and many more. Actors that Amber has placed can be seen on various TV Shows and Films. She is currently the Placements Director for actors and models at Evolution Models and Talent. 12

On The Cover

Miss Univer se Catr iona Gr ay

Catriona Gray of the Philippines took home the Miss Universe crown on December 16 in Bangkok, Thailand. She is the fourth woman representing the country to win the title. Born in Australia, Catriona rediscovered her Filipina roots as a young adult and officially made the move to Manila where she now calls home. Raised in a multicultural environment, Catriona?s father, originally from Scotland, immigrated to Australia as a child and her mother is a proud Filipina. Catriona received her Master Certificate in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music and shares that the arts have always been a part of her upbringing. As Miss Universe,

Catriona has many ambitions this year and creating music is on the forefront of her list. Combining her love for music with support for global communities, Catriona recently released her first single ?We?re in this Together ? to raise awareness for one organization close to her heart, Young Focus Philippine Catriona shares she never experienced poverty until her work with Young Focus, an organization that provides access to quality education and school sponsorships for children in Tondo Manila, one of the poorest neighborhoods within the country?s capital city. After working firsthand in the field with the organization and being

impacted to make a difference in the lives of children, Catriona has continued to advocate for the importance of education and how it can break the cycle of poverty for youth. Additionally, Catriona is an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, prevention and awareness after losing a close friend to the virus several years ago. She has worked with Love Yourself Philippines, an organization that offers free testing, education and treatment to those living with HIV/AIDS. As Miss Universe, Catriona will continue her work with HIV/AIDS and support several cause alliances of The Miss Universe organization throughout the year. Photos by Micheal Stewart Miss Universe Organization

I am a proud wife of a very loving husband and mother of 4 beautiful children. Two boys and two girls! My life goal is to continue be a positive role model to my children and prove to them that hard work does pay off, always give to those who can never repay you, and always BE KIND.

our plans are to continue to grow our small family business to serve our surrounding communities. I am also an active member of the West Grant Lioness Club which is a part of Lions Club International. Our group of ladies give countless hours to our local communities which focus on bettering the lives

I have been Registered Nurse for 23 years and it has always been my dream to be an influential leader and help others since I was a young child. I am now a Chief Nursing Officer Healthcare Executive for a rural medical center and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead such a dedicated health care team. In my professional career my ultimate goal is to become a Chief Executive Officer of a healthcare system

of children.

within the next 5 years.

international program.

My husband and I have owned an automotive repair business in his home town for over 16 years and

Most recently, I made the decision become an entrepreneur and Charli Bryn Beauty was born! Charli Bryn Beauty, affectionately

In 2016, I became the volunteer Director of Kids in Crisis of Southwest Wisconsin. Kids in Crisis is a nonprofit organization that provides children?s books to law enforcement and first responders to provide comfort to kids of all ages in times of trauma and crisis situations. My plans are to expand the program beyond Southwest Wisconsin to national and

Jenny Pritchett 16

named after my two beautiful daughters, is a small online business specializing in beauty products and beauty tips for all ages. Helping women feel confident and their absolute best is my goal! ?Live beautifully? Dream passionately? is the business motto. And I cannot forget to mention -Quote Author that I won two titles at the Miss Royalty International Pageant in July of this year! I am the proud to be your Mrs. Royalty America and Mrs. Royalty International Volunteer 2019! I had the highest score for volunteer work with over 500 hours of volunteering to win the international volunteer title. I am so honored to represent the Miss Royalty International system. My plans with my titles are to continue to bring awareness to inspiring others that you are never too busy to volunteer and inspire others? I am living proof of that!

Beyond the Beauty AUDREY BURRI 17

In The

Spotlight

Troy Fienhold-Haasis Troy Fienhold-Haasis, a native of eastern Iowa, attended Central College in Pella and the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Tech/Design Theater and Public Relations. After college, he worked over twelve years in the Formal Wear industry, seven years in office administration roles for several Omaha churches and spent over 25 years in the nonprofit, event-planning and fundraising sector. His belief that selfempowerment is important for young women of all ages has led him through many years of pageant involvement with numerous pageant systems. During the early 90?s, he served as a local director with the Miss America program in Nebraska, and again in the early 2000?s as a local director with the Miss America program in Iowa. A certified judge for the National American Miss (NAM) Pageants, he has also judged for the Mrs. Nebraska America, the Miss Nebraska (America), the Miss Iowa Amazing and International Junior Miss (IJM) Iowa/Nebraska/Minnesota pageant systems. 18

In 2014, he joined the Nationwide Pageant system as State Director for the Miss Iowa & Miss Nebraska Nationwide Pageants. In the summer of 2016, Troy transitioned into the new role of National Director of the Nationwide Pageant system and Executive Director of formed Nationwide Charitable Foundation. In the Spring of 2018, Troy was named as a official Board Member of The Positive Pageantry Movement. He is also the Founder/President at Crowning Achievement Consulting offering pageant coaching and image consulting. Troy is employed with Party City as a member of the management team in Council Bluffs and serves as a Civil Rights Commissioner on the Council Bluffs Civil Rights Commission. He is an avid news/social media junkie as well as a lifelong activist for Equality for all individuals! He and his husband, Jason, reside in Council Bluffs, Iowa 19

Fashion/Style 101 YOU HAD ME AT SHERRI HILL! By Audrey Burri, Miss North Carolina Teen America 2019 Who hasn?t dreamed of having her own fairy godmother sometime in her life? At some point, it is likely that most have imagined what it might be like to have the personal attention of a talented designer and a team of seasoned stylists, with access to top-quality fabrics and trimmings, and all coming together to create a unique outfit for some special occasion. Although no mice or pumpkins were involved, for a group of beauty queens from International Junior Miss and Miss Teen America, fairy tales recently came true in Austin, Texas, courtesy of the skillful, body-positive, and much celebrated designer, Sherri Hill. 20

Audrey Burri and Sherri Hill

Over the weekend of January 25, 2019, state and national queens from these two pageant systems, both under the Executive Directorship of Nikki Clark and Brand Management of Jessica Toussaint, met in Austin for three days of pageant-focused activities. The kickoff event was a private party held at Sherri Hill?s Headquarters on the 15th floor of a downtown Austin skyscraper, where the guests were treated to a backdrop that exemplified the meticulous detail that Sherri Hill is known for, including: delicious and artistically displayed food, a DJ and dancing, and an incomparable view of Austin at night from the famous pink couch! (insider scoop for Instagram watchers ? a new blue couch was scheduled to replace the iconic pink one the week after the party!). In addition, the party and weekend featured the chance to meet and work with many well-respected pageant experts such as: Bill Alverson, Lu Sierra, Kathy Whittaker, and Keith Pittman and his team from Lasting Impressions Formal Wear. If all this special treatment and fun was not enough, designer Sherri Hill herself hosted the Friday night party and, also, she and Keith Pittman hosted private appointments over the weekend, where the reigning state and national queens were able to try beautiful gowns and work with her, her team and the Lasting Impressions experts to customize a perfect dream dress, fun fashion, or both! 22

After spending a weekend with Sherri Hill, it?s no wonder that her name is synonymous with excellence in both style and craftsmanship. The same attention she uses to make sure her designs are innovative and accentuate the features of the wearer only heighten in a private appointment with her and Keith Pittman and his Lasting Impressions crew. What is more, despite her iconic position in the fashion world, it was evident that every phase of the process was significant to her. This attentiveness persisted notwithstanding the fact that the dress was meant to be worn by someone a ?tiny bit less? well-known than Kendall Jenner! The same steady, never-ending professionalism was the norm throughout the weekend, not only with Sherri Hill, but also with all the other experts featured in this one-of-a-kind event. It?s not hard to see why any pageant contestant would be as excited as I am to be working with such am remarkable group! Likewise, having the opportunity to work directly with the woman behind the iconic Sherri Hill brand has permanently made me a Sherri Hill girl. .

Su b-h eadin gs

NYFW Design er M elan ie Caballer o Photos by Shahgraphy

Design er Fu t u r e Yach t Ow n er s Model Grace Brown Photos by Dream Glam Production NY

Design er Car en K Model Grace Brown Photos by Aldo Antonia

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