THE EDGE VOL. 9 ISSUE 2 by The Edge Magazine

VOL. 9 ISSUE 2 ELON, NC

Power THE

ISSUE

ON THE COVER

women

POWERFUL OF ELON

Lead Like a Girl

GENER— ATION how yellow is taking over

FASHION this season

EXPLORE GENDER INEQUALITY in the BUSINESS WORLD

Gun Violence Elon’s Walkout

JOINING THE MOVEMENT 1

ERI N MCDOW EL L EDITOR IN CHIEF COFFEE ORDER:

Iced caramel latte with almond milk (or matcha!) SPRING TREND:

Plaid.

DREAM JOB:

Working at Man Repeller or an equally badass, feminist media company. MI RANDA L EVY CREATIVE DIRECTOR

COFFEE ORDER:

Soy Matcha Latte SPRING TREND:

Pops of yellow DREAM JOB:

Creative director at an architecture and interior design magazine.

S OP HIE ENG STYLE EDITOR

COFFEE ORDER:

SPRING TREND:

Iced almond milk latte

Jumpsuits

DREAM JOB:

Event planner or an editor at a New York magazine.

RACHE L KADING DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Cold Brew, Black Gingham

DREAM JOB:

Fashion journalist/ photographer at The New York Times.

JORDAN HS U BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR

COFFEE ORDER:

SPRING TREND:

Iced Soy Latte

Floral Jumpsuits

DREAM JOB:

National Geographic Photographer/ Videographer.

KATI E KAN E FASHION EDITOR

Turmeric Latte

Denim everything DREAM JOB:

PR for Birchbox.

MATT REICHENBACH FEATURES EDITOR

COFFEE ORDER:

SPRING TREND:

Kombucha

Tiny Sunglasses DREAM JOB:

Fashion editor at a magazine in New York City. 2

CAL LY CRO CCO DESIGN CHIEF

Dirty chai, extra filthy Printed shorts, colored tees DREAM JOB:

Feature writer at GQ Magazine .

THE EDGE Editor-in-Chief Erin McDowell Design Chief Cally Crocco Creative Director Miranda Levy Director of Photography Rachel Kading Style Editor Sophie Eng Assistant Editor Johanna Hilpuesch Senior Reporter Jenna Sachs Senior Reporter Madisen Johnson Senior Reporter Isabelle Shinsato Senior Reporter Meredith Touhy Fashion Editor Katie Kane Reporters Ellie Cook Aleeze Zinn Carey Spence Meaghan Corcoran Caroline Saviano Jocelyn Clendening Sydney Donaldson Beauty & Wellness Editor Jordan Hsu Assistant Editor Christina Mazziotta Reporter Alexandra Hamer Reporter Lane Kearney Reporter Claire Hatcher Online Reporter Katherine McGowan Features Editor Matt Reichenbach Reporter Sierra Leavenworth Reporter Melissa Beck Reporter Caroline Lane Designers Nicole Seay Jaria McGhee Grace Fessler Mary Richards Eliza Mosbarger Johanna Hilpuesch Photographers Julie Levine Kaylie Murphy Hannah Spears Joyce Llopis-Martell Contributors Hair and Makeup Devon Rosenberger, Alexandra Van Steyn Elizabeth Peterson Models Jaria McGhee, Rayna Mason, Megan Muller, Andrea Peters, Colby Wilson, Olivia James

The first half of 2018 has been a time of growth, reflection, and recharging, on a personal note and a professional one. The Women’s March, common sense gun reform movement, and more and more stories of #MeToo have confirmed one thing -- 2018 is shaping up to be the year of the woman. In honor of that, The Edge Magazine is so excited to present to you our “Power” issue. Whether your moment of inspiration this year was Black Panther (page 18), bold fashion trends (page 12), the natural hair movement (page 22), or female leaders across the globe (page 34), the “Power” issue aims to speak to everyone’s individual experiences with empowerment. In our cover story, we speak with four women on Elon’s campus who are leading the charge by starting their own businesses or creative projects, or by making a name for themselves on campus. Seniors Katy Bellotte and Morgan Bodenarain and juniors Kate Ulveling and Blaine Williamson truly embody what it means to be empowered in today’s age and how to empower others. We are so thrilled to celebrate all of the men, women, and intersectional individuals on Elon University’s campus who are owning their power and using it to make the world a better and more equal place. All my best,

THE POWER ISSUE 34

Meditation Made Easy Healthy in a Hurry Power Through Podcasts Gen-Z Yellow All the Guns in the World Black Panther Cheap is Trendy Beauty Look Book Live Simply Lead Like a Girl Power Dressing Girl Bosses of Elon Beauty Choices Power in Motion

06 08 10 12 16 18 20 22 24 28 31 34 42 45

24 5

M E D I TAT I O N M A D E E A S Y LANE KEARNEY

he days of looking at meditation as something for only hippies and free spirits are over. Meditation practices have become quite mainstream in recent years, as a real way to cope, and potentially cure anxiety and depression. As a college student, I know how overwhelming it can be trying to balance a full course load and a social life. In college it is easy to fall into a ritual of putting school work first, social life second, and in the process of all that losing time to focus on yourself, and how you are truly feeling. With that being said, not everyone has time to go to a therapist weekly or the funds to join a hot yoga studio, but I am here to tell you that focusing on improving your mental health doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. There has been plenty of research that has shown that mindfulness meditation can support greater emotional and physical wellbeing for those who take the time to practice it. Dictionary definitions of meditation can be defined as, “the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a momentto-moment basis.” Simply stated, mindfulness meditation is the practice of sitting comfortably in a space that you find relaxing, focusing on your breathing, and trying to bring your mind to find peace with the present. Allowing your mind to focus solely on the now is not as easy as it sounds, but do not panic if you find your brain wandering. Meditation includes acknowledging thoughts and sensations as they arise, so as long as you are being mindful of the thoughts that are popping into your head as you go along, you are still practicing the art of meditation. As simple and easy as it sounds, this practice has been found to do wonders for our bodies and our mind; meditation can replace medication, enhance your immune function, activate positive

emotion in your brain, and improve your overall mental health. So how can you gain these benefits as easy as possible? The easiest way to meditate is to add it into your morning routine. Follow that anxiety inducing alarm clock with a short meditation session to start your day. When I first started meditating it seemed impossible for me to do it on my own. I would do two days in a row, then forget, and not do it again for weeks, luckily, with a touch of a finger, I was able to make meditating an attainable, daily goal. There are several meditation apps that can transform any space into your own personal yoga studio. My two favorite apps are Calm and Headspace. With Headspace you are able to track your meditation routine and over time, your daily practice turns into a habit. The app was created by a Buddhist monk named Andy Puddicombe who has poured his heart and soul into it. Headspace is a perfect app for beginners who want to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. The app Calm is more about learning different meditation techniques. The application contains guided meditations that will help you find a meditation technique that works for you. Calm comes with nature sounds and background music that will help anyone find their inner zen in minutes. Our mental health doesn’t just affect how we feel everyday, it affects everything about our lives. Being the best version of you is what matters most and it doesn’t have to break the bank or disrupt your dayto-day life. All it takes is minutes of being mindful; mindful of your breath, mindful of your thoughts, and mindful to the area that surrounds you. So find your favorite spot on campus, whether it be under your favorite tree, or on your bedroom floor, and just breathe, it can change your life.

CHRISTINA MAZZIOTTA

t’s a normal morning: You slept through your snooze button of your alarm and suddenly your mascara is all over your face and you barely have enough time to put your shoes on, let alone eat breakfast. Yes, mornings can be hectic but we too often pass breakfast for a handful of dry sugary cereal or a couple sips of coffee that’ll lead to a crash mid morning. Roll your eyes, but yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Getting in something sustainable will keep your energy up and increase attention, memory, and processing. It kick-starts your metabolism and increases your concentration. On-the-go doesn’t have to mean you have to be limited to cereals, granola bars, and coffee shop pastries. Prepping a few simple meals the night before will save you the trouble of rushing out the door because they are perfectly portable and quick to grab. The other benefit of meal prepping? You’ always have something ready for each day of the week, no thinking required. You will save yourself time and sleep the next morning -- so go on, hit snooze. Nut Butter Bars are perfect for all the vegans out there. There’s no cooking involved which makes it a quick 10 minute prep. You will surely stay full and you can use your choice of nut butter for some added protein to the fiber and seeds. Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bark is like a breakfast parfait but without the mess. Greek yogurt gives you twice the protein and granola is an added bonus of fiber. Add your favorite fruit and you’re all set. Egg Muffins are basically an omelette on the go. They are packed with protein that will sustain you throughout the day and you can customize it with any of your favorite toppings.

No Bake Nut Butter Bar Dry Ingredients: · 1 3/4 C rolled oats · 1 C crisp puffed brown rice cereal · 1/4 C pumpkin seeds · 1/4 C sunflower seeds · 1/4 C chia seeds Wet Ingredients: · 1/4 C unsweetened coconut oil · 1/2 C brown rice syrup · 1/3 C peanut butter or nut butter Instructions: · Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix together. · In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients, then microwave them for about 20 to 30 seconds. · Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix! Keep mixing until everything is well combined. · Put the mixture into a shallow pan and flatten it down. Place pan in fridge to let the bars set. · After about 30 minutes in the fridge cut them into bars, then wrap them up in foil or a plastic bag and store back in the fridge for easy grabbing and go-ing!

Breakfast Egg Muffin Ingredients: · 6 eggs · 1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice · 1 cup chopped spinach · 1 cup red pepper · Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: · Preheat oven to 350°F and spray muffin pan with non-stick spray. · Whisk together eggs. · Add in veggies and combine. · Pour the egg mixture into each muffin tin. · Sprinkle cheese on top. · Bake for 15-20 minutes. · Let cool and store in container.

Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bark Ingredients: · 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt · 3 tbsp maple syrup · 1/2 cup your choosing of granola · 1/2 cup blueberries · 3 to 4 strawberries, sliced Instructions: · Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. · Mix Greek yogurt and syrup in a bowl until combined. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. · Top with granola, blueberries, and strawberries. · Cover the baking sheet with a piece of aluminum foil. Place in the freezer for two hours, or overnight, until the bark is frozen. · Slice into desired squares and put into plastic bags. 9

hether you’re walking across campus to class, commuting to and from work or just relaxing in bed, any time is a good time to listen to a podcast. From murder mysteries to foodies chatting over a meal, podcasts have become the newest obsession across the country. Women have taken the reigns in the podcast trend and are coming together with their friends to talk about some of the world’s biggest issues, especially those that affect women. So if you’re looking for a pick-meup or an info sesh that’s a little more exciting than your nightly news, here’s a list of some of the best podcasts — for women, by women:

STUFF MOM NEVER TOLD YOU – Emilie Aries and Bridget Todd Co-hosts, Emilie and Bridget keep it real in this podcast that analyzes the ever-changing challenges that women, both past and present, face. With the help of research and history, they develop strategic solutions with the goal of aiding women in furthering their lives and careers. Tune into their episodes every Wednesday and Friday on Spotify or on the Apple Podcast app.

in experts each week to discuss their current topic. With guests like Emma Roberts and Sophia Bush, this witty and fun podcast covers the importance of being mindful from various perspectives. Their podcast can be found on the Apple Podcast app.

3. GIRLBOSS RADIO - Sophia Amoruso

The #GirlBoss herself Sophia Amoruso is the host of this honest podcast. With hilarious guests who, like Sophia, are pushing the boundaries of gender norms, this podcast helps to redefine what it means to be successful. Tune in every Monday and Sunday on Spotify to get solid advice on how you can find your inner #GirlBoss.

4. BANG!

- Melody Thomas Based out of New Zealand, host Melody Thomas looks at social norms surrounding sex and the “hookup culture.” She starts at the very beginning with the birds and the bees talk before moving on to more mature topics, like how having children can impact your relationship and how our sex drive changes as we get older. Find her podcast on the Apple Podcast app.

5. #LIKEAGIRL THAT’S SO RETROGRADE – Elizabeth Cosmetics brand Always has created their very

Kott and Stephanie Simbari own podcast stemming from their ad campaign, With a focus on personal wellness, this podcast, hosted #LikeAGirl. Their #LikeAGirl squad, which includes by Elizabeth Kott and Stephanie Simbari, brings Youtuber Hannah Witton and Alesha Dixon, take 10

on the tough conversations about confidence and fear of failure. Always has teamed up with female influencers to empower and inspire young women to take risks and use their failure as fuel to keep moving forward. Check out their four weekly episodes on the Apple Podcast app.

to unpack some of life’s biggest existential questions. While not as rowdy and witty as some of the other podcasts, Krista makes you think and really brings to light some questions we never knew we had. Tune in every Sunday at 6 a.m. or find her episodes on the Apple Podcast app or Soundcloud.

6. RADIO CHERRY BOMBE - Kerry Diamond 9. WHY OH WHY Host and founder of the magazine Cherry Bombe has created a podcast where she embraces her love for food by talking to female powerhouses in the world of food. From cookbook authors to chefs and bakers, Kerry covers all areas of the food world, while also taking the time to get advice from these influential women about how they made it so big. Tune into Apple Podcasts to not only get advice, but also great cooking tips!

7. UNLADYLIKE - Cristen Conger and

Caroline Ervin Previously the hosts of “Stuff Your Mom Never Told You,” Cristen and Caroline have created their own show, which encourages women, both young and old, to use their voices. In an interview with Forbes, Cristen said that, “through the stories of the women, girls, and non-binary folks we talk with...as well as with the topics we unpack, we want women and girls especially to hear that they are valid, worthy and selfdetermined, regardless of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from.” Tune in every Tuesday and hear them smash the patriarchy one episode at a time. Episodes are available on Spotify or the Apple Podcast app.

8. ON BEING

- Andrea Silenzi With her weekly podcasts on the ever-growing relationship between sex and technology, host Andrea Silenzi hits home with her young Millennial audience. In one episode, she goes in depth on the workings behind the dating app, Bumble by talking to focus groups about whether or not they think it really lives up to its reputation. Although they’re taking a break from the weekly podcasts this year, you can still find all of her episodes from 2017 on the Apple Podcasts app.

10. NERDETTE W- Tricia Bobeda and

Greta Johnsen We all get nerdy about something, whether it’s our love for science fiction movies or even our obsession for Queen Bey. This podcast is perfect for those nerdy moments and hosts Tricia Bobeda and Greta Johnsen are more than happy to gush about it with you. This show covers a range of topics from your favorite authors to the mysteries of space. Tune in to their episodes every Friday and nerd out, or find their shows on Soundcloud or Apple Podcasts.

Krista Tippett This Peabody award-winning show questions and analyzes some of life’s biggest questions. Host Krista Tippett talks with an incredible range of guests, from scientists and theologians to artists and philosophers,

KATIE KANE | FASHION EDITOR

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year, springtime. Odds are as soon as the weather starts turning, you will find yourself being drawn to those same old pastel pinks and baby blues. But to get out of this constant, same old spring wardrobe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to try something new. Aim to make your wardrobe not only fresh, but bold with an alternative color from the typical season palette you and everyone else are so accustomed to. This spring give yellow a shot.

Z S

orry ladies, but black is out. Color is seemingly a powerhouse in the springtime. This season let yellow accessories and clothing be a statement in your looks. Have fun with the color whether you are wearing a statement piece or dressing an outfit up with yellow sunnies. Let your warm, spring outfits help you embrace that sunshine state of mind.

ALL THE GUNS IN THE WORLD

MELISSA BECK

n Wednesday, March 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:17 a.m, students all over the world closed their mouths and opened their hearts. Reading the names of the 17 victims from the Parkland High School shooting, these students honored the qualities and aspirations that made the victims incredible human beings that will be dearly missed. As part of the National School Walkout, every high school around the country, including some colleges, participated in a walkout to pressure Congress to approve gun control legislation preventing more lives from being lost.

Since the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, there have been over 100 school shootings. It is an issue that remains in the back of people’s minds but has yet to be fixed. The news of the shooting in Parkland was evidence of that. 17 lives were lost and people all across the country mourned, even though it all could have been avoided.

“I can tell you exactly what happened,” said Scottlyn Goodman, a Florida native who grew up close to Parkland and knew many people in the high school during the shooting. “I got a text from my friend because her cousin goes there and asked if everyone I knew there was okay. And I was like ‘yeah, of course “I think a lot of young people today feel as if they are not everyone I know is okay, why?’ being heard,” says Jordan Levine, one of the organizers of the Elon walkout, “But it’s unifying to participate in “She said, ‘no in Parkland.’ And my stomach just dropped. something that is bigger than us--something that so I ran the rest of the way back to my dorm and turned on many of our peers are also taking part in.” the news and everything around me stopped. 16

“I texted everyone I could and I texted my dad cause he works for the news and I literally just sat there and didn’t move. I couldn’t move. It was so surreal. I just couldn’t move.” Goodman’s reaction was like many others— speechless. This devastating event caused a massive uproar that could not go unnoticed or unheard. On top of the marches and protests being organized across the country, a national protest is set to occur on March 24, the March of Our Lives.

realistically, they can happen anywhere. I don’t know what the solution is, but I think it’s important that we engage in conversation and deliberative dialogue in order to hear points of view different from our own and work should have together to develop a solution.”

“No one to lose their daughter, son, brother, sister, father or mother because of how easy it is to own automatic firearms.”

Goodman was one of the women who spoke at the Elon walkout, along with Jordan Levine, Sarah Jane McDonald and Micalah Collins. They all felt compelled to bring the walkout to campus and worked to bring our community together. “I had mentioned to a group of people that I wanted to do it,” Goodman said.“I emailed so many people about it and a girl named Jordan Levine reached out and was really interested in it and we met and kinda talked about what we wanted to do and yeah! It’s gonna be something super simple so we hope a lot of people do it.” Goodman got her wish. Over 100 Elon students joined together this morning in silence to pay their respect to those who lost their lives. With the walkout and the march on the 24th, people are begging for change. The question on everyone’s mind is how do we permanently prevent this from happening in the future?

Whether the decision is to pass the gun control legislation or to put more protection in every single high school around the U.S, something has to change. As a country, steps should be taken to start listening to the pain and suffering of those who have died due to gun violence and those who have to live on without them. No one should have to lose their daughter, son, brother, sister, father or mother because of how easy it is to own automatic firearms. Gun violence is everywhere: not just in schools, but on streets, in public places, and in homes. It is right in front of our eyes yet is pushed away due to the amount of fear and grief that comes with truth. But the country must face it, for one child will always be worth more than all the guns in the world.

s r e y a r p & s t h g u o th policy & change

“I think it’s important that something changes”, Levine said. “For me, the goal is safe schools and safe spaces. While a lot of the shootings that have been in the news have happened in schools, 17

AN ORIGIN STORY OF BLACK EXCELLENCE

“

MATT REICHENBACH | FEATURES EDITOR

Wakanda forever!” shouts actor Chadwick Boseman, donning the Black Panther mantle in Marvel’s “Black Panther.” With a soundtrack spearheaded by Kendrick Lamar, a majority black cast and massive lines out of every theatre in America, it was clear that “Black Panther” was going to make cinematic history. Narrative elements in the movie served well to blend together traditional elements in superhero movies with those of African culture, illustrated in the Black Panther’s background and origin story. Hailing from Wakanda, the most advanced and technological nation in Africa, the Black Panther is a man who has been endowed with abilities from a heart-shaped herb after sparring with members of other tribes to earn the right to drink the herb. This, in combination with spiritual abilities from the Wakandan Panther Goddess, Bast, grants the Black Panther superior mental and physical capabilities. T’Challa is the current Black Panther and king of Wakanda. The majority black cast was also illustrative that movies with black casts can do just as well, if not better than movies with all-white casts. Generating over 704 million in box office revenue and scoring 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, there is no denying that “Black Panther” has garnered immense success and represents a turning point in how the black community is portrayed in Hollywood and American media. Ever since T’Challa’s debut in “Captain America: Civil War,”

fans desperately wanted an origin story centered around the Black Panther– the first origin story of a black superhero with African descent in the Marvel Comic universe. For many in the black community, it was a defining moment in their cinematic experiences. By having a majority black cast, being directed by a black director, Ryan Coogler, and having a story driven by a black superhero, the narrative was focused and built to empower. Features editor Matt Reichenbach spoke to students and faculty on campus about how the movie empowered them, and represents a turning point in American cinema for the black community here at Elon, and further abroad.

“

When a film puts the pieces together correctly, it shows there’s success with films dealing with themes about people of color... I like the dynamics of it being a futuristic aspect but also staying true to traditional African beliefs, practices and rituals.” – Naeemah Clark, Associate Professor of Communications “To be able to come into a theatre and sit down for two hours and just watch people who look like me do heroic things and be regarded with respect is very important to me. It’s about the differences in being African versus African American. Being a black person who’s from an advantageous socioeconomic background, it’s about what I’m doing to help my people who aren’t as privileged as I am. Am I going to ride for my brothers and sisters who haven’t had the opportunities that I have? This was a story about an African country that hasn’t been affected by colonialism at all; slaves were never taken from there. Particularly as black Americans, our histories are thought to begin when we were taken away during the transatlantic slave trade. Finally there are people who I can root for that look like me, who aren’t slaves or who aren’t continually emotionally traumatized on stage. They are normal people.” – Raechel Brunson, junior creative writing and acting major

AND THOUGHTS FROM THE ELON COMMUNITY “There’s a lack of black representation, a lack of black role models in media outside of being an athlete or music artist. This film provides role models for young, black people to aspire to be. Films that have predominantly black casts are thought of not being able to do well. It challenges that narrative.” – Halaj Mack, junior philosophy major

” 19

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SECONDHAND SHOPPING

SIERRA LEAVENWORTH

avigating the world of fashion and new trends in college can be tough, especially when having to factor in other expenses such as books, housing, food, interviews and more. But what about when you need a stylish outfit for a lunch date or an interview? In some cases, clothing is just as important as other expenses. Therefore, budgeting is key for a college student wanting to match the hottest new trends. But how does one go about budgeting? How can you pop some tags just like Macklemore? With this comes the college student’s guide to secondhand shopping. Become an expert on where to visit, how to sell and what to look out for. Online shopping can be a black hole sometimes. It can suck you in and can spit you back out with nothing left in your bank account. It’s scary, it’s addicting, but it’s manageable. It’s fun to look up the newest trends on Topshop or Urban Outfitter’s websites, but it’s not so fun to get one item that costs your whole budget. That’s why I call these research sites. The first step is to find inspiration for outfits on these sites but then navigate through second hand sites like Poshmark of ThredUP to get similar or even the same items within your budget.

own. Users can bid on one item or a bundle in someone’s online closet. Sophomore student, Kristin Leechow explained how and why she became a “Posher” and how the process works. “I sell any clothes that I do not need or want anymore that are still in good condition or even with new tags,” Leechow said. “I buy anything that I find at a good price, meaning it’s cheaper than what I knew it had been in the store.” Leechow has been an avid second-hand shopper since starting college. She even packed up half her closet and brought it in bags to Plato’s Closet at the end of last year in order to make room for a new wardrobe. “I like buying second-hand items because it’s a lot more sustainable than buying new things,” Leechow said. “But don’t get me wrong, I love new items as well.” Leechow said that she likes to look out for unique buys on sites like Poshmark. Specifically stuff that can be considered rare, hard to find or expensive in stores.

“I actually just found exclusive Disney parks merchandise from the Tokyo and Paris parks for face Poshmark is an online shopping platform that connects value that would typically cost double on different users to sellers with styles and “closets” similar to their platform like eBay Inc.,” Leechow said. 20

Leechow explained that using Poshmark is super easy because things happen instantaneously. Once an item is purchased, the seller gets a notification. Then, the seller can pack up the item and print the shipping label within the same day. “I’m super into thrifting on Etsy because you can find vintage items on there,” Leechow said. “I also like Elon Closet Exchange for quick finds. It’s a cool platform to have right on campus.”

seller and buyer themselves,” Renfro said. “We simply provide a platform that gets a lot of foot traffic and then if someone is interested, it is their responsibility to reach out to the seller.” Renfro is a fan of small boutiques and thrift stores also because of unique finds for lower prices than bigger name brands. One of her favorites is ASOS marketplace, which provides an eclectic mix of vintage clothes from various independent sellers or boutiques.

Elon Closet Exchange is a Facebook group created by Sophomores Emma Renfro and Darby Cochran during their freshman year. Elon students use this platform to buy and sell trendy clothes, shoes and accessories. The page currently has over 1,000 members.

“We honestly didn’t think that our idea would take at first,” Renfro said. “We were freshmen when we first made it and there were a limited number of people we knew. We have been thinking we should advertise more and promote the page, but what is nice is that it has kind of taken on a life of its own and has spread “Honestly it was no ‘Aha!’moment or crazy story for and expanded by word of mouth.” how we came up with the idea,” Renfro said. “We were just sitting in our room one weekday night and we were Elon Closet Exchange is just one avenue for secondboth talking about how much returning clothes were a hand shopping around Elon. There are thrift stores pain and how we would forget and waste money. The such as Goodwill and Salvation Army on South Church idea manifested as a way to empty our closet of things Street. However, online platforms like Poshmark, that still had tags on them or that were just taking up ThreadUP or Etsy are deemed to be more convenient space.” and cost friendly. Items sold on the Elon Closet Exchange page are either slightly used or new with tags. Renfro says that big name brands like Converse, Free People and Urban Outfitters, tend to be picked fairly quickly.

Thrifted items can make for a unique and budgeted wardrobe that is unlike anyone else’s. For more individuality, take second-hand items and add paint, fringing and other detailing for even more personalization.

“The best thing about being the creator of Elon Closet Exchange is that a lot of the selling process is left to the So what are you waiting for? Go pop some tags!

BEAUTY LOOK BOOK CLAIRE HATCHER

Bold looks have been immortalized by many wellknown women and men throughout history — just think of Marie Antoinette’s signature powdered, pastel-flushed face. Frida Kahlo’s unibrow paired with flower-adorned hair have become iconic. Twiggy’s meticulously separated lower lashes also come to mind. Even David Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, boasted a bold makeup look! Such looks have the power to resonate strongly with others. Below are four different looks that embody the grace of bold looks. They are powerful, refreshing, and achievable by all!

HAIR LOOK #1 This first hairstyle is a twist on HAIR LOOK #2 This hair was loosely inspired your average ponytail. While braids have always been a practical style, this look literally uses a braid as the centerpiece of the style. A sectionedoff Dutch braid centered on the top of your head adds an unexpected element to the look. The look is finished off with a teased high pony to tie the rest of the style together.

by the fierce and powerful Octavia Blake from CW’s The 100. Her hair is usually styled into a half-up half-down look, with various braids incorporated in. After curling the hair, run your fingers or a wide tooth comb through it to give it a more natural feel. The top portion of the hair is sectioned off and pulled back, with two small braids running along either side.

MAKEUP LOOK #1 The first look is a copper smokey eye. Naturally, darker colors that you traditionally see in a smokey eye are going to draw attention, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the incorporation of a copper/gold color that really makes this look pop.

MAKEUP LOOK #2 This next look is all about precision. Winged eyeliner always adds a nice touch to any look, but this look goes to the next level and concentrates on a clean cut crease to emphasize the shape of the eye. With the release of a colorful eyeshadow palette, Kim Kardashian West and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, it is clear that bold eyeshadow is a go! Using a brown in the crease adds depth and drama to the look. For this look, we recommend using a felt tip eyeliner to give you more control when applying it.

‘LIVE SIMPLY’

ELON STUDENT RENOVATES A BUS INTO A TINY HOME IN HONOR OF HER BROTHER KATIE KANE | FASHION EDITOR

egan Donahue stares at the old Chevy bus that is now her own. To most people, the 22-year-old bus is a piece of garbage, but to Donahue, it is a blank canvas. She remembers picking it out at the Wheely Mart in Graham over the summer. She had been looking around Alamance County for the perfect bus for her project. When she came across the 1996, 11-seater Chevy activity bus in Graham, her first instinct was to purchase the bus and get to work right away.

Michael, who always believed in living simply. From a very young age, Donahue has always had a passion for creating and designing. She has never been interested in a traditional career path. A desk job was never an option. Her love of interior design and creating runs in the family. Donahue’s mother Lisa Donahue works in interior design and is a large source of inspiration for Donahue.

“I’ve grown up around it,” Donahue said. “I was actually Donahue plans to renovate the bus and turn it into in her stomach when she was taking the [interior a tiny home, complete with a bed, fridge, stove top, design classes] so I overheard. That’s my theory. couch and seating and bar area. I was listening.” “I know nothing about cars,” Donahue said. “I would’ve bought a tent on wheels if I had the opportunity because I just wanted to do it so bad.” Donahue has always had a passion for interior design. She has never had a shortage of dreams or ideas, but what she needed was a place to start. “I want to flip houses,” Donahue said, “but I couldn’t afford a house and my mom said, ‘find something you can afford and we’ll back you up,’ so I found a bus.”

Her mother has always supported Donahue’s passion and has let her help out with her own projects. Donahue saw her mother use interior design to help people and to create spaces that foster a positive lifestyle. “She worked with one client who hoarded clothes hangers and filled her garage,” Donahue said, “so everyday my mom would give her a job like, get rid of a trash bag of hangers and the woman would have mental breakdowns. Then she would change the house and the woman would be so happy. After I saw that, I really got into it because that was so cool.”

Although the project seems like it is just a renovation, the bus will serve two very important purposes for Donahue was fascinated by every aspect of the design Donahue. It will allow her to jump start her career, process. Lisa Donahue was happy to have her daughter and it will be a tribute to her best friend and brother help her with projects and explore her passion. 24

“She’s always wanted to help me,” Lisa Donahue said. “Even though I’ve been doing this for years, I really value her opinion.”

my favorite part. Everyday is a beach day.” Donahue spent her days with her brother Michael and their friends, running around town and making up games and traditions that would carry them through the summers.

Lisa Donahue fondly remembers projects that her daughter would help her with back where Donahue grew up in Cape Cod. “When it was low tide we would go and find scallop shells,” Donahue said. “That was our huge thing, we Before moving to Graham, NC in 2014, Donahue was really loved doing that. We would go out, walk on the born and raised in Eastham, MA with her brother flats, take our dogs out there. Every night we’d have a Michael. Donahue loved growing up in the small bonfire in the park that was an empty lot. We’d pull up community. The ocean was never too far and her picnic tables with Christmas lights. We still do it every summers beach days were never long enough. night I’m back there.” “You can hear seagulls everywhere,” Donahue said. Donahue recalls how close she was with her brother. “Seagulls and hydrangeas are a huge thing. It’s a lot of The two were only two years apart and were always happiness. Everyone is so happy in the summer. That’s spending time with each other. 25

“They had been inseparable since the second he was He never asked for much and enjoyed the simple born,” Lisa Donahue said. “They were best, best friends. things in life. While other kids his age were focused They did everything together.” on their phones, Michael found comfort and happiness sleeping outside in the woods or just sharpening a Lisa Donahue felt lucky to have a son and a daughter stick, Donahue said. who loved each other so much and were both so considerate of one another and their family. Michael’s last tweet, posted a day before his death, said, “It’s the simple things in life that make life worth living.” After moving to Graham, the Donahues returned to Cape Cod every summer. Donahue and her brother Among the grief and pain, Donahue found solace were free to return to their treasured beach days. in this thought. She carries this mantra with her everyday. This was the catalyst and On their last day in Cape Cod in 2015, the ultimate reason why Donahue Michael took his moped out for a ride “It’s the simple found herself buying an old bus at during the day. He was headed to the the Wheely Mart in Graham. things in life that beach to meet some of their friends. “I have this whole idea of living life make life worth Michael was hit by a car at the end of simply and there is no other way their street on his way to the beach. He to live more simply than in a bus,” living.” died on August 14, 2015. The family Donahue said. “So I bought the bus was devastated. and I’m going to make the bus titled, ‘Living simply.’” Michael was a kind and free spirit, Donahue recalls. He was always outside and constantly looking for For the next few months, Donahue will devote her free new adventures. time to turning this bus into a fully-functioning home on wheels in honor of her brother. “We think the world didn’t have enough to offer him,” Donahue said. “The thrill was never enough. He had “We were super close,” Donahue said. “He was like my no fear. He was the coolest kid in school, but he’s also best friend, so if I can honor him in any way or making the kind of person who would go sit with the person him proud it would be through something like this.” alone at lunch.” 26

The bus has acted as an outlet for Donahue. It helps get her mind off of the pain. The project has become a type of therapy for her, allowing her to focus on her passion and feel more connected to Michael in the process.

together and to see what comes next. “Even though it’s a small dream,” Donahue said, “it’s actually huge because it can transform into something big.”

“It’s just one more thing to keep her mind off of what’s going on around her,” Lisa Donahue said. “Megan puts She is excited to do this for her brother. With every step on a happy face but there is a lot going on.” of this project, she thinks of her brother, his spirit and how she can best incorporate his ‘live simply’ message Donahue plans on finishing the bus this summer and into the bus. She knows he would love the project. hopes to sell it at the Saxapahaw bluegrass festivals. Her parents support the project completely and are “I think he’d think it was awesome.” Donahue said. proud of Donahue’s drive and passion. “That’s the one thing I wish he could see. That’s probably the reason why I haven’t gotten so into it because Donahue will work on the bus throughout the spring I wish I could do it with him. I really want him and is looking forward to seeing the space come to be a part of it.”

Lead

LIKE A GIRL

JOHANNA HILPUESCH | ASSISTANT STYLE EDITOR “I HAVE CHOSEN TO NO LONGER BE APOLOGETIC FOR MY FEMALENESS AND MY FEMININITY. AND I WANT TO BE RESPECTED IN ALL OF MY FEMALENESS BECAUSE I DESERVE TO BE.” — CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE

hat does it really mean to do something “like a girl?”

Research has shown that Fortune 500 companies with the highest representation of female board directors have significantly more financial success. Studies have shown that women, on average, score higher overall in emotional intelligence than men — a quality which is an important aspect of leadership ability. Gender diversity in leadership roles amounts to a greater diversity of thought, leading to higher levels of problem-solving and creative thinking. According to a survey done by Pew Research Center, female executives in comparison to male executives, are perceived as being more honest and ethical, more open to providing fair pay and good benefits, better at providing guidance and mentorship to young employees and better at acting as an effective spokesperson for the company. When it comes to government, researchers found in 2015 that women are better at making deals in the Senate than their male counterparts, proving that female leaders are more collaborative.

Today’s women are better educated than men — 38 percent of women ranging from ages 25-32 have at least a four-year college degree, compared to only 31 percent of men. All of these statistics considered, women face a surprising number of obstacles — stretching further than just the gender pay gap — when it comes to succeeding in the business world compared to their male counterparts. 28

Even though women make up 47 percent of the labor workforce, they make up only about 15 percent of executive officers and 5 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs.

IN THE HISTORY OF FORTUNE 500, ONLY FEMALE CEOs HAVE MADE THE LIST. As a young woman entering the business world in the next two years, it is disheartening to hear that given statistics on our success when we are given equal opportunities, we are still underrepresented as leaders. The 2016 Census found that white women earn just 81.8 percent of their male counterparts. This figure is even worse for women of color, with African-American women at 60% of the white man’s salary and Hispanics at 55%. According to a study done by 99designs on entrepreneurship, male entrepreneurs were twice as likely as women to fundraise $100,000 or more for their start-ups and twice as likely to have two or more employees despite the fact that men and women face many of the same start-up challenges, fundraise and start businesses in the same way.

SO, WH ER E IS TH E D ISPAR IT Y ?

A portion of the inequalities between women and men in the workplace stem from women holding themselves back for a number of reasons. Many women fear that professional mistakes will define their character. This fear of failure affects a woman’s ability to succeed because she will be less likely to voice opinions, give ideas and take risks than her male counterparts. In addition to a fear of failure, some women experience stereotype threat and believe that the stereotypes about females being less equipped to be successful are true. While these stereotypes are certainly not accurate, it becomes somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy in which women succumb to these ideas, squashing their potential. Rather than allowing fear and acceptance of stereotypes to dictate female success in the business world, women must break through the barriers and take definitive steps to fully assert themselves. ASK FOR FEEDBACK AND DON’T BE OFFENDED IF IT’S NEGATIVE. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, has a Ted Original Podcast called “How to love criticism” — it dives into the idea that learning to accept and even enjoy receiving negative criticism is one of the most efficient tips in cultivating a business’s success. TRUST YOUR GUT. More often than not, your initial thoughts about something are correct. Whether it’s changing an answer on a test only to discover that your initial answer was correct *groan* or deciding to tell your best friend what you really think of her new guy, your gut reaction to a situation is usually right. 29

SPEAK UP. You have to feel comfortable voicing your opinions and understand that people will disagree with you. You should be surrounded by people who disagree with you all the time because that’s how the best solutions arise. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE A MISTAKE. This is a hard one — nobody likes messing up. But understanding that mistakes are the only way to improve is the first step. “Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure.” — Napoleon Hill Our very own Editor-in-Chief, Erin McDowell, has some feedback and tips on being a female leader. In addition to being The Edge’s Editor-In-Chief, Erin is a community coordinator for Local Wolves, a magazine based out of Southern California. JOHANNA HILPUESCH: What are some of the biggest challenges for women in leadership roles? ERIN McDOWELL: I would say the biggest challenge is being taken seriously but not coming on too strong — there is the age-old saying of men who are strong and spitfire but when women do the same, they are criticized as being “too emotional.” Also, women have been socialized to care about people’s feelings and we never want to make anyone upset. So, translating that to a professional setting where you need to let people down can be challenging. JH: What do you think are the key differences in how men and women lead? EM: I would say men have always been taught to view themselves as leaders whereas for women it has kind of been this awakening throughout history of women’s movements and those moments of empowerment we’re seeing a lot of right now. Women are confident in what they have to offer but it comes from a place of rejecting what we’ve been told in the past whereas men are just following what they’ve been taught. JH: What do you think women could improve upon to advance their careers? EM: Having confidence in yourself and what you personally have to offer the world that is different from everyone else. That’s what is going to take you really far, whether you’re a woman or a man or however you identify, recognizing what makes you unique and making yourself an asset to a company will work out in your favor. JH: What holds you back the most when it comes to being a female leader? EM: I definitely need to work on not automatically jumping to “I’m so sorry!” when something happens. Whenever anything happens, I freak out and feel so guilty but it’s never as big of a deal as I think it is. Learning to take a breath and realizing that not everyone is going to be mad at me is a big step.

Lead

IT’S TIME TO

LIKE A GIRL.

KATIE KANE | FASHION EDITOR

o you ever wish you could turn back time and do something all over again? There are many moments in life where it is important to present yourself in the best light possible. A first impression is something you can never take back; you can prepare, study and stress about these events, but we all know, things can go very right or very wrong. Never fear we have compiled a list to get you a sure-fire first impression right off the bat. Looking the part, dressing your best, and feeling comfortable and confident in your look is the first step to getting what you want and being successful. These five staple outfits are guaranteed to get you what you want and be successful. Being confident and comfortable is key, and if you find a mix between the two you are ready to face the world.

LOOK 1 - WEDDING The rule for wedding attire used to be to steer clear of red, black and white. As time has passed, black and red are deemed acceptable, but white will forever be left off limits. Cocktail style dresses are perfect for weddings both indoor and outdoor. Remember to stay comfortable and find a dress you can dance in. Glamorous accessories like big earrings and a sparkle clutch are perfect. End the look with shoes you can have a good time in (and walk in), and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wedding ready!

LOOK 2 - FIRST DATE

LOOK 3 - WORK PARTY

It’s about time we take the nerves out of a first date Meeting someone new could lead to great things and many new opportunities. The most important thing for a first date is to be comfortable and yourself! A tip is to dress in what you would normally wear to class, or out to dinner with fiends, but add a fun accessory to be a conversation piece.

The best kind of parties are those surrounded by your coworkers and boss, right? One of the perks is making new friends and attending company parties. Dressing well for these events is especially important because you are representing your organization. If you’re heading to the event directly after your job, keep heels and a fun jacket to add to your work look to transition to night-time style. Add a bold lip color and you’ll be good to go!

LOOK 4 - JOB INTERVIEW

LOOK 5 - MEET THE PARENTS

The key for a job interview is to present yourself in the best and most professional light possible. My favorite interview outfit is a step up from business casual. Dress pants and mid-length skirts are perfect for the office, and they look great paired with a fun blouse or jacket. If you wear heels, keep the height to a minimum to avoid an embarrassing trip that’ll send you right out the door.

If you followed our first date tips, you’re sure to have a time stamp on your calendar to meet the parents. An event that everyone worries about doesn’t have to be so frightening, in fact, thinking of what your own parents would love is a perfect way to style yourself. Something conservative and fun, like a summer dress for example, is guaranteed handshake-at-the-door attire. Pair your outfit with your favorite accessories that really showcase YOU. 33

GIRL BOSSES

GI BO

Elon

he phrase “girl boss” holds a lot of weight in the world today. While many fully embrace the term as empowering women to start their own businesses or side hustles, others despise it, saying that the word “girl” itself is derogatory. However, the reclaiming of the word “girl” is an act of feminism in itself—taking what has been used to degrade us and instead creating a playful yet powerful phrase that encapsulates everything it means to be a working woman in 2018. For our cover story, we sought to highlight incredible women on Elon’s campus who have started their own businesses or creative projects, or are simply a boss in their own right. First, we spoke with Katy Bellotte, the COO of the YouTube channel HelloKaty, who has racked up nearly 500,000 subscribers and 50 million views to date. We also chatted with Kate Ulveling, owner of NC-based jewelry company Carolina Candy, Blaine Williamson, founder of the community development movement Love Graham, and Morgan Bodenarain, former student body president and ultimate girl boss, to talk about what it means to exert your power as a woman in 2018, their definitions for success, and how you can achieve everything you ever wanted.

ERIN MCDOWELL | EDITOR IN CHIEF 35

DGE: Tell us about your work with the Student Government Association at Elon— how did you first know you wanted to run for office? MORGAN: I had a really rough first year at Elon— probably like many other students. I couldn’t find my place, that sort of thing. I decided getting involved was best for me, I was really involved in high school. When I got to Elon, I didn’t really want to do any of that. I wanted to take a break. Of course, as a first year you think you know everything. I definitely did not [laughs] That was definitely not a good choice for me. At the end of my first year, I decided to get involved with SGA since I had done SGA in high school. I ran and I lost really badly. After a rough year, wondering if I even wanted to stay at Elon, that really was a blow. I decided to get involved with other organizations on campus, and find other things I’m passionate about. I worked to found the Caribbean Student Association, got involved with College Democrats, and that took me throughout my sophomore year. After that, I decided to try for SGA again. I was able to get on SGA, which was a very transformative experience. It really added to my Elon experience and made it something I never thought it would be. I realized a lot of the things I was working on as junior class vice president was regarding inclusivity on campus, and making Elon the most inclusive place it could possibly be. I thought what I was doing was great, but I needed a bigger platform to accomplish everything I wanted to do. My work as junior class VP prepared me to run for student body president— doing what I was already doing on a bigger platform, with an entire senate dedicated to what I ran my platform on.

correct information. School spirit was also something people approached me about -- they wanted to see the stands filled, athletes who weren’t on the baseball or football teams wanting people at their games. Those three things were what I worked on during my time. E: What is your favorite part about working with SGA? MB: I was able to meet and work with some of the most hard-working individuals I’ve met in my entire life. The projects they took on, the amount that they have done that I’d never seen other students do. Being able to work with them, work next to them, was extremely amazing and inspiring. It made me want to be the best I could be for them. It made me think, if they’re working this hard, I should work just as hard, too. I met some really incredible people. E: How have your leadership positions empowered you personally? MB: It definitely made me more confident. Coming into these positions, not that I wasn’t confident, but I had some setbacks from other leader positions that caused me to be less confident. Taking on this position, people looking to me versus me asking other people what to do, entails having an air of confidence. I had to learn how to be confident really quick because there was a room full of senators asking what we’re doing, and I had to be on top of it. I hope as I take my next steps after Elon, that confidence will stick with me for a long time. It’s definitely a transition being the one people look to. I was told I had to speak at convocation, I had to get it together. I didn’t have time to learn how to be a public speaker, I just had to be one.

“...I needed a bigger platform to accomplish everything I wanted to do.” -Morgan Bodenarain

E: What were your goals as student body president? Do you feel you accomplished them? MB: Starting out, I wanted to work on things I was passionate about, like inclusivity, but also listen to what the student population wanted. Two of the things I was interested in working on were civic engagement on campus and working a lot with the political organizations on campus. After the election, it was clear that there were students on campus who wanted to have conversations and didn’t have the place for it. I wanted to make sure there was a space to talk about political issues, but also be knowledgeable and have the 36

E: What is your personal definition for success? MB: I would say it’s a combination of two things -being happy and making an impact. Someone was telling me about the tools for success, and basically they said that making a lot of money or having literal success is great, but if you leave this world unchanged was it really success? It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. That’s what I used when I was deciding what to do after Elon, when I was running for this position, and so on. I think it’s about those two things. E: How do you exert power as a modern woman? MB: Before I came into this position, there was a

president before me, who was male, who taught me a lot. However, I couldn’t learn everything from him. It’s not that I had to demand respect, but when I’m in a room with executive members of SGA who worked with me as a vice president before, or working with a senator, I had to carry myself in a different way. I noticed a lot of the time that people might not come to terms with the fact that I’m in that power position right away. A lot of my time was spent freeing up these are my friends, these are people I used to work with. Now, I’m in a different position of power where a level of respect has to be demanded, and this is how it’s going to be from here. After Elon, I’m heading into the law world, which is not a woman-dominated profession. These are skills I’m happy I learned here as student body president. Not that I’ll ever be amazing at it, but I’m glad I learned these skills as I take the next steps in my professional career. E: What is one piece of advice you would give about owning your power as a woman? MB: I would say that there are a lot of times when you question yourself, and a lot of that has to do with how one is socialized as a woman, and especially as a woman of color. Going to a predominantly white institution and running for these positions at these organizations that are predominantly majority-identifying organizations, owning that you don’t have to accept less than what you deserve in terms of respect or how people view you. A majority-identifying person, meaning that they’re white, or male, or however they are the majority, doesn’t mean you deserve less than them or deserve to be treated any differently from them. It doesn’t matter if it’s the smallest of things or the biggest of things, you deserve to be there as much as anybody else. You worked just as hard, and did just as much— probably more. Never accept anything less.

meet

MORGAN BODENARAIN

DGE: Tell us about your work with Love Graham. BLAINE: I work at Co|Operative, which is a community and economic development agency for downtown Graham. I saw this need for a brand, something that people could hold onto in the city. Being an Elon student, it’s built in. Elon has this brand, this ra-ra about it because of athletics and because we’re a university. I thought, why don’t we have that this in a town of community members and families and everyone that makes up where we live and work. In November, I applied for a grant with Impact Alamance and and received funding. After that, I worked with a designer to create two different logos, Love Graham and Love, Graham— each one conveying a cohesive message on the collected impact and investment made in this place.

E: As part of the Love Graham movement, what do you do? Is it mainly social media or just influencing the community to come together? BW: I made the website, and all the logos are downloadable

and editable. Businesses and community members can share them however they’d like— it’s community-

owned. I mostly served as a catalyst for the project and now just get to sit back and watch people run with it. E: How has your work with Love Graham empowered you personally? BW: It’s been really cool. I’ve gotten to be a part of conversations on how people use it. They’re having a Love Graham festival in May which is something I never thought possible. I thought people might make a few t-shirts, but I definitely didn’t see them shutting down the roads. It’s really cool to see how when you give people not even a tangible object, but a resource, how powerful that can be for a community. It brings people together, even though it’s really just a logo. E: It’s an idea that brings people together. BW: That’s all you need. It’s shown me that people are more alike than they are different sometimes. All of these people that wouldn’t necessarily cross paths have this thing and this space to connect. That can lead to friendships or business ventures, and that’s really powerful.

meet

BLAINE

WILLIAMSON

E: How do you exert power as a modern woman? BW: That’s tough. I work in an industry that’s very male-dominant. I learned a lot recently, namely that I know what’s true. I have a different perspective on the community that we’re all trying to bring forward. Allowing myself to speak those truths and not allowing fear to stifle any of that is huge. E: What is one piece of advice you would give about owning your power as a woman? BW: I think it’s a combination of what I touched on earlier— finding your thing whatever it is, doing it the best you know how, and as long as you’re proud of it nobody can take that away. What’s yours is yours, at the end of the day. If you love what you’re doing, that’s powerful. It takes all kinds to make the world turn. I could never be a doctor or a teacher, but it’s no secret those are needed professions. Knowing your talents, knowing where your passions lie and pressing into them in a way that no one else can— that’s powerful.

meet

KATE

ULVELING

DGE: How did you start your jewelry business, Carolina Candy? KATE: I feel like every little girl dabbles in jewelry, or knew how to make something when they were younger. When I was in fourth grade, I was the youngest one by twenty years at the local farmers market in Chicago, selling jewelry and fixing people’s clasps. I always tried to have a business of some sort and they always flopped. In high school, it was a thing that I wanted to try again. The tassel necklace trend came to Raleigh, and it was $200 for a necklace. I thought, oh I could make that for less. I started making them and selling them on Instagram, and then Etsy, and then I launched the website a year after my Etsy was created. E: Did you originally sell to your friends, or was it immediately an online sensation? KU: I totally just made the Instagram and for the most part, it was people from my high school and the local surrounding high schools. I probably spent more money on the gas delivering the necklaces to people than actually making money with the jewelry. I was driving to Dunkin Donuts, to random peoples’ houses in the next town over, you name it. It started as a local thing, and now it’s national. E: How would you describe Carolina Candy’s brand? KU: Fun and spunky.

E: When you’re creating your jewelry pieces, what is your inspiration for the designs? KU: Anything that reminds me of summer, the beach, swimsuits, surfer vibes. Something bright and beachy. E: How has your business empowered you personally in your day to day life? KU: It showed me that you can do whatever you put your mind to. It started out at my kitchen table and on Instagram and now Carolina Candy is in boutiques across the country. You can do literally anything you want to do, you just have to try. E: How do you exert power as a modern woman? KU: By being myself and being open to new things, and not being closed off from anything or anyone. I try to be inclusive of all people, viewpoints and ideas and I believe as women we are at our best when we empower and lift one another up. E: What is your personal definition for success? KU: Happiness -- one word. [laughs] E: What is one piece of advice you would give about owning your power as a woman? KU: I really think just being true to yourself and doing whatever makes you happy is where your power lies. 39

DGE: Tell us a little bit about why you started your YouTube channel, HelloKaty. KATY: I started when I was 14 years old, so this was 2009. YouTube wasn’t really big. I’d always had this passion for YouTube. I loved watching videos, and specifically people way older than me. In the beginning, older YouTubers were the only YouTubers that existed. I watched all these videos, and I had always been passionate about filming things— I always had cameras everywhere. One day, I decided that I could do this. No one young was making videos at the time. All these younger people were watching videos of people so different from themselves. I wanted to make videos for younger people. So, at 14 years old, I started filming myself in my bedroom. I would make videos talking about things I had no place talking about, giving advice about things I hadn’t even been through. I did makeup tutorials and they were horrible [laughs] So, that’s where it began. Since then, HelloKaty has evolved to a lot of different platforms and different places. I never thought it would get to this point. E: A lot of your followers look up to you as their “big sister”. Was that something you set out to do with your channel— to connect to people in that intimate way? KB: Honestly, no. I did it because I wanted friends online, which my mother strictly told me not to do. Of course, I did it anyway [laughs] At the time, I wanted it to be a friendship thing, but now it’s become me reaching out to younger people. It’s great, but I never intended it to be like that.

E: If you could have viewers take away one message from your channel, what would it be? KB: Something I really focus on in every single video that I make is the idea that I talk about things that are hard to talk about. If I could say one thing to my followers, it would just be to never be ashamed of your mess. Everyone has one. Even if people look like they have it all together, they probably don’t. Something that I see in my comment section all the time is people saying, “Katy, I’m so glad you talked about this because I thought I was the only 40

one dealing with this.” I think about topics people don’t even want to know about, and then talk about them. E: How has your business empowered you personally? KB: It’s given me so much confidence that I didn’t have before. Being a YouTuber, I have quite literally seven years of my life documented on film. If I want to know what I was doing on this day in 2010, I can look back and find what I was wearing, what makeup I was using, stuff like that. E: Is it a diary of sorts? KB: I like to think of it as a scrapbook. Everything’s documented, so there are times I look back at my old videos. I was so shy, I didn’t open up as much. My subjects were more cliche, not very hard-hitting. The feedback, whether it was positive or negative, empowered me to create things that had “me” in it. It’s made me more confident because people listen to me. It’s nice being that “big sister” type of person to someone.

“If you don’t have haters, you’re not saying anything worth saying.” -Katy Bellotte

E: How do you exert power as a modern woman? How do you make yourself heard? KB: By saying the things that are hard to say— taking the feedback, that is both positive and negative, and running with it. I was telling someone the other day about it. They were asking me how I deal with negative comments, how I keep going and making the same videos that are constantly hated on. If you don’t have haters, you’re not saying anything worth saying. For every supporter, there’s going to be

someone being like, “I hate this.” If it impacts someone Making YouTube videos is not a walk in the park. There in the way I intend it to impact them, then whatever. are days when I get up and don’t want to film anything Some people are just looking to nit-pick. that day. I don’t want to take a picture of myself today, I don’t want anyone to see me today. Using what you E: What is one piece of advice you would give about have, your passion, to the best of your ability, no matter owning your power as a woman? what, is always going to work in your favor. People are KB: Take what gets you out of bed in the morning going to get in your way, be mad about it, my parents and do it no matter what, to the best of your ability. are always like, “really Katy? You’re talking about that Something good will come out of it, even if it’s hard. on the internet?” It’s about owning what you have. 41

Beauty

JORDAN HSU

CHOICES

The beauty world gives us, the consumers, the choice on what products to buy for our routines. Yes, some brand’s advertisements might persuade us to buy their products more than others, but all in all there a billion choices to choose from. When I wake up every morning, I make choices and conscious decision on the products I use. Last year I wrote an article about the natural beauty world, and I told myself that I would only use natural products for that year and see how my routine turned out. For the majority of the year I did continue to use only natural products and it was kind of empowering.

Today, I choose to use products that are the most effective for me, and while some of the products I use have more ingredients in them than others, they work for me. It makes me empowered to know that I have the choice, and so does everyone. Below you’ll find my list of my top favorite products right now, that have as few and as natural of ingredients as possible that have been effective and a bonus Q+A by one of my favorites in the beauty world, Indie Lee! 42

Primer: Skin Owl Body + Selenite Crystal Illuminator While even though I know oils aren’t necessarily bad for your skin, I sometimes feel hesitant about them. Not this one though. This oil illuminator by Skin Owl says it can be used for body and face but I prefer to use it as a primer on my face for makeup. I have combo to oily skin but this primer doesn’t add to it. It’s my favorite to add that perfect natural glow before your makeup. I also sometimes use this without face makeup, and it works wonders perfectly. Foundation: Vapour Atmosphere Luminous Foundation I never use foundation, partly because I feel like for me it’s too heavy on my skin, and I feel like

it’s hard to control where you want your coverage. I think a stick foundation is always the best bet for people who want to control the coverage. This foundation is smooth and buttery and just blends into your skin. There are plenty of ways you can apply this, but I usually apply it to my skin from the stick, then use my beautyblender to blend. Mask: Yes to Superblueberries Recharging Greek Yogurt & Probiotics 3-in-1 Mask, Scrub, & Cleanser I’m sure everyone has heard of the Yes to products or have seen them at your local Target. My favorite has always been their facial wipes in the cucumber collection, but that was before I tried this mask. You can technically use it as a scrub or cleanser as well, but I feel like I have the most productive results when using it as a mask. The smell is also one of the benefits because it smells like a blueberry smoothie. One of the best parts of the mask though is that it is formulated without Parabens, SLS, and Silicones.

Moisturizer: Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid Anything french is my kryptonite. I hoped when I actually tried this the results would show too. Happily, I wasn’t wrong. What’s really cool about this moisturizer besides the fact that it’s made without Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates, is that it has a mattifying effect, so if you want to go outside ASAP, you face won’t look oily. Lips: Be Calm Lip Salve by POPSUGAR A lot of lip balms and salves can be tacky. POPSUGAR has been one of my favorite brands for a while now, so when I came across their new beauty brand and within in that their new lip salve, I was hooked. It has just the right consistency to not feel or look like Vaseline, and the minty scent makes it better than any old salve. Concealer: Glossier Stretch Concealer I’ve used this concealer for a while now, almost since they launched it. It was not until this year that it became my go-to. Before, to apply this concealer I just used to pat it in to my under eye area with my finger. Recently, I’ve been using a beauty blender, and I think that’s what is making the difference. What’s great about this concealer is that it’s buildable and it looks like skin when you put it on.

Serum: C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum The eyeshadow colors are the ones Serums have always felt like an I tend to use the most, not just added bonus to me. I haven’t always because of the fact that bronzey used one, but when I do my skin shades are my favorite, but also has always feels great so I reverted because the eyeshadows are long back to using one. A lot comes out lasting, smooth, and easy to blend. in one pump, so I would definitely only recommend half of a pump. Eye Cream: Red Earth Firming This product is really great for Eye Treatment hyperpigmentation because it has I’m obsessed with under eye vitamin C in it, which helps an creams. I’ve tried plenty of under uneven skin tone and dullness and eye creams, and some are good and uneven texture. others don’t really do much. This eye cream from Red Earth is amazing. Bonus: Fig + Yarrow Moon Mist This Australian brand has really While this mist isn’t part of my cool ingredients that you probably beauty routine, it’s definitely part wouldn’t expect in eye creams like of my night routine. Getting the kakadu plum and Tasmanian sea best sleep is key to feeling your best kelp, which all help making this eye the next morning, but sometimes cream super hydrating. getting enough sleep is hard. I’ve used other mists in the past, but this one seems to give me the best sleep. It has essential oils, crystal water, and moon shimmer, which makes it all that more alluring and amazing.

Eyeshadow: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Better Naked Palette A lot of eyeshadow out in the market right now has a lot of unnecessary chemicals in them that don’t need to be there to be effective. This palette by 100% Pure is my all time favorite right now. It has one luminizer, one blush, and three eyeshadow colors. 43

QUESTION & ANSWER with Jordan Hsu: Sometimes “beauty routines” seem like a hassle to people, so what are your most important steps for a morning routine? Night Routine?

Indie Lee

recommend incorporating an eye serum if it works for your ritual. In the evening, it’s important to remove all of your makeup and anything else that might be sitting on your skin. I recommend Indie Lee: For me, beauty routines following with a toner as well. are all about creating a ritual Because our skin recovers during that you enjoy and is realistic sleep, it’s the perfect time to add based on your schedule. In the a few powerhouse products. For morning, always use a cleanser, example, incorporate an overnight toner and hydrating product for blemish solution, anti-aging serum, healthy, happy skin. I would also hydrating cream and perhaps a richer eye cream. JH: Are oils good for your skin or bad for your skin? What if you have oily skin already? What if you have hyperpigmentation?

FIG + YARROW APOTHECARY

MOON MIST THIS LULLING BOTANICAL MIST IS YOUR TICKET TO A NOCTURNAL RIVERBOAT RIDE TO DREAMLAND 4 FL OZ/ 118.3 ML

IL: There are a lot of misconceptions about oils. They are absolutely great for most skin types, even oily types, as long as you are using the right oil. You need to be sure it’s noncomedogenic (i.e., pore clogging). It usually comes

down to preference on application - some people prefer creams over oils, similarly to how people prefer powder foundations over liquid ones. Our Squalane Facial Oil actually diminishes the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It also absorbs quickly so no greasy feeling or clogged pores! JH: What’s the fastest way to get rid of a pimple without ruining your skin? IL: Find a really good spot solution (preferably free of toxic ingredients) and stick to a routine. I recommend a daytime product you can apply throughout the day, like our Blemish Stick - it looks like a lip gloss and can be applied under or over makeup without smudging. At night, go for something a little more heavy duty. Our Blemish Lotion is the perfect overnight product. It’s talc-free and attacks blemishes while working to reduce the appearance of redness. Don’t forget your diet also plays a huge part in your skins health.

POWER in I

Motion ALEXANDRA HAMER

n a society that has made tremendous strides in embracing and encouraging powerful women, dancing is on the cutting edge of this phenomenon. While ballerina buns and bows still exist, the world of dance -- and the women in it -has something more to offer than a pink tutu and a moment in the spotlight. Dance provides both men and women an outlet of expression, a plethora of life skills and a confident sense of identity. Many associate the word “dance” with elegance and gracefulness, which is certainly is. However it is also strength, endurance and power. Shelby Durham, Ashley Abbott, Molly Reape, Olivia James and Colby Wilson, all dancers at Elon, exemplify power in dance and aim to conquer the misconceptions of the commitment and athleticism it takes to be a dancer. The ability to influence others is incredibly powerful in the world of dance. “Dancing has the power to make people feel something,” Shelby said. “We as dancers have the communicative power to take the audience’s emotions and mind to a particular place, and I think that’s something that is really powerful.” The adrenaline rush Molly gets while dancing is one that is unlike anything else. “Being able to tell a story and evoke feeling in an audience through movement is the purest form of human expression, and truly makes me feel alive,” she said. The discipline these women have over their bodies and minds allows them to communicate in the best way they know how, whether they are performing or practicing. 45

Many don’t realize dance has the power to evoke emotion of other dancers. Molly, who started dancing at the young age of two years old, says she has always looked up to the older girls -- both on her dance team at home and in Elon’s dance program -- more than anyone else for inspiration and motivation. Shelby also said that, “Seeing that strong of dancers within my own environment gave me the motivation to believe that I could one day be as talented as they are.” This positive environment filled with strong and hardworking women strengthens the dance community, and encourages a fearless girl-power-vibe that states, ‘we got this, let’s show people what we’re made of.’ Olivia also agrees with this idea of learning and rooting for each other. “I think that the people closest to us are our greatest teachers, and I learn so much from watching them grow as people and as dancers that it inspires me to improve as well,” she said. “There is so much talent here at Elon that it’s hard not to look up to the people around me.” Ashley said looking up to the talented Misty Copeland as a young dancer helped break the stereotype in her head that all dancers, particularly in ballet, are stick thin. “Her muscular body type helped me with my own self-image while growing up dancing, as many unhealthy eating habits can develop due to the nature of the field,” she stated. The strength it takes to accept oneself and be confident in one’s own skin is incredibly powerful in such a competitive field, especially due to stereotypes of ‘typical dancer bodies.’ Though staring at yourself in a mirror for over nine hours a day can affect your perception, Shelby said, “I am so lucky to be in this new wave of society promoting body positivity and self-love.” She adds, “One can never truly achieve perfection, especially in dance. There’s always more to investigate. Discovering new topics and ideas within movement always keeps me coming back for more, often times more hungry than the last.” It takes a tremendous amount of power to overcome the obstacles that arise when one is a dancer. “The physical and mental fortitude it takes to be a dancer is unlike any other physical activity on the planet,” Shelby said. “The idea that dance is just a class where you get to dress up in a pink tutu and prance around is a concept created by someone who has never stepped foot into a dance class.” Molly also agrees that there is a huge misperception of dancers. “I’ve found that people don’t realize the amount of discipline and cross-training it takes to be a successful dancer.” 46

The idea of perfection is also something dancers confront on an everyday basis. Making a wrong pass or play in sports such as football or basketball is natural. It happens. Though, for dancers there are no do overs. Once the music starts, perfection is impossibly expected. Olivia noted that most of the time the goal is to trick the audience into forgetting they are working at all. The effortless final product people see is due to countless preparation over the course of many hours, weeks, sometimes months of repetition. When the dance is successful, however, dancers feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. “Dance allows us to connect with each other and the audience to tell a story or convey an emotion or portray ourselves in a more vulnerable light,” Colby said. In this sense, the ‘perfect dance’ that the audience is so impressed with is also something that provides the dancers with powerful emotion.

Some may think dance is an ‘easy’ or ‘relaxed’ major, however many students double major, and thus take both academics and dance classes simultaneously. Ashley said that at times the hectic schedule “can feel really defeating, especially because I know I am dedicating my entire life to a future job where I will not make a lot of money. However, once I am in the studio and begin dancing, I am my happiest self, I am my strongest self, and I am the most myself. I could never imagine myself not dancing because it has shaped the person I have become and is such an integral part of who I am.” This element of power shows the amount of discipline that is needed for a dancer to be her best self, in and out of the studio, despite what anyone thinks. For Colby, the hardest obstacle she has had to overcome in dance was self-doubt and a lack of confidence. “Sometimes it’s still hard and I start to compare myself to others again but I remember that it’s not about someone being the best, it’s just about putting 100% into what you love.” For Ashley, dance helped her get out of her shell. “Dancing really helped me find myself. For my whole life, it has helped me cope with whatever is going on outside of the studio, and has given me the confidence to unapologetically be myself.” Whatever obstacles arise -- in or outside the studio -- dance is there for empowerment and instills a sense of confidence.

“Most people associate athleticism with those they consider athletes, and dancers tends to be categorized as artists before athletes. A dancer’s training doesn’t end until they retire. They are still training every day and there is always something to improve upon,” Olivia said. Colby said she feels most powerful when she nails a move she has been working on for a long period of time. “Ballet definitely makes me feel most powerful because all of your technique and skill is right there for everyone to see, you can’t tweak the technique to make steps appear more impressive on stage. Also, a lot of work goes into pointe, so it’s very satisfying to see it pay off. I love adding that extra element to my dancing.” For Shelby, Ashley, Molly, Olivia and Colby, the passion and love for dance keeps them motivated every day. Colby said, “I love learning from amazing teachers and the people in my classes and telling stories and being able to move and express myself in a different way. Dance is just so beautiful so even when I’m old, I know I’ll still be loving it.” Similarly, Molly offers, “I know if I stopped, a huge part of who I am would be lost. It feeds my soul and gives me the power to be my best self. It’s that simple fact that motivates me to keep going.” It’s very clear the love for this sport is one that will never fade for these women. Shelby said, “I can thank dance for always being there for me, keeping my body physically fit, my mind mentally stable… Dance has always been a constant in my life, and I don’t plan on letting it go anytime soon.” The power of dance is certainly in motion, and will continue to be so for a very long time. 47

WE’RE ONLINE. SEE WHAT WE’RE ABOUT @ ELONEDGE.COM