The Women's Empowerment Issue by Empire Radio Magazine

unshine reigns as precipitation gently tap dances and settles upon my black brim that reads “Black Lives Matter”. Admittadly, pop culture’s sniper connected with a shot to my soul. Non-military related PTSD and survivors guilt led me to the mirror where I realized that I have been negatively affected by years of social economic engineering and programming. I had to take time to dry off and reflect. That is what took so long for this issue to finally climb to the surface. Despite any of that, I apologize for the delay, but I am proud to have allowed the artist in me the opportunity to sit underneath the crescent moon and create. Weary of the typical visual reprentations and ideals associated with success in our popular culture, we decided to direct our focus and attention to substance over shade and talent over popularity.

Popular culture paints the portrait of the “black” woman as a proprietor and perpetuator of petty, but she is the bright hue that breathes life into the white canvas. As popular culture continues to tap dance to the same song and the miseducation system continues to entertain the narrative that the genesis of our freedom is defined by slavery, we unapologetically march uphill firmly gripping the guidon. Three to the front, six to the rear. For many of my peers, the physical manifestation of success is Michael Jordan, Jay-Z, and Mitch. It is imperitive young people of color see the many diverse ways in which we can achieve success aside from just dribbling a ball, rhyming or distributing street pharmaceuticals. School taught me that my inception was slavery, culture taught me my options were limited, and life opened my 3ye to vast possibilites. My job now is to pay it forward.

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HOW SCHOOL FAILED ME As my grade school history teachers pontificated and indoctrinated, my mind would simultaneously wander. I could not relate to the lessons taught. I can count on Ninja Turtle hand the number of people of color we learned about on a perennial basis. Through pristine windows, the light enters and refracts toward the crescent moon. Elementary and high school history lessons left me with more questions than answers. I often found myself asking “Where were all of the people who look like me during the historic, noteworthy lessons”. As a parent with school age children, I have learned that although times have changed, schools have remained steadfast in their lesson plans.

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Women’s Empowerment is a major key to overall change since the life begins with Her. Four of the main elements that inspired me to create this particular issue is grade school failing me, Tupac Shakur, reducing the graveyard’s net worth and Jordyn Aiyanah Naylor.

“Where is the wealthiest place in the world?...” REDUCING THE GRAVEYARD’S NET WORTH We are rewiring brains and altering programmed ideas of celebrity by positioning talent on the open-ended side of the greater than sign in relation to popularity. Richard Williams also known as Prince Ea once asserted that the wealthiest place on earth is the cemetery, because in the graveyard you will find inventions never invented, businesses never erected, songs never sung, books never written, ideas never nurtured, people never realized” (Prince Ea, Why Most People Die Before Age 25). We artistically create and promote content that inspires people, and inspires people to inspire people. Providing a viable platform for talent we are reducing the graveyard’s net worth.

Tupac created a masterful work of art for his godson Elijah and a little girl named Corinne. The lyrics are so powerful that the song transcended his intentions and became an anthem for empowerment of an entire culture. “Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots”... “...please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up Forgive but don’t forget, girl, keep your head up”. “...And since we all came from a woman, Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman, I wonder why we take from our women Why we rape our women, do we hate our women? I think it’s time to kill for our womenTime to heal our women, be real to our women”. This issue is a little somethin for my (our) sons, and my little girl named Jordyn. Overshadowed by privilege that does not apply to us, we have overcome the dark narrative cast upon our very existence. Minimalizing, trivializing, ignoring and demeaning the accomplishments of people of color is common practice in the twilight zone we are indoctrinated into. Alternative facts are the standard.

“I’m not saying I am going to change the world, but I guarantee I will spark the brain that does change the world”. A BRAIN PAC SPARKED Infinity thank you’s to my Aunt G (Georgette) for putting me onto Pac at a time where I wasn’t really allowed to listen to (certain) rap music. When I was about 13 years old my mom entered my room like Charles County SWAT as the southern sounds of Silk the Shocker emitted from my stereo speakers. She (literally) hit the eject button and proceeded to snap my compact disc into two symmetrical halves; which led to Better Days. Tupac Amaru Shakur is undeniably one of the polarizing, talented, influential personifications of energy to ever pass through earth. I vividly recall sitting in front of my stereo with a blank tape in hand waiting for I ain’t mad at ya to come on the radio so I could insert it and press record. I eventually learned every single word

This issue is an editorial and visual doorway to exit the twilight zone. It is an educational tool for our young women and young men that shows them that they are more than the school system’s textbooks gives them credit for. Starting with our women, we backspace the misnomer that we are modern day jesters in society. The injustice women (especially women of color) experience is often a battle that men observe from a distance atop the highest illusionary mountain self-centered within a shallow, torrid sea. The guilt and understanding of our errors can prompt us to wake up at 4:44 am to journal our lessons learned. It’s time we actively engage in the fight by and large. As men, we must take care of one another as well as empower women so that each generation is better off than the one before. Women are much more than “proprietors of petty” as they are portrayed on reality television, or “pawns of objectification” for our entertainment.

to the edited version and to this day I stumble over the unedited version. Pac is a poet, artist soothsayer, and activist. Tupac Amaru Shakur is light in hope’s abyss. He was a meloncholy, happy rose that bloomed from the cracks of the concrete.

For years, popular culture has strategically manifested the illusion that the phenomenal woman is an anomaly. This issue provides tangible evidence that the phenomenal woman is the rule and not the exception. Women empowerment is the bridge to perpetual generational wealth.

JORDYN AIYANAH NAYLOR

Daddy's Girl

It’s ironic how… YOU gave ME life; you created a man Rest your wings I’ll carry you An angel born at a deficit despite your melanated hue Faulty society arithmetic Black, plus female, they say you’re too negative But a negative plus a negative equals… Intelligence is relative You’re smart, you’re beautiful Affirmations You were heaven sent Put your mind to it and against all odds, you can be President Stay present in the moment Every room you enter; own it Knowledge is the ultimate key to unlock a better woman Keep your 3ye focused skyward the limit to your success Ironic how I’m supposed to guide you, but you’re the reason for my progress Daddy’s girl.

Model: London Farris “The American Dream Shirt (Red)” Photography by: Alias Photography

(Top right) Model: London Farris “Trap/Black Queen shirt” + Friday Hat Photography by: Alias Photography

(Bottom right) Model: Amanda Phillips “Scarface Hat” Photography by: Alias Photography

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INTERVIEW BY ROB NAYLOR JR.

CO-FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Million views and a phone call from Jordan Peele. Yes,

THAT Jordan Peele. I recently sat down to pick the brain of the Musical.ly gifted Isaiah Xavier to talk about his endeavors with the app company, his hosting opportunity at Diddy’s red carpet event, education and more.

“I never would’ve thought that in a million years I’d be amongst people who I had been obsessed with through Instagram, television, etc. and people who influenced and changed lives on a global scale.” Congratulations on all of the amazing opportunities you’re being approached with. I know you did a Musicl.ly spot with Chili from the legendary group TLC, hosted the red carpet for Diddy’s new film, and have acquired a new wellknown mentor in Jordan Peele.

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than 10

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art video editing prodigy, part academic scholar, this young teen’s gifts far surpass producing visually stimulating, professional quality videos that have garnered more

What were each of those experiences like? Just, overall, each of these experiences were the most insane of my entire life. First, I find it hilarious that before I met Chili, I always got asked if I even knew who she is since I am so young. My mom refused to let me grow up without knowing about Waterfalls, Creep, and No Scrubs (laughs) so I actually did know who she was before I met her in person. Meeting Chili was such cool experience because she was just so sweet, down to earth, HILARIOUS, and just an amazing person to be around. The Red Carpet experience was hands down one the most crazy experiences of my entire life because I never would’ve thought that in a million years I’d be amongst people I had been obsessed with through social media anbd television. It was amazing

The creativity in your videos has been admired by millions of people. They (your videos) look so elaborate and time consuming. What is your creative process like and how long does it typically take for you to create a video? It’s funny, because I always get asked how I prepare for videos or what my process is, but to be completely honest with you, I am, if not, one of the biggest procrastinators on the planet. So I never truly know what I’m going to do when I record a video. I just choose a song that I want to do and go with the flow and what feels right. As far as how long a video takes, it typically depends on how long I want the video to be and how lit the song is. So, a video can take anywhere from a few hours up to a few days to make. No matter the length of time though, the process is exhausting (laughs). Sometimes I need to take naps in between recordings, grab a snack and hydrate (laughs).

Candid capture of Simone (mom) & Isaiah.

I know your Mom is one of if not your biggest supporter. What did she say the first time she saw one of your videos? Well, the first time my mom saw my videos was around this time last year. I was entering a contest for the type of videos that I do and I honestly wasn’t expecting to make it past the first round. So when I advanced, I needed to tell someone and that person was my mom. She watched the video...then watched it again. And again, and again. She was instantly impressed. As expected, she channeled her inner proud mama with the “Aw my baby” this and the “you’re so creative” that. It was the first time I had ever shared one of my videos with one of my friends or family so to receive such good feedback for what I love doing everyday motivated me continue what I was doing and develop it into what everyone sees in my videos today. Little did we both know at the time that the first video she saw was absolute trash compared to what I can do now (laughs). What was that first conversation with Jordan Peele like and what was your reaction when he called? What is the best advice he has given you so far? The first conversation I had with Jordan Peele was facilitated threw Matthew Cherry, someone who has actually hooked me up with a lot of cool business opportunities like promoting Tupac’s new movie All Eyez On Me. I was just shook that he (Jordan Peele) even knew who I was to begin with because I had always been a big fan of his skits with Key & Peele, his movies, and, most recently, Get Out. During our first conversation, Peele told me that he was inspired by my directing style and asked me what my aspirations were. I told him that I definitely want to get into acting especially after “going viral” and he said he could definitely hook me up with some auditions and roles, which had me freaking out, doing backflips, and screaming all at the

same time. We said that we would keep in touch and I was extremely grateful for the entire experience.

to be around people who influenced and changed lives on a global scale. The mere fact that I was able to ask these celebrities questions and joke with them without batting an eye was ridiculous. I truly felt like I was in my element on the red carpet and just being in a room full of such iconic people was inspiring and in some ways a life changing experience because it solidified the fact that I wanted to be part of that life. When Jordan Peele reached out to me,it made me feel like my videos had transitioned from hobby to a means to create more opportunities.

“...when Jordan Peele reached out to me, I really felt as though my videos were more than just a hobby, but a vehicle for many opportunities to come.”

I hear you’re something of a scholar. What is your GPA? What drives you to do so well in school and have you narrowed down a list of Colleges to attend once high school is over? As of the beginning of this year, I had an accumulative GPA of 4.5, which is crazy because, like I said before, I am a major procrastinator (laughs). It’s a mystery how I turn in all of my assignments in on time. If I were to say specifically what drives me to do so well though, it would probably have to be my mom and me not wanting to regret not doing well in school later down the road when I’m unemployed or homeless. I don’t know about you but being homeless is not a good look for me (laughs). As for as colleges go, my original plan was to become an Architectural Engineer. So any school that has a good engineering program would be sufficient. I still need to do more research. Especially since I’m going into my senior year.

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“...education is a luxury that a lot of people take for granted, just like the leftover food that’s wasted at Olive Garden” What are your views on the value of education and where does your motivation to do well in school come from? I feel as though education is a luxury that a lot of people take for granted, just like the leftover food that’s wasted at Olive Garden (such a disappointment). I feel like people should capitalize on education while it’s free because you can discover passions of yours that you never knew you had and those passions can lead to you never working a day in your life because your love what you’re doing. I know school can difficult though, because throughout my entire junior year of high school, the struggle was too real. The one thing that kept me motivated was the fact that I’ll be graduating next year (laughs). But on a serious note, my motivation stems from my realization that nothing lasts forever and since I’m only gonna be in school for a short amount of time, I might as well make the best out of it and do well so when I graduate I can look back and be pleased with the mark that I’ve left. A caption under one of your videos read something to the effect of “Made another video since ya’ll seem to like them”. To me that says you were simply creating something you personally enjoyed without seeking attention. Can you share in your own words what inspired you to start creating these videos and how do you feel about the response you’ve been getting? I definitely didn’t start making my videos for attention, especially with 5 to 10 likes per video hahaha, but I found the app musical.ly scrolling through my Instagram feed and I saw the potential in what I could do with the app and I downloaded. As I started using the app, I realized that it was actually fun and a cool way to pass the time, and eventually fell in love with it and started using the app everyday. What truly inspired me to continue making videos though, was that it was, for the most part, a way of self expression and creativity. See, I always worry myself with the aesthetic of things, and if my creativity can create the aesthetic that I desire, then I’m more than pleased. So, making videos allows me to put my creative mind to use while making visually pleasing products. With the response that I’ve been receiving recently, it has been overwhelming, yet amazing. To receive such great feedback for what I love doing is more than fulfilling, and even when I see hate comments on my videos, they are always about something that is entirely unrelated to the video itself, which lets me know that I must be doing something right. Especially since people can’t even hate on the quality of my videos. I just love everything that I’ve been receiving, the good and 18

the bad. How has life changed for you so far at school and overall? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? After everything happened, things have changed only slightly in school. Like, there are only 160 or so kids at my school so it isn’t like everyone knew who I was all of a sudden because everyone already knew who everyone was. It was more of people beginning to know more about me life outside of school as far as making videos goes. So, I was getting a bit more attention because people at my school actually liked my videos which I am thankful for. Overall though, I’ve been getting recognized much more and have been overwhelmed with people reaching out to me for business opportunities, promotions, invitations, etc. Not to mention, this entire situation solidified my desire to start a YouTube channel soon and pursue acting. So going viral definitely changed my life and for the better. In 5 years, I see myself having some sort of grip on the YouTube life with a decent fan base, auditioning for roles in upcoming films after already being in a few, living out in California, maybe even starting my own line of hoodies since I LIVE in hoodies. I hope to have many doors open for me so I can go any route I want in my career. What advice would you give to your peers as far as navigating through life and following your dreams as a teen? I guess the one thing I want to say is to always remain original, because no one wants to be remembered as the person who was trying to be a remake or a copy of another person. There are people who I look up to now that I have to stop myself from trying to be like because at the end of the day, I am a unique individual, and in order for it to remain that way, I need to make sure that I maintain who I am as a person and what makes me different from everyone else to truly succeed and follow my dreams. So, I would just like to say, look towards others for inspiration while still preserving your originality. Talented, intelligent and humble, Isaiah Xavier is one of the many underrepresented protagonists that contradicts the negative and limiting stereotypes of people of color perpetuated by mainstream media. He is destined for greatness and not even the sky is his limit.

ISAIAH XAVIER ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA

EMPIRE RADIO MAGAZINE AFRICA

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INTERVIEW & IMAGES BY CYNTHIA MUKANZI

JOURNALIST / NAIROBI, KENYA

How did you find your way around poetry at such a young age when you dove into it as a tool for emotional expression and communication? It wasn’t easy, but a couple of things, most of all, my mom, helped. You see, she was also into poetry and so I grew up reading her compositions.

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You are a poetry slam queen and give the impression that you have been doing poetry for ages. How long have you been whipping these rhymes? I would say since I was 11. For a very long time, I had trouble voicing my emotions or feelings and poetry presented me with a slab to do it. Whenever need arose, I would turn to poetry and pour my heart out.

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Tessy Aura, a poetry slam queen calls herself the alpha god, Beyonce of Africa aka Socratess. She is one of the fastest rising spoken word artists in 254’s blossoming vibrant poetry scene. Not coy, she is here to take the world by her own terms.

Without knowing it, I plunged into the art and my interest intensified as I explored poems by different people. You have grown from an individual who couldn’t verbally articulate her emotions adequately to a stage performer. How has the huge leap been? Lately, I’ve been doing regular live performances and I love it. It is beautiful when you open up about your struggles or strengths on stage and people come up to you and tell you how you empower them to share their life stories. Giving people safe spaces for speaking up is important. These sorts of connections mean the world to me. Do you ever get stage fright? Oh yes. I always get nervous before performing. However, soon as I’m on the mic, I always tell a joke or do something silly to make the audience laugh and calm my nerves. Another thing is that I always write the

Are there times when you are reluctant about sharing them with the world? Yea. My poems are very personal and so, sometimes I’m hesitant and scared of performing them. While they can be about revolutions, women empowerment, religion, daddy issues, my mom, human connections and more, they also depict my life experiences. Therefore, I carefully sift through them and choose the ones to share. However, doing it has been revolutionary for me. I can now express myself and communicate in ways that I wasn’t able to before. Do you ever get emotional when performing? It is hard not do when doing this kind of poetry. Last year December, during the Poetry Slam festival, I couldn’t get through a piece I had put together about my father. I got very emotional. We have established that just like any other creative, in some ways, you are your art. What is it that people often get wrong about entertainers? People conjure this image of us (artists) based on what we present in our work and confine us to certain brackets. For instance, in a lot of my empowerment pieces, I always talk about myself as being beautiful and I remember significantly a time I expressed to someone that I wasn’t happy with how my body looked in one picture and she scolded me about it. She told me that it takes away from the perception she has of me as this confident body-positive person. That I shouldn’t talk about my insecurities as it tramps the image she had of me. I have my days. We all do. Just because one day I write a poem about how I consider myself the ‘Beyonce of Africa’ doesn’t mean I can’t simultaneously feel bad about not having visible abs or hating my big arms. I would like to have that space to express my complexities and not be reprimanded for it. How did living in the USA affect you and influence your poetry? I was just telling someone the other day how a slam judge once told me that I had an air of arrogance in my performances. If I was a man, I’m certain he would just say that I was confident. I think there is a kind of confidence that is unique to Americans. Stereotypes hold that they are usually the loudest in the room, not afraid to show boaty, be wrong or to speak their

Has this (stage performance) affected your personal life in any way? Immensely. It has helped nourish my most intimate relationships because I can now express my emotions and feelings. It is not only a passion but also a tool that I use to measure how much I can share with strangers. Your poems are deep and intimate.

pieces first for myself as the sole audience. Therefore, I get a certain inherent ease in my words because I wrote them talking to myself, so any jitters fade half way. Encouragement from the audience also caresses my ego a bit (haha), making it interactive.

minds. Now, I can think of numerous Africans who are like this but generally these qualities in our culture are not usually encouraged in women. Spending half of my life in the US interrogated that norm for me. I was raised by a strong African woman who instilled in me the same qualities but the benefit added from being in America is that there were more spaces other than my mother’s house where I could practice my “arrogance” and not be condemned for it. Now that I am back home, it bothers me to hear it a lot. Critics just need to get over it.

“Too much of our history and perspectives have already been erased. Let us tell our stories to stop anymore erasure.”

You mentioned attending poetry sessions in USA, is there anything that 254 poets can borrow from Americans? Yes. One thing in particular that I am also working on is placing our work. For instance, when Americans talk about how the sun rises, they talk about how it does over their landmarks or mountains and in that way, you know exactly where they are. I recently heard a Kenyan do a piece on maintaining a long distance relationship and the two places he chose for the lovers to be was Tokyo and Ohio. I wondered why couldn’t choose cities within our continent or country to communicate the same message. We also have mountains, rivers and landmarks and the sun rises and sets here too. We should lead in painting that picture for others or otherwise what is going to happen (already is happening) is that foreigners will come, see the beauty that we have and document it from their perspective. Too much of our history and perspectives have already been erased. Let us tell our stories to stop anymore erasure. There are fewer women in the spoken word sphere in Kenya. Why do you think they shy away from it and leave the lead to men? Women in this scene are very talented. I just think the overwhelming male presence can at times be intimidating. A couple of us are striving to challenge and change that this year. We are cooking up some things that we hope will result in the mainstreaming of the presence of women in poetry. Do you think there is sufficient support for poets in Kenya? Last year I would’ve said no but I’ve had numerous meetings with venue owners and audience members who’ve proved me wrong. Many people are open and willing to showcase poetry in Kenya and also pay to come enjoy the show. We need to use that to our full advantage this year. Do you have any poets that you look up to for inspiration? So many. But, if asked to only pick one, I would go for Maya Angelou. 21

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VS: Being from such an influential family I have been put in a very privileged position. As I have grown up, I am realizing what makes me happy is being able to empower and inspire other women to live life by their own terms;fearlessly and to their fullest potential. I feel so deeply about women’s empowerment that I created Vanessa J. Simmons.com which is a digital platform made to do just that. Via my website, we empower women through Fashion, Beauty , Fitness and Inspiration. Each and everything VJSdotCOM produces will have the air of empowerment. From My new Collection “Bad Butterfly” with Project Runway Alum Candice Cuoco all the way down to our Scholarship pageant “Miss Teenage California”. Every single endeavor and production presented by our website will push young girls and women to be the best version of themselves. What have been the keys to achieve a mentally, physically and emotionally stronger YOU and what advice can you give others to do the same for themselves? VS: One Huge factor in achieving all of the above for me has been working out. Just doing 30-40 minutes of cardio daily will not only keep you physically fit and healthy, but it also has great effects on your emotional state as well. Physical exercise helps to keep your mind clear and able to fully focus on life. Most people don’t even realize how connected working out is to your mental well being. I figured out that if I slip on my gym routine (happens a lot, life can get busy) I will be more emotional and feel less focused as compared to the times when make time for cardio. It (working out) is so important and I suggest getting your heart rate up at least 3-4 a week for a balanced life mind body and soul. Fashion (and entertainment) has been something your family is quite renowned for. What do you love most about fashion and who are some of your greatest inspirations in the industry?

“...as I have grown up I am realizing what makes me happy is being able to empower and inspire other women to live life by their own terms, fearlessly and to their fullest potential.”

BEHIND THE SCENES: Vanessa strikes a pose during her Empire Radio Magazine Photoshoot.

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t’s not always about the destination, but the journey that produces the fruit you want in life”. I saw that quote on your social media and I love it. Many of us watched you grow up on the hit show Run’s House with your talented, fun, inspirational family. With so many changes in your life, what has your journey been like and what would you say is your destination?

FFFD VANESSA SIMMONS

with strength because as women we are not just one type of way. We don’t have to be one way. Candice always says she doesn’t design clothes for women to feel pretty, but rather for them to fell powerful, and that is the vibe and intention behind the line. What was that experience like at L.A. Fashion Week? VS: Being able to present ‘Bad Butterfly’ at LAFW was an absolute dream come true. My life was literally turned into Project Runway for the last 7 months and I loved every second. Candice is the best design partner a gal can ask for. She taught (still teaching) me the ins and outs of fashion design. While I’ve always loved fashion, I didn’t have a formal education in design so working on ‘Bad Butterfly’ with Candice has totally revamped and improved my skills as a designer. ------------------------------------------------

“GRAM GLAM!” (Pictured below via Gina Badhen/Vanessa Simmons Instagram) Glam by: Gina Badhen

VS: I have always loved fashion. Growing up, I got to see how fashion works from BTS perspective, and I fell in love with everything about it. From the design phase, production ,runway shows you name it, I love it all. Kimora Lee Simmons and my Uncle Russell have always inspired me and continue to be a big inspiration in fashion for me. Right before my last show I spent days referencing old Baby Phat shows for inspiration. I have been so blessed to have had such talented people in my family that are able to lead the way by example. Your project ‘Bad Butterfly’ was amazing at L.A Fashion Week! On your Instagram you mentioned that ‘Bad Butterfly’ is inspired by women, their stories and ability to conquer anything we put our mind to!” Can you elaborate a little bit on exactly what ‘Bad Butterfly’ is and what inspired it?

VS: First and foremost, bad in ‘Bad Butterfly’ means good! Women are often told and made to feel like we have to be a specific type of way, but ‘Bad Butterfly’ represents the freedom for us to unapologetically be exactly who we are. The line is made with a mix of leathers, silks, studs and embellishments and blends both romance

VS: It was absolutely such an amazing thing to see so many different women from different walks of life in so many different cities and even countries come together to fight for our rights! It goes to show that women are different and unique in our ways, but we are more alike than we realize. We are so powerful together! What is the meaning and motivation behind ‘Filthy Feminist’?

VS: Filthy Feminist is a movement that aids to feminism, and how as women we should be so absolutely drenched in our rights. There was a time we couldn’t even vote so its both a celebration of how far we’ve come as women, and also a reminder of how active we should remain to ensure our voices are heard and respected.

I love your ‘Mogul Crush’ section on your website that does just that. You’ve highlighted some very inspirational, powerful women to include Tracey Edmonds, Lauren Lake, Joi-Marie McKenzie, and Jordana Woodland. Who are some other women you’d classify as a “Mogul Crush” that you have not featured yet?

VS: This part of my blog means so much to me because it is a way to encourage a whole new generation of leaders with stories of triumph of women who are leading extraordinary lives and contributing to society in such an impactful way. As I grow and mature as an entrepreneur, I study other successful people and what it took for them to get to the place where they are today. I use their stories to motivate and empower myself. So I wanted to create a space where others wanting to be a mogul could go and be inspired. There are so many more people I want to interview for Mogul Crush. I’m working on getting a story from Forbes Featured Toni Bologni who built the NYX makeup empire and currently Preverse sunglasses. I’ve had the opportunity to meet her and she is my most recent Mogul Crush. Toni Bologni is an absolute inspiration. Talk about your ‘MyQuest’ fitness program and what inspired you to start it. VS: The Myquest portion of my site which will be launched soon as a fitness app is a quest through fitness and wellness. The first quest will take subscribers through a 30 day fitness challenge with a meal plan. It will include videos daily of the workouts with some of my favorite and trusted fit-

ness experts as well as a meal plan to kickstart a healthy lifestyle. You have a beautiful daughter, Ava with your husband Mike Wayans. Many people including myself find it challenging to balance family and professional life. How do you balance working life, motherhood and being a dedicated partner? VS: It’s all about balance! A part of that balance starts with organization. Clearly organizing your monthly goals and what you can realistically get done is important. Also avoid over exerting yourself with tasks.

“It’s important to me to be very, very active in my daughters life so there are times when I have to turn off that business brain and get totally into Mommy/Wifey mode.” Trust me when I say it’s easier said than done, but that’s why writing my goals down keeps my mind focused on what I can and cannot do. I turn down tons of opportunities and only focus on those that contribute directly to my goals so that I am able to make time for my family and friends. As women, “Girl Time” is important too. We always need that outlet of girls we can go to with anything and everything. Trust me it matters! What is the most important life advice you’ve been given, and what advice can you give to other dreamers? VS: I can sometimes be overly ambitious and I always was while growing up. That can add a lot of pressure to yourself. One thing my Dad always told me when I would get overwhelmed is “do your best and forget the rest”. That advice has gotten through so many situations where I almost had a meltdown and honestly that short quote puts things into perspective. It reminds us that all we can really do is put our best genuine foot forward and forget everything else. Just keep doing your best! What’s next for Vanessa Simmons? VS: Taking it one day at a time. I’m living in each moment and being the best mommy I can be to Ava Marie.

Saturday, January 21, 2017 marked a historic day for women. What are your thoughts on the Women’s March on Washington and do you think we will see events like that more often?

FFFD VANESSA SIMMONS

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TRINA SANCHEZ

Izma Entertainment in 2006 which is a hybrid branding

company whose primary focus is bringing together the elementsof fashion, film, models, music and celebrity founded by Katrina Sanchez known as “Trina” . Having both hands in theindustry’s ever-evolving state, the Izma brand Trina formed, embraces the multi-platform elements with its unique management style and overall approach to project development. Izma Entertainment has worked on several projects and known as one of the most popular boutique Consultant and Talent Management company here in Los Angeles, CA. Producing high end private events, facilitating production shoots with a full studio and crew, arranging monthly workshops and seminars for new business owners including models. Also Trina works in the importing/ exporting industry where she broker commodity deals globally. IZMA is a one stop for all your entertainment and business needs. Ms. Sanchez provides photographers, casting directors, directors, glam crew, advertisers, marketers, investors, sponsors and designers all over the world with the highest caliber male and female influencers such as Jessica Killings, Erica Mena, Milan Christopher, Jodie Joe, Caitlin O’Connor just to name a few out of hundreds. Izma has worked on a wide range of projects and bookings with celebrities such as Jay Z, Beyonce,Jlo, Tyrese Gibson, Jessica White, Christina Milian, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Justin Bieber, YG, Vivica A. Fox, Far East Movement, Kevin Hart and many more. Her company also provides attractive, friendly and reliable promotional staff for nationwide events and print models promoting brands such as Coca Cola, Grey Goose, Herbal Tropics, Quest Apparel, Telemundo, Macy’s Stores, Red Bull, Guess, YSL, Nakeah Cosmetics, Tyra Banks Beauty, We Are Pop Culture Beauty, Virgin Mobile, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Corona Extra, and Rosenberg Diamonds. Izma clients have been featured in Magazines such as FHM, MAXIM, numerous music videos (some artists include 50 Cent , Dr.Dre and Jay Z), Fashion Shows for Mercedes Benz Fashion week, Hair Ads for L’Oreal and Paul Mitchell , dancers for BET & MTV Awards, commercials for brands like Virgin Mobile, Reebok and many other world-leading brands. Some of the events Ms.Sanchez produced was Rocking Sizzling Fashion Show with appearances by singer Tank, Eye on Glam hosted by Erica Mena, Beauty and Brains hosted by Nazanin, Jasmin Jaye, Angel Brinks, Jessica White, Jackie Christie and Vivica A. Fox. Izma has sponsored many events in Los Angeles and Miami. Founder, is continuously expanding her brand. Ms.Sanchez recently partnered with China NingFang Manufacturer which is a fabric and garment production company based in China where she managed the entire US department with brands such as Forever 21, H&M, Armani, etc. Ms. Sanchez is a strong advocate for Domestic Violence and the Program Director for Model 1-on-1 Domestic Violence and Rape Foundation. She donated to many non profits such as L.A Mission, Ann Douglas Center for Women, The Midnight Mission and D.A.R.E. Her end goal is to own her private capital and investment company where she can secure funding for aspiring entrepreneurs and creators.

All products are Shea Butter based and handmade. Every product is made with love and care. We care about what you put on and into your bodies. No ingredients you can not pronounce. All Natural. Our Whipped Shea Butter melts with contact and goes on very smooth. It leaves your skin with a beautiful even shine. You can apply as much or as little as you like. One dab will go very far. Once applied it will leave your skin feeling very silky and smooth. You can also used it in your hair. Shea butter has been used to treat various skin conditions: eczema psoriasis roscacia It also helps to restore elasticity in the skin and helps to minimize acne scar.