E 4 kids by Escapades Magazine

SUMMER 2013

Page 2

COMING AUGUST 10, 2013 CASTING CALL MAY 4TH SCHOOL DAZS FASHION SHOW

INTERESTED CALL US 318-996-8522 SLOTS ARE LIMITED

E 4 KIDS

“THE URBAN LOOK” Photo credit by Michael Anthony Richardson” M & M Modeling and Photography

E 4 KIDS

“THE URBAN LOOK” Photo credit by Michael Anthony Richardson” M & M Modeling and Photography

FEATURES

38 ANIKA T. McCLURE

12 LA’MYA NYAVAEH JAMES

MICHAEL SANSONE

DWAYNE HIRSCH

JOANNA ORTIZ

PAMELA SAUNDERS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

REALITI IN FASHION BY

WORDS FROM A PHAT GIRL by KAT BLADE

ROSHONA MORGAN

16 “IF I KNEW THEN…” BY MRS. BLAKEY, INTBN

ABOUT US

STAFF

SUBMITTING CONTENT

ADVERTISE WITH US

FAQ

28 “ BELIEVE, DREAM, AND ACHIEVE” BY BELLA “I.V.” MODEL OF THE MONTH

36 “RED MEANS GO” BY PATRICIA URBONAS CLARK

30 JESZIE JAE

31 DEREK ALEXANDER

E 4 KIDS

ABOUT US Escapades and its sister publications are all a digital magazine for youth and adults to help in learning about various careers and job skills it takes to land a job and how to keep the job. Learn what it takes to be in the various career industries directly from the industry leaders.

Escapades, E 4 Kids, and 381 Fashion are all considered mentoring magazines and will be developed and published in regards to helping others become successful through knowledge and experience. Escapades Publications are developed through partnerships within the various industries and the leaders in those industries. Escapades Publications interviews executives, employees, and owners in order to receive the insight from these individuals and how they made it in their industries. Our objectives are not to determine that each interviewee has the answer for you to land a job/career or even have the answers to how to secure that advancement. What Escapades publications will do is promise that we will give you an answer on how some things work and some things don’t work for everyone. In doing this we grow relationships through partnerships and mentoring opportunities to help guide you through the difficult decisions about a job/ career within a specific career industry. The interviewees talk you through some of the things that they have done to become successful and some of the things that they had to make decisions on. This way if you come across these same instances you have a guide/reference to relate to in your decisionmaking solutions. Escapades Magazine focuses on careers that relate to adult readers such as business, government, medical and other professional industries. This is not to say that our youth are not interested in these careers but most youth are interested in music, movies, sports, web/gaming development and other type industries. The things that seem to cover both readers are fashion, traveling,

some degrees of education and management/ business owners’ careers.

E 4 Kids Magazine focuses on careers in the music, music, sports, web/gaming development in some cases our writers for E 4 Kids will be youth themselves doing the interviews and asking the tough questions. It will also be the youth that will do the editing of the interviews. As the magazines grow and get more and more exposure through our readers, social networks, and website subscriptions.

As we grow and so does some of the interests in careers we will develop magazines that will cover those specific industries. Now as most people know there are publications for some career industries called “Trade Publications” and some of them are good and even great. But all publications don’t cover the true facts of a specific industry but what you get is a personal perspective from people that you can’t seem to relate to you and your dream or goals are not the same. Not saying what they say are not important and could work, but it’s not a perspective that seems to fulfill your career goals or requests for answers to your questions.

Now in this regard you may not get that perspective or even answer to your questions, but it will give you an educational and development perspective on what it takes to make it successful in that career industry. So if you are interested in business, entertainment, fashion, sports, and other industries Escapades Publications will strive to get you the answer to your questions. If you read an interview ad you come up with a question that you would need answered then you can ask Escapades Publications to get the answers or make a connection to what we call our interviewees (or Mentors) to respond back to you.

Escapades Publications also works with people in the need of guidance in a specific industry by exposing you to industry leaders that can partner with you and become a mentor and guide you through the rough patches of decision-making. Through Escapades Publications you can visit our social networks and website and leave a message for one of our mentors and ask the question that you may have.

Escapades Publications is always looking for individuals, companies, and organizations that they can partner with in order to develop an educational and knowledgeable platform and plans to continue to grow each and every day. So join us as we develop relationships through mentorships and education for youth and adults alike.

Mentors teach us about life, education, and careers. Join us to learn where you fit in. Serve.gov/mentor

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STAFF Publisher/Editor in Chief: Andre C. Smith

Modeling Editor Christopher Bradford

Business Manager Pippa F. Smith

Columnists/Contributing Writers Kathleen Blade-Owens Patricia Urbonas Rankin Clark Isabella Viola

Fashion Editor Roshona Morgan Interviewing Editors Andre C. Smith

If you would like to be part of our staff and/or contributing writers please contact us at escapadesmagazines@gmail.com

Radio Station Staff Radio Station Senior Producer Pippa F. Smith Hosts Particia Urbonas Rankin Clark Ric Morgan

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Business Phone 773-675-9260 - message number 773-288-3000 - physical location number

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(COMING SOON) 381 Fashion Magazine Email accounts escapademagazine@gmail.com Email for Escapade Magazine Publication escapades4kids@gmail.com Email for E 4 Kids Magazine Publication. escapade4kids@gmail.com Email address for readers to respond comments, suggestions, and opinions.

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SUBMITTING CONTENT Escapades Magazine welcomes submissions from freelance writers adult and youth. All of our submissions are interviews. Feature interviews are designated by the theme of each month’s issue. All other interviews must be submitted as designated below: Our Writer’s Guidelines: We look for interviews (original and reprint) in that we publish interviews that deal with a career or job position. We always need images to go with an article. Photos should be high resolution (300 dpi) and of a good size. Photos should also have descriptions accompanying them. Please don’t embed graphics in Word documents—make them an attachment (jpeg) in the email. When downloading images from the Internet, please be sure they are large enough for us to use at 300 dpi. When you’re sending several images, please indicate which you would prefer us to use if we can’t fit all of them in the article.

Name each graphic by figure number (i.e., Figure 1, Figure 2). If you have original photos (slides, prints), please make sure you scan them at the appropriate dpi. The author is fully responsible for identifying and obtaining publishing permissions for all information or images in the interview. Photography Guidelines Escapades/E 4 Kids is a submission driven magazine. We are always looking for more photographs! If you want to submit your photographs to 381 Fashion, please read the submission guide BEFORE your submission! General requirements Current and unpublished work is generally preferred. You should have the copyright for the work & be the holder of the modelrelease For your submission preview we’ll need up to 5 images of story/theme & info of assistants, models, stylists and location. Image size minimum 600 px

high, 72dpi, JPEG, PNG or PDF, and total of 5MB Please add some info about yourself, and about your artwork, link to website is a must. After your photographs have be accepted be prepared to send the images in Hi Res Tiff/Jpgs!!! Submission process We can only process photographs that was submitted in accordance with the submission general requirements. We will contact applicants that their photographs is considered for a future issue of 381 Fashion. Due to the large volume of applications we receive on a daily basis, we are not able to reply to all applicants. We might keep your contact information for a possible future use. NOTE: that Escapades/E 4 Kids cannot guarantee acceptance. Remember that we have to rearrange the contents based of several submissions.

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F.A.Q. (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) How can I get in touch with Escapades/E 4 Kids?

I’ve got a suggestion for a photo in the fashion section!

If you want to contact the Escapades/E 4 Kids team, please send an email to escapades4kids@gmail.com. If you need to contact Escapades or have any questions/problems about this website, you can send an email escapades4kids@gmail.com during USA working hours and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

We're always interested in seeing photos of fashion teens. Please send any photos to us in a fashion show, model layout (not bathing suit; only casual, formal, or business clothing) email photo with details of model (name, city, state, age, school model attends, and permission of use of photo by teen model’s parent/guardian, and contact information of photographer/parent/ guardian) before we use or review and photo. All submissions will be verified with photographer and parent/guardian. Email to escapades4kids@gmail.com.

Why are my Escapades article pictures not appearing? No pictures appear automatically on the site, they have to be approved by the Escapades team. This will normally take no longer than 24 hours during working hours, but could take longer. If you have a question about your images not appearing, please email escapades4kids@gmail.com. I’ve seen your publications and they look great. How do I get them?

Can I buy a subscription to the magazine please? Why of course! Head to email escapades4kids@gmail.com - most months we throw in some wondrous free gifts, so go have a look what's on offer at the moment. You told me I’d won a competition, but I haven’t had my prize yet. Is it time to take a shotgun to the postman?

Our publication is free digitally. Only subscribed readers with a small subscription cost can receive a hard copy of the publications. Please contact Escapades team for details and price rates.

If your prize hasn't arrived, please email us at escapades4kids@gmail.com and let us know.

Your magazine(s) sounds cool! Any writing jobs going at Escapades/E 4 Kids?

I’m a sharp-dressing, smooth-talking ad salesman and I want to buy some ad space in your publication(s) magazine and website. Shall we do lunch?

Yes. We always entertain articles from contributing writers. Go to http:// escapades.wordpress.com and click on the “Submit Articles” tab and follow the directions to submitting content. Articles/photos are submitted without payment to writers. We do not guarantee all articles/photos will be used. If you are a published writer, or would like to be, we do accept feature submissions, but bear in mind we recommend that you look through the magazine, identify the kind of material we publish and tailor any ideas around our current work. All material used will be property of Escapades/ E 4 Kids and the original writer(s). Any use of article/photo will be the decision and permission of writer/photographer and if used in Escapades/E 4 Kids will be notified or a notification will be printed at the bottom of the article being reprinted directing the readers to know that the article was previously used in one of Escapades/ E 4 Kids issues/publications. Send ideas to escapades4kids@gmail.com.

If you have anything good that you'd like us to review or feature, drop us an email to escapades4kids@gmail.com. One email is usually enough, and we do read everything, honestly, so if you don't get a reply it probably means we're really busy and we will return your email as soon as possible. I’ve spotted a mistake on Escapades/E 4 Kids. Do you give out tenners like the magazine do? No, or we’d go bust within hours. But let us know at escapades4kids@gmail.com. I’m a subscriber to Escapades/E 4 Kids magazine (hard copy) and I haven’t received my copy this month. Where is it? Email our subscriptions department at escapades4kids@gmail.com (Attn: Subscription Department) and let them know. One of your articles on God / sex / women / men / monkeys / plastic mouldings has deeply offended me. I want to complain in the strongest possible terms. To whom shall I address my letter? If you have seen or read something in Escapades/E 4 Kids or on http:// escapades4kids.wordpress.com that you consider beyond the bounds of good taste and decency, then send the information to escapades4kids@gmail.com and we will endeavor to deal with your complaint promptly.

There are plenty of opportunities to advertise in Escapades and/or E 4 Kids. Please contact escapades4kids@gmail.com. Hi there, I’m a PR executive with a fantastic new product to promote in your magazine(s) or website. Who do I contact?

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT YOU DO NOT SEE HERE THEN EMAIL US AT submissions.escapadesmagazines@gmail.com

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LAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MYA NEVAEH JAMES Model La'Mya is 4 years old and she resides in the Chicago land area with her parents. La'Mya is very energetic, outgoing and love inner acting with people. La'Mya is apart of various activities such as modeling, cheerleading, gymnastics, tap, ballet, and dance. She's performing at an above average level not only in her activities but in her academics as well. She recently performed for the Mayor of Chicago at the Homan square park district in Chicago Umoja the Spirit of Togetherness as they presented The Founder of Music. She also performed for the Panda Studios located in Oak Park Illinois were she studies Tap and Ballet. La'Mya recently won first place in the KandiLand Fashion Show with Living Boldly 2 Modeling Agency where she received $300 cash toward her education along with other prizes. Her upcoming events are: cheerleader

competition in June 2013, School Dazs fashion show August 2013 and a Children's pageant on August 31 and September 1.

If you're interested in Model La'Mya performing or interviews you may contact LB2 318-996-8522 or email livingboldly_2@yahoo.com

Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mya posing for the camera.

KANDILAND FASHION SHOW MODEL WINNER

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Page 13

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REALITI IN FASHION BY ROSHONA MORGAN What is Fashion? Fashion for some is like a religion and whereas I really love and appreciate the art of it, I consider myself to be more of a guru than a high priestess on the matter. There are so many fun (yes fun) things to consider within the art that is fashion. From flavorable collections of colors and an array of styles to accessories and my personal favorite, shoes; fashion just has a way of cheering you up or making you happy. It represents the possibility of something. What look are you going for? Is it trendy, classic and timeless, or conservative? How do you want to feel in what you're wearing? How about sexy, chic, and confident, powerful and authoritative, or perhaps sporty and fun? Fashion is a very powerful force in our day to day lives whether we realize it or not. A few articles of clothing can create any of these looks for yourself and evoke all of these feelings.

As a fashion stylist I ask these questions because I believe its a great way to help my clients hone in on what they really want in their fashion lives and how they wish to define their fashion personality. As I previously mentioned, fashion is art, and artist create masterpieces in an effort to express themselves. For this reason' one should utilize fashion as their own means of self expression. Like it or not appearance is the first way that we self represent. I'm not talking about vanity, I'm talking about the person you put in front of the world. Are you 'repping' yourself as a diva, a

business person, or maybe you've just decided to roll with the 'I'm a busy mom and don't have time for all that fashion stuff' look. Whatever your choice, you should wear it with pride, and if you don't feel at least the slightest bit of pride in the way that you've chosen to present yourself to the world, then it's time to rethink your fashion sense and your wardrobe choices. If that sounds harsh well I apologize, but the truth is that your inside beauty gets lost if you deprive your outward beauty of having a chance to shine. When your inside and outside beauty are in harmony, the result is a self representation of confidence, and confidence looks sexy on everyone. So you see, you are the blank canvass in which art can be created. You can be your own masterpiece, and who can't appreciate great art?

mean now. I would encourage you to step outside of your fashion box (if in fact you are in one) and try something different, something colorful and flavorful. In the meantime I'd like to hear from all of you about what fashion means to you. I'd like to know what you consider your personal style to be and why? Are you more influenced by what you see in magazines, on the television or on videos, or do you have your own eclectic sense of what's hot? I can't wait to hear your answers, but until then represent yourself as the masterpiece that you are.

If you would like to send Roshona Morgan a fashion question and have her answer the question here please forward your question to: Escapades Publications Attn: Realiti In Fashion by Roshona Morgan at submissions.escapades@gmail.com

Frequently I'll ask my clients to tell me what fashion means to them. I want them to tell me all about their likes and dislikes within the fashion trends their seeing. Avid lover of fashion or not, I know I don't always like what's presented as the newest 'must haves' for the season either. However, I do know what I like and am willing to try new things in the colorful world of fashion. I swore I'd never wear a pair of skinny jeans/pants because I was convinced that only tall skinny women could or should wear them, but now you can't pry them off my body because they work with just about everything.

At the end of the day, you just have to do what works for you and I don't mean back in the day (i.e. what used to work), I

If you would like to ask Roshona Morgan a fashion question please email us at Submissions.escapades@gmail. com

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It’s Nice To Be Nice (INTBN) International “Because we are our brother’s keeper…” That is the belief and the motto of the organization. INTBN provides free health education and educational support services in The Gambia, West Africa and Chicago, IL U.S.A.

Victoria D. Blakey Founder/Chairperson It's Nice To Be Nice (INTBN) International Gambia (220) 796-4488 (220) 909-8062 Chicago (773) 503-4488 Skype: victoria.d.blakey http://www.intbn.org https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Its-Nice-To-Be-Nice-INTBNInternational http:// victoradblakey.blogspot.com/

INTBN was first started and developed as a registered a nonprofit, charitable organization in The Gambia, West Africa. In 2004, Ms Victoria D Blakey, who is from Chicago, IL, began to teach basic health education on communicable as well as non communicable diseases to her neighbors in a local community while on a short stay in The Gambia. These neighbors, knowing that she was a nurse would ask for different kinds of medications to treat various ailments. Ms Blakey didn’t have any medicine for them but what she did have was the information and or access to the information to help individuals and families take better care of themselves and treat some minor problems with nutrition and proper hygiene. A few weeks later Ms Blakey met a young school age local girl on the beach selling mangoes, bananas and peanuts from a tray the little girl carried on her head. It was in a tourist area, which is not safe for children, especially young girls due to foreign as well as well as local predators. On her face this young girl wore a grimace and a look of confusion, but with deep knowing eyes. She was not in school and had never been to school

because she had to work to help support her family. This young girl touched Ms Blakey’s heart and spirit to fund this young girl’s education and give minimal financial support to the family to supplement the loss wages of the little girl and other children like her via the C.A.R.E. Program (Children At Risk Education). The short stay became a very long stay and a story that is continuing. As time progressed so did the projects and programs of INTBN. Moved by the plight of older women the organization’s focus turned toward helping them. It is documented that 2/3 of females 15 years and upward in The Gambia are classified as illiterate so the organization began free literacy classes for females 17 years and up. INTBN also encourages and supports women to develop small local businesses with it’s, “Self Sufficiency and Economic Empowerment Program”. This program is open to females that have successfully completed the literacy program While praying for clarity on these new challenges in a new land Ms Blakey received her divine inspiration and understood her purpose. Core essentials were missing for many, the ones needed to survive, progress and lead fulfilled lives. Good health and education, this is the mission of INTBN.

MISSION STATEMENT: “Helping to enrich essential building blocks in under served communities that help improve and empower the lives of its people by providing free health education/ awareness and educational support services.” INTBN was registered in February of 2005 as a non profit, charitable organization in The Gambia, West Africa. The organization was self funded and developed by Ms Blakey. In June of 2008, INTBN registered in the state of Illinois, (Ms Blakey’s home state) as a charitable non profit organization to serve the Chicago land area. The organization has been mainly self funded and has partners that contribute from time to time. It only takes one person to make a difference n the lives of many!

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“If I Knew Then…” by Ms. Blakey (INTBN) Words to Inspire, Uplift and Comfort I remember when I was in my younger years and I use to hear older people say that. It actually kind of got on my nerves. I didn’t understand it and I wasn’t trying to hear it either, especially for someone that I didn’t think understood me. Usually when someone was saying it to me they’d be sort of shaking their head and muttering, umph, umph, umph. Some of the time it would be an Amen choir of friends and or relatives in the background testifying in agreement, with their, “sho nuffs and tell it like it is” chorus. Now your business becomes everybody else’s business! Everybody had an opinion, but nobody had any answers! There probably was already some kind of secret shame or fear hiding only GOD knew how to handle. Geez! Well I wish I would’ve known then what I do now, but I didn’t like most of us. So you know what? We do the best that we can with the hand that we are dealt: simple as that! Looking for help is not as easy as it may appear, especially when you’re carrying around so much baggage. That baggage, those issues that have been affecting your life makes it hard for you to move, even think sometimes. Many of us did not grow up in the ideal setting with both parents under the same roof, both sets grandparents and other extended family members. You know the “Cosby Show” image of the family. Although some will deny it, fact is most of us crave this would’ve have been, will be or is the type of family environment to be a part of. I think that causes anger in many children and adults. We all want to be loved and the more people around us that love us the more loving we are, the more loving we become. All that

love builds self esteem, confidence, respect of self and others and pride. All these things are building blocks and without one these blocks you can not build the foundation of a productive self. But guess what!? Even people that have what we consider the, “white picket fence experience”, have no guarantee, because what we see on the outside can be quite different from what’s going on inside. Life can be messed up and most of can mess our lives up, but that doesn’t mean things have to stay that way. We all want to live the, “good life”! So what does that mean? It means that you have to cherish the one that’s with you always, yourself! This is hard to do

when you are young and have yet to develop the mental and emotional tools to understand and communicate with the world around you, let alone understanding yourself. But we all are born with an innate instinct and I want you to tune into to it no matter what age you are. That is the law of self preservation. What is that you ask? Well it’s what gives you the will to live, not just survive, but live: life not death. Not just in the physical, but holistically: emotional, mental, spiritual as well as the physical you. The total package!

You have to believe that you’re beautiful; inside and out! You have to believe that no matter how ugly things may be or have been.

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I am an actor and photographer. Art and performance are my life. It's my passion. Even if I don't have the talent or skills to make it as an actor...I know there are people that do, and I want to give them the tools to get there.

“As a performer looking to have my

By Patricia Urbonas Clark

ple and capturing the essence

ple in the back of the house

of them.

can see your expressions. Having your headshot taken

I've been to multiple open

As a performer looking to

can also be directly related to

casting calls, and I have made

have my own headshots

film acting. Having a camera

it to the final callbacks for the

taken, I noticed there isn't a

really tight on your face and

off-Broadway production of

lot of information about them.

being forced to show different

STOMP. I know what it's like

Because of that, my business

emotions...often times without

to be compared to hundreds of

is geared towards the new

speaking a line is something

other people. So it truly

performer.

that many actors aren't used to.

own headshots taken,

makes me feel good when my

I noticed there isn't a

headshots help someone land

I like to think of a photo ses-

an audition or even a role.

sion with me as a college

So while working with

course crammed into 3 hours.

me...not only do I try to take

Photography is not a job for

Most people walk out ex-

the best picture you have ever

me. I genuinely enjoy meet-

hausted…not expecting to

had...but I try to give you all

ing other people involved in

have to work so hard to take a

of the knowledge I've learned.

theatre and film, and I want to

picture.

This is something that I truly

lot of information about them.”

Michael Sansone Photography http:// mikesansonephoto.wix.com/ headshots facebook.com/ mikesansonephotography ph2pro.com/mikesansone twitter.com/ msansonephoto mikesansonephotography@yahoo.com

feels sets me apart from other

see you guys succeed. Much like Peter, I focus on

photographers.

I have spent multiple years

micro expressions, small

gathering all the information I

changes in the face that con-

If you ask a casting director

could about headshots, and

vey completely different

what they look for in a head-

most recently I have started

things. It surprises me how

shot...they will most likely

training under Peter Hurley,

many actors haven't spent

say one of two things.

New York's leading headshot

enough time with their face.

photographer. His business is

That is your biggest tool as a

1. It has to look like YOU.

built off taking everyday peo-

performer. That's why stage

I work very hard to relax you

makeup is used...so that peo-

and give you an environment

E 4 KIDS you feel comfortable to play

taking a great picture. THERE

people in your field of work.

in. Much like in a rehearsal

IS BEAUTY IN EVERY-

As far as price goes...I believe

for a show. You can't be

ONE.

you get what you pay for. A

afraid to make mistakes.

good headshot is an invest-

Wardrobe is not as important

Whether you choose to shoot

ment that you make towards

as people think. You should

with me or not...make sure

the business of "you".

always wear clothes you feel

you have a rapport with your

the best in. A casting director

photographer. Find someone

You shouldn't settle for me-

isn't going to look at your shot

whose work you love...and

diocre. You wouldn't take a

and say "Oh...he has a nice

who you can be yourself

cop seriously without a

vest on...I need to get him in

around.

badge...so why would a cast-

here!"

ing director take you seriously I find that with the ever grow-

without a good headshot.

2. It has to give us a sense of

ing social media indus-

the performer's personality.

try...your image is the first

Take the time to look at your

Who they are.

thing people see of you. In

current picture...and decide if

There are a lot of photogra-

most cases...it may be the

it represents who you are.

phers who take gorgeous pic-

deciding factor in somebody

tures...but fail to get to know

choosing to work with you, so

the person they are shooting.

it has to convey exactly who

They capture pictures with

you are and what you are

what is called..."out to lunchi-

about.

expressions, small

tis." People think that a blank

Whether you are an actor,

changes in the face

face is a "serious" face. And

model, dancer, musician, real-

that convey

that's false. Do you ever won-

tor, lawyer, author or a chef

completely different

der why celebrities and mod-

your image is a representation

things.â&#x20AC;?

els always look cool in maga-

of who and what you are. Just

zines? It's because they know

like a fast food chain's mas-

how to use their face. They

cot...your picture is your call-

exude a confident personality.

ing card and how you will be

And you have to be able to do

remembered. Headshots are

that for the rest of your career

often overlooked, but when

EVERY TIME you are in

taken and used properly...a

front of a camera. I feel like

good headshot can put you

every person is capable of

light years ahead of the other

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I focus on micro

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Joanna Ortiz, born in Chicago Illinois, raised in Missouri, has been modeling on a serious level since the Spring of 2010 after appearing as an extra, and hair model in over 8 episodes of the Chicago based reality TV show 'Chicagolicious', Season 2, which airs on Style Network. Since then, Joanna has graced the runways of several Chicago fashion shows, modeling some of Chicago's top designers such as Akira. Joanna has posed as a hair model for the ABS (American Beauty Show) 2 years in a row representing mega hair company's like Clairol, and Wella. Joanna is currently a promotional model for the new and innovative woman's shape wear line by Elsa Sanchez, "Elsa's Curves", and in the middle of finishing up filming her first lead female role as 'Sheena' in the upcoming Indie Horror/Thriller, "The Graveyard Menace", directed and written by actor/ comedian/writer Chase Cavalera.

E 4 KIDS Can you describe your career for our readers? What are the specific job responsibilities of your career choice? I am an aspiring Model/Actress. As a model, I am required to go to hundreds of castings and auditions, walk countless runways, and maintain a fit physical physique. As an actress I am required to go to equal amounts f castings, and spend countless hours studying and learning to own your craft..

Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now?

I have always dreamed of being a ‘STAR’. As a child, I was what you would call, the ‘ugly duckling’, so modeling was never a real heavy thought in my mind, but acting has always been a first love of mine. I used to memo-

rize whole movies and act them out to myself, beginning to end, word for word. My favorite was ‘The Wizard of Oz’. If I wasn’t pursuing my career in Modeling/Acting, I would probably be focusing on a career in real estate. I

believe that I would be very wealthy in that arena. I can SELL anything.

Can you explain to our readers what educational background it takes to get into the career and position that you are in now? And what is the educational background that it takes to continue in this career and/or advance in this career? Unfortunately, as a model you don’t really need excessive schooling. That’s not what this is about. It’s about your FACE. Your LOOK. The FEELING you give people when they look at your photo. It’s about fitting into a certain

physical mold, NOT about your GPA. If that were the case, believe me, you wouldn’t be seeing half of the faces that you see in the magazines today. In acting, it’s quite the same, but regardless whether a job REQUIRES a good edu-

cation or not, it’s something that you should want for yourself any way. Try some acting classes, or try a coach! It will only help you in the long run to master your craft, and who doesn’t love a MASTER??

What do you think is the state of our educational system today compared to how it was in the past? What do you feel is a possible solution to our educational system and how do you think we could implement programs to make these changes? In the past the educational system catered more to the needs of students, and had a larger selection of helpful programs that children could be a part of. Nowadays, you’re lucky if you’re com-

munity school has a helpful after school program, or funding for a sport’s team. Most neighborhood schools lack both. Parents could come together as and help create more ideas for the Board of Educa-

tion to incorporate into the system.

Most youth and also some adults believe that as executives and bosses your day is sometimes the easiest because they think your position is to boss people around. Can you walk us through a normal day at work when you get in until the time you leave? It’s definitely just as hard to be a ‘boss’ of a company as it is to be an employee. Either way, you have to bring optimal work performance to make your business run smoothly. A typical shoot day for me would be getting in by 6am, hair and makeup prep, and then time to shoot! J Long days end in sore toes (from heels/stilettos), tired eyes, and lots of makeup remover !

In your position/career do you manage a group of people and what do you feel makes a great manager/supervisor? How should a manager/ supervisor look at managing a group of people with the different attitudes and skills? As of right now, I am not a manager or a person in charge in the modeling industry, but I hope to change that sometime in the near future As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific job/ career this position expands into covering some areas that are not in your job description. What can you say has been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that were not in your initial job description? I have been asked to help the makeup artists and hair stylists at some of my shoots! J My reply is usually, “Well, I’m no good at hair, but I gotcha on the makeup!” I have loved makeup and all that it is from an early age. I never have a problem helping in that arena.

What are your favorite things about your position; what makes your day the most exciting and what is it that is the down points about your position?

My favorite part of my career is being able to express myself through beauty. Whether it be hair, makeup, or a garment, I love to make it come to life in front of the camera. The most exciting part of the day is getting to see the end results of all the hard work put in to make art through physical beauty. Seeing the positive reactions of other people to your work is very rewarding. Downfalls of my career would be meeting people who do not share your work ethic, or the love of your craft. Also, having to focus so much on the ‘physical’ aspect of life can be daunting.

E 4 KIDS With the economy the way it is and the job market in a slump (with several government agencies stating it is coming up) what do you see as one of the hardest thing that people are having with finding jobs and in some cases keeping their jobs?

The hardest part of finding a job these days would be the need to compete with so many others jumping for the same positions. It’s hard to capture an employer’s attention when 100 other people are in his

face for the same spot. Another problem would be that minimum wage is just not enough to support the average family. People don’t want to continue working their tails off for chump change. Keep-

ing a job gets harder and harder for these same reasons.

“KEEPING YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER IN THIS ECONOMY; Stay prayerful.

What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a mentor in your life as you were growing up and what stood out about your mentor? I am very fond of mentoring. Growing up, I did not have a mentor, and I believe that having one could have been a

very positive experience for me. Fortunately, in my adult years I have been blessed to meet a woman who I hold

Stay positive. Work hard. You’ll be fine.”

dear to my heart, and who I have dubbed as my mentor. Her name is Kathleen Owens, one of the most inspirational women I have ever met.

Not a great time in my life, but I was able to come out of that rut, and later find myself. If I could do it, any little girl

out there could.

What advice could you give our readers about the following things; education, career goals, personal growth when related to your career, and what steps do I take to keep my head above water in the current economy? My advice to Escapades on EDUCATION; Get as much of it as you can!! STAY IN SCHOOL, work hard, and try to be a good person. You will see your dreams coming true! CAREER GOALS; MAKE

them, KEEP them, LIVE them. Having a career goal and making sure that you keep it is one of the smartest decisions that you can make. PERSONAL GROWTH; Always stay true to yourself,

and make sure that you do what you love. KEEPING YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER IN THIS ECONOMY; Stay prayerful. Stay positive. Work hard. You’ll be fine.

I suppose that if a teacher treats a student differently due to the lack of raises or bonuses, then they are in the wrong profession. The children have absolutely nothing to do with how our government handles the teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wages. Their education should not be sacrificed due to the ignorance of the adults that are in charge around them.

You are right. Funding, and receiving grants for schooling has gotten a bit harder to obtain now that everyone is trying to obtain it, but the only suggestion that I have that could possibly help relieve this problem would be for US parents to continue to enforce good grades in school. Fighting to stay in school, get good grades, and graduate will almost guarantee free scholarships!

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"Believe, Dream and Achieve by Bella "I.V.""

the rebels, bullies or troublemak-

Being Bullied and Overcoming It ers. Yes I had them all in my When you are bullied you don’t really know why or how it begins it just does. In the sixth grade I was called “Shorty”. I really did not care at the time I was one of the shortest students in my class. Day in and day out it started to get on my last nerve. I eventually ignored whenever someone said it and did not acknowledge when someone called me that.

Seventh grade started with names like “Cereal Box

Throughout my elementary years sixth, seventh and eighth grades you see the same students and alternate teachers. So seeing the same students in small hallways it easily allows arguments and even fights to start. On day someone can be your best friend and by the end of the day your worst enemy.

Girl”, “Garbage Can Swag”.

I was typically quiet, a good student, was liked by my teachers and most of the students. With any school there are groups of what I will call

If you would like to ask Bella a question about “Bullying” then email her at submissions.escapades@gmail.com

class for three years. Because I listened in class, respected my teachers and did not run wild at night I was not liked but I was popular. It was at that time I knew that the students that were being treated like me gravitated to me. I loved them. We had an ethnic mix in my neighborhood and I called everyone my friend. It started to get more difficult and the end of sixth grade. Because I ignored the name-calling and did what was expected of me it escalated. Seventh grade you start to become the top of the entire school as a senior in high school would. You’re not a freshman anymore and you should know better. Our school had only after school noncompetition sports. We did have groups you could join but after an exhausting day of work and dealing with the peer pressure I went directly home. They took the wind out of my wings and I was

tired. I would get home and just want to relax. I did not care to hang with anyone scared that if I did there might be trouble. I spent a lot of time with my mother and siblings. I guess you could say I wanted to keep my reputation even then. Believe it or not I live one half a block from school and my mother dropped me off and waited for me after school until the last day of eighth grade. We had fun talking about what happened that day. She guessed every time there was trouble and with whom it involved. Seventh grade started with names like “Cereal Box Girl”, “Garbage Can Swag”. That brought tears to my eyes but I held back crying. Again day in and day out it got to me. I told my teachers and mother. My mother talked to the Principal and Assistant Principal to get it to stop. They even talked to me to find out who and why they were saying it. I tried to ignore it but it was difficult. Summer break always helped me to de stress and

E 4 KIDS “I will forever remember my teacher Mr. Collins who would play guitar in his classroom”. “ Continue your dream Bella”. forget it for the time being. It never stopped.

knew we were ignoring them and they hated it.

The eighth grade was a grade I thought I would never complete. Not because of my studies but the bullying became beyond what I could handle. A girl in my neighborhood a year younger that I became the biggest bully I have known so far. She was not in any of my classes but we did see each other in the hallways. My friends knew what she was doing and saying and they did not like her. They tried to protect me without fighting or arguing. You could feel the tension in the hallways and after school. We also walked home the same way. I never knew what to expect. She claimed to be a leader with a posse. I laughed to myself and her groups of friends were also just as bad as she was. At the beginning of the year my mother went into see the principal to let him know the year was starting out with problems. They knew it was not me and expected that behavior from her. My mother notified the principal that she wanted it to stop and if there were and problems she was to be notified immediately. They agreed. And so it began. All of my teachers knew a well.

It got to the point that I would cry and feel sick in the morning so I did not have to go to school. My parents notified school once again. I was able to keep up with me studies even though I missed school. I felt completely defeated, depressed and hated school. When she was not around her friends took over in harassing me. I kept turning the other cheek. She was told repeatedly to stop but always had a story that made me look like I was the aggressor. One day I ended up in the office-crying ready to burst from taking it. My mother was called and after hearing what happened became angry that after three attempts it continued. My mother notified the office if should happen again she wanted the police called and her parents. They can into the office like it was me that was the problem. The entire school knew it was her but she lied to her parents to get out of trouble. My teachers watched me more closely and did begin to punish her when they caught her. She became more upset. My mother was very involved in working in the classrooms she could feel when something was wrong. They would even give her dirty look and make comments. Until then last day at school I was not able to exhale until the eighth grade was out of school 2 weeks before the rest of the school. I passed with flying colors and now looked forward to graduation. I also had relief knowing that summer was here and I would no longer see or come across these people again. They last day of school when I got home I cried and

I began with her pushing me in the hallways with my friends defending me. She always tormented me when she was with people. She would call me B*&%$ and her friends would laugh. I kept walking and ignored them. It moved outside of school as we walked home. Her group talking and whispering even as myself and mother would walk by. They knew not to disrespect my mother. We tried to talk about something happy as we walked past them so they

did not cry again. I will forever remember my teacher Mr. Collins who would play guitar in his classroom. “Continue your dream Bella”. Love music, forget the negative and surround yourself with positive. Many of my classmates did not graduate on stage due to grades, but I did. They went on to summer school and only after that could they get their diplomas. Guess what those people that bullied me we the summer school crowd. So when I got to sleep in they were in class at a time when they could have been sleeping in to. First year of high school I was bullied by girls who did not know I was a model and some of them did not believe it. Once my pictures came out and I began working more they began to ask me how to become a model. My close friends supported me in every way and still do today. They are all beautiful and love my style and when we get together we have the same fun we always had. I have not changed whom or what I believe in just my looks has changed. Today my friends are the people who are outcast, different, and unique and even look different. I am able to connect with them and even if someone tried to bully me I will no longer be intimidated by anyone or any words! So my career began! I am an advocate to STOP BULLING around the globe.

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B-day - 6/11 Age-22 Ht- 5'5 1/2 Wt-120 Ethnicity- African American Hair color- dark brown Eye color- brown Dress size 2/4 Measurement- 34- 25-38

Look for her on an upcoming issue and hear her story about modeling, education, and becoming a mother.

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Chest - 36 Waist - 29 3/4 Hips - 37 1/2 Inseam - 30 1/2 (32 or 33 for non tux) Out seam - 44 Shoulder to wrist - 24 1/2 Neck - 15 Shirt size - small/extra small Ethnicity - white 1/4 German 1/4 mutt 1/2 English Vandalia, il AKA Small town an hour outside from the arch DOB - 02/16/1993

Look for Derek Alexander in an upcoming issue and hear his story about getting into the fashion industry.

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Genell is a beauty professional with several years of experience in the beauty industry. She started her career in nail technology before continuing on to study and work towards becoming cosmetologist. After working many years in the salon she decided to follow her passion for makeup artistry. And with her love for sharing information she is now an aspiring beauty educator, ready to share her love of beauty. CONTACT GENELL BANKS at 773-609-0811 genell@etceterabeauty.com www.etceterabeauty.com

GENELL BANKS

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“THE URBAN LOOK” Photo credit by Michael Anthony Richardson” M & M Modeling and Photography

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Patricia Urbonas Clark, Philosopher, Counselor, Business Woman and Advocate; Career and Personal Advisor; Actor, Model and Vocalist; Journalist and Radio Host; Wife, Mother and Grandmother; Passionate Redhead… Red’s borrowed words of wisdom: "Don’t Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering." - Don Miguel Ruiz

Dear RED: I am a fairly new actor to the film and TV industry who is hitting the audition circuit like you wouldn’t believe! I go to everything I can find, but never get cast. I have a unique look—several tats and piercings, and I like to wear my hair spiked with blue tips. Not sure what I can do to get cast. I am beginning to wonder if I have any talent at all. Can you help me? ~~Blue in the Windy City Dear BLUE: First of all, CONGRATs on the brave move to pursue the acting and film industry! As you know, it is hard work and not for sissies! The Hollywood glam stories you read about everywhere are certainly not the norm in the BIZ. I know actors who drive hours to find work, sleep in their cars or on a friend’s couch or floor, shower at truck stops and live on ramen noodles. They work long hours for low pay and may get booked only at the last second, so must always be prepared to drop everything and work. My advice to you is this: Generalize your look. Tats, piercings and blue hair are fine if you are wanting to work at Hot Topic, but not a lot of acting gigs call for this look. So DIVERSIFY. Make the emo character ONE of your looks; but create for yourself a BLANK CANVIS. Go plain, skip the heavy black eyeliner, mini-

mize the “costume” and wear a pale blue shirt, or match your eye color. I have red hair and olive green eyes, so my best head shots are the ones that draw those colors out. Your EYES are the windows to your soul—USE THEM so that casting directors can see the real you. Don’t take rejection personally. Casting directors have a very specific look they want for each role. If they want a guy who is 5’9” and you are 6’1”, guess what, you probably aren’t going to be cast for that role. Is it because you lack talent? Of course not; it is because you don’t fit the bill for that particular character. So, do your research and only audition for roles where you meet the director’s criteria. If you aren’t even in the ball park, you are wasting your time and hers, and will look foolish.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Get involved in social media—market yourself. Connect with other actors and production people. Create your own website and fan page. There are so MANY free services out there right now! You can create a following on Facebook, Twitter, and Wix at no cost. Do extra work and use that time to meet people. The money sucks but the contacts you make are priceless! KNOW YOUR MARKET. I am an over 35 (that is ALL the age info you are getting from me!) red headed short female. I learned early on not to chase what I call “Malibu Barbie” roles. I am not 5’11” with long beach-blonde hair and a fabulous tan. But I AM a sound, professional business woman

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and have a very professional look. It is THIS look that I submit for. It isn’t about being the prettiest or the hottest thing out there—it is about matching your look with the demand of the industry. If you ONLY look like a gang banger, then that is the only role you might be cast for. But, again, if you DIVERSIFY your look, and have a believable representation of a specific character, you are more likely to get cast. IN THE BEGINNING WORK FOR FREE. Independent films are a great way to build your resume and get yourself out there. A lot of production crew members for the majors do their own independent film making on the side. Everyone is trying to move up and are wearing many different hats in the pursuit of that “big break” we all want. Indies are the way to go. You many get a great or supporting role in an independent film which can carry your reputation to the next level. GO PROFESSIONAL. Invest in great head shots and business cards— these are your lifeline to the next job. If you can’t afford them, barter your services for them. You do something for me, I do something for you. Early on, I needed some better pics. So I worked with a photographer/videographer friend on his commercial shoot. I actually did a pretty good job at zombie makeup. He in turn spent a couple of hours giving me some great photos. I still use them! Or network with film students who NEED projects like yours to complete class requirements. And students are in tune with the most up-to-date techniques,

so the quality should be cutting edge. DON’T GIVE UP. Keep chasing the dream, improving yourself (classes, seminars, experience), learning from others’ mistakes and experience, and develop your skillset. You never arrive in this business, but you can repeatedly bloom. Look at every gig as an opportunity to fine tune.

spectful, and professional is the key. Red means GO!

DON’T BURN YOUR BRIDGES. This industry is full of opportunities to fail as well as succeed. So put on your Big Girl Panties and take the high road when things don’t go your way. People will use you and try to take advantage of you. They may even burn you. Even if/when that happens, don’t turn a negative into an opportunity to be unprofessional. No Face book slamming of a company that screwed you over; no calling your network to bad mouth an amateur director. TAKE THE HIGH ROAD. You will never regret it, and what goes around will eventually come around. You will look all the better for not being a whiney baby in the face of a bad situation. So handle yourself with style and grace. Some people are hard to work with. This industry is full of DRAMA. If not, not one would succeed. Just keep it professional in any and every interaction with colleagues, and your solid, STABLE reputation will take you places. Last of all, HAVE FUN! This business is amazing! You get to rub elbows with people your friends and family only dream of meeting. Keep it cool, don’t be a stalking fan, show you can work without going gaga on set, and the work will come. You are building your brand, and being flexible, re-

If you would like to hear Patricia Urbonas Clark along with her co-host as they interview various people from the entertainment industry and other career industries then tune in on Escapades Publications Internet Radio at www.blogtalkradion.com/ EscapadesMaggazines

Can you describe your career for our readers? What are the specific job responsibilities of your career choice?

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I am an independent film producer. I work on the smaller scale of film, which is considered independent film. I am responsible for the entire production of a movie, from beginning to end. I am the person that gives the “go” on making a movie and I am the head of the entire project. I handle hiring of a film crew, the initial budget of a film, changes of the script used for the project, and I handle executive decisions for the benefit of the project. As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific job/career this position expands into covering some areas that are not in your job description. What can you say has been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that were not in your initial job description? On a film set, there are smaller departments that handle certain tasks such as working with the cameras, makeup and hairstylists, wardrobe personnel, and setting up lights for example. Outside of my job description, I’ve had to help out in some of these departments when the team is short of people or just when some of the personnel need extra assistance. I never look at it as something that is not part of my job description; instead, I look at it as just lending a helping hand to others.

Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now? When I was a young person, I wanted to go on a totally different career path actually. But, I was always told that any career path I wanted to go down was to do my best in that chosen career path, getting to that point and working in that career. Always, to know what your options are in the industry you are entering, because, if one thing does not work out then you are able to go into another direction but still remain in that same industry.

Can you explain to our readers what educational background it takes to get into the career and position that you are in now? And what is the educational background that it takes to continue in this career and/or advance in this career? To become a film producer, it takes years and years of experience to learn the career and to be comfortable in the field and working with people. I did four years of undergraduate studies and now I am finishing out my graduate studies. I would highly recommend learning about your chosen career path and researching what schools and universities specialize in that particular career field. You also want to make sure that the department at your chosen school has teachers, professors, and others that work there are active in your chosen career field and has lots of experience and expertise to help you. I think college is almost required for any advancement in a career today, and helps keep the learning process as well as gaining experience before going out into the “Real World” and working in your chosen career path.

In your position/career do you manage a group of people and what do you feel makes a great manager/supervisor? How should a manager/supervisor look at managing a group of people with the different attitudes and skills? Managing a group of people, you must make decisions that are for the better good of everyone instead of what you want. Must make sure any executive decisions made are for the benefit of the problem and can solve the problem. Must be open to working with and around people and have to sometimes act as the “on-site psychologist” must listen to problems, must take in consideration you are working with different types of personalities and skill levels. All of these things help in decision making as a manager.

The state of our educational system has changed over a good amount of years. I think it is up to the student and the ones that act as that student’s support system to demand a valid education that will benefit them in their chosen career path. My mother would always tell me growing up “It is you that makes the best of your education.” I still hold that statement true to my life. Some schools maybe better than others but you cannot let that be a deciding factor for still receiving an education, some things we have to expound on for ourselves and education is one of those things.

In some cases our youth and some adults feel that the system is failing our youth due to the factors of raises and bonuses for the teachers. Granted there are several great teachers out there and trust me I have a few, but there have been some that have been questionable. But the questionable do not seem to be put on the carpet to answer for the actions or in some cases the lack of action they take to teach the youth. What are your feelings and thoughts on this? I think the school system should implement more regulations and guidelines that would help on both sides, the teachers and the students and parents. I do not feel all teachers should get equal rights and raises and bonuses if some have not put in equal amount of work to earn those bonuses. I feel these things are a privilege; if you put in the time, the efforts, the time with the children, and finally the work, a bonus is there as an added incentive, on the fact of being a teacher means you already do these things. Therefore, I think the teachers that should be given extra incentives are the ones that go above and beyond for students and parents. These are the teachers that put in the extra time and work because this is something they are passionate about and they basically love their job. These are the teachers that should be recognized for their hard work.

Education is a big part of succeeding in your career, but with the economy the way it is and the rising costs of tuitions in college and in some cases private high school institutions. We understand that there are grants and scholarships but to get them now a days it is even harder because now everyone is trying to get these funds and companies are taking their scholarships away due to loss of revenue. What other options do you suggest that youth and the parents look to do in order to make the opportunity to go to a good school available? The youth and parents should look into workstudy on their college campus, which helps in tuition rates. Look up as many scholarship programs to apply for, to have those funds secured for college. And overall, it’s about saving money. Parents should begin early starting a college fund for their children. This is guaranteed money for the child for when it is time to start college. It is never too late to start saving money and planning ahead for college.

Most youth and also some adults believe that as executives and bosses your day is sometimes the easiest because they think your position is to boss people around. Can you walk us through a normal day at work when you get in until the time you leave? What are your favorite things about your position; what makes your day the most exciting and what is it that is the down points about your position? I like my position because I am my own boss and I am in control of a film project I am hired for. I see the process of a film just from beginning as pieces of paper put together as a screenplay to the end of the journey as a movie being displayed on the big screen for others to view. It makes me feel good that my work provides entertainment to others and at the end of the day I get much gratitude for what I have done and that makes me feel good. I do come into problems I have to handle on set such as somebody backing out of a project, losing locations for filming, sometimes staff members can get into altercations and I have to solve all these problems to help the project run smoothly for everyone.

For a day on a film set, I usually get there very early before everyone else gets to the location. I set up my “station” with my laptop, paperwork and my production binder (has everything for the entire film). I observe and make sure everything runs smoothly during filming. I check in with my department heads (makeup, wardrobe, lighting, camera, etc.) and make sure things are fine with them and any problems arise I am there to handle and fix them. I can be on a film set anywhere from 6 hours to almost 18 hours a day. It’s more than just giving out commands and telling people what to do, but as a boss you have to make sure everyone is happy, and you have a happy and stable work environment.

With the economy the way it is and the job market in a slump (with several government agencies stating it is coming up) what do you see as one of the hardest thing that people are having with finding jobs and in some cases keeping their jobs? Companies are finding that the more educated people are harder to keep because of demanding more pay for their educational background and skill set they already have. There are many that are out here with degrees or long years of experience and expertise yet cannot find employment. Sometimes, companies find it easier and more cost -effective to hire ones with less experience and less of an educational background. To have this happen to me personally in the past, this is one problem that many face in the job market and the economy today.

What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a mentor in your life as you were growing up and what stood out about your mentor? I think a mentor works great in a young person’s life. I’ve had a few mentors throughout my life and I loved them for being there for me. You will get discouraged in your life at one point and those times when I was discouraged, my mentor was there to cheer me along the way. Having a mentor that is already active in your chosen career path serves as living proof “it can happen!” you can become successful in a chosen career path.

Job skills in some cases are becoming very hard to come by through educational methods due to most people spending more time working to make ends meet and people cannot seem to find the time to go back to school. Do you feel there should be more companies holding job skill workshops to help their employees educate themselves? Lots of large companies would pay for school but I’ve noticed since the recession hit in 2008, many companies has cut down on funding for school or has stopped this program all together. I think many suffer from this result and are not able to go back to school to learn new skills and trades that would benefit them for moving up positions in the company. This can also hurt the company from that group of employees wanting to leave for better conditions.

What was your childhood like in school; most youth struggle with fitting in and some play the game of flying under the radar in order not to be bullied or teased. Where did you fit in as a youth? I was very shy as a youth, I feel I was still trying to find my way in life and find what I wanted to do (career path, life path, etc.). I began coming out of my shell as I reached the 2nd half of my high school career. I started getting involved with student programs and activities at my school, active on sports teams and forming bonds and connections with friends and acquaintances I made in school, and I still carry on some of those relationships today.

What advice could you give our readers about the following things; education, career goals, personal growth when related to your career, and what steps do I take to keep my head above water in the current economy? You have to believe that given your decision on a career path you want to follow, you have to fulfill that dream. It’s many people out here that has advanced just by continuing onto their career goal. You must do research, and speak to people that are active in your career for you to understand what type of work you must put in whether it be school, gaining personal experience, and hours of work, and to ask yourself if you are ready and prepared for that type of work. Networking is the most important thing! You must get to know people and not be afraid of speaking to people, that are especially active in the career path you want to get into. These connections can stay with you and may be the first job you get in your career path, you never know! The current economy is growing again and regaining momentum, which serves as a great thing and because of the advancement of technology and inventions, more jobs are being created which also leads to more careers than before. It is up to you to jump on these opportunities that may arise, or just create an opportunity for yourself to become active in your selected career goal. And above all, just remember, “Do it!” Take this short phrase with you in everything you do, don’t be afraid to talk to that person that may help you or may become your mentor, just do it!

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, Chief Operations Officer, VIP Premium Energy, LLC

from Auchentoshan Scotch in 2011.

Dwayne was instrumental in launching Premium Energy VIP to the Chicago market. He has successfully handled introductions and negotiations with numerous retailers, business organizations and service providers like Wal-Mart, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Par -A-Dice Casino, the National and Illinois Black Chambers of Commerce, Tony Marks Racing, and TMT Logistics. He has also fostered relationships with international interests from Botswana, Jamaica, Dubai, China, and Nigeria. As Vice President of Chicago Premium Beverage, LLC, he assembled and initiated a sales team that acquired over 400 accounts within its first few months of activity, including 75 Walgreens stores.

Dwayne’s professional hallmarks are networking, motivating and the ability to establish and manage relationships that benefit growth of the business. Prior to joining Premium Energy VIP, Dwayne hosted a very successful professional networking talk show event and has received several awards and newspaper articles highlighting his success in connecting hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners. Dwayne also has many connections in Chicago and Atlanta media, politics and business organizations

In his role as Chief Operations Officer, Dwayne has been a key figure in working to prepare the company for growth. Dwayne will support the CEO, CFO and supervise the V.P. of Marketing and V.P. of Sales, and optimize dayto-day functions at Premium Energy V.I.P. On behalf of Premium Energy VIP, Dwayne recently accepted: New Business of the Year Award from the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Named a Top 25 Mover and Shaker in Chicago by Rolling Out Magazine. Received S.P.E.A.R Award for Outstanding Business Leadership in 2010 Social Excellence Award for local business influence

“We all have to be willing to go the extra mile, beyond the job description and do our best to be our best”.

Can you describe your career for our readers? What are the specific job responsibilities of your career choice? I am the Chief Operations Officer of Premium Energy VIP Energy Drink. I manage the daily operations of sales and business development for the company. My responsibilities include the procurement and management of relationships, negotiation and

Dwayne is also a member of: National Association of Black Journalists Small Business Advocacy Council Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Gary, Indiana Chamber of Commerce

closing of contracts. I also work with marketing and promotions. As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific job/career this position expands into covering some areas that are not in your job description. What can you say has been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that were not in your initial job description?

In all honesty, I took on this task with the idea in mind that I had to be prepared to learn it all and do it all. So even though I’m asked to do a lot, I work cheerfully and do all I can to make it succeed. We all have to be willing to go the extra mile, beyond the job description and do our best to be our best. This also fosters the acceptance of responsibility in the person who goes the

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extra mile. Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now? It never entered my mind to work in the beverage industry when I was young. I never went to college and so every job I had, I thought would be the thing I did forever. I see now that it won’t work that way for me. This business will be the base of many. If I were not doing this, I would still be hosting professional networking events, which I

to do is be willing to learn and study independently and he or she can find ways to excel. This is not true in all industries. For the person that wants conventional schooling, there are schools and classes that one can take on the industry. I really dove in and began learning on the ground during the day and reading at night. What do you think is the state of our educational system today compared to how it was in the past? What do you feel is a possible solution to our educational system and how do you think we could implement programs to make these changes? When I was in school as a child and even as a teen, Teachers were totally different than their students in most every way. They were extensions of our parents and there was not so much that we had in common. Now, Teachers and students listen to the same music, have Facebook pages, and live in a world where the lines of age are not as clearly defined as they were before. As a result, students don’t have the same respect for their Teachers as they once did. Breakdowns in the household also contribute heavily to this.

enjoyed as a passion and very gratifying experience.

The school system needs to be revamped. From curriculum to discipline, we have to re-evaluate the way we teach our children. The incorporation of digital based learning through games and consoles would also do a lot to keep the attention of young people. We have an analog educational system in a digital world. In some cases our youth and some adults feel that the system is failing our youth due to the factors of raises and bonuses

“If I were not doing this, I would still be hosting professional networking events, which I enjoyed as a passion and very gratifying experience.”

E 4 KIDS for the teachers. Granted there are several great teachers out there and trust me I have a few, but there have been some that have been questionable. But the questionable do not seem to be put on the carpet to answer for the actions or in some cases the lack of action they take to teach the youth. What are your feelings and thoughts on this? When the Mayor Emmanuel appointed Jean-Claude Brizzard as the Head of Schools, one of the things that were talked about was the idea of disciplining teachers who produced sub-par students on a continual basis. This was met with resistance and I’m not sure what happened with it, but I support that idea. Teachers have to be encouraged and incentivized to get more out of students. They should not be paid the same if they have different achievement levels for students. Education is a big part of succeeding in your career, but with the economy the way it is and the rising costs of tuitions in college and in some cases private high school institutions. We understand that there are grants and scholarships but to get them now a days it is even harder because now everyone is trying to get these funds and companies are taking their scholarships away due to loss of revenue. What other options do you suggest that youth and the parents look to do in order to make the opportunity to go to a good school available? If we engage our children in meaningful educational practices and career focus at an earlier age, they will need to rely on College less. There are so many things now that we can be when we grow up. We have to adjust to the time we live in. Online universities have also come a long way and are useful to dedicated students. Having never gone to College, my honest opinion is that it is not neces-

sary for everyone to go. Of the Forbes Wealthiest People, most of the top 5v have never gone or never graduated college. American history is filled with giants who never went to college or they started and never finished. It’s because they knew earlier in life what they wanted to do. What are your favorite things about your position; what makes your day the most exciting and what is it that is the down points about your position? My day is exciting when I see the support of the people for our product. It’s a good word from a retailer, a great connection with new partners. Last year we received the New Business of The Year Award from the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. The down side is when accounts are not serviced properly and our clients are not happy. Stalls in negotiation processes are also not good news to us. Most youth and also some adults believe that as executives and bosses your day is sometimes the easiest because they think your position is to boss people around. Can you walk us through a normal day at work when you get in until the time you leave? We have an administrative assistant at the office who does handle many tasks for us. This helps to free us up for our more challenging issues. I begin by answering and sending relevant emails and returning and making phone calls as needed. Working from a to-do list drafted the day before; I work on those tasks while taking on new ones constantly. Much of the day is spent sending and receiving documents for review and signature. I also review proposals for sponsorships and donations. Many days we have product samplings at our Walgreens locations and we make

sure that things are in place for that. Days also include meetings and networking opportunities to meet the types of people that we need to meet, people who can impact our business and growth. I should mention that my day never officially ends until I go to sleep. From wakeup to lay down, We are always willing to meet people, explore opportunities or just talk in the middle of the night and brainstorm ways to get better. In your position/career do you manage a group of people and what do you feel makes a great manager/supervisor? How should a manager/supervisor look at managing a group of people with the different attitudes and skills? I manage a small group of people. Great managers are great communicators and great listeners. Most times, the best managers were the best laborers and follow instruction well. The attitudes are best managed by understanding the people that you work with and how your approach to them should coincide with their persona to a degree. Communication is critical. With the economy the way it is and the job market in a slump (with several government agencies stating it is coming up) what do you see as one of the hardest thing that people are having with finding jobs and in some cases keeping their jobs? The current economy is causing people to have to be more creative in their pursuit of means. Entrepreneurship is on the rise and people are finding ways to adjust to the modern, digital world in a down economy. It’s tough for a person who has worked for many years to adjust to not being employed, but I would simply say that whether you are searching for a job or creating one for yourself, do not stop working at it. Social media is helping people to gain more opportunities and connect, and we have to take advantage of that in job searches and business building.

E 4 KIDS Job skills in some cases are becoming very hard to come by through educational methods due to most people spending more time working to make ends meet and people cannot seem to find the time to go back to school. Do you feel there should be more companies holding job skill workshops to help their employees educate themselves? A company will only offer you training and skills in the industry that he employs you in. in terms of the written knowledge of most any skill, the internet can help you learn most anything. Even YouTube videos are great for teaching certain things. There are many resources at community colleges for job training also. People have to seek out the information. What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a mentor in your life as you were growing up and what stood out about your mentor?

men who were mostly employed and all family oriented. This common tie between them has had a profound effect on me.

learn pursuing goal A will have better prepared you to pursue goal B, goal C etc. Everything that we do, matters more than you know.

What was your childhood like in school; most youth struggle with fitting in and some play the game of flying under the radar in order not to be bullied or teased. Where did you fit in as a youth?

The act of creating goals and engaging them in a meaningful way is an element of personal growth in and of itself and it will lead you to higher levels of achievement. I would encourage everyone to read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, which should be read by our children at an early age.

I was a very smart child and was not afraid to show it. When I went to school with other children who were in advanced classes, I never had issues fitting in. The only issue I had is that I did not wear name brand clothing and was not very fashionable. Young people enjoy playing the dozens and I caught it a few times. In my high school years, I was a late bloomer in terms of being popular, dating girls etc who went to my school. I felt like I fit in well, but I recognized that I was never going to be the star of the “In-Crowd”. I only had a bully or two, but I had a Dad, two older brothers and an older sister who would not tolerate me being bullied. What advice could you give our readers about the following things; education, career goals, personal growth when related to your career, and what steps do I take to keep my head above water in the current economy?

Mentoring is not always direct. There are mentors that you need meet, but who you watch from afar and absorb their habits etc. I enjoy mentoring and seeing how far our young people want to go.

Become educated from within and use the tools of our time to learn more about anything we desire to learn about. Learning is no longer confined to a classroom. Career goals should be made as early as possible. Give yourself something to My Dad was my first mentor and several great men along the way. Mentoring is also shoot for and let your blessings flow and specific in the sense that you want to select move you in powerful directions. The someone as a mentor who specifically un- honest and dedicated pursuit of one goal derstands what you want out of life and/or opens many doors for you along the way. Set the goal and begin to pursue it. business. If you change your mind, the things you My mentors were always well informed

Keeping ahead of the economy is done by not accepting what you are given. Those who truly wish to earn and pursue it will always win over the people who did not perform as well in jobs that they held in a better economy. With fewer jobs in the market, you have to elevate yourself to match the competition, or create a job for yourself and seize some opportunities that are available to you. Don’t be afraid to step out and go after things because business and life is always about survival of the fittest. This is about mental fitness and mental toughness. It’s about perseverance and study. It’s also about having the vision to see yourself where you really want to be.

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Can you describe your career for our readers? What are the specific job responsibilities of your career choice? I have two responsibilities : my first responsibilities as a Line Cook, step from being a chef, my responsibilities are prepping food, making sauces, memorizing all reci-

pes making displays for the stations , prepare food for the next day and the other restaurants making suggest on menu, cooking special orders for customers, mainly am cooking. My second responsibilities is that I am a Union Rep for UNITEHERE LOCAL 1, I represent the union employees in keeping their jobs, file a grievance, I protest, lobbying to get the senators or any other elect politician about the way contracts or bill that might being pass that will help us as a union, I make sure that the company, all supervisor following our contract or their responsibilities as a supervisor, have monthly

As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific job/career this position expands into covering some areas that are not in your job description. What can you say has been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that were not in your initial job description?

meetings to keep all union employee of any updates on the contracts and what the company is doing, I also sit on the board of negotiation for our contract, that responsibility is to negation a contract between the union and the company that I work for which is Blue Chip Casino.

Actually, my duties are pretty straight forward, as mention above, because of having a contract, if it’s not written in our contract or anything with the company style or in my job description , then me as a cook do not do anything outside the box.

Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now?

First getting into a career, you must have discipline within yourself, it starts by going to work on time, having clean uniform, respect for yourself as well for others.

I have worn many hats in my life time, having many hats help you decide what you would like to do in life some have it right away and some does not. It did take me some time, because I do have two passion that is Cooking and being Artist.

If there is a passion then I suggest that you go for it, that passion will take you far in life, if you do not have a passion then find something that you love or like to do and go from there, if not then you will be stuck in life just going around in circles trying to figure it out. Yes it might take some time to figure it out, but as long you love what you do and it feel right it will follow from the help from heavens above will show you.

My education background is a Commercial Art, it’s funny how I’ve gotten into the restaurant field. I happen to be looking for a job for the summer before I

graduating from high school, I started working as a hostess for Marshall Fields & Co at the age of seventeen, as a part-time hostess, then the rest is history, being in the food industry at that time for fifteen years and I’ve also had second job always. Then move onto other jobs in my life but for some reason I was still pull back into the food industry field, then onto fast food restaurant, yes I work for McDonalds, Popeye’s for many years as well, I did start

at the bottom and work my way up to the top at these jobs too, even when I gotten to the top I still cook even as a manager , which I did find it more peaceful cooking then in front or the back of the house that was one of my calling, my experience also came from my family whom loves to cook.

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“To better our schools, first is not closing schools, that is not solution, …”

Today education is a lot more expensive than in the fifty, sixties, even though I was born in the sixties, we I think that we did have better opportunities today like taking classes online then in being in actually class room which work out for many working students and adults that have that night job or go to school during the day and school at night. I know that it works out for me, because I am day student (online). To better our schools, first is not closing schools, that is not solution, looking for

better ways of helping our students to improve themselves, look for better ways to keeping our student safe, looking for programs that will help our students, keeping our children in a their own neighborhood and adding programs that reflect the outside world, we have computer classes, why not add in more auto shops, culinary classes, carpentry learning to drive a bus or truck, more science classes we have beauty classes, why not add recording studio, these are some of the real world careers

that is out there, today this will help that youth make an important decision in its life to become some body.

going to hell in a hen basket, our country will be in trouble, our city would be in trouble, our homes in trouble but most that student, child will be in trouble call life, a teacher is like that second parent, helping that student succeed in life, getting even two children to succeed is award in its self, Teaching is very important to all of us from the time we are born until we die.

As a teacher and some do think like this, that our youth is the next generation of becoming that next President, Senators, Mayor or that next Teacher. if that teacher don’t But I do understand that teacher need raises because of the economically status. teach, then yes our society as a whole will But have they forgotten how they had

great or good teachers to teach them and how they gotten where they are today. It take a village to raise a child, but today it take a whole system to educate a neighborhood of children. I know that today’s youth have more problems than they can or care to handle, but teacher must still put the child first. Putting knowledge in our children to help them succeed in life itself, I know that today teacher does not have it easy from all the violence of today but my hat is off to those whom choose to stay and still teach our future.

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“I know that getting education is harder and making ends meets. But getting a job that is even its part-time in the field that you would like to go into…”

. I know that getting education is harder and making ends meets. But getting a job that is even its part-time in the field that you would like to go into, there are many schools that will give you credit for whatever field that you entering that is another way of cutting down you payments after graduation, another way instead of receiving most of your money back, send some of the money toward your loan, this is a great way of cutting down the payments as well principle of the loan. Do your homework in choosing the right school, so that you would not have a huge payment after graduation. Decide if you would like to take classes online or be in a real live class, see what cheaper for you and your child.

What are your favorite things about your position; what makes your day the most exciting and what is it that is the down points about your position? My favorite thing is doing making displays for the stations or special events, it helps me be creative. Making sure that my food looks good and taste great, I enjoy people coming back to say how good the food is and making special orders for diets, veggie or people whom is gluten free. My points about my position is to inform customers what healthy or not, giving the right information on seasons and fresh foods. My down points is people being loud and stupid, screaming across the restaurant being demanding of something or just having a bad attitude because they lost their money or they think that the casino owe them everything including us.

Ok being a boss or head manager does not mean that their job is easy or just by going around telling people what to do, there is a lot of work goes behind that manager’s job, putting in 8-20 hours a day without breaks or days off, there is paper work, hiring, training, coaching, teaching the right skills person for the position, talking with mangers, making sure that employees get paid, handling customers complaints. Being a boss is very stressful job, so many hats is being worn, listening to different employees, handling crisis. So if you have been doing it for a long time, yes it might look easy but there is a lot of hard work behind it, especially if your name is on it representing that company or your own.

What was your childhood like in school; most youth struggle with fitting in and some play the game of flying under the radar in order not to be bullied or teased. Where did you fit in as a youth? I grew up in a Catholic schools and church, I remember nuns in long black robes, flighty nun hats, white collar with mean looks and rules..lol…lol. I, you might have a few with a continuing smile on they face and a gentle look, I can laugh at now, but growing up in a Catholic school had taught me to be believe in God and put him first tough, understanding , spiritually, believe in , have patient, discipline.

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“...Dress to impress for that interview, sitting up straight, looking that employer in the eyes when speaking, know about the company before you go in, so that you can ask question as well about that company.”

I am not a boss, but I am leader, I am representative my company, getting food to look good, taste good, prepping for tomorrow menu, working to 8-20 hours, this is including overtime for which I do get paid for, doing special events and that not just cooking for the whole boat (employees) But as well I do if asked to representation as union rep, so my nights varies, never the same always something new going on.

I don’t manage group of people, but I do represent group of people. I have mange before I came to Blue Chip Casino. But coming from long line of management is not easy. Dealing with different personalities, attitudes especially girls, women, is the most difficult, as saying that I have work with lots of girls, let me tell you it’s not easy. But management a group of people, I do put everyone on the same page, so that we are working on the same page in order for us to work together and work as a team but almost is communication is the key, I do lot of talking with my crew and I truly listen as well, and I do confront each and every one is something is wrong or right.

The hardest thing today is passing the drug test, for so many of the youth is smoking weed, and this is the most difficult of our youth another problem is communication learning how to speak and listen to any one with a positive attitude, the next problem is filling out application with good penmanship, dressing for success. These are the most important thing of finding a job and keeping the job. Dress to impress for that interview, sitting up straight, looking that employer in the eyes when speaking, know about the company before you go in, so that you can ask question as well about that company. What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a mentor in your life as you were growing up and what stood out about your mentor? There are very few companies that do have workshops or internship which is a great thing, but I think that there such be much more companies needs that. It will help that our youth go forward in their individual careers or path.

What advice could you give our readers about the following things; education, career goals, personal growth when related to your career, and what steps do I take to keep my head above water in the current economy? Well I did my own thing, I did not fit in anywhere because I am leader not a follower, I did not have a lot friends, I pick and choose my circle of friends, if I did not feel comfortable with that person I move on, for some reason, people are drawn to me, at least I don’t feel that I fitted in.

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KIDS AT WORK PHOTO GALLERY Photo Gallery credit by Siegfried Flaschinski

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“THE URBAN LOOK” Photo credit by Michael Anthony Richardson” M & M Modeling and Photography

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“THE URBAN LOOK” Photo credit by Michael Anthony Richardson” M & M Modeling and Photography

Escapades Magazine announces the new internet radio show called “Red Means Go” and “Turning Point” with co-host Patricia Urbonas Clark and co-host Ric Morgan. Join Patricia Urbonas Clark and co-host Ric Morgan as they take questions from callers and dispense advice to all. “Red Means Go” will air twice a month on Thursdays from 2:00pm to 2:30pm and air live. Then join Patricia Urbonas Clark and co-host Ric Morgan on alternate Thursdays on their show “Turning Point” from 2:00pm to 2:30pm as they interview people from various industries and various backgrounds and discuss career choices, education, and career advancements.

For more information please contact Escapades Magazine at escapadesmagazines.radio@gmail.com or call us at 872-223-3764 (Ask for Chris or Pippa). General Public Future radio hosts/broadcasting students, or parents interested in developing your youths experience in various career fields. For more information contact us at escapadesmagazines.radio@gmail.com or call us at 872-223-3764.

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WORDS FROM A PHAT GIRL by KAT BLADE Hello Escapades Family and Friends! It is my

Sun- Times (4/11). Kathleen was named in the Top 12 of

honor and privilege to debut my new column:

2012-Chicago’s Top Full –Figured Influencers of the

WORDS FROM A PHAT GIRL. But first, let

year by Full Figured Magazine. She is also a columnist

me introduce myself.

for Escapades Magazine, Words from a Phat Girl, pre-

Kathleen Blade, actress, host, model, and a

mieres March 2013. In September 2012, Kathleen

graduate of The University of Chicago (2002),

launched her own internet radio show titled: The Phat

entered the entertainment industry in July

Girl Show: POSITIVE HEALTHY AND TEMPTING. This

2011 after working as a School Social Worker

show educates, inspires, and uplifts women of all

for 12 years. She has been involved with nu-

shapes and sizes. The show airs on intellectualra-

merous projects

dio.com . She serves on the board of direc-

ranging from

tors for The Arts of Humanity organization

Indy films: (Mordy to the Max,

(fashionfetishfete.org) and Voices of Champi-

The Preacher’s Kids, The Di-

ons (a domestic violence advocacy organiza-

vorced Dudes, Newton’s Third

tion). Kathleen is a member of Universal Crea-

Law, Wishing, The Ken Sculli-

tivity-an organization of artist that use their

gan Documentary, The Inter-

talent to rebuild and redevelop communities.

view with a Client, No Solicit-

She is currently a student at Sarantos Acting

ing, and New Day. Modeling:

Studio with Ted Sarantos. Kathleen has a

(Lane Bryant-Chicago Fashion

passion for giving back to the community and

Week, Premiere One Studio-

mentors many youth.

Ole School Runway Show,

Words from a Phat Girl is dedicated to em-

Exotic Faces of Beauty- Af-

powering, inspiring, and educating all women!

And

riche Runway Show), and a

It is my mission to encourage women to be

Tempting

nual Chicago Music Awards-2013 . Television: (Boss-

ally. I welcome your questions and comments. You can

Starz Network, Chicagolicious-Style Network, and Find

find me on Facebook: KAT BLADE-THE PHAT GIRLS

Our Missing-TVONE). Commercial-”She’s Engaged-

SHOW OR KAT BLADE and Twitter@KATHLEEN

Hallmark-Evolve IMG Digital. Video- Poetry Video titled:

BLADE. I Look forward to hearing from you. Remember

Unused Potential by Chris “Chi-town” Brown and Thea-

to stay PHAT: POSITIVE HEALTHY AND TEMPTING!

P.H.A.T. Positive Healthy

presenter at the 32nd An-

ter: The Real Weight of a Woman. She has been featured in Full Figured Magazine (1/13), Daily Diva Venus (12/12), Escapades Magazine (12/12) and The Chicago

their best emotionally, physically, and spiritu-

Model: Carri Niet Photographer: Ritesh P Keskar

THE FIRST MENTORING FASHION MAGAZINE… DISCOVER SOME OF THE NEWEST MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESIGNERS, STYLISTS AND OTHER FASHION INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS.