PUBLISH E R ’ S L E T T E R
IGNITE YOUR FIRE.
You were born with it: an inate burning desire for ONE thing. That thing attracts you to certain thoughts, concepts and ideas. The inate magnetic desire that wakes you up in the morning and keeps you up at night is your burning desire. Do not ignore your burning desire. The flame can go out. Igniting that flame, sets off an alarm inside of us filled with plans and subsequently, action. The day we decide to light the fire is the day our rebirth begins. MADE Magazine (and the FAME brands) adopted the phoenix as our symbol - a spiritual creature who represents new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessors. Despite the many challenges that we faced over time, we still came out with a new purpose, a new vision and thankfully, a new beginning. I am grateful for a second chance. In order for any of us to reach our fullest potential, the process of rising above all of the many challenges we face requires faith. In the process, allow a beautiful and new thing to grow from the old ashes. If you have faith only good things are on the horizon. With love,ve
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TA B L E O F CO N TE NTS
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FEATURES
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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THE ARTS
If I Were In Your Shoes
Game Changers: Israel Idonije & Monique Rodriguez
Britney Robbins
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LIFESTYLE
ENTERTAINMENT
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FASHION
The Mason Experience
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Tropical Sensation Faith: Jonathan McReynolds Family: RaVaughn & Rhyon Brown Friendship:Treiva Williams & April Daniels
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POP CULTURE
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TRAVEL
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MORE FEATURES
Made in America with JamelF
Passport Junkie
It Girl Files: KeKe Palmer
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“I encourage all artists to use their platform. What’s the use of having it if it’s not going to make the world a better place? Choose something, whatever motivates you and inspire others. Why wouldn’t you want to do something?” - Hill Harper, Actor/Author
n I s a W I n e h W eir from th
journey
the top. vice o t d a it e e r k a a sh m e celebssurefire way to it r o v a f the Our ess and c c u s o t
“For up and coming artists, it’s important to know yourself or you’ll lose yourself. For me, it’s important to be an independent artist. It is a fantastic feeling to know that everything starts and ends with me and that’s something I can trust and rely on all the time.” - Melanie Fiona, Singer/Songwriter
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. . . s e o h S r u o Y
“Know who you are. Know what you’re willing to accept and not willing to accept, not only in the industry but also in life. Be a great friend to yourself and once you learn to do that then you can balance everything else.” - Naturi Naughton, Actress/Singer
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GAME CHANGERS
THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM MILLENNIALS CHANGING THE GAME - VIDEO EXCLUSIVE -
ISRAEL IDONIJE: FORMER NFL PLAYER & SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR Israel Idonije, former NFL defensive end for the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, never limited his capabilities to sports. He channeled his power to tackle players on the field into the ability to tackle challenges in notable business ventures to become his own powerful corporate MVP. What companies? Glad you asked... Idonije is the founder of The Israel Idonije Foundation, a company committed to impacting underserved communities by providing programs focused on social and emotional life skills. He is also the co-founder of Ask The Doctor, a borderless medical platform that allows people to connect immediately to a physician via phone, text message, email or video to ask health-related questions. He blended his passions and professions to become the founder and CEO of Athlitacomics, a comic series that is the first to offer a high-level blend of professional athletics and super-heroic mythology. Oh, and he owns The Bureau Chicago, a high-end office, meeting, and event space that provides a sophisticated work environment for business professionals looking to take their name to the next level. So, what are some success tips from the mind of a CEO behind a thousand companies? Glad you asked...watch his one-on-one with MADE Magazine to find out.
Subscribe here to MADE Magazine’s Youtube Channel for more exclusive interviews.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP 6
MONIQUE RODRIGUEZ: MOMMY MOGUL Even with over 30 inches of lengthy tresses, the beauty of Monique Rodriguez (and her hair) does not supersede her business acumen. In just one short year, Monique created Mielle Organics and turned her regiment of growing healthy hair into a healthy growing business. In that time, Mielle Organics has blossomed from a small start-up company in her kitchen to a thriving multi-million dollar brand that now serves 86 countries around the world. Today, the Advanced Hair Formula is now one of many Mielle Organics bestsellers. Mix in the Mint Almond Oil, Babassu Oil, Mint Deep Conditioning Protein/Moisture Replenisher and the Organic White Peony Ultra Moisturizing Leave In Conditioner and you have the full suite of Mielle Organics masterpieces. Monique embodies the brand by testing every product on herself before introducing them to the company’s legions of supporters and maintains the health of her tailbone length natural mane with only her products. Mielle Organics sets the tone by only using organic and natural ingredients instead of simply claiming to and continues to extend its product line to accommodate all types of hair.
LIFESTYLE 7
Millennial Author, Britney Robbins Writes Classic Children’s Book The Adventures of Buster and Duval: Buster’s Big Move MADE BY: BENJI AIRD Britney Robbins is blazing a new trail as a first-time author and invites MADE Magazine to Chicago Dog Park for a walk with the star of her new book, Duval. He is the spunky pup that sparked the idea for her children’s book, The Adventures of Buster and Duval: Buster’s Big Move.
On January 10, 2014 Britney Robbins launched her Internet campaign to tell the story of her “cute and charismatic” 6–year-old teacup Yorkie, Duval. By late April 2014, the book was published and printed. It has been very well received and entertains children worldwide.
THE ARTS 8
Cecil Mason: The Bachelor Party In April 2015, Serial Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor, Cecil Mason married his “heaven sent Angel on Earth” mechanical engineer, Kamisha White. MADE Magazine was invited to witness how Mason lit up Las Vegas with his FAM for his final night as a bachelor. Want your wedding day, birthday or special event featured in the next MADE issue? Email magazine@fame-enterprises.com with your story!
What does a multi-cultural millennial bachelor party look like? In many cultures and subsets, men celebrate the “rite-of-passage” from Bar Mitzvahs to Vision Quests, Baptisms and beyond. When a man marries his fiancé, it is the duty of his close friends and family to throw him a Bachelor Party. MADE Magazine took a look to see what made this bon voyage to bachelorhood the best type of send off for a millennial man.
LIFESTYLE 9
GOSPEL’S LYRICIST EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN MCREYNOLDS -ON FAITH-
Jonathan McReynolds is a singer, songwriter and teacher leading the charge of bringing in a new age of gospel music. See why he’s jumping at the chance to encourage people to turn to God through thought provoking songs like “No Gray”, “Pressure” and “Gotta Have You”.
ENTERTAINMENT 10
A LITTLE R & R EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SISTERS, RaVaughn and Rhyon Brown -ON FAMILY-
Being in the entertainment spotlight can often times be a lonely place, but Singer/ Songwriter RaVaughn and Actress Rhyon Brown are just as committed to growing their sisterhood as they are to growing their careers. Watch how they keep their focus on family first.
ENTERTAINMENT 11
ROCK OUT WITH ME EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH APRIL DANIELS & TREIVA WILLIAMS -ON FRIENDSHIP-
April Daniels and Treiva Williams are in the business of making money through entertainment television, but they understand that you can’t put a value on a great friendship. Check out how they motivate each other and maintain a priceless friendship.
ENTERTAINMENT 12
GOT IT MADE GO, GET IT TOUR! LAUNCHES IN SOHO HOUSE WEST HOLLYWOOD
[L-R] GooGoo Atkins, Singer/Songwriter, TV Personality Vanessa Simmons, Writer/Director Asha Kamali May, Singer/Songwriter JoiStaRR and Singer/Songwriter RaVaughn.
[L-R] TV Producer, Treiva Williams, MADE Publisher, Kris Williams, TV Producer Mona Scott Young & MADE Entertainment Director, AJ Linton. Left photo: Publicist Ernest Dukes.
“DARLING, GO GET IT!” / “GIRL, I GOT IT” MADE Magazine recently hosted our sold out “Go, Get It! tour” at Soho House in LA. This event was made to help millennials join the conversation of how to achieve their dreams in the entertainment industry with a notable panelists, including Writer/Director/Producer Damien Dante Wayans, TV Producer Treiva Williams, Writer/Director Asha Kamali May, Celebrity Publicist Ernest Dukes, TV Correspondent Robin Ayers, TV Personality/Celebrity Stylist GooGoo Atkins, Singer/Songwriter RaVaughn, TV Personality Vanessa Simmons and Singer/ Songwriter JoiStaRR. The event was hosted by Radio Personality and Actress, Demi Lobo.
ENTERTAINMENT 13
TROPICAL SENSATION MADE BY: BENJI AIRD & BRENTTON “BOWE” WILSON
STAFF/CREW Photo: Brentton “Bowe” Wilson Video: Benji Aird Models: Jay Makeup Artist: Megan Okuesa Hair Stylist: Robert Stell
STYLE 14
Subscribe here to MADE Magazine’s Youtube Channel to view more stylist shoots.
Mielle Organics Babassu Shampoo pictured with model, Jay. Clothing provided by H&M.
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MADE IN AMERICA with JamelF Jamel Franklin VIDEO COLUMNIST, MADE IN AMERICA IG: @JAMELF11
“Made In America with JamelF” is a satirical bi-monthly video column, uniquely composed of a blend of American pop culture and politics from a millennial’s view. Striving to entertain, educate, and enlighten, “Made in America with JamelF” is a bold, cutting-edge series aimed to shift mindsets and broaden perspectives. Subscribe to MADE Magazine’s Youtube Channel for new episodes of “Made in America with JamelF”.
POP CULTURE 16
PASSPORT JUNKIE Carri Cowan VIDEO COLUMNIST, Passport Junkie IG: @MSCARRIBABY
JAMELF VIDEO COLUMNIST, MADE IN AMERICA IG: @JAMELF11
Haven’t traveled in a while? No worries. Passport Junkie, Carri Cowan, takes us to the Caymen Islands, a British Overseas Territory made up of three beautiful islands. Hop aboard as she embarks on the plentiful offerings of the Caymans. From snorkeling and scuba diving to decadent dining and diverse cultures, the Caymen islands has something to excite everyone. Don’t believe us? Just watch.
TRAVEL 17
IT GIRL FILES: KeKe Palmer: The Talk of Tinseltown (The Talk of The Town) MADE BY: AJ LINTON Become the youngest talk show host in television history at age 21? Check. Debut as the first African-American Cinderella on Broadway? Check. Star in a new series on top television network FOX this fall? Yep, doing that too. Passion is required to reach new levels of success and Keke Palmer has it…and she’s on fire. KEKE’S GOT IT I-T. That’s something easy to spell for this dynamic star whose 2004 breakout role as a spelling bee champ in Akeelah and the Bee won her the spotlight as an up-and-coming star. Since those days of playing the determined daughter of Angela Bassett, that drive led her to lead roles in movies and television over the years, including three seasons on Nickelodeon for True Jackson, VP where the series set network viewing records between 2008-2011. Surprise, surprise. Before the eyes of the world Palmer grew up from childhood star to the down-to-earth girl next door that everyone is cheering for. HER DRIVE SCREAMS SUCCESS Recently, Palmer had a string of work showcasing her undeniable talent on the big screen, the small screen, off screens all together (as in broadway) and everything in between. In Brotherly Love, a film executive produced by Queen Latifah, her role as the twin sister of a star basketball player dealing with his rise to fame gained critical acclaim. KeKe can be seen as the veteran actor for the film, which casted actors Cory Hardrict and Quincy Brown as the co-stars. Just Keke, a talk show that premiered on BET in 2014 shows KeKe using her voice to speak about the issues and situations that millennials face today. This move allowed her to become the youngest person in American television show history to have her own talk show. Speaking of the youngest to do something, she was also crowned the youngest actress ever to play the role of the princess in Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. This move saw her sharing the stage along side other small screen familiar faces like Sherri Sheppard (Previously of “The View”) and Nene Leakes (Real Housewives of Atlanta) who took turns playing the evil stepmother.
FEATURE: IT GIRL FILES 18
The television show Scream Queens sees Keke stepping into the horror side of things for a reality show that will discover the next big superstar in horror films. And who better to recognize that young star potential other than Keke? It’s a N-O-B-R-A-I-N-E-R. RECOMMENDATION FOR KEEPING IT TOGETHER “It’s because of my relationship with God that I’m able to win in life. Through my relationship, I let him lead and guide me in all my choices. I’m very blessed to have a family that always taught me that,” Palmer said. She continued, “My mother taught me that the most important thing for me was to have my own relationship with God. That’s what has gotten me through my life. God will bless you when you trust in him and I mean that whole heartedly.” As far as staying connected, she recommends taking your eyes off of social media and not looking around you, but looking up. “I cannot stress the importance of making sure you ladies are connected to the connector. He is the ultimate connect…NOT PEOPLE.” Keep blazing the trail, KeKe. We’re with you.
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Sponsored by SummertimeChi Event: 2 Be Free: A Day Party for the People Date: July 3rd Time: 2pm Location: Quay Tickets:Tobefree.eventbrite.com 19
WE MADE IT.
“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” This digital publication was MADE by the concerted efforts of Benji Aird, Derrick Christian, AJ Linton, Kris D. Williams, and Brentton ‘Bowe’ Wilson.
Instagram: @MADEMAGAZINEUS (P) 312.344.3939 magazine@fame-enterprises.com Website: www.MADE-MAGAZINE.com