NFM | No. 084 JANUARY
12 Winter Skincare 14 Beauty Trailblazers of Yester Year 16 5 Eco Friendly Products You Didn't Know You Needed 18 The Know 22 80s Neon is Back 24 Clothing Popularized by LGBTQ+ Icons 28 It's Time to be a Maximalist
2024
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30 Fashion vs Consumerism 34 Create Your Own Bible/ Journal 40 Social Change 84 Every Day Hero: Jed Ballard 88 Emma Ramos: Crafting Laughter & Legacy 90 Tori Deal 96 Arlyn Broche of Young Rock 100 The Kraken's Matty Beniers
CONTRIBUTORS Chele Sellman, Editor-in-Chief Catherine Michelle, Editor at Large, Vlogger/Reviews, & European Rep Hannah Swan, Fashion Director Mary Lewis, PR & Marketing Rachel Grannis, Copy Editor Elizabeth Dmitruk, Partnerships Madison Mooney, Ad Director Marla Jenkins, Web Lead Wynn Wilder, Writer Zuri Mwangi, Writer Winema Martinez, Writer Isla Lewis, Writer Marisol Perez-Villaflor, Writer Charlotte Choi, Writer Juna Roord, Writer Helena Carrington, Submissions Sasha Taylor, Social Media Shannon Sewell, House Photographer Seattle/Portland/Vegas/LA Kyle J Yunker, House Photographer Seattle House Photographer
102 Cover Kyle J Yunker, Zero Five Photography Alexis Isabel, Stylist Chele Sellman, Creative Director Sweater vest: Jonah the Brand Boxers: Under U 4 Men Pants: American Eagle
Note from the Editor... Dear Readers, As we turn the page to welcome another year, Nfm celebrates a remarkable journey of seven years — a journey rich in style, substance, and stories that have captivated the heart of Seattle and beyond. This January, we are not just ringing in a new year but also commemorating our 7th anniversary with an issue that is as unique as it is nostalgic. In the spotlight is Matty Beniers, the rising star of The Seattle Kraken, who embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that Nfm has championed since its inception. His journey resonates with our ethos – a continuous strive for greatness, a testament to the power of dreams. Matty's passion and determination mirror what we have cultivated within these pages over the years. This issue, however, is a little unorthodox – a delightful divergence from our usual path. We've decided to stroll down memory lane, handpicking our favorite fashion editorials, groundbreaking articles, and inspiring features that have graced our magazine over the past seven years. Each piece is a fragment of our history, a story of its own, reflecting the evolution of fashion, art, and culture in the Pacific Northwest. As you flip through these pages, you'll rediscover the breathtaking editorials that have defined trends, the insightful articles that have sparked conversations, and the feature stories that have connected us more deeply with our community. It's a celebration of our journey, a tapestry of creativity and passion that has been woven together by the talented individuals who have been a part of the Nfm family. This retrospective is not just a look back but a springboard for the future. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to being the 'Vogue of the West Coast' remains unwavering. We aspire to keep pushing boundaries, inspiring change, and being a beacon of fashion, culture, and creativity. Thank you, dear readers, for being an integral part of this incredible journey. Your support and love have been the driving force behind our success. As we step into another year, we promise to bring you more of the cutting-edge fashion, compelling stories, and unique perspectives that you've come to expect from Nfm. Here's to another year of style, inspiration, and success. Let's make it unforgettable! Warmly,
Chele
Chele Sellman Editor in Chief 10 N F M
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Winter Skincare
JANUARY 2017 ISSUE 01
with
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The
Birthday
Suit
Skincare
with
The
Birthday
Suit
JANUARY 2017 ISSUE 01
Winter
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Nfm BEAUTY
BEAUTY TRAILBLAZERS
of Yester Year
Some days I look at pictures of the
Vampire Facial and think… our future Beauty Influencers will look back and think we were nuts!! So, out of curiosity, I began looking into some super normal everyday treatments and where they began, and I had one of those moments thinking how grateful I am to be living in this day and age of easy access to amazing, not terrifying skincare. Here are a few notable Beauty Trailblazers:
Dr. Nueber - Filler Pioneer Dr. Neuber was the first doctor to attempt fat transfers into the faces of disfigured patients. This procedure evolved into silicone injections in the 1940’s and 50’s (which was later banned until 1992). The 70’s were the decade where the FDA approved the collagen injection, and can you believe, Hyaluronic injections did not appear until 2006? Now, filler injections are so common place it’s lunchtime conversation “oh, who did your lips?” All thanks to a brilliant doctor who was on a quest to make his patients feel more beautiful. New Face | Page 12
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by Stacey Laricchia, The Birthday Suit
Radiar - The Original Non-Surgical Facelift In the 1920’s, those women on a quest for youthful, wrinkle free, glowing skin would seek out a procedure called the “Radior”. A chin strap facial treatment which contained Radium Bromide aka radioactive material. This chin strap would provide a flow of energy currents into the skin strenghting the nerves, energizing the skin and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Today, we have a similar yet not radioactive treatment, the Galvanic Treatment. Often referred to as a non surgical facelift, with it’s medium amp current working to stimulate skin cells, while increasing circulation to help with visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin a radiant, healthy glow.
Electricity - Tesla's Beauty Wand Anyone who has had a facial is familiar with the “electricity” or as we know it, the High Frequency wand. The first attempts at healing with this magic wand came to us from Nikola Tesla in the 1800’s who used it for medical purposes before antibiotics were prevalent in medicine. In the 70’s, the European Spas began using the high frequency due to it’s immense healing abilities. The 1980’s rolled around and suddenly this magic wand was common place in all US spas and a regular part of facials. The high frequency current has the ability to reduce enlarged pores, helps to reduce acne causing bacteria and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Dimple Digger, 1930’s was a strap affixed to your head and face with two knobs to press into your cheeks. With repeated use it promised the appearance of charming cheek dimples. Freckle Freezer, 1930’s was a treatment where your eyes & nose were plugged, you had to breathe through a tube and carbon dioxide was used to freeze off your freckles.
Oh, and a big Cheers to the 1060’s! The SPF craze launched in this marvelous decade. Some trends we are not sad to see go…
Be excited about skincare! Be curious and go out and try a treatment you have never experienced!! I promise, your face wil thank your new adventurous side! These women from decades past gave us access to what we have today, it’s our job to continue to motivate these innovators to continue finding new and exciting treatments!! Xoxo Stacey
The Glamour Bonnet, 1940’s promised a rosy complexion by lowering atmospheric pressure around the head to stimulate alpine conditions. New Face | Page 13
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5
5 Products Eco Friendly Products You Didn’t Know You Needed Written by Zara Rawoof
From popular brands doing their part to everyone in general just being a little bit more conscious of their impact, there is no denying that over recent years, living a more sustainable lifestyle has become an issue at the forefront of society. By 2030, the impacts made by climate change will be completely irreversible. These scientifically backed claims have scared people enough to shape up. But after so many years of wasteful habits, the idea of living a more sustainable lifestyle can be daunting. A lot of it comes down to changing your mindset. The duration of your showers to the amount of paper towels you use to clean the counter off are all small steps that can be taken without any major changes. But if you are looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendliness into your life a little more than washing your hands a bit faster, here are some amazing products that are paving the way for modern sustainability.
Reusable Sandwich Bags These reusable bags will substitute those single use bags that are essential to many people’s everyday life. You can find these on Amazon by the brand Stasher. While these run for $11.99, it is definitely worth the money. They are leak proof and dishwasher safe bags that are more durable than it’s single use rival. Toss a bag of snacks in the microwave for the first time. Whether it’s because a bag was left unzipped or punctured on the move, sticky lunch boxes are all too common thanks to flimsy sandwich holders. These bags can be thrown in a boiling pot of water and directly into the dishwasher once you’re finished. The hundreds upon hundreds of sandwich bags you will use once and discard forever aren’t worth it when the years it will take for them to decompose are taken into account. While this product is small, it will certainly cut your waste in the kitchen down significantly.
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Soap Holders Using bar soaps and now shampoos are much more sustainable options than reaching for a large plastic bottle when expecting the product to have the same outcome. Not only that, but they can last longer. One big problem, though, always seems to be the water melting the bars when they aren’t in use. A soap holder will save the product run off so you can use it once the bar has finished. These Ethique Self-Draining in-Shower Storage Containers will run you about $14.99 on Amazon, holding two large bars of soap at a time. This product is zero waste and 100% compostable when you feel your time with the soap holder is over. Stop buying your soaps so frequently and save yourself a trip to the grocery store with this simple gadget!
Toothpaste Tabs Tubes and tubes of toothpaste are thrown away every morning and evening. While it’s a necessity, making toothpaste more green is possible. These toothpaste tabs last for two months and cost just under $8.00. Chomp tabs pretty much tell you what to do with the name. Simply bite down on the little pellet and brush. You go through approximately 6 tubes of toothpaste a year, which is about the same amount of time you would repurchase the tabs. The difference? A more environmentally friendly way of brushing.
Doggy Waste Bags Pet essentials may be wasteful, but many things are just needed regardless of their impact on the earth. Luckily, compostable dog waste bags cut down on one of the most frequently used items that pet owners buy. Coming at 120 in each pack, get these completely compostable Moonygreen bags for your dog’s business. The vegetable based materials are durable and will do the job just as well as any other bag, except these can be buried in your backyard! You don’t have to feel bad about throwing these bad boys in the woods, they’ll disappear in a little bit!
Reusable Cotton Pads Whether it’s to remove a bold eye look or a red lip, cotton pads make removing makeup so much easier than all the harsh scrubbing that using your hands would entail. From a brand called Honeydew Hippo, one order will come with 16 pads. Instead of having to buy those hefty 100 packs and taking up a good chunk of your bathroom cabinet, save some space and the planet by buying a sturdier version of those trusty removers. Just throw these in the wash or scrub them with some soap and let them air dry after use. These are softer, won’t fall apart, and will last way longer than your regular cotton pads. It’s truly just a smart investment at this point. N F M 19
the know RUN OF SHOW
"RUN OF SHOW" IS THE MASTER LIST DETAILS OF EVERY SINGLE LOOK FEATURED IN A GIVEN RUNWAY SHOW, ALL CATALOGED IN ORDER. IT'S KIND OF A BIG DEAL. MODELS ARE ALSO SHOWN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY SHOULD WALK THE RUNWAY. THESE DIRECTIONS ARE PLACED ON POSTERS SCATTERED AROUND BACKSTAGE. THE RUN OF SHOW ABOVE IS FOR THE CAROLINA HERRERA SHOW AND TO THE RIGHT, CUSTO BARCELONA SHOW. 65 NEW FACE MODEL MAGAZINE | 56 20 NFM
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Nfm TREND REPORT
80s
NEON IS BACK!
No. You're not seeing things. 80s neon popped in for a hot minute, and just when we thought is was leaving, poof! It's back in a beautiful way.
New Face | Page 14
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Highlighters
Neon brights are popping up all over the Gram, and we have just a few things to get you started.
STUDIOSOPHIASOPHIA, $ 275
Balmain, $ 3250 MMFur, $ 231
Stateside, $ 118
Sies Marjan
Trending Apparel $33
NINEXIS, $ 12
Atti, $ 771
Amrita Singh, $ 11
alice + olivia, $ 495
ALDO, $ 40
Edited by Tina Hernandez-Levine ZAFUL, $ 5 Nfm Fashion Editor New Face | Page 15
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Clothing Popularized by LGBTQ+ Icons by Anushka Mangal
T
hroughout
who are part of the LGBTQ+
fashion
history,
community and have made
there have been
great contributions to fashion
many
trends
include Marc Jacobs, Gianni
by
LGBTQ+
Versace, Alexander McQueen,
popularized icons.
826NfNmF M
These
icons
often
Tom
Ford,
and
Christian
go unrecognized for their
Dior. More often than not,
influence
fashion
LGBTQ+ voices have been
industry due to fashion trends
silenced in the fashion world
being adopted by popular,
due to people perceiving them
mainstream
as “unnatural.” It’s important
in
the
culture.
Some
of the most iconic designers
to
Photo Credits (left to right): Yannis Vlamos / gorunway.com Leigh Kelly / gq-magazine.co.uk VH1 / ew.com Eric Magnussen / nbcnews.com Max Papendieck / elle.com
Neil Mockford / GC Images Rex / Shutterstock AFP / Getty Images Vintage Seekers / Getty Images Last 3: farfetch.com
recognize
the
impact
the
LGBTQ+
community
has had on society and how it has silently shaped the fashion industry for decades. Androgynous
clothing
was
first adopted by gay and lesbian
people,
working
toward an anti-fashion, antirules, anti-definition look. This has inspired many sub-styles
Scaredy Kat from RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 1
on androgynous clothing, like punk and rock. Now many forms of androgynous clothing have become normalized, such as women and men wearing the same types of pants and shirts. Striking drag outfits have had many impacts on the beauty world. Due to the body type of most people partaking in
Aiden Zhane from RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 12 Runway
drag, the outfits repopularized exaggerated curves in women, a beauty standard that has become prevalent in society. Drag
queens
also
wear
exaggerated makeup, such as heavy foundation, overlining the lips, and wearing glittery products, in order to be visible under the strong stage lights and stand out. These
Jujubee from RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 5
practices, which were mostly NF Mm279 Nf
to
performances,
a lot of discrimination for what
see celebrities wearing them
become
mainstream
they do, have developed and
for red carpets and interviews.
through social media. You
fine-tuned these techniques.
Iconic women who have gone
confined have
might be using these beauty
to prestigious award shows
techniques and not be aware
Recently, you may have seen
wearing suits include Blake
of the popularization due
women wearing suits and
Lively, Kendall Jenner, Gigi
to drag. It is important to
rocking them. It has become
Hadid, Beyonce, and Emma
recognize how drag queens,
more normal for women to
Watson. Suits have become
who are marginalized and face
wear suits to the office, or to
a sign of professionalism in
Blake Lively leaving the Corinthia Hotel, September 2018
Gigi Hadid heading to the premiere of “Being Serena” in NYC
Emma Watson in a Yves Saint Laurent suit, March 2014
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corporate offices with women
revolutionized
the
fashion
encouraged to wear blazers industry when he introduced revolutionized the fashion and pantsuits instead of theindustry tuxedos for women. encouraged to wear blazers when he introduced corporate offices with women
andtraditional pantsuits dress. insteadThese of themoretuxedos
“masculine” traditional dress.suits Thesewere more first
for
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fightearly against traditionaldirected, peopleandin defined the LGBTQ+ in the 1900s and helped by ideas against of “femininity.” At thepeople fight traditional community. often difficult in theIt isLGBTQ+ ideas of “femininity.” the community. is often difficult time, women wereAtexpected to traceIt the history of trends time, were expected history oftheir trends to women wear knee-length dressesto trace and the determine origins, to with wear stockings. knee-lengthGay dresses determine their origins, womenand but it’s important to recognize with stockings. Gay the women important fought against beautybut it’s that many toofrecognize the things fought against the beauty of the“trendy” things standards, normalizing womenthat wemany consider
A model posing in a tuxedo for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 1967 Collection A model posing in a tuxedo for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 1967 Collection
and
standards, normalizing women
consider “trendy” and wearing more masculine-we “beautiful” today were things wearing more masculine“beautiful” today were things looking outfits. Additionally, that LGBTQ+ people had to looking outfits. Additionally, that LGBTQ+ people had to Yves Saint Laurent, a gay fight for the right to wear. Yves Saint Laurent, a gay fight for the right to wear. fashion designer, further fashion designer, further
Shop Look: “Le Smoking” Tuxedo Shop thethe Look: “Le Smoking” Tuxedo Saint Laurent Iconic Le Smoking Cropped Blazer via Farfetch
Saint Laurent Iconic Le Smoking Cropped Blazer via Farfetch
($2,890), Saint Laurent Pleated Placket Shirt via Farfetch ($890), Saint
($2,890), Saint Laurent Pleated Placket Shirt via Farfetch ($890), Saint
Laurent Baroque Jacquard Wide-Leg Trousers via Farfetch Laurent Baroque Jacquard Wide-Leg Trousers via Farfetch ($1,790)($1,790)
Nan Kempner wearing Yves Saint Laurent’s
Nan Kempner wearing Yves Saint Laurent’s famous 1966 “Le Smoking” tuxedo famous 1966 “Le Smoking” tuxedo
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In a World of Minimalist Fashion, It’s Time to Be Maximalist For years, we’ve been wearing subdued neutrals, navies, and greys, opting for the minimalist look that says “less is more.” More often than not, we’ve turned our overflowing closets into a wardrobe that features only about five different outfits, which all closely resemble the outfit of the day before. Likely, our clothes were cleanly pressed late last night so that our staple uniform had clean lines the next morning. However, these straight-edged, wrinkleless, and muted minimalist looks are taking away our personalities. Fashion is powerful, and the clothes you wear reveal who you are through the choices you make. More importantly, fashion has the power to affect our mood, energy, and character. Maximalist fashion embodies the complete opposite of minimalism: it epitomizes extravagance and exaggerates individuality. The maximalist’s outfit of the day is something no one can replicate and is wholeheartedly theirs. It’s a loud style that you can’t ignore because it’s a compilation of new textures, mixed colors, and bold silhouettes that take up space, but this style is not about incorporating excess. Instead, the style is about incorporating the individual. Pandemic Persuasion Brands and designers in their runway shows have definitely brought to life some extravagant pieces, but nothing causes the rise of maximalist fashion like a raging pandemic. Many of us have had to spend weeks, months, even a whole year inside our homes since the beginning of a worldwide lockdown. The pandemic, which is affecting every corner of the world, has the power to make our own lives feel small. It had created darkness and loneliness like no other. For weeks it loomed over us, but amidst it, we were given a chance to explore who we were. Loungewear became the style for the year, but a new style was making its way forwards.
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In our idle time, we looked for ways to get creative and tune into our inner energies. We took up sewing, knitting, beading, embroidering, and thrifting, which all added to our blossoming selves. It became a time, an opportunity, to take on an escapist attitude, loosen up, and explore your style. It was time to tie up our locks with that handmade scrunchy and flaunt those favorite patchwork trousers.
Maximalist Power The power of loud patterns, big ruffles, bold colors, and the like is undeniable. The maximalist style has an incredible impact on mood for many reasons. For example, wearing a clothing item or accessory that you made boosts your confidence in an unimaginable way because it is something that you have designed, created, and can showcase just like a professional designer would. Not only that, but it’s an original piece that nobody else has but you. Pairing pieces of clothing together to make a maximalist outfit also boosts confidence because it takes intuition, a vision, and skill to put the pieces together. Who is a Maximalist? Maximalist fashion speaks for itself and the person wearing it. Because the style has no bounds, maximalist styling is extremely open, upfront, and welcoming. A maximalist wears the clothes not to be loud but to reflect their maverick attitude towards fashion and reject others’ confining judgements. They will mix and match the same fuzzy loafers into an office-ready look with no hesitation. Whereas others might find panic in chaos, a maximalist embraces serendipitous moments. They know that their look will match any setting because it’s individual and precisely reflective of them. Beyond the Fashionist Maximalism does not belong to only the fashionist; this style can be brought into the home in much the same way. Much like our wardrobes, the house we live in is permeated with our crazy daily lives. A maximalist’s house can go from dining room to office to art studio easily because it is brimming with the eccentricities of our daily life. Your home is your sanctuary, decorated to your own tastes. Why would you ever want to minimize that? It’s time to maximize your space and express your artistic side. Whether it be relaxing on a big sofa or walking in the middle of the street, maximalism encourages us to live untucked, unrestrained, and open with ourselves. After an especially tough year, there’s no better time to open yourself up to the wildness of life because once you embrace it, your adventure begins. Written by Emily Jarecki
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Fashion vs Consumerism: Are Your Shopping Habits Really Because of Your Interest in Style? Written by Zara Rawoof
For many people, there is nothing more exhilarating than rummaging through a rack of blouses at the mall or adding hundreds of dollars worth of clothing to a website shopping cart. Last April, the amount of online shopping, from the beginning to the end of the month, grew by 208%. Many found themselves online shopping more than they had been before lockdown. It’s easy to assume that this was because of pure boredom and restlessness that came out of this pandemic, but there is a bigger reason behind it. We were left with no control when lockdowns and curfews were globally enforced. There was a sense of entrapment felt by people everywhere. Shopping gives the mind a sense of control. In a time when there was none, adding and deleting items from your cart put you in the driver’s seat when it came to your purchases. Studies have also shown that buyers can feel immediate happiness after shopping, eliminating any sadness for the time being. Shoppers tend to have their credit card information saved, so checkouts are quicker. With a constant flow of emails offering you great personal discounts, how can you say no? But this constant stream of packages has changed the novelty of buying a new outfit and meticulously exploring one’s personal style. Influencers post monthly videos displaying new clothing hauls while viewers watch as closets gradually overflow. While it is all said to be in the name of fashion, it is important to ask the question: Is this fashion or just consumerism? Recently, the two terms haven’t been mutually exclusive. With the constant trends that are whipping around in fleeting posts on Instagram or Tik Tok, style connaisseurs are nonstop shopping as they try to keep up. In order to match the needs of buyers, fast fashion brands outsource illegal labor practices and create a large carbon footprint in turn for cheaper fabrics. All shoppers see are the latest styles for under $10 delivered to their doorstep. When followers see an influencer’s outfit that they like, looking 32 N F M
for dupes is their next step. Certain clothing items seem to be everywhere. This coupled with the fact that they can likely be bought for an extremely low sum of money, you have a new definition of fashion. It has been warped into a buyer owning all the trendiest clothes. In the past, the items that spoke to you the most were the ones you bought. Your personal style was shaped by what matches your vibe instead of what everyone else was wearing. Fashion has been an art form for centuries. Instead of paints or canvases, threads and fabric serve as a designer’s medium to create something unique and admired. Designers are being replaced by greedy companies only focused on making money. Authentic creators are having their products ripped off. So while the line between consumerism and fashion has become blurred, that doesn’t mean that they are the same thing. Now it is up to the buyers to fix this issue. Lately, these fast fashion brands have been defended because they are an option for those who can’t afford to pay the normal prices for trendy clothing. The need to consume drives people to feel like they have to own lots of things when that isn’t what fashion is about. It is better to save up and buy a few items that represent your personal style and are made by someone who appreciates the fashion industry rather than buying several pieces of clothing made inauthentically by laborers working under unsafe conditions. This isn’t the only way to help slow down the pace of consumerism.
Thrifting and consignment shops are a great way to find unique style choices all while slowing down the pace of consumerism. Lately, this option has been put in the spotlight. It’s a known fact that trends reappear and styles move in a circular motion. Many people give away clothes that would retail at a higher price point than they bought it for because they thought their wardrobe wasn’t considered “in” anymore. Additionally, hunting for clothing at thrift stores gives you a larger sense of accomplishment when you find something you really like. It makes shopping a genuinely enjoyable hobby that involves more than clicking the add-to-cart button on your screen. To keep thrift stores alive, donate your clothes to them when the relationship with the pieces has ended. One day, someone will pick them up when certain styles become trendy again, and the cycle restarts. Making sure that we aren’t buying just to buy will help keep the original definition of the fashion industry. If you find yourself tempted to surf the web for items that don’t desperately need to be in your closet, find a hobby to fill your time. When prices on a website are suspiciously low, try and find a small business selling items that truly mean something to the owner. If everyone puts in a little more thought before entering their shipping address at the checkout page, fashion will continue to be more than just about buying. Consumerism will lead to a bleak future for those who truly appreciate having a unique sense of style, but fashion in its rawest form will continue to forge and innovate new designs as time goes on.
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Up until recently, I attached myself to the Catholic faith. Following in my mother’s footsteps, I obeyed when they asked me to attend mass and continued practicing the faith through personal prayer. I never really questioned my religion; it was something I had to do because that’s what my family did. 36 Nf F 16 N mM
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Because spirituality is a critical aspect of human wholeness, I kept trying to acclimate myself to the teachings of the Church. At college, I joined the Catholic club and attended weekly events intended to deepen our faith. However, each meeting left me feeling out of place. Then, one Tuesday afternoon, sitting surrounded by all the people I thought I could love, the priest leading the session spoke out against homosexuality, claiming it to be a sin. My gut wrenched. I knew I could never be happy if I kept forcing myself to be a devoted Catholic.
I faced a tough decision: choosing between running away or blindly following in ignorance. The fact is, as I grew into my authentic self, I seemed to defy the conservative requests of the Church. For my own sanity, I needed to stick up for myself rather than squeeze myself into the small box the Church was trying to shove me into. The most important thing is to enjoy your life, and my interaction with organized religion was making me miserable. This truth was extremely hard to admit, especially since I’m still pressured to attend mass weekly by my sister, who has wholeheartedly engulfed herself into the Catholic religion.
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There are only a few things in life one can fully else wrote, you’re curating a set of quotes, lyrics, poems that relate to you and how you control, belief system is one of them. else wrote, you’re curatingstories, a set ofand quotes, lyrics, a few things in lifeand oneone’s can fully and poems that relate to you andThat howjournal you serves as a place to write e’s belief With system is one of them. upstories, want to live. time, I mustered the courage to stand live. That journal a place to write words, and explore them. ustered upupthe to stand downasthose meaningful forcourage myself and say “No,want not to today”. Maybe in serves and explore them. nd say “No, today”. in down It’s customizable and will lead your spirituality in thenot future, I’ll Maybe feel differently, butthose rightmeaningful now what words, It’s of customizable and will lead your spirituality in it to go. el differently, butisright now few whathours the direction you need I need an extra sleep on Sunday direction you with needait toMy go. “bible” serves as a place to settle my mind ra few hours of sleep on Sunday morning, a nice cup of tea,the and some time my mind cup of tea, and some time with a My “bible” serves as a place and to findsettle comfort. When I’m searching for answers, journal. and find comfort. When I’m I’m searching for answers, instantly enlightened by the carefully selected I’m instantly enlightened by the selected of quotes inside. Whenever I read or hear I’ve grown up knowing that it’s important to arraycarefully array of quotes inside. Whenever I read or hear knowingbelieve that it’sin important to something deep within something greater than ourselves. something that triggers something that triggers something deep within mething greater than ourselves. There’s certainly a higher power up there, but I me, I make sure I designate a page in my “bible” I make sureorI designate a page my “bible” y a higherjust power up there, but I to me, thosein words. I then spend time explaining haven’t been able identify who, what, for en able to identify who, or what, for those words. I then spend time explaining how those words relate to me and make me it is. how those words relate to me and make me feel. Within my bible, I have actual bible verses feel. Within my bible, I have actual bible verses Religion and spirituality, in written, but they are carefully selected and truly and spirituality, in written, but they are carefully selected and truly lead me on the path I seek to walk. I have not general, are deeply lead mepersonal. on the path I seek to walk. I have not are deeply personal. abandoned the Church, but I’m finding a new way abandoned the Church, but I’m finding a new way There’s no right or wrong to connect with the higher power that feels more o right or wrong to connect with the higher power that feels more authentic to who I am. to believe. should authentic to whobe I am. elieve.way It should be It
aboutmakes finding what makes ding what I strengthen by turning to my I strengthen my spirituality by turningmy to spirituality my and the universe for guidance. I’ll find a guidance. I’ll find a whole.you feel whole. “bible” and the universe for“bible”
page that resonates page that resonates with my current experiencewith my current experience andSometimes meditate on is nothingreligion wrong with organizedonreligion and meditate those words. I’llthose add words. Sometimes I’ll add g wrong There with organized the I’ll “bible” if you do find it personally however, the “bible” page, for most to times simplypage, sit inmost times I’ll simply sit in personally fulfilling, however, for tofulfilling, andSince allowI my me,match. it justThat’s wasn’twhy a suitable match.and That’s whymytheheartsilence allow to open. am heart to open. Since I am t a suitable the silence guiding these spiritual practices, I follow my idea of an independent, personalized guiding these spiritual practices, I follow my pendent, completely personalized completely instinct how long I need to sit and reset practice seemed so inviting. instinct with how long I need to with sit and reset e seemedspiritual so inviting. myself as I search myself as I search for guidance within myself.for guidance within myself. Personally, found the greatest warmth in praying Recently, on Instagram, best friend stumbled I found the greatest warmthIin praying tagram, my best friend stumbled myPersonally, to should “the universe”, but you should send your upon theown ideabible. of creating bible. She “the own universe”, but you send your of creating your She toyour thoughts to itthe avatar you best resonate ed this with me, andshared it changed thoughts to the with, avatar you best resonate with, graciously this with me, and changed whether that be God, universe,that Buddha, or the universe, Buddha, or y, you take blank journalyou and take be God, my alife. Basically, a blank journal andthe whether to be your “bible”. that A bible is ayouranother designate to be “bible”.powerful A bibleforce. is a another powerful force. res and religious that people series oftexts scriptures and religious texts that people ead of following what someone live by. So, instead of following what someone
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Remember, you have total freedom in choosing how you deepen your spirituality.
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Do what makes you feel good. Allow your spiritual being to fill those voids and uplift your soul. Embrace yourself fully by allowing your authentic truth to shine. Allow yourself to be comforted in the arms of what makes you feel whole.
D go be an Em al tru yo in yo
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What is it? And why do you need to care about it? Historian and Philosopher Howard Zinn once said, “The history of social change is the history of millions of actions, small and large, coming together at critical points to create a power that governments cannot suppress.” As Zinn points out, social change is extremely intricate, yet vast. It is something that is constantly happening right in front of us, but something we all still desperately need. Sounds a bit like an oxymoron, right? How can something be small yet large? How can we have something constantly among us yet still need it so badly? To answer these questions, you have to fully understand what social change is. And to comprehend the importance of social change, you must first understand the study of sociology. According to Britannica, sociology is a “social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them. It does this by examining the dynamics of constituent parts of societies such as institutions, communities, populations, and gender, racial, or age groups.
Say n rac o to ism
Sociology also studies social status or stratification, social movements, and social change, as well as societal disorder in the form of crime, deviance, and revolution.” Britannica then defines social change in sociological terms as “the alteration of mechanisms within the social structure, characterized by changes in cultural symbols, rules of behavior, social organizations, or value systems.” In other words, social change is the movement and alteration of our world as a whole. It is literally the evolution of everything that affects society, including economic, political, emotional, mental, physical, religious, and social development. Thus, social change is one of the most critical aspects of our world because it truly influences us all. As we all know, the things that influence us shape us. So, how do we control this? How do we manage our social influences and our social state? The answer is, we simply care. That is where it starts. We care about social change, and we care about others. This may seem rather obvious, but
believe me, it is easily forgotten. We have to begin caring for our society, and we have to make all human issues our own issues by standing up for those in need of support. It is my personal belief that our upcoming generations, Millennials and Gen Z, do care deeply about all human issues. However, we must be cautious. We have a bad habit of believing everything we hear. We must remain aware of the things we see online and in the media. Instead of blindly believing the things we see through these outlets, we have to question everything and listen to one another. This is how we manage our social influences. Do not get blinded by greed, power, religion, racial hate, sexual violence, gender discrimination, fame, or lust. These things have caused destructive changes in the past, and forgive the cliche, but let’s not allow history to repeat itself. Instead, look to one another for support. Establish peace. Come together despite differing beliefs and create positive social change. Let this be your challenge for 2021: simply to care about social change. Once you open your eyes and heart, dare to help change the world for the better because, in the words of the Dalai Lama, “It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act.”
Glossary Sociology: A social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them. Sociology examines the dynamics of constituent parts of societies such as institutions, communities, populations, and gender, racial, or age groups. Sociology also studies social status or stratification, social movements, and social change, as well as societal disorder in the form of crime, deviance, and revolution. Social Change: In sociology, social change is the alteration of mechanisms within the social structure, characterized by changes in cultural symbols, rules of behavior, social organizations, or value systems. Social Influences: Social influence refers to how individuals change their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment. Sexual Violence: An all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse. Gender Discrimination: Unequal or disadvantageous treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on gender. Sexual harassment is a form of illegal gender discrimination.
By: Evie Shaye Herndon Image: Freepik
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Wardrobe Stylist: Ekaterina Novozhilova
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Photographer Miguel Machuca
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Shoes: Asos Leggins: Calzedonia Corsé snd Shirt: Zara Complements: Chiloé
Creative Director/Photographer/Retoucher: Fanny Westergren Makeup Artist: Blerina Lyta Model: Nilma Johansson Nordic Model Agency Nf N Fm M 131 53
Trouser & Top: ZARA Complements. Chiloé Handkerchief: Stradivarius
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Accessory Designer Chiloé Complementos
Body suite: A star is Born Shoes: Couplé Hat: Asos Complements: Chiloé
Dress: By Malina
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Top & Skirt: Asos Luxe Complements: Chiloé
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Model Marta Lopez Chica Dress: samsøe & samsøe
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Makeup Artist Pedro Sanchez
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Bodysuit: A star is Born Shoes: Couplé Hat: ASOS Complements: Chiloé
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BACK IN TIME EDITORIAL TEAM CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER:
Filip Hlad IG: @filiphlad_photographer www.filiphlad.com
MODEL:
Denisa K. IG: @denisa_krskova AGENCY: @czechoslovak_models
MUAH:
Štepánka Velíšková IG:stepankavelisek
STYLING:
Šárka Strnadová IG: @strnadsarka
CAR:
Andreas Fachmann IG: @andreas.fachmann_classic.cars
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Rooftop Vibes Photographer: 956px Female Model: Alisha Griffin @campbellmodels Wardrobe provided by AG closets
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"Fashions fade, style is eternal." Yves Saint Laurent
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“Dressing is a way of life.” Yves Saint Laurent
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Photographer: Risha Kir Model: Inky MUA: Maria Hairstylist: Julia Deneko Style: Lena Laskovaya
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Every Day Hero A Bachelor, An American Ninja, An ER Doctor and a Men's Health cover model walk into a room... Enter Jedidiah Ballard. Article by Aida Toro
Many have seen Jedidiah Ballard on the Bachelorette and American Ninja Warrior, but what many don’t know about is his life as an emergency room doctor and how he’s used his influence from reality shows to impact the world and make a change.
in a row. Once he’s done with the six shifts, he flies back out. Currently, Ballard works mainly in Nebraska and Iowa.
“Ninja Warrior was a really neat thing to be a part of, I love that it is bringing fitness to tons of kids who are not necessarily traditional football/ basketball/baseball athletes,” said Ballard. “I got the call kinda late with a little over a month to prep, well after other cities had been announced, so it was a bit of a shock, but a good one.”
Although he never went to the doctor as a child, Ballard’s journey into the medical field began with his fascination with the human body. As strange as it sounds, he didn’t know to become a Doctor was an actual career option until his junior year of college where he was studying Exercise Science at the Big Island campus of the University of Hawaii.
Prior to his big break on Ninja Warrior, Ballard was holding it down at the Emergency Room, since he is a travel Emergency Room Doctor based out of Colorado. He said he basically flies into a hospital that is in demand of physicians where six shifts are worked
“It is a small school, but I was standing out amongst my peers, and had multiple professors ask about my future plans and suggest considering trying for medical school,” he said. “I kinda laughed that off at first, but it did
“Working in this manner creates a lot of freedom, which is good for the time being,” said Ballard.
prompt me to take the MCAT without studying as a personal assessment to see if I was ‘smart enough to be a doctor’.” The more Ballard learned of the human body, the more fascinated he was and there was no looking back. Going through the medical education process, he discovered that the place he fit in perfectly was the Emergency Room. “I absolutely loved how it could flip from calm to chaos and back nearly instantaneously, getting to interact with and take care of all walks of lifepoor, rich, young, old, etc,- and often getting to actually see the fruits of my labor making an immediate impact,” he expressed. “Getting to be a key part in shocking a heart back into a rhythm or restoring another human's ability to breath is a pretty neat honor.” During his second year of medical school, Ballard signed up for the Army with the hope of getting to serve in New Face Magazine 35
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Special Operations, partially to give back to the country that gave him the opportunity to cross socioeconomic lines, and partially because his older brother Caleb, who is one of his hero’s, served in the Marine Corps Special Operations. After completing medical school and his Emergency Medicine Residency, the first two years as a fully trained Emergency Medicine Physician were spent jumping out of planes in the middle of the night as an Army Ranger. Throughout these two years, Ballard deployed to Afghanistan, was among 31 of a starting class of 386 to complete his Ranger School Class without remediation and deployed to the Korean DMZ.
“I then felt it was time for a change and left the Rangers to return to where I did a residency to work the Emergency Department and teach at the Medical College of Georgia,” he said. “I loved the people, the job and the ample opportunity to teach at MCG.”
With flexibility, his job provides him, trying out for Ninja Warrior became possible. When he was chosen for the show, Ballard wound up staying in a hotel in Omaha and worked 12 out of 14 days right before flying out to compete.
This included taking regular trips to Central and South America with a group of his ER friends to teach bedside ultrasound to their medical students and physicians. After three years, however, Ballard wanted to explore more of the country and though he is still on staff at the Medical College of Georgia, he now holds his current role as a Travel ER Doctor.
“So working overnight and trying to complete two training sessions per day was definitely challenging, but no one enters a battle in ideal circumstances, so simple is what it is,” he said. “My training consisted of a lot of indoor rock climbing to build grip strength and a myriad of high-intensity total body workouts including sprints, weights and swim sprints to stay lean while
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developing spend, functional strength, and athleticism.”
chemical engineering degree was on the show competing with me.”
Ballard came into the competition lean, strong and fast, however, lacking experience on specific Ninja obstacles. He’s always been a good athlete, completed a number of difficult obstacle courses training as an Army Ranger, had media experience from doing multiple segments for The Doctors TV show, along with being on the cover of Men’s Health and a few other fitness magazines as well as having his own weekly fitness segment on the morning news the year prior to leaving Georgia. But in spite of all this, Ballard performed under his physical ability and didn’t make the finals.
To Ballard, fitness is a really satisfying passion outside of work which has opened some really neat doors for him, such as getting sponsored by Isopure, one of his favorite nutrition supplement companies. He is also excited about sharing the years he’s spent studying exercise and nutrition through a recently launched YouTube channel called “Fit Enough”. “The focus is to help everyday none live in the gym busy people work inefficient exercise and reasonable nutrition who don’t have the time to live in the improv health and fitness to a level that brings them joy and confidence,” he said.
“It was humbling, but as all failure is... also a great learning experience,” he said. “The highlight was creating a cool family Ballard is also in a really good place in memory as my little brother Joel, a freak his life right now, since he just paid off athlete, martial arts black belt with a his student loans; his parents can live 88 N F M
out their days rent-free in a beautiful log home he hired his best friend to complete; and he’s settling into a good work/play balance with Emergency Medicine. For the short term, Ballard is also looking forward to returning to Central America to teach clinical ultrasound at the government medical school in Panama City this September. As for long term goals, he is starting to focus on legacy and thinking about the impact he wants to have during his time on this planet. “Thus far along my path, I’ve done humanitarian work on four different continents and was recently able to improve the life of a whole community in Sierra Leone by financing a deep well through The Water Project,” said Ballard. “I want to do more things that really matter, that will hopefully have an impact beyond my years.” New Face Magazine 37
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Emma Ramos Crafting Laughter and Legacy Article by Wynn Wilder A Tapestry of Talent and Tenacity In the effervescent world of acting and comedy, Emma Ramos shines as a beacon of versatility and vibrancy. Her journey, woven with the threads of passion, resilience, and diversity, offers a rich narrative that resonates with aspiring artists and admirers alike. Early Inspirations: The Roots of a Dream Emma’s initiation into the realms of acting and comedy was nothing short of magical. Her father, an embodiment of humor and wisdom, served as her guiding star. He was her Norm Macdonald and Mahatma Gandhi rolled into one, teaching her to laugh through hardship and keep moving forward with a simple yet profound motto, “Ay que levantar los hombros” – raise your shoulders and keep going. But it was the world of acting that called to her instincts. Growing up in a sheltered environment, Emma found solace and inspiration in her expansive book collection, notably the Disney Storybook Collection, a cherished family heirloom. It was here, amid the pages of tales and fantasies, that her artistic flame was kindled. She recalls a pivotal moment during a Christmas Eve, where she adapted a story into a play, casting her cousins and herself in the leading roles. This experience was a defining one, igniting her 'Thumos' – the Greek concept of spiritedness and fervor. Journey to Stardom: The Path of Persistence Emma's ascent in the acting world is a testament to her stamina and dedication. She credits Bob Lupone, the late director of Telsey Company’s conservatory acting program, for instilling in her the importance of focusing on her craft. It was this focus that eventually led to her recurring role in shows like "New Amsterdam." She approached her roles, no matter how small, with a commitment to serve the story and the character, embodying the ethos of an artist true to her vocation. Diversity in Hollywood: A Changing Landscape Emma reflects on the shifts towards diversity in Hollywood with a sense of gratitude and cautious optimism. She acknowledges that her career benefitted significantly
from these changes. The landscape of opportunities for Latina actors has evolved from a narrow pathway to a broad avenue, allowing for a richer and more authentic representation of stories and characters. Heritage and Roles: A Confluence of Culture and Character Emma views her heritage as an asset, expanding her storytelling canvas. Being bilingual and culturally aware gives her an edge, allowing her to bring a unique perspective to her roles. She emphasizes the importance of staying curious and compassionate, ensuring that her work resonates with authenticity and heart. Challenges Overcome: A Story of Resilience Emma’s career has not been without challenges. Navigating immigration issues, language barriers, and stereotyping were significant hurdles. However, the shift in societal attitudes following movements like BLM has brought about a positive change, leading to more inclusive and respectful practices in the industry. Role Preparation: Delving into the Depths of Character For Emma, preparation for any role, be it comedy or drama, begins with understanding the character. She delves into their backstory, seeking to inhabit their world fully, regardless of the genre. Memorable Moments: A Career of Cherished Roles Emma cherishes every role she has played, each offering a unique experience and learning opportunity. From portraying Win in Phillip Howze's "Frontieres sans Frontieres" to her role in Lot Vekeman's "Poison", she has continuously pushed her boundaries, exploring diverse characters and narratives.
In Emma Ramos, we see not just an actor or a comedian, but a storyteller par excellence, whose journey inspires and illuminates. Her story is a vibrant tapestry, rich with the hues of persistence, talent, and diversity – a true inspiration for anyone daring to dream in the world of arts. N F M 91
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Photography by Patrick Patton Photography by Jana Schuessler New New Face Face | Page | Page 72 72
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Tori Deal
Known as "the Tornado," Tori Deal is the real deal. Genuine, creative and ballsy. This creative rebel is more than just a pretty face, and she's ready to peal away the layers and show the world a taste of her vulneralbe side.
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ou may know Tori Deal from MTV reality shows like The Challenge and Are You The One and as an Instagram influencer, but do you know she is one of the masterminds behind the Suiheart Club? No? Then you are in for a treat. “I always did everything,” said Deal. “In high school I was on the soccer team, Vice President of my class, performed in musicals, and was also on the school’s morning news team.”
Deal, who is from Sicklerville, New Jersey, went to the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Old Westbury to pursue her Bachelors in Media Communications. While she attended college, she was a reporter on campus, worked for the university’s radio station, interned at Long Island News 12, and eventually became a freelance reporter prior to graduating with her degree. “Reporting was a lot of fun, but when you report for a news team, you basically only get to state the facts,” said Deal. “I wanted to work in a field in which I could express myself.” And so, Deal went in search for the next big thing. One of her closest friends and roommate at the time, enjoyed watching MTV’s The Challenge, and gave Deal the extra push to get into reality television. New Face | Page 73
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“She said to me ‘Tori, first you get on Are You The One, and then if they like you, they pick you up for The Challenge,” said Deal. “At first, I was a little hesitant because I hadn’t seen any of the shows.”
into a new world.
After Deal watched one episode of Are You The One, she took the leap, and applied. Four months later, she was filming with MTV for the show and, do to her popularity, continued filming for three years and seven shows.
After she wrapped up filming for Are You The One, she was cast on Second Chances and The Challenge, twice. Then, Champs vs Stars - twice, and Fear Factor. “I came in second on Second Chances, and 3rd place on The Challenge Dirty Thirty. On Fear Factor I won with Jordan as my partner,” said Deal.
“Once I applied for this reality TV show and got on, I knew this would catapult my platform to the next level,” she said. “I knew this was my chance to make a name for myself.” Even with three years of MTV shows under her belt, Deal stated reality television is tough. Participants put their lives out there for the public to dissect - total transparency. Deal said electronic devices and personal items such as books, get taken away. She felt she was entering New Face | Page 74
“For this first show, I cried in the bathroom like every other night, because I was so stressed out,” said Deal.
"I realized the WORST thing was when I labeled myself a victim of it all.” While she competed on Champs vs Star, Deal competed for a charity. The charity she played for was the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) in memory of her uncle
Rich, a family member near and dear to her heart. Deal and Jordan Wisely also won $50,000 after competing in Fear Factor. It was donated to St. Judes Hospital. Deal will be the first to state she learned a load after being on seven reality television shows. “I have been through A LOT on TV,” said Deal. “Breakups, been cheated on, ‘cheated’ on someone else, called names, all of the above. I realized the WORST thing was when I labeled myself a victim of it all.” Deal blamed others for the negative things that happened to her, but she recently realized that no matter what she’s been through in her life, she had to accept responsibility for it. “I’m not saying that being a victim isn’t real. Everyone is a victim at some point in their life, but maintaining that victim mentality can be detrimental to your own growth,” she said. “I had to accept that I made major mistakes, and so did other people. None of it mattered anymore, because all we can do
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is move forward in a positive and constructive way. Learning that I am not a victim but a victor, was the most important lesson I ever took from reality TV.” Deal is also thankful for MTV because the network provided her with opportunities to showcase her personality on so many different platforms. All the way from growing her own platform, finding love with Wisely, and most importantly, becoming a strong and independent woman.” One of her projects, which she created with her friend Vira, is the Suiheart Club. Originally, Deal and Vira created Suiheart Club as a place for people to find a tiny glimmer of hope when they’re scrolling aimlessly through Instagram. “So often, I would catch myself in a ‘scroll hole’ on Instagram and feeling bad,” said Deal. “I would see so many beautiful pictures of perfect lives, beautiful destinations, perfect bodies, and feel bad because I didn’t have those things.” As a result, she and Vira decided to make a place to inspire people to get up, get out, and feel their inner power. Suiheart Club promotes body positivity, mental health awareness, and daily inspiration to empower everyone.
“We are two women and definitely want to support the female community, but we also see the men out there who desperately need self-love and self-care,” she said. “So, Suiheart Club is for girls and guys equally.” Proof that life and love inspire her, Deal is working on music with Wisely, and a children’s book with Vira. She likes to think of her upcoming children’s book as a modern Winnie the Pooh story mixed with bits of Dr. Seuss. “All I can say about this, is it’s the BEST thing I’ve ever written,” she expressed. “The theme of the book is about appreciating people instead of things.” “Kids learn these fundamental core beliefs at a very young age. Vira and I want all kids to realize that objects aren’t nearly as important as humans. We are both aunts, so children are very close to our heart,” Deal stated. As for music, Deal was always passionate about it. She remixed “Fergalicious” by Fergie, about the constitution for extra credit in a class in 7th grade. Throughout this period of time, she realized she loved putting poetry to music. “Since then I’ve written poems, songs, originals, and remix covers,” she said. “Jordan and I
now release covers on my Spotify.” She enjoys working with Wisely in every aspect. Deal described him as a dreamer with an incredible work ethic: a go-getter who constantly moves forward. “He is the boss in so many areas, but when it comes to music, he is the rookie in the studio,” said Deal. “I’ve been working as a recording artist for about four years now and everyone else in the studio has even more experience.” She mentioned that even the novice version of Wisely is inspiring to her because he is very content to learn and grow as much as he can. “Music is just one of the fruits from our ever growing relationship,” she beamed. “We are so lucky that we get to play around and do so many different types of creative projects together.” Deal is looking forward to performing original songs with Wisely in the future, launching her children’s book, and offering Suiheart club meetups. “It’s easy to get scared about your direction, purpose, or even if you’re doing the right thing. Follow your intuition,” she said. “Listen to your heart and work EVERYDAY towards what it feels.”
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T
he notion that Hollywood is an elite society has been fed to us since the beginning of the industry. It isn’t called Hollywood Glamour for nothing. Success seems to be defined by red carpets and an elite lifestyle. And for so many young actors, this same lifestyle becomes the goal. In the midst of Hollywood’s mirage, the true art that defines real acting can get lost. But Arlyn Broche is the embodiment of the authentic craft that is performing. When the illusions of the big screen dictate what it actually means to be an actor, there are only a few talented individuals who honor the art. As Dany Garcia in “ Young Rock”, Broche shows she is part of the small group. Arlyn Broche is beautiful inside and out, with her powerful demeanor remaining with her in any role she takes on. Watching her onscreen performancesregardless of which ones- Arlyn emulates skill that only a natural born actress could. But her journey into the industry wasn’t clear cut. “I was first studying business in college because I always have had that mindset and wanted to have my own business. Then I realized I love to communicate with people. So I got very good at networking and talking to people. Then I realized I love storytelling. I love talking to people and wanted to be a journalist.
Then I thought, I’m gonna really let it hang out there and I’m gonna go for acting, which is what I ended up doing. I auditioned for the theater department at FIU and began training privately with a lot of different people.” While it took her time to discover her true calling, the actress has been working hard throughout her entire career. “I’ve been pursuing acting for over 10 years easily and I had done a lot of independent films and feature films,” Arlyn says, “I was really putting in the grind because acting is the creative expression of storytelling, but it’s also it’s a business in the sense that, you have your expenses, you have to travel, you have to put in your auditions, and I put in the hustle.” Fleeing Castro’s regime in the 80’s , Arlyn was raised by two hard-working parents who instilled the work ethic that she had now. “My parents were not wealthy. I grew up in a lower income household. My parents came as immigrants. They came on the Mariel Boatlift in 1980. And I was born here in the United States, but they understood that exploring your creativity or what you have a passion for is very important.” Not only were her parents extremely supportive of her journey
as an actress, Broche’s father started a generational itch for the art. “My father was a very successful actor in Cuba. My love of acting and storytelling came from my father. He gave me my first acting book, which was the Stanislavski method, “An Actor Prepares” and ever since then, I’ve really loved acting, and I feel that my family is an artistic family. My mom is a registered nurse, but she has always loved drawing and painting and writing poems.” With over a decade in the industry under her belt, Arlyn Broche is no stranger to hard work. She knows the facade of a lucky break in Hollywood isn’t an accurate depiction of all the laborious effort that goes into acting. “I’ve done over 700 audition tapes. It’s a lot of callbacks and flying out to New York and LA. I tested at a network for a very big project. That was a big deal. I didn’t get the role, but I knew I was there. I told myself that eventually, I’ll be here again. And I hadn’t booked anything for about a good year and a half. I was auditioning, auditioning, auditioning, and then this last year I booked my first lead role in Gravesend on Amazon Prime. And then I booked this recurring role of Dany Garcia on NBC’s Young Rock, which was a full-circle moment for me because I’ve always admired Dany’s career. Sometimes I’ll have these big gaps where I don’t book anything. It’s just about riding those waves.” Arlyn Broche’s depiction of Dany Garcia in Young Rock may have recently been introduced into the series, but the impact that Garcia had on Dwayne Johnson’s life is notable from the moment Broche appears on the screen. (cont. on next page)
“I was really putting in the grind because acting is the creative expression of storytelling..”
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n entrepreneur in her own rite, Dany Garcia can be credited for providing the wrestler-turned-actor the motivation he needed to become the fitness superstar that the world knows now. “I brought her to life on screen for the world to see,” Arlyn reflects, “And she told me, ‘ You’re in a unique position to show the world that it was a woman who architected this whole thing.’ Not to take away from [Dwayne’s] magnificence and what he has done, but I’m showing she’s always been behind the scenes. A lot of people don’t know who Dany Garcia is. Everyone knows The Rock. Everyone knows his life. They don’t know about the person who kicked it all off and got him to where he was.” While Arlyn’s role in telling Dwayne Johnson’s story through Young Rock was established quite recently, the pair seemed to be co-stars, well, written in the stars! “[The Rock and Dany Garcia] used to live here in Miami. They used to go to Porky’s Gym in the Hammocks in Miami. And I remember my older brother, he was like, “ You have to go get his autograph!” and I’m like, “Stop it.” I wasn’t gonna go up to the Rock and ask for him to sign something, but my brother begged. So I went and like he was with Dany working out and I was like, “Excuse me. You know, my brother really is a huge fan and I’m a fan too and I would really like your autograph.” And so we went to the front desk and he was so nice. When I spoke with Dany while I was doing character development years later, I told her the story about how I had met her already.” While it’s already one of life’s crazy coincidences, Arlyn had actually met Dany during the period in her life the actress is playing in Young Rock. Years later, the actress later played alongside The Rock in Ballers as Tonya. In fact, Broche accredits this role to being the first time she really felt she made it. ‘I started doing a lot of independent films. I did feature short films for different festivals, but I feel like my first big role that I was like, “Oh my God, I’m actually on a set and this is so freakin’ cool!’ That was my role on ballers where I played Tonya opposite Dwayne Johnson.” Call it destiny or a coincidence, but it’s hard to deny just how kismet Arlyn’s portrayal of Dany Garcia seems to be. In order to make sure she was portraying Dany’s personality as accurately as possible, Arlyn was meticulous when combing through the details that made the character who she was. “Whenever I’m taking on a role in an audition or on set, I’m given a blueprint. That’s 100 N F M
what the writer gives to you. That’s all you have. Based on that, you bring the story. You bring your own spin to the table and that’s really what makes you stand out. You also have to keep the integrity of whatever the writer does. For me, playing Dany’s real life just gave me a lot more information and a lot more to work with. Not only is she written as a support system for Dwayne, the guiding light and the mentor, but she’s written in as the architect of all of his enterprises. She’s his global strategic advisor. She’s always been there from day one, helping him build the brand, and all of his different enterprises. Playing her meant focusing on the details.
“No matter what you do in life, time goes on no matter what. If you want something, you have to go for it.”
A lot of my scenes are at Merril Lynch, where she was a broker. She’ll be on the phone and the script says she had pink or red nails. I’ve followed her for a long time and I have become very familiar with her before booking the role. I told Dany that she didn’t seem like a pink nail girl. She said to me, ‘I would always wear ballet slippers and a square French manicure.’ Talking to her, I had a lot more information to make it as true and authentic as real to the story with small little details. That’s what we are made of, our gestures, and these things make the scenes authentic to who she is and what she represents. Dany’s a powerhouse.” The only way that Broche was able to curate the information she did to bring Dany to like in Young Rock was to talk to the character IRL. “There weren’t a lot of like videos or footage of Dany to look at when I was playing her. She was always a very private person, business driven but just very private, not in the limelight. But working with her, she’s very specific. She’s intelligent, genuine, and authentic to who she is.
She told me, ‘I would love for you to show not only that I was very driven business-minded, but also show the quirks and the insecurity of not always understanding or knowing how everything’s gonna work. Talking to her, I got information that I wasn’t able to find online and just really understood who she is. She’s this confident, powerhouse businesswoman but also a mom and a wife and human. She loves to read, and she’s a very well rounded, humble person.” As a mom, Arlyn Broche has a lot on her plate. That’s why she makes sure that what she’s taking on, she’s passionate about. “ I’m very intentional about the work that I put my time into. And I have fun and I prepare when I put my audition tapes out there. If it gets picked up, perfect! If it doesn’t, I have my day to day life. I also have to think about how I’m gonna go to my kid’s volleyball game or make food or whatnot and I just incorporate it into my life. Who cares what’s next? My friend asked me, ‘Did you book that audition that you said you were doing?’ And I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I don’t think about it anymore.’ I put it on tape. I thought about it when I had to work on it. I did it. I forget about it until my agent tells me I booked it.” As a Latina, Arlyn Broche’s experience in the acting world has been different. But she believes that through the years she’s been in the industry, she has noticed change. “I’m very proud of being Latina. Funnily enough, in my upcoming show Gravesend, the breakdown for the lead that I booked was written as a Caucasian woman from Ohio. I have olive skin, and thick eyebrows. I am definitely Latina! I did the audition and they said, ‘You know what, we’re going to change her. We’re going to change her nationality and we’re going to change her completely. We’re gonna make her Cuban.’ I was stunned. For me, that is a huge pride and honor. Putting Latinos on the forefront, putting them in bigger roles on shows in film in mainstream Hollywood is just amazing. I was born here in the United States and I’m grateful for a lot, but I still carry my roots and where I came from very, very close to my heart. In my work, I bring a taste of that.”
to bring them to the forefront to raise the voice of Latinos. And so being a part of that and working with Ozzie Areau, has been a game changer. I’m so so excited and I definitely have seen a lot more Latinos.” While many are disappointed with the authenticity and grit of the acting industry after so many years believing in their own ideas of what it was, Arlyn Broche’s hard work and success is truly inspiring. It’s not about the glitz and the glam. I’ve had callbacks where I have to fly to New York in the morning. And by the time I arrive, I go to the callback, in the casting director’s office. Sometimes producers are there and you just go, do your callback, it could be 15-20 minutes. Then you go back to the airport and I’m in the airport for a good three to four hours. I can’t schedule the flight too close to the audition, then fly back, and get ready to go to the next city!” Broche is redefining Hollywood, and showcases the hard work that goes into acting. Her dedication to the craft has paid off, but she is just getting started. “I always bet on myself. My mom always told me, ‘Listen, time is gonna pass by anyway. No matter what you do in life, you are the youngest you’ll ever be and the oldest you’re gonna be all at the same time. Time goes on no matter what. If you want something, you have to go for it.’
Arlyn has added a Cuban twist to her acting, but she is also the Vice President of Areu Bros, a film studio in Atlanta dedicated to helping minorities break out into the film industry. It’s the first Latinx owned studio in the United States, and Broche is proud to play a role in the barrier breaking company. “It’s about working with minorities, marginalized communities, Latinos, women, N F M 101
Photography by Kyle J Yunker of Zero Five Photography Styling by Alexis Isabel Creative Directing by Chele Sellman
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The Kraken's
Matty Beniers Skating Beyond the
Ice with Seattle's Rising Star
Interview & Article by Wynn Wilder In the heart of Seattle's bustling sports scene, a young star shines on the ice, weaving a story of passion, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Matty Beniers, in an exclusive sit-down with Nfm, offers an intimate glimpse into his life as a central figure of the Seattle Kraken. Matty's journey into hockey is a tale of early beginnings and relentless enthusiasm. "It started in my basement with my brother and dad just playing mini hockey, which later progressed to street hockey and ice hockey," he shares. His first ice skating attempt at 18 months old didn't quite go as planned, but it wasn't long before the rink became his second home. This early love for the game wasn't just about playing; it was about finding a place where his energy and enthusiasm found their true calling. The transition to the NHL brought its own set of challenges, especially being away from family. Matty speaks fondly of the rituals and
routines that keep him grounded. "For me, I like to tape my sticks, stick handle, play soccer (sewer ball) with the team and then do a warm up on my own," he says. This connection to his roots is evident in every aspect of his life, from his disciplined pre-game routines to his fashion choices. Speaking of style, Matty didn’t have a comment on the 'suits only' rule in hockey but his pre-game suit selection has been colorful and complimentary from what we’ve seen. Off the ice, his style is comfortably casual, which makes him fit right into Seattle’s current fashion flow. Seattle has quickly become a significant part of Matty's life. He praises Osteria La Spiga, his favorite Italian restaurant in the city, “I’m quite Italian and I love the dishes they have at the restaurant! I would recommend the gnocchi," he admits, his affection for the Seattle hot spot evident in his words. N F M 103
Matty's life outside hockey is as rich and varied as his career on the ice. From a confessed sweet tooth to a newfound love for the TV show 'Louder Milk,' he reveals his diverse interests. “My favorite thing about the show is how the main character comes off as a mean older guy but actually is extremely selfless and tries to help all the people around him,” he says. This aspect of the character resonates with Matty, reflecting a personality that's both relatable and endearing. Eminem's music fuels his pre-game energy, while off the field, golf, tennis, and fishing with family and friends offer him a peaceful retreat. What truly sets Matty apart is his connection with the Seattle Kraken's fanbase. "Best part about being a member of the Seattle Kraken is how the Seattle fanbase really rallied around the team right out of the get go. They are passionate fans and they love hockey so it makes coming to the rink that much more fun when you know the city and fans are behind you," he notes. His relationships with his teammates, especially his roommate Will Borgen, underline the close-knit nature of the team. As we feature Matty Beniers on Nfm's cover, it's clear he embodies more than just athletic prowess; he represents the heart and soul of the Seattle Kraken. His story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep connection with the community, a narrative that resonates with every Seattle sports enthusiast. In Matty Beniers, Seattle has not just a hockey player, but a beacon of inspiration, reflecting the spirit of the city and its passionate embrace of the sport. The Kraken's maritime origin story is inspired by the very real Giant Pacific octopus found in Puget Sound—local legend has it that a 600-pound creature lurks amid the ruins of the collapsed Tacoma Narrows bridge. You can follow Matty's stardom and The Kraken's season on their Instagrams at @mbeniers10 and @seattlekraken. Join Nfm and the fans of Seattle in cheering them on! Kraken jacket: Seattle Hockey Team Store Cardigan & socks: Filson Boxers: Under U 4 Men
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MODEL | Seong Hyeok J
PHOTOGRAPHER | Jong Woo, Lee
MAKEUP & HAIR STYLIST | Ara Lee
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Terencia Michael Pereira Female Model Savannah Ferland Wardrobe Credits DIY Clothing and Accessories & Free People
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Daring Duality
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Photographer: Boyang Hu
Model/Creative Director: Yueyao Li Model: Wang Yang N F M 119
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Hair Stylist: Yu Nakata Makeup Artist: Amanda Braz
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