Nfm Issue 69, Oct '22

Coming soon to Bellevue

Claw Clips

Holiday Skin with The Birthday SuitTips

Bam! Just like that the Holiday Season is in full swing.

This means endless Holiday parties, events, the out of nowhere lunches with friends to do funny gift exchanges and then ending the whirlwind with New Years Eve.

Not only do we find our bodies exhausted but our skin is too. Holiday makeup is special. We all want that Christmas glow and NYE sparkle.

Unfortunately too many nights after a night out many of us slack in the makeup removal / night time skincare routines.

I have put together a few tricks and shortcuts to help keep your makeup and skin on point all

Marathon, not a sprint

First, this season is a marathon, not a sprint so pace yourself with the Yuletide cheer.

Alcohol is incredibly dehydrating to your body and your skin. Make sure you are staying up on your

water intake. Add some lemons to your water. Lemons contain Vitamin C… not a spectacularly high amount, but 30-50 mg per lemon. They also contain potassium. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning gives the body a chance to absorb these vitamins effectively and can provide a little immune

boost. Tomato juice is excellent for replenishing your electrolytes as well. So if you must follow “the hair of the dog that bit you” the morning after a celebration, there is a reason Bloody Mary does the trick.

Tinted Primer

For your face, I love tinted primers for full face makeup application. It smooths your skin while reducing the amount of actual foundation you will need to apply.

I am a huge fan of Dermalogica’s Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer & BB tinted primer is a hero in my makeup army as well. Both are hydrating, great full coverage with an anti aging boost. Winning!

I am currently obsessing over Kat Von D’s Lock it 3D foundation. It goes on incredibly smooth and lasts all night. Armani’s Silk Foundation and Makeup Forever HD foundation are perfect as well for all the gorgeous selfies you will take! The absolute must have is Urban Decay’s All Nighter Finishing Spray! You will not need to touch up your face once! This spray is like a magnet holding everything on your face in place!

Another easy skin care repair tool is a Sheet Mask. Sheet Masks have made a huge impact in the skin care world in the last 2 years and there are some top notch ones on the market! Rodial’s Snake Oxygenating & Cleansing Bubble mask will detoxify your skin removing impurities and dead skin. It is definitely one of my favorites!! Repechage has a delicious peptide mask which gives my skin a super glow!!

Make sure though, if you are neglecting the night before you makeup for it in the morning.

Morning exfoliation is also so key in day to day but also during the soiree season! Your skin cell turnover happens while you rest so that unwanted gunk is begging to be removed. It is a double must if you have neglected removing your makeup the night before.

Fresh’s exfoliating Rose scrub is gentle while being incredibly effective. The natural Rose extracts are definitely calming to the senses as well.

Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator will also deliver immediate results with crushed walnuts paired with fruit and herbal enzymes heal and reveal gorgeous healthy skin.

Remember, it is a timed effort not a “scrub until your face is beet red” opportunity. I sing Twinkle Twinkle to ensure I am getting a good 90 second scrub going.

You are taking the time to look gorgeous going out, give yourself a helping hand and making that makeup magic happen by remembering it all starts with great skincare efforts. It doesn’t have to be fancy or super expensive but it has to happen!!

Remember Dolls, a solid skin care foundation of serum and moisturizer for both day and night will help you maintain a gorgeous glow year round!

Cheers to a fantastic New Year!!

Stacey, Columnist & Owner of The Birthday Suit

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Alternative Playlist for Fall

by: Jaquelyn Rodriguez

that the leaves are changing color and the weather is cooling down, it’s the perfect time to switch up our playlists to match the vibe of the season. Look no further, the alternative autumnal playlist is here.

ALTERNATIVE FOR FALL

“Burning Pile” - Mother Mother

“Lauren” - Men I Trust

“I Don’t Know You” - The Marias

“Out Of Line” - Ralph Castelli

“When the Sun Hits” - Slowdive

“Roslyn” - Bon Iver and St. Vincent

“Cherry Flavoured” - The Neighbourhood

Fall the to switch

Look no

“We Fell in Love in October” - Girl in Red

“Kyoto” - Phoebe Bridgers

“Dark Red” - Steve Lacy

“I Wanna Be Yours” - Arctic Monkeys

“Ultraviolence” - Lana Del Rey

“Sofia” - Clairo

“You & Jennifer” - Bülow

“Decode” - Paramore

I Believe You

costumes we can expect to see this HALLOWEEN katie

Catwoman

While Batman is a classic costume that we’ll undoubtedly encounter on Halloween, Zoe Kravitz’s portrayal of Catwoman in the new movie from this year, The Batman, provides a new take on the popular franchise.

The Sanderson Sisters

The Stranger Things Cast

Pearl Elvis and Priscilla Presley

TokTik TokFunniest

Tik

Influencers to

Anushka Mangal

TikTok is the social media platform. I can spend hours on it (even though I probably shouldn't…) and never be bored. It provides personalized, creative, new entertainment and allows me to take a short break and lose myself in funny videos whenever I need to. I am always looking to discover new creators that can make me laugh, especially if I’m having a bad day. Below I have compiled a list of 7 TikTok influencers who I think can do the same for you. Check out their accounts!

2. leuan @ieucooke

Ieuan’s content is a manifestation of that daydreaming, pop-cultureobsessed part of all of us that lives in a fantasy and loves it. His page is full of funny takes on your favorite shows and celebrities. He doesn’t shy away from showing us his crazy and I love him for it. Also, I love listening to his voice…it scratches a deep itch in my brain.

1. Sturniolo Triplets @sturniolo.triplets

This trio of Nick, Chris, and Matt Sturinolo is one of the funniest group dynamics I have come across. Their videos see them having fun with each other, making jokes, and just taking life a little less seriously. They are known for their car videos—they sit in their car and just…talk. It is insanely fun to hear them arguing and offering bizarre, hilarious takes on various topics. They make most of their videos on youtube but post smaller clips on TikTok, highlighting the funniest parts.

3. Kirsten Titus @pepperonimuffin

While her entire account isn’t all comedy, Kirsten's videos are entertaining and always brighten up my day. She is effortlessly funny, even if it’s just a video of her sitting and telling stories, while cutting fruit of course (it’s kind of her brand). She has 2 siblings, Erica and Jacob, who are also influencers, and the three often come together to make great content.

4. Brittany Broski @brittany_broski

Brittany is completely unhinged… in the best way possible. Her reactions to weird TikToks, creative takes on popular trends, and laugh-out-loud short skits never fail to make me laugh. She has the most infectious laugh and knows how to not take herself too seriously.

6. Chris Olsen’s Second Account @notolsennchris

Chris Olsen is a pretty well-known creator on the app. His outgoing personality and funny concept videos make his content very entertaining. He also has a second account which is just him but more…crazy? It is in no way secret—it has over two million followers—and contains content that is a little more eccentric than his main account. He makes great content with friends. You know. Casual people. Like pop star Meghan Trainor. However, it is his bold personality that shines through the screen and makes him the great creator he is.

5. Anthony Kozlowski @anthonykoz

Anthony’s page is mostly him talking about random, obscure things in the funniest and most out-of-thisworld way, making you wonder how he comes up with these thoughts. Sometimes it’s him telling you things about his life that shouldn’t be funny —yet somehow are. You know those people who just have a talent for telling even the simplest stories in the most interesting, captivating way? That's Anthony.

7. Alex and Pablo @durafest2

Alex and Pablo’s content is refreshingly original. Their main brand is them word-for-word reciting popular tv show scenes from their couch. They speak in complete unison and use gestures and props that make their videos undeniably hilarious. It is hard to put it into words so you should just go to their account and see the videos for yourself!

The Controversy Behind

Blonde

Katie

Blonde is the newest addition to Netflix’s biographical films and is based on Marilyn Monroes’ life. Produced by Brad Pitt and starring Ana de Armas as Norma Jean, the hopes for this film were high. Fans were convinced that Blonde might finally portray Monroe’s life accurately, as many films have failed to do so in the past. On the other hand, some were doubtful considering that the streaming platform’s other original films and series have not been well-received in terms of accuracy either.

The film is based on Joyce Carol Oates’ 2000 novel, Blonde, which was a contender for the Pulitzer Prize at the time of its release. Ana de Armas states that she worked with a vocal coach to learn the ins and outs of Monroe’s voice and mannerisms, but she has received criticism from viewers who say she sounds nothing like the Hollywood star. Aside from the physical representation of Monroe, the film has received backlash for its depiction of Marilyn Monroe as a character. Since the film is based on a fictional novel, it is to be expected that some things may be exaggerated or played up, however, many believe that Monroe has been over-sexualized and not portrayed in a way that is at all accurate to who she really was. Blonde focuses on Monroe’s relationships, some of which are only alleged, and reduces her life to sex when in reality Monroe was not a sexual person. The film received an NC-17 rating for its depiction of female genitalia and a graphic rape scene was included in the film.

The film has received further backlash, including complaints from Planned Parenthood, for contributing to anti-abortion propaganda. In one scene, Monroe is seen speaking to her stomach inside of which we see a CGI fetus. The director of Planned Parenthood’s arts and entertainment engagement said that Blondes’ depiction of abortion and the fetus will only serve to “stigmatize people’s healthcare decisions.”

The creator of the film, Andrew Dominik, released a statement to Screen Daily in which he said “If the audience doesn’t like it, that’s the audiences’ . . . problem. It’s an NC-17 movie about Marilyn Monroe, that’s kind of what you want, right?” Dominik has been placed under scrutiny for this comment as viewers believe that Dominik made the film based on what he wanted to see, not what the audience would be interested in. This statement served to place the blame on Dominik for the heavy sexual content within the film.

The film’s cast has reached out to defend the production, saying that the film is chock full of exploitation and traumatic experiences just like how Monroe’s life was.

by Katie Nalle

Stephen King’s Novel: Fairy Tale

Fairy Tale is the newest edition to Stephen King’s nearly 65-book repertoire. Although King is most well-known for his horror novels, Fairy Tale delves into the world of fantasy. Charlie Reade, the novel’s main character, is a 17-year-old boy with a difficult family situation who is looking for an escape route. Luckily, he discovers a portal to another world right in his own backyard. True to its name, the film pays homage to classic fairy tales such as Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, and Grimms’ Fairy Tales. One reviewer even went so far as to describe the novel as “a love letter to The Brothers Grimm.”

The novel has been positively received. King stated that when he sat down to start writing what would become Fairy Tale, he was determined to write something that would make him happy and that he would enjoy. Fittingly, many reviews state that the lighthearted premise of the book made it all the more enjoyable. Fans of King have also expressed excitement at the novels’ length. Fairy Tale sits at around 600 pages while King’s other recent novels have been between 150 and 500 pages. In his early career, King was well-known for writing books 800 pages or longer, so it is exciting to see him return to a longer format. When King’s

2021 novel Billy Summers was released, the fans communicated that the novel was too dull for their liking, but ever since King published Fairy Tale, fans have felt refreshed and have expressed their relief for the novel’s success.

Fairy Tale is King’s 26th book to reach the status of No. 1 bestseller. All summer, Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us and Delia Owen’s Where The Crawdads Sing have gone back and forth occupying the number one spot, but both novels have now been bumped down the list in exchange for Fairy Tale. Despite only having been released on September 6th of this year, the No. 1 bestseller has already been picked up for a film adaptation. Filmmaker Paul Greengrass, known most notably for the Bourne Identity film series, announced his intentions to direct the film only a week after the novel’s release. Greg Goodman will also join the cast as a producer.

King brings his own flare to the fairy tale genre in this novel and has been rewarded accordingly with the No. 1 bestseller spot. Fairy Tale is enchanting as it brings back memories of the stories we know and love from our childhoods. King encourages us to escape the monotony of everyday life and sit back for 600 pages of wonder and fantastical journeys.

Photography:

power

FACES by Seigar

“Personalities should be valued, and encouraged to blossom.”

“I see personalities as the possible gates to individual freedoms.”

“JUST BE REAL!”

WASABI

AVANT-GARDE CRAZE

Styling @emrjl | Model @kurietta Lighting @profoto

REVOLUTION IN STYLE

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IN STYLE IN STYLE IN STYLE IN STYLE

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LISTEN UP, LADIES:

Surrogacy Expert Evie Jeang Reveals the New Reality of Family Planning, and What it Took to Get Here

by: Zara Rawoof

The U.S. faces a unique situation of having outdated healthcare restrictions in the modern world. A majority of the country does not agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, but an outcry of disapproval from medical professionals and citizens is seemingly not enough to alter the unwavering decision from the country’s most powerful judicial system.

When the decision was announced this past June, the country’s largely pro-choice community expressed their grief, horror, and anger over the overruling. Pro-choice communities protested through torrents of online posts and hashtags, amplifying the voices of terrified women globally. But since the initial uproar this summer, Americans have remained considerably quieter. The issue seemed to fade

in importance, no longer illuminated with red, flashing lights. Even if your Instagram timeline became quieter, abortion bans still restrict women in 13 states from access to basic health care.

Trailblazers like Evie Jeang remind the public of how these laws change lives. Jeang is an expert in all things surrogacy, and has seen how the Supreme Court’s decision has affected families trying to conceive. An attorney in California and New York, Jeang’s legal background expanded into a career focused on family and surrogacy law. She founded Ideal Legal Group,

specializing in family, custody, and labor. Jeang’s expertise also led to the creation of Surrogacy Concierge, an agency that eases the stress of the process by pairing families with their surrogates. Evie Jeang’s Taiwanese background motivated her to create a service inclusive of all cultures and identities. But much of the work she was doing was turned on its head with the recent decision of Roe v. Wade. “A lot of people would start looking for surrogates in Texas because everything’s cheaper,” Jeang tells us, “As Roe v. Wade has been overturned, now none of my clients will even consider surrogacy in Texas because it’s too scary.” The attorney recalls that as the state’s trigger laws were put in place, the contract between both parties in the surrogacy process became essential to protect the carrier’s wellbeing. With Texas regulations criminalizing assistance to abortion in any aspect, Jeang’s clients are staying safe in America’s more liberal states.

It may not feel like it now, but the U.S. still remains severely less conservative in comparison to the strict laws of other countries. Jeang has many international clients who are unmarried or in a same-sex relationship, which prevents them from pursuing surrogacy in their home countries. Many parts of Asia and Europe still do not recognize non-married and homosexual marriages as legally binding, making artificial conception impossible. Jeang remembers how these international families were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. “People who had already finished the [surrogacy] process, waiting for the baby to be born, couldn’t even see their baby,” Jeang explains, “It’s the same situation in Ukraine with Russia’s conflict. Ukraine was responsible for a lot of European couples’ surrogacies and the nurses ended up staying to take care of these newborns.” Between the hit from COVID-19 and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Jeang was aghast at how surrogacy was changing. “[COVID-19] Was my first shock because a lot of people couldn’t come into the United States, especially if they were from China. Then it was followed by Roe v. Wade, and I had two major things affecting my industry just three years apart. It’s not even five or ten,” Jeang says. But the rapid evolution that the world was faced with softened the blow of Roe v. Wade’s overturning. “These things just tell you that nothing is expected,” the attorney explains, “Before COVID-19, you would have never thought that those two events would happen, or so quickly. In

such a short time, we’re making history.”

Evie Jeang faces these challenges head-on. “Politics have changed my business. They’ve changed people’s rights, and whether or not their dreams come true,” she says, “But I think there’s always a loophole. If people are committed to having children, it’s going to work out in some way or another. I’m just glad California respected the process of surrogacy.”

With Ideal Legal Group and Surrogacy Concierge already helping out families, Jeang is launching an app called Hera to provide additional information throughout the untraditional childbearing adventure. “The whole process of surrogacy probably takes about twelve people,” Jeang explains, “And this is the reason why we came up with Hera. Imagine all the things popping into your head through this journey. ‘I have to go here, I have to hire an attorney, I have to go to therapy, I have to go to the clinic’, and you have this bubble in your head. Hera centralizes [the process] so everything is in one straight line and leads you step-by-step.” Hera even eliminates the need for a thirdparty agency, instead allowing clients to search for surrogates on their own time.

Jeang is committed to forming families stems from her own experiences. Growing up as an immigrant inspired her to pursue a career in law, dedicated to fighting for what she felt was right. Jeang began practicing family law after remembering what it was like “playing the messenger” between her parents during their divorce. “It’s one thing when you don’t get along with your partner, but what they often forget is the impact it has with the children,” Jeang says. She may have been established

in her career, but Jeang was feeling pressure to get married and start a family soon. “I feel like a lot of the time women pick their partner not because it’s the right choice, but because their biological clock is ticking or society is telling them to get married. A lot of the time women settle, but you never want to. I always say that when you have to make a choice out of fear, it’s never the best choice,” she says. The attorney made the decision to freeze her eggs at the age of 28, giving her more time to plan a family. But Jeang says that women often decide to go through with egg freezing too late, when they are unfit for pregnancy. This is something she experienced.

“It’s like buying life insurance,” is how Jeang’s close friend explained the process to her. Jeang went through with egg freezing after seeing her friend diagnosed with Breast Cancer do the same. When Jeang realized she could conquer parenthood without a partner, she decided that it was time to “go for it”. But Jeang was not reacting well to the hormone therapy, and eventually learned that she had a grapefruit-sized tumor in her uterus. It became clear that carrying a child to full term would be putting her life on the line, and Jeang opted for a surrogate to conceive her now 7-year-old son. “That’s why I’m doing something I’m passionate about. I personally experienced this. No woman has to lose their dream of becoming a mother.”

As if Evie Jeang’s multiple businesses, podcasts, and occasional lectures weren’t doing enough to help families understand their options, she has recently embarked on a journey as an author. Her children’s book How Much We Love You navigates Jeang’s personal journey with IVF in a palatable manner. “I wanted

to help children to understand that just because their family formed in an untraditional way, they aren’t worth any less than others,” she says, “People are afraid of the unknown. But if we can make children feel worthy and help them with self-confidence, we can avoid bullying and tragedy.”

Jeang remembers driving her son to school as a toddler when he first asked about where he came from. “That was the moment where I was like, do I tell him the truth or do I come up with some beautiful fairy tale story that

our parents tell us?” she recalls. Jeang opted for the truth, telling her son all about the “grapefruit” inside her stomach that took up too much space and the “sweet angel” who acted as her surrogate. Jeang remembers anticipating her toddler’s response, wondering if the truth was too overwhelming. But after he agreed that he would be too big to fit in her stomach, Jeang decided to spare other parents the same nervousness she felt. Through telling her story, Jeang has taught her child to be proud of where he came from. Evie Jeang has a second book coming out next year, focused on the family unit of LGBTQIA+ parents. It was inspired by the people in her and her son’s life who also challenge the traditional norms of what a family looks like. “It’s all about love. Family is how you define it, and that’s why I came up with the book series,” Jeang emphasizes.

Understanding your rights has always been important. But for women, these recent decisions made by the government should be a wake up call. It’s time to understand your options on either end of the spectrum, whether that means having a foolproof contraceptive plan or conceiving through methods like IVF. Experts like Evie Jeang are few and far between. The CEO makes dreams come true, whether it’s creating a family or leaving a marriage. Her dedication to helping clients is unwavering, leaving no time for false promises. “All of this has nothing to do with helping a doctor gain more patients,” Jeang says, “This is for you. This is for women to have some kind of security and to know that this is something that they can always go to if they decide to have a child, or if they don’t find ‘the one’. What does finding ‘the one’ even mean? I think that’s another Disney-type romantic story. I mean, if there was just one soulmate, I wouldn’t be a family law attorney, right?”

“THAT’S WHY I’M DOING SOMETHING I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT. I PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS. NO WOMAN HAS TO LOSE THEIR DREAM OF BECOMING A MOTHER.”

The Rise of Justin Johnson Cortez And How He is Changing Indigenous Representation in the Media

Written by: Zara Rawoof

Whether it was Robert Redford or Clint Eastwood, there was nothing like a good old-fashioned cowboy in the movies. From kicking open the saloon doors to the suspense that builds as a classic walk down is about to ensue, Westerns have largely defined American cinema. But for as long as this genre has existed, harmful prejudice promoting negative clichés about Native Americans in these movies has remained. Now, Justin Johnson Cortez brings to life a character who reshapes the defining roles of Indigenous people in Westerns. Set in the 1900s, “Walker: Independence” prequels its parent show, “Walker.” When Abby Walker (played by Katherine McNamara) watches the murder of her husband, she dedicates everything to avenge his death. This journey leads her to the small, dry town of Independence, Texas. Justin John Cortez plays Calian, an Apache tracker who helps Walker forge a new path. It premiered on the CW on October 6th, with new episodes every Thursday. Cortez predicts that the show will draw attention from more than one demographic because of its unique genre. “The show is great. It has that adventure and action, but it has drama as well and also a fun playfulness. It really has it all. There’s going to be a certain generation that’s going to kind of be interested in it because they grew up with Westerns, and that’s what they like to watch. But I feel like a younger generation is going to get an introduction to Westerns. Hopefully, it will be exciting enough that people will want to stay and watch it. So I think we can bridge the gap between a couple of generations with

the show. I’m really excited about seeing who ends up following it and who it aligns with.”

Westerns have been around in film for over a century, but “Walker: Independence” brings the world alive in a new light never seen before. “Walking on set, you’re transported,” Cortez says but admits that turning a corner will lead you back to the trucks and catering of the 21st century television production world. “When you’re on a horse and wearing an amazing wardrobe, it makes it easier to get in the right mindset. I wouldn’t be able to walk in and do these scenes in my normal clothes. It wouldn’t click.” The visceral set isn’t the only thing setting the show apart. Cortez’s character finally represents the Indigenous community in a way that hasn’t been seen before in Westerns. With the stereotypical caricature of ruthless tribes antagonizing cowboys dominating the genre, Calian is portrayed in a dynamic light where his Apache culture is appreciated rather than ostracized. Cortez can look back on the role he developed now with pride, but the decision to take on this character wasn’t clear-cut. He remembers grappling with whether or not their role was right for him, reflecting, “Part of me felt I could do something here, and then the other part of me is like, ‘What if they make it this thing that it’s always been?’ I don’t want to do that. I was scared to make that initial choice, but I finally decided after meeting the showrunner, directors, and producers. They were great because immediately they said, ‘We don’t want to do that. We don’t want to do the same thing that has been done. We don’t

Photography: Wes Klain

want to make this character spendable; we don’t want to make this character a token that’s just there for the main white characters.’ It’s not their intention. Never was their intention. They want to tell these stories.”

Taking on the role was the right decision for Justin Johnson Cortez, but that doesn’t mean that playing Calian didn’t come with its fair share of challenges. Learning his lines in a language he was completely unfamiliar with, Cortez found himself in a unique position on set. “I’m honored to do it. It’s more hours. It’s more work. I just drove up yesterday to meet with our translator. I drove three hours to get there and three hours to get back. I have to listen to [the Apache language] after phonetically writing it out so I can get the sounds right. And then I have to go in and find the meaning. It’s truly an honor, but it takes a lot of time. It’s just an extra part of the job that it takes to play this character. I wouldn’t trade it now because you build relationships and learn a lot. It’s a beautiful experience. But I would be lying if I didn’t say there’s pressure, and there are times when I’m like, ‘Can I do this? Am I gonna screw this one up? Am I gonna say this right? Am I gonna forget these lines because I don’t actually speak this language?’ But at the end of the day, I just try to be extremely grateful that I’ve been given the honor and permission to speak this language. That isn’t my culture. I’m Yaqui, but I play Apache on the show. So the fact that I get to speak a language that’s not mine is something I don’t take for granted.”

Cortez credits the onset crew of “Walker: Independence” for making his job of representing an entire community easier. “It’s always a little nerve-racking when you’re representing a culture or a certain group of people. You want to make sure you get it right. Our creators have been amazing about hearing our thoughts and being open to our perspectives on them. And I think that’s something that’s really valuable. It’s important to have a well-functioning group of people to make a show like this.” The actor is providing representation that he rarely saw growing up. Cortez remembers admiring Chavez in ‘Young Guns’ but found himself drawn to the cowboys. “Growing up, I saw white characters, and those are the ones I wanted to be. I hate that I wasn’t drawn so strongly to Latino characters,” he admits. “It’s just that all the movies I watched and all these awesome people were always blond and blue-eyed. They’re great actors. I still love these actors. They just don’t look like me.”

The Indigenous community has been underrepresented in almost everything, regardless of their roots running deeper than any other culture on American soil. The film industry has been no exception, but roles like Calian are steps in the right direction. Cortez understands the importance of diversity in film and representation, made perfectly clear by the lengths he goes to perfect his role as an Apache tracker. But Cortez also anticipates the day that people of color aren’t cast

solely for a more diverse vein throughout a storyline. “I do hope it gets to a place where I’m going to do a show or movie and it doesn’t have to be because of the color of my skin or my culture. I love the responsibility and the blessing to be able to portray someone from my culture, but I want to be able to be on screen and for people not to question why this person is on screen.”

Cortez’s goals for how people of color are represented aren’t the only ones leaving him working hard to make a change in the industry. The actor himself plans to further develop as a director and producer, with a 2020 short film, “The Fall,” already under his belt. Many try their hand at filmmaking, but Cortez is proud to say he can walk away happily from what he created. He also looks forward to making many more in the future. Written and created entirely by him, Cortez used his own two daughters in “The Fall.” “Going into it, I had no idea what to expect because I was working with a three-year-old and a five-year-old. I went in with zero expectations. As I knew from being their father, kids aren’t predictable,” he says. “I tell people it was like making a painting for me. I didn’t try to hold on too tightly to the schedule or an idea, and I think the films reflect that. I truly enjoyed it all.” After waiting for the right resources to come his way before making a film, Cortez finally bit the bullet and called up a friend with a decent camera. The outcome was an intimate portrait of a father and husband raising two daughters while at the mercy of his wife’s addiction and unpredictable schedule.

Cortez acknowledges that while preparation is usually essential to film development, he’s not sure how he was able to get away with the spontaneity that came with his debut movie.

Acting on “Walker: Independence” after trying his own hand at writing, producing, and directing, Cortez approached the project with a newfound understanding for the crew that manages a series at such a large production level. “I admire the process so much, and I’m in awe of the people who can bring this machine together. So when I show up, I’m hyper-aware of my role on set. I need to be ready to do my job. I’m also completely open because the writers and producers have a vision that I need to bring to life,” he explains. Cortez’s experience in all the different moving parts of a project motivated him to put his best foot forward while also inspiring him to create more passion projects later on.

Working his hardest took everything from Justin Johnson Cortez as he played Calian. The stereotypes and outdated social norms may be harder to find in this Western, but there is no shortage of action in “Walker: Independence.” In what many would call physically grueling, Cortez welcomed the challenge with open arms. Horseback riding is a staple of transportation in the setting, and it was an activity that the actor had pursued a few years before shooting. This allowed him to do most of his own stunts, only handing over the reins to a stunt

“I love the responsibility and the blessing to be able to portray someone from my culture, but I want to be able to be on screen and for people not to question why this person is on screen.”

double when the risk of hurting himself would affect his job. “I love the physicality of these types of characters and getting to do those things. I’m always outside and working with my hands or learning something new,” Cortez elaborates. “The adrenaline kicks in. It’s just like being on a horse or being on a motorcycle or any of those types of things. It feels so good. I feel like I should have more fear. Especially since I can’t really get hurt because it’s really important for the show that I don’t get hurt. But I do have a stunt double who’s amazing. And so they’re always there in case we need to do something that we can’t, but we’ve been fortunate enough now to pretty much do all our stuff.”

The intensity utilized by Cortez when tackling anything related to acting or creating in the industry makes it hard to believe that early on, he never fathomed this was a field people were really successful in. Acting wasn’t on his radar until he was “thrown into it,” as he puts it. Married early on, Cortez’s wife told him he should pursue modeling. After snapping some pictures of her husband, it wasn’t long until Cortez was signed with an agency. When auditioning for a commercial, Cortez first came in contact with the world of acting. “I had to pretend to be some sort of superhero. And I remember my heart was beating so fast because I was so nervous, but I had no choice,” Cortez recalls. “I’m pretty sure it was awful. For sure. I was terrible at it. But when I walked out, my heart was still pounding. I’ve always been a very cautious person. That fear and adrenaline hit me, and I wanted to do it again. I literally looked up on Google ‘how to become an actor.’ People said to audition for student films and get headshots and do all this stuff, and I just started checking them off the list. Eventually, I got an agent and somehow wound up here, which is crazy.” This wasn’t an easy road, with rejection at almost every corner. “You never know what people are thinking, and you never know when what you are doing is clicking,” he explains. He admits that the rejection and the criticisms weighed on his mental health but credited his family’s support as why he kept going. “I had a really great support group. My wife and my children were solid in my life. I can ground myself, and I’ll have them no matter what happens at the end of the day.” Cortez tries to come to work each day with as much joy as he can and works to the best of his abilities. He acknowledges what a learning process this had been but can reflect on how far he’s come.

“I had a really great support group. My wife and my children were solid in my life. I can ground myself, and I’ll have them no matter what happens at the end of the day.”

always need people who will tell you the truth when you won’t tell it to yourself.” Cortez feels he lacked the guidelines that other aspiring actors had of people who looked like them or had more useful resources in the industry. Regardless of what could have held him back, he pursued a career with the help of those around him. “In this field, it’s so interesting because for some people it happens one way, and for other people it happens in a completely different way. We can get lucky and have people in our lives who give us shortcuts or wisdom along the way. There have been acting coaches and fellow actors that have been there for me, so I’m hesitant to say I paved my own way, but I do feel like there were times when I was just grinding away.” Cortez admits to facing dark times when he was unsure of what to do, lacking a clear path toward success. But the actor focused on joy. “Don’t compromise yourself. You have to wake up every day and live that life. If it’s not joyful, it’s not worth it. Find joy in what you do. Push and explore yourself and travel deeper into your creativity, but explore the world around you.” Finding the balance between persevering through adversity while ensuring that the passion remains was a tricky line to toe, but Cortez has no regrets about what he learned as he navigated it all.

The joy that drove Justin Johnson Cortez to act led him to dedicated performances such as Calian and explore the world of independent filmmaking. As the landscape of media changes and projects continue to evolve in the way they approach diversity, actors like Cortez are essential to ensuring that the future of film and television stays driven by passion. Achieving career goals isn’t a linear path, with setbacks stalling timelines and changing the course of success that was planned for.

Push and explore yourself and travel deeper into your creativity, but explore the world around you.”

Cortez’s most important advice to young creatives is what helped him excel in the industry: “Have a support group. Have people who lift you up and reciprocate that as well. Be there for them, too. You

Article by Zara Rawoof

Remaining fluid on set as an actor or any other job he steps into behind the camera, Cortez has achieved his accomplishments with an open mind to collaboration, complementing the drive that shapes his work ethic. Redefining classic Hollywood norms, Justin Johnson Cortez’s role as Calian holds influence past the television show. Regardless of Cortez’s initial uncertainty when considering the part, his dedication to representing the Indigenous community with integrity holds meaning on and off the screen. “The great thing about being an actor is you always have a point of view. You’ll always have somewhere to come from, and as long as I’m trying to check in with myself and make sure that I’m coming from a truthful place with this character, I can feel good about what I’m doing.”

“Don’t compromise yourself. You have to wake up every day and live that life. If it’s not joyful, it’s not worth it. Find joy in what you do.

Israa Kassem

Egyptian Creative Styling Boss Babe

Nfm sat down with Israa Kassem, a fashion stylist and creative director from Egypt, who is making a name for herself and turning the fashion world on its head.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Chic, trendy & stylish

Who are your style icons?

Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump and Kylie Jenner.

What's your wardrobe MVP?

Black dress, Boots, Coats (in winter)

Casual dresses, sneakers/flats and oversized shirts (in summer)

Trademark accessory?

Baseball cap (New Yorker) and black shades.

One piece you're buying for spring to update your look?

Oversized Tees/Cardigans.

If you could only wear one designer the rest of your life who would it be?

Moschino

First fashion memory?

I’ve been always into fashion ever since I was in school and my friends would always refer to me for fashion tips. Like at school when we used to have parties, my friends would always ask me first what do you think I should wear and that’s when I knew I had a thing for fashion.

What would you never wear?

Anything that would make me look bigger in size.

Is there a piece of clothing you wear more than any other? Of course! Anything that makes me feel comfortable.

How did you get your start in styling?

I got educated and I started with a minimal shoot with a professional photographer which later opened doors to me to become a celebrity stylist and I worked with well known actresses when I first started and that’s how I got known.

How is being a female stylist in Egypt different from anywhere else in the world?

The styling career in Egypt is becoming more popular as we move forward and Egyptians are hiring image consultants nowadays to take care of their looks,we are doing a great job in Egypt as it’s becoming an important fashion platform featuring Lebanese designers and international ones. I think it’s simply having to mix your cultural taboos along with the international trends which is such a hard job but if you do it

right, you’re a special stylist.

Would you rather style celebrities or models?

I love to style in the world even my cats. I love working with celebrities for exposure of course and models are more flexible when it comes to editorial shoots or eccentric ideas.

Where do you get your inspiration from daily?

It’s either built in my mind or instagram-inspired.

How do you keep a positive attitude and healthy mindset? I’m considered a poanyone sitive person and I always like to think positive.

What has been your most teachable lesson in styling to date?

Everyday I gain new knowledge and experience but I would say that my most teachable lesson and styling is to learn to protect your work rights.

Tell us one major fail and one major success you have had in your career:

Major fail could be my first shoot with a celebrity because I wasn't experienced enough, I went without a prior fitting to the shoot and I was surprised that nothing really could fit her on the shoot day and of course it was such a mess but I've learnt that I should do a proper fitting ahead of any shoot.

A major success actually there was a couple of times, when my shoots get published in international magazines that's when I feel relaxed and it feels like a dream come true. Specially because when I was younger, I always dreamt of working in the fashion business in New York (I was so obsessed with Lauren Conrd's The Hills show) and I've always wanted to work like her and have the same career so when my first shoot got published in an American magazine I felt so proud and I was encouraged to create better artwork.

If you could style anyone in the world, who would it be?

Paris Hilton- Dream Big!

Last question, if you were given $50,000 (982515£) in clothes but they could only be one color, what would that color be?

GREEN (it fits me best).

You can follow Israa on Instagram: @byisraagalal

freezing hot

Nora Tameem

Black Studios

Mariam Amr

Boots: Sara Khaled

Artist: Christine Milad

Ahmed Abd El Wahed by Zara Rawoof

photographer & stylistjordan costello

with jordan lexus photography

models halie & jason frazier

like letting the world stop for awhile

ANGEL ANGEL

TRANSFORM

IN THE NIGHT

RGB image series.

OpenSubmissions newfacefashionmagazine.com