Find your local Dixie Belle Paint retailer for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift! Choose from over 65 colors and an abundance of waxes, glazes, and brushes.
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Volume 6, Issue 7 March/April 2020 Editor-in-Chief, Annette Johnson Managing and Online Editor, Gabby Dance Fashion Editor, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds Creative Director, Michelle Lynch Design Director, Joey Shepherd Page Layout and Design, Kiryl Lysenka Design Assistant, Erin Pritchard Design and Video Assistant, Reni Candelier Marketing Associate, Viktar Khalimonchyk Sales Associate, Linda Papatsie Staff Writers Njeri Dean Len Knitter Melissa Lawrence Piera Van de Wiel Contributors Rachel Eva Dew Urina Harrell Eudene Harry Merilee Kern Vlad Gorenshteyn Editorial Interns Hannah Chalker Avanti Tolbert Pictured on Cover (from top left to right) Milou Albrecht Emma Gonzalez Shamma bint Suhail Faris Mazrui Greta Thunberg Tarana Burke (bottom) Melene Rossouw Xiye Bastida Gayle Smith Customer Service For subscription service or change of address, including email, contact info@hersmagazine.net or write P.O. Box 1071, Atlanta, GA 30301 Hers (ISSN 2372-3785) is published six times per year by Allwrite Communications, 3300 Buckeye Road, Suite 264, Atlanta, GA 30341 770-284-8983
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WHAT SHOULD YOUR VAGINA SMELL LIKE? Exploring the bleak history surrounding unrealistic standards for vaginal health
CONTENTS
March/April F E AT U R E S 26 ‘On My Block’ Star Gets Real Jessica Marie Garcia explains importance of realistic Latina representation on TV
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TEEN ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDS FASHION HUB 17-year-old balances high school with owning a onewoman business
HER FLAVOR 42 Gender and Race Inclusivity — in Cartoons!
Voice actress Zehra Fazal explains her role as a Muslim, non-binary superhero
74 Social Awareness + Comedy Shauna McGarry is all about leaving sexist comedy in the past
15 Fashion: Aleem Yusuf
We have an “obsession” with this new collection
35 Combating Hair Loss
Losing your hair? Here’s how to get to the root of the problem
50 Fashion: La Metamorphose Collection
Ewa Gawkowska and Margaret Szczesna take poetic inspiration
HER HEART 24 Current Relationship Trends H E R L E S S O N S Tips on how to not get “glamboozled” when dating
45 Re-coloring Your Space
How to choose the best paint color for your personality
60 A Recipe for Love
Follow this carefully crafted recipe to achieve the perfect relationship
29 How to Keep from Sabotaging Your Success
Are you an overachiever? Here’s how to not overwhelm yourself
62 Using the Radio to Overcome Anxiety
“The Bert Show” host opens up about her career therapy
H E R P L AY 36 Women’s History Road Trip
Get your girls and travel through some of the nation’s most historic sites for women
70 Broadway Legend Relives Career Carolyn Mignini opens up about how to stay optimistic within the world of theater
ON THE COVER 46 HerStory Makers
These great eight are setting out to change the world
H E R H E A LT H 11 Detoxing for Every Ailment
Sometimes our bodies need a hard reset — here’s how to do so!
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Best Brow Products
Every face deserves a great brow and here’s how you can achieve it
38 From Janitor to WorldClass Gym Owner
Cinderella-esque boxer, Reese Scott, shows that women can pack a punch
64 Take Your Taste Buds to New Heights Hazel Jane’s provides first class dining with a historic twist
73 Book Review: 'A Girl’s Guide to Poker' Ever thought about learning how to play poker? Here’s a game guide just for you ladies!
77 Go Topless This Summer HERS German roadster guide
78 Book Review: 'The Queen V' Author shares everything you need to know about care “down there"
79 Book Review: 'Victory for the Vote' An in-depth read on the “herstory” of the women’s suffrage movement
80 Spring Music
Upcoming spring releases from your favorite artists
81 Spring Movies
Start planning your next movie date with these upcoming releases
HER WORK 12 Let’s Play Monopoly!
Why you should teach your kids business skills at an early age
82 This Season’s Hottest New TV Shows
Continuation of your favs like 'Westworld' along with a new spinoff of 'The Walking Dead'
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Editor’s Letter
omen’s History Month causes us to take a Other women such as Reese Scott has found boxing closer look at our past, present and future as a mainstay and avenue to help women medically and contributions. As a platform for women, we emotionally. The former heavyweight boxing trainer has commemorate this every March and try our trained hundreds of women and girls while also working with best to highlight new faces, as well as some well-known faces, Parkinson’s patients to improve their symptoms. who will inspire you in your evolution of womanhood. With Longtime Broadway actress Carolyn Mignini credits her that, we have identified eight women on the cover who we longevity to, among other things, the positive reinforcement believe are change agents, using their voices to bring attention she sees between the women in the industry. Understanding to social, economic and political issues. this “career sisterhood” is something women in all professions As we celebrate our unique history this month and push could adopt to achieve greater satisfaction at work. forward toward the unfinished business of fighting for our Many of the women in this issue could be described as rights to equality in the workplace and respect at home, we “driven,” “ambitious” or “overachievers.” Like them, I am a must remind the world that it takes more to being a woman bona fide overachiever, but I have learned from our article on than, for instance, wearing lipstick and a bra. We are uniquely the topic that I’m actually doing more harm than good. Can created to represent the queens and mothers who support and you relate? enhance the evolution of human life. Therefore, our place in Meanwhile, we have lots of other personally beneficial the world can be anywhere, but our impact will be the same. content discussing everything from health to wealth, including Sometimes our essence is defined by cultural influences, signs that your body needs a detox. We also include great creating both positive and negative stereotypes, and actress books on topics like learning to play poker and valuing your Jessica Marie Garcia recognizes this. The parental reprimand vagina. to “act your age” was obviously something that Garcia never Take time to read and share it! You or those you share it heard. The 30-something-year-old actress plays characters who with won’t be disappointed. are half her age while trying to give the audience something other than the stereotypical Latina.
+ CONTRIBUTORS
DR. EUDENE HARRY
URINA HARRELL
Dr. Eudene Harry is the Medical Director for Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center, a wellness practice devoted to integrative holistic care. She is board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Harry is a member of the American Board of Holistic and Integrative Medicine, the Florida Medical Association and The American College of Emergency Physicians.
Urina Harrell is the Founder and CEO of Vox Pop Branding a boutique marketing agency that helps small businesses and nonprofits improve their digital presence online through what she calls human-centric marketing. She is also the co-founder of Vox Pop Kids LLC, a company that creates educational materials and workshops teaching kids as young as elementary and preschool the fundamentals of financial literacy and business.
MERILEE KERN
VLAD GORENSHTEYN
An executive producer and writer, Merilee Kern is an internationally regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority on travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle. Marketplace innovation, change-makers, and the movers and shakers are on her radar. She reports on destinations, experiences, special events, newsworthy products and categorical services. She is currently based in San Diego.
Vlad Gorenshteyn is a brand marketer and digital leader based in Atlanta. He has worked with well-known brands, including the Better Business Bureau, CNN Collection, Eaton Lighting, Publicis, AIS Media and Party Express. Through his work, he helps clients tell their brand stories to consumers locally and around the world. Gorenshteyn has a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in marketing communications.
DR. RACHEL EVA DEW
SUZANNE FULFORD
With a Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine and an integrative Life Transformation Coach, International Teacher/Speaker & 5x Author Dr. Rachel Eva Dew prides herself as an inspiring spokesperson for natural health. Dr. Rachel has recently implemented all-natural supplements by Nupeutics Natural into her regime and recommendations as well as developed a phenomenal 30day cleanse that jump-starts you onto a healthier road.
When Suzanne’s family hit a rough patch with health issues, she started painting furniture as a way to relieve stress. She wanted to find a paint you don’t have to sand or prime, but she found that the one’s on the market were too pricey. This inspired her to found Dixie Belle Paint, an affordable paint brand. She launched the company with no investors, loans or partners in 2014 and generated just under $2 million in revenue for for 2016.
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#themeeyesee Self-Awareness for 2019 and Beyond
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ers magazine wants to remind women: “What you think of yourself is more important than what others think of you.” using #themeeyesee hashtag to promote greater self-awareness, the magazine wants women to begin to visualize, declare and pursue the person they can rightfully become. We believe that the way we see ourselves propels us on the path to who we will ultimately become, driving our thoughts, actions, habits, and lifestyles. Thus, declaring an intention of our ideal selves can motivate us to achieve our goals.
Ask Yourself: Am I living up to my core values and personal mission? Am I being a person others can respect? Am I respecting my body the way I should?
#themeeyesee is a movement with the purpose of encouraging and challenging women to become the people they want to be in the new year and beyond. This is not a New Year’s resolution, but a public pact and declaration. We will feature the posts on the Hers magazine website, #themeeyesee website and Hers magazine social media platforms: www.themeeyesee.com www.facebook.com/hersmagazine www.twitter.com/hersmagazine www.instagram.com/HersMagazine www.google.com/+HersMagazineOnline
Am I meeting the expectations I set for others? Am I using my talents fully? Am I performing at my peak capacity? Am I giving my family and friends my most and my best? Am I engaging in worthy activity? Am I making a positive impact on the world? Am I on the path to my preferred future? Readers and others should post a short video or a selfie online with the hashtag to declare their unique vision for the future. They should then also challenge 5-7 friends in the post to make their own #themeeyesee declaration and agree to be accountability partners for 2016 to ensure their success.
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Signs Your Body Needs a Detox from Harmful Chemicals BY DR. RACHEL EVA DEW
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e are all exposed to toxins, such as carcinogens and heavy metals, every day through the air, our foods and the products we use in our homes and on our bodies. Plastic packaging, the water we drink and the water we use to shower all contain harmful chemicals. Even though our bodies are naturally built to expel toxins, these often get trapped within our systems causing harm to the body’s immune system and other system functions. A buildup of heavy metals and other toxins has been associated with mental illness, Alzheimer’s, increased risk of heart disease, headaches and skin issues. Exposure to toxins is believed to be a contributing factor, if not a root cause, of many illnesses and even contribute to the development of disease. This is why it is critical to clear toxins intentionally from your mind, body, heart and spirit. Your body can give you a variety of signs that you may need to detox. Symptoms can be both internal and external, mental or physical. Some mental symptoms may include a lack of concentration or depression. Physical signs that you need to detox can include anything from muscle soreness to internal health problems like digestive issues. Even things like fatigue and anxiety can be resolved with a good detox. First and foremost, when it comes to detoxing the single MOST powerful aid you can give your body throughout the process is proper hydration. The second most helpful element to detoxing is to reduce and limit toxic exposure as much as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Finally, the body also needs additional assistance to expel
built up toxins. I recommend detoxing through all of the three following steps; sweating (sauna, heated exercise classes or cardiovascular exercise), expelling through the skin (dry brushing, medicinal baths and lymphatic massage) and a powerful detox supplement such as the ones offered by my personal favorite, Nupeutics Naturals. Some foods that help with detoxing include; cilantro, garlic, wild blueberries, lemon water, spirulina, chlorella, barley grass juice powder, Atlantic dulse, curry, green tea, tomatoes, prebiotics and probiotics. Detoxing is a health and well-being gamechanger! Some of the benefits you may experience from detoxing may include increased energy, brain function, immune function, focus and concentration, decreased anxiety and symptoms of depression, gut issues, skin problems, hormone imbalances and more. I typically recommend detoxing for 30 days; this allows your body to not only shed toxins but to rebalance without further contaminants. If you want to do more advanced detoxes that address each system individually (microbiome, liver, etc.) then be sure to give your body a period of rest between each detox for at least two to three weeks. As with any change in your health and wellness program, be sure to run it by your doctor to make sure it is right for you. Keep the phrase, “All things in balance” at the forefront of your mind. Try to move towards healthier choices versus take an extremely restrictive position. Take an honest look at your health, your life and your goals in order to create a detox plan that will truly work and also be balanced for you. There is no one approach that is best for all.
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+ HER WORK
TEACH YOUR KIDS BUSINESS and They Will Thank You for It Later
BY URINA HARRELL
“M
om, I’m really upset you taught me business as a child.” — a statement I’m sure most parents have never heard. If we are being honest, we normally hear quite the opposite. “Why didn’t my parents teach me Spanish?” or “Why didn’t my mom put me in piano lessons?” As adults, we are reminded of the missed opportunities to master challenging skills that would have been a cakewalk if only we had learned them as children. While some of us have learned to teach our kids foreign languages and musical instruments, many of us are still missing the boat when it comes to teaching our children financial management, accounting and overall business skills. This could be a factor as to why, according to Fortune, two in three Americans can't pass a basic financial literacy test. We want our kids to be responsible, creative and kind. While they will likely grow up to be all of these things, they will also face a harsh reality — that the lessons they learned in school didn’t prepare them for a life of financial stability. So, why aren’t we teaching our youth principles such as accounting and financial literacy? Are kids just too young? The short answer is no. Children are actually born with the rudiments of business. Studies suggest that we learn the tenets of bartering as early as infancy. Babies learn that sounds and expressions solicit emotional rewards like hugs. Surprise, those cute sounds are a form of baby currency! As they get older, toddlers 12 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER Work
demonstrate innovation and enterprise when they push boundaries, imitate their surroundings and barter with their parents for things like Christmas gifts and candy. According to an environmental study by the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, children who learn about business also learn selfsufficiency, exercise creativity and develop social skills. Every day kids prove just how ready they are to learn practical life skills like business and financial literacy, and it is our job to help them do just that. No matter what type of career a child hopes to one day achieve, a solid knowledge of business is important. It’s integrated into every aspect of our personal and professional lives. Concepts like marketing and accounting shouldn’t be reserved for business majors and MBAs. You market yourself when you go in for a job interview and you need at least a basic knowledge of accounting to pay your bills and manage your money. If we are being honest, wouldn’t you prefer to see a doctor with a knowledge of business run a hospital rather than a businessman with zero knowledge of medicine? As adults, we may still be trying to figure the whole business thing out, but there’s no reason for our kids to have the “Why didn’t my parents teach me accounting?” moment when they get older. After all, no one regrets learning how to run a business or balance a checkbook. They regret not learning how to do those things.
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A LE E M Y USUF' S
Designer Aleem Yusuf is giving other designers a run for their money. From evening gowns to wedding dresses, he is designing couture apparel fit for the fairest of the fair. Since he was nine years old, Yusuf has found burning inspiration in his natural surroundings and scenery, which is evident in his bold, detailed designs. Different experiences, textures, visions or conversations translate into creative, emotional responses for Yusuf, resulting into the next piece or collection of intricate wearable art. These ordeals are then showcased in a variety of eye-catching collections featuring madeto-measure, daintily feathered and uniquely sequined clothing that make the Aleem Yusuf Couture brand one that gives clients a “very personalized” and memorable experience. One of Yusuf’s newest projects, the “Obsession” collection, is just another example of the designer’s eccentric style and creativity. As a way of paying homage to Melbourne black — a beautiful color worn by Melburnians in all seasons—through “Obsession”, the Australian designer has incorporated the deep, warm color into the collection to serve as a welcoming introduction to the many more bold fashion statements that the exquisite collection has to offer. Layered with love, individuality and beauty, “Obsession” is sort of like a rose, as it gives women the strength that they need to showcase their daring beauty, but also the delicacy to acknowledge the compassion that lies within themselves as well.
SION
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Expert Dating Tips
FOR THE MODERN, SINGLE WOMAN
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BY AVANTI TOLBERT
ave you ever done something really risky and complicated? Something that you had to put a lot of thought into, work up the courage to even make an attempt to do, and then hope and pray that all of your hard work wasn’t for nothing — even though sometimes it has been? Well, if you’re a part of the dating world, chances are that you probably have.
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Way back when — before nearly all of civilization became roped into technological advances and popular trends — dating was fairly simple. Two people who enjoyed time spent with one other would come together over a period of time for romantic outings, deep conversations and special events until they were ready to take things to the next level and tie the knot. Nowadays, dating has become an entire operation that requires far more attention, knowledge, time and motivation in order to pull off. The world is constantly introducing new trends and tricks into new-aged dating that are almost impossible to keep up with, which can make dating in the present day quite a real struggle. Recently, we sat down with dating expert and VP of dating.com Maria Sullivan for a Q&A about current dating trends and what they mean for women who are (or are planning to be) a part of this fast-paced dating world. Here’s what she had to say:
Q:
What are your best dating tips for today’s modern, single woman in 2020?
A: Keep an open mind. People tend to stick to their specific “type” of preferred looks or style when it comes to dating. By opening up your mind and grabbing dinner or engaging in a conversation with someone who you might not often gravitate to, there is a chance that you find that you connect with that person or are attracted to what their personality has to offer. Don’t dwell on the past. It is hard to put yourself out there and open up to finding a new partner when you have been hurt in the past, but there are so many new opportunities and connections waiting for you in the future that you have to look forward to. Lastly, be yourself. I know this is a common saying, but it is so important. Don’t try to hide who you are or be embarrassed about the things you like. Showing who you really are to potential partners will give you a better idea on if a relationship can grow.
Q:
Have you noticed any new recent trends when it comes to women in dating?
A: A recent trend is flea bagging. Flea bagging is when a woman continually dates people that aren’t right for her. Some women believe that they just need to settle if they don’t want to end up alone and end up dating people that they are aren’t compatible with. Another recent trend is “glamboozling,” which is when a woman gets ready for a date i.e. puts on makeup, does her
hair, gets dressed in a nice outfit, and then gets a text asking to reschedule.
Q:
How can a woman feel empowered to make the first move?
A: Many women don’t like to make the first move because they are afraid of rejection. I am a big advocate for women making the first move. If you get rejected, that is ok because that person probably wasn’t your soulmate anyway. To help women feel empowered to make the first move I think it is important to remember how many options you have. The person you are interested in talking to you might even find you more attractive for approaching them first. When making the first move, you don’t have anything to lose, but you might have a ton to gain.
Q:
How has the dating world changed for the better and/or the worst in recent years?
A: Today’s dating culture is tough. One change in the dating scene is that a lot of people are looking for casual hook ups rather than long lasting relationships. This poses as a problem to the population of singles that are actually looking for something serious. Additionally, popular dating trends like “ghosting” catch people off guard and leave them wondering what went wrong in the short-lived relationship, ultimately lowering their confidence.
Q:
What are some current dating red flags to look out for?
A: One major red flag is when the person you are dating is constantly on their phone when you are together but takes a while to respond to messages or doesn’t answer your phone call when you’re apart. It wouldn’t be an issue if they don’t respond to you normally, but the fact that they are always on their phone when you are together is a sign that they might be ignoring you or just aren’t that into you. Another red flag is that the person you are dating starts to become very jealous or protective. When dating, you should feel like you can do whatever you want whenever you want, without the other person dictating your every move. If the person you are dating wants to know where you are at all times, doesn’t like you wearing a certain outfit or doesn’t allow you to hang out with your friends, then it might be time to move on. As the relationship progresses so will their overbearing power. March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 25
‘On My Block’ and ‘Liv and Maddie’ Star Jessica Maria Garcia Transcends the Tropes Set for Latina Characters 26 HERS Mag azi n e | Features
BY GABBY DANCE
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Garcia by Nate Reinders
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W
hen Jessica Marie Garcia moved from her hometown of Orlando to pursue a career in Los Angeles, the Cuban and Mexican American actress set to break the mold of stereotypical roles that Latina women are typecast into. “[Latina] women specifically in [the acting] industry have had to fit into one of two boxes—either you're the hottie or the abuelita,” Garcia said. Garcia represents another type of Latina—one that you may have befriended in high school. Her most well-known characters, notably Jasmine from Netflix’s “On My Block” and Willow Cruz from Disney’s “Liv and Maddie,” have complex personalities—from the asthma inhaler-puffing funny girl to the lovable basketball teammate—that venture outside of Hollywood’s often one-dimensional Latina roles. “[It’s amazing to me] that a character like Jasmine gets to be a lead,” Garcia said. “You get to see her step into her power… and I don't feel like you get to see that in every show. I know, because I've tried to be on [these other shows], and they've told me no.” Her Latina roots are an essential part of her identity. As a first generation American on her mother’s side, Garcia grew up with a strong connection to her Cuban roots. One of her biggest forms of inspiration is the story of her mom’s rigorous journey from Cuba to the U.S. as a child. “She was woken up in the middle of the night and was told like, 'We're going on a fishing trip, take everything that you own,'” Garcia said. “They were going to take a small boat with these three men that were going to take them, and then they got stopped before they even left. Then, my mom, before she was even 9 years old, had to see those three men executed in front of her.”
Garcia and Cast “On My Block” Season 3
These stories are prevalent in Orlando’s strong Cuban culture, but it wasn’t until she moved to California that she learned more about her Mexican roots. “My dad's Mexican, but he’s Mexican via Texas, so my Spanish is probably better than his,” Garcia said. “There were very little other Mexicans [around] when I was growing up, so there was an entire half of me that didn't know their culture.” Despite the area’s strong presence of Cuban culture, Garcia recalls being racially targeted from a young age. She was called slurs by classmates and ex-boyfriends, but it took her until adulthood to connect those experiences to racism. “I had no idea that I was ‘different’ and didn't realize that that's why I was being, you know, targeted,” Garcia said. “In my head, I was being bullied because of who I was as a person. [It wasn’t] until I grew up that I realized, 'Oh, no. That person was straight up racist.'” Growing up as an aspiring Latina performer, she also learned early on that roles for women like her were
Garcia as Jasmine in "On My Block."
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“I feel like I'm helping so many girls that look and act like me.”
often never even created. As a student at a performing arts magnet high school, she was glossed over for leading roles, never being cast in a main stage production. Though this experience was disappointing at the time, she said that it prepared her for the many “no’s” she’d receive in the rigorous world of Hollywood. “I feel like when I came to LA, I was actually a little bit more prepared to get those ‘no's’ than maybe if I would’ve been if I was the queen of my acting program in Orlando,” Garcia said. Though the road to maintaining a Hollywood career hasn’t always been easy, she did start out on a high note. She secured her big break role as Sierra Cruz on the ABC Family series “Huge” in 2010. She originally auditioned for two of the show’s lead roles, but was not selected. However, the show’s creators saw potential in her, so they wrote in the character of Sierra specifically for her. “Sierra was actually written for me, which was insane to think that one of my first roles was something that, you know, they saw something in me to actually put me on the show,” Garcia said. Her current character on “On My Block” wasn’t technically written for her like Sierra Cruz, but she feels like the casting was meant to be. When her “Liv and Maddie” co-star Victoria Moroles received an audition for the role, she felt after reading the pilot script that Garcia would better suit the character. Garcia said Moroles was right; she instantly connected with Jasmine after reading the script. “I read the
pilot and just…fell in love,” Garcia said. “I feel like so many of the characters [on ‘On My Block’] are characters that you see in the background of other people's shows, and they're Garcia by Nate Reinders finally telling their story and being the lead of their own story…[My audition for the role of Jasmine] was the first time that I felt comfortable enough in my own skin and in my own ability to improv a lot…I made Jasmine very much my own…and they loved it.” These characters, like Jasmine and Sierra Cruz, tend to remind Garcia of her younger self. The 32-year-old is often cast in teenage roles, and she channels her own coming of age experiences to accurately portray them. She especially resonates with Jasmine’s loud, outgoing personality and the repercussions that brings her. “I kind of am reliving a lot of my own insecurities,” Garcia said. “[I had] a lot of similar experiences in feeling loyal but left out, and you know, [feeling like I was] too much. I remember being in middle school and people thinking I was annoying. It’s a hard bubble to get past, but it's a wound that I don't mind reopening because I feel like I'm helping so many girls that look and act like me who are going through what Jasmine went through and what I went through.” Though the process can be hard—acting like your high school self at 5 a.m. on set can be brutal—she also sees it as a great way to reach closure. “It's therapy for me,” Garcia said. “Like, it's kind of a little self-indulgent because it is a therapeutic rewind.” After re-living her teenage years at work, Garcia returns to her home life as an adult. She is married to Adam Celorier, a set dresser for TV and movies. When the two are able to coordinate their hectic work schedules, they enjoy daytime dates to the movies and nights cooking at home. “I tend to make sure there's a fun dinner planned so we can at least meet up to kind of recap [our workdays],” Garcia said. “Either he does it, or I do it. He's probably a better cook than I am.” Garcia in “On My Block” Season 3
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THE SUPERSTAR PARADOX 5 Reasons Overachievers Miss the Mark
How overachievers can stop sabotaging their own success— or level of satisfaction after attaining superstar status BY MERILEE KERN
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n today’s fast-paced business climate, nothing is certain. Rapid-fire change, masses in business and work life have surrendered themselves to “overachievement” in pursuit of career success. Not just ordinary success, but rather the kind that exceeds expectations courtesy of excessive “above and beyond” effort put forth. Some relent to a life of overachievement willingly and enthusiastically as they yearn to earn, while others grievously succumb to a multitude of pressures (both external and self-inflicted) and work themselves to extremes in order to achieve and maintain an enviable stature and lifestyle overall. Indeed, overachievement is a concept that’s seemingly become a gold standard on how to become a “superstar” in business, career goals and life overall. Just Google search “how to overachieve” and the web will dutifully deliver over 355,000 resources to help propel your prosperity. While overachievement certainly has its tremendous share of virtues, having induced profound innovation, breakthroughs, productivity and abundance for individuals, organizations, industries and economies at large, there’s oft a dark side to this extreme approach to advancement. For some, yes, dreams come true, but throngs of others miss the mark despite best efforts. “This often happens because they’re aiming for achievements instead of at a deeper understanding of themselves and of what they want,” asserts Keren Eldad, a certified business coach and keynote speaker—trusted advisor to industry-leading executives, acclaimed entrepreneurs and premier organizations like Beyond Capital, Luxxotica, Van Cleef & Arpels, YPO, LVMH and IWC. “It’s a silent story shared by many who present a happy, accomplished and enviable image: one of putting on pretenses
and internally writhing with angst and anxiety, of never having enough, of insecurity, doubt and dissatisfaction—a state I have coined the ‘Superstar Paradox,’” Eldad said. “The paradox is when pursuing the illusory things we think we want actually produces undesirable results like strain to keep up low selfworth and general unhappiness—and those consequences actually impede our ability to attain what we want. It can become an exhausting and hugely debilitating vicious circle.” According to Eldad, the Superstar Paradox is a tough condition to solve because there’s one major, difficult hurdle to get past: admitting there’s a problem. “This requires relinquishing our main armor: that we know everything; that we have things ‘figured out,’” she said. “The key lies in accepting that ‘we don’t know what we don’t know’ and developing the courage and means to swap illusory happiness for a bona fide pursuit of wisdom that can bring true fulfillment, power and possibility.” That’s easier said than done, of course, and as daunting and even enigmatic as it might seem, taking that proactive first step is critical. So, in the spirit of “starting somewhere,” Eldad offers the five foundational insights below to help ensure some of your overachievement behaviors or mindsets won’t actually be undermining your success—or your level of life satisfaction even after you’ve actually realized superstar status.
REFRAME YOUR SUCCESS STORY Overachievers often believe that success only comes from power, money or status. Yes, those things are important benchmarks for career measurement, but being successful in life overall should be the true Holy Grail. So, if you are a C-suite executive, or aspire to be, but are riddled with anxiety, March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 29
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stress, pain and dissatisfaction–with relationships suffering in that wake–it’s evident that money and status isn’t proving as worthwhile as it can and should be. To initiate needed change, be brave enough to reframe your personal story, from cover to cover. Life isn’t meant to be one-dimensional or even work-centered, so actually sit down and map out what you would hope for each facet of your life to look like if it were a true success. Sure, start with career goals to get the juices flowing, as that might come most easily, but then do separate exercises for as many other areas of your life that you can break down. This can include marriage, children, extended family, friendships, professional networks, social media/networking, investments, travel, physical fitness, self-care/beauty, fashion and style, transportation, entertainment, hobbies and passions and so on. Life is abundant. You’ll soon see that life fulfillment means—and needs—so much more than what happens on the work front. It can be a means to an end, but there’s much in between. Once you start mapping it all out, you might come to the realization that you’ve been missing out on quite a lot in your quest for career glory. Reframe your success story with a more holistic approach—know what success “looks” like for each facet of your one and only life and commit (for real) to get there on all fronts.
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY Even superstars create self-imposed limitations based on what they originally perceived their goal or benchmark of success to be. Once achieved, it’s instinctive to want to bask in that “place,” both emotional and physical. After all, you worked to extremes to get there. But, overachievers inevitably will want more, and then other kinds of self-imposed limitations kick in that are often founded on what we perceive our own capabilities and opportunities—or lack thereof—to be. Even the most confident overachievers suffer the “can’t rant” internal dialogue. Take heed that "can’t" usually is not a real thing. From “I can’t afford to do what I really want” to “I can’t start over now,” this word usually really means “I won’t”...I won’t try, I won’t make it, I won’t have good ideas and on the self-deprecating dialogue goes. Yes, you worked damn hard to earn your current accolades and are pleased with yourself and where you are, but sometimes a hard pivot is needed to get you where you really want to go. The truth is never that you cannot, you just have to get yourself past the “will not.” Resources like talent, money, conditions, time, etc. are often not a genuine end game, but rather merely obstacles and challenges that CAN be overcome with the right amount of ingenuity and chutzpah. 30 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER Les s ons
CLASSIFY AND CONQUER YOUR “FATAL FLAW” One definition of a “fatal flaw” is that which causes an otherwise noble or exceptional individual to bring about their own downfall, which can be their own death— whether figuratively or literally. The idea that any particular fatal flaw is holding us back is a primary reason why so many overachievers become hooked on their actualized achievements and come to rely on fake confidence and aggrandizement versus operating from a place of vulnerability and authenticity. This in an effort to hide or cover up that flaw, whether consciously or unconsciously. Sometimes the phrase “character flaw” is synonymous, with this notion revealing a bit more that the flaw is about the person, themselves, and not really his or her circumstance. One report cites that, “Heroes have a fatal flaw which they wrestle with on a consistent basis. This may open them up for specific conflicts later,” again underscoring that this most sinister kind of flaw can not only hurt you now, but also well into the future. So, to achieve true superstar status fostering genuine, lasting happiness, it’s imperative to discern if you have a fatal flaw and, once identified, work wholeheartedly to resolve it—or learn how to effectively function at a high-level amid it (if that’s even possible). One piece of published research identified “Ten Fatal Flaws That Derail Leaders” that included things like "don’t collaborate," "resist new ideas," and "accept their own mediocre performance" with one particularly eye-opening point of note: that the flaws identified “sound like obvious flaws that any leader would try to fix. But the ineffective leaders we studied were often unaware that they exhibited these behaviors. In fact, those who were rated most negatively rated themselves substantially more positively. Leaders should take a very hard look at themselves and ask for candid feedback on performance in these specific areas. Their jobs may depend on it.”
COURSE-CORRECT CRIPPLING SELF-CONSTRUCTS A common obstacle to a "superstar" realizing genuine happiness is their own reliance on self-esteem, which is different from self-acceptance. Self-esteem is defined as “a positive or negative orientation toward oneself; an overall evaluation of one's worth or value” and, for overachievers, depends on external conditions being met (i.e., what they are achieving) and how they then "rank" against the others in their society. Self-acceptance, which is a critical factor in genuine happiness and authenticity, is founded on other key selfhers-magazine.com
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constructs like self-compassion—a person’s ability to forgive them self for essentially being human and, thus, imperfect. Overachievers and aptly accomplished superstars are susceptible to being heavily dependent upon the opinions of others, their corresponding status and their perceived stature versus understanding, and primarily relying on, self-acceptance. In many cases, this feeling of unworthiness is what coaches like me consider to be fatal flaws for the overachiever. It’s that “something” about themselves they feel makes them “less than.” That which they feel if others knew in full, it would cause those others to disrespect or outright reject them. For overachievers, what become fatal flaws are often regular imperfections like weight, assets, health, children, relationships and even their home. Anything can be regarded as a flaw to be perfected, really, in what becomes a never-ending and sometimes futile battle. This persistent effort fosters stress, and the fallout can be similar to those with a penchant for perfectionism, though not quite as extreme. Ultimately, this tendency can cause "superstars" to make tradeoffs, preferring "safe" and “lucrative” jobs and titles over pursuing their true passions, resigning themselves to a life in “golden handcuffs” or one that’s “good enough.” It also causes them to settle for mere connection over true bonding, real friendship and even true love (like marrying the "right" person on paper versus the person you actually are in deep love with). Resolution here can be found when an overachiever consciously fights back against the urge and instinct to beat themselves up for not being exactly "done" or for other selfassessed shortcomings, and replace those notions with ideation promoting high self-esteem characteristics. According to reports, this can include “being open to criticism, acknowledging mistakes and being comfortable with giving and receiving compliments,” while also knowing what your values are and living life accordingly. Some or all of which may sound easy, but given these insecurities have forged a well-honed path in an overachiever’s mind over time, it’ll take deliberate and sustained effort to course-correct. But, once the mind starts to habitually recognize internal dialogue promoting low self-worth, combating it will become perfunctory. Truly happy superstars are steadfast with the practice of being kind to themselves; unequivocal in their belief that self-criticism is self-defeating.
PRAY FOR A SH*TSTORM! If you didn’t buy all the above points yet and think (as many superstars do) “nah, I got this,” then brace yourself because a curve ball is bound to present and throw you off your game.
But, this unimagined disruption can be a GOOD thing! So many overachievers spend most of their lives working to avoid the pain of uncertainty or problems, assuring themselves with zealous over-confidence that “it’s all going to work out” based on the current approach or way of thinking—and never mind that nagging dissatisfaction and angst. However, I’ve found that when superstars are at their most comfortable or when stress finally boils over, they not only find themselves immersed in a major “issue,” but often a major storm. When this happens, embrace it and open yourself to the series of new possibilities it presents. Yes, it will be uncomfortable and tremendously unsettling, but it can also present an exciting opportunity: the wake-up call to finally recognize where you are and what got you there, what weaknesses and threats have gotten the best of you, and work on thoughtfully-strategized resolutions that’ll make you emotionally stronger and your circumstances better than before. Given these advice-points are based on Eldad’s years of work and research on C-suite executives and entrepreneurs at the very top of their fields, this front-line perspective can be a prudent pivot point amid your own potentially falsely-fixated career trajectory. “There’s been a common starting point with every single C-level superstar, multi-millionaire and just general overachiever I’ve worked with,” Eldad notes. “They all think they know 'what to do' and 'where they want to be' in the world but get tripped up since these doings and places aren't necessarily what will bring them genuine fulfillment.” Statistics seem to confirm Eldad’s contention across departments, including entrepreneur mental health issues; divorce, suicide and anxiety rates; escalating workplace stress and dissatisfaction, anti-depressant use, narcissism disorder data in relation to anxiety and panic disorders ... the ominous list goes on. “It’s time to stop living life for achievements, money, accolades and the validation of other people,” Eldad urges. “It is my hope that those locked in patterns causing anxiety and misery–and a life devoid of meaning, purpose, self-love and happy relationships–seek and find a trusted way to question themselves and find out who they really are and what their authentic path is, leading to genuine answers and clarity. First, you must admit and even embrace the notion that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know,’ which is to say that you have a few things left to learn, and then actively aspire to attain that knowledge and wisdom. In doing so, you may actualize profound happiness—the truest measure of success.”
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CHANGING THE
STATUS
QUO
How 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur Abby Cain is Creating a Young Fashion Movement from her Bedroom BY GABBY DANCE
32 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER F lavor
Abby Cain wears clothing from her boutique online fashion hub STATUS. Photos by Mary McCall hers-magazine.com
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n a typical weekday, 17-year-old Abby Cain wakes up, has breakfast and jumps into schoolwork just like any high school junior—until the afternoon rolls around and she jumps into full business mode. The owner of STATUS, an online boutique that aims to offer affordable and fashionable options, currently runs a one-woman show by packaging orders, marketing her brand and communicating with vendors out of her Auburn, Alabama, bedroom between online classes. Cain represents a generation of teenagers and young adults who don’t want to wait until adulthood to become entrepreneurs. According to a recent study by Nielsen, 54 percent of Gen Z members aspire to found their own companies. With social media serving as a beacon of possibilities, teens like Cain see that their goals aren’t too far out of reach. “Kylie Jenner, at 17, could have done nothing because she already had her famous last name, but instead she started her own business,” Cain said. “Seeing some of these influencers and celebrities out there [has] inspired me. It's given me confidence.” While high school girls stereotypically ask their parents for cash to go shopping with friends or tickets to the latest concert, Cain asked her parents for a business loan at only 15 years old. After visiting a wholesale apparel market in Atlanta, she felt inspired to start her own clothing store. “I loved it,” Cain said. “I talked to some of the vendors and started [business] relationships. I wasn't even buying anything, but...I felt like I was a store vendor.” When she got home, she started researching the steps to opening a boutique and eventually presented a business plan to her parents. “They told me, ‘yeah, we'll help you some, but this is something that you're going to have to do on your own,’” Cain said. Though her venture into the business world is recent, she says the project has been a dream since her childhood. From a young age, she said she used to plan out her future business for fun. “When I was [about
] 10 [years old], I used to create my own logos for fashion lines,” Cain said. “I always knew I wanted to do something [in fashion], but I didn't really know what until recently.” Now, a year and a half later, she’s officially launched her business, recently planning and hosting a fashion show in her hometown. The online store has already expanded past her bubble, receiving orders from other states like Texas and Florida. As she expands her business nationwide, the part-time business has evolved into a second full-time job—the first being her schoolwork. This has pushed her to carefully plan her day to day life in order to complete all of her responsibilities. “There have been plenty of times when I was like, ‘okay can I handle this?’” Cain said, “But, I'm one of those people that if you tell me I can't do something, I'm gonna try 10 times harder to do it. I'm very determined, I guess you could say.” This determination comes in handy when she has to put out unexpected fires. When vendors can’t cut the styles she wants or merchandise shipments come in late, she works overtime to find solutions. “You may have 15 different styles come in a week after your photoshoot and you’re like, ‘Oh great, now I have to make sure I get them up in this season,’” Cain said. “[For example], if an order of sweaters don’t come in on time, you have to plan [to sell] for a longer winter season.” Her age, though often an advantage in her eyes, has also set up obstacles as a business owner. She often feels that vendors, who automatically assume that she’s older, trust her
Abby Cain and shoppers at trunk show.
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less when learning her real age. “A lot of times, I wish I could go and advertise [my age] more, but I want to build up a little bit more credibility before I show my face,” Cain said. “I don't want people to just think, 'Oh, she's 17, so she doesn't know what she's doing.' You know?” Despite this, she aims to run a mostly Gen Z business in order to set an example for other prospective young business owners. For events and photoshoots, she recruits help from her network of friends. Most of her models are in high school or college, and the photos for the website and social media are taken by a fellow 17-year-old entrepreneur who owns a photography business. “My friends are really eager to help. A lot of them will ask me before I even ask them, ‘hey, let me know if you need help with anything,’” Cain said. “I [recruit help from] other people around my age to show girls that they can [run a business] at a younger age. It kind of has a meaning behind it.” Having help from her friends has been a huge asset to her business, but life as an entrepreneur has required her to make several sacrifices in terms of living a normal teenage life—she started online schooling to have more time to work, and she often works long hours to balance working to get good grades and running a business. In order to maintain a healthy social life, she sets aside time in her schedule to meet with friends for dinner or manicures at least once a week. “Usually I try to do dinner with my friends since I don't really get the social aspect
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of school anymore,” Cain said. “On weekends when I'm [in town], I also hang out with them.” Cain hopes these everyday sacrifices will be worth it once she’s set herself up for an early career. In the future, she hopes to make STATUS into an online department store that hosts pop-up events in major cities. She also wants to start her own clothing line to raise money for charity. To get there, she’s currently planning on expanding into more social media influencer-based marketing. “I feel like [influencer marketing] helps so much,” Cain said, “I know that if I see celebrities and influencers in clothes, I'm one of those people that will go shop for it.” One of her business role models is online designer clothing retailer, Revolve. She hopes to make STATUS into a more affordable version of the brand, which has gained traction since its founding in 2003 by hosting sponsored events and festivals for influencers. “Eventually, if I got that big I would love to do sponsored vacation events for influencers,” Cain said. “I think that’s so cool.” Just as Cain felt inspired by these online role models to reach for her goals, she hopes to inspire other young women to do the same. “One of my goals is to…inspire other girls,” Cain said. “The whole meaning behind STATUS is that, when you wear our clothes, we hope that they empower you and create whatever type of STATUS you want to portray.”
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3 HEALTH TIPS to Help with Hair Loss Eighty eight percent of women experiencing issues with hair loss feel that it has a negative impact on their daily life. Seventy-five percent feel that it negatively impacts their self-esteem. Why is our hair so important to us? It boils down to the simple matter of our hair being, well, not so simple. After all, this isn’t just hair. Instead, we, as women, attach our sexuality, confidence, self-esteem and even our femininity to our hair. So, whenever our hair starts experiencing any adverse reactions, such as falling out, breaking, frizzing, splitting at the ends or turning gray, panic sets in because, to some of us, it is not just losing hair—it feels like losing a crucial part of who we are. If you’re experiencing hair loss, no need to panic. Here are some basic health tips to help with hair loss and know when it is time to go see your doctor.
1.
EVALUATE YOUR DIET AND LIFESTYLE HABITS: Take a good look at how you eat, sleep, work and live, and then ask yourself the following questions: • Is your diet supplying the nutrients you need to support healthy hair growth? Remember, healthy hair starts from within. • Have you done a lot of crash or yo-yo dieting? If so, keep in mind the effects may not be seen for up to three to six months. • Are you vegan or vegetarian? All of these factors can cause a relative protein or nutrient deficiency that can cause hair loss.
• Are you constantly under severe stress, or have you recently experienced a traumatic event or illness? In this case, hair loss may continue for eight to twelve months. • Do you smoke or consume excessive alcohol? This can lead to excessive hair loss and premature graying of the hair. Knowing that your diet, lifestyle, or stress level may be damaging your hair is a great way to begin to isolate the problem.
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EXPLORE YOUR HAIR-CARE ROUTINE: Look at what you do on a daily basis and try to determine if this routine is helping or hurting the growth of your hair. These are some questions you may ask yourself: • How often do you perform some processing on your hair? • Do you perm, relax or color your hair? • Do you often wear your hair in tight ponytails, braids or curlers? • What types of shampoos do you use? • How often do you shampoo? • Do you condition your hair? Over treating your hair, using harsh shampoos or conditioners and perpetually twisting or tightening your hair can do damage that can lead to permanent hair loss or simply unhealthy hair. Less can be more. See if you can limit the amount of processing. Yes, we may be not ready to let our gray hairs show but coloring too frequently may leave us without any hair to color.
BY DR. EUDENE HARRY
Here are some tips to try in order to keep from over coloring your hair and keep it healthy between salon visits: • Try using powders or sticks that temporarily camouflage grays so that you don’t have to color as frequently. • Speak with your hair-care specialist about coloring products that may be gentler on the hair. • Avoid combining processing procedures, such as relaxing and coloring, at the same appointment. • Limit styling your hair with high-heat appliances. • Occasionally, let your hair air dry. • Speak with your stylist about products that make this process possible.
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TAKE STOCK OF YOUR MEDICATION AND SUPPLEMENT LIST: For example, did you know that too much vitamin A or the mineral selenium can actually cause hair thinning and loss? Certain medications or drugs can cause the hair to go into the resting phase too early, thus causing excessive shedding. This can occur weeks or even months after starting the medication. Some examples of drugs that can contribute to excessive hair loss are thyroid medications, acne medications with vitamin A, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-seizure medications, and blood pressure medications to name a few. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your medication and supplements and their potential side effects.
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WOMEN’S HISTORY ROADMAP: FOUR HISTORIC SITES TO VISIT BY PIERA VAN DE WIEL
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e travel to get away from our everyday lives, to relax and to catch some sun in the new “IT” destination. It’s Women’s History Month, so let’s educate ourselves on some incredible women that should be celebrated. If you’ve been itching to go on vacation, now is the perfect time to travel through women’s history! Here are some destinations where you can take your own self-guided tour to learn about inspirational women — where they traveled to, where they made their success, where they gained recognition and even where they started global movements.
TAKE FLIGHT LIKE AMELIA EARHART Amelia Earhart known as “Lady Lindy” was the first woman and first person to fly across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. She was given multiple awards including the Gold Medal from the National Geographic Society, presented by President Hoover; the Flying Cross from the U.S. Congress and the Cross of the Knight of the Legion of Honor from the French Government. She was an international hero of her time up to her mysterious disappearance. Earhart made a solo trip specifically from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California. You could also do her Pacific Ocean crossing! Visiting the sites where Earhart made history is a subtle way to honor her memory.
36 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER Play
A ROAD LESS TRAVELED WITH ROSA PARKS Rosa Parks sparked a movement after she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks’ refusal ignited the fight for racial equality and subsequently, when she was arrested, it launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She was deemed the “first lady of civil rights” and the “mother of freedom movement.” So join Rosa by NOT taking the Montgomery bus, but instead renting a car and taking a trip to the Alabama Hills. The state where Rosa stood up for what she believed in has many rolling plains and nature sites to offer. You can push yourself to go hiking through the rocky hills and wait until the cover of night to see the beautiful stars.
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GET INVENTIVE WITH HEDY LAMMAR
MARCH THROUGH NEW YORK LIKE JEANNE MANFORD
Hedy Lammar, a well-known American-Austrian actress, was a box office sensation in the ‘30s and ‘40s, but she was also an inventor! She was posthumously placed into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. She co-invented an early technique for spread spectrum communications, which is now a vital necessity for today’s wireless technology.
Jeanne Manford was the first mother to join New York City’s pride march in 1972, where she accompanied her son, Morty. Ultimately, this led to the creation of the PFLAG organization (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of which Manford was a founding member. So, visit New York this month to live the history of its famous residents!
During World War II, she was also part of the “secret communications systems,” a means of changing radio frequencies to keep enemies from decoding any important messages. Her fame goes beyond entertainment and she officially became an American citizen in 1953 where she spent her days in Casselberry, Florida, until she passed. So, if you want to visit the place she called home, book now!
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TURNING M BOXING INTO A WOMEN’S WORLD + HER H L EE SA SL O TH NS
ove over, men! Reese Scott is here to prove that fitness is a woman’s world! Raised in New Jersey’s suburbs, Scott, is a registered amateur fighter and licensed USA boxing coach. Previously a heavyweight champ, boxing trainer and on-set boxing consultant, the 47-year-old has trained over 1,000 women and girls in her mission to open New York’s first “real deal” women’s boxing gym. In 2007, Scott’s dream became a reality when she founded the Women’s World of Boxing Club. The club is based in New York City’s East Harlem and provides annual boxing programs for teen girls while offering women and girls a safe, comfortable, uplifting and empowering space to train at both competitive and non-competitive levels.
CLAIMING HER SPACE
Reese Scott’s Journey from Gym Janitor to the Owner of a Women’s Boxing Club Reese Scott, Reebok Campaign photo credit/ Zoe Grossman
BY PIERA VAN DE WIEL
38 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER H ealth
Scott initially took up boxing while she was battling depression. Boxing was a special hobby that made her feel stronger and livelier. Pleased with the outcome of adopting the pastime, she decided to leave her career in publishing and build a new brand for herself as a boxing coach. While the pro boxer’s road to becoming the success that she is today may appear to have been smooth, it certainly came with its challenges. Because boxing is a male-dominated profession, there would never be any women in the gym while Scott was training, which often left her fighting for her right to be there. She recalled a time when a man attempted to use her bag even though there were ten empty bags in the gym— something she felt was a chauvinistic rouse to oust her. “The men just wanted to use my bag,” Scott said. However, the female boxer felt that she needed to claim her spot in the predominately male industry. “I was there for me, [so] I can do anything I want,” she asserted. Upon this realization, Scott knew that she wanted to share her mindset and skillset with other women. She began teaching a pro bono boxing class and, slowly but surely, it developed into a business. To learn more about the world of boxing, she decided to become a janitor at the gym. She would clean the gym, answer the phone and get water for the guys. “I wanted to learn more about the culture,” she said. As she would complete her janitorial duties, she couldn’t help but notice the women's bathroom. It was only a storage closet with a hole in the roof above the toilet. Confused, she curiously asked management why the bathroom had been left in such awful condition, and they simply replied, “women don’t box, we had to figure out where to put them.” Now that she has her own space, she is reciprocating the same attitude by joking with the men that come to her facility that “there is no men’s bathroom — it’s a storage closet!” hers-magazine.com
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According to Scott, “they make the best and most natural born fighters.” She said that age is not much of a factor when it comes to someone’s potential success in boxing. Rather, it’s all about increasing your confidence and learning how to make decisions — increasing confidence being especially helpful for younger fighters. One of Scott’s young students has been experiencing bullying at school, which is why Scott’s training is helpful. Learning to box is helping the student find her strength and her voice, and Scott even said “she can throw combos smoother than I do.” Reese Scott teaching a boxing student at her studio. This boxing community in East Harlem is meant to be HELPING THOSE WITH a safe haven where people of all ages can build confidence, PARKINSON’S DISEASE learn to speak up for themselves, work on their agility and Recently, Scott was approached by a neurologist who wanted balance, realize their ability to make decisions and understand her to work with his clients who suffer from Parkinson’s that they have options in life. Scott is fighting for what she disease. Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects wants and believes in and knows that everyone else has the your nervous system by deteriorating your body’s muscles ability to do the same. She is doing exactly what she intended and sometimes causing your body to involuntarily shake. to do for other women — sharing her realization that women Determined to help those in need, Scott committed to helping can do anything that we set our minds to. the neurologist by offering a 2-hour session once a week to those with the disease. She said that the participants “have such excitement, joy and pride when training.” According to Brain and Life, “while you can't say boxing improves Parkinson's, you perhaps could say that the training regimens boxers use might improve symptoms of the disease." Boxing can test balance, agility and hand-eye coordination. When Scott calls out “1, 2, 1,” during a class to correlate with different punches, her students are able to focus on the different combinations and increase their focus. “It really seems to help with their motor skills and balance,” she said. For her clients, mastering the skill of boxing is all about being able to coordinate their hands and feet — even in slow motion. Learning to be present and aware, they feel, will take them far in the field.
FROM 8 YEARS OLD TO 84 YEARS OLD Boxers of all ages are also welcome to Scott’s gym, whether they be children or seniors. Many seniors who were always told that they were not allowed to box, come into the gym.
Women's World of Boxing Club
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BEST PRODUCTS TO CREATE A
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Some people were not gifted with full brows or while others may have damaged the hair follicle from excessive plucking or waxing. For those with thick brows, there are products to help you tame them and for those with sparse brows there magic fill-in products. If you were not blessed with Sofía Vergara brows, here are some products that can help you fake it until you make it.
40 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER F lavor
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Nyx’s Control Freak
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo contains two similar powder colors so that you can outline your brows. This formula is light but buildable so that you can make your brows as bold as you want. Price: $23
If you already have great brows, Nyx’s Control Freak eyebrow gel glides on and tames unruly eyebrows. This clear eyebrow gel can also be used as a clear mascara that enhances the natural curl of eyelashes. Price: $5
Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brush Anatasia Beverly Hills Duo Brush, #12, is double ended brush that you can use to apply brow products. One side features an angled brush to apply product while the other side has a spool to brush off excess. Price: $18
Lime Crime’s Bushy Brow Lime Crime’s Bushy Brow features a thin-as-a-pin precision brush that mimics the texture and fullness of naturally bushy brows with feather-light strokes, making it easy to draw individual hairs, one superfine stroke at a time. Price: $20
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‘HEROES WHO LOOK LIKE ME’ Voice Actress Zehra Fazal Voices Characters for Her Younger Self BY HANNAH CHALKER
Zehra smirks leaning on the roof of her car.
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rowing up as a young Muslim girl, Zehra Fazal said she yearned to see TV, movie and video game characters that looked like her. Now, the 35-year-old voice actress has become those characters she wishes she had in her childhood. Fazal has voiced a diverse range of characters, from Muslim to gender non-binary, on a variety of series for Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network and Bento Box. She is best known for voicing the Muslim character, Halo, in the Cartoon Network series, “Young Justice,” and has also lent her voice to several different video games as both main and supporting characters. Born in Libertyville, Illinois, Fazal has always had love in her heart for cartoons — a love that followed her from childhood to adulthood. Initially, Fazal wanted to be an animator, so she focused on studying art. Bewitched by the theater department at her school, Fazal fell in love with performing and acting. She found herself enthralled in Japanese theater, leading her to live in Japan for a year to further her studies. This is when Fazal realized that she wanted to use performing as a method of storytelling. Greg Weisman, creator of “Young Justice,” encouraged Fazal to go into acting for animation when he met her at a convention when she was 16 years old. This suggestion stuck with Fazal for years until Weisman invited her to voice the young Muslim character, Halo, that he had created for the cartoon “Young Justice,” which she recently earned two Voice Arts Awards (Best Voice Actor and Outstanding Animation Character) for. As a Muslim woman, Fazal has noticed the lack of Islamic representation in video games and television shows. Growing up, she found herself identifying with Luke Skywalker from Star Wars, not because of his looks, but because of his journey. “As I get older, I see now more and more characters who look like me, who look like people that haven't been represented as much before,” the Wellesley College graduate said. “Whether it's representing people of different faiths, races, sexual or gender orientation, it's so powerful. It moves me in such a way that I'm like, wow, if I had had this sense of belonging, and know that you are part of a group, that you can be the hero of this story — if I had had that feeling growing up, I think things would have been a lot different.” Fazal’s character in “Young Justice,” Halo, is a gender nonbinary Muslim character with mysterious powers. Halo is described as an old soul in a young body. Halo’s powers come from the fusion of a young girl and something called a MotherBox, a living computer with female programming.
With this fusion, Halo’s former personality was wiped, but she still remembers the decisions she made in her former life, decisions that led to the assassination of a king and queen that took her in when her town was destroyed. So, Halo carries this guilt that isn’t entirely hers because she is no longer that person. With the United States’ controversial attitude towards refugees, Fazal’s character is one that people need to see. Prior to her career as a voice actress, Fazal was known for her comedy that pokes fun at the Muslim identity. Her comedy show, “Headscarf and the Angry Bitch,” explores how the definition of what it means to be Muslim is expanding and that it’s okay to be vocal about it. Her show is both fictional and autobiographical. Fazal wanted to hit the notes on living what she calls a “hyphenated identity” in America from the point of view as a Muslim-American. Whether you are Muslim or not, many Americans of different backgrounds can relate to the concept of a “hyphenated identity,” meaning you are not just one thing.
Halo from Young Justice
Fazal’s character, Halo, is also an allegory for puberty and adolescence as the character goes on a journey of selfdiscovery. Her character displays the importance of realizing that you can change as a person. Adolescence is a time in which our bodies go through changes that can be quite confusing and scary. While we may not die and come back to life with alien technology in our bodies, it certainly feels that way to some of us. Halo is just a teen who is realizing she isn’t the person she used to be before her transformation, and that’s okay. March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 43
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“I think the closest analogy is what we all go through as teenagers when we find ourselves in bodies that all of a sudden are kind of foreign to us after puberty,” Fazal explained. “It's like what am I? How, how do I fit into the world? Who am I in relation to other people? How are other people going to treat me? Who's the adult I want to grow into the person I want to become? No, I think that these challenges were all inherent in the character of Halo. So, that was a really exciting thing for me as an actor to tap into that kind of journey of adolescence.” Fazal is not only expanding representation in cartoons but in video games as well. Up until recently, she has voiced minor characters in video games such as “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” “Titanfall 2,” and “Destiny 2: Shadowkeep.” In the game “Borderlands 3,” Fazal voices a playable character, Amara, a woman of color with spirit-like energy, despite the difficulty of gaining representation for cosplay through media. “There was a woman of color who was dressed up like my character, Amara,” she said. “She came up to me and she was like, ‘I just want to let you know how amazing it feels to be able to dress up as somebody who looks like me’. I started crying, it was just this moment. You realize, you know, I didn't realize I was thirsty for something until I got offered a drink of water. You know what I mean?”
Illana Smith from BoJack Horseman
Ilana Benson from BoJack Horseman
Now, Fazal’s main focus is making sure that people, young and old, feel equally represented in media. She loves her fans and is incredibly moved when they tell her that they relate to the characters she portrays. Fazal is continuing to work on projects to further her dream of having everyone feel rightfully represented, whether it be in television, video games or on stage.
Zehra means business when it comes to equality
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How to Choose the Best Paint Color for Your Personal Space
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hinking of revamping your home office space, She Shed or bedroom to better fit your personality? An easy way to make a substantial style change is by switching up the paint on your furniture or walls. Whether you want to add an accent wall or re-paint your desk, incorporating fun colors into your space can make it feel extra special. How do you find the perfect color to express your inner-self, though? Dixie Bell Paint offers tons of options from which to choose. Check out this handy guide to find the best fit for your personality.
GIRLY If you’re someone who embraces your feminine side, soft pink could be the perfect color for you. This subtle pink will make you feel like a princess without feeling like you’re in an outdated childhood bedroom.
EDGY Wanting to relive your Hot Topic-wearing days as an adult? Muscadine wine is a sophisticated red with a little bit of that dark edge you’re craving.
BEACHY Whether you hit the beach before the office in real life or just in your brain, you can bring your favorite spot home with the color sand bar.
ZEN GLAM Bring the party to you by switching up your space with metallic accents. Dixie Belle’s Moonshine Metallics range comes in five different sparkly colors so you can get your groove on.
If you want your room to feel like a peaceful escape, lucky lavender will bring it that soothing touch.
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8
FEMALE ACTIVISTS
TO ROOT FOR IN 2020 BY AVANTI TOLBERT
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hen people think of the month of March, they think of St. Patrick’s Day, spring break, or March Madness. Women, on the other hand, see March as something more meaningful than sports or va-cation. In March, women of all backgrounds unite to celebrate women’s contributions during Women’s History Month. Originally recognized as Women’s History Week, the holiday has now turned into a month-long affair. With International Women’s Day on March 8, the annual celebration com-memorates notable and everyday women who have made it their life’s ambition to create positive change for women around the world. In this issue, we are highlighting eight women who have found their purpose and passion in taking on the mantle of activism for the sake of those who cannot. While they range in age and cultural background, they all retain the same passion and drive. Some of these change agents are sprinkled on our cover, and they remain impactful to others all over the world as representatives of the socie-tal imbalances that still need to be confronted. By championing political and social change, the women featured on our cover such as Greta Thunberg and Tarana Burke continue to address important issues that improve the lives of women everywhere. Here is more information about them and the six other cover ladies with powerful mes-sages:
GRETA THUNBERG At just 17 years old, this Swedish environmental activist gained international attention. Her advocacy for climate change has earned her awards such as ‘Time’s Person of the Year’ and an environmental award, which she refused to accept on behalf of her belief that “people in power need to ‘listen’ to ‘science’ and not awards.” Her movement triggered other student protests around the world.
MILOU ALBRECHT In Castlemaine, Australia, Milou Albrecht, 15, co-founded School Strike for Climate Fifteen-year-old Milou Albrecht is one of the “Castlemaine Three,” a group that initiated an Aus-tralian strike for climate change movement by leading a small protest consisting of student walk-outs. She then organized the global School Strike For Climate (SS4C), creating a huge platform for students everywhere to join her cause in getting representatives to take action against climate change in response to Australian brush fires. March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 47
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MELENE ROSSOUW Founder of the Women Lead Movement, Melene Rossouw is educating, empowering and inspiring women across the globe to get out and be the change that they wish to see. She encourages women to know their constitutional rights and hold the government accountable when these rights are denied. To assist women that want to be a part of their community’s social change, Rossouw offers Human Rights and Leadership training, and with a Master of Laws degree, she is definitely someone worthy of teaching.
EMMA GONZALEZ When she gave her first speech that called out lawmakers When she gave her first speech calling out lawmakers on their beliefs lack of action pertaining to gun control, Emma Gonzalez had no idea that she would become the face of a movement. Gonzalez is a survivor of the 2018 Parkland, Florida school shooting. The 20-year-old former Stoneman Douglas High School student co-founded the Never Again MSD gun-control advocacy group—an organization that is pushing for stricter regulations that will prevent future gun violence incidents.
XIYE BASTIDA Youth climate activist Xiye Bastida has been the voice of the #FridaysForFuture in New York City. After her hometown in Mexico suffered a devastating prolonged drought followed by widespread flooding, Basitda found herself moved to change critical environmental issues. Her fighting spirit and passionate effort are bringing people of all diversities together to fight for climate control. 48 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER Cover
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SHAMMA BINT SUHAIL FARIS MAZRUI This phenomenal woman is an Emirati politician who serves as the Minister of State for Youth Affairs in the United Arab Emirates. At 26, this initiation made her the youngest member of the UAE cabinet and the youngest government minister in the world. Presiding over the National Youth Cabinet, Mazrui is spreading the urge for people to become more involved in climate change, education and other significant issues.
GAYLE SMITH President and CEO of the ONE campaign, Gayle Smith is one of the world’s leading experts on global development. She has held titles such as administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and special assistant to the President of the United States. Her ONE campaign is a global movement to help end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030.
TARANA BURKE Born September 12, 1963 in Bronx, NY, Tarana Burke is an African American civil rights activist who rose to fame after founding the “Me Too” movement. The worldwide campaign raises awareness about sexual harassment, abuse and assault. The movement has caused women of varying backgrounds to support one another, hoping that their “coming out” will prevent other women from having to experience the same situations and encourage them to speak out. March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 49
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Haute couture design sisters Ewa Gawkowską and Margaret Szczęsną Marek shared their pastel vision in their La Métamorphose SS2020 Collection during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2020. This dynamic duo take inspiration from the collective poems of Sully Prudhomme, transforming beautiful words into beautiful clothes. Their emboldening Les Couleurs de l’Âme Collection (roughly translated to “The Colors of the Soul”) is filled with lightness, transparency and grace, highlighting the inspiration that famous French poet Sully Prudhomme found in the transient nature of women. Born Rene Francois Armond Prudhomme, Sully Prudhomme was a well-respected French poet and novelist. As the first person to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1910, it is fairly simple to understand why his poetry may have been such an inspiration for couture designers. This excerpt from one of the poet’s poems perfectly describes the collection: Deep in my heart, behind my brow, There is a soul, invisible but manifest: The suspicious will look for it; I spread it, then feel it! Designers Margaret Szczęsną Marek (right) and Ewa Gawkowską (left)
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THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR A LASTING RELATIONSHIP BY LEN KNITTER
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isotto, like love, takes time and patience. You shouldn’t pour everything into the pot at the very beginning and just hope it turns out perfect. It helps to follow a recipe and be very deliberate with your stirring, or you’ll ruin the relationship — or even worse, the risotto! I will confess, I have yet to master risotto, but I’ve become much better at being a loving partner. However, I’m not going to tell you what I have to say about love. Instead, I’ll let the beautiful people in my life tell you about love and what they feel it takes to have a loving and lasting relationship. I asked my parents, who have been happily married for 55 years, and my sisters what they thought were the most important ways to have a loving and lasting relationship. I’d like to share their honest and heartfelt responses with you. I hope one of their ideas inspire a positive influence in your love life. Ingredients: 1. A partner who you can love for who they are without the expectation of change. 2. An open heart.
STEP 6: Each of you needs freedom
STEP 13: Laugh over the smallest and
to do your own thing. This is the path to becoming “one” — together and happy. Happiness with each other is the foundation of deep love.
most unlikely things!
STEP 1: Communicate as often as
STEP 7: Go overboard showing
possible. When communicating with each other, be kind, respectful, open, patient, honest and vulnerable. STEP 2: Study your partner. Become
a master at knowing their facial expressions, idiosyncrasies and habits, and know when they need a hug, some space, or a laugh! STEP 3: Be adventurous, not reckless. STEP 4: Maintain good health so
you’re not a burden. But, when not feeling well, be very appreciative of your partner’s concern. Feeling well promotes wellbeing and happiness. STEP 5: Don’t hold a grudge. Pride
can cause relational grudges to linger. Control your pride, and you’ll be happy.
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appreciation for one another.
STEP 14: Don’t put down, insult or
badmouth your partner. STEP 15: Stay in “awe” of your good fortune to have a loving partner in easy times and difficult times.
STEP 8: Say, “I love you” out of the
blue and “thank you” as much as possible. STEP 9: When your love comes home, jump up quickly to give them a kiss and a hug, and whisper in their ear, “I missed you.” STEP 10: Touch when passing each
other. Be intimate even more! STEP 11: Be amazed by your partner so
it’ll feel like the two of you are still on your honeymoon. STEP 12: Continue to go on dates.
When work, family, children and life close in on you, break away for time together.
I follow this advice, and I’ve been with my partner for over eight years. I consider myself the luckiest man in the universe. A few months ago, something came over me, and I felt this huge wave of gratitude wash over me when I was with my partner. I don’t know why, but I just blurted out, “Why are you with me?” She said, “It’s because you don’t try to change me, and you always let me be who I am.” It was a simple, direct and beautiful moment, and it warms my heart every time I relive it. And even though I can’t yet make a decent risotto for my partner, I do make an awesome mushroom and barley soup that she does love. hers-magazine.com
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WOMAN ON AIR Kristin Klingshirn On Overcoming Anxiety in Radio BY KATIEE MCKINSTRY
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ntering the public speaking world of radio as someone with anxiety may sound like an impossible feat, but Kristin Klingshirn, a co-host on Atlanta’s “The Bert Show,” has turned her fears into strengths. The show, which is known for the hosts’ ability to be open and honest with their listeners about their everyday lives, often gravitates toward personal topics. Klingshirn has talked openly on air about issues with anxiety, infertility and the recent passing of her father. “It's been actually super cathartic for me because I don't feel alone,” Klingshirn said. “That's the worst feeling in the world to feel like you're the only person that's going through this or experiencing this when in actuality there are so many of us who are experiencing the same struggles.” Her battle with anxiety used to hinder every part of her life, including her career in radio. When she worked for a different station in Raleigh, North Carolina, she received a lot of hate and trolling from listeners, which had fueled her anxiety. “I thought that was how you were supposed to feel,” Klingshirn said. The 40-year-old openly talks to listeners now about this journey and has recently started taking anti-anxiety medication. The radio host believes in destigmatizing the stereotypes around medication and mental health, and she says that since taking the medication, her anxiety no longer hinders her. “Anxiety is a daily maintenance to overcome, but it doesn’t hinder me now,” Klingshirn said. “I feel like the stigma with mental health is also like the stigma of talking about grief because nobody ever wants to make anybody feel bad, right?” Klingshirn talks about grief and anxiety on air to help spread awareness, saying that it’s okay to struggle with these topics, and it’s normal to feel alone. However, you are not alone. “I hope [talking about anxiety on air] increases empathy. Because I feel that’s what is lacking right now. What we need in society as a whole is more empathy for what other people are going through,” she said. Similarly, while she thinks there needs to be more empathy in society for mental health, she also thinks there needs to be more empathy for women in male-dominated careers. She
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has not always had an easy time being a woman in radio and was often compared to other women and male counterparts when she would take on a new show. “For women in radio, when you come into a new show or situation, and you replace a woman that had been there before, the comparisons are out of control,” Klingshirn said. “The boys club has existed for a really long time, and people are harder on women. Burt can get away with saying something on air, but if the women said it, we would face tremendous backlash.” To this day, a huge part of Klingshirn’s job is appealing to her audience as a woman. She has to be sweet — but not too sweet — and funny — but not too funny. However, her biggest struggle has not been with her radio show, but rather her and her husband’s battle with infertility. She and her husband, Bart, who have been together for nearly 15 years, have been trying to have a baby for a long time. It was a struggle they never thought would happen, and Klingshirn talks about it often on the air. “I never thought I’d be in this boat,” she said. “I’ve had multiple women in my life having kids and having babies, and I couldn’t be more excited for them. There would be nights where I’ve had pity parties for myself, I’m not going to lie, but that’s okay. You can be happy for someone and sad for yourself at the same time.” The Fayette, Kentucky, native talks about these battles with her co-hosts on live radio because she believes that it will help de-stigmatize these issues. Infertility and anxiety are common problems people face every day, and she hopes to create a community of people who understand and are there for one another. “In the process of helping others by talking about it, and this is our journey, and at some point, you just kind of have to embrace it,” she said. “You can get mad at some pit stops, but you just have to keep going.” Though talking about such personal aspect of her life on air can be difficult, she said she wouldn’t trade her place in this career for anything. “I don’t consider it a job, by any means” she said. “I pinch myself because this is what I get to do for a living. It’s surreal, and I do my best not to take it for granted I’ve always felt this is what I’m supposed to do.” March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 63
DINING WITH HISTORY
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Atlanta Restaurant Honors Pioneer Female Aviator BY NJERI DEAN
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ave a seat with history and take your taste buds to new heights with Hazel Jane’s restaurant. Opened in late 2019, the restaurant was erected to commemorate Hazel Jane Raines. Haven’t heard of Hazel Jane? Well, that’s ok. Raines was the first woman in the state of Georgia to get her pilot’s license and one of the first women in the country to fly a military aircraft during World War II. The restaurant honors her memory as a mini museum. Aside from portraits of the pilot throughout their walls, they also display copies of handwritten letters from Raines addressed to her mother from a book written by Raines’ niece. If you haven’t heard of Hazel Jane, you will know plenty about her once you enter and leave this restaurant. While aviation influences are the most noticeable décor aspect of the restaurant, the establishment’s owners made sure to create an atmosphere that Raines would have felt at home in by including interior decorating styles of the 1930s and ‘40s. “We based the art around her when she was alive,” Davis said. “The styling inside is very art deco.” Located in an area once called Airline Drive, the restaurant’s owners wanted to pay homage to aviation when choosing a name. “We went down the rabbit hole of [researching] female pilots that were here in Georgia and we came across Hazel Jane,” said Melissa Davis, Hazel Jane’s general manager. If you’re hungry, the menu will take your taste to new heights. Hazel Jane’s menu is vegetable and wine driven. Some of the foods include olives, cauliflower, salad and tomatoes. The wine menu is aviation themed. Each month there is a new destination, which means there is a new style of wine for customers to partake in. The wine menu is also aviation theme, with sections called roundtrip ticket, international and domestic to showcase different wines from around the world. Though the restaurant’s namesake was born on April 21, 1916, and died on Sept. 4, 1956, some of her family members still remain in the area. “Her family is still around the Georgia area, so we could reach out and ask for permission for naming the restaurant after her,” Davis said. Raines’ memory lives on through women and girls who dream to touch the sky, but Hazel Jane’s restaurant is one establishment working double duty to keep her memory alive through education and delicious food. If you are ever in the Atlanta area and looking for an enriching culinary experience, add this spot to your to-do list. March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 65
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THE EVOLUTION OF
VAGINAL HEALTH
How History Led us to Trendy Jade Eggs and Vajacials BY GABBY DANCE
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nce a label often uttered with an air of fear or disgust, today’s feminism has gone mainstream. While the movement’s current popularity has brought with it a long list of positive things, like an increase of women holding political offices and the rise of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault, it has also created a world of feminist merchandising. The vagina has become an unofficial mascot of capitalist feminism. Printed on T-shirts, tote bags and enamel pins, everyone from Etsy sellers to major corporations have hopped on the vulva design trend.
A well-known leader of this movement is Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness brand, Goop, which has spearheaded a resurgence of trendy feminine hygiene products. From jade eggs that promise re-charged sexual energy and candles that allegedly smell like Paltrow’s vagina, the brand has re-framed the practice of holding one’s nether regions to high standards as an embrace of divine feminine energy. Other companies have followed suit, marketing activated charcoal vulva masks and vaginal steaming kits as pathways toward an ideal vagina. These products may seem like a new phenomenon, but where do they originate from? And, are the practices they promote really beneficial—let alone safe? For answers, let’s take a look at the history behind the world of feminine hygiene in the U.S.
ACCEPTANCE OF GERM THEORY Before the mid-1800s, frequent bathing was seen as unsafe, removing a natural layer of oil that protected the body from unclean water and substances. It wasn’t until experiments by Louis Pastuer and Robert Koch helped lead the popularization of medically promoted cleanliness that frequent washing became a cultural norm. With this came an increase of gendered soap advertising. Female-targeted ads often portrayed their products as helping women achieve maximum beauty and occasionally
capitalized on their fears of turning off potential husbands with unpleasant body odor. These ads, though aimed toward women specifically, did not specifically promote vaginal cleanliness, but they contained similar themes that feminine hygiene advertisements would later adopt. These same marketing tactics were applied in the 1910s during the rise in popularity of antiperspirant deodorant. Advertorials for early deodorant brands Odorono and Mum frequently alluded to women’s body odor preventing them from finding a man. March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 67
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ORIGIN OF THE TERM FEMININE HYGIENE Believe it or not, the phrase feminine hygiene wasn’t created to have anything to do with vaginal health. After the Comstock Act of 1873 made the advertisement of contraceptives illegal, birth control products like Lysol—yes, the same Lysol you use to disinfect your kitchen counter—had to get creative when advertising their products.
“During the Great Depression, women were particularly desperate to not have children if they were unemployed and just economically could not afford them, and Lysol had been running an advertising campaign since the late 1920s [framing] Lysol as a way to prevent ‘problems in your marriage,’” said Melissa Blair, an associate professor at Auburn University who focuses on 20th century women and politics. “They use the term feminine hygiene, but they talk about it a lot in this context of strains on the marriage, so it's very clear to everyone what they're promoting Lysol for without them having to actually say it.” As one could guess, Lysol wasn’t only an ineffective form of birth control, it was also highly unsafe if used too often. “Some women wound up using it over and over and over again or using it daily, and they wound up with chemical burns on their labia and their vagina,” Blair said. Because of the vague wording in Lysol advertisements, the Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission didn’t do much about this problem. “They would say, ‘nothing in their advertising says that it's for birth control, so we can't do anything about it,’” Blair said. “The language around it was very carefully crafted to get around all of these laws.” The popularity of Lysol went down at the start of World War II, when the draft of about 50 million American men ages 18 to 45 lowered the chance of pregnancy scares. But, that doesn’t mean the use of outlandish items as birth control ceased to exist. “You still even heard stories in the 1950s of teenagers using Coca Cola as a douche…just to try to prevent pregnancy,” Blair said.
MARKETING VAGINAL CLEANLINESS It wasn’t until the legalization of birth control in the 1960s that the term feminine hygiene transitioned from meaning birth control to our modern day understanding of the phrase. The term started being widely used for menstrual products, but it also referred to cleaning products like douches and washes. In the 1970s and 80s, douching advertisements capitalized on those same fears of turning off men present in early deodorant and soap advertisements. Paired with the widespread genital health scares of the HIV/AIDS crisis, these ads helped propel the sale of feminine hygiene deodorants to rise 21.3 percent in the late 1980s according to LexisNexis. While sales in vaginal cleaning products rose, the backlash against them also grew. Feminists in the 1970s and ‘80s warned against using these products, instead advocating for more mild forms of cleaning like gently wiping with a wet 68 HERS Mag azi n e | H ER Les s ons
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ARE TODAY’S PRODUCTS SAFE?
wash cloth. According to Blair, one of the most popular materials to come from this movement was the pamphlet turned book, “Our Bodies, Ourselves,” which was first published in 1970 by the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, a small group of feminists who hoped to provide information on women’s health. Releasing eight revised and updated editions from its first release up to 2011, the book debunked widespread misconceptions about female bodies and vaginal health. Since then, vaginal health products have cycled in and out of popularity. The popularity of vaginal douching began declining in the mid 1990s, with only 27 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 years old regularly engaging in the practice according to the National Survey of Family Growth. By 2006, only 12 percent of women in that same age group claimed to douche. Though douching has fallen out of practice, other vaginal health practices have come and gone from the spotlight. Whether they be flavoured lubricants for oral sex or the tale of chugging pineapple juice to achieve a fruity vaginal smell and taste, the trend, though often changing in practice, has not fully gone away.
Today’s vaginal health products market themselves as wellness tools, but are they really safe? According to Obstetrician Gynecologist Dr. Sherri Caplan, they may do more harm than good. Jade eggs, specifically, can bring some major health risks. “There is no evidence to establish safety or benefit from jade eggs,” Caplan said. “In fact, they can increase vaginal infections as they are porous and make it difficult to clean and sterilize. They can also cause pelvic floor injury as the vagina is not designed to hold continuous weight like the egg.” Similar concerns are had about vaginal masks and vajacials (a.k.a. vulva facials). “Vajacials are not recommended due to risk of infection and risk of tissue injury increasing one’s risk of sexually transmitted infections,” Caplan said. So, what’s the best way to maintain a healthy vagina? According to Caplan, the best way is to wash regularly with water and practice safe sex. “Our bodies are designed to naturally cleanse the vagina with our cycles,” Caplan said. “[Outside] chemicals, natural or otherwise, can eliminate normal and necessary bacteria, causing infection.”
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Broadway Actress
CAROLYN MIGNINI
Shines Light on the Importance of Positivity BY MELISSA LAWRENCE
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nspiration can strike at any time in many different ways, shapes and forms. Those who are able to embrace inspirational moments are simply inspirations themselves. Actress and former Broadway star Carolyn Mignini hopes to embody this as an actress through her persisting career and friendly personality, which she has been told is inspiring to others. As a willing mentor, the 72-year-old prides herself on being eager and willing to share her knowledge with those who hope to one day enter the realm of show business. If you’re looking for longevity, this woman may have the secrets! When her father introduced her as a 4-year-old to a remake of the “My Fair Lady” tape, Mignini developed a passionate love for the performing arts. At the age of 17, she won the title of Miss Teenage America, which she said gave her just the confidence that she needed to promote her image and showcase her talents. “…It was a game changer in a lot of ways,” Mignini said. After a year of promoting her win, the actress received a scholarship to attend both the Boston Conservatory and the NYU School of the Arts, where she perfected her singing and acting skills with the help of instructors such as Olympia Dukakis and Alan Miller. “Acting is an exciting, interesting possibility for personal growth, because you learn about these characters and you just do your work,” Mignini said. “I mean,
I came in [to school] with a pretty strong work ethic anyway from my family and life in school. But I [also] had some amazing teachers [such as] Alan Miller [and] Lloyd Richards. Olympia Dukakis was [also] one of my teachers [at] NYU. Yeah, and they [came] in and they kind of [burst] my world open, [and] kept [me] learning new things.” Having learned about the world of theatre from some of the most prominent names in the field, Mignini was given the opportunity to make her Broadway debut as one of the daughters in “Fiddler on the Roof.” From there, she began making special appearances in shows and movies such as “Days of Our Lives” and “21 Jump Street.” She has even ventured into the millennial wonderland of YouTube, where videos are available of her singing at various venues. “I have come to love film and TV because TV, the TV that I've done, is very much film,” she explained. “It's like film, you know it is shot so beautifully for HBO or Showtime. [I enjoy] the layering that you do as the camera gets closer to be subtler in the work and the expression of the emotion or whatever, because it's new for me to learn. Now, granted, I do a lot of it. LA and I have this feeling that even with drama—even with heavy drama—you always look for the places that have humor or irony or humanity, where it's not just the slam. And that really interests me.”
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The Drama Desk nominee recently found herself on stage again in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ “The Rose Tattoo” alongside Melissa Tomei. She also appeared in “What is Life Worth,” which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. “It's like a calling,” she said. “I mean, it sort of chooses you, almost, and then you just commit to it. Right?” She promised that her secret to career longevity, besides talent and the ability to call on old acquaintances in the industry, was a positive attitude and the ability to make a workspace optimistic. She credits some of her success to the positive reinforcement she receives from other women in the industry that encourage her to persevere in the face of “noise”. “I'm a mature woman,” Mignini stated. “So, [I will] hear a lot about there [not being] enough roles. I think right now is a great time for women in the arts, and I have just shut out the noise of the culture telling me that I might be half my prime [and that] I might not be viable. I know it’s funny. I think my best work is [ahead of me]. I think I still haven’t done the best thing [there is] to do. Yeah, it’s really something. You can take that one to the bank.”
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“I think right now is a great time for women in the arts.” Mignini sees herself as an optimistic person, so she feels hopefuly about the future of her career. Her positive attitude—a behavior that many of us should adopt—is actually what has been feeding her progressive career. “Of course, [every new year] we are always going to [ask ourselves], ‘Now what's coming? What's next?’” she said. “It feels really positive. I just feel like good things are coming in 2020. I mean, I tend to be optimistic anyway, but this is gonna be a good year.” The singer/actress encouraged people in all walks of life to “find that thing that you see with joy and do it…on steroids. Just find that thing. Do it and, you know…find that way to be happy—to be alive.”
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BOOK REVIEW
“A GIRL’S GUIDE TO POKER” BY RENI CANDELIER
A
s a lifelong poker player, it feels strange to admit that I’ve never been to a casino to play the game or traveled to Las Vegas’ famous poker casinos. Currently in my 20s, I’ve told myself that I’ll travel to Vegas for my 30th birthday, when I’ll hopefully be prepared (both financially and mentality) to gamble worry-free. I started playing poker with my cousins and siblings for fun as a child. We’d play in exchange for pennies and change we collected around the house. The feeling of being in control and simultaneously not in control during a poker game has always felt exhilarating to me. When first given the book “A Girl’s Guide to Poker” by Amanda Botfeld, I was a little skeptical by the title. I thought to myself, “Yet again, women are being compared to men by categorizing us.” However, I gave the book a chance, and I surprisingly learned not only about poker but about myself. “A Girl’s Guide to Poker” is written with a feminine touch that most women can probably relate to. Botfeld takes stereotypically female subjects and applies them to poker strategies to help readers learn how to improve their game. For example, she uses analogies like, “No-limit Texas hold’ em never gets old like Maybelline mascara.” She also adds short and fun quizzes at the end of each chapter to help memorize tips and tricks to become a better poker player.
Truth be told, this book is not intended to teach the reader the basics of poker. Instead, it’s a book that will enhance the reader’s poker skills. Before reading the book, I’d suggest knowing what full house, two-pairs, a straight, a flush and high cards mean and know which hands beat which. The book will then help you be tactical with the decisions you make throughout a game. The life lesson I learned from reading this is that people are molded into certain characters through life lessons. As women, we are faced with certain challenges and experiences that only other women can relate too. Embracing my own feminine experiences and challenges will then help me improve the story I tell when playing poker.
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RE-IMAGINING CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD TV Writer Shauna McGarry Puts a 'Woke' Spin on Comedy BY PIERA VAN DE WIEL
Shauna McGarry picture by Lauren Lotz
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lassic Hollywood films were magical escapes for teenage Shauna McGarry. After scurrying home from school bullies, the now _-year-old said she used to find solace in watching everything from glamorous dramas to family sit-coms. However, despite her fascination with these shows, she noticed their lack of diversity and gender equality and wanted to make a change. Today, McGarry is a TV writer with credits on popular comedy shows like “Tuca & Bertie,” “BoJack Horseman” and “Craig of the Creek.” Drawing writing inspiration from her favorite childhood shows, she now tries to “take [inspiration from] what works and feels timeless and try to forgive, leave and forget what feels archaic, sexist and racist.” After graduating from New York University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in film production and minor in gender studies, McGarry entered an industry where TV writer’s rooms were noticeably male-driven and ruled. During her first “big break” writing jobs as a writing assistant, she decided to soak up information from her male colleagues on how to get ahead in the business as a woman. “[They taught me] how to run a show, how to not be precocious and how to craft a joke,” McGarry said. She took that advice and put her own personal twist on it, creating her modern comedy style. In this current climate where famous comics like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock are criticizing comedy for getting “too politically correct,” McGarry continues to deliver award-winning humor while prioritizing her moral values. She chooses to listen to the complaints of comics from oppressed groups and avoid offensive jokes. “If you find yourself complaining about the sensitivities of younger comics or comics who don’t look like you, the most productive thing [to do] is look at yourself and critique your own prejudices and confusion then actively try to grow, understand and listen,”
McGarry said, “Practicing how to radically listen—to different perspectives, to cadence, to meter—is everything in comedy.” This energy has attracted likeminded people. Now, she sits in more diverse writing rooms filled with people from all backgrounds. “Things are definitely changing, and I try to be very sensitive to who in the room is the sole voice being asked to represent a whole group of people,” McGarry said. “[Our fellow writers are] a team, and everyone steps in as needed.” She became a writer with a goal to comfort people who feel like outcasts, specifically young women like her teenage self. “My passion comes from a place of curiosity about how people live, love, work and think with a desire to reflect that humanity boldly and truthfully,” McGarry said. McGarry’s passion for quality writing could also be hereditary. Her grandparents were journalists and nonfiction essayists, and their profession was always talked about reverently in their house. “I understood from an early age that [being a writer] was a powerful thing to be,” McGarry said. When 5-year-old McGarry and her family moved to Santa Barbara, California, her mother coped with loneliness through writing. She started studying TV shows and films and passed on the knowledge to McGarry. This experience was a large inspiration for her film obsession. “She made me part of [that world],” McGarry said.
Shauna at the Katy Keene writers' offices in Hollywood, CA with staff member Rebecca Hirschmann. Photo by Mia Iverson
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Shauna McGarry at the Katy Keene writers' offices in Hollywood
Her love for the classics inspired her to get involved with community theater, writing plays for her friends. When her two worlds of movies and theater came together, she felt alive. “[I had] this blooming understanding that I could become the person to create these worlds of escape that I cherished so much,” McGarry said. Just like she married movies and theater to create her destiny, she’s now combining her passion for female representation with her longtime interest in classics through her work on the new CW and HBO Max show “Katy Keene.” The “Riverdale” spin-off is based off of a 1950s Archie Comics series of the same name. It re-imagines the comics’ protagonist, a model named Katy Keene, as a young fashion designer. Keene (Lucy Hale) shares an apartment in New York City with “Riverdale” lead Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray). The show follows the two’s adventures with Keene’s friends, Broadway performer and drag queen Jorge Lopez (Jonny Beauchamp) and writer and cunning con-artist Pepper Smith (Julia Chan). McGarry wrote the musical comedy drama’s 76 HERS Mag azi n e | Features
third episode, called “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.” She says the show has an “old world glamour, ‘Sex and the City’ vibe.” According to McGarry, the writing room for the show was “younger and diverse.” Through her work on this show and in future opportunities, McGarry said she hopes to “inspire someone in the way [she] was inspired as a quiet, sensitive 12-year-old.”
Tuca and Bertie
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GO TOPLESS THIS SUMMER HERS GERMAN ROADSTER GUIDE BY VLAD GORENSHTEYN
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC | 414 HP | 0-60MPH 4.6S | 187 MPH | $78,175
M
uch like the flavor of ice-cream you fancy, what you drive is also a tell-tale sign of your personality. With summer just around the corner, HERS and “9and3. tv” teamed up to review German rear-wheel roadsters to match your individuality so you can enjoy the days of summer topless. These German autos each have a personality, heritage, performance and sexy styling so it was a tight competition among these two-seaters, however Porsche consistently placed in pole position —we loved the extra safety options for kids and the flexibility that Porsche’s unique on-demand services have to offer, especially for days when you need the utility of an SUV; Porsche offers a concierge service that delivers whatever sized vehicle you need to your office or home through “Porsche Passport” and “Porsche Drive.” This, in addition to the racing pedigree, superior performance, as well as mid-engine placement, took the 1st place trophy. If purchasing, vehicle delivery at the Porsche Experience Center is the cherry on top. Check out our visit to Porsche NA headquarters in the video below, as well as the fine points on the runners up.
#2 MERCEDES AMG SLC 43 ROADSTER FINAL EDITION • Hard-top convertible opens in 20 seconds. • Airscarf technology to keep you warm on a cold day with the top down. • DISCTRONIC cruise control keeps equal distance with cars in traffic • Active brake-assist • Magic sky control • AMG pedigree (suspension, bi-turbo engine) • SPEEDSHIFT Paddle shifters
#1 PORSCHE 718 BOXTER S • Timeless Porsche design with modern, tasteful accents • Custom options for everything you can imagine • Mid-engine agility • Superior performance • 6-speed gear box, Ceramic composite brakes • Child safety-seat options • Porsche Experience Center delivery • Soft top, automatic tonneau closes in 10 seconds • Available via Porsche Drive & Passport
6-SPEED MANUAL | 350HP | 0-60MPH 4.4S | 177 MPH | $116,105*
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC | 382 HP | 0-60MPH 3.9S | 187 MPH | $70,895
#3 BMW Z4 SDRIVE M40I • Soft-top convertible closes in 10 seconds at up to 31mph. • Sophisticated collision protection package • Heads up display • M series racing heritage • Parking assistant automates the process • Balanced weight distribution means superb handling • Roomy interior March 2 0 2 0 | H ERS M ag az i ne 77
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BOOK REVIEW
'THE QUEEN V' BY HANNAH CHALKER
D
r. Jackie Walters knows vaginas. “Dr. Jackie” has been a practicing OB-GYN for over 20 years and claims to know vaginas like the back of her hand. The “Married to Medicine” star’s novel, “The Queen V: Everything You Need to Know About Sex, Intimacy and Down There Health Care,” offers a witty, straightforward view for anyone interested in vaginal care. This book can be read by anyone who has, or loves, a vagina. Dr. Jackie opens her novel with what she calls a “vaginal personality” quiz. Like people, no two vaginas are the same. According to Dr. Jackie, there are 5 types of vaginal personalities: the Virgin Mary, the Sanctified Snatch, the Mary Jane, the Coochie-Chondriac and the Notorious V.A.G. Some of these names are self-explanatory, while others require a bit of explaining. Once you take the quiz, you tally up your points and see what type of VP (vaginal personality) you have. How you read this book all depends on your VP. If you’re more adventurous, like a Notorious V.A.G, then you might find yourself skipping over chapters that teach those prone to be shyer how to be more explorative in the bedroom. Have you ever wondered if your vagina is “normal” looking? Dr. Jackie notes that there are 6 different categories of vaginas, using the name of a flower to accurately describe the appearance of each type. Images are provided of each type so that you can break out that hand mirror and observe your own “flower.” The doctor notes that popular media — like porn — causes women to think that their vagina should look a certain way, but that’s just not the case. Everyone’s vagina is unique, though there are some defining similarities between each type that make them distinctive. “The Queen V” explores topics such as fertility, libido and breast health. Dr. Jackie is a two-time breast cancer survivor herself, making her a specialist when it comes to breasts. This chapter gets deeply personal as Dr. Jackie opens up about her own battle with breast cancer and offers advice to those who have just found out their own diagnosis. She claims that her experience has made her a better doctor because she has been a patient. About the same time that she discovered that she had breast cancer, Dr. Jackie learned that she was losing her first baby. So not only has she experienced cancer, but
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infertility as well. Many women feel like their life’s purpose is to be a mother, although some may not be able to conceive that dream naturally. Dr. Jackie offers advice on how to become a mother in many different ways in order to keep that dream alive. In all, Dr. Jackie’s book is an honest guide to women’s healthcare, offering readers answers to questions they weren’t even aware they had. “The Queen V” is a guide to becoming self-aware of your body by educating readers in a fun and personal way.
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BOOK REVIEW
'VICTORY FOR THE VOTE
The Fight for Women’s Suffrage and the Century that Followed' BY AVANTI TOLBERT
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or the entirety of our lifetimes, women have been able to voice their opinions about important political matters by legally casting their votes during election
seasons. However, the ability for women to perform this rightful act did not always exist. Decades ago, women in America were forced to fight for these natural rights—rights that were given to them by their creator. In her book, “Victory for the Vote: The Fight for Women’s Suffrage and the Century that Followed,” active member in the field of women’s history Doris Weatherford details the history of the seven-decade fight to vote that many courageous women were forced to partake in, and the years’ worth of effort that was put forth by women to gain “reproductive rights, recognition as full citizens and, ultimately, political power. Filled with historically accurate information, bold biographical images and politically moving quotes, “Victory for the Vote” is a narrative that every woman should read. While most political texts are extensive and uninteresting, this read was only long enough to list the most important facts pertaining to the movement dedicated towards the fight for women’s right to vote, and it was engaging in the sense that it was inclusive to women of all ages, races and backgrounds. The moving foreword by the honorable Nancy Pelosi was simply political, feminine genius. Weatherford nearly took her audience by their hands and walked them back into the ‘20s to sit front row at every movement for women’s suffrage and equality listed in the reading. From the discussion of the Seneca Falls Convention to the breakdown of the role of slavery in said matters and then to lively conversation surrounding the battle for equality (a battle that still exists today), Weatherford opened up a can of topics that has been overlooked and underappreciated for far too long. As women are beginning to use their voices to advocate for change in their favor more often, this book couldn’t have come with a timelier introduction.
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THIS SPRING’S
HOTTEST NEW MUSIC RELEASES BY HANNAH CHALKER
With spring comes new life, and with that comes new music! Expect a second stand-alone album from former One Direction member and Irish heartthrob, Niall Horan, in March along with new albums from Alicia Keys and Adam Lambert. Lambert hasn’t released an album since 2015, making this album highly anticipated. Former lead singer of Paramore Hayley Williams has released an EP labeled “Petals For Armor I” as a preview for her upcoming standalone album “Petals For Armor” coming late this spring. Still no sign of any new music from Rihanna, though. Here’s a roundup of some of the most anticipated albums coming this spring from big-name artists:
MARCH
Niall Horan Heartbreak Weather
Adam Lambert Velvet
APRIL
Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia
5 Seconds of Summer Calm
Alicia Keys ALICIA
MAY
The 1975 Notes on a Conditional Form
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Sam Smith To Die For
Hayley Williams Petals For Armor
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SPRING MOVIE RELEASES TO WATCH BY NJERI DEAN
The Call of the Wild February 21
John Thornton (Harrison Ford) joins forces with a wayward dog who was previously snatched from his California home and abandoned in Alaska. The two set on a journey together in the state’s Yukon region, growing an inseparable bond.
The Way Back March 6
Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck), is an alcoholic trying to make a comeback with his life. He joins his former high school’s basketball team as a coach in order to make a positive impact on both the lives of the children he coaches and himself.
Onward March 6
Get ready to believe in magic with Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) and Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt), two teenage elf brothers that set out on a journey to reunite with their deceased father using a magic staff he gave them before he passed.
Bloodshot March 13
After being killed in action, a soldier (Vin Diesel) is resurrected by a malicious company that trains him to commit violent acts. This movie seems like a mix between the Terminator and Robo Cop.
A Quiet Place Part II March 20
In the sequel John Krasinski’s 2018 thriller, the Abbott family returns to face a post-apocalyptic world dominated by killer creatures. In addition to the sound-hunting creatures prevalent in the first film, they’ll encounter new threats.
Mulan March 27
The live action version of Disney’s 1998 cartoon hopes to better adhere to the original ancient Chinese legend it’s based on. Mulan (Yifei Lui) serves in the Imperial Chinese Army disguised as a man in place of her aging father. While the live action version lacks the singing and dancing from the cartoon version, it’s set to make up for it with an action-packed storyline.
New Mutants April 3
Six mutants, played by Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt and Henry Zaga, attempt to control their powers and abilities at a facility that is hiding secrets of its own. Knowing that the facility is not what it seems, they try to escape to find their own way in the world.
No Time to Die April 10
Five years after his last mission, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is approached by the CIA to help search for a missing scientist, Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik). In his way, a mysterious villain (Rami Malek) possesses dangerous technology.
A Promising Young Woman April 17 After a mysterious tragedy upends Cassie’s (Carey Mulligan) promising future, she falls into a double life to right the wrongs of the past.
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THIS SPRING’S HOTTEST TV RELEASES
WESTWORLD March 15 “Westworld” is galloping in for its third season. Many of the characters have crossed into the “Valley Beyond,” where no one will find them. Newcomers to the cast include “Breaking Bad” star Aron Paul.
ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO March 16 “Roswell, New Mexico” is back for season two! Seeking comfort in science, Liz (Jeanie Mason) is happy to have her sister back but is still sad over the death of Max (Nathan Parsons). Liz desperately wants Max back, and she will rely on science to hopefully do it.
BY NJERI DEAN
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE March 18 Based on Celeste Ng’s 2017 bestselling book, “Little Fires Everywhere” stars Reese Witherspoon as Elena Richardson. When she rents the upstairs portion of her rental home across town to Mia Warren (Kerry Washington), things go awry. This story explores what secrets can do to a family if left brushed under the mat for too long.
SELF-MADE: INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF MADAM C.J WALKER March 20 This miniseries is about the hair care giant who became the wealthiest self-made woman in America at the time of her death in 1919. The show explores what it took for her to become successful and the hurdles she faced along the way.
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RUN April 12 After making a pact 17 years earlier, two college sweethearts (Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson) ditch their everyday lives to meet in Grand Central Station and travel the country together.
WALKING DEAD: THE WORLD BEYOND April 12 Set 10 years after the apocalypse, this season of the hit TV show will have more female leads, including Annet Mahendru and Aliyah Royale.
MRS. AMERICA April 15 The 1970s was an era of culture wars, and Phyillis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett) was on the forefront of it by leading the fight opposing the Equal Rights Amendment. This show explores an international phenomenon that shaped the future of politics.
PENNY DREADFUL: CITY OF ANGELS
DEFENDING JACOB April 24 Based on the best-selling crime novel by William Landay, “Defending Jacob” follows a Massachusetts assistant district attorney (Chris Evans) as he discovers his son’s involvement in a shocking crime. Torn, he doesn't know if he should uphold the law or maintain loyalty to his son.
April 28 This show is a spinoff of the original Penny Dreadful and is set 40 years into the future from the first series in 1930s Los Angeles. As tensions are high, a first-time detective (Daniel Zovatto) is hired to solve a murder.
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