T HE A RT O F LI V IN G W ELL WWW.INFLUENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM JULY / AUGUST 2019
Mandy Moore’s Mindful Tips for a Well-Balanced, Lively Summer
SUMMER MUST-HAVES TO BRIGHTEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE
Because You Are Not Just a Body - You Are Somebody
EXCLUSIVE
INTERVIEWS
JUDGE TANYA ACKER
is on the Winning Side and That’s Important to Her
JUNE JACOBS
has Turned a Personal Struggle and Story into Success
EXPLORE TOP SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
BE ON THE
WINNING SIDE
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANNIE SHAK.
CONTENTS
[ ] FASHION EDITORIAL
IN FLUENCE BEAUTY
26 | Summer Must-Haves to Brighten
Your Beauty Routine 28 | How to Keep Your Hair Hydrated This Summer 30 | Ways to Style Your Hair for Summer Pool Parties 32 | For Your Best Brows Ever, Stay Ahead of the Curve FASHION & STYLE
36 | The Essential Fall Jewelry Guide 40 | Shopping for Diamonds? 5 Options,
From Meteor-Made to Man-Made 42 | ORBIT: The Smart Ring Cleaner Keeps Gold, Diamond, and Gemstone Jewelry Sparkling Like New 44 | Style Influencer Sharron Clear Shows Us Chic and Vibrant Summer Pieces to Beat the Heat! 46 | Because You Are Not Just a Body — You Are Somebody 52 | Time to Break Out Your Bedazzler: Forever 21 is Bringing Baby Phat Back! HEALTH & WELLNESS
80 | #ThisIsMBC Elements Campaign Honors,
Supports, and Unites the MBC Community Through Creative Expression 82 | Keeping Your Cool in a Stressful Industry 84 | Lacking Self-Discipline? 5 Ways to Develop it and Reach Your Goals 86 | Unique Approach to Combat Burnout: Mindfulness & The Power of Gemstone Therapy PHILANTHROPY
90 | How You Can Help Bring Nutritious
Foods to Kids in Need This Summer TECHNOLOGY
94 | 5 Tech Trends Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore
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68 | FOR NATALY CORREA, MANY THINGS ARE GOING WELL
TRAVEL
98 | The Perfect Travel Essentials for Your Next Getaway 106 | Explore Top Summer Travel Destinations 108 | Augusto Valverde is Traveling with Purpose
FEATURE 20 | MANDY MOORE’S MINDFUL TIPS FOR A WELL-BALANCED, LIVELY SUMMER
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS 10 | JUDGE TANYA ACKER IS ON THE WINNING SIDE AND THAT’S IMPORTANT TO HER 60 | JUNE JACOBS HAS TURNED A PERSONAL STRUGGLE AND STORY INTO SUCCESS
IN NETWORK PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
114 | Klondike Steadman, DMA
INFLUENTIAL SPOTLIGHT 116 | Featuring Eliana Alexander An Accomplished Actress and Novelist with Much More to Achieve 122 | Featuring Katya Bakat She’s Invested in Her Career and it’s Paying Off
EDITORIAL CREDITS
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CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR / CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Round Rock, Texas EDITORIAL TEAM Chief Business Officer William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Editor-in-Chief William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Chief Creative Director William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Health & Wellness Editor Ingrid Garner Technology Editor James Nelson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR shall be signed with a full name; please include a daytime phone number, full mailing address, or e-mail address. Letters shall be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by the sender once we receive them. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANNIE SHAK MODEL JUDGE TANYA ACKER
WRITING TEAM Contributing Writers Blo Blow Dry Bar, Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter, Sharron Clear, Chris Hoose, Jennifer Marcenelle, Tony Odisho, Umbreen Sheikh Guest Contributing Writer William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree ART & PRODUCTION Chief Creative Director William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Creative Services What Taller Gráfico Argenis Gudino, Jose Luis Venegas Quintero Web Design The MOD Studio Contributing Photographers Baby Phat / Forever 21, Juan Chu, Brett Erickson / Shandrew PR, Michael Helms / Shandrew PR, June Jacobs, Saint Somebody, Annie Shak Website Administration W. Jackson & Associates, LLC
SALES & MARKETING Business Development William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Marketing & Public Relations W. Jackson & Associates, LLC
For Letters to the Editor please email editor@influential-magazine.com. For Beauty inquiries please email our Beauty Editor, Kelli Ponce at Kelli@influential-magazine.com. For Health & Wellness inquiries please email our Health & Wellness Editor, Ingrid Garner at Ingrid@influential-magazine.com. For Technology inquiries please email our Technology Editor, James Nelson at James@influential-magazine.com. For public relations inquiries please email pr@influential-magazine.com.
Members of W. Jackson & Associates are BMI affiliates American Graphic Design Award Winning Magazine Recipient of the Lux Life 2018 Entertainment Awards for Best Lifestyle Magazine 2018 – Texas Recipient of the American Graphic Design Award Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Capital of Texas Awards Univision Communication Media Award Finalist
For general information inquiries please email info@influential-magazine.com. Our mailing address: InFluential Magazine, P.O. Box 1307, Round Rock, Texas 78680 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Founder & Chief Business Officer. All the rights of the artwork and photography belong to the Founder & Chief Business Officer.
InFluential Magazine is Round Rock, Texas owned and operated. JULY / AUGUST 2019
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WARM WELCOME WORDS TO OUR READERS
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GREETINGS INFLUENTIAL FAMILY & FRIENDS: I HOPE SINCERELY YOUR SUMMER HAS BEEN PROSPEROUS AND FULFILLING.
I
enjoy reading very much and take as many opportunities as possible to do just that. Whether it be for entertainment or education, to my mind, reading is a fundamental key to living my best life. It’s my hope your reading menu includes InFluential Magazine, Spanish InFluential, and Teen InFluential. With every edition, we strive to bring you rich and inviting editorials sure to complement as you strive to live your best life. My awesome team and I are thrilled to bring to you our Exclusive Interview with Judge Tanya Acker of the hit television show Hot Bench. She’s an insightful and very intriguing woman and we’re glad to share with you her story. Skincare guru June Jacobs is another Exclusive Interview we share in this edition and her story is one of struggle and subsequently success and we’re thrilled to bring it to you. All in all, we’ve done our best to bring you all things “Dedicated to the Art of Living Well”. We wish the best and look forward to spending time with you throughout the summer and the remainder of the year. Fondly,
William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Founder & Chief Business Officer of InFluential Magazine, Spanish InFluential, and Teen InFluential
JULY / AUGUST 2019
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
JUDGE
TANYA
ACKER
IS ON THE WINNING SIDE AND THAT’S
IMPORTANT TO HER
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LONG BEFORE THE EMMY NOMINATED CBS SERIES HOT BENCH, TANYA ACKER WAS DELVING INTO PROBLEMS IN THE CORRIDORS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS. HER NEW PODCAST THE TANYA ACKER SHOW IS ABOUT RECOGNIZING WE’RE BIGGER THAN OUR PROBLEMS. IT’S ABOUT LOOKING AT THE TRUTH; FIGHTING BETTER AND SMARTER WITH EACH OTHER; BRAINSTORMING IDEAS; KNOWING BAD THINGS ARE FIXABLE; AND HAVING MORE FUN.
kINTERVIEW WRITTEN AND CONDUCTED BY
WILLIAM JACKSON, MBA, FOUNDER & CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANNIE SHAK.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
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anya and her guests explore a wide range of topics - from fighting frivolous lawsuits to ensuring a meaningful criminal justice reform to breaking bread with political opponents without breaking glass in each other’s faces. Guests include Anthony Daniels (Alabama House Minority Leader), and Lecia Brooks (Historical consultant on BlacKKKlansman) just to name a couple. Acker received her B.A. degree at Howard University before attending Yale Law where she represented low-income women in family law cases and served as a teaching assistant in Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure courses. She has worked at the Office of White House Counsel, the Civil Rights Division in the United States Department of Justice and various private law firms. Her work in private law includes working with President Clinton’s personal lawyers, as well as on the preparation of Congressional testimony for pending product liability legislation and First Amendment issues. After graduating from Yale, Acker served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Dorothy Wright Nelson on the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Her duties during that appointment included advising and making recommendations to Ninth Circuit judges about rulings on a broad variety of cases and preparing Judge Nelson for oral arguments on matters before the Court. After her clerkship, the Office of the Solicitor General in the U.S. Department of Justice awarded her a Bristow Fellowship. As a Bristow Fellow, her duties included drafting Supreme Court briefs. In private practice, Acker’s legal work spanned a broad variety of matters from civil litigation involving public and private entities, to various constitutional cases, to providing business counseling and advice. She also maintained a commitment to pro bono work, receiving the ACLU’s First Amendment Award for her successful representation of the homeless in a case against the City of Santa Barbara.
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As an influential community leader and advocate, Acker serves on the boards of Public Counsel, the nation’s largest provider of free legal services; the Western Justice Center, which promotes alternative dispute resolution; the Western Los Angeles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America (the WLACC does not discriminate on any basis); and Rainbow Services, which provides shelter services to victims of domestic violence. What a thrilling honor to have the opportunity to dialogue with Tanya to discuss her unique perspectives as a go-to expert on headline news and gain insight into her story. William Jackson: What are the highlights of your early childhood? Tanya Acker: I really liked to read a lot. William: How were you influenced by your family? Tanya: My father always retains a positive outlook. My mother reminds me no matter how disturbing things may seem, there’s always a way to fix them. They’re wonderfully optimistic people who always reminded me there’s a way to get things done. William: What were your dreams and aspirations as a young girl? Tanya: I wanted to be successful and independent, and to have the freedom to do things I felt like doing. William: How did you make the choice to study at Howard and Yale Universities? Tanya: I wanted to go to a historically black college and since I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do; I liked the broad range of choices Howard offered. As for Yale, I was attracted to its approach to the study of law: at Yale, law wasn’t just something to be blindly followed but also something to be understood. That way, if you need to fix something that’s broken, you’ll have a basis for making a correction without disrupting other parts that work. JULY / AUGUST 2019
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
William: How did you make the definitive choice to study law? Tanya: I wanted to make sure I understood how things worked, regardless of what I ended up doing. William: What type of student were you? Tanya: I was a pretty good one. Education is an incredible opportunity and the great equalizer. I enjoyed getting mine. William: What is the power of mentee / mentor programs? Tanya: They are incredibly powerful. A mentor is someone who can provide the sort of friendship, advice, and constructive criticism that can help you move the ball along in life. William: Tell us about Hot Bench? Tanya: Judge Judy created our show – we’re three judges deciding real small claims cases and hearing arguments from the actual litigants involved in the dispute. We discuss the arguments in our chambers and then render a binding decision. We’re in our sixth season.
William: What is it about Hot Bench you believe viewers appreciate? Tanya: I think viewers like the chance to see us deliberate. It’s not often people can witness judicial decision makers discussing and debating their verdicts before they announce them. William: What message do you hope viewers receive after watching Hot Bench? Tanya: Be respectful of people. Try to deescalate things before they get out of hand. Document things
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“
William: Have you ever regretted any decisions you’ve made in court? Tanya: Our verdicts are the product of a majority vote and when the case is done it’s final for everyone. I’m not going to Monday morning quarterback any of our verdicts.
How do you define success? Being able to do as you want (without harming others).
William: With such a solid legal background, what attracted you to television? Tanya: Television attracted me to television. There’s almost no better medium for communicating with a broad audience, and I like being able to engage in that type of communication.
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and don’t use the court system to advance bogus claims. (There are supposed to be disincentives for this — even in non-TV courtrooms. - but people who choose to advance frivolous lawsuits can sometimes get further than you might think.)
”
William: Are you optimistic about people? Tanya: Absolutely, at least about most of them. There are way more good apples than bad ones - it’s just the bad ones use up a lot of our energy and take up a lot of our time. The good apples; however, can always find a way to reclaim the conversation. Bad apples end up rotting sooner, anyway. William: What advice do you have for a new lawyer or judge? Tanya: My advice for a new lawyer is to read as much as you can and be as prepared as you can as often as you can.
William: What are the characteristics you value most in other people? Tanya: Honesty and optimism. William: What are the characteristics you value most in yourself? Tanya: Honesty, optimism, and perseverance. William: I’m keenly interested in your interest in board of director memberships. Speak to us about why being a board member is important to you. Tanya: I want to contribute to organizations and causes I believe in. The best way of doing that is by actively participating in organizations that are doing the work.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
William: What is your guilty pleasure? Tanya: I’ve a few. Discussing the intricacies of Game of Thrones; eating my homemade glutenfree chocolate chip cookies. I wish I could get to Disneyland more often, but I don’t feel the least bit guilty about that. William: What would you like named after you? Tanya: I don’t know. It depends on what I do to deserve it. William: Do you have a role model? If so, who? Tanya: I have a few. 1) My mom; 2) Madame C.J. Walker (an African-American entrepreneur who at the time of her death (in 1919) was the wealthiest self-made woman in America); 3) Sojourner Truth, who went to court and won at a time when AfricanAmericans were considered property; 4) Robert Smalls, who was born an enslaved American in South Carolina, and who escaped by commandeering a Confederate battleship and delivering it to the Union army 5) Vice Admiral Samuel Gravely, the first African-American to command a Navy battleship 6) my first boss, Judge Dorothy W. Nelson (U.S. Court of Appeal for the 9th Circuit); 7) my current boss, Judge Judy Sheindlin; 8) Michelle Obama, and 9) Oprah Winfrey.
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“
My advice for a first-time lawyer is to read as much as you can and be as prepared as you can as often as you can.
”
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William: What is your proudest moment? Tanya: I’ve had a few. I’ve been on the winning side of some cases that were important to me. William: You do notable work outside of the courtroom. Tell us what Tanya Acker is up to when you’re not filming Hot Bench or practicing law. Tanya: I serve on various philanthropic boards. I’m writing a book. I’ve started a podcast, The Tanya Acker Show. Tune into my podcast - it’s available on iTunes. William: How do you manage successfully your life, so your head is not so full and crazy? Tanya: I like having a full head. But I also like yoga and being outside. Working out is essential. My home life is very peaceful, and I really appreciate that. William: What would we find you doing to remain centered and focused? Tanya: Praying; meditating; yoga; enjoying the warmth and positive energy of my family and friends. William: How do you define success? Tanya: Being able to do as you want (without harming others). William: How are you living your best life? Tanya: By just living it! l
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FEATURE
WITH PLANS OF TRIPS AND RELAXATION ON THE HORIZON, IT CAN BE EASY TO GIVE YOUR WELLNESS ROUTINE A VACATION, TOO. BEFORE YOU JET SET OFF ON YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE, TAKE A MOMENT TO BE CONSCIOUSLY AWARE OF HOW YOUR MIND AND BODY MAY REACT TO AN OVERLY ACTIVE AND JAM-PACKED SUMMER SCHEDULE.
Mandy Moore’ s
MINDFUL TIPS FOR A WELL-BALANCED, LIVELY SUMMER
“ A
s someone with a busy lifestyle, having an intentional, balanced wellness routine helps me be my best self for my job, my friends and my family,” said actress and wellness advocate Mandy Moore. Partnering with Nature’s Way to celebrate its 50th birthday, Moore shares a passion for paving a better way to wellness. While no single trick or technique guarantees well-rounded health, it’s about establishing habits that work best for you and your lifestyle. Your routine may often change daily depending where
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you are on your wellness journey, but Moore shares thoughtful considerations to always keep in mind: 1. Start from Within. It’s important to understand the connection between your mind and body. “I recognize it takes time, trust and baby steps, but the outcome is incredibly rewarding,” Moore said. “I’m a strong believer in the power of therapy and find my most important work is done during the moments
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FEATURE
when I feel like I’m operating at 100 percent.” She also recommends downloading a meditation app, calling a friend or writing in a journal to help balance a hectic summer schedule. 2. Seek New Ways to Nourish Your Body. Wellness goes beyond simply what you put on your plate. Listening to your body can help you go the extra mile, especially when you’re traveling, which is why Moore takes Alive! Women’s Energy from Nature’s Way, packed with 16 different health-benefiting vitamins and minerals. Drinking water-based beverages is a big piece of her wellness routine, as well. She loves relaxing with tea sourced from around the globe and drinking water with liquid chlorophyll for an internal refresher. 3. Breathe in the Sights, Scents and Sounds of Nature. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to take time to breathe; to take in nature’s true beauty. Watch a sunset, walk through a park or get away from the city lights so you can really see the stars shine. Be more proactive this summer and immerse yourself in environments that truly allow you to feel renewed. Moore loves to go hiking and walks her dogs, Jackson and Joni, each day. “There’s something that’s innately healing about feeling connected to the ground – feeling grounded, literally, to the world around you,” Moore said. 4. Unplug to Recharge. Even if your schedule constantly keeps you on the go, it’s important for your mental health and well-being to take time to unplug and find different ways to clear your mind. “Take moments to step away from the computer, tablet or phone – put it in the other room, let it charge and do something else constructive for your brain,” Moore said. “Pick up a book, put on an album, call a friend, light a
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candle and decompress. I’m a big proponent of smell; sense therapy is really helpful for me. One of the first things I do when I get home is light a candle.” For more ways to take care of your body and mind this summer, visit 50.naturesway.com.
Cool Off with Chlorofresh Servings: 1 8 ounces lemon water 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice 1/2teaspoon ground ginger 1pinch salt 1 teaspoon Nature’s Way Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll (unflavored) Mix lemon water, lemon juice, ground ginger, salt and unflavored chlorophyll liquid. Serve over ice.
Summer Travel Advice According to an AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans – 4 in 10 U.S. adults – are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, slightly more than last year, with road trips topping many vacationers’ plans. Before you depart from reality, take a moment to ensure you and your loved ones are fully prepared with these tips.
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Pack Your Patience Be prepared for busy roads and long airport security lines throughout the summer. Bring books, games or music for the ride to keep kids and other passengers entertained. Pack healthy snacks for kids, especially if you can’t fit in a full meal while traveling, and don’t forget to pack a pillow as well as information on your destination.
Take Preventative Measures Air travel, especially on international flights, can be stressful and lead to extra strain on your physical and psychological health. Fatigue, increased stress and mental changes have also been reported during and after long-distance flights, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Take time to make sure your immune system is functioning at its best. A study published in “Nutrients,” found air travelers taking capsules containing elderberry extract before and during their trips experienced an improved immune system response versus travelers who were given a placebo. Elderberry extract is available in a variety of travelfriendly formats. For example, Nature’s Way, a pioneer in the health industry, offers Sambucus Elderberry Zinc Lozenges and Gummies, which can be found at most health and wellness retailers. Be sure to ask your health care provider for advice when adding a new supplement to your diet.
Break a (Free) Sweat These days, many hotels and resorts offer on-site fitness rooms, but they may not always have your preferred equipment and machinery. If you decide to hit the gym, you may be able to score a free day pass. A lot of chain gyms, and even some local operations, may offer free, one-day trial experiences. With a little research in advance of your trip, you can ensure your fitness routine doesn’t go out the window simply because you’re away from home. (Family Features) l JULY / AUGUST 2019
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Beauty
SUMMER MUST-HAVES TO BRIGHTEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE
WITH SUMMER IN FULL SWING, EVERYONE IS SEEKING THE BEST BEAUTY INSPIRATION TO PREPARE FOR THE WARMER WEATHER STYLES AND SUN-KISSED LOOKS.
W
hether you are planning for a staycation or jet-setting around the country, these easy and effective steps can make your face glow and look vibrant for the season. Need some suggestions? Actress, model, beauty and fashion influencer Olivia Culpo shares her four go-to summer beauty products to keep her shining from the inside and out all summer long: Tinted Moisturizer Summer days call for a more subtle, no-makeup-makeup look to show off your glowing skin. To maintain a dewy summer look, Culpo swears by skipping heavy coverage that comes from your
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typical foundation and opting for lightweight tinted moisturizers. That way, you’re guaranteed to have dewy moisturized skin with an evened complexion. Tinted moisturizers also come with SPF so you’re covered all day long. Makeup Remover Wipes When you’re on the go, there’s nothing better than turning to cleansing wipes in times of need. They’re quick, easy, affordable and get the job done. Culpo keeps them handy for hot summer days when she needs a quick touch-up. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste The secret behind Olivia’s dazzling white smile is Colgate Optic White High Impact Toothpaste. Formulated
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with a key ingredient — hydrogen peroxide — Colgate Optic White toothpaste penetrates below the tooth’s surface to deeply whiten. It’s a top summer essential, especially if you frequently drink teeth stain offenders like coffee, tea, and red wine. “I don’t mess around with anything that
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doesn’t work. I look for products that are the most effective and I really see the results,” Culpo said. Coconut Oil Lip Balm Paired with a beautiful, white smile, coconut oil lip balm gives you luscious lips with the perfect
amount of shine. Coconut oil is ultra-hydrating, with a moisturizing power to nourish and smooth out your lips. Plus, the tropical coconut scent gives you the feeling that you’re on a beach getaway, so you can get vacation vibes wherever you are. (BPT) l JULY / AUGUST 2019
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Beauty
SURE, DRY HAIR SOUNDS LIKE MORE OF A WINTER THAN SUMMER PROBLEM BUT HEAR US OUT. YOUR HAIR CAN GET SEVERELY DRIED OUT FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT FACTORS IN THE SUMMER. FOR EXAMPLE: SUN EXPOSURE, CHLORINE, AND EVEN SALTWATER.
H
kWRITTEN BY TONY ODISHO
ere’s how you can combat these and keep your hair hydrated this summer without sacrificing any fun. Heat Style Less Often We know how hard it can be to put down the blow dryer and curling iron, but this is important. If you can even just go a few days with your natural hair texture, it will do your hair a lot of good. If you really can’t stand how your hair looks, try some heatless hairstyles like braids or buns. The benefits to lessening heat styling are immeasurable. Use a Heat Protectant If you absolutely must heat style your hair, be sure to use an effective heat protectant. We recommend
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR
HAIR HYDRATED THIS SUMMER 3-in-1 Mist because it packs so many benefits into one bottle. Not only does it protect against heat, it also protects against UV rays and has detangling properties. It’s a must for your next beach day. Brush Regularly Brushing out your hair often helps distribute healthy oils from your scalp so they can moisturize your hair naturally. Be wary; however, if you have naturally curly hair. If you have straight or wavy hair, this step is essential. We recommend brushing with a boar bristle paddle brush
at least twice a day, especially if you have hair extensions. Deep Condition Semi-Regularly Deep conditioning is an easy way to rehydrate your hair quickly. However, you should make sure to check the ingredients and only use products free of sulfates and parabens. Sulfates and parabens dry out your hair and can even compromise your color. Luckily, the Hydrate Masque (formerly known as Intense Conditioner) is free of those harmful ingredients.
About Tony Odisho
Drink More Water This may seem like an odd inclusion on a list of hair tips, but it’s actually very important. If your body is hydrated, it’s easier to keep your hair hydrated. It’s as simple as that. If you’re spending a long day out in the hot sun, be sure to fill your water bottle (or bottles) ahead of time.
Tony Odisho, President and Founder of Tony Odisho, began his career in Rome, Italy, where he studied cosmetology at the prestigious Marelena Academy. Young and ambitious, Odisho immigrated to the United States determined to bring the best beauty practices from Europe. He was promptly hired by L’Oréal Professionnel to work as an educator and color expert. Tony then opened his acclaimed salon and spa, Exsalonce, in Roscoe Village, Chicago. Tony’s reputation as a master extensionist and businessman landed him an executive position for a major hair extensions brand. In 2009, Tony saw the need for his own line of high-end hair extensions. He created Tony Odisho, offering the best quality extensions and everything needed to apply and care for them. Tony Odisho, Beauty for Life. Tony Odisho is still a master stylist and a member of the prestigious Intercoiffure America-Canada.
Apply Smooth Serum Smooth Serum is made with a super lightweight formula that moisturizes dried out hair without weighing it down like other hair serums. Apply it to damp hair after a shower or to dry hair as needed. It smells and feels fantastic, so you’re
practically guaranteed to get hooked and use it year-round. Whatever your hair care regimen is, be sure to carve out some time and choose products specifically to keep your hair hydrated this summer. Follow these tips and you’ll have healthy, hydrated hair, no matter what the season. l
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Beauty
WAYS TO STYLE BLO BLOW DRY BAR, THE ORIGINAL BLOW DRY BAR, HAS LAUNCHED ITS SUMMER HAIR MENU, INCLUSIVE OF THREE NEW STYLES INSPIRED BY THE SEASON’S HOTTEST HAIR TRENDS. DESIGNED TO KEEP THE HAIR PULLED BACK, THESE STYLISH UP-DOS WILL HELP WOMEN STAY COOL ON HOT SUMMER DAYS WHILE STILL LOOKING FABULOUS.
Glass Act
Dreamweaver
This sleek style is the perfect ‘do for those seeking a silky “glass hair” look. With the hair pulled back away from the face and styled with the Color Wow Dream Coat treatment to slay humidity, the Glass Act will leave guests feeling fabulous and polished on even the hottest summer days.
This high volume, low manetenance braided pony is a must ‘do for sunny day adventures. Styled with loose, bohemian chic waves, the Dreamweaver will have guests channeling their inner flower child as they hit the beach, pool or wherever their summer days may take them.
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YOUR HAIR
FOR SUMMER POOL PARTIES
Double Take Sun’s out, buns out. These effortlessly stylish summer buns make for the perfect playful summer do’. With two twisted buns stacked together, this looks will have guests turning heads all summer long. l
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IN FLUENCE
Beauty
FOR YOUR BEST BROWS EVER
STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE
T
hroughout the decades, brow looks come and go. Full, bushy brows evoke 80s-era Brooke Shields. Super skinny brows scream the late 90s. Recently, the perfectly painted “Insta Brow” has been having a major moment. For 2019, a more easy-going, lower maintenance, the natural brow is trending. To achieve this look, we tapped brow guru Umbreen Sheikh for her best tips. As a licensed cosmetologist and Founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar, Umbreen is a bonafide brow savant. Here’s how she – and her teams at Wink’s multiple locations in New York City, Brooklyn, and London – are helping clients live their best brow lives.
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Umbreen Sheikh’s Top 6 Brow Tricks
1Assume the Position
While you might think you need to park yourself thisclose to the mirror to precision-groom your brows, that isn’t the case. “Standing too close can throw-off your brow proportions, and make you lose perspective on the overall shape,” says Umbreen. “For best results, stand at least one foot away.”
2 Break out the Brush
Short on time? At the very least, give your brows a thorough brushing. Stroke up and over, and then anchor your arches with a dab of brow gel
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TIPS FROM UMBREEN SHEIKH, FOUNDER + CEO, WINK BROW BAR or clear mascara. (More on brow gel shade-selection below.) FYI, the Wink tool of choice has an angled side and a spoolie on one end, so consider investing in a brow brush of similar quality. You’ll be using it every day, so it will pay for itself in no time.
3Select Your Ideal Shade
Picking the perfect, slam-dunk shade of gel, pencil or powder is crucial, so this is where you need to spend real quality time. As a rule, you’ll want to match your hair roots,
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which are typically one shade lighter than your brows. “Most women want their brows to add definition to their face, and not ‘read’ as harsh or aggressive,” says Umbreen. “Matching your brows to your roots does that.” With one exception, Umbreen cautions. “If you’re blonde, go a shade darker than your roots. Otherwise, you’ll look washed-out.” NOTE: If you opt for professional brow tinting, which lasts for up to four weeks and is among Wink’s most popular services, you can skip this shade-selection tip altogether. How easy is that?
4 Get a Little Nosey
One of the very best things about next-level brow grooming, whether you master it yourself or pop by Wink for professional assistance, is that it allows you to visually alter the shape of your nose. Thinner, wider – whatever nose look you’re after, beautiful brows can help you get there. If you’re opting for thinner, Umbreen recommends drawing an imaginary vertical line from the tip of your nose to the beginning of your brow and then focusing your shade-filling right there at the start. To make your nose appear wider, do the opposite and focus your
shade-filling at the end of your brow, not the beginning.
5Pencil (or powder) It In
Whichever shade format you choose, the absolute key to success is to follow the basic shape of your existing brow. Go easy, and only add color between hairs, as needed. “The idea is to shade, not ‘draw’ your brows on from scratch,” says Umbreen. “The goal is a soft, subtle look that lends definition. Straight, hard lines are to be avoided at all costs.”
6Between Brow
Appointments, “Cheat” with Concealer Pressed for time? If you can’t make it into Wink or carve-out 15 minutes to do a thorough DIY bathroom brow-grooming sesh, Umbreen recommends adding a dab of concealer on the unruliest hairs. “Whatever you do, resist the temptation to just yank them out,” she says. “Brows add so much structure and personality to your face that you really want to take your time, and groom properly. Or better yet, head to Wink, and let us help.” Visit www.winkbrowbar.com. l
About Umbreen Sheikh The #BossLady of Brows, London-born / New York-based Umbreen Sheikh is on a mission to embrower every woman she meets. A second-generation cosmetologist, Umbreen learned the ancient technique of threading from her mother, who owned several London salons. In transferring this centuriesold knowledge to her curious, capable daughter, little did Umbreen’s mother know that she was setting the stage for a brow-centric beauty empire. Umbreen attended University at King’s College London and obtain a degree in Biomedical Sciences. But it was a postUniversity move to Manhattan that would eventually bring Umbreen, full circle, right back to brows. By 2014, Umbree developed the concept for Wink Brow Bar. And ever since, she’s been in full-on growth mode – adding locations, services, and products at breakneck speed. Seguing from luxury threading studio to immersive beauty brand, today’s Wink is covering all the bases. In addition to caring for her family and running her business, Umbreen is heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors. As a committee member of Developments In Literacy, she has helped educate 27,000 Pakistani girls. She is also a Lotus Circle Advisor for The Asia Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for women throughout Asia. Umbreen resides with her family in New York City.
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THE ESSENTIAL
FALL JEWELRY GUIDE
CONGÉS FINE JEWELRY DETAILS TOP FALL TRENDS, CRAFTS HANDMADE PIECES DESIGNED FOR PERSONAL JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND EMPOWERMENT
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s Mother Nature makes her way from summer to fall, Congés offers a taste of the season’s hottest accessory trends. Consciously crafted Congés fine jewelry accentuates the beauty of perspective through the energy of nature and power of thoughts. Each distinct collection features aspects of fall’s biggest trends combined with the healing energy and raw, natural beauty of Mother Earth. All colors of gold reign supreme this fall, from classic yellow and white to brilliant blushing rose. We will also see charms coming back in, along with bracelets, and a rising trend of self-awareness, accountability, and recognition of individual effect on the environment which increases the appreciation of crystals and stones with corresponding properties. Whether they are worn or kept
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nearby, more non-believers are becoming believers in the distinct comfort that nature offers, found in popular stones such as Rose Quartz and Amethyst - perfect for everyone. Each Congés piece is crafted delicately for easy layering atop fall’s bold and colorful wardrobe. While Carnelian, Malachite, Hematite, Sodalite, and Sunstone will likely feature heavily this season, even Congés designer Hasmig “Jasmine” Penna can’t choose a favorite. “Asking me to choose which of my family members I like more is a tough question to answer,” responds Penna, “I love so many of my crystal friends!” Although individuality is always in fashion, meaning and depth will take on greater significance than simply doing something to be diffe-
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rent. A growing communal vibe elevates community-driven thoughts and the sharing of ideas, while a stronger focus on symbolism gives rise to unique pieces - specifically charms - with purpose and meaning that can be worn as each person chooses. Choosing the best stone should be easy among Congés’ personalized collections, particularly as casual conversation turns to selfempowerment, loved ones, and balancing mind, body, and soul. Achieve balance with the untold power of nature’s precious metals, stones, and crystals. Explore playful self-expression with a lavish collection which harmoniously combines earth’s untapped healing energy and the latest looks on everyone’s list. Shop the environmentally conscious Signature, Personalized Signature, Third Eye, Dream Catcher and Native American, Scarab and Ancient Egypt, and Journey collections now at CongesLife.com. Find inspiration and expression for the soul on Instagram @CongesLife. l
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Hasmig “Jasmine” Penna
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THE ESSENTIAL
FALL JEWELRY GUIDE
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EACH CONGÉS PIECE IS CRAFTED DELICATELY FOR EASY LAYERING ATOP FALL’S BOLD AND COLORFUL WARDROBE. WHILE CARNELIAN, MALACHITE, HEMATITE, SODALITE, AND SUNSTONE WILL LIKELY FEATURE HEAVILY THIS SEASON JULY / AUGUST 2019
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5 T
SHOPPING FOR DIAMONDS?
OPTIONS, FROM
METEOR-MADE
TO MAN-MADE
his wedding season — and year-round — diamonds are in demand from purists and romantics alike who want to indulge in the most coveted of But did you know that there are many alternatives to mined diamonds that provide their wearers with gorgeous jewelry as well as a unique sense of style? Here are some of the spectacular gemstones available on Jewelry Television (JTV), ranging from iconic jewelry “must haves” to notable options that may be new to you.
Mined Diamonds. The standard for engagement and wedding rings, but also heirloom quality fashion jewelry, is the traditional mined diamond, the most iconic of all gems. These gems formed deep below the Earth’s surface over millions of years, making
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them rare, unique and intrinsically highly valuable. The stunning variety of designs, cuts and settings available using traditional diamonds make them the ultimate complement to any wardrobe choice.
Lab-grown Diamonds. An increasingly popular gemstone is a labgrown diamond. These are actual diamonds, with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds, but are produced in a laboratory. The complex, highly technical process of growing diamonds in a lab creates these treasured gemstones that are cut, faceted and polished in the same way as mined diamonds. Innovative labgrown diamonds are a great choice for the progressive woman who has the confidence to show that she’s found a beautiful, authentic diamond at a great value.
FLUENTIAL JULY / AUGUST 2019
Moissanite. Originally discovered in 1893 in a crater created by a meteorite, natural moissanite is composed of carbon and silicon, making it one of the hardest known minerals on earth, second only to diamonds. It is extremely resistant to scratching and chipping. Natural moissanite for jewelry is incredibly rare, but moissanite has now been synthesized in a laboratory, making it both more affordable and accessible. Moissanite Fire has a higher dispersion value than diamond, and JTV’s skilled cutters facet the crystals to maximize the brilliance and enhance the exceptional fire. It offers a brilliant, sophisticated appearance that’s perfect for both everyday wear and glamorous evening looks, with a wide selection of styles and price points available.
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DIAMONDS ARE EXTOLLED IN MOVIES AND SONGS FOR GOOD REASON — THEIR ROMANCE, ALLURE AND DURABILITY MAKE THEM THE IDEAL SYMBOL OF LOVE AND FIDELITY. ALL GEMSTONES.
true showstopper that complements a woman’s sparkling personality.
Strontium Titanate. This man-made diamond simulant, which is an oxide of strontium and titanium, also has a significantly higher dispersion value than diamonds. While it appears like a diamond, it has a different composition. Fabulite Strontium Titanate offers an incredible kaleidoscope of colorful fire and sparkle to make any wearer stand out from the crowd. It’s a
Cubic Zirconia. Possibly the bestknown man-made diamond simulant, cubic zirconia is an affordable alternative for adding bling to your everyday wear or for a statement look. To ensure the highest level of craftsmanship and quality, look
for a reputable brand such as Bella Luce. Cubic zirconia jewelry enables fun-loving women to be playful and creative with their style and experiment with different looks, due to the versatility and affordability of this popular gem. To learn more about all of these gemstones, from mined or manmade diamonds to diamond simulants and much more, check out JTV’s broadcast network, with expert hosts to help educate and inform you on your decisions, or visit JTV.com. (BPT) l
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ORBIT:
THE SMART RING CLEANER KEEPS GOLD, DIAMOND, AND GEMSTONE JEWELRY SPARKLING LIKE NEW EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM COOKING OR CHORES TO EXERCISING OR COMMUTING TO WORK CAN LEAD TO A GRIMY BUILDUP ON DIAMOND AND GEMSTONE JEWELRY.
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hat’s more, putting on makeup, lotion, hair products, sunscreen or perfume leaves a film on rings, making it look dull and dingy. Even food, soap or oils from fingers can cause problems. While it’s always best to try and avoid getting a ring dirty to begin with by removing it or wearing gloves when appropriate, it’s not always practical to keep taking the ring on and off. To keep rings looking sparkling and beautiful, clean them easily at home with ORBIT: The Smart Ring Cleaner. ORBIT safely cleans all types of diamond and gemstone rings, as well as men’s and women’s wedding bands in gold and platinum. With a patented 360-degree “twist-brush” design, this innovative cleaner gently reaches under and around the stones with a simple spin of
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the wrist. In just 60 seconds, using water and dish soap, rings will come out sparkling clean. Depending upon a person’s lifestyle, rings should be cleaned at least once a month. “I’ve been in the fine jewelry business for over 20 years,” says ORBIT creator Adam Shatz. “My customers are always asking how to protect their investment by keeping their rings clean. I wanted to design something that is effective, yet quick and easy to use, affordable and safe for both the jewelry and the environment, without the use of harsh chemicals. The result is ORBIT, a one-of-a- kind jewelry cleaning device. With proper care, you and your rings can live happily ever after.” The ORBIT cleaner is not only for diamond and gemstone engagement, wedding and
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anniversary rings, but also for gold and platinum wedding bands to help keep them from looking discolored. It’s also not just for women’s jewelry. “More and more men are choosing rings with intricate patterns or gemstones which need the same upkeep to stay looking their best,” adds Shatz. It’s important to keep anything abrasive like bleach or household cleaners away from jewelry. These can damage the metal. In addition, contrary to popular belief, do not use baking soda or toothpaste, as they are not good for diamonds. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners should also be avoided for home use since the strong vibrations could possibly cause stones to become loose. Other safety tips for rings include making sure to keep them in a designated jewelry holder or box when removed and keeping drains closed when rings are near sinks or tubs. Use soft lintfree cloths for drying rings and hands when possible, and periodically check for loose stones or prongs. Learn more about ORBIT: The Smart Ring Cleaner by visiting www.orbitcleaner.com. l JULY / AUGUST 2019
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STYLE INFLUENCER
SHARRON CLEAR
SHOWS US CHIC AND VIBRANT WITH WARMER SUMMER PIECES WEATHER UPON US, IT’S TO BEAT THE HEAT! OFFICIALLY TIME TO START PUTTING YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE TO GOOD USE.
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he summer season is filled with a range of fashion-forward pieces to shop, but nothing is quite as effortless and easy-to-wear as the perfect summer dress. Style, beauty, and lifestyle influencer Sharron Clear known as @arrayoffaces on Instagram has given us the inside scoop on the best summer pieces to beat the heat in! Here are her top picks for affordable styles that we can’t wait to wear to work, vacations, and beyond.
Flowy, Free, and Fashionable Maxi dresses are perfect for busy moms on the go. They’re cool and easy to throw on for something relaxing and cute to drop the kids off
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ASOS DESIGN Pleated Short Sleeved Maxi Dress in Pink Floral Print: $64.00
Flounce Off Shoulder Pleated Satin Maxi dress from SHEIN: $28.00
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About Sharron Clear Sharron Clear is a strong, self-made single mom of three whose story begins with southern roots and California dreams. Born in Tennessee, Clear was the youngest of four athletic girls and a self-professed “girly girl athlete” herself. Losing an older sister at the hands of a drunk driver, Clear became an advocate early on for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other similar organizations. With a love for fashion and an eye for trends, Clear always loved dressing up. She recalls gaining notoriety for her outside-the-box style ideas: men’s shorts, oversized shirts, vibrant colors, and unique designs. Earning a reputation for being one of the best dressed throughout her school years, friends would often approach Clear for fashion advice. In her free time, she would sketch beautiful gowns and other upscale pieces, even designing her very own prom dress.
New Look
at school, go to work, or church. The less fabric you have touching your body, the more comfortable you will feel. A flowy maxi dress will keep you cooler than a pair of shorts and a tank.
Show Some Skin but Make Sure You Load Up on SPF Summer is the perfect season to show some skin and embrace trends like off-the-shoulder dresses. Off-the-shoulder dresses are loss fitting and you don’t feel too restrained. This makes for cooler days and is perfect for running errands in the summer heat.
4SI3NNA Aleena Floral Maxi Dress $42.97
Simply Strappy “I love skinny straps because they’re less attached to your body,” says Clear. Many of these styles have super thin fabric which is great for summer. You can also wear this dress to work and pair with a cute cardigan.
Nothing Wrong with a Little Leg Action Dresses that have a slit front or side are perfect for looking sexy and cool at the same time. A chic floral print adorns this summer-ready dress great for any daytime party, date night, or hanging with the girls. l
In 2017, Clear began documenting her every day #GirlBoss style on Instagram, growing an engaged audience of over 57,000 followers. Clear resigned in 2018 to focus full time on her personal brand, Array of Faces, and today on Instagram (@arrayoffaces) her followers turn to her everyday upbeat messages to get inspired themselves. Gaining widespread attention for her positive outlook and unique approach to fashion, Clear has since worked with global fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands such as TreSemme, Aerie, Aveeno, Vici Dolls, Walgreens, GoDaddy, ROKU, IHG Hotels and Resorts, and many more. A fighter and self-made inspiration, Clear creates content, in vibrant color, that uplifts and motivates others to do what makes them happy. Check out @arrayoffaces and arrayoffaces.com for style, beauty, travel, and lifestyle content for the #GirlBoss.
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SAINT SOMEBODY CREATES PREMIUM-QUALITY SWIMWEAR PIECES THAT ARE BEAUTIFULLY STRUCTURED WITH SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGY, CLEAN LINES AND SOPHISTICATED STYLES, ALLOWING WOMEN SIZES 8 TO 16 TO WEAR THE COLLECTION WITH CONFIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAINT SOMEBODY.
Come As You Are One Piece in Black
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BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT JUST A BODY
YOU ARE
S
SOMEBODY
aint Somebody, an Australia-based swimwear brand catering to the modern woman, is proud to officially launch in the United States market. Created on Australia’s Northern Beaches in 2017, Saint Somebody was founded by Sophie Henderson-Smart, a mother of two and Sydney native. Preparing for a European beach getaway, Henderson-Smart failed to find a swimsuit that catered to her own curves but did not boast loud and garish designs, fit awkwardly or fall apart due to flimsy material. After struggling to find a swimwear label that was fashionable, high quality and looked good in all the right places, Henderson-Smart decided to create the product she had been searching for; thus, Saint Somebody was born.
Saint Somebody embraces sophisticated silhouettes and celebrates the beautiful diversity of womankind, giving women sizes 8 to 16 swimsuit options that make them feel good. Saint Somebody designs the fit specifically for this size range and combines two layers of fabric for the ultimate in seamless coverage. Each detail on every piece is thoughtfully designed with a woman’s natural curves in mind. Henderson-Smart personally tries on every swimsuit she designs to ensure a perfect fit. Henderson-Smart notes, “I love the water and I was unable to find a swimsuit that made me feel like I could comfortably and happily take on the beach or pool in style. I wanted a product that ticked a basic list of needs that didn’t currently exist. Knowing what was available in the mainstream market and online, I
used my business and marketing experience to create the swim line I had been searching for.” Designed in Australia and ethically made in Bali, Saint Somebody is environmentally conscious in both production and distribution. Giving back to the planet is incredibly important to the brand, and it has partnered with B1G1, a nonprofit that uses the proceeds from every sale to assist a remarkable array of global causes. To date, Saint Somebody has given families in Cambodia 10,080 days of access to clean water and families in India 1,050 days of access to lighting. Saint Somebody wants women to dive into the world feeling fantastic and, above all, confident. Because you are not just a body — you are somebody. To shop the collection and learn more about Saint Somebody, visit www.saint-somebody.com. l
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Name of the Game Cap Sleeve One Piece in Black
Linen Dress White
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Bikini Bottoms Olive
Come As You Are One Piece in Black
Com
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me As You Are One Piece in Mustard Born to be Real One Piece in Teal
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Eye on the Prize Top with Lucky you Bottoms in Olive
BECAUSE NOT JUS
YOU
SOME 50
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Eye on the Prize Top with Lucky you Bottoms in Black Rib
Come As You Are One Piece in Smoke
Bikini Top Black
E YOU ARE ST A BODY
U ARE
EBODY
Love is the Answer One Piece Black/White
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FOREVER
TIME TO BREAK OUT YOUR BEDAZZLER:
21
IS BRINGING BABY PHAT BACK!
F
kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
BABY PHAT / FOREVER 21.
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ashion designer / entrepreneur / philanthropist, Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner, announced in March the reacquisition of her iconic streetwear brand, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. The announcement was met with explosive excitement from the fashion industry and a vested interest in what a 2019 interpretation of the lauded urban lifestyle brand might look like. Today the brand is thrilled to announce that Baby Phat has returned with a surprise capsule collaboration with retail giant, Forever 21. A limited-edition collection of knitwear separates bearing the brand’s iconic cat logo will debut, designed to both thrill Gen Xers who grew up with Baby Phat, and young xennials and centennials who weren’t even born the first time the brand skyrocketed into the public eye. The campaign will feature Kimora and her daughters, Ming Lee (19) and Aoki Lee (16). Baby Phat will be woman-owned, woman-led, and as always, designed by and for women – now including Kimora’s daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. As little girls, Kimora’s daughters held hands
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with their mom for the finale bow of every Baby Phat runway show during New York Fashion Week. They now join the family business with a multi-generational contribution to Baby Phat’s refreshed creative vision. Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner has worn many hats in her career - as a designer, model, Creative Director, advocate, philanthropist, entrepreneur, TV personality, author, Tony award winner and investor. She served as the President and Creative Director of Baby Phat from 1999-onward. When Kimora came up with the idea for Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons 20 years ago in 1999, it was because urban street wear was a clothing category totally dominated by men. She saw the opportunity to innovate – to give women a way to express themselves and to be a part of the birth of lifestyle apparel that didn’t yet exist – women had no voice in the category, especially not women of color. “Baby Phat, from its birth to what we’re doing right now, has really
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KIMORA LEE SIMMONS LEISSNER ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF BABY PHAT WITH THE DEBUT OF A SPECIAL SUMMER CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH FOREVER 21
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been a celebration of innovative women who pushed the world forward to embrace the urban lifestyle when many in the business and in society at large, did not have that vision or foresight,” comments Simmons-Leissner. “This was a movement. People forget that. It’s incredibly rewarding work with Forever 21 to bring forward these new collections and this message now more than ever.” “Baby Phat is always front and center when you think of iconic streetwear brands,” says Linda Chang, VP of Merchandising for Forever 21. “We are so thrilled to be a part of a relaunch for a brand that carved the way for women in streetwear and fashion. It has been an honor to work with Kimora Lee Simmons and her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, on this project, and we can’t wait to help customers rediscover a legendary brand.” The Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons collection for Forever 21 will consist of crop tops and tanks, tube tops, bodysuits, mini skirts, sweatshirts and shorts, all emblazoned with the iconic Baby Phat cat logo, inspired by Simmons-Leissner’s longtime pet cat, Max. All styles are priced beneath a $25 price point and will be offered in Women’s Sizes (S, M, and L) and Plus Sizes. The Baby Phat x Kimora Lee Simmons capsule collection will be shoppable at more than 230 Forever 21 doors nationwide, and at www.forever21.com. l
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Fashion & Style
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FOREVER
TIME TO BREAK OUT YOUR BEDAZZLER:
21
IS BRINGING BABY PHAT BACK!
THE BABY PHAT BY KIMORA LEE SIMMONS COLLECTION FOR FOREVER 21 CONSISTS OF CROP TOPS AND TANKS, TUBE TOPS, BODYSUITS, MINI SKIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS AND SHORTS, ALL EMBLAZONED WITH THE ICONIC BABY PHAT CAT LOGO, INSPIRED BY SIMMONS-LEISSNER’S LONGTIME PET CAT, MAX. JULY / AUGUST 2019
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
“
I believe one of the main things I’ve taught Rochelle is to not take no for an answer. 60
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”
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JUNE
JACOBS
HAS TURNED A PERSONAL STRUGGLE AND STORY INTO SUCCESS FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS, JUNE JACOBS HAS BEEN A WORLD-RENOWNED SPA VISIONARY AND BEAUTY AND WELLNESS EXPERT. JUNE, TOGETHER WITH HER DAUGHTER ROCHELLE, CREATED A LINE CENTERED ON HIGHLY EFFICACIOUS, NATURAL INGREDIENTS FORMULATED TO DELIVER IMMEDIATE, IMPACTFUL RESULTS WITH LONG-TERM BENEFITS.
k INTERVIEW WRITTEN AND CONDUCTED BY
WILLIAM JACKSON, MBA, FOUNDER & CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JUNE JACOBS.
ll products feature cutting-edge botanical extracts, high-quality actives and a 20-year U.S. patented antioxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts to help prevent the visible signs of premature aging. Every product is made without parabens, sulfates, synthetic preservatives, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, petrolatum and mineral oil. Behold the key to unlocking the power of your natural beauty. Experience the ultimate lifestyle of skin health and wellness. The exclusive June Jacobs collection can be found at the most prestigious spas, resorts and select specialty retailers worldwide. All products are formulated under the philosophy that the skin’s absorption of pure ingredients and active botanicals without harsh chemicals achieves the highest level of efficacy in enhancing overall skin JULY / AUGUST 2019
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
wellness. We believe that a lifestyle that prevents aging from the outside is as important for serenity and wellbeing as staying healthy on the inside. By combining the latest in technological innovations with nature-based ingredients, we offer a holistic approach developed from the luxurious treatments performed at spas worldwide to restore skin’s natural balance. Their approach caters to all skin types and skin concerns to allow for the most customized treatment plan that anyone can use. In 2018, she expanded her expertise to create Naturally Serious, an all-natural skincare line that is cleanly made, ethically developed, and clinically tested. To maintain the highest levels of quality and standards in manufacturing, June also opened an independent laboratory, June Jacobs Labs, where all her products are manufactured. I had the pleasure of chatting with June to talk about satisfaction she’s achieved from living the life she loves, and to learn for what she’s most grateful. William Jackson: Tell me about June Jacobs. Who is she? June Jacobs: She’s someone who has turned a personal struggle and story into a business, with the hopes of being able to help people through her products just as much as they’ve helped her. William: Did your education or prior work experience prepare you in any way for what you’re doing now? If we had told you then this is where you’d be, would that have come as a surprise? June: I used to work for a dermatologist. While doing so I learned much about the business of skincare and saw an opportunity for a real results driven skincare line to enter the market and the rest is history. I suppose it would’ve come as a surprise but at the same time, the products hold their weight. William: How did your interest in skincare begin? June:My passion for skincare was inspired by my family’s Mediterranean heritage and customs. I was captivated
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as a child watching the women in my family create their own healing and beauty remedies using antioxidant rich ingredients sourced from my family’s ancestral home on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The women would infuse leaves from their daily tea into creams and tonics resulting in youthful, glowing skin. William: You’ve partnered with leading skincare guru, Peter Thomas Roth to create their global skincare empire. How did your business relationship with Peter evolve? June: My partnership with Peter has evolved in so many ways from when we started Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare. We started out with one line and now have three under our umbrella. We’re constantly learning from each other, the industry, and how to grow as a team. William: You’ve been successful in the beauty industry for a long time. What drove you to excel in this industry? June: As I established my career in the beauty industry, I recognized a need to leverage the science behind the
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“
Can you see the future for yourself? Success, happiness, and drawing up the next exciting thing.
”
use of the natural ingredients used by the lineage of the women in my family for generations. With this rich history in mind, I committed to developing advanced formulas with natural ingredients while staying true to the traditions passed down generationally.
William: In 2018, you expanded your expertise to create Naturally Serious, an all-natural skincare line that is cleanly made, ethically developed, and clinically tested. Why was it the right time for the creation of this line? June: Consumers are showing great interest and need for a more sustainable lifestyle, and this also means ensuring their beauty products are fitting into this emerging category. Naturally Serious wanted to create a brand that was not only made up of cleanly made and ethically developed formulations but also translated that same message through our packaging, and we did just that. William: What does “cleanly made” mean? June: Clean, for us, is quite intense. It means a non-toxic product that is made ethically, with environmental protection stemming to UV rays, pollution, and free radical damage, and with an everevolving list of BAD (Bad, Ambiguous, Debatable) Ingredients linked from harmful health effects to plain-old skin irritation. To us, clean skincare means not compromising from the ground up and in that same breath, still making an effective product—from the ingredients in our formulas to the eco-friendly packaging they are placed.
William: Who / What are your inspirations as a skincare expert? June: All the women in my family who used antioxidant ingredients to create their own skincare.
William: Why is it important to use clean skincare? June: It’s important to use clean skincare to not create more issues on the skin-such as overall irritation caused by preservatives or parabens, possible allergies, etc. What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it.
William: What thrills you most about this brand? June: What thrills me most is how we have managed to create such results-driven formulas naturally. When I started JJ there weren’t many natural lines out there. One of the most exciting aspects of the line is our patented antioxidant blend that is in every product (green tea, red tea, white tea, goji berry, grape seed, and pomegranate). These ingredients were a huge inspiration for starting the line and they really take me back to my roots.
William: How do you source the ingredients for your skincare line? June: We’re fortunate enough to have our own lab in which we work hand in hand in formulating with the latest and most effective natural ingredients. We work with R+D in sourcing the best and most effective ingredients from around the world all while sticking to our roots and always incorporating our patented blend in every single product. JULY / AUGUST 2019
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William: In your opinion, what is the importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry and what are steps brands can take to ensure they’re hitting every relevant demographic. June: I think inclusivity is extremely important in the beauty industry. There used to be this misconception you didn’t have to take care of your skin until you were older to prevent wrinkles. Today everyone wants clean, beautiful, glowing skin and those people are all ages and demographics wanting to develop a regimen and take pride in their skin. As a brand, we have created collections or franchises (Blemish Control for younger, acne-prone/oily skin, Hydrate & Nourish for dry skin in need of moisture, etc.) that cater to each skin type or skin concern and can be mixed, matched, or paired. We pride ourselves in these franchises because they allow for customized regimens for any skin type, age, color.
and innovative ingredients to visiting some of the most beautiful spas in the world and getting ‘couples’ treatments. What could be more fun than having your passion be your work.
William: Your beautiful daughter Rochelle Jacobs is the Managing Director at June Jacobs and Naturally Serious. What are the joys of being a mother / daughter team in this industry? June: Having the opportunity to work with your daughter in any industry means you always have each other’s back and support. In our case, we have very complementary and diverse skill sets so on the day-today business, we divide and conquer.
William: If there are specific “Beauty Foods” you believe in, what are they? Likewise, are there foods you consider as “Sinful” when it comes to skincare? June: I start off every day with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice from organic oranges. This helps me get a kick start to my vitamin C intake and get me energized for the day. As for “sinful” foods regarding skincare, anything greasy simply because that clogs you pores and produces excess oil, thus leading to breakouts.
This year marks two decades of us working together and I feel like I’ve had a first-class round-trip ticket watching her grow. There’s nothing more gratifying, both personally and professionally, than to succeed and share this with my only child. While we can go from a full-on brawl to having each other hysterically laughing all in the same minute, I now feel like I can step back a bit and let Rochelle continue my legacy with the credibility she has truly earned. I can’t think of any better industry than the beauty and wellness industry for a passionate and dynamic mom-daughter duo like us to have the incredible opportunity to work side by side on this journey to help spread our message.
William: Many people are already incorporating natural skincare products into their beauty routine. What is it about your product lines which makes them standout from what’s available on the market today? June: Transparency — the personal care segment, skincare brands are emphasizing sustainability and an overall “better-for-you” ethos. Consumers now want to know how a product is made, whether it’s ethical, and its ingredients before they decide whether they trust that a brand’s proposition is worthy of their spend.
Throughout our twenty-year journey, we’ve traveled the world together identifying and sourcing unique
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William: What have you taught Rochelle about being a successful businesswoman? June: I believe one of the main things I’ve taught Rochelle is to not take no for an answer. William: As a young mother, how did you manage to maintain your beauty? What are the beauty secrets you can share with women and mothers? June: My biggest piece of advice for young mothers would be to, even when it seems impossible, make time to take care of yourself. If you don’t feel your best, how can you take care of anyone else?
At Naturally Serious, we attribute the change in consumer habits to increased education and information surrounding the impact of the ingredients we put in, and on, our bodies. Savvy-ness is a defining
“
What thrills you most about this brand? What thrills me most is how we have managed to create such results-driven formulas naturally. When I started JJ there weren’t many natural lines out there. One of the most exciting aspects of the line is our patented antioxidant blend that is in every product (green tea, red tea, white tea, goji berry, grape seed, and pomegranate). These ingredients were a huge inspiration for starting the line and they really take me back to my roots.
”
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characteristic of today’s young consumers. They may be drawn to greener, more natural or responsible brands, but they are not blindly buying them. At Naturally Serious, we wanted to highlight the brand’s commitment to transparency and then take it a step further by tapping into this trend to the extremity by showcasing from the ground up how our products are made and manufactured, including sustainable packaging, and the supply chain processes. There’s a widespread of greenwashing within the industry making organic, natural, ethical, environmental claims on the labels, but contain ingredients or processes that wouldn’t meet those standards. We want our consumers to not have to decode our messaging or investigate our products to find the truth, rather we encourage peeking behind our very sheer curtain to see what we’re (literally) made of. William: Among your selection of skincare products, of which are you most proud and why? June: The NS Get Even peel pads are innovative in a way of producing enzymatic, exfoliating activity purely from a natural pomegranate enzyme and are produced with a cold pressed technique, where heat is never added to the formulation process. Skin Warrior for its ability to protect against pollution, external aggressors, and future environmental damage all while helping to repair existing skin issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture. Lip Service, a lip serum that has a three in one effect; renewing, restoring hydration, and soothing skin to plump fine lines, soothe texture and acts as a primer for lip color and balm.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
William: When launching new products, do you still get nervous? June: When you put your heart and soul into something, there are always nerves involved. Because of the extensive testing that takes place before our products are launched, we always have confidence in the formula itself. I think the nerves stem from the question — will the consumer be as excited of this product as we are? William: How do you cope with any level of anxiety? June: I’m not an inherently anxious person, but when I do get anxious, I believe talking through issues with my family and my team really help alleviate any anxieties I may have. William: I believe many would agree the backbone of any great leader is their team. Folks whom they mentor, lead, and inspire. How does your team help you to be your best? June: Most recently, launching our newest brand, Naturally Serious in partnership with Sephora, would’ve been significantly more challenging without our dedicated team working alongside me. It was imperative to find the right personalities, talents, and attitude to bring the new brand to life. We designed a working environment where everyone felt empowered to run with creative ideas. Since we have a more niche team, we wanted a structure which fostered superior communication across all levels and departments; that way, everyone shared input more efficiently and we could execute ideas most effectively. William: I’m certain many people are interested to know your beauty routine. If you’re to create the ideal beauty box, what would it contain? June: My beauty routine changes depending on how my skin’s acting, the season, or even the humidity in New York City. These are huge factors in how my skin reacts and thus, how I should take care of it. My tried and true beauty routine is always to double cleanse and I’d always incorporate a milky or gel-based cleanser like my favorite, Intensive Age Defying Hydrating Cleanser and then follow with a gentle non-stripping exfoliator such as
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Perfect Pumpkin Enzyme Polish. This is highly underrated and makes a huge difference in your skincare regimen. William: What is your bedtime beauty routine? June: As I previously mentioned, I always double cleanse with those two products, but for bedtime, it’s most important to moisturize overnight. I wear our Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque as an overnight masque every single night to wake up with glowing. Hydrated, plumped skin. William: How do you think beauty conventions are changing? Are you part of the change? June: It’s an incredible time to be talking about sustainability. For years, beauty brands and suppliers have found additional ways to address issues of environmental responsibility when it comes to packaging. Brand owners are increasingly adopting more sustainable packaging solutions in response to growing environmental awareness by consumers. They’re responding to these
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“
June Jacobs she’s someone who has turned a personal struggle and story into a business, with the hopes of being able to help people through her products just as much as they’ve helped her.
”
demands by using more natural ingredients, as well as recycled and sustainable packaging materials. As an eco-friendly brand we support the Zero Waste movement by sticking to 100% recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging, and then adding small upscale details like a matte finish on the cartons to give it that premium quality feel, but also natural and tactile in your hand. It’s exciting to be part of this movement in the beauty industry as we strive on creating a better impact on the environment through our packaging. We believe in a ‘you can have your cake and eat it too’ mentality here, meaning we’ll always continue to have a razor-sharp focus on pure, powerful, result driven products all while making zero compromised to our principles. William: From where you sit as the brain behind the brands, what salient advice would you give to a young beauty entrepreneur? June: Dream it, dare it, do it.
William: You’ve overcome health related challenges during your career. How did you remain positive and determined? June: I turned it into a product. My Rapid Repair Healing Cream was inspired by my health challenges when I saw there was no natural, effective moisturizer on the market to remedy the effects of radiation on the skin. It was like a miracle. I first made this just for personal use, until a friend of mine in the pharmaceutical industry asked if he could have a few. I hadn’t realized the true white space in the market until then, and the rest is history. This product is near and dear to my heart, helping women who have gone/are going through the same challenges I had. William: How do you demonstrate you recognize the value of giving back; exercising your philanthropic spirit? June: Every October, June Jacobs commits to donating 50% of net proceeds from Rapid Repair Healing Cream sold on JuneJacobs.com to the Anne Moore Breast Cancer Research Fund and the Dubin Breast Center. William: June, has your journey to success been easy? June: It’s never easy, and it certainly wasn’t in this case. Luckily, my partnership with Peter Thomas Roth and my daughter Rochelle only helped to elevate our talents as individuals and combine them to create the three beautiful brands we have now. William: What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned while on this journey? June: To always believe in myself and trust my instincts. William: June, what are you most grateful for? June: My family and my health. William: So, what do you know for sure, June Jacobs? June: That hard work pays off, but no one is going to hand it to you. William: Can you see the future for yourself? June: Success, happiness, and drawing up the next exciting thing.l JULY / AUGUST 2019
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FASHION EDITORIAL
FOR
NATALY CORREA,
MANY THINGS ARE GOING WELL
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kPHOTOGRAPHER
JUAN CHU MUA ALMY MAKEUP DESIGNER ENMA MOZ PR AGENCY SGG PUBLIC RELATIONS
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NATALY CORREA IS A COLOMBIAN MODEL BORN IN CARTAGENA. AT AGE 12 SHE BEGAN HER CAREER AS A YOUTH MODEL IN ONE OF THE BEST AGENCIES IN MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA. WITH GREAT SUCCESS AS A MODEL AND REPRESENTING SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FIRMS IN THE COUNTRY, AT AGE 15 SHE WAS CHOSEN FOR THE COVER OF SOHO MAGAZINE, ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS MAGAZINES IN COLOMBIA.
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ater, Nataly was hired by some of the best national magazines like DON JUAN, SHOCK, SOHO, and EN FORMA. The beautiful model had international and national exposure in television shows and major events such as FTV, fashion Colombia, MercedesBenz Playa del Carmen, and Peninsula Fashion. Subsequently, she gained work as an actress, and she moved to Spain to do a theater course with the great maestro Juan Carlos Coraza. Subsequent to taking a break to become a mother to two beautiful children, Nataly is back in the game, and she came back strong. She’s the perfect example of a powerful hardworking woman who doesn’t let anything stop her. Follow Nataly on Instagram @natalycorrea_s InFluential Magazine: You were recently a mom. How do you balance being a mother with being a model? Nataly Correa: The truth, it’s going very well. I manage my time very well with my family and my work. I believe everything is possible if you want it and have the strength. InFluential: What exercise do you do to be in such good shape? Nataly: Run and jump rope, on an empty stomach, then train for 40 minutes.
InFluential: What advice would you give to a young lady who wants to be a model? Nataly: Have a good attitude and, first, believe in it in order to get gain notoriety and achieve what you want in this profession. InFluential: How did growing in Colombia impact who you are as a person and your professional aspirations? Nataly: Not only Colombia but Europe, made me be a better woman, mother, friend and person. I believe as you evolve in life you transcend spiritually and that allows you to be better every day and see life and triumphs with love. You achieve more humility. InFluential: What is the most difficult part of your career? Nataly: For me there’s nothing difficult about it. When you enjoy what you do, you enjoy everything about it. InFluential: What do you like the most about it? Nataly: I really love every single thing. InFluential: Do you plan on staying in Spain forever? Nataly: I do not know. Life is constantly changing, and I don’t close myself to new opportunities like living in another country. InFluential: What are three things you always carry in your purse? Nataly: My lipstick, a mirror, and a credit card l
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FOR
NATALY
CORREA,
MANY THINGS ARE GOING WELL
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Health & Wellness
#THISISMBC
ELEMENTS CAMPAIGN HONORS, SUPPORTS, AND UNITES THE MBC COMMUNITY THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION PEOPLE LIVING WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER (MBC) AND THEIR LOVED ONES MAY FEEL LESS ALONE THANKS TO A NEW ONLINE COMMUNITY WHERE THEY CAN GATHER INFORMATION, SHARE JOYS, SORROWS AND ADVICE WITH OTHERS. Photographs courtesy of www.mbcinfocenter.com 80
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he program, #ThisIsMBC Elements, sponsored by Eisai Inc. and METAvivor, provides the MBC community with a new resource to help guide them through their journey. The campaign, which lives on MBCInfoCenter.com, features males and females of all ages and ethnicities who are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). They tell their personal stories through powerful, avant-garde portraits conveying the impact of the disease on a person’s mind, body and spirit. The photos portray the subjects in water to symbolize the feeling of being “surrounded by” or “under water” with MBC.
Now people living with MBC and those who support them can get involved by sharing a photo or video about their story using the hashtag #ThisIsMBC. The goal of the program is to share personal stories to inspire others and change the misperceptions about the disease. “For us, fighting cancer means we undergo treatment for as long as we live, carrying the physical and emotional weight that comes with it,” explains Halli Lannan, an MBC patient featured in Elements. “We work every day to overcome these challenges and hope to inspire others to do the same through the portraits and messages of Elements.”
The Elements portrait exhibit will live on MBCInfoCenter.com where people can view the patient model portraits, hear their inspirational stories, find helpful resources and draw support from those living with MBC. Each month, a new portrait, accompanied by a theme such as “friendship,”“perseverance” and “dignity,” will be unveiled and added to the online gallery. “Research has shown that two-thirds of women with MBC find it helpful to read or listen to other peoples’ experiences with breast cancer,” said Beth Fairchild, president of METAvivor, the only nonprofit organization that supports the MBC community. “Through this portrait initiative, we hope to bring these women and men closer together by offering an avenue to creatively express their feelings.” Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease that occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. In 2018, an estimated 266,120 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States and an estimated 40,920 women will die from the disease. It is estimated that approximately 6 percent of women with breast cancer will have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Women diagnosed with metastatic disease have an estimated 5-year relative survival rate of about 27%. To learn more about #ThisIsMBC and find helpful resources on metastatic breast cancer, please visit METAvivor. org or MBCInfoCenter.com. (BPT) l
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KEEPING YOUR COOL
IN A STRESSFUL INDUSTRY SEEKING TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE A STRESSFUL INDUSTRY?
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shley and Andy Williams of HGTV’s Flip or Flop Fort Worth are well acquainted with stressful work. The two military veterans, who were stationed overseas in Baghdad, are now running a real estate business in Texas. “There are few things more demanding than the rigors and demands of the military, and there always seems to be more responsibilities than time or resources, but nonetheless, the job needs to get done,” said Andy. “Those are the exact skills that we use in our current role as designers, real estate entrepreneurs, veteran advocates and parents.” The Williamses offer the following tips, gained from their military background and real estate experience:
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or a supplier texting us during our morning runs — flexibility and adaptability are requirements for staying on-schedule and keeping each real estate and design project on target and under budget.”
3Strategic snacking: 1Start with supplies:
“Most days in our family start early and end late,” Ashley said. “The key to managing it all is like how we operated in the military — remaining organized, wellsupplied and strategic. Whether we’re researching a new project, designing one of our completed homes or running around with the kids, we always ensure we are wellsupplied with healthy snacks like almonds.”
2Organization is optimal:
“In addition to being well-supplied, organization is key. We take the time needed to make sure our kids have their taekwondo uniforms or sports gear packed (depending on which day of the week it is). We also properly coordinate our daily schedules,” said Andy. “As our dayto-day is constantly changing, we must be prepared for the inevitable business opportunity or impromptu project demand. Whether it is a project manager or contractor calling for an on-the-spot decision,
“Lastly, we must remain strategic in what we’re doing and where we’re placing our energy,” Ashley said. “Being able to mentally focus on each decision and task, as well as having the physical energy to move at a frantic pace, is paramount. It’s not uncommon for us to leave a meeting in Dallas and have a call scheduled during our 40-minute drive to pick up the kids, and then on to the next event. During a day like that, which is most days, there is no stopping for lunch. This is where our weekly meal planning must be on point. It is also why in between calls in the car or waiting for our next appointment, we always make time to power up with almonds, which are a convenient, portable snack to have handy on-the-go.” Efficiency and productivity are a way of life for Ashley and Andy. “It’s not just what we do — it is who we are,” said Ashley. “It allows us to be successful, happy and continue to thrive in our fast-paced lives as parents and real estate entrepreneurs.” (BPT) l
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LACKING SELF-DISCIPLINE?
WAYS TO DEVELOP
IT AND REACH
YOUR GOALS
nd achieving self-discipline – and the success that can come with it – may never have been harder than it is in this instant-gratification age, says Dr. Rob Carter III. “Self-discipline is an undervalued trait in a modern society that wants everything now,” says Carter, co-author with his wife, Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter, of The Morning Mind: Use Your Brain to Master Your Day and Supercharge Your Life. “Self-discipline is the ability to motivate and coordinate our efforts to improve our quality of life, but unfortunately most people are not taught it. “It is, however, a skill that everyone can learn. Self-discipline is the skill that will allow you to reach any goal you set.” Carter offers five ways to develop self-discipline:
1Be aware of your resistance.
Resistance, Carter says, is the
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AMERICANS ARE KNOWN TO OVEREAT, ABUSE CREDIT CARDS, MARINATE FOR HOURS IN SOCIAL MEDIA, AND BREAK NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS BEFORE THE END OF JANUARY. SELF-DISCIPLINE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE A NATIONAL STRENGTH. biggest obstacle to developing selfdiscipline, and it often comes in the form of discouraging internal selftalk such as, “I can’t do it” or “Why should I have to change?” “The next time you embark on a new project that causes resistance,” Carter says, “fight it by asserting or writing down your intended goal and the benefits it will bring.”
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2Plan
for every outcome. Plans go awry when people let excuses get in the way. “An example is having a goal of running in the morning for 30 minutes, but you have bailouts such as it’s raining, cold, or you don’t feel like it,” Carter says.
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“Developing self-discipline is recognizing and planning for these self-created obstacles and actively choosing to work through them. So, when you set a goal to achieve, have chart in place listing “Even ifs.” List the potential obstacles to achieving your goal and counter each one with a promise to yourself you’ll achieve your goal even if these challenges arise.”
3Prepare to give something
up in order to gain. Carter suggests compiling a list of the pros and cons of sacrificing for a certain goal. “To reach your goal, Carter says, “you will more
than likely must impose certain limitations on yourself in order to gain something. These limitations could be less free time, socializing, money or television. The upside is seeing the rewards of the sacrifice on the pros list will keep you motivated and disciplined.”
4Reward
yourself with selfcompensation. “Rewards are an incredibly powerful tool for motivating yourself to reach your goals,” Carter says. “Consider them the carrot on the stick. Have a reward in place for when you achieve a goal or part of a goal, and make sure it’s appropriate.”
5Break your goal down into
manageable steps. “If you break your goal down into bite-sized steps,” Carter says, “you’re much more likely to stay disciplined enough to complete every subgoal. Each step accomplished gives you an encouraging boost. Consider using SMART goals — specific, measurable, attractive, realistic, timed. This makes the goal more definitive and puts the steps in tangible action.” “Self-discipline includes structured planning, organization, delayed gratification, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone,” Carter says. “These things can appear scary, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. And once you take the first step, you have ventured onto a beautiful path that offers many rewards.” l
About Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter are co-authors of The Morning Mind: Use Your Brain to Master Your Day and Supercharge Your Life. Rob Carter is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, an expert in human performance and physiology, and has academic appointments in emergency medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, in public health and health sciences at Los Angeles Pacific University, and in nutrition at the University of Maryland, University College. He holds a PhD in biomedical sciences and medical physiology and an MPH in chronic disease epidemiology. Kirti Carter was born in Pune, India, and received her medical education in India, where she practiced as an intensivecare physician before moving to Texas to complete postgraduate training in public health. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Stress (FAIS), has more than 18 years of experience in meditation and breathing techniques, and has been facilitating wellness seminars for the past decade.
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UNIQUE APPROACH TO COMBAT BURNOUT:
MINDFULNESS & THE POWER OF
GEMSTONE THERAPY
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t refers to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Although burnout occurs across all ages and industries, young professionals are especially affected. Whether it’s from bearing the financial brunt of the economic crisis, or from dealing with the 24/7 digital demands in the hyper-competitive world of social media, there are countless reasons why millennials have been virally nicknamed “the burnout generation.”
FEELING BURNED OUT? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. BURNOUT IS A RISING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE IN AMERICA. IN FACT, LAST MONTH IT WAS OFFICIALLY CLASSIFIED AS A MEDICAL CONDITION BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION.
Luckily, young people are anything but complacent when it comes to bettering their mental health. Ever interested in self-care and holistic wellness, many young professionals are gravitating toward alternative and all-natural solutions to combat burnout. One new approach that is fast gaining popularity is “Gemstone Therapy.” If you haven’t encountered this holistic trend yet, you will soon. It’s the ancient practice of
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kWRITTEN BY JENNIFER MARCENELLE
using crystals to improve health and mental wellness. As an ER and Cardio Vascular Critical Care Nurse, I am not easily convinced by trendy hyped up health fads…but after changing careers and going into sales, I faced a high-pressure work environment. Forced to meet unrealistic sales quotas and work-related stress, at age 44 I experienced a health crisis and near suicide because of burnout. This life-altering experience led me on an incredible healing journey through western and eastern medicine, Chinese herbs, acupuncture and Reiki. After reaching a healing plateau, I discovered the healing energies of Gemstone and Diamond Therapy. Gemstone and Diamond therapy brought me remarkable healing and a full recovery.
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Mindfulness and Gemstones: Getting Started For many people in today’s stressful world, the noise and stress of our work and personal lives can feel like insurmountable obstacles to meditation and healing with gemstones.
excess of these colors, according to the theory and practice, can upset the human body’s energy balance leading to illness. Gemstones heal in part by restoring the balance to the original composition and full spectrum of these nine colors.
But tuning into our busy thoughts is actually a great place to start. Traditional mindfulness practices typically involve formal meditation, in addition to other disciplines like yoga and tai chi. But it’s important to realize that you don’t need to commit to these activities to bring mindfulness into your life, as mindfulness practices also involve simple breathing exercises, mindfully doing daily tasks or focusing on an object, such as a gemstone.
When used together in various therapies – and under the guidance of an experienced, certified practitioner – the following gemstones are ideal tools to use for combating burnout and tuning into the present, or in other words, being mindful: • Amethyst. Widely known to be a meditative and calming stone, amethyst can help you in the emotional, spiritual and physical planes to evoke calm, balance and peace.
Gemstone therapy can provide relief from a wide range of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges. From helping with anxiety and depression to chronic and acute pain, Gemstone Therapy energizes the body and mind, decreases blood pressure and inflammation, frees blocked emotions, reduces toxins, minimizes stress and attracts positive energy.
•
Practitioners of Gemstone Therapy understand that gemstones carry certain healing vibrations which, when placed on the body or moved within an individual’s aura, has the effect of altering and healing them. It is shown that the human aura contains nine colors: purple, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Any deficiency or
Aquamarine. This gemstone brightens the awareness and enhances the ability to self-reflect. An important healing stone, the aquamarine connects you with a greater expanse of knowledge within and helps us better understand our spiritual destiny.
• Clear Quartz: A symbiotic, cleansing and drying gemstone, clear quartz is the stone of new beginnings. It balances body processes, supports yang energy and amplifies other gemstone energies.
• Lapis Lazuli: A stone of wonders, this gemstone connects and synchronizes your heart, mind and body so that you can be aware of – and in harmony – with the guidance and intelligence that each provides.
About Jennifer Marcenelle
Jennifer Marcenelle MBA, BSN, RN, HBC-HN is a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse with over 30 years of experience in the medical industry. She currently holds degrees in nursing and business, with a specialization in Holistic Healing for burnout. As an energy medicine practitioner and the Founder and CEO of Burn Bright Today, she helps people improve mental wellness and recover from burnout and other challenges. A certified Gemstone and Diamond Therapy Practitioner, Marcenelle has dedicated her career to helping people move from Burning Out to Burning Bright. For more information visit www.burnbrighttoday.com.
The Bottom Line Burnout is a huge mental health problem and it needs to be taken seriously. Whether you believe in it or not, crystal healing has undoubtedly helped people improve their mental health and reduce burnout. Study after study shows that adopting a regular mindfulness approach via mediation can dramatically lower stress levels and have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being. Gemstones can also be the tools that you need to establish a mindful daily routine. When you make them a part of your life, gemstones not only enhance your day-to-day experiences by helping switch off your auto-pilot, but they can also benefit your entire life. l
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MILLENNIALS SEEK MINDFULNESS AS A FIX FOR THEIR HIGH STRESS LEVELS Each year millions of Americans make eliminating stress a top priority - it’s especially important to Millennials. Nearly half of them say they’re stressed all the time over everything from money to work, according to a recent survey, and even spending time around “anxious” people can set them off. That same survey also found that Millennials are overwhelmingly looking for an easy solution. One possible answer? Incorporating Japanese Green Tea into one’s daily routine, since it naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine that can help elevate moods and calm worried minds. (Hey, it’s steeped in Zen tradition.) See the full-sized image here to also learn which hours stress Millennials out most.
WHY MOTORCYCLING MAY BE THE ANSWER TO LOWERING STRESS LEVELS Turns out motorcyclists may get more than a glorious sense of freedom from riding. A pioneering new study conducted by researchers at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior found that motorcycling can also provide several mental and physical benefits. Stress-related hormonal biomarkers decreased by 28 percent among participating riders, to name one thing. And motoring along on the open road for just 20 minutes increased their heart rates an average of 11 percent and their adrenaline levels by 27 percent - like light exercise, though a lot more fun - to name another. Come to think of it, with stress levels on the rise - especially among young adults - anyone looking for that same “glorious sense of freedom” might want to check out the New Rider Course offered at select Harley-Davidson dealers. (NewsUSA) See full-sized image here.
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Philanthropy
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Laila Ali and dairy farmer Katie Dotterer-Pyle kick off National Dairy Month with the Real Love Convoy.
owever, one in six children in the U.S. faces hunger, according to a 2019 Feeding America report. For them, the summer months may not be so carefree. Child hunger becomes more prevalent at this time, as upward of 18 million children may lose access to the free or reduced-price school meal programs they depend on during the school year. While some programs like the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program help to deliver meals when school is not in session, the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program do not reach children during the summer months. As a result, they
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FOR MANY AMERICAN CHILDREN, SUMMER IS THE ULTIMATE SEASON. WHETHER IT’S THE WARM WEATHER, THE BREAK FROM SCHOOL OR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY ACTIVITIES LIKE CAMP, SWIMMING AND BIKE RIDES, KIDS COUNT DOWN THE DAYS TO FUN. could miss out on important nutrition their growing bodies need, like dairy. Milk is one of the most requested items at food banks. While Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, many don’t think to donate milk because it’s perishable. On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year.
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Real milk provides nine essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, kids need for growth and development. That’s why America’s dairy community has been committed to nourishing families across the nation. Last year, dairy farmers and companies contributed 686 million servings (or 275 million pounds) of nutritious milk, cheese and yogurt to local food banks through Feeding America.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP BRING
NUTRITIOUS FOODS TO KIDS IN NEED THIS SUMMER
“The reality is, it’s challenging for kids to get all the nutrients they need to grow, develop and learn without milk in the diet,” said pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Tanya Altmann. “Milk is the top food source for calcium, vitamin D and potassium. When kids don’t have access to these important nutrients, especially during their growing years, it could cause serious health implications.” As the largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S., Feeding America works with its networks of food banks to get nutrient-rich foods to kids who need it when school isn’t in session. However, more help is needed. Over the summer, the dairy community, along with Feeding America, will be rallying consumers to feed kids
at locations including feeding sites, farmers markets and sporting events. All the while, local efforts will help raise awareness and donations for the Great American Milk Drive.
can make a big impact — for as little as $5, Americans can help food banks deliver fresh milk to children and families who need it most right in their own communities.
“The fact that so many people — maybe even your neighbors’ kids — may be at risk of hunger when they are out of school for the summer is hard to wrap your head around,” said Laila Ali, professional boxer, TV personality and champion of health and fitness. “I’m excited to team up with a community as passionate about a cause as dairy farmers are around hunger, so we can increase kids’ access to vital nutrition, including milk and other dairy foods, this summer.”
Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer, chair of Dairy Management Inc., said, “All families should have access to the nutritious foods they need. That’s why we’ve been committed to supporting youth wellness through programs that deliver dairy nutrition and resources that create healthier school environments and increase access to healthy foods among students.”
People everywhere can take action against hunger and help get milk to families who need it at GiveAGallon. com. Even a small donation
This summer effort is supported by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and its Undeniably Dairy campaign, as well as the Milk Processor Education Program’s (MilkPEP) Milk. Love What’s Real campaign, which is built on a core promise to inspire people to savor what’s real and what really matters. To learn more, visit: UndeniablyDairy. org, MilkLife.com or find them on social media. (BPT) l
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Technology
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TECH TRENDS BUSINESSES CAN’T
AFFORD TO IGNORE
t can make for confusing times. All that bewilderment aside, though, these fast-developing advances also create opportunities that can help small and medium-sized businesses become more competitive – if they understand how to seize them. “Technology exists today that at one time was available only to large corporations with huge technology budgets,” says Chris Hoose, an IT consultant who works with small businesses. “Every year, technology becomes even more accessible to companies of all sizes.”
WITH TECHNOLOGY EVOLVING AT SUCH A RAPID PACE, SOME BUSINESS OWNERS ARE LEFT DIGITALLY DISORIENTED AS THEY TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHICH OF THE LATEST INNOVATIONS THEY NEED TO INVEST IN AND WHAT THEY CAN IGNORE.
Hoose says businesses that want to stay on top of their games should make sure they invest in these technological trends, if they haven’t already:
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The Internet of Things. Many Internet of Things-connected devices, such as smart refrigerators and thermostats, are designed for home use, but there
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are also applications for small businesses, Hoose says. Some examples: smart locks use digital keys that can’t be lost or stolen and log a record of who uses a door and when; RFID tags on merchandise can prevent theft and auto-
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matically update inventory; and mobile-card readers can replace cash registers.
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Artificial intelligence. Don’t be fooled into thinking that AI is something only the big organizations can afford to use, Hoose says. “It’s making inroads into technologies accessible for businesses of all sizes,” he says. “AI can help you offer increasingly personalized experiences to customers by maximizing your time and automating manual tasks, like data entry.” AI also can be used to improve decision making, Hoose says. Essentially, AI will help you take that jumble of data most businesses have and analyze it in a way that allows you to make better-informed judgments on the actions you need to take.
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Telecommuting. The office world is changing, and more workers spend at least a portion of their work week telecommuting. “In many cases remote employees use their own equipment, which can eliminate some of the company’s costs with purchasing and maintaining computers, printers and mobile phones,” Hoose says. Video conferencing, instant messaging and other advances are helping to make telecommuting a viable option, he says.
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About Chris Hoose
Voice search. Consumers increasingly are making use of such AI assistants as Siri or Alexa to help them do internet searches using their voices. “Voice search is changing the way people find information because these queries are structured differently than when we type terms into a search engine,” Hoose says.
Chris Hoose is the president of Choose Networks, an IT consulting firm for small businesses. Hoose started the company in 2001 to give large-scale solutions and support to businesses that can’t afford their own in-house IT department. He earned a Master of Information Systems Management from Friends University.
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Customer-relationshipmanagement (CRM) software. Any application that a business uses to interact with customers, analyze data, or recommend products and services to customers is “part of the CRM family,” Hoose says. “This type of software helps your team manage, control and build customer relationships,” he says. “It can log your team’s touchpoints with prospects, including emails, phone calls, voicemails and inperson meetings. You can have a complete record of your team’s interaction with a prospect that’s easy for anyone to access.”
“Organizations of all types can benefit from optimizing their content to improve where they fall in a voice search.” “To help propel your business going forward, it’s important to stay abreast of technology innovation,” Hoose says. “These technologies will help you expand your customer base, create more efficient inhouse processes, and increase engagement from both customers and staff.” l JULY / AUGUST 2019
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Travel
THE PERFECT TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR WITH THE SUMMER SEASON IN FULL SWING, FOR MANY OF US, IT’S TIME TO GET AWAY. DON’T KNOW WHAT TO PACK? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. WE’VE ROUNDED UP 4 FASHION + BEAUTY ESSENTIALS TO TAKE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU’RE HEADED.
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NEXT GETAWAY
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OCHIE SWIM
Wherever your travels take you this summer, let the Caribbean inspire your vacation attire; let the islands sweep you off your feet with a classic, sophisticated style no other part of the world can copy. Look to Ochie Swim this summer for resort wear that reflects this tropical experience. Every piece features impeccable style and detailing, top quality fabrics and construction and makes you look and feel like a knockout. l
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OCHIE SWIM
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MOOGOO Alas, summer is here. If you were an indoor dweller these past few months, your skin is in for quite an adjustment to those UV rays. When it comes to a natural way to protect your skin, ditch the banana for the cow. Think moo, as in MooGoo. The Australian-based skincare company started from a dairy farm where a white paste, intended for use on cow udders, helped manage irritable, dry skin. MooGoo has grown to over 40 products for skin and hair care, including a variety of sun protecting products and Travel Pack 3.0, perfect for summer travel.l
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VICI
Looking for a closet refresh? If you’re searching for dynamic looks and easy-to-style essentials, look no further than VICI. Taking over your summer wardrobe with the hottest trends to turn your everyday clothing into outfit obsessions, the brand’s oh-so cute designs are all made with beautiful fabrics and, even better, all offered at affordable prices that won’t break the bank. l
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THE
ORGANIC SKIN CO.
Keep skin looking radiant all summer long with The Organic Skin Co., a vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare brand made with ethically sourced ingredients. Not only is their makeup better for your skin and the environment, it benefits your on-the-go lifestyle. Their stunning luminizer offers satin-shimmer highlights of sheer, buildable color, it can be used over or under makeup to touch-up, highlight, brighten or prime. Simply decide which of your features you want to showcase, then ‘bring it’ to the world.l
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EXPLORE
TOP SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
FROM A TROPICAL RETREAT TO EXPLORING A NEW CULTURE, SUMMER IS AN IDEAL AND POPULAR TIME TO TRAVEL. WITH A LITERAL WORLD OF OPTIONS, IT CAN BE TOUGH TO NARROW DOWN JUST WHERE YOU WANT TO VISIT, SO GET STARTED WITH THESE POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR A MEMORABLE GETAWAY. Orlando Orlando, which is home to more than 100 lakes, welcomes travelers with its exquisite beauty and summerlike climate year-round. During your stay, consider the Orlando World Center Marriott in the Grand Lakes area, which provides a convenient shuttle service to local attractions, such as the city’s variety of theme parks, and boasts spacious hotel rooms, many with balconies offering views of the nightly laser light show or pools. Guests also have the option to upgrade to a family-friendly suite
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for expanded living and dining space, and the hotel features an 18-hole golf course, outdoor pools and two 200foot waterslides.
Philadelphia Many cities have Fourth of July celebrations, but when it comes to fireworks and festivities, Philadelphia is a top contender. In fact, the city has two fireworks displays, perfect for watching from an outdoor patio. Featuring a stunning outdoor terrace called “The Backyard,” the Aloft Philadelphia Downtown offers a pla-
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ce to mix, mingle and soak in Philly’s outdoor vibes with a cocktail, some snacks and board games. You can also find live music on select nights.
Chicago Locals and visitors alike can make the most of summer – perhaps the city’s most popular time – by hitting the city-side beaches, countless street festivals, movies in the park, al fresco dining and more. An option like The Westin Chicago River North is located in the heart of Chicago’s theater district, just steps from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, close to museums, art galleries and upscale boutiques so you can wander and explore at your leisure.
Oahu Hawaii’s premier cultural showcase, the Aloha Festivals, preserves the unique traditions of the Islands. This free, month-long celebration of Hawaiian music, dance and history runs from Aug. 31-Sept. 28. A visit
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to the islands is also a perfect time to explore The Laylow, part of the Autograph Collection. The 1960s Hawaiian aesthetic resort is located in the heart of Waikiki, just a short walk to the ocean, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Amenities include a pool with a lush garden surrounding and nightly live entertainment, the perfect setting for a getaway when you’re not quite ready to bid farewell to summer.
street food scenes and, of course, the ancient ruins nearby. Stay at the heart of Mexico City with an option such as the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel, located just in front of the “Angel de la Independencia” monument, for a taste of the city’s experiences, flavors, neighborhoods, museums and memorable experiences.
Mexico City
Benefits of Booking Direct When it comes to making travel plans, there are countless resources available. However, booking direct with Marriott provides some valuable benefits.
A world-class cosmopolitan city with heritage and deep roots, Mexico City is a top global destination. Don’t miss the thriving art scene, electrifying nightlife, one of the world’s best
Start planning your summer getaway at Marriott.com.
• Marriott guarantees the best rate when you book direct on Marriott. com. Members of Marriott Bonvoy also have access to special member rates along with other benefits like free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and checkout on the Marriott Bonvoy app, the ability to chat with hotel staff and even use their mobile devices as their room keys where available. • You can make special requests with your reservation, such as requesting room preferences based upon availability like a high or low floor. • Members can make the most of their stays because they earn points for free nights at a hotel or experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments. (Family Features) l
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AUGUSTO VALVERDE
IS TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE
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AUGUSTO VALVERDE IS THE CREATOR AND HOST OF THE SERIES GLOBAL CHILD, A TRAVEL SHOW ON AMAZON PRIME, FEATURING THE TOP EXPERIENCES, UPLIFTING LIFE LESSONS AND INCREDIBLE DESTINATIONS AS HE SHARES HIS JOURNEY WITH INFLUENCERS AND CELEBRITIES.
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lobal Child can be viewed on over 10 airlines including Delta, British Airways, Iberia, SAS, LATAM, AirEuropa, Cathy Pacific, Thai Airways, and Royale Jordanian, along with being broadcast on major international networks around the globe. The show has been featured on publications like Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and The Chicago Tribune. Global Child is on its third season, presently planning future episodes featuring international celebrities. Augusto’s earlier career formed around hosting a Miami, Florida national primetime debate show for Spanish market Univision show Telefutura. It was around this time Augusto had a spiritual transformation and became a dedicated Christian chaplain at Men’s central Jail in downtown Los Angeles, California which he held until landing a hosting contract on NBCUniveral’s Mun2 Network. Born in Miami and having grown up in Mexico City, Augusto calls Los Angeles his home. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in theology from Grand Canyon University and a feature film writing certificate from UCLA. He founded and leads the BIG
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Foundation, which works to have all religions work together to help people in need regardless of their beliefs. Global Child’s aim is to find people who have ties to the destination or dream of experiencing it, then using the power of social media to find those who want to travel with a purpose, to inspire people and give back through life lessons, charity, and positivity. The show has taken adventures ranging from climbing Kilimanjaro, sky diving in Qatar, diving with bull sharks in Fiji, fashion shoots in the Maldives, and glacier trekking in Argentina. It has also filmed in 21 countries, featuring over 36 of the most renowned five star hotels in the world. Tied in with Global Child is the idea of about ‘Traveling with Purpose,’ through the faith-based BIG Foundation Augusto also runs. While filming for the show, the foundation has sponsored a leper colony of 65 with food for a year, brought medical care to more than three thousand patients in Kenya, supported hospitals in Fiji, and an orphanage in Greece. Find more on Augusto’s travels on Instagram, as well as on GlobalChild.TV and Amazon Prime. l
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Global Child’s aim is to find people who have ties to the destination or dream of experiencing it, then using the power of social media to find those who want to travel with a purpose, to inspire people and give back through life lessons, charity, and positivity.
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IN NETWORK
A Person You Should Know
med at New York City’s acclaimed Carnegie Hall and at various venues throughout the Live Music Capital of the World, including One World Theatre.
Source of Inspiration: When Klondike was five years old, his father was killed in a car accident. At ten years old, Klondike picked up his father’s guitar and learned to play, eventually building his own happiness and safe place. He learned the basics of guitar from a family friend, exchanging one hour of work doing chores around the house for a one-hour guitar lesson. Klondike’s childhood neighbor was an avid collector of classical sheet music, and access to this collection became the foundation of Klondike’s career in music. In high school he explored a variety of styles from jazz to punk rock, including playing in a band with drummer Tré Cool, of Green Day, the Grammy-winning band credited with helping popularize mainstream interest in punk rock in the United States. He later put himself through college at the University of Texas at Austin teaching guitar and eventually becoming the first person to ever receive a doctorate in classical guitar performance from that institution.
KLONDIKE STEADMAN, DMA
Co-founder & Director of Orpheus Academy of Music Austin, Texas Who He Is: Klondike Steadman is a guitarist, entrepreneur, educator, author, and father. As the co-founder and director of Orpheus Academy of Music with his wife, Wendy Kuo, he has built one of the most successful and innovative music programs for kids in the country. Based in Austin, Orpheus Academy of Music recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, and is set to open a second location in Cedar Park, Texas this summer. Orpheus Academy of Music students have perfor-
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A New Chapter: As demonstrated by his school’s approach to music education, Klondike is passionate about the transformative power of music for people of all ages. He has pioneered a unique curriculum that combines singing and movement to enable students to joyfully master the art of performance and reach their fullest musical potential. Klondike has written two instructional books, and his third book titled, Loving Practice, Developing Discipline: A Parent’s Guide to Turning Music Lessons Into Life Lessons, is a guide for parents looking to instill their children with a love of music and practice. Klondike’s daughter Mei Yin, 14, is also an accomplished classical guitarist. Giving Back: In 2001, Klondike founded the Educational Outreach Program for the Austin Classical Guitar Society to provide expert private free guitar instruction to low-income high school students. This program continues to provide quality music instruction with guitar students regularly giving public concerts as soloists and in guitar ensembles. In addition, Orpheus Academy of Music faculty frequently perform concerts benefiting local nonprofits including CASA of Travis County, Austin Classical Guitar and Kids in a New Groove.
INFLUENTIAL SPOTLIGHT
Alexander FEATURING
ELIANA
AN ACCOMPLISHED ACTRESS AND NOVELIST WITH MUCH MORE
TO ACHIEVE
ELIANA ALEXANDER WORKS BETWEEN THE LATIN AND ENGLISH ENTERTAINMENT MARKETS AS AN ACTRESS AND NOVELIST. SHE PLAYS A ROLE IN THE UPCOMING EPIX SERIES PERPETUAL GRACE LTD WHICH PREMIERED ON JUNE 2.
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liana stars as Marisol Contreras, wife of the town’s sheriff played by Luis Guzmán. The series follows a young drifter as he attempts to prey upon the town pastor who turns out to have bilked hundreds of people out of their life savings. The cast includes Sir Ben Kingsley, Jacki Weaver, Jimmi Simpson, and Damon Herriman. Steve Conrad and Bruce Terris are showrunners / executive producers for the series. Eliana is a veteran of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Prior to her acting career, Eliana taught dance and musical theater as well as choreography. She began as a singer, first touring with the Hilltown National performance of West Side Story. Later, Eliana would transition to broadcast television appearing on CBS’ The Bold and The Beautiful. She would move on becoming a series regular on the MyNetworkTV show Desire as character Rita Thomas alongside Ashley Greene. Other credits include a recurring role on Telemundo’s La Ley del Silencio as well as a regular role in Sin Verguenza. In the latter series, she was nominated for an Imagen Award for Best Actress in a Television or Online Series. The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival gave Eliana an award for Best Actress for her role in the feature film Agenda. UnidosUS recognized her work with an American Latino Media Arts award for Best Ensemble Cast in the ITVS miniseries, Foto Novelas. Beyond her work as an actress, Eliana maintains a secondary career as a novelist. Her first book, The Neighbor, released in 2012. She recently announced the first installment of an adventure / sci-fi book series called Tilt. The stories are set to follow two teens, Blane and Jake, who inadvertently set off an interdimensional time vortex that takes the duo on exciting and dangerous new possibilities and times whilst learning about the worlds within themselves. The first book is set for release August 2019. She is taking a foray into writing for scripts for films and television, in talks currently with Fox. JULY / AUGUST 2019
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Originally from Mexico City, Eliana calls Los Angeles, California home with her husband. In her free time, she plays guitar, sings, and makes music a high priority in her life. She is an avid animal rights supporter who stands behind Sea Shepherd and PETA. You can follow the latest on Eliana on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @ElianaAlexander. Chatting with Eliana was such a joy. We’re pleased to bring this thrilling spotlight to you. InFluential Magazine: Who or what inspired you to become an actress / writer? Eliana Alexander: There isn’t something or someone who inspired me. It’s as if the universe opened the doors. I started out as a singer in a band at the age of 16. After touring Japan, I was asked to be in a musical that opened the door to television and films. A producer who saw me in A Musical Extravaganza asked me if I wanted to be in a commercial. It was for a German ice cream and they needed dancers who could sing. I was thrilled to be on set, and knew I wanted more. I started training as an actress with Al Valletta and later Cherie Franklin. I took commercial workshops and made sure I was on point. The love of the art is what continues to inspire me. InFluential: What do you get from acting that you don’t get from writing? And vice versa? Eliana: As an actor I get to breathe life into the words from the pages of a script. I get to develop the characters based on the words on the page. That is a huge thrill. As a writer I get to create character and stories. I get to see them in my imagination first then onto the page. I love doing both and I’m blessed I can keep acting and writing.
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InFluential: This June you were part of the new series Perpetual Grace LTD on EPIX. What made you want to be part of this show? Eliana: Wanting to work with Steven Conrad, the writer and creator on this modern noir project, was a big part of it. In addition, I knew I was going to get to work with the legendary Sir Ben Kingsley. I’m incredibly grateful for the style of this show for it’s amazing. InFluential: What do you relate to most about your character Marisol Contreras? Eliana: I relate to Marisol in the fact she values her family. She is strong and will protect her family at all cost. InFluential: What is one characteristic of hers you’re glad you do not possess? Eliana: One characteristic Marisol has that I do not is she knows her husband Hector, played by Luis Guzman, is up to something and yet doesn’t point blank ask him. I personally would get into communication with my husband immediately and find out what is going on. Marisol is dealing with situations as they come along. She is guided by what happens because of what Hector is getting involved in. InFluential: You’ve been acting in both Latin and English entertainment markets for over 30 years. What has been the biggest change you’ve had to adapt to over the last three decades? Eliana: I don’t think in terms of having to adapt over the years as my journey unfolds, it’s more that I’ve been in action changing what I don’t want to settle for. I’ve come into my own more. When I first started is when I did a lot more adapting, such as coloring my hair darker to come across as a Latina because I’m very light skinned and I have light hair. Now, I adapt for the role instead of having to change to be a perfect fit for any
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role. I’ve seen a lot of changes and finally we are being seen in a more professional light. InFluential: In addition to this new series, you’re also getting to release your adventure / sci-fi novel series called Tilt, about two teens who travel through an inter-dimensional time vortex, learning about the multiverse and themselves in the process. How did you come up with the idea for this series? Eliana: I’ve always wanted to time travel. What if I could go into different eras and see how they lived? That is what inspired me to create this story. I wanted it to be unique, so I created something different for how Blane and Jake set off a vortex not only into eras but into other dimensions and worlds. I wanted to have facts intertwined into the fiction so through this journey my readers can discover facts through this story. InFluential: How many novels will comprise this series? Eliana: Right now, Tilt has two-installments Tilt: Magic Ei8hts and Tilt: The Red Moon. Who knows, the way my mind works; there just might be a third installment. InFluential: What do you hope readers achieve from reading the Tilt series? Eliana: I’m in great hope they lose themselves into their imagination and go into another place. I’d love for them to connect with the characters and root for them as they travel throughout this journey. In Tilt the characters learn a lot about the planet and themselves, and really evolve. I’m hoping the readers also experience a sense of evolvement of their own. InFluential: What do you still hope to accomplish that you haven’t yet? Eliana: There are a lot of things I’d like to accomplish. One, is to travel more. Maybe take an RV across the United States, trains through Europe spending quality time in each country. Maybe even sail from California to Hawaii. Hopefully soon, so I can enjoy it all while my body and age allow me to. l
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k PHOTOGRAPHY BY
BRETT ERICKSON @BRETTERICKSONPHOTO MODEL: KATYA BAKAT @KAYTABAKAT MAKEUP: ANTON KHACHATURIAN @ANTONMAKEUP HAIR: ASHLEY RUIZ STYLING: LO VONRUMPF @STYLELVR PR: SHANDREW PR @SHANDREWPR RETOUCHING: BOGDAN LOGVIN @EDITORIAL_RETOUCHER
Dress: Vone Heels: Stuart Weitzman Jewelry: Marc Jacobs
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Bakat
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FEATURING
KATYA
SHE’S INVESTED IN HER CAREER AND IT’S PAYING OFF KATYA BAKAT IS AN ACTRESS WORKING ON SEVERAL UPCOMING FILM AND TELEVISION PROJECTS. SHE JUST WRAPPED A ROLE IN THE MEGA BUDGET ACTION FEATURE FILM, ANGEL HAS FALLEN, WHICH STARS GERALD BUTLER, MORGAN FREEMAN, AND NICK NOLTE. SHE PLAYS A DOCTOR IN THE FILM SET FOR RELEASE IN AUGUST 2019 FROM SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT.
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he also has a starring role in Honeymoon in Paradise, a film about a group of reality contestants looking for love and fame at a luxurious resort set in Saint Lucia. She is currently filming a lead role in the fantasy film Empire Queen, where she plays ‘Terra Winter.’ Later in 2019, she begins filming African Mystique, which is about a couple captured by Somali pirates off the coast of Africa. On the small screen, she has a lead role in
the upcoming series Magic 7 and has filmed for pilot show, Shadow Wolves. Katya began as a model, doing beauty competitions until she was signed by IMG Models at the age of 14. She has since worked for Pacco Rabbana, Armani, Lanvin, L’Oréal, Bulgari Jewelry, Tony Ward Couture, Fernando Alberto Atelier, Lee+Lani Swimwear, and Forever Faded Denim. It was after her establishing herself as a model that Katya began to find herself gravitating toward acting. She tried her hand at recording a song, which lead her to investigate a burgeoning interest in performance. She would go on to pursue studies at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, where she pursued her passion for acting further. Katya calls Los Angeles, California her home. She leads an active lifestyle practicing yoga, boxing, and martial arts daily. From an early age, she has been interested in athletic activities such as rhythmic gymnastics, karate, horseback riding, skiing, and classical dancing. When she isn’t working, she a enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling. While her first language is Russian, she speaks English, Ukrainian, and French. As she was working as a model, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. JULY / AUGUST 2019
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You can follow Katya on Instagram and look for her latest film projects on IMDB. We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to get to know Katya better and invite you into our conversation. InFluential Magazine: Katya, you’ve had a successful modeling career, having done work for L’Oréal, Armani, Bulgari Jewelry, Pacco Rabbana, and Lanvin. Can you tell us about how you became a model? Katya Bakat: I was 14 years old. I was walking with my mom on the streets of Saint Petersburg, Russia and a woman who was a scout told me I should try modeling. She tells me there’s a casting for a model contest which I end up going to. There were around 2,000 models and surprisingly I was chosen to be one of the 70 girls for this pageant. A couple days of rehearsals, first catwalks, and thousands of eyes looking at you. It was stressful, but exciting. The judges selected five finalists — I was one of these girls. The judges turned out to be representatives from IMG Models, one of the biggest and well-known model agencies in the world. After the contest, I signed with IGM and left Russia to pursue my modeling career. InFluential: What was your favorite photo shoot to be a part of? Katya: I’m a creative person and being a model let you be a part of creating something amazing. There were many shoots I enjoyed being a part of. A recent one I had flew me to New Delhi, India to shoot with the Indian Polo Team. I love animals and having a chance to shoot with beautiful and kind animals like horses was an incredible experience. I used to enjoy horseback riding when I was a child but haven’t done it in years, so it brought me back those incredible memories and feelings. InFluential: You’re making the transition to acting and have several films coming out this year. You’re in Angel Has Fallen alongside Gerald Butler and Morgan Freeman as well as a lead character in Honeymoon in Paradise. What has the crossover to acting been like? Katya: My transition to acting from modeling has been smooth and an interesting adventure. Modeling and acting are different arts, no doubt. For as different
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as they are, there is overlap, which is why the transition is a well-established route of many performance artists. Mark Wahlberg famously modeled Calvin Klein underwear before he became a Hollywood star. Charlize Theron became big in the fashion industry before her successful film career. There’s no substitute for acting school, which is why I believe all actors should invest in classes. With education comes experience and confidence. Models must be comfortable in front of the camera. Adding acting classes teaches important aspects models usually are unaware of, like how to experience different lives and tell stories. Models, on the other hand, are taught to sell the beauty of a product or the lifestyle that comes with it. InFluential: We’ve learned you’re currently filming for lead role in the fantasy film Empire Queen. Tell us about the film and how you got the part. Katya: This film is produced by Christopher Dane Owens and Jason Schulz. It’s a beautiful fantasy film - let’s say Harry Potter for adults. I’m playing the role of Terra Winter, a kind, powerful witch set in this ‘Golden Age of Magic’. Jason has been my dear friend for years. We’ve already worked together on a few great projects. One was a short film called Fashion Assassin. He knew my professionalism, work ethic, and experience, which is why I was invited to be a part of this project. InFluential: What are the other projects you have on the horizon? Katya: This summer, I’ll be shooting the film Wish Cake. It’s a beautiful romantic comedy with elements of magic, love, and laughter. My character is an athletic redhead, which means I’ll have to change my image temporarily. We’ll be filming in Jamaica, which is amazing. Another film is the drama Driver, a story of two brothers, love, money, and difficult relationships. It’s intense and twisted, and I’m glad to have the chance to work on something unpredictable, intense, and totally different than what I’ve done previously.
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InFluential: What would be your dream film or television show to land? Who would you want to be your co-star? Katya: I love thrillers, comedy, and sci-fi movies, but my favorite genre is action. In the action genre, I can play a badass woman on the side of justice. In television, something like Carrie Mathison or Claire Danes in Homeland or Peta Wilson in La Femme Nikita. Even Lucy Lawless as Xena: Warrior Princess. For films, Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde or Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. It’s a goal to get to this level. Choosing a costar is challenging because there are so many talented actors with whom I love and dream to work. It’ll be an honor to work with Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Gal Gadot, Brie Larson, and Zoe Saldana. InFluential: You have an active lifestyle doing dancing, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, yoga, and boxing. What keeps you motivated to juggle all these activities? Katya: I’ve been active since my childhood. My parents are both professional athletes. My dad was doing Russian judo, mom was into martial arts. I probably could’ve become a professional gymnast if I hadn’t chosen modeling. I’m grateful my parents kept me active. It taught me to be disciplined and persistent. Now I work out six times a week. It’s always different when you keep these many activities. That’s why I don’t get bored. Your body doesn’t get used to monotonous exercises and it’s the best way to keep yourself in a great shape. Let’s say today, I do boxing - it’s cardio and upper body. The next day I’ll do yoga, hiking, and barre class.
Lee Strasberg Film Institute and The Theatre, you must continue to train your “emotional muscles” just like an athlete. I love to be active and take a walk on the beach. I like going to nice restaurants or checking out art exhibits. There’s watching movies, television shows, and reading when I need to relax. Of course, I love to travel whether it’s for fun or work. InFluential: What’s something few people know about you? Katya: I’m a homebody and I feel comfortable being on my own. I often need “me time”. I like to recharge myself reading a book, having coffee, or doing a solo hiking. I’m natural introvert. Acting helped to open me up and understand my potential, as well as to be more communicative, open, and outgoing. l
Jumpsuit: Jay Godfrey Heels: Vince Camuto
Keeping a healthy lifestyle and working out is a great mental and emotional release with physical benefits. It helps you feel better and happier, look better, and stay in shape. It’s great motivation for all of us. InFluential: When you’re not working hard or working out, what do you do for fun? Katya: Let’s see. I love shopping and spas. I think it’s a common answer of all women, but it’s true. Also, I take acting classes. Even though I graduated from The JULY / AUGUST 2019
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Bakat FEATURING
KATYA
SHE’S INVESTED IN HER CAREER AND
IT’S PAYING OFF
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