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Changing the world in which we live A rebel within Moving for self appreciation

issue 36 - ÂŁ5

issue 36

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Other people will call me a rebel, but I just feel like I’m living my life and doing what I want to do.

Sometimes people call that rebellion, especially when you’re a woman.

-joan jett

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contents Investigations

Features

Stories

In every issue

34 Rebels of comfort Hygge lifestyle and psychology

19 In motion A quaint array of prints and an interview with the artist

16 For when he does not call A poem to read instead of waiting on the phone to ring

9 Subscribe Treat yourself to a year of Oh Comely

41 Connectivity Strength comes in all forms

29 Empowerment of the body An interview with a photographer and aspiring sex-therapist

24 DJ spotlight DJ MnM tells us what “breaking the rules” means to her

12 Reader’s letter 14 Contributers Meet six of the artists who created this issue

46 The body series Natalie Kelton displays the raw beauty of the human form

63 Knowledge is key What is life without the “whys”?

68 Playlist 20 songs that will make you feel empowered

104 Wonder mom jess caskey The story of how Jess Caskey became known as the wonder mom

95 Recipe Red velvet tres leches

52 Free the nipple A gender equality movement 57 Four waves of feminism Take a look at the evolution of feminism 73 Forgotten scientists Overlooked female masterminds 77 Women in nontraditional careers The advantages and disadvantages of a job in a male dominated field

68 Tiffany Nunes Nunes gives us a peak at behind the scenes her new fashion designs “Riot grrl”

109 Fearless weirdo frida kahlo A 1900’s painter embraces weirdness and feminism

78 Moon the rebel flower Naswana Moon- the rebel flower

117 Fighting with peace marwa balkar A Muslim-American activist rebels against stereotypes

113 Third round An Interview with Andrea Perez on leaving her country and starting a new life

125 Game changers Females who are breaking through the game design industry

130 The modern woman An interview with Monika Jonevski on her impressive career in the fashion industry

96 Women who change the world Joan Clarke 100 Wunderkammer Natalie Williams shows of her curious collection of tattoos 122 Three questions Nontraditional designer Zoe Mccloskey answers three questions 128 Curious things The team’s pick of products for spring

138 Riot grrl Tiffany Nunes’s new collection

140 What we’re reading Rebellious women in literature

146 Ana Karina Serfaty’s bags A Venezuelan designer

149 Mischief Save yourself the pain and make a temporary tattoo

150 Miczjhane Clay & her work Her online store and inspiring young women

Cover portrait of NaSwana Moon by Somi Benson-Ja ja. Makeup by NaSwana Moon using Bobbi Brown. Hair by NaSwana Moon. Styling by Jenna Hepp.

Pages four, five, and six feature Jenna Hepp’s photography around Europe.

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a rebel is but anyone This issue portrays individuals who exhibit rebellion in all aspects of their life.

A rebel is a person who defies all odds, chooses to be themselves no matter the circumstances.

Our theme evolves around the notion that the characteristic of a rebel can be defined in any small act. A phrase, an outfit, a lifestyle or an action. Rebellion is demonstrated through all.

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illustrations karina perez and lauren meek

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for when he does not call poem asli shebe

Smash the receiver and rip out the chord.

Wear your favorite lipstick, violet and violent— the one he hated— and listen to Angelou.

Don’t cradle the phone between you ear and shoulder and beg his lies to come through.

Don’t cut your hands trying to piece it together.

Let your voice break and your hands quiver.

Let the house burn, twist and come undone.

Peel back your mourning veil.

If the tears aren’t coming don’t wait.

Remember your pendulum hips and the threat of your thighs tangled around his waist the taste of your name how it cuts the teeth and tangles the tongue and sing it like a siren.

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Take to the streets crown in hand and knight yourself, let the parked cars be your pedestal climb the night and recite your declaration of independence.

And when you walk let each stride be for Rosa and Harriet Warsan and Zora.

Take his silence as invitation to hold your own.

Think of your cyanide stare throw yourself into tomorrow and teach yourself how to forget.

Yank the telephone wire, don’t let him leave a mess of excuses and laced lies.

Break the connection for when he does not call, don’t let him.

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in motion interview & prints taylor matlashewski words jenna hepp

I walk up to Taylor’s apartment, reach up to ring the doorbell and am swiftly welcomed by a series of happy barks. She rushes to open the door and ushers me inside her warm plant-friendly, artfully decorated home. As I look around, I see evidence of her love for prints and graphic design.

She hands me a few of her favorite pieces to photograph and we sit down to chat about her work.

What do you enjoy about print making? I chose it as a minor because my major is graphic design and it is all computarized. I enjoy the whole working with your hands and getting dirty factor of it because I painted all throughout highschool.

Working on the computer all the time can drive me crazy so I like to balance the two out.

What inspires the majority of your prints? I favor hands and botanical things. So a lot of my work is hand-related or flower-related or the subject is kind of leafy within it. Or sometimes I’ll have these random sparks of I’LL DO THIS! Like the teeth one.

I do a lot of value stuff but that one was stepping out of comfort zone and doing flat layered work.

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What are some terms in print making that most people don’t know? So many exist. Proofing is when you addition. When you’re making your proofs, you make the proofs for each color individually. Then addition is your one out of eight and your artist’s proof is what the artist keeps.

State proof is basically when you are proofing your color one. Etching is just using acid and gum arabic to make sure the oil is in the stone.

Out of the prints you gave me to photograph which is your favorite and why? I really like the big one I gave you. “Motion” is what I called it.

They are all mono prints and I have three of them that are each completely different. I drew on a clear piece of plastic and burned it onto the screen then did some weird untraditional things on the screen like drawing with my hands and with spoons, smearing the colors and dabbing it. It was really fun to do and I also just really like how big it is.

What makes your prints unique and how do you make them your own? I try not to do anything that is very trendy because I don’t want people to say “Oh she’s doing this because it’s trendy.” I try to stay away from that or at least to be inpired by that and then make it my own or in my own way which can be very different at times. Through lithography I was using a lot of watercolor techniques but while mixing it with a sketch style. Every print is different.

What is your preffered method of printmaking?

Right now I’m in screen printing and it’s fun, not as difficult to do but you can’t get much value with it.

I really like lithography because you can get value with it. It’s a very complex and long process to grind down the stone, etch and draw your image in it.

Make sure your’e not touching it with your hands because of the oil on them! But the end result you get out of it is very special and unique. When it comes to flatter work, I really like the screen printing method.

dj spotlight words sami bailey photography michelle mason

When talking with Michelle Mason or “DJ MnM, I asked her to describe herself in one sentence. She described herself as “the most energetic, chill, fun loving, intro extrovert that you’ll ever meet” which is truly a unique answer that you don’t hear everyday, but its not everyday you hear about a female dj either. Michelle, 24, who recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Motion Media and a minor in Photography said that djing has always been her “side thing” but nowadays she is trying to make it her “main thing” since everyone loves what she brings to the table. Since this month’s issue is focused on “breaking the rules” I wanted to ask MnM what breaking the rules means to her. To her, breaking the rules means being confident in yourself to not follow the masses despite what everyone else might say, stepping out of your comfort zone and knowing that will pay off in the end. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she has been in Savannah, Georgia for six years which she loves. Michelle applied to graduate schools not too long ago and plans pursuing a Masters of Science in Nutrition at the Berkley or Colorado School of Public Health. When asked why she 24

wanted to pursue a degree in Nutrition she simply said “I love food!”. Initially wanting to pursue a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, she had an epiphany one day while talking to a friend at church that becoming a Nutritionist would be the right thing for her to do and by incorporating that with djing she could make workout mixes.

Michelle began djing five years ago when one of her friends from home introduced her to a djing program. Sophomore year of college she asked one of her friends if she could throw a house party and everyone loved it. Since the school she attended was quite diverse, she played everything, ranging from West to East Coast music. From that moment on she kept at it by doing more house parties and djing for different colleges and their events. What I thought was so interesting about DJ MnM is that she hasn’t done any advertising to promote her djing business.

Most of her djing gigs come from word of mouth or by people referring her. To take it a step further, last year she invested in some equipment. Mnm describes her music style as “energetic”, she enjoys any

music that makes people want to dance.

Her favorite genres of music include Rap, Hip Hop, House, Reggae, Soca, Funk, Old School Hip Hop, Electronic and Dubstep (if its soulful). Even though she gets strange looks, she’s proud to say that her favorite artist is Kanye West. “Just knowing where he’s come from and seeing where he is now. . . its hard for him because the whole world is looking at him and putting their opinions on him, but I love how he’s able to still be himself and venture out into new fields besides just music. “says MnM. In the years ahead Dj MnM sees music becoming watered down unless artists such as Kanye, Kendrick, or J. Cole continue to keep a story behind it. In her eyes, people are more focused on putting out mixtapes rather than telling a story or creating dope visuals. When asked what was the biggest challenge she faced when djing, she stated that the microphone was the hardest part for her. She has a soft voice that is hard to project which is something she says that she is constantly trying to improve on. To find out which music she should play for

a gig she usually just “reads the crowd” and if she can’t do that she plays what’s popular on the radio. “If it’s a smaller crowd or everyone is already super drunk, I play what I want to hear” she says.

When asked if she was doing anything new, Dj MnM said she is currently working on rebuilding her social media (since her Soundcloud was terminated for copyright infringement), adding to her Mixcloud account, building her website, and coming up with new themes for mixes. Also, since Twerking is popular at the moment, she has decided to capitalize off the trend and created what she calls “Twerk Trap” mixes which is Hip Hop music that is sped up for people who like to dance fast. At the end of the day Dj Mnm says she just wants to be successful, protected, and happy. “I want to be the one to plan family gatherings, I don’t want my family to worry about money” says Mnm. “Really I just want to travel and enjoy life and to continue to be protected amongst all of it. I want to make the future generation healthier and more aware so we can continue to grow as a culture.”

empowerment of the body interview natalie kelton words savannah weghorst photography alex hale egan model mary jo parsley

all the time that they feel sexy and liberated whenever I shoot them. I hold my work to a very high level of professionalism and I can talk about how I feel about my own work. I work very hard and I don’t feel narcissistic for saying that.”

A scribbled on daily planner. An art gallery ticket stub. And a vintage porno DVD. These are the three items that Natalie Kelton pulls out of her purse. Natalie is a senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) majoring in photography and minoring in printmaking. She specializes in photographing the human body. Every scar, bump, dip, roll, curve, bone, and freckle peaks her interest and she showcases these curiosities that make each human body unique.

How would you describe your style of photography? “Honest, personal, and simply a self-portrait of how I feel and think about people. My photography shows my personal perspective and luckily models support that and want to work with me. I want to say my work is empowering. I have my models tell me

Where do you pull your inspiration from?

When Natalie first pulled out a porno DVD from her purse, it was unexpected. She told me that she used porn as inspiration for her work. “My favorite pornos are Emmanuelle and Emmanuelle 2. They are French pornos from the novel in the 50’s. You don’t see any sex scenes but the movie eludes to it and shows sensuality”. When it comes to porn, Natalie is drawn more to vintage porn that is more story and character based and artistic. In today’s age, the audience of porn has changed. They want everything fast, short, to see everything and to see everything up close. The roles of men and women in porn have also changed because the vintage porn was more focused on the man while today it is more focused on the woman getting off. Natalie did say that she supports anyone in the porn industry who 29

wants to use and distribute their bodies that way, but is firmly against exploitation.

Natalie told me that she really wants to go back to school after she graduates from SCAD to become a sex therapist. She has done countless research papers on anything and everything to do with erotica. She honestly believes that everyone deserves to feel sexy and explore their sexuality. When it comes to sex, Natalie has found that a lot of negativity towards women actually comes from women.

Women can be harsh and judgmental. They are told not to talk about sex and to just accept what men want from them. Although, Natalie points out that these stigmas are changing.

What made you fall in love with photography?

Natalie told me that she started in high school by taking photos of her friends that were anorexic and bulimic to show them that they were beautiful. She started out with a bed sheet and a $3 lamp from the local Goodwill and “that shit still works!�. Natalie is all about cheap, claiming that you can make beautiful things out of anything with determination. After seeing her friends’ reactions and seeing how it empowered them, she realized that she wanted to shoot images that would promote body positivity, not just for plus sizes but also for those who are underweight, men and women.

Natalie has found that men are so much harder

to convince that they are handsome because they are so self-conscious. Women are used to getting complements on their looks but that doesn’t happen near as often for men. Their masculinity is mainly just judged “by the size of their junk”. Natalie is all about body love and wants others to love their bodies.

What do you look for when scouting models?

Natalie doesn’t really look for anything in particular. “I am pretty shameless and I will just go up to someone in a pizza shop and they will model for me”. Trying to get a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, colors, and genders, she uses herself, Tinder, and even Grindr to find people. “Im always honest with what I want. I tell them that my name is Natalie, I’m a photographer, and that I think they are a very interesting person and would like to shoot them. I show them my website and work and I have only ever had one person turn me down and that was a week ago”. Loving your own body is difficult, especially when you do not think that others accept your body. According to Natalie, a photograph is a document and any document makes someone important. You are essentially making them feel important. You are making them an icon.

Do you ever use Photoshop? Natalie only uses editing software to edit the lighting and clean

acne off of skin. She says that if it were her, she would want acne removed but she never retouches scars, dimples, or stray hairs. If she needs to fix something, she will do it right then before she takes the photo. “Why would I change someone’s body? Who is to say what the standard of beauty is?”

In our generation, Body Positivity has been a growing trend. Where do you see this trend going? Is it just that, “a trend”? Or is it here to last? Natalie does not see it as a trend but as something that will continue to grow. To her, models like Ashley Graham are not plus sized.

Ashley Graham is a size 14 and the average American woman is a size 14-16. So Ashley Graham is not plus size, she is average. Plussized models that inspires Natalie are Tess Holliday (size 22) and male model Zach Miko.

The female plus size industry has much more support than the male plus size industry. The male plus size industry is basically non-existent.

Male plus size is determined by their body shape rather than their size since males can be the same size but their muscles make a difference.

Did you ever receive backlash from your family, professors, or friends over the type of photography you do? “Of course, all the time.

SCAD does not support my work. I cannot put my work on display in the photography building because of the genitals in my photos.

Why are nudes not professional? Painting is different. In painting, nudes are worshiped but if it is a photo then it instantly becomes porn in someone’s mind”. Most of Natalie’s professors are supportive but she did have one professor who was not okay with the male nudes but was fine with the female nudes. “That really made me angry”. As far as her family, Natalie was not really sure how her dad felt about her work because he passed away two years ago. Natalie did say that he always supported her as long as she was doing what she loved and was being successful at it. Her mom always says “Why can’t you just take pictures of flowers?”. She is not a fan of Natalie’s work because she is very conservative. “My mom will come see my work but she will not look at the work with genitals. However, she can’t really say much about it because I have consistently been on the Dean’s list and my work has been showcased in galleries”.

rebels of comfort hygge & the danish lifestyle- finding peace in a stressful environment words isabella berkoff photography bonnin studio

It’s no coincidence that Denmark always tops the lists for the world’s happiest places. Even with some of the harshest winters known to man, they still manage to top the list each year. Various cultural differences including education, politics and healthcare contribute to their peaceful way of living, but what makes them happier than the rest of the world? What makes them happiness rebels?

With dark and cold winters, the Danes have adopted a way of living that we should all take a page from. Known to Scandinavia as Hygge, best translated into English as meaning indulgence, comfort and hugs, is a lifestyle concept that is best described as living in comfort. Not lavish, expensive lifestyles- but rather having the ability to enjoy the smaller things and to provide yourself a relaxed atmosphere. Hygge derives from the 16th century Norwegian word, hugga, meaning ‘to comfort’ or ‘to console’, related to the 34

English word ‘hug’. It is similar to the German concept of gemutlichkeit and the Dutch idea of gezelligheid. The concept showed up during the 1800’s in Norwegian literature regarding well-being. Denmark and Scandinavia as a whole care strongly about these aspects of life, so much so that it is considered a cultural norm. Hygge is a crucial part of Danish culture that is considered to be “a defining part of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA”, as described by Meik Wiking, happiness researcher and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.

On the flip side, countries like the United States focus too much on economic status, social status and climbing to the top of power as quickly as possible. Americans have a much more stressful lifestyle, achieving one thing and moving to the next. Driven by social media, they do not live by the same ethical and lifestyle codes established by

Scandinavian communities. In addition, Europeans have at least double the paid vacation time as those living in the United States. The US workforce is fast-paced and high stress, and in turn works harder in an attempt to accomplish more in a certain period of time to be viewed in society as “successful.” In the end, however, is it worth it? Are we really happy with always racing for the next promotion, fooling people into thinking we have a perfect life on social media?

Meik Wiking of Copenhagen explained his viewpoint of happiness and its dark side in a speech for TED talks, The Dark Side of Happiness. Wiking argues that while many may laugh at a career studying happiness, it is crucial to study it in a scientific matter as it is the one thing that matters the most. While happiness is subjective, he has found that many factors play into our personal happiness that we don’t consider. Social comparisons, according to Wiking, are potentially the largest factors in threatening our general life satisfaction. We consider income relative to how much others in our society make. We look to other’s social media accounts for comparing success and perfection. So when people struggle with unemployment, it is much harder to face when others around seem to have these perfect lives, and being unsuccessful is the odd one out. Studying happiness research in Denmark shows that it is harder to be happy in an otherwise happy environmentbecause you seem alone in your unhappiness.

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So what steps can we take to find a little peace in our stressful lives? Hygge is all about slowing things down. Picture warm blankets, magical candles, snow, comfy sweaters, friends, warm fires and copious amounts of coffee. Danes burn more candles than any other country in the world. The best part?

Even sweatpants are considered hygge.

How cool is that? The Danes even created some words to compliment hygge even further- including hyggebukser (sweatpants), hyggekrog (essentially a cozy nook- imagine a window seat in the corner) and more. It’s all about creating a warm, positive atmosphere that promotes relaxation and friendship. But you don’t have to be with friends to celebrate hygge! While most images that illustrate the hygge lifestyle depict cozy interior spaces, don’t forget to take a stroll outside! Nature is a part of the culture too, and it is so important.

Contrary to popular belief, hygge isn’t about spending money on expensive objectsit’s much more about forming your own wonderful experiences and creating a certain

environment than it is about stuff. In fact, purchasing expensive items in order to try and emulate the hygge look is actually the opposite idea of hygge. Some people wonder if the US and UK versions of hygge are just excuses for companies to sell more stuffso be careful not to fall into the trap. For the Danes, it’s all about comfort and familiarity- pastries, meatballs, copious amounts of coffee and friends. Perhaps try making your own concept of hygge at home! Take a walk in the park, grab a coffee with an old friend or read a book in a quiet corner with a view. Instead of buying into all of the decorations, perhaps pick up a book on how to hygge, like Meik Viking’s Little Book of Hygge. Take a stroll in the snow, pick up books about the culture, study happiness, and remember to love the simple things.

connectivity words jenna hepp photography lisa hubbard

Strength is drawn from many sources throughout life. From family support, friends, the food that we eat to energize our bodies, the individual breaths we draw up to 30,000 times in a single day, and the activities we pursue that bring us joy. Every one of these examples fuels our bodies with necessary strength.

Both men and women across the world have discovered that being active resonates with the human soul. The body craves to be nourished through activity that brings connectivity and strength flooding into the muscles. Slowly, this idea of maintaining an active lifestyle has spread globally.

Strangely enough, it has taken time for the notion of health to seep back into humanity. Many still ignore the fact that the human body can do the incredible, even the impossible, when put to the test. And while there are people choosing relaxation, comfort in the familiar, and inactivity,

others are choosing to educate, encourage, and nourish.

A man known as Joseph Pilates was concerned with the well being of both the mind and the body, and has been influential in shaping the modern world of physical activity. The method that Joseph created followed the idea that you cannot efficiently build muscle bulk and flexibility, while at the same time performing a hard aerobic workout. That simply does not work, it just leads to unnecessary extra stress loading. He believed that such sessions should always be performed separately. His method has influenced the world heavily since as early as 1914, ever evolving yet remaining close to the original Pilates method.

As a result of the Joseph Pilates method, instructors have branched off as they learned from the Elders who were taught

by Joseph himself. The practice has spread across the countries and helped men and 41

women everywhere to become more connected with their minds while strengthening and toning their bodies. Each instructor that I have met has a slightly different style or approach to Pilates, as their master trainer was taught a slightly different way than another.

Betsy Hunter-Hughes was trained in a New York studio that was fast paced and left little room for mistakes. She has evolved her method into her own, as she appreciates the use of yoga to release tense muscles and strengthen the core. She adds certain practices from yoga to her Pilates routine. I find that this gives it a nice flowing, smooth pace that encourages sweating. The original Pilates method focused greatly on flowing from one movement to the next, while working slowly so as to target specific muscles. She focuses on this slow movement and intense muscle work while teaching her classes. Betsy prefers to workout in warm rooms, she specifies anywhere around 75. This helps to warm the muscles while moving in the exercises.

Heather Maze demonstrates a slightly different approach to her teaching.

She was trained in Pilates by a master at a studio located in Savannah, GA. She has also been trained in Barre, Ballet, and Yoga, therefore having many resources to draw from when teaching a class. She generally teaches at a relaxed pace, doing many repetitions, and teaching classical Pilates. Rather than adding in other exercises, she tries to remains true to Joseph Pilate’s method.

Each of these instructors strives to encourage their students and to promote a healthy approach of muscle connection. The connection spreads from muscle to mind, to friends and family, to attitude and overall happiness in life. Choosing to pull oneself away from familiarity and relaxation can pull strengths out in ways never imagined. This is strength.

the body series photography natalie kelton 46

free the nipple a campaign

words francoise urdaneta photography sam fuller

This movement is a campaign that was created back in 2012 to promote gender equality. The movement debates that women should be permitted to show their nipples in public. This issue arose due to the fact that women around the world have decided to free the nipple in public. Unfortunately, they have been accused of disturbing peace of the public while also being accused of impropriety and rudeness.

However, there are several states in the U.S. in which toplessness is legal. An example of this would be New York, where it has been legal for over 15 years. Even with this proof of legality, people continue to complain when viewing topless women in public, as they consider it to be inappropriate behavior.

Furthermore, it is difficult to understand that only nine states out of fifty allow for women and men to be topless. In the other states, being topless is a criminal offense and it is considered an improper exposure.

Not only that, but breast-feeding mothers are not allowed to feed their babies in public. How is this illegal in the 21st century? What is wrong

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with the world? Breast-feeding mothers are harassed for simply feeding their children in public. How can someone see that as a criminal offense or as indecent exposure?

On the other hand, the UK is a great example of how things should be done in all countries. The UK allows their citizens to be naked in public if this does not create distress. All beaches in the UK allow people to sunbathe naked and even ride a bike naked.

Oh Comely magazine is more than proud to support The Free the Nipple campaign!

The magazine will never support acts of hate or violence and that includes harassment and bullying. We are happy to know that this movement is important, with a multitude of people supporting it.

We will support all women, especially those women who are discouraged from feeding their own children in public. It is time for the world to change and for equality of the genders to finally be a part of our society.

We admire the strong and beautiful people who have protested in the streets for their rights. We will continue to support this movement all the way.

four waves of femininism words karla colon illustrations maria acha-kutscher

Feminism is described as the advocacy for women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes. Feminism is often misinterpreted, but the main goal of feminism is equality in all that we do. This consists of political movements, ideologies, and social movements. These feminist movements typically include fighting for the right to vote, the right to work, equal pay, education, marriage equality, property rights, maternity leave, and so much more. Feminists promote body positivity, autonomy, and integrity. These activists also protect women of all ages from rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Feminism is a necessity in our time as women are too often belittled by men that don’t believe in equality and rights for everyone.

The 1st wave of feminism refers to a period of activity during the 19th and 20th century in the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Canada. It was focused on certain inequalities specific to the time period women faced. Women fought for political power, including the right to vote, in order to bring about the necessary change in equality.

Once the seed was planted, women gained the potential to be seen as equal to their male counterparts in society.

The second wave took place between the 1960s and 1980s. Starting in the United States, it then spread through the Western world and beyond. It became a worldwide issue, gaining strength in Europe and parts of Asia. Although these surges of feminism began in varying locations across the world as well as different time periods, the end goal was the same. The second wave was focused on the workplace, reproductive rights, sexuality, and family. It was perceived that women 57

already had all the rights necessary when in reality, ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment had yet to occur.

Many participants of this movement were also previously affiliated with the Black Civil Rights Movement, the Gay and Lesbians Movement, the Chicano Rights Movement, the Anti Vietnam Movement, and the American Civil Rights Movement.

More post-colonial and post-modern than the previous movements, the third wave of feminism occured in the 1990’s. This was seen as an “individual movement” with the purpose of redefining what it means to be a feminist.

The third wave managed to evoke a response to the failures of the second wave of feminism and the backlash surrounding other previous movements.

It exposed the many different faces and identities of diverse women, recognizing that women are of “many colors, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and cultural backgrounds”. The adoption of the meaning of feminism started with the daughters of mothers from the first

and second waves, but this time they were wearing lip-gloss and high heels, with very exposed cleavage. As someone expressed, “It’s possible to have a pushup bra and a brain at the same time.”

The “girls” of the third wave projected a strong, empowered image, eschewing victimization and defining feminine beauty for themselves as subjects, not as objects of sexist patriarchy. This wave of feminism addressed identity, gender, and sexuality.

The fourth and most recent wave of feminism began in 2005, concerning justice with religious spirituality.

However, spirituality is no longer the major influence in this wave. Rather, the technological component of feminism has taken over. It is said that the fourth wave actually began in 2008, and was mostly inspired by “Take Our Daughters to Work Days”. This wave of feminism incorporates a widespread presence in social media, the pursuit of reproductive justice, transgender support, plussize fashion support, and the term

“Feministing”. The purpose of feministing is “a way to get through the mommy filter.” This helps to make feminism more accessible, as well as to give young feminists a presence via social media.

Fourth wave feminists are often associated with online and social media presence. Primarily establishing their presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Tumblr, they aim to involve the younger generations of feminists in te discussion of gender equality and social justice. This wave has impacted the way in which companies market to women. This wave has been associated with the increased focus on intersectionalitythe idea that multiple identities intersect to create a whole that is different from the component identities, including gender, race, social class, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, age, mental disability, and illness, as well as other forms of identity. It is also associated with the repudiation of trans-exclusionary radical feminism and has a focus on solidarity with other social justice movements.

It has to be said that these waves are radical, but in the end women are simply pursuing their right of equality. All should participate in creating a world that is just.

knowledge is key what is life without all the “why’s”?

words alex hepp portraits brian hepp

“Why?” the little boy asked, for what must have seemed like the thousandth time.

“It just does Honey,” his mother replied exasperatedly “I don’t know.”

“But why!” he insisted, four-year old eyes brimming with curiosity, still squinting at the bizarre black rock in his hand. “Why does it stick to the other rocks, mom?”

Shaking her head and laughing, she pulled him along, placating him with promises to aid in solving the mystery when they got home.

This little boy never stopped asking why. In elementary school, it was “why is the Earth round?” and “why do I have to capitalize that?” In middle school, “why does that equation

work?” and in high school, “why does that protein fold into that shape?”

The questions changed, they only grew deeper and more complex as the boy grew into a young man, but the curiosity was never exhausted.

As often as not, he would receive a vague response, or a simple “you wouldn’t understand,” prompting a frustrated countenance and a brief silence, but still the desire to understand burned within.

Knowing “what” was not enough for the boy, he had to know how, he had to know why. Naturally he developed an interest in science. More than an interest. The boy’s ardor for science was nearly unmatched by his peers, enrolling in every class he possibly

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could, devouring every scrap of insight, every theory, every principle. He soon focused his passion in biomedicine, pushing beyond the confines of a textbook and engaging in clinical research.

Through the years, the little boy who asked “Why?” lived on – lives on. That boy is me.

From the very moment that I began to conceptualize the world, every fragment of information has been precious to me. Each question answered multiplies into a dozen more, each solution found brings forth another problem to ponder. With this dedication to understanding the world that I live in, I aspire to alleviate suffering, to improve humanity; to make a difference.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.�

-Albert Einstein

playlist words francoise urdaneta illustration r. t. n.

Beyoncé – “Formation” Nina Simone – “Feeling Good” Alicia Keys – “Superwoman” Katy Perry – “Firework” Destiny’s Child – “Independent Women” Chaka Khan – “I’m Every Woman” Bebe – “Ella” Beyonce – “Run The World” India Aire – “Video” M.I.A. – “Bad Girls” Alicia Keys – “Girl On Fire” Katy Perry – “Love Me” Sara Bareilles – “Satellite Call” Florence + The Machine – “Shake It Out” Kacey Musgraves – “Follow Your Arrow” Rachel Platten – “Fight Song” Hilary Duff – “One In A Million” Miley Cyrus – “On My Own” Selena Gomez – “Who Says” P!nk – “F**kin’ Perfect”

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tiffany nunes words karla colon photography augusto silva alliegro

New up-coming fashion designer, Tiffany Nunes, gave an hour of her time for a sit down and talk about her designs and what female empowerment means to her. The latest collection “Riot grrl” carries a strong political message (which can be seen on page 138). As an upcoming designer, Tiffany hopes to showcase her idea to influence a larger audience.

Where does your artistic influence come from and when did you start making clothing? I didn’t have much artistic influence when I was a kid.

I think I really comprehended art when I was in my early teen years when I would spend more and more time just looking at art shows and became interested in photography and film. In terms of fashion I started making clothes in college, but I started to design when I was a kid just playing with dolls. My grandma would the make the clothes that I drew for them.

How do you describe your fashion and style? I don’t really pay much attention to what is on my body. I definitely care for the way I look but I tend to blend into the background. I mean most of my closet is black.

I don’t like to be the center of attention. I like what I design to be the attention.

How did you develop your interest in fashion? I think it was just what I loved to do all the time. I spent most of my play time drawing what I wanted my dolls to be wearing and then that grew into what I wanted my alter ego to wear and then that grew into what I wanted to express through clothes.

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What is grrl riot? What inspire you to make this collection? Riot grrrl was feminist punk movement that inspired the collection.

The movement addressed issues from rape to patriarchy and was represented by punk rock feminist bands like Pussy Riot and Bikini Kill with lead singer Kathleen Hanna which was a muse for the collection.

The issues currently represented a lot in the media inspired the collection.

So, you recognize yourself as a feminist? Yes. Do you believe in equality or women can be better than men? I think the main point of feminism is not for we are better than men or man hating. It is to achieve equality in rights and opportunities. In today’s society, males are unable to express their feelings and women are unable to be strong. The word feminism shouldn’t be a bad thing or an unappealing word. It should be one accepted by everyone man and females.

Are you a designer that has political views and creates everything according to that? I definitely see fashion as an opportunity for expressing these political views, not saying everything will be political but if that’s what I’m feeling at the moment and it’s certainly inspiring me either positively or negatively I will let it become my art.

Can you explain your creative process? I think it varies from time to time. I definitely let emotions guide the process a lot. I start researching and questioning. I start my process by indulging in the subject and then I take it to 3D. I start manipulating imagery, writing, textiles, etc. and then from there comes my sketching and I find my silhouette.

forgotten scientists one of the greatest minds of the 20th century

words isabella berkoff photography & illustration bbc

Jocelyn Bell Burnell, native to Northern Ireland and born in 1943, discovered pulsars during her research as a graduate student studying radio astronomy at Cambridge University in England. If unfamiliar, pulsars are the remains of massive stars that have gone supernova. Burnell discovered, in 1967, that instead of a complete disappearance upon explosion, these massive stars left behind smaller (but very dense) rotating stars in their place.

This exciting discovery resulted in a Nobel prize, however no credit was given to the brilliant Jocelyn Burnell- instead, all of the scientific credit was rewarded to her supervisor at the time, Anthony Hewish and fellow male student at Cambridge, Martin Ryle. This was despite her being the first to actually observe and study these pulsars. Many other female scientists like Burnell have been forgotten in history due to the gender roles in society during their times. Other women include British scientist Rosalind Franklin and her critical contributions on the structure of DNA, Esther Lederberg and her work on genetic inheritance, genetic manipulations and certain virus discoveries and Nettie Stevens, a Vermont resident who participated in the discovery of the influence of chromosomes of an organism’s sex, among

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others. To many, these names are not of common knowledge, nor are they studied in classrooms enough. This is why it is crucial for us to bring to light those brilliant women who have contributed so much to our society and education, and rewrite their names in history.

In an interview for National Geographic, Burnell stated that “the picture people had at the time of the way that science was done was that there was a senior man- and it was always a man- who had under him a whole load of minions, junior staff, who weren’t expected to think, who were only expected to do as he said.” At the time, Burnell was faced with the challenges of a sexist mentality towards women in education.

While she particularly pursued research careers, sometimes she was only offered positions that involved administrative or management work.

Burnell, now aged 73, is an astrophysicist and has since gone on to be a professor at Oxford University, president of the Institute of Physics, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Dublin.

To this day, she strives for gender equality in education.

As a chair of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, she hopes to strategize ways to help generate more female workers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math).

women in nontraditional careers words sami bailey illustration elizabeth arden

Women are now being encouraged to pursue nontraditional careers — in military, business, science and technology. In 2008, Mark Zuckerberg hired Sheryl Sandberg from Google to come work for Facebook.

In 2012, she was elected to the board of directors becoming the first woman to serve on Facebook’s board. Years later Sandberg released her first book entitled “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” which is one of my favorite books. The book describes the reason why women haven’t progressed in achieving leadership roles, what solutions we can provide to empower women and her everyday struggles with herself and her career.

My sister Norrel inspired me to write this article. Her whole life she has been good at fixing things. She is currently a maintenance worker for an apartment complex and

she enjoys it. She hopes to one day move on from this job to become a contractor. I never thought of her job as being a male dominated one until I spoke with her one afternoon. She complained that even though she could do her job better than any man could, she was still treated as if she were “delicate” by the other male workers.

Needless to say, she didn’t get treated like this very long (once the male workers saw that she could do twice the amount of work in half the time). The US Department of Labor defines a non-traditional career for women as one in which 25% or less of those employed in the field are women. It is hard to believe that, in 2017, the Department of Labor lists over 100 occupations that fall into this category, among them an astronaut and architect. It has been over 40 years since Sally Kristen Ride was the first woman in space and about 130 since Louise Blanchard set up her practice and became the first female professional architect.

When choosing a career, women should consider all the options available to them.

There aren’t any jobs that a woman can’t do based on gender alone and anyone interested in a job would have to meet the qualifications for the career he or she is considering. According to US Department of Labor statistics, the median weekly earnings of women who worked full-time were only 82% of men’s median weekly earnings.

Non-traditional occupations for women offer higher entry level wages and higher pay as one advances in her career. Non traditional careers can also be called STEM careers. STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.” The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM fields will grow by 13% across the board through 2022. That is about one million additional jobs, for al number of nine million jobs in the STEM sectors by 2022.

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moon the rebel flower

photography somi benson-jaja model naswana moon styling jenna hepp makeup naswana moon

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“Who I am is entirely up to me.”

red velvet tres leches words karla colon photography cathi lannone

20 min Prep Time 2 hours and 10 min Total Time 13 Ingredients 24 Servings For the Cake 1 box of Super Moist devil’s cake mix 1 1/4 cups of water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 bottle of 1oz of red food color Tres Leches (milks) 1 can of 14oz sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated) 1 cup whipping cream 1 cup Irish cream liqueur Frosting and Decoration 1 1/2 cups of whipped cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1/4 of cup shaved dark chocolate (Hershey’s)

Step 1 Turn on oven to 350 F (for dark or nonstick pas). Spray or grease pan of 13x9in pan. In a large bowl mix the cake ingredients with a mixer on low, scraping bowl occasionally. Then, pour batter into pan.

Step 2 Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until done.

Insert toothpick in center until it comes clean. Wait 10 minutes to cool. Poke cake every 1/2 inch with a wooden skewer or fork.

Step 3 In a small bowl, mix Tres Leches ingredients. After everything is mix spread evenly over top of cake, allowing the mix to soak in. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until the milks are absorb.

Step 4 In a medium bowl, stir together the whipped cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread the whipped cream mixture over the cake and then, sprinkle the dark chocolate shavings.

Step 5 ENJOY! 95

joan clarke women who changed the world

words isabella berkoff paintings gini wade

You may have heard of her from the 2015 movie, The Imitation Game. However, before Kiera Knightley famed her role, history did not honor her enough. Many did not know, and still do not know who she was. Her colleague and lifetime friend, Alan Turing was not treated kindly by the government by the end of his life due to the unacceptance of homosexuality, and died early at the age of 41. Turing was eventually realized as one of the greatest minds in history and for his significance in breaking the German Enigma during World War 2, and went down in history as the father of the modern computer.

Turing has amazing historical significance and helped to win the war, but what happened to the memories of his colleagues, in particular Joan Clarke? Until recently, it seems that her memory has faded compared to her male counterparts.

Joan Elisabeth Lowther Murray, later known as Joan Clarke, was an English cryptanalyst and numismatist. Her ingenious work as a code breaker during World War Two saved countless lives, and her skills were enough to earn the respect of the of the most brilliant 96

minds of the 20th century. She was the only woman to work in the center of the quest to crack the German Enigma Code, rising to a deputy head of Hut 8 with the brightest cryptanalysts in history. Not only should she be commended for her brilliance and her achievements during the war, but for her critical role in a world that was strictly for men at the time. Although she did earn to the title of member of the Order of the British Empire in 1947, somehow her memory as a brilliant female that defied the odds and mathematical genius faded in time and paled in comparison with her male counterparts. Though she was rumored to not care much for the spotlight (which makes her even more honorable/ commendable), her excellence was finally brought to light in the 2015 film, The Imitation Game.

Born in West Norwood, London, England in 1917, Joan was the youngest child, sister to three brothers and one sister. She earned a scholarship to attend Newnham College, Cambridge, where she achieved a double first in mathematics and was honored the title of Wrangler (students that gain firstclass honors). Unfortunately, due to the sexism of the time, Joan was denied a full degree, which was only rewarded to men up to the year 1948. Here, she

was first discovered by Gordon Welchman in an undergraduate geometry class. Welchman was one of the top mathematicians working at Bletchley Park.

Contrary to what happened in the film, Welchman was the one who asked her to join him at Bletchley to become part of the GCCS (Government Code and Cypher School.

had to be classified as a linguist instead. The Civil Service bureaucracy had no protocols in place for a senior female cryptanalyst, so you can imagine she might have laughed when she filled out forms working as linguist, with the form looking something like this: “grade: linguist.

Languages: none.”

The GCCS had one purpose: to break the German Enigma Code. The Germans and the rest of the world believed that it was unbreakable. After all, the possibilities were almost infinite to break the code and they would have to start over on trying to decode it each day. At the time, a female cryptanalyst was unheard of. That being said, Joan was initially signed on to complete office work, paid only a measly two pounds per week. This was obviously much less than her male colleagues.

However, it was not long before her talents were shining through. Within just a couple of days, she was given a spot to work alongside brilliant minds Alan Turing and others in Hut 8.

As stated, female cryptanalysts were unheard of at the time due to the restrictions of women’s rights.

So, in order for her to be paid for her promotion, she

Along with Turing in Hut 8, Joan and her colleagues worked and cracked mainly German navy ciphers, much more complex than other German messages. This task including uncovering messages of Germans hunting Allied ships carrying troops and supplies from the United States to Europe as well as the attacks on British troops and communities. Joan had to crack the ciphers in real-time, as the codes were constantly changing and the messages were of critical military matters. This means that she had one of the most high-pressure jobs at Bletchley, and likely in London as a whole. Once they cracked a code, a military action would be taken almost immediately. Because of her efforts, Joan helped to sink or circumnavigate the German U-boats, saving thousands of lives in the process.

wunderkammer photography alex hale egan model natalie williams words savannah weghorst interview natalie williams

Which tattoo was your first? The smiley face on my ankle. It started out as a stick-n-poke I did in my freshman dorm room. It didn’t really work and looked super janky so I got an actual tattoo artist to go over it.

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What is the connection you have to your tattoos? To be honest, they just make me happy.

They make me feel really pleased with how I look. Also my grasp on reality is like tenuous at best and they help me to look myself and be like “aye bitch, das you. You're a real person. You really here”. Plus its like just carrying my lil arts around with me. They just keep me company like they're my friends. Other people can see them but they don't know them like I do. Like me & my tattoos, we got inside jokes.

Which ones have stories behind them and what are those stories? I mean I could say stuff about all of them but only a couple really have stories, I guess. The house on rib is the house I grew up in that my family still lives in. The succulent plant on my arm is Harold. He was given to me by a coworker right before I left for college. So I went out that night after I got off work and ended up accidentally leaving him at a bar. Then a couple days later I went back and I was like “heyyyy. y'all didnt happen to find a succulent plant named Harold in here did you?” They were like “ya we were wondering when you were gonna come back for him...” Anyway, so I got a portrait of him because he's my child and I love him... even though I may or may not have lost him for a hot sec.

What goes into your decision making when thinking about whether or not to get your tattoo?

I tend to obsess over what I want for a while.

Like I don't really plan it much but I'm always thinking about what I want and where in the back of my mind. Then I just go when I start feeling all super glum and such and then I feel better again.

Do you have a favorite? Not really. I go back and forth between which ones I'm most into.

Usually when I get a new one I'm like “dang this is the best thing in the world� and then I go back to switching between which one is my favorite. The hands on my thigh is currently my favorite because it is originally my artwork.

Do you receive backlash from your family/ friends/employers/strangers about your tattoos? Oh ya for sure. My parents hate them. Before I had any I remember my father saying that they were "the mark of an unsavory person". I hid them for a little over a year but they found out at airport security because the TSA dude made me take off my cardigan so my dad saw. Sometimes I catch him looking at me with just sheer judgment, but I really don't care anymore. Sometimes I get self-conscious and worried about how the tattoos might disappoint my parents but then I remember that they make me happy and that they make me feel better about my body image so who cares. They make me feel real. Like my own person. As for everyone else, the reactions I get are positive for the most part. I'm sure some people judge me for them or don't like them, but thats kind of a given. Everyone likes (or dislikes) what they like so it really wouldn't make sense to think that everyone would like them. Like I've seen some tattoos out there that I didn't particularly like, but if they person they are on really likes them then so do I because they're happy and I'm happy for them. So ya whether or not someone likes my tattoo doesn't really matter one way or the other to me because I like them.

wonder mom: jess caskey words francoise urdaneta photography jess caskey

Jess Caskey-- wonder woman and phenomenal business expertise. This woman is a mother of two, a wife, and an owner of her own business. Since she was a little girl, she knew the world of art and design was her passion. Caskey also desired to be a mom and a wife. How does she do it?

What is her secret? Surprisingly, she has no secrets or super-powers! Jess Caskey claims that when you do something that you are extremely passionate about, it will flow naturally and that is how she realized that she needed to be an artist as well as a mother. Caskey also explains that being a “wonder mom� is not easy but it is very rewarding. She wakes up very early in the mornings so that she can be with her kids, then go to work where she is the lead designer. Tthis fashionable mom admits that her role models are other moms. She explains that being a mother and having a job at the same time is tough.

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Caskey speaks of how she keeps her life together. A piece of advice from Caskey is that weekends are reserved for family! Also, try to stay as comfy as possible during the day. Her favorite outfit is a pair of skinny jeans and new balance tennis shoes. She also advices that one should take the time to read in order to relax. To all the moms out there-- it’s okay! And it is going to be alright. No one has it all together. Being a mom is tough and it is even tougher if you work.

But what’s the good news? You can do it! Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard. Stay true to yourself and trust that everything happens for a reason.

fearless weirdo: frida kahlo words karla colon photography gisele freund

Frida Kahlo was a women known for her strong role in feminism during the 20th century. In addition to being a feminist, she is famous for her paintings.

Frida’s born name was Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon, later changed to Frida Kahlo de Rivera. Her birth date was July 6, 1907. Later in life, Frida decided to claim that she was born in 1910 rather than 1907 so as to create an association with herself and the Mexican Revolution. Her

childhood was extremely difficult.

She contracted polio at the age of 6, suffered from spinal bifida, and experienced a car crash that completely changed her life.

This car accident confined Frida to bed for an extended period.

This confinement eventually led her to consider painting as a full time career option rather than studying medicine.

while communicating her story in a unique sense. Her aesthetic is specific to her paintings, and unlike any other arrtist. Some of Kahlo’s work features seeming nightmares that were actually her life. In reality, her life was an endless nightmare. When speaking of her work, she said, “I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality.”

Kahlo once said “I paint myself because I am often alone and I am the subject I know best.” Her paintings feature natural beauty

When she decided to marry Diego Rivera, she understood that she was possibly making an error in judgement. This would

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be his third marriage, as he had not been faithful to his previous wives. However, she was in love with him. They had a difficult start to the marriage, and eventually Frida began to go out with both men and women. She was the topic of scandal, as was her husband. She discovered that her sister and Diego were having an affair. This caused Kahlo to divorce Diego in outrage, only to get back with him in less than a year. Strangely enough, their relationship with him in the second marriage was more platonic, based on friendship rather than being sexual and romantic.

Although Kahlo suffered through much in her life, she left an impact on the world through her life’s work. As an active feminist and strong woman, Frida set an example for others to follow. Some may

see her as weak for staying with someone like Diego, but she was only human. Kahlo offered so much more to women through her art as well as her experiences.

She didn’t recognize herself as a bisexual, rather she saw herself as a woman able to love and care for anyone no matter the gender. Kahlo defied gender stereotypes.

Her paintings portray real women and real experiences. She deviated from the traditional definition of female beauty in her paintings. Her artwork was completely honest and raw to the eye. Frida never played the victim, instead taking the tragedies of her life and transforming the resulting pain into painting.

Frida was willing and unafraid to embrace her weirdness. Eventually, she broke every

rule in both art and life. Whatever it was that she chose to do, it came from her heart. She was aware of her uniqueness, even encouraging others to embrace their inner weirdness, as she did. Kahlo said “I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me, too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.”. So, be yourself and bring a little weirdness in whatever it is you do.

Andrea Perez chose not to be photographed due to the personal nature of her story

third round interview andrea perez words francoise urdaneta

Tell us a little bit about you. My name is Andrea Perez, I was born and raised in Caracas Venezuela.

I am 25 years old and I am currently studying my third career here at SCAD. When I was 18 years old I started studying graphic design and then I did a second career in Motion Media. I am currently doing my third career which is Animation.

Why did you decided to study your third career in the U.S.? There were two main reasons. The first one because I knew this country would offer me better opportunities than Venezuela and SCAD is one of the best universities to study Animation. The second reason is because my country is under a dictatorship right now and the Venezuelan government was “chasing me” to incarcerate me just because I didn’t support their views.

How did they find out you were “against” them/or didn’t support the government? I was studying in a public institution in my country and the majority of the students supported the government. Since I didn’t support them, people started to bully me and 113

harass me at school. Also, I went to several protest that were against the dictatorship. They just know who follows them and who doesn’t.

Wow! How did you manage to escape the country?

Well one day I decided that it was time for me to leave so I applied to SCAD and after I got accepted I immediately left leaving my family and everything. Right after I got in the U.S. and started SCAD, I requested help from the American government to stay here because I was being chased in my country and harassed. The American government helped me and I received political asylum which means that they protect me from everything but I can’t go back to my country until the dictatorship comes to an end.

When was that? And, how is everything after that hard experience? That was back in 2015, it’s been almost 2 years since I left my country and I haven’t been able to go back. My family moved to Colombia last year and they come to visit often. Unfortunately, my family couldn’t keep paying for my tuition here at SCAD because of the harsh situation in my country. Furthermore, I had to start working to pay my studies and that is what I have been doing since I moved.

That’s admirable Andrea! How do you manage your time with school and work? Well, I work full time at a retailer here in Savannah, GA and I am taking one class per quarter. I know it is at slow pace but I am able to study and work and be able to rent an apartment and have a regular life.

Here at SCAD, there is a big Latino community, are you involved? Definitely yes! It is hard being away from home, so it is nice to be able to be with people who speak my language and share same interests. Also, I live with my boyfriend and he is from Colombia.

So, what are your plans for the future? For now, graduate!

I know it is a slow process since I am only taking one class per quarter but I know it will be okay! The firsts months in the U.S. my family helped me economically but right now I am able to say that I am a 100% independent. I pay my bills, my studies and everything. It is been hard, very hard and difficult. However, I have become a stronger person and I know I will achieve all my dreams and goals if I keep on working very hard. My number one dream is for my country to be a free country so I can go back someday. I have to say I am very thankful to have the chance to start a life here in America.

Wow Andrea, thank you for sharing your story and experiences! You are the perfect example for all of those women who are trying to achieve their goals and dreams!

Keep on working girl! You are admirable, powerful and strong; the perfect example of the Oh Comely girl! Thank you so much for your time! We wish you the best from all the Oh Comely team!

fighting with peace words savannah weghorst photography marwa balkar illustrations karina perez

Marwa Balkar is a 22-year-old Muslim American who was born and raised on American soil. In the midst of an era of terror threats, uncertainty, and fear, Marwa spoke up loudly about what it means to be a Muslim in a country that associates a hijab with the word terrorist. Marwa first when viral back in 2015 after she posted an Instagram photo as a response to Donald Trump’s comments on Muslims, mosques, and forcing individuals of Muslim faith to wear identification badges. Her post showed a picture of herself wearing a peace symbol stating in her comment that she would wear a peace symbol as her Muslim ID because it represents “my #Islam” (Balkar, 2015). Her post went viral in a matter of hours with people of all backgrounds reaching out to her, thanking her for her courage and for standing up for Muslims. She has received messages from Muslim children who told her about the racism and discrimination that they faced in school. She also began receiving

many threats including ones such as “you Muslim bitch”, “you Muslim c-nt”, individuals telling her that her family should be the first of those to be deported, and even ones that told her that they would do unspeakable things to her if they ever found her alone in an alleyway (Balkar, 2016).

Marwa Balkar has become a spokesperson against discrimination, especially of those of the Muslim faith. She stands up for her faith and stands against the discrimination of individuals by creating videos and news articles online that outline the facts of current events and how it affects Muslim-Americans. Her personal 117

“What Donald Trump does not realize is that Muslims in America are just as fearful of terrorists as he is. After all, we are all American.”Marwa Balkar

experience and knowledge has made her opinion on these matters particularly persuasive. She states herself that she is not easily identified as a Muslim by simply looking at her, however, she stated that ever since Trump’s statements on banning Muslims and promoting Islamophobia, that she has personally began experiencing a heightened amount of discrimination. Her friends at work even began refusing to speak to her. In today’s America, Marwa tells her audience that her Muslim friends are scared to leave their homes, that Muslim parents are begging their children to take off their hijabs, and that people often associate her and her Muslim friends as ISIS. She goes on to say that “what Donald Trump does not realize is that Muslims in America are just as fearful of terrorists as he is. After all, we are all American” (Balkar, 2016).

Marwa tells her viewers that despite what mass media presents, 95% of ISIS victims are in fact Muslims, yet Muslim-Americans feel oppressed on American soil by those who ignorantly believe that these extremists (who Marwa says misrepresent Islamic faith) are representative of all 1.6 billion Muslims.

Instead of promoting an America that is a melting pot of all people, the home of the free, and the land of opportunity, American’s chose fear and discrimination against the things that it doesn’t understand. Balkar loudly speaks up in peace to show people everywhere that Islam is meant to be a peaceful religion. Her goal is to show the world that people of Muslim faith are nothing to fear. They are people, just like everyone else, “who go to the mall, get parking tickets, and play video games, and are serving in America’s military” (Balkar, 2016). She repeatedly advocates for peaceful protest in light of recent political movements and has continually spoken up against social wrongdoing. In this era of political unrest, change, and uncertainty, individuals such as Marwa who are fighting for peace and rebelling against social injustices will be the people who lead this country into an era of peace, tolerance, and unity.

three questions interview zoe mccloskey words karla colon photography veronica ibrahim

Zoe is a fierce fashion designer that defies traditional fashion while creating her own style.

She once made a piece of clothing with just one seam.

What makes you passionate about your style and designs?

What makes me passionate about my designs is finding new ways to make the wearer feel beautiful, confident, and ready to take on the world. I always take into consideration what the wearer will feel or take from a design. I try to always include some sort of psychological element into my

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designs, be it with fabrics or finishes or textures. I also like to scandalize those around me with provocative designs, making my designs for the bold.

Are you a less or more kind of designer? I am definitely a more kind of designer. I like to bring a lot to a design, especially with details and style lines. I believe that attention to detail (like how seams match) gives a garment an extra playfulness and quality to it. This does not mean that all my designs are

extremely busy to the eye; it all comes down to many seams and textures that make a garment complex and intriguing.

Does where you live affect your style at all? It is less of where I live and more of where I was born and raised. Being born and raised in Puerto Rico, I was always exposed to fine garments and a very dramatic sense of style. Us Puerto Ricans believe in more is more and we are not afraid to show a little skin. I feel like this is very reflected in my style.

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game changers words isabella berkoff photography hoffington

One of the most booming and growing industries in our world today would be that of the Interactive and Game Design industry- responsible for creating the magical video games we all enjoy across various devices including PCs, consoles, mobile phones and now even VR (virtual reality) headsets. It takes a lot of brain power and creativity to thrive in such an industry, but how are the women breaking ground in the field? While the presence of women in the game develop industry has only been growing, it is still known to be a man’s world, at a staggering 76% of the industry’s workforce comprised of men, according to International Game Developers Association (IGDA).

But why is this the case? Looking at the research provided by the IDGA and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), female consumers make up a huge part of the industry’s target market. According to the Entertainment Software Association, there are more women playing games in the Unites States than ever before, now making up for 48% of the entire consumer population. So as we women are responsible for literally almost half of the consumer market for video games, why are they still largely unaccepted in the workforce?

Part of it may be due to the “boys locker room” mentality that exists throughout the video

game workplace. In various studies and surveys, women in the game industry have reported that they have felt that they have received unequal treatment, harassment and hostile environments. Not to mention that more frequently than not, female game characters are hypersexualized, contributing to a certain attitude towards women in the industry.

In addition to all of this, women are also known to make less than their male counterparts. While this is an issue that seems to place across all industries, it has been noted that some female designers make up to $12,000 less than men in the game industry. These factors lead to women feeling uncomfortable

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and unsatisfied with their careers, which has ultimately had a large effect on women in technology. While the number of women working in game development has risen, they still make up only about 22% of the field, and only about 3% of those women are programmers. This number is critically low, even compared to broader areas of technology, such as graphic design.

According to Leah Burrows, who wrote an article for the Boston Globe regarding the issue, “The small pool of women candidates has been a problem for other technology sectors, which in turn has spurred efforts by industry, higher education and even Girl Scouts to encourage girls and women to enter so-called STEM fields: Science, technology, engineering and math.

Some chief executives at video game companies acknowledge they need more women in the industry, since almost half of the customers are female, and women over 18 are the fastest growing demographic.”

It is also encouraging to look at women who have proven to be successful in their careers already-

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Fortune magazine wrote an article looking at some of the amazing women taking lead in the industry, including big names like Kristen Duvall, Pauline Jacquey, Amy Jo Kim and more. These women possess leading roles in the industry, including CEOs, chief marketing officers, creative directors, studio directors and corporate vice president.

So if women are taking charge in the industry and landing leadership roles for recognized companies, what else should be done to further encourage girls to pursue game development as a career choice? Some local and national organizations have sprouted in order to promote women in the industry and assist in connecting them with excellent professionals, including WIGI (Women in the Game Industry) and G.I.R.L. (Gamers in Real Life), which offers scholarships for women that might be interested in pursuing game development careers. The use of “booth babes” (scantily clad models) being used to promote games and companies are starting to phase out, and games are choosing to incorporate stronger female characters. While this is great,

there is still a long way to go before the work is done. As women make up a huge percentage of the game industry’s consumer profile, we need more female designers in the studios. In order for girls to continue growing their interest in such a career path, however, the industry must first provide the encouragement and welcoming environment that they are entitled to.

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curious things Here are the team’s pick of must have products for the upcoming spring

words jenna hepp

1 Enhance your living space with a pillow cover that helps make your house a home. These also make a wonderful wedding or housewarming gift. Each pillow cover is handcrafted and custom made just for you. Available in multiple sizes to fit your needs, this pillow will be comfortingly soft as it is crafted of fine linen. hello spring pillow cover, $29, Seattle WA, sovintagechic.com

2 Created by a Seattle-based design studio founded in 2008. The X coaster is as simplistic as it is elegant, made of solid brass and entirely in the USA. Designed to elevate and present your drinkware, this set of four industrial solid brass coasters adds a sculptural practicality to any tabletop.

X coasters will look great laying atop your table even when not in use. x coaster, $68, Seattle WA, shop.formaliving.com 128

3 This fantastic grey hat is an ultra stiff felt hat. The hat comes with a lovely detachable leather band as pictured.

This feature helps to make styling and matching your hat to practically every outfit in your closet a piece of cake. scottie felt hat, $64, Salt Lake City UT, www.gigipip.com

4 What is spring without an adorable tea towel to help brighten up your living space? This print featuring a turquoise bike with a beautiful bouquet of flowers is like something out of a dream. Matches well with anything in your house while keeping it simple. aqua bike tea towel, $14, Seattle WA, sovintagechic.com

5 The average woman now has an insanely busy schedule, between work or class, running errands, taking care of the dog, and making it to those extremely important pilates classes. We have found this pouch that is made for On-The-Go. This comes with a pen and pockets for your phone, cards, and anything else you need to throw in the zip up pouch. ready for anything pouch, $48, anthropologie.com 129

the modern woman interview monika jonevski words isabella berkoff photography kayla crane

Monika Jonevski is a professor of contemporary issues in fashion marketing and visual communications at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Entering the workforce with an MBA in Medicine, Monika somehow found herself in the fashion industry, working side by side with designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens. She worked for Adidas for eleven years as their director of marketing and now she uses her experience in the field to inspire and educate students from around the world.

What makes you a rebel? When I’m told no, or told that I am too nice to move to New York – which pissed me off and I went to New York.

When anyone tells me being nice will not go anywhere, they’re so wrong. That’s how I lasted in New York for eleven years- being real, being myself. One manager told me once, ‘you’re too nice you can’t make it in New York, in Chicago’it was so wrong. I have been real with everyone that I’ve hired, my team, just being myself.

What social issues do you stand for? I push you guys for standing for sustainability- we need to look forwards.

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How did you become interested in sustainability and ethical responsibility? I actually didn’t get into it until SCAD contacted me, then I got super into it.

Have you ever dealt with sustainability at work?

Nope, not really. SCAD contacted me to teach, but I want to go back to the industry and push this…it’s so import- super important! That’s why it’s my favorite class.

Where do you see the fashion industry going as far as sustainability? Do you think larger companies will become sustainable? They have no choice- they have to be. It’s super unfortunate that you guys are stuck with what they’ve left behind. I feel so bad for you guys, that you are stuck with this stuff, this issue to deal with.

Do you think we’ll be able to clean it up? Or do you think it will take generations to make the fashion industry sustainable? If I have the ability to push you hard enough, yes.

How did you decide that you wanted to work in the fashion industry? I didn’t, I was a med

student- somehow I got an internship with Adidas and I took it. They were teaching to me to talk about basketball sneakers, and then they pushed me to the Stella McCartney brand. I moved to New York, all my colleagues worked and went to school at FIT. They were saying names like Anna Wintour and I was like ‘What?

What is that?’ They would laugh at me because I didn’t know who she was. I don’t ever want you guys to feel that way again. To not know the way that felt, to not know a name like Anna Wintour. To be the only one who didn’t go to fashion school.”

What were you trying to do with Med? Work with kids-(pediatrician) my mom is a nurse and my dad worked for a GM factory line. He worked in the factory for 30 years until they shut down the factory and now he’s retired. My mom being a nurse, she pushed me into med to become a doctor. Her colleague’s husband had an opening at this company, Nantucket Nectars, so I had an internship there and realized that I loved marketing!

What was the coolest part about being the Director of Marketing for Adidas? The stressgetting stressed out for fashion shows, and seeing the team come in from Tokyo. Seeing the

stress, being the one that connected everyone together from sales, to PR, to design- just being the one that was trying to make them see eye to eye.

What career has been your favorite and why?

Global Director of Marketing for authentic brands group in New York. I hated the placeit was terrible- but I loved my coworker, my right hand – his name was Matt. He was the best! He was the creative director. We hated the environment that we were in, but we tried so hard to create good stuff. We were working for a licensing company together, and we rebranded a few brands like Erehwon, Vision Street Wear, Hickey Freeman. We rebranded those brands. I saw tap out- wresting. We learned all about different worlds, which I had no idea about- leaving the Yamamoto world to join the John Cena world.

What advice would you give to students trying to enter the workforce? To be yourself- 100%.

Whenever hiring, you can tell when a person is being fake. Just talk about you. Be genuine, you have to. Who wants to get someone on their team that’s fake? Sorry to be real, but who wants that? The stuff I’ve heard in interviews sucks. If you’re a good person, then you can read through it. I tried to calm them down and really read them. Just be real. I don’t want someone by my side that’s going to be fake, I want someone that is going to legit and be real.

What was your experience moving to the United States? Do you miss home? I moved here when I was eleven, yes I miss home. It was simple. I moved with my family to Detroit, and it was different. My neighbors from Macedonia moved to the same suburb- we moved together and my parents made me do a cultural dance class.

What is the culture like from Macedonia? I had to wear a full on outfit and do competitions.

I was pissed as hell. Middle school kid, you know. We won, we got featured in to the Detroit free press and my parents really instilled the culture in me early on. Lots of weddings, lots of festivals, lots of dancing and holding hands. My parents made me full on go and dance, and do all this stuff. Every single wedding, people knew each other. They were spitting on my head for good luck to get married, it’s part of the culture. I am super close to my mom and dad. I love them so much. I call them every day after classes and during my walks home. They’re the best.

What were some of your greatest challenges in the fashion industry? Pitching ideas- that they laughed at, making them happen and showing that it worked- as dorky as it sounds.

Adidas, and also with Rick Owens- my hands were tied in terms of budget, so trying to be creative.

What did you study in college? MBA in medicine at Loyola How well did your college experience prepare

you for this career? No, it didn’t prepare me at all. (Once I joined the fashion industry), I cried when I went home after work. I stayed because I’m smart enough, and I said to myself I can do it. They were jerks when I went to New York. I went to work and I would come home and call my parents and cried. I was so determined to just do it right. It sounds bad but they were idiots. Just show myself in my own work, even though I didn’t go to fashion school like all of them. I was even more driven. I had an MBA and they did not. I felt entitled, but I learned very quickly to strip myself down, that it means nothing. I needed to be myself. I went to work and no one cared that I had an MBA. That taught me to not be entitled, take the cotton out of my ears and listen. I learned so much from them and now that’s what I teach you. In teaching I try my best to be transparent- this is who I am and what I know. Take from it, if you can relate.

Maybe I’m not reaching out to everyone but I’m trying. I took a huge pay cut to come here.

I had to look it up when SCAD contacted meI’m in my 30’s, I was sick of New York- I took a chance. I wasn’t committed to anything, I don’t have a house in NY, I came here and I feel so loved. I feel so in love with you guysyou guys are very lucky to have gotten me, before I’ve loved something else. My attention is 100% on you guys.

What classes in college proved to be the most valuable to you? In grad school one professor was super helpful for me- what she did was relate real world experiences to the content we were learning; I did a project for

her for something that I didn’t believe in at all. For the US army to recruit Islamic people to work for the army. To recruit Islamic individuals. Somehow the work that I did, she made me believe in it and I worked harder. I saw my work with my team on the subways in Chicago. I need to reach out to her. She’s the whole reason that I want to teach.

Eve Geroulis- she inspired me in my work. Also a boss that I had inspired me- when I went to New York I was dealing with a PR team and they were so nasty. This one girl, she was so nasty (PR manager) and she would talk down to me so much. My boss pulled me by the coffee machine and said “I bark once for you, but I don’t bark twice.” She taught me to stand up for myself. And now that mean PR manager is my best friend. We text each day. It took time.

If you could go back to college, what would you do differently? Would you choose the same major?

I’d be a doctor. I’m somehow happy finding work right now, being with people. You think doctors help people be better, but I hate the weekends so much. I love being in the room with you guys.

As nerdy and dorky as it sounds. I have dreams about it- I care. I don’t know. I like you guys a lot. If I could, I would fail all of you guys so that you could stay here.

Who do you see as a role model? My Dad. He’s my hero.

In what ways is your occupation changing? I feel like I’ve always been a teacher. I’m a black belt in tai kwon do, and I used to be an instructor. I loved

teaching then at 18, I’m 35 now. At work, whenever I’ve hired employees, even interns, I didn’t care about them getting coffee, I cared about them getting the most the experience. I had my own agenda, but I tried to teach them while they were here.

From all that you’ve observed, what problems can you cite regarding working in this industry? Be careful. People who are in lower management are afraid of interns. Show off skills and don’t be threatened by them. I’ve had to put people on my team in check, they were afraid of interns taking their jobs. Be nice, be friends with them. They’re terrified of you guys.

What sacrifices have you had to make to succeed in this field?

Do you feel it was worth it? Took a huge page cut to do what I love. To have a better quality of life.

Do you feel like you’ve made a significant impact in your career?

Which job provided you with the most ability to make a change?

Probably Adidas. It’s so important to keep good relationships with your bosses- I’m in constant contact with each boss that I’ve hadjust don’t burn any bridges. I see now how it helps me because I can refer you guys in my line of work to them- the good ones.

I can refer you guys to them. Through them, I stay informed. I would have no idea what’s going on with Kanye and Adidas if I wasn’t in touch with my old boss. I know insider stuff before it hits the news, so I can teach you guys.

Which career made you happiest when you went home at the end of the day? Adidas. I stayed there for eleven yrs. It was mostly because of the people that I worked with.

What career moment are you most proud of? I’ve done fifteen different fashion shows with Jeremy Scott. To meet back with my group, with my team and to see people so proud of the work that we’ve done- that means so much to me. Because it cannot happen alone.

riot grrl photography veronica ibrahim design tiffany nunes 138

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what we’re reading words & photography isabella berkoff

In this issue, we reflect on some of the greatest rebellious women in classic literature. Whether rebelling the social constructs of their time in romantic or intellectual pursuits, these memorable women not only set the framework for women’s rights today, but exposed elements of inequality in times past through these powerful novels.

Jane Eyre

By Charlotte Bronte Jane is an excellent example of how independence, will and knowledge is power. With a little creativity, education and determination, one can set themselves free. This is the story of an orphaned girl stuck with a distasteful family in the 19th century. Growing up, she is constantly reminded of her situation and shut down by others telling her that is worthless. The brilliant girl sought comfort in her education, excelling under the guidance of a professor by the name of Miss Temple. Though without money or high social ranking, she quickly matched the education of a lady in Victorian England, studying piano, singing and drawing.

She went on to become a governess, teaching the daughter of a mysterious man named Mr. Rochester. Jane fell in love with the man, and

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encountered several trials during their relations.

They were engaged to be married, and yet on her wedding day, discovered that Mr. Rochester was already married. Although his marriage was verifiably questionable (he was forced to marry his wife, a mentally insane woman living in the attic who committed various creepy acts in the night), Jane refuses to become a mistress and runs away with nothing to her name. She stumbles upon the Rivers family during her flee, and eventually discovers that she is related to them. She builds a new life for herself here, where she takes on the pseudonym “Jane Elliott” to hide from Mr. Rochester. With a desire to earn her own keep, she becomes a professor at a girl’s school in the village, and eventually inherits some money along with her three cousins. Jane was not only creative and intelligent beyond her time, but she was also referred to as a rebel. Throughout her tale, she opposes those who try to limit her and keep her from finding her happiness. She rebelled against the traditional concepts of social class and restrictions on women participating in certain activities- and argued in favor accordingly. She believed that women required intelligence and

other pursuits same as men, proving that she was wise beyond her years. She eventually discovers Mr. Rochester looking for her, and the two eventually become married after all. She has proven that anyone can rise and build a life for themselves with determination, no matter their background.

This book is a strong example of forgiveness, independence, morality and feminism.

Anna Karenina

By Leo Tolstoy This novel is a romantic tragedy taking place in 1800’s Russia. The book starts with Anna Karenina, a married socialite, in the middle of a domestic issue when her brother cheats on his wifesomewhat of a foreshadowing of her own fate, but much more tragic. For women, society found no tolerance for affairs in this time (although it was considered to be acceptable for men). This tragedy illustrates the constraints on love and marriage for women in 1800’s Russia, depicting how social status and expectations can destroy a women’s hope for love, and ultimately, their lives. A young army officer by the name of Count Vronsky appears in Anna’s life, and he immediately falls for her and

pursues her interest. Giving into the concept of love, she gets involved despite her marriage and knowledge of consequences. In a world where men control everything, this affair in turn cost her her child, and eventually, her own life. Vronsky offers to marry Anna if she leaves her husband, forcing the choice between romance and the moral and social norms of her time. The affair is eventually a topic of gossip and speculation, resulting in Anna being shunned from society. She confesses to her husband and in turn, loses everything- her child, and even Vronsky in the end due to her paranoia of his potential of infidelity and lack of control. The novel not only explores the Russian government on a grand level but also investigates life at the level of an individual, such as the double standard of relationship expectations of men and women, morality and social class.

Hua Mulan

By Guo Maoqian Initially described in a Chinese poem during the sixth century known as the Ballad of Mulan, Hua Mulan was a legendary warrior. Although famed today by the Disney animation, Mulan dated back

all the way to the Southern and Northern Dynasty.

Skilled in martial arts, she practiced hard and took her father’s place in the army to save his life. Only men were drafted into the army, though she took his place regardless. Contrary to the Disney film, Mulan’s parents actually supported her choice. She was already skilled in fighting and archery before enlisting herself, and left to fight for twelve years.

She not only was a skilled warrior, but was humble as well. Mulan fought hard for many years and denied the rewards and riches she was offered for her efforts and triumphs, choosing to return to her hometown. Amazingly enough, her fellow warriors did not know she was a female after their travels together- even more admirable is that this factor did not affect their friendship. This legend is slightly different than other works depicting female heroes, with the concept of female independence and strength already supported and admired. Although Mulan is treated more as a legend than an actual historical person, it is possible that she was based off of Fu Hao, a female strategist from the Shang dynasty, centuries earlier. Fu Hao served China as a military general (the most powerful at the time) who had many victorious campaigns. Either way,

Mulan is a great example of an empowering and rebellious woman.

Moll Flanders

By Daniel Defoe Moll Flanders is about the life of a pretty woman born in prison. Her mother was an inmate, and was confined to a certain social status. However, young Moll wanted so much more- and was not going to let her birth get in the way of her intentions.

She wanted to marry someone with wealth. She married quite a few men in her days, and grew rather afraid of poverty in the process. She wound up with a string of lovers, each unsatisfying for varying reasons, including insecurity. This led her to commit crimes, until this was essentially her trade.

She became known for her skilled thievery and elaborate disguises, which aided her in evading prison for many years to come. This skill, along with her insatiable greed, drove her to become the richest thief in London. Eventually, however, she was captured. Instead of a death sentence, Moll was exiled to the American colonies, where she settled in Maryland with her most recent husband to become plantation owners. Despite her questionable morals and bad choices, things went in Moll’s favor. She eventually returned to London with her husband, where they lived out the rest of their days. Essentially, she was dealt a bad hand at birth and resorted to criminal activities and deviancy to survive (and thrive) in the early 17th century, which was dominated primarily by men.

While Moll’s tale might not be the most moral or heroic of women in classic literature, she certainly was a rebellious female con artist and did not allow social norms to define her.

Joan of Arc

By Mark Twain Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc told the story of a teenager in 1400’s France, a feisty young woman.

This teenage girl at the time was opposed by many and eventually burned at the stake accused of heresy and insubordination, but was later to be recognized as an innocent martyr and victorious war hero. At the age of just 17, Joan left her village to request control of the king’s army, claiming that she knew how to win the war. This request was eventually granted and she became the Generalin-Chief of armies. Her claims of experiencing glimpses of the future likely lead to her demiseeven still, through her military campaigns, she was able to secure various victories over the English.

This is a pretty amazing feat for a seventeenyear-old girl to accomplish, particularly in 1400’s France. Although her fate did not end well, she goes down in history known for her virtue, wisdom and strength.

ana karina serfaty’s bags photography veronica ibrahim model alesia nava, daniela porta, & maria jimena villarreal designer ana katina serfaty

mischief words sami bailey photography marlow lou

Have you ever wanted a tattoo but you were either too young, too broke, or didn’t want to commit to something for life? Luckily, you can create a fake tattoo unique to your style without breaking the bank.

1. Draw your tattoo on your skin. Take your sharpie, and draw your tattoo directly onto your skin. You can use multiple colors of sharpie if you like, but keep in mind that whatever you draw will be the ‘permanent’ version. It may be easier to have a friend help with this part, to make sure that your drawing is just right. Wait for the sharpie to dry completely.

2. Coat the drawing in baby powder. Pour a generous amount of baby powder into your hand, and thoroughly coat the sharpie drawing with the powder. Rub it into the drawing; it shouldn’t bleed or smear. Wipe off any excess powder that doesn’t stick to your skin.

3. Spray the tattoo with hairspray. Hold a can of hairspray 12–16 inches away from your tattoo, and spray over the entire thing. Make sure to thoroughly coat the tattoo and baby powder, although be careful not to get it all over the place.

Wait for the hairspray to dry.

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miczjhane clay & her work words sami bailey interview miczjhane clay photography andrea di lello

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Can you tell me a little about yourself? My name is Miczjhane Clay. I’m from New York but I live in New Jersey now. I’m a sophomore fashion design major, I was accessory design but now i’m just fashion design.

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What inspired you to start your business? I went to a vocational high school. It was a trade school, so people go there if they don't have intentions of going to college but of course you can still go to college after going there. While attending this school I discovered new talents about myself that I hadn't known before I arrived such as the whole aspect of sewing. I was in a few competitions where

you had to construct garments which is something I had never done before. The teachers would judge the competition then the finalists would move on to the state competitions. I moved on to the state competitions and I was placing 1st place gold, that's when I said “hmmm, I must be good at this, i’m going to keep doing it� once I competed in my first few competitions.

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Tell me more about your store and the choker necklaces. When I was in high school towards the end of my senior year, I started my own business and it was under Destined Designs. I was trying to push the fact that if something is destined to be it’s going to happen regardless of what people say. Recently I've been branding myself by using my name because it is very rare “a gracious gift as unto the Lord” so I would like to use my gift to be a gift to other people.

This past winter before break I was like “i’m going to start a website” It was just random. I work off of impulse so I needed to do it right then and I did it. It started off as just chokers because they were easy to make and quick to produce. I love chokers and I wanted all of these different designs and I didn't see them in stores so why not make them myself.

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“

I've reached a point in my life where it's the little things that matter... I was always a rebel and probably could have got much farther had I changed my attitude. But when you think about it, I got pretty far without changing attitudes. I'm happier with that.

-veronica lake

issue thirty-six | ÂŁ5

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