A Woman’s
Worth Sexy
in the
City
Michelle
Obama NC Beauty Flawless Make Up Tips
Welcome to the third edition of NCMAG “A Publication for Women by Women.� Wow, what a journey this has been and we thank you for joining us. In every edition of our publication, our goal is to inspire, motivate and empower women. This month, First Lady Michelle Obama is our feature story and we hope that as you read about this magnificent woman you feel encouraged and empowerd to acheive. We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with all of our readers and please feel free to contact us with your stories, interest or just to say that you like what you see. Cheers, L. Lanette Abrams
Table of Contents 06 08 11 17 18 20 22 26 32
A Woman´s Worth Branding The key marketing ingredient Michelle Obama Against All Odds NC Style NC Beauty Sexy in the City Classic Beauty NC Entertaiment creative director L. Lanette Abrams
cover photo
Bill Kirkpatrick www.kirkpatrickfotography.com
art director
RĂŠgis Sudo | www.flexidesignstudio.com
HOW TO VOTE: 4
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
Go to Oprah.com Your OWN Show Click the browse a
and vote tab
Enter Neko in the search menu Hit green vote button
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
5
By: Neko Cheri oday, I feel as if I represent the epitome of success, confidence and internal beauty. However, I did not always know my worth as a woman. At the age of six the man that I knew as my Father died suddenly. His replacement was a monster of a man who took pleasure in dominating, abusing and molesting little girls. After losing my Father and enduring two years of the vilest behavior, one could imagine. I was lost. I did not trust men anymore than I could trust myself. I had given in to the ideal that all that I had to offer was sexual. I became a pleaser not of my own free will but with the notion that one day someone would give me, what I longed for, my worth. By the time I developed into a young woman, my self-esteem was low and I had no balance. I had no man in my life other
6
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
than my Father who was now deceased to help guide me away from destruction. Not knowing the value of life let alone that I actually mattered even if it was to no one else I mattered because I existed and in existing you always have the opportunity to feel love, respect and to know your worth. So for years to come I fell into and out of relationships that lacked depth, passion and understanding. I choose men who needed me. I would always attract men who had lost their mother or had an astringed relationship with her. I would then feel needed, loved and adored. Was this what I had been longing for? Did I now have value because someone valued me for what I could contribute to their life? Quite simply no. For many years I had an unfulfilled void until one day out of nowhere the strangest
thing happened to me. A man came into my life and gave me the one thing I needed. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. That man was neither a boyfriend, lover or mate. He was the one thing I had missed since the age of six he was “A FATHER”. Was that the missing link, the end to all of my frustration? All I needed was someone who would be there when I needed him. Someone to let
me know that everything would be okay, no matter how bleak things may seem. A man who wanted nothing and desired only that I have true happiness in my life. A man who without knowing helped me to understand who I was as a woman. I thank him for his presence in my life. Dad it is because you have been here for me that I am able today to know “my worth”. NCGMAGONLINE.COM
7
Branding
the Key Marketing Ingredient
By Kellie Posey
With the mortality rate for small businesses being less than gratifying; it is obvious that in the world of entrepreneurship it is survival of the fittest and only the strong will survive. According to the SBA, an estimated 627,200 new employer firms began operations in 2008, and 595,600 firms closed that year. These figures paint a picture of tough survival for those running small businesses. Being strong in business encompasses a variety of strategies. Superb financial data, strong operation strategies and healthy administrative skills are among the surplus of components necessary for doing good and steady business. However, comprehensive and focused marketing is a vital feature found in small businesses that not only survive but often thrive in today’s economy.
Marketing is essentially creating, communicating, delivering and exchanging products and/or services that have value for customers, clients, partners and society at large American Marketing Association. While entrepreneurs generally understand the fundamentals of marketing, what is often overlooked is the key ingredient necessary to maximize their marketing efforts. This key ingredient is known as branding.
Brand: Company Reputation : Celebrity Your brand is more than your
tangible identity; it goes beyond a mere logo. It is the perception, the character and grit of who you are in business. Your brand is captured by the experience one indulges at the mention of your business’ name and the sight of your marketing materials. Your brand is your business’ personality, values and beliefs. When most think about Paris Hilton they consider partying and the ultimate life of a prominent socialite. To the ears of many middle class women, Oprah Winfrey represents inspiration, generosity, and influence. When your clients / potential clients hear your name what
Contact:
posey@keleventsllc.com
www.keleventsllc.com
NC Recommended Reading
The Alchemist:
Is a powerful tale of strength, courage and desire. When a young shepard boy by the name of Santiago has a dream of treasure buried near the Egyptian Pyramid, he sets out in search of riches. Santiago encounters life, love and death in this harrowing adventure. Although, Santiago’s is in search of treasure, what
8
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
he finds is much more valuable than all the wealth in the land. Join Santiago in his pursuit of his personal legend. “I loved this book! It is a page turner that captivates its reader and transports you into another world. If you are on a quest to realize your dreams, pick-up a copy today.” Neko!
comes to their mind?
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
9
Miche Obam orn January 17, 1964 the first daughter of Fraser Robinson III and Marian Shields Robinson, in small one-bedroom apartment on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle made her entrance into the world. Having such humble beginnings has placed the first lady not only in a position of influence but of understanding, having the ability to relate to hers peers as well singles mothers and diplomats alike. As a child, Michelle’s household was not only filled with love but her parents also instilled in her the importance of education. Although, making honor roll four years in a row and being a member of the National Honor Society while attending Whitney M. Young Magnet High School was no easy feat, Michelle was obviously up for the challenge.
10 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
elle ma Michelle then moved on to attend Princeton University where she graduated cum laude with a major in Sociology and a concentration in African American studies. After
graduating from Harvard Law School in 1988 Michelle began her career in law at Sidley & Austin where she met her future husband and our President Barack Obama. The two married
on October 3, 1992. On August 25, 2008, Michelle Obama introduced the world to her husband as the Democratic presidential
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
11
nominee. Michelle’s fluid yet purposeful approach to life, family, politics as well as community translated well with her supporters but the campaign trail was not easy for Michelle who was often criticized for her sarcasm. Michelle handled her critics with class and had learned early on in life not be defined by others. One of the best examples of this was when her father the late Fraser Robinson having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis did not circum to his condition. Instead, “He just woke up a little earlier, and worked a little harder.” Michelle stated at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
12 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
Michelle handled her critics with class and had learned early on in life not be defined by others. A legacy was fulfilled and the Obama’s made history on November 4, 2008 when Barack was elected the first African-American President of the United States of American and Michelle became the first African
American Woman to hold the position of First Lady. The world watched as Michelle stood by her husband’s side with their two daughters Malia and Sasha to accept the role of Commander and Chief. As women, our task is not an easy one, but Michelle is a woman who embodies the essence of every woman. Although her journey is just beginning, Michelle Obama has made her mark in history and will continue lead the way with strength, courage, style and grace. Michelle Obama - First Lady, wife, mother, daughter, volunteer, activist, friend, lawyer, and above all an extraordinary woman.
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
13
14 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
3340 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30326, USA BY APPOINTMENT ONLY +1.404.259.9196 www.melboteri.com
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
15
16 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
17
18 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
Against All
Odds
by: Shayla Mack
Oprah Winfrey once said, “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” In the journey of life it is essential for us to overcome obstacles; it is in these very obstacles that we find growth. For one very special woman this rings very true. I recently was given the opportunity to speak with a woman whose struggle began almost literally at conception. Found in a brown paper by a bus driver at the end of his bus route with umbilical cords still attached is where the journey began. From birth till the age of 12 she was sent to numerous foster homes. Having been abused physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually throughout the course of her young life she developed introverted characteristics. She was very nontrusting with a low self-esteem and had a constant need for approval She was later adopted into a home which was just that, a home with no real love or nurturing, just a roof
over her head and provisions dence when you don’t have a to sustain her. background founded in love. So when she met her husband Albeit her early childhood and had children she poured struggles created a sort of her life into being a mother crippling effect and to add to and a wife. She vowed to give that a learning disability she her children something she never had which was love. Throughout her early adultIf there hood to current, she finds that dance has played and intriwere one cate part in finding balance in thing that her life. Being able to inspire young children and teens is she’d like fundamental. Her recent remission from a deadly brain to advise, cancer and the sudden tragic it would be death of her husband has also played a role in shaping the that life is person she is, all in all, she acprecious and cepts the good and the bad. If there were one thing that she’d to be true to like to advise, it would be that life is precious and to be true yourself. to yourself. She now owns her own home and lives comfortgraduated from high school ably with a certain respect for and worked hard to put her- life and a renewed sense of self through college. Howev- being. For her, experience is er, the struggle hadn’t ceased the best policy when against yet. It’s hard to have confi- all odds. NCGMAGONLINE.COM
19
NCStyle Designer:
Designer:
Designer:
Bauble Crystal
Bauble Crystal
H by Halston Stella
www.bebe.com
www.bebe.com
www.bakersshoes.com
$17.99
$54.00
$79.95
Designer:
Jimmy Choo Designer:
Olivia Rubin $275.00
www.my-wardrobe.com
20 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
$695.00
www.neimanmarcus.com
How They Wear IT!
Sarah
Jessica Parker
Beyonce
Kim
Kardashian NCGMAGONLINE.COM
21
NC
Beauty
Smokey Eye
What you need: Black cole pencil Black eye shadow Eyelid Primer Champagne or White eye shadow Small angle brush Eye shadow blending brush Medium angle shading brush Pencil brush Foundation and concealer brush Mascara
1st Step: (Assuming already applied foundation) Add primer to your eyelid with a concealer brush (this will help the eye shadow you apply to stay on your eye longer without creasing,) Apply the dark brown eye shadow with the medium angle shading brush to the outside crease of your eye, starting from the bottom, working your way to the inner part of your eye.
Use the blending brush to blend the brown down to your lid.
2nd Step: Apply the Champagne or White eye shadow (vanilla from MAC is amazing for this look) to your lid, staying below the brown eye shadow in your crease, make sure you put a touch of champagne/ white eye shadow to the tear duct of your eye (the inner corner of your eye) for a little shimmer. Make sure the champagne color blends into the brown eye shadow. It’s important to note, what ever color you decide to use make sure the light color blends into the darker color.
3rd Step: Next use an angle brush to apply the black eye shadow along the top Good luck and check out more beauty tips on my blog: www.sochevon.blogspot.com
22 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
Chevon Doyle
lash line. Use the Black cole pencil on the top part of the lash line after applying the shadow. To give your eyes a brighter/wider look, apply white liner to the bottom lash line. If you can’t find a white liner, use your angle brush with the white eye shadow to apply to the bottom lash line. Apply the black eye shadow to your blending brush and brush from the outside corner of your eye into the crease of your eye blending the black with the brown and continue up the crease of your eye. If you want less of a dramatic look, use less black and more brown. Then use the black cole pencil under the white liner. Use a pencil brush to smear the black pencil under the white liner with the outer corner of your eye. Apply Mascara (Zoom Fast Black Lash from MAC) on both the top and bottom of your eyelashes. Then apply your Lashes (47 Lash from MAC. MUA 706 593 9342 Direct www.sochevon.com
Extra Tips:
Definitely use a bronzer to help contour your face giving you skin a flawless look that’s been kissed by the sun. (Bronze by MAC)
Photo by Adriana Curcio www.adrianacurcio.com
When doing a smokey eye, it’s preferred to just have a nude lip (C-Thru tinted lip glass by MAC) And make sure your eyebrows are shaped and neat you can use the small angle brow brush
and a brown shadow (Embark eye shadow from MAC) to fill in your eyebrow (work from the middle out and then apply to the front of the brow).... make sure you don’t apply it to heavy.
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
23
you are a good sex partner. However, it is with you that a man might ponder whether romance with you might leave his heart lie in ruins.
By: Chilone “Barbarino” Payton et’s be honest, we were all glued to HBO for our weekly Sex in the City dose. Perhaps, the true appeal of the series is that we recognized ourselves and or our friendships. Whether we identified with sweet, cultured Charlotte or man-eating insatiable Samantha, somewhere within the series we felt identified and at home. Finally, friendships and sex lives that were accurately portrayed to duplicate real life friendships and a glimpse at how real woman interact within the confines of intimate relationships. Just when we thought our television mentors were gone, Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda have lit up the BIG screen again, with living and loving in the city. So now that we have our girls back, which Sex in the City character do you most closely identify? Perhaps, you are Charlotte Ross? The sweet, eternally optimistic, rosy, classically coiffed and with a strong belief in fairy tale endings is the way you lead your life. In essence you are a lady. You are inclined to the wearing matching bra and panty sets and would never dream of sleeping with a man without a serious commitment. Basically, you are from good stock
24 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
and intend to marry good stock. Quality and status are what you seek; you maintain your standards no matter what. My Channel purse carrying friend, every circle of friends needs one of you. Keeping your friends spirited and reminding everyone that dreams really do come true, is your personal mission. Men adore you because you are pure, they can respect you and you are always in fabulous good taste. You are the woman men marry and that mothers approve. Or maybe you are the Miranda Hobbes of the group? You are tough, strong, sensible, opinionated, loyal, accomplished, well-tailored and functionally chic and you do not necessary need a man for anything more than a release and an occasional date. Where you are going and who you are is very well defined. Things are more black and white for you and foolishness is not well tolerated. You are the friend one turns to for a realistic point-of-view and men like you because you are a “Ball Buster.” There is something attractive about a driven woman with an I-don’t-need-you attitude. You are a tough nut to crack and emotion is not your strong suit, but if nurtured well you will remain loyal and true and like everything else in your life,
Are you the man-eating Samantha Jones of the clan? If so, your motto is likely, “I really like to %$#@!” If you identify with Samantha, you have a no holds barred approach to love, oops, I men sex! You simply do not do love, it requires vulnerability and it is a lot more fun to just to have lots and lots of orgasmic hot steamy sex and with anyone you choose. You are sexy all the time, even during business hours. You can charm the pants off a priest and probably have or have plans to do just such. Teaching other woman to be more liberated is what you do as your latest exploit is always waiting to spill from your recently kissed swollen lips. However, you are a good friend as you consider friends to be chosen family; as you have no intention of settling down or making a family as your extended exploits do not point in the direction of monogamy or marriage. Because you can master a man like no other in the bedroom, it keeps them coming back until you tire of them, so you are rarely lonely. You are the stuff of men’s fantasies and woman usually outside of your circle hate you, because you are the woman they are afraid to be. Do you see yourself as Carrie Bradshaw? Perhaps, you are the most complicated and common of all the Sex in the City type personalities. You are successful, but not consumed by your work, highly fashionable and often considered a trend setter, you are the main friend or the friend that binds all the others together, your are sexy but not sexually obsessed, love is very important to you and you deeply long to understand and posses it, you are often
burned in your relationships and you believe in the “one.” Everyone likes you, but when you feel down, retail therapy and good ol’ fashioned girl talk and martinis are in order. You are indeed, the best girlfriend. Because you have moments when your loyalty and unwavering devotion are misinterpreted by men you are often heart-sick in your romantic endeavors and subject to infidelity if your current mat is not
the “one.” However, when have had your fill of uncertainty, you have the tendency to flee emotionally. Once this happens it leaves them guessing and all your charms become newly irresistible again and your longoverdue efforts pay dividends. Men find you cute, approachable and fun. So, which Sex in the City gal are you? No matter what character you mostly identify with, whether it be
Charlotte, Miranda, Samantha or Carrie, remember to thine own self be true. The point is to be yourself and to live and love authentically. However, if you are a babe on a budget, the solution is discount retailers. You can buy Manolo Blahniks; just don’t spend your whole check doing so. After all, you are an original design and if the love is right, no man, woman or Louboutins or Manolos will outshine you! NCGMAGONLINE.COM
25
28 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
29
Classic Beauty
Billie
Holiday
30 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
Marilyn
Monroe NCGMAGONLINE.COM
31
Classic Beauty
Jaqueline
Kennedy
32 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
Dorthy
Dandridge NCGMAGONLINE.COM
33
34 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
35
eing introduced into performing arts at the age of 5, Netta has always known that she wanted to be an entertainer. Starting out as a young rapper, she found herself in the studio with legends such as Tupac Shakur and dancing on stage at the Oakland Coliseum with MC Hammer. She was able to witness the work ethic and methods of some of the elite talents in the industry at an early age. Growing up with an older sister she was influenced by the music, movies, and style of the 80’s. Netta especially liked Sheila E and Janet Jackson and as time went on she began to focus more on singing. Over the years, Netta Brielle has evolved into a powerful vocalist and performer; developing her own style, which she has coined “Urban Pop”, taking elements from R&B, Jazz, 80’s pop, and Hip Hop and fusing them into her own sound. As a child, Netta watched her
36 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
NC Entertainment Netta Brielle is a uniquely gifted and talented performer. mother struggle to support her and her younger sister, yet always found a way to take them to the latest concert, contest, or talent showcase, knowing it was her daughter’s dream. Netta observed every performance she attended and studied the work of the biggest and best in the industry to help further refine her craft. She struggled looking for good management and people to help her reach her goal, always being let down or unsatisfied. After some time, she decided she had to move on her own and took it upon herself to fund and put together her own mixtape, “Meet Me On The Stage”. During the process of putting the project together, Netta faced another challenge, as she unfortunately had to deal with the untimely and tragic death of her younger sister to gun violence. This deeply affected Netta, and moved her to think about being a positive influence to the younger generation through her music and posi-
tion as a respected recording artist. At the time Netta was in school at San Jose State University working towards her degree in Musical Theater, and though she had a heavy heart, she still continued on, and in October of 2007, released “Meet Me On the Stage” and a few months later received her college degree. In April 2008, Netta participated in “The Def Jam Mega Star Search”, put together by Shakir Stewart, of Def Jam Records. After performing her single, “Music”, Netta proved that she was ready for the next level, and was selected as the winner of the contest and began working with Shakir and his staff to find her place in the industry. After Shakir’s unfortunate death, Netta took it back to the drawing board and has since released “Electric Rebel Sounds the EP” to introduce her new sound to the world and catch the ears of the industry. Netta Brielle is the next urban female pop star to take the industry by storm. NCGMAGONLINE.COM
37
38 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
NCGMAGONLINE.COM
39
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Neko Cheri, Executive Produce www.konekomediagroup.com
David Weeks, Video Editor www.silverstonemediagroup.co
Bill Kirkpatrick, Videographer/P www.kirkpatrickfotography.com
Datrick Davis, Videographer/Ph Daeraemediagroup@gmail.com 40 NCGMAGONLINE.COM
er m
om
Photographer m
hotographer m
Dominique Chevon Doyle Make Up Artist www.sochevon.com Neci Barnes for ABJ Couture Wardrobe Stylist abarnes4abj@yahoo.com Michelle Peters, Show Guest/Playwrite Von Be, Artist/Songwriter Farah Allen, Remy Hair NCGMAGONLINE.COM
41
42 NCGMAGONLINE.COM