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Fashion isn’t just a brand it’s a lifestyle , and as you become more familiar with KONTROL GIRL and KONTROL, you will learn that this is an axiom we take to heart. Kontrol girl isn’t just our new sister magazine; it’s an opportunity for us to give back and help nurture our young ladies of today. In this issue you will find: beauty trends and secrets, fashion must haves, the beautiful OMG GIRLZ , and more. We really hope you enjoy this first issue as much as we did creating it. Remember live breath and be fashionable.Ladies we have so much in store for you so make sure you pick up a magazine each month. Editior-in-chief Julian Lark
Hello Savvy Girls, I am Executive Editor, LaNisha Rene. Thank you for checking out Kontrol Girl Magazine, we have lots of fun topics, tips, trends, and advice on the website. It is our mission to re-define the style and image of modern girls today! The magazine will serve as the initial method to our mission followed by community based events and our all girl mentor-ship program in efforts to build a more conscious society and a place where girls can come to discuss matters that are important to them. I plan to have lots of fun with you young ladies by helping to influence the best within you through our monthly on-line publication, up-n-coming community events, contests, mentor-ship program, features, and articles posted. Thank you, LaNisha Rene Executive Editor
Julian Lark Editor-In-Chief Executive Editor LaNisha Renes Assistant to Editor-in-Chief Kristin Barney Articles Editor Shari Reese Articles Editor Jay Russell ART Art Director Corey S. Guevarra Creative Director Tamura White New York Creative director Christopher Williams Assistant Creative Director Chanan Newman Production Coordinator Cynthia Horsley Production Assistant Shonda Freeman Graphic Designer RK Jackson Graphic Designer Nathan Pearcy Marketing Coordinator Sherrica Davis Publicist Bryson Jones Interns Marketing Intern Jameel Pierre Marketing Intern Jasmine Franklin Marketing Intern Shimeka Medley Event Photography/Videography Event Photographer Blair Robinson Videographer Kings Men Media Contributors: Corey S. Guevarra photography, William Kennedy Photography, Jeremy Dell, Nico Sisneros, Jae Dumas, Torin Mitchell, Aja Seldon, Jarius Tommillson, Alexandria Bland, Rikya Taylor,
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There’s always an intriguing level of excitement I feel when interviewing other entrepreneurs in different fields. Not only is the experience refreshing but it also gives a completely different perspective in the world of business. Drexina Nelson is a fashion, beauty, and entertainment photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia but travels across the country. She is from Atlanta, attended a predominantly African-American school, Clark Atlanta University, and received her degree in Art as well as her MBA.
Drexina has had the privilege of capturing some of the most beautiful and talented people in the world of fashion and entertainment. Her recent clients include Jezebel Magazine, Vogue, Nike NY, Gospel Today Magazine, Elite Models, Ludacris, Kanye West, Akon, Drexina Nelson // Self Portrait Big Kuntry King, Young Dro, DJ Drama, Idris Elba, Devyne Stephens, Kandi Burress, Mario, J. Moss, Babbie Mason, Lacresia Campbell, William Murphy, Badgley Mischka, Essence.com and Bravo among others.
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Typically, people notice males as photographers. What is your perspective as a woman in a male dominated industry? “That’s a battle all the time. Even with being a black female photographer to go further. As a female, it’s difficult in the entertainment industry as you get hassled by male clients sometimes; but for the most part, I have an assistant who is a male & my mother, who is older to keep me balanced.” How do you handle a male who is being rude? “ I normally deflect it. I get back down to the money; that gets them straight every time (laughs). When you keep it strictly business, that helps a lot.” When/what was your first break into the industry? “I started shooting in 2005. My first client was Akon; that was in the first year of business, but then I had the opportunity to shoot a project for Nike Rockstar and Vogue, which was one of my goals to one day shoot for Vogue.” You mentioned many of your goals were met in the first year and a half of business. What did you do once you reached the pinnacle of your career?
ness, but then I had the opportunity to shoot a project for Nike Rockstar and Vogue, which was one of my goals to one day shoot for Vogue.” You mentioned many of your goals were met in the first year and a half of business. What did you do once you reached the pinnacle of your career? “I figured out that wasn’t it for me. There’s so much more. I tell people, ‘I haven’t even scratched the surface of where I am going.’ Every year as I get older, my goals get bigger.” Did you have a mentor that was a photographer? “Yes, Dwayne Hathaway; he’s an incredible photographer and great friend. I actually started out as his makeup artist.” You just said you started as a makeup artist; let’s revisit this. Most entrepreneurs start out having odd jobs that have nothing to do with their future in business and then transition to what their destined to do. How did you make that transition from makeup-artist to photographer?
“I figured out that wasn’t it for me. There’s so much more. I tell people, ‘I haven’t even scratched the surface of where I am going.’ Every year as I get older, my goals get bigger.”
“I’ve always been into beauty. I took my book as a makeup-artist to an agency who loved my work but didn’t like the photography; which I hadn’t worked with Dwayne Hathaway by this time (laughs). The agency said I needed better photographers, so I bought a camera and decided to do it myself.”
As women, we have many things to emotional within ourselves. From a perspective, how do you keep your in-check so it doesn’t filter into your
What do you know about business now that you wish you would have known when you first started?
deal with woman’s emotions business?
“I talk about it with friends but for the most part, I am not that emotional. I believe in checking my emotions before I walk in the studio. When I go home, I might cry; when I’m here, its work!” Do you feel a great mentor in the photography industry and in business is needed as both are very different aspects of entrepreneurship? “For sure. I knew as an entrepreneur I would have to sustain in this industry because I didn’t have an investor. With me obtaining my MBA, I had several mentors in business.” m straight every time (laughs). When you keep it strictly business, that helps a lot.” When/what was your first break into the industry? “I started shooting in 2005. My first client was Akon; that was in the first year of busi12 KONTROL GIRL ISSUE 1
“For me, it’s more about people; I wish I would have understood people better because I’ve been trusting and you can’t be that open & trusting in business. A lot of people you can’t bring in your circle. I’ve learned the value of a ‘Confidentiality Agreement.’ You have to manger your emotions. People take things so personal when it’s not personal. In business, you don’t do things with the intent of hurting anyone but there are times you have to say ‘NO’ because you have think about your business or those on your team!” Do you feel you have competition? “I feel there are some incredible photographers out there but of course, people put us all in the same category. However, we all do such different things; we all have different God-given talents. I try to handle my business as business as where others handle it like home-boy, home-girl. I want to be the ‘Oprah of Image Making.’ Ic amnot playing games; I want an ‘EMPIRE.’ I see this as bigger than life & I recognize I have a God given purpose, so I can’t look at what other people are doing be-
Did you define your market in the beginning of your career?
“I believe this is true. I listen to Joel Olsten; he always talks about if you’re the smartest person in your circle then you need to get a new circle. It’s not to say they can’t stay your friends, but you have to associate with like-minded, progressive people who want to move forward, which I am still learning. You have to be prepared because your circle will get smaller.”
“No. I wish I would have. I always knew I wanted to shoot fashion but I really didn’t know or define my audience. However, I did network, network, network & allow my work to speak for itself!”
I’m a firm believer in God and His incredible work within each of us. Do you feel having faith in God helped your business?
Many entrepreneurs learn the hard way that people you keep around you can hinder your progress & success. What are your thoughts?
“It’s helped in every aspect. There is nothing I could do without God daily! I talk to Him all day because otherwise, I would be insane because this industry will drive you crazy (laughs).
cause it will only keep me distracted. I have a ‘Yellow Brick Road’ to success analogy. I have a road I am walking down & to get to my goal, I have to walk down my road, not yours.”
For me, it’s more about people; I wish I would have understood people better because I’ve been trusting and you can’t be that open & trusting in business To contact Drexina Nelson, find her online at www. drexina.com for more details on her work. Thank you for this powerful interview, Drexina. We wish you much success in your career and success to all the entrepreneurs reading!
Photo Credit: Drexina Nelson
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From misconception to a stylish understanding, tomboys are finally getting their fashion voices heard. Who would have thought the girl that went to play ball with the boys would be a muse for some of the biggest designers in the world? The societal nickname “tomboy” refers to a girl who exhibits characteristics or behavior considered typical for a male. A term that dates back to the 16th century, girls who once wore “trousers” that were shamed upon are now universal semblances of strength and power. Girls now wear the pants and they look ohso well in doing so. She also dabbles in the comforts of a loose-fit tee or an unconventional pair of shorts. Unconsciously fashion forward, her way of life becomes a display of self-expressionism and the freedom to explore her surroundings comfortably and stylishly. This girl power translates through her style of dress and shows she isn’t afraid to be different or turn society upside down. Designers have taken these fashionable statements of
strength and power and have turned them into a wearable style for all women to enjoy. It’s now cool to wear a baggy jean with a fitted t-shirt and ball cap, or blazer and skinny tie with a nice fitted pant. Tomboy—the new fashion pioneer of marrying the masculinity of men’s clothing with the softness and femininity of a young lady. It’s now cool to wear the pants!
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In an age where the perception of mixing business and friendship has become a theory of the ultimate curse, one has to wonder if this is a positive principle to place before our youth. Friendships alone have their ups and downs, but mixing business with the honest emotions that arise when working with a dear friend seems to have become a true test of professionalism. The music industry is no stranger to conveying the message of girl power and unity; whether successful or not remains to be seen. We’ve witnessed the creation, break ups, and make ups of many powerful and talented girl groups, from Escape and SWV to TLC and Destiny’s Child. Each of these undeniably talented female groups all share one thing in common¬—all of their journeys to stardom began at young ages. If there were ever a more effective and much needed time for a serious female power-house pop group to emerge into the industry, that time is now. Through their bold and vibrant appearance and natural musical talent, combined with the great company of successful music artists as mentors, the OMG Girlz have supplied themselves with the pieces to complete the puzzle of becoming their very own powerful and talented girl group. If you take a minute to question the OMG Girlz’ in-
dustry competition as of right now, you very well may conclude that they are their biggest obstacle. Miss Star, Miss Beauty, and Miss Baby Doll are without question special vocalists, lyricists, and performers. Unfortunately, as we have witnessed through generations of girl groups, these assets are not always enough to guarantee prominent and successful careers. These beautiful girls are not only in business together, they share a bond every teenage girl urges to have with someone¬—friendship. When asked how it feels to be one of the only girl groups in the industry right now, Miss Baby Doll says, “It is such a great honor and blessing to be one of the only girls groups out right now, and as more girls groups come along, we are more than excited to convey the message of girl power.” Being a teenage artist in what can be an overwhelming industry regarding schedules and traveling, the girls each believe that it very important to balance their careers, being students, and most importantly being with their families equally. Some may argue that a strenuous career at such a young age may not be beneficial socially or educationally, but the OMG Girlz are out to prove those individuals wrong. With both Miss Star and Miss Beauty being 16 years of age, and Miss 25 KONTROL GIRL ISSUE 1
Baby Doll being 17 years old, the girls have the extra pressure of completing high school while pursuing a dream that they wish to accomplish. As a result of their recent stardom, each member is actively in a home school system and is working towards receiving their high school diplomas, all have plans to graduate early, and have the ability to take the music industry by storm with one less thing on their minds. Having a true understanding that a career in the music/entertainment industry is not one that is promised, the girls each have goals they would pressure if that day came they could no longer be musicians, from Miss Baby Doll interested in becoming a pediatrician, Miss Star a photographer, and Miss Beauty a lawyer. Coming off what proved to be a very positive experience for the OMG Girlz on the 2012 Scream Tour with
teen heart throbs Diggy Simmons, Mindless Behavior, and Jacob Latimore, the ladies are currently in the studio working on their self-titled debut album, Officially Miss Guided. The OMG Girlz well anticipated album will ideally be ready and released during the early months or the forthcoming year in 2013. When asked to briefly explain the sound and feel of what the new album will sound like to their fans, Miss Beauty quickly responded, “The album is pretty diverse and not one specific genre. You can also get a feel for our growth as a group as well.” To further convey a concept and sound for the album Miss Baby Doll added, “We have all been very involved with the writing process for the album as well.” This alone is proof that Officially Miss Guided will not be anything less of what the OMG Girlz fans and supporters are ready to hear. Some
“The album is pretty diverse and not one specific genre. You can also get a feel for our growth as a group as well.” of the world’s greatest entertainers, from Michael Jackson to Beyoncè, have received the praises and have been noted as being the best because they completely immersed themselves into their art. They had to figure out what works and what does not. It is very important for all individuals to realize at a young age that to become the best, one cannot put mediocre effort into what they choose to pursue in life. Not only are the OMG Girlz active in the writing process of their much anticipated album, these talented young women have successfully created a visual image that is directly targeted to appeal to their fans, one that is youthful, and most importantly unique. When asked what inspired their colorful hair trademark, the OMG Girlz simply stated, “We wanted to do something fun, fresh, and [something that] expressed us individually.” It is sometimes hard for children and
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teens to imagine celebrities as regular, everyday individuals who like everyday things, but according to Miss Beauty she wants her fans to know, “I love the Free People clothing line and also shopping in Forever 21.” Alongside every other teenage girl, the OMG Girlz also have a few celebrity crushes that they absolutely adore from Tyga, Channing Tatum, Derek Rose, and collectively Big Sean. Since TLC, there has not been a female group with a distinct style, totally relatable to their fans, and possess the potential to become highprofile artist. But the OMG Girlz can now fill that void. With the opportunity to capitalize on their talents that have not yet reached their peak, and the early experience they have faced through their own journey and musical mentors, the OMG Girlz have exactly what it takes to experience a long lasting career in pop music.
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Sure, the Chris Brown and Rihanna reunion posed as no shock to fans. Though referring to each other as “friends,” we all know the hidden truth of it all. To much surprise, the story of these two is one to be shockingly admired. Though young, these two have been apart and have grown-up on their own without the company of one another. With Rihanna boasting continuing number one hits and Chris Brown with a recent successful album, they may be on their way to being the next power couple of entertainment. Who knows? Hopefully they’ve done enough growing up to stay together without any further blow-ups!
Photo Credit: Pop Dust
Have your own Lunchroom Confession? Let us know... Email us at KontrolGirl@gmail.com with the subject “Lunchroom Confessions” and you might have your confession make KontrolGirl.com and our next issue!
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