Kriolada Magazine - #1 February Issue by Kriolada Magazine

January 2021 ISSUE 01

Designer: Angelica Timas Photographer: Ceejay Creative director: Tirzah Evora Makeup artists: Ornela Oliveira, Kassandra Nunes, Edna Barbosa, and Nicol Espina Perez

Table of Contents

06 12 Be the change! 40 Lessons Learned in 2020 Life in the U.S. through 50 the eyes of an immigrant

Representation in the Fashion Industry and Why It Matters

The idea behind Kriolada Magazine

Editor-in-Chief Photographer Graphic Designer Editors

Tirzah Evora @tirzah_evora Cee Jay Sena @ceejaysena @sena_vision Eden N. Soares @eden_soares @trigrfx Djamila Evora @mysticwildchild Jonathan Paul @triii,bee.rrr Doriane Tomar @dory_tomar

Letter from the Editor 2020 was the year of unpredictability. From the threat of a world war, to a global pandemic and lockdown, the human race moved into a dark and unknown future. But every cloud has its silver lining and the unknown gives way to new possibilities. In it we find out things about ourselves we might not have known otherwise. In this issue we wanted to shift the focus from what we lost to what we found in 2020. We wanted to show that even a year filled with chaos, could give birth to beautiful things. From starting new businesses to reconnecting with family, we chose to look on the brighter side of things. So sit back, turn the pages, and enjoy; beautiful women, our beautiful country, and a beautiful vision for the future.

Tirzah Evora Editor-in-Chief | Kriolada Magazine

Reprenta

FASHION I From top left:

Rossana Ribeiro, Pattixia Araujo, Anita Debrito, Elba Barros, Nadia Tchuda, Cynthia Braz, Stefany Lopes, Katiza Veiga, Cleisa Barbosa, Tirzah Evora, Naysa Da Silva, Stephany Amado, Luciana Lopes, Kleusa Andrade Sitting down, right to left:

Elisama Semedo, Miriam Andrade, Diva Neves Centeio, Cassia Gonรงalves, Denise Neves Lopes, Keula Barbosa, Cleire Azevedo, Laying down right to left:

Djamila Evora and Claudia Teixeira

and Why I

ation in the

INDUSTRY

It Matters

Photographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Makeup artists: Ornela Oliveira, Kassandra Nunes, Edna Barbosa, Nicol Espina Perez Graphic design: Eden Soares

Stephany Amado I have also been modeling since I was 12 in CV and I feel like I have better modeling opportunities out here than I would back home in Cabo Verde. Out here, when I do fashion shows, I usually stick out because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m usually 1 out of a group of very few, if not the only black model at these shows. This has also helped me embrace myself and be bolder. What do you miss about being back home? Stephany: The thing I miss the most from home is the Morabezaâ&#x20AC;Ś the serenity and fresh air. The love of community, I feel like people are more community oriented at home. How would you describe your style? Stephany: Feminine tomboy. I like to dress up in sporty clothes with a feminine flair.

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Djamila Evora

The fashion industry in the

past had one narrative; if you are young, thin, white, and straight, you are the ideal. The internet has been integral in changing that, by displaying different types of beauty. Without this diversity, the fashion industry would have continued setting an unrealistic standard of beauty and portraying it as desirable to mainstream society. Forcing models to participate in their own exploitation for want of a career.

Naysa Da Silva

Makeup artist: Nicol Espina Perez Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change!

Be the

change! During this quarantine I saw so

much suffering. It taught me that we need to appreciate, love and help one another, because tomorrow

might not promised. And if you care for someone, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to show them what they mean to you.

- Stefany Lopes 14

Makeup artist: Edna Barbosa Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! Not socializing gave

me an opportunity to sit and reflect on my life; my mistakes, my strengths, my weaknesses, the things that I have done right over the years, and how I can be a better person. This pandemic has taught me that everything is temporary. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how much we love, and how much we are loved.

- Rosanna Ribeiro

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! Quarantine

taught me to look beyond material things. It made me realize that no matter what we go through in life, we should support and be there for each other. That is the message I have for all Cape Verdeans

- Keula Barbosa

Makeup artist: Nocol Espina Perez Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change!

During quarantine, I have

learned to appreciate the little things in life and always look for the bright side in every situation. I have learned that you must have a healthy relationship with yourself, making sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re strong, physically and mentally. I learned that Self-care must be our priority. The message I would send to people in Cabo Verde is to stay strong and never give up. That our present circumstances do not define our future. We must have faith!

- Patricia Araujo

Makeup artist: Nicol Espina Perez Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! Quarantine taught me to

be a better human being. It showed me that we need more peace and love in the world. That we should stop complaining and be grateful for life. We should treat people with kindness, worry less, give people that we love more attention, and spend more time with family, because tomorrow is not promised. To my people in Cape Verde I say to youâ&#x20AC;Ś think positive, have hope, this is nothing. The king is watching over us and he is stronger than this.

- Elba Barros

Makeup artist: Edna Barbosa Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! Quarantine taught me

to appreciate the little things in life. I had time to learn a lot about and reconnect with myself. Not being able to go out gave me time to focus on my goal which was to save money for school. Without distractions I was able to put my all into working. To my fellow Cape Verdeans; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up on your dreams, do whatever it takes to reach your goals. Stick together, help others, and stay positive. Be grateful for all you have.

- Cynthia Braz

Makeup artist: Ornela Oliveira Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! During

quarantine I learned a lot about self care. I learned to understand my self more and have more patience with my self.

I have learned to face forward and gained a new appreciation for life. For my people in Cape Verde I hope the same; that we all take this experience as a way to appreciate our selves more.

- Katisa Veiga Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

This pandemic made me realize

how short life is. I started to see the people around me, the universe and even myself differently. I took advantage of the time to work on getting better as a person and having enough confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a model. To my people in CV, have faith that 2021 will be better, and be grateful for everything that we do have.

- Miriam Andrade

Be the

change! Makeup artist: Edna Barbosa Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change!

Makeup artist: Ornela Oliveira Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

I know right now a lot of us are really feeling the pressure from work and our families. However please remember that “no” is a complete sentence, and it is absolutely ok to put yourself at the top of your “to-do” list, your health, both physical and mental SHOULD come first; regardless of what others may think or say. How else can you be there for your family and your community, if you yourself are not functioning as your highest self? You can’t pour from an empty cup, and that’s on Mary had a little lamb!

- Djamila Evora 31

This past year taught

me the importance of sticking together and not giving up during difficult times.

- Cleire Azevedo

Be the

change! Makeup artist: Ornela Oliveira Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change!

Quarantine taught me patience, which is something I

have had trouble with in the past. I learned to do lashes and I am now running a small business; Big Winks by Nadia. Without quarantine, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have had the time and patience to cultivate my entrepreneurial side.

- Nadia Tchuda Photographer: Cee Jay Sena Designer: Angelica Timas Makeup artist: Nicol Espina Perez Creative director: Tirzah Evora Graphic designer: Eden Soares Editor: Jonathan Paul

First of all, my deepest,

heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone affected by the virus, especially the ones who have lost a loved one. I know that things are not easy right now, but let’s keep our heads up and maintain hope. It might take some time, but this too shall pass. Let’s keep following the social distancing guidelines and being strong. Together, we will overcome this. Cape Verdeans are very resilient people and can get through anything. We have

gone through so much, but always overcame the unexpected. If there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s survival. We always thrive at the end! Let’s also be grateful we’re alive and safe, and cherish what we have. 1 Amor pa nha povo!

- Annie Debrito

Be the

change! 34

Makeup artist: Edna Barbosa Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

During

quarantine I took the time to reassess every aspect of my life. I reorganized my goals and made multiple plans, because as we all learned, life is unpredictable. We can never be sure of how the future will look, all we can do is our best at all times and let God take care of the rest. I learned that all my limitations are mental, that as long as I believe I can, I will. I learned how to love myself more, appreciate my own company, and value those around me. A life of no regrets is my new goal.

To the people of my country I say donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up. No matter how hard life has been, there will always be hope! Explore all the aspects in life, because

in every situation there is something that will teach us how to be better human beings. Our country has not reached its full potential yet, and this generation may not live to see the change happen, so let us all invest in our children who are the future. Although we may not have diamonds and gold to give them, let us gift them with love, care, and respect. Let us teach them self-love, and self-confidence, but also gratitude, and charity. Success is not material, it is sentimental.

- Elisama Semedo

Be the

change!

Makeup artist: Nicol Espina Perez Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! The most important takeaway from quarantine was learning to control my perspective and appreciate the little things in life. To my people back home I say, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Be patient and positive, better days are coming.

- Claudia Teixeira

Makeup artist: Nicol Espina Perez Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! Quarantine

allowed me to spend more time with my family. Bringing us closer together and allowing me to get reacquainted with them while learning what makes each of them unique.

- Kleusa Andrade

Makeup artist: Ornela Oliveira Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotograther: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Be the

change! Quarantine

has restricted the amount of time and ways that people can interact with family members and loved ones. This highlighted our need for, and, the value of personal relationships. I learned that, moving forward, will require kindness, humility, and the willingness to work together. Today may be difficult, but I have hope for a brighter tomorrow.

- Luciana Lopes

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotograther: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Jonathan Paul

Lessons

Learned in 2020

From top left:

Soraia Albano, Cecilia Leite, Marah Guilherme, Ariele Gomes, Leina Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Almeida, Djamila Brito

In March of 2020, life in Cape Verde, along with the rest of the world, was upended by Covid-19. What was at first seen as a minor inconvenience that would pass in a few weeks, morphed into a global pandemic the likes of which we have not seen in over a century. With businesses shuttering, stay at home orders being issued, and social life as we know it being put on pause, it was a hard year. We spoke to some of the residents of Cape Verde to ask them what the pandemic has

taught them and how they The forced isolation made will be moving into the New me reflect on the imporYear. tance of things. Attending parties and luxurious indul“I’ve learned a lot of lessons gences are vain and futile during the pandemic. But actions. Fear and uncertainthe main takeaway for me ty, around my life, and the has been that we are noth- life of my loved ones, taught ing and nobody. The mes- me to value life, nature, and sage I would like to send out my connection with the Sea. to everyone, especially Cape Value life, value your family Verdeans, is to have faith. and your work. Believe that everything will work out in the end. 2021 - Iza D’ Almedia will be a blessed year. - Myriam Rocha Photographer: Raphael Azevedo Chaves Creative director: Leina D’ Almeida Graphic designer: Eden Soares Editor: Jonathan Paul and Doriane Tomar

Ariele Go mes, Lein a D’ Alme ida

From left to r

, Cecilia L

ight:

eite, Djam

ila Brito, S

oraia Alba no, Marah Guilherm e

From top left:

Ariele Gomes, Shirley Santos, Djamila Brito, Mirsia Lima, Elany Cabral, Leina D’ Almeida, Cecilia Leite, Iza D’ Almeida, Jennifer Gomes, Myriam Rocha, Nayza Oliveira, Marah Guilherme, Soraia Albano.

“The long period of quarantine forced me to realize the importance of a comfortable home and family unity. All of this made me realize the importance of life. I learned to like my own company and take care of myself. I have always been a lover of art, music, and cinema; but quarantine drew me deeper into these things. Art was huge for me, it made quarantine less difficult. Going forward I want people to be more aware and empathetic. Value family, work, and respect life on our planet.” - Leina de Almieda

“We all had the opportunity to see that small things have immense value, from a simple hug to a kiss. I learned to live in the present with love. And to enjoy more the uniqueness of every occasion. To all Cape Verdeans, and the rest of the world, I leave a message of hope. Keep fight until the end, good things will come, do not let a virus destroy your dreams.” - Ariele Gomes

“Social isolation made me very introspective. In fact, the entire year of 2020 was filled with reflection. I learned many lessons; from how to be more patient, to loving the moments that life gives me, because in one breath it can all be over. I leave a message of hope. I have faith that the year 2021 will be much better. It will take time, but everything will pass, and we will return to some semblance of normality. I hope that we will all be more aware from now on and understand that perhaps this was just a message for us to rethink the way in which we live our lives.zz“ - Shirley Santos

From left to right:

Shirley Santos, Djamila Brito, Myriam Rocha, Ariele Gomes 43

Photographer: Raphael Azevedo Chaves Creative director: Leina Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Almeida

Left to right: Stefany lopes, Miriam Andrade, Claudia Teixeira, Djamila Evora Rossana Ribeiro,

Elisama Semedo, Patricia Araujo, Nadia Tchuda, Stephany Amado, Anita Debrito, Elba Barros

Left to right: Tirzah Evora, Cynthia Braz, Katiza Veiga, Kleusa Andrade, Luciana Lopes, Cleisa Barbosa,

Naysa Da Silva, Cleire Azevedo, Keula Barbosa, Diva Neves Centeio, Denise Neves lopes, Cassia Gonรงalves

Photographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative Director: Tirzah Evora Makeup Artists: Ornela Oliveira, Kassandra Nunes, Edna Barbosa, Nicol Espina Perez Graphic Designer: Eden Soares

Life In The

U.S. Through The Eyes of An

Immigrant Denise Neves Lopes 40 years old, born in Sao Vicente How old were you when you came to the United States? Denise: I came to the U.S. when I was 14 years old.

What do you miss about being back home? What’s your favorite time to go to CV?

Denise: The thing I miss the most from home is the food, beach and What’s one word that describes the weather. There’s no need for a your immigrant experience in the winter coat. My favorite time to go United States? back home is during Carnival in February, I have been going back to Denise: Opportunity and Educa- carnival for the past 5 years. tion. School was definitely easier in the U.S. When I moved out here, I You are 40 years old and you look started school in the 9th grade, the amazing, what’s your secret to school work was easy to me because looking so youthful? I had already learned what was being taught in CV in the 7th grade; Denise: I exercise, drink a lot of walearning the language was my only ter, sleep and have a great skincare barrier in school. treatment. Do NOT sleep with make up on—you’ll age 3 years!

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Djamila Evora

Makeup artist: Edna Barbosa Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Djamila Evora

Cassia Gonçalves 25 years old, born in Angola How old were you when you came to the United States? Cassia: I came to the United States for the first time at 1o years old and then a second time at 18 years old. What’s one word that describes your immigrant experience in the United States? Cassia: Fighters. We are super goal oriented, and don’t take no for an answer. We come into this country already with a fighter mentality. What do you miss about CV, Angola and Portugal? Cassia: I feel like CV, Angola and Portugal although geographically, it’s different, yet the culture is all the same. Our foods are similar and the music. So honestly, I just miss being with my family, even though I have never been to CV, I do plan to go sometime in the near future.

Diva Santos 38 years old, born in Sao Vicente How old were you when you came to the United States?

What do you miss about being back home?

Diva: I was born in CV and came Diva: The joy of simple living. The to the United States when I was 12 slow paced vibe and relaxing eneryears old. gy. The ability to just hang at your friend’s house and chill with no worWhat’s one word that describes ries. your immigrant experience in the United States? How would you describe your style? Diva: Opportunity, America is the Diva: Versatile, just like my hair. land of opportunity as long as you’re Sometimes I could wear my hair willing to put in the work. curly, other times I could wear it straight. The same goes for my Do you travel back to CV often? clothes, I can go form shorts and sneakers to heels and a gown for a Diva: I travel back home often, at gala. least 2-3 times a year. I usually go on mission trips for my nonprofit orga- You mentioned earlier that you are nization, Our Children, Our Future. 38, you don’t look a day past 24, I also travel back often to visit family what’s your secret to looking so and for my favorite time of the year, youthful? Carnival in February. Diva: My mama. ;)

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Djamila Evora

Cleisa Tavares 31 years old, born in Praia, Santiago Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one word that describes your immigrant experience in the United States? Cleisa: Opportunity. I grew up in Portugal, where you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of opportunities as an immigrant as you would here. America is the land of opportunity, you can pretty much have whatever you set your mind to. What do you miss about being back home? Cleisa: My family, I do not have a lot of family out here.

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Djamila Evora

Stephany Amado 21 years old, born in Praia, Santiago

How would you describe your style? Stephanie: Classy. I like nice classic jewelry and minimum make up. How old were you when you came to the United States? Stephanie: I came to the US 5 years ago. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one word that describes your immigrant experience in the United States? Stephanie: Bold. When I first came to America, it was during the transition from Obama to Trump administration and I knew I had to be bold in order to persevere in a country with a president who hates people who look like me.

Makeup artist: Kassandra Nunes Designer: Angelica Timas Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Creative director: Tirzah Evora Editor: Djamila Evora

WHO AM I?

( FORÇA DE UM CRIOLA) What does it mean to be Criola? Is it the color of my skin? Is it my curly hair? Is it the way I speak? I have been told I am not black enough I have been told I have a white woman’s hair Should I let that define me? Should I represent who I am? I am Criola I am a mother I am a sister I speak Cape Verdean Criole I move my hips to the beat of funana, batuke and my body just starts moving to the beat of morna. I can dance passada, mazurka and now I can even dance kizomba Who am I? I am a Criola I am an educated women I am a mentor to countless students I speak more than one language I am always willing to offer a helping hand So who am I? I am força de um Criola By: Denise Dos Santos Neves Lopes From her book, Dena’s Poems

Model: Tirzah Evora Makeup artist: Naysa Da Silva Graphic designer: Eden Soares Phtotographer: Cee Jay Sena Editor: Djamila Evora

The idea behind

Kriolada Magazine

Q: Tell us about yourself:

when did you first gain interest in modeling? What made you pursue a modeling career? Tirzah: Full disclosure, I was never really interested in modeling or even seriously considered an actual career in modeling, until I signed with an agency and started booking professional gigs. Not that I was doing something I did not enjoy, but it wasn’t my main focus or primary “dream/goal”. I was an athlete first and foremost, I loved soccer and basketball; and never saw myself as anything else other than a professional athlete. I had been a tom boy for most of my life and spent most of my time trying to hide my “girly, feminine” side, because I lacked the self-esteem and confidence. Competing for Miss Cape Verde, and winning awards in sports, served as a catalyst in search of my life’s purpose. I came to the United States, for the same reason as most immigrants, in search of a “better life, better opportunities”. Since I came here in pursuit of a basketball scholarship, I thought my “big break” would be in the sports world, but God had other plans for me. My first couple of modeling

gigs was in Boston, to my surprise, the more authentic I was at the auditions for some of these shows, the more gigs I booked. This was when I started to fall in love with modeling, and with myself. Although I do not consider myself a top model or international model, I haven’t quite reached that level of success yet, but I strongly believe I will one day. However it’s not really about the destination for me, but more so the journey. My motivation, is not to be famous, but to take care of those who helped me on the way, especially my family; and mostly important to have the power and ability to give back to the community that gave so much to me.

Q: How old were you when

you came to the US? What was that experience like? Describe your first year here? Tirzah: I was only 19 when I first came to the United States. Was “young and doe eyed” as my cousin used to say to me. In the beginning it was a bit of a struggle, especially since I did not have a full grasp on the language yet. The weather did not help as well. I swear it felt like I arrived on one of the coldest days of the

year. To make matters worse, my second day here; my cousin had me walking around in the middle of a snow storm with high heeled boots. *chuckles* But I knew that this is where I belonged. Coming to America, was my “declaration of independence”, my first step into adulthood. As cliché as it sounds, I felt like an untouchable independent woman on a mission, and the opportunities were limitless. One of the most difficult times, during my first year here, was during the Christmas Holiday. I was extremely homesick and really missed having my parents and siblings around. I told myself that once I was settled in America, I would work hard to spend every Christmas with them or even make it special for them. Being away from my family that first year, caused me to sink into a bit of a depressive state. At the time, I felt helpless because I had no real knowledge as to what depression really looked like; I feel like mental health is not something that is discussed much in Cabo Verde, its almost taboo. There were times where I missed my family so much, and was in such a dark place, I seriously considered just packing up and moving back

home to CV. This was my “make or break” moment. I sat with myself and just prayed in search for strength and guidance. I prayed for strength and discernment, because I knew I had people that relied on me, and that my success was not mine alone.

Q: How long after you moved

to the United States did you make your first trip back to CV? How did it feel? How often do you go back to CV? When was the last time you were there? Tirzah: After 5 years, I was finally able to go back and see my family. It was an emotional trip for me, especially seeing my dad’s tears of joy after not seeing me for 5 years. Unfortunately, in the years I was gone, my grandparents, had passed away and the void of their absence when I went back home, was deafening. I never thought that the times I spent with my grandparents before moving to the United states, would be our last. It is a feeling I never want to feel again. Seeing my family for the first time after all those years, was invigorating and just what I needed to realign with my goals. I feel like we should never go long periods of time without seeing our family. I try to go there every year specially for Christmas because it is the best time to be with family. I just came back from spending this past Christmas out there with family—don’t worry, I still social distanced and took all proper COVID safety precautions. While I understand the seriousness of this pandemic, I just really needed to see my family, so it was worth the risk for me.

Q: What has been the hardest 62

thing about working in the fashion industry during the pandemic?

Tirzah: The hardest thing during this pandemic has been actually booking jobs, since there’s so many rules in New York sometimes I don’t work as often as I used to. Honestly, after being on a mandatory lock don, I was blessed to be able to book as many jobs as I did, I had 4 jobs a week-- sometimes 5. I feel like there was a shift in the fashion industry after the BLM movements this summer. Companies were finally using more black models and giving them more opportunities.

Q: What was the idea behind Kriolada? How did this concept come about?

“Random” which would basically be about me walking in through the streets of Cape Verde and interviewing random but interesting people and reporting on random yet interesting places and things. But after getting a team and connecting with some people, I thought to myself “I can create a ‘Vogue Cabo Verde’ I Remember I called my cousin, Djamila and she was so excited, but she did tell me to change the name. My team was not so happy because they wanted something that was “ours” not from someone else’s idea. Ceejay suggested the name Kriolada. I was in Cape Verde at that time and I had a brief conversation with a Cape Verdean artist who told me “listen it’s your idea right? so make it fully yours”, and that was it. The concept was easy, I wanted to show the world how diverse the women of Cabo Verde are; and I wanted to make the cover to embody our diversity. Which is why I used Cabo Verdean women of different complexion, hair textures, body types, and height. I did not want the “European standard” of beauty, but just your average confident woman.

Q: What are some of the struggles that you have faced being a Black woman in the fashion industry?

Tirzah: The Idea behind Kriolada, well I always wanted to start a magazine, and after the mandatory quarantine in New York, I told myself I would not end this year without starting or doing something for myself. Eden Soares was someone that I always spoke to about having a magazine named

Tirzah: My complexion for starters. Most of the time some clients want a darker model so they can justify their poor diversity choices; people do not think I’m African because of the texture of my hair, I have also had some problems with my body type. A lot of times, clients would be perplexed as to how I was skinny but my measurements where that of a curvy person. I’m African, skinny but I have curves---this was a huge problem

for me, specially when they want you to try samples. Most of the designer pants would not go over my hips. *chuckles* But just being black in general was an issue for some clients some of them did not even want to have any Black people on their shows. I had this French designer tell me one time, while I was fully ready to go on stage with his clothes, that I was “too pretty” and he would pay me what he had to, but he no longer wanted to use me, because he wants his “clothes to out stand more”--- mind you, I was the only black model!

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January 2021 ISSUE 01