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J A S M Y N W I L K I N S E N T R E P R E N E U R , A N D F O R M E R I S S U E 1 5
M I S S
G E O R G I A
All you need to know is that anything is possible
Who we are Luxur Lux Magazine is a female entrepreneur magazine, which is offered in digital and print. This is for readers that would like to get the latest fashion trends, business tips, and female entrepreneur interviews. Luxur Lux Magazine is for women of all backgrounds, cultures, and races. I wanted everyone to feel included, that's what Luxur Lux is all about.
Luxur Lux Magazine is published independently by Luxur Lux magazine LLC. All rights reserved. American Copyright 2021 by Luxur Lux Magazine LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission from the publisher.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax
EDITOR'S NOTE We are back for the summer and we are outside! Now that things are getting back to some type of normalcy, we are excited to be able to attend events, shows, and interview for our lifestyle and girl boss interviews. On the cover of this issue, we have the beautiful, Jasmyn Wilkins, model, entrepreneur, and former Miss Georgia. Read Jasmyn's interview on how she balances being an entrepreneur and model. We hope that you enjoy issue 15 as much as we do and we can't wait for you to see what else we have in store. Enjoy!
Angela Brickley Founder & Editor-in-Chief
LUXURLUXMAG.COM // @LUXURLUXMAG
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Founder & Editor-in-Chief Angela Brickley Copy Editor Yalda Kazemi Assistant Editor Lauren Colder Associate Editor Intern Kristal Lambert Digital/Print Marketing Director Avery Mitchell
EDITORIAL CONTACT INFORMATION Luxur Lux is published bi-annually For advertising please email | info@luxurluxmag.com www.luxurluxmag.com Luxur Lux Magazine is published independently by Luxur Lux magazine LLC. All rights reserved. American Copyright 2021 by Luxur Lux Magazine LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission from the publisher. Issue 15 | 5
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13 Cover
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54
Jasmyn Wilkins
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Fashion & Beauty Summer Fashion Trends 2021 The Perfect Sunnies
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Shopping Pre-loved Bags
24
Interviews Hikari Fleur - Content Creator, Author, Women Empowerment Advocate
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Raiyonda Vereen - Tyler Perry Studios Costume Designer
48
Tai Bowen - Founder & Creative Director of White Flag Clothing
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Lifestyle Tess Annique - Editorial Forkable Foods
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54
Entrepreneur Advice
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Desi Vega's Steakhouse - New Orleans
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SUMMER FASHION TRENDS 2021 THE RIGHT PIECES YOU NEED FOR THE SEASON Issue 15 | 7
CROP TOPS
Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Croped Top $675 farfetch.com
Loulou appliqué-detail cropped top $566 farfetch.com
Balmain Cropped monogram jacquard vest top $705 farfetch.com
The thing we love most about crop tops is that there are loads of different ways you can wear them, enabling you to put your own spin on the trend.
PUFFY SLEEVES
Danielle Bernstein Black Puff Sleeve Tie Back $48.30 weworewhat.com
Danielle Bernstein Dress $59.40 weworewhat.com
Danielle Bernstein Coco Vintage Toile Top $120 weworewhat.com
Whichever way you wear them, the motto for this season is 'the bigger your sleeves, the better'.
SHEER
Alchemy Semi Sheer Mini Dress $371 farfetch.com
Victoria Beckham ruffle tie sheer blouse $1102 farfetch.com
Dion Lee Sheer crochet maxi skirt $690 farfetch.com
The sheer trend isn't everyone's cup of tea, but this season brings with it a range of cool new ways to embrace the trend if you've been waiting for the right one to tempt you.
FLORAL PRINT
Zimmermann Cassia Billow Short Dress $1100 saksfifthavenue.com
Nicole Miller Velvet Bell Bottoms $295 farfetch.com
PatBo Floral-Print Chiffon Mini Dress $550 saksfifthavenue.com
This season’s florals come in soft pastel colors and vibrant hues, all of which are some variation of the garden theme.
, s i S That risk you are afraid to take will change your life.
JASMYN WILKINS Model, Entrepreneur, Former Miss GA
Photographer & Stylist: Pierre @prlphotos Hair: Nini Fleming @styledbynini_ Makeup: Andre Love @alovewashere
BUSINESS TALK What is one of your favorite things about being a model and entrepreneur? I love to work and interact with different personalities from all different walks of life . I also enjoy my creative freedom. Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? My mother and my husband. They are both my biggest supporters. Why did you decide to start your modeling career? I've always wanted to get involved in modeling and acting since I was young. I also wanted to be a standup comic, but as I got older, I realized that I wasn’t really all that funny and I had terrible stage fright.I ended up taking my modeling career serious through pageants. I competed at the Miss Georgia USA pageant, where I won and went on to miss USA and placed 4th runner up. I was scouted by my agency after a telecast and the rest is history.
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What is your dream-level goal for your career? My dream level goal for my modeling career would be to book a major beauty campaign . My entrepreneurial dream would be to have my brand, Morning People sold in stores nationwide. What does your current business model look like? My brand, Morning People is an e-commerce CBD and vitamin C-based skin care brand . I’m starting off with one product, which is our Sunbaked Serum. I’ve had so many amazing benefits using CBD with the combination of vitamin C on the skin, which really packs a powerhouse punch when it comes to treating inflammation and brightening and toning the skin. As of right now, I’m the only employee since we are so small and new. I would eventually love to expand and have some extra hands to build the brand. Talk us through what your typical day looks like. I wake up around eight and make myself a chai tea. I then sit and do all of my business work, such as chatting with the lab to help formulate our products, update my website to make sure we are ready for launch this upcoming fall, I then have lunch and chat with my agents about any upcoming work or auditions. I spend the rest of the day reading, exercising, and meal prepping or preparing dinner. What is your brand mission? At Morning People, we believe in supporting mental wellness with effortless skincare products that uplift. We design essential formulas for everyone that support our spirit and elevate our sense of self-awareness. Inspired by past memories, sunsets, and good old mornings. Our approach is rooted in creating products of value that support selfcare and your unique story. Embracing mornings, and feeling free to dream, reminisce, and bask in beauty. Feel free to wonder, breathe, and live days past. Morning People was born to be more than just a skincare brand, inspiring the hustlers and daydreamers to reclaim the moments that follow dawn to focus on mind, body, and soul, with natural formulas that come from clean ingredients. We know that self-care has a powerful impact on our mental health. That is how our products make your feel when you use them. Morning People - welcome. We celebrate how far you have come, what you have achieved and where you’re going. We know, not everything is as it seems.
MORE ABOUT JASMYN What's next for your career? I would love to continue to thrive in the modeling industry. My husband and I really also want to start a family, so maybe you’ll see me doing some maternity modeling soon. My goal really is to transition into a full time entrepreneur and part time model. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out? Don’t fear rejection. If you get discouraged after every no that you hear you’re going to have a really hard time in this industry. Not every brand is going to be a perfect fit for you and not every client is going to love your products. You just have to be confident and know that whoever is for you will come to you.
"Not every brand is going to
be a perfect fit for you and
not every client is going to
love your products. You just
have to be confident and
know that whoever is for you
will come to you."
Where can people find your website & social media channels? @jasmynwilkins (Instagram) @morningpeople (Instagram)
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What is one advice that you would give to your younger self?
Do you currently have any exciting projects that you are working on right now?
Be afraid and do it anyways. That is my favorite quote
I’m getting ready to go to the Hamptons for a big catalog job. I also just shot in Hawaii for a swimwear line. I’m loving being able to travel again and can’t wait to start going out of the country for work
Where do you envision for your modeling/entrepreneur career in the next 5 years? I would love to see morning people sold worldwide in various stores such as, target and Sephora. As far as my modeling career, it would be really amazing to become a household name like a Tyra or Naomi. I’m dreaming big but I believe I can do it.
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If you can have lunch with someone famous, who would that be? I would love to sit down and have lunch with Stacey Abrams. She has overcome so much in her life and has been such a strong and power for force all behind the scenes. I really admire her
What is your everyday fashion style? When I’m at the house I am wearing crocs and an oversized T-shirt. But when I go out I like to dress very comfortable and casual. Boyfriend jeans a tank top with a blazer over it and some converse. I feel like that is my every day uniform. Do you prefer a beach or site seeing vacation? I really enjoy relaxing by the beach. My husband has really gotten me out of my shell, so now I enjoy hikes and excursions when we are on vacation. We went to Thailand for a honeymoon and hiked this incredible Trail were you could see all of Krabi at the top.
ect f r Pe e h T es i n Su In order to choose properly, you first need to identify your facial features. There are 5 main categories of face shapes: Square Round Heart Triangular Oval
SQUARE FACE SHAPE
ROUND FACE SHAPE
Did you know that most people change their eyeglasses approximately every 3 years? When it’s time to get new glasses, you want to make sure you get the shape right! With so many glasses to choose from, knowing what suits you best can really help in bringing out your unique facial contours.
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HEART FACE SHAPE
TRIANGLE FACE SHAPE
OVAL FACE SHAPE
Now that you know how to find the right glasses for your face shape, you’ll be able to find a pair that will look harmonious and will bring a natural balance to your face.
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START EACH DAY WITH ONE SMALL GOAL THAT WILL MOVE YOU CLOSER TO ACHIEVING YOUR BIG DREAMS
INFLUENCER INSPO: HEREISMADDY
Instagram // @hereismaddy
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WHERE TO SHOP FOR PRE-LOVED BAGS Written by: Lauren Colder Nowadays, everyone either has or wants a designer bag. Whether you are a housewife, teacher, student, or a recovering shopaholic, you don 't have to spend full price on a handbag. The best thing about finding a designer bag on discount is finding the right one that is authenticated and in good condition. The fear of being scammed is very real these days. Most people turn to online retailers that authenticate every designer handbag. As scary as that sounds, the best you can do is shop smart. We spoke to experts in the field to help navigate your search for your dream bag, including where to shop and helpful tips on how to avoid being duped. Researching is the key to finding the perfect pre-loved handbag just for you!
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Editor's
PICKS
FENDI
Any outfit looks instantly puttogether when you top it off with this visor. Available on farfetch.com $790
MANOLO BLAHNIK Spice up your look with some sexy heels. Available on farfetch.com $1571
PACO RABANNE Complete your look with a gold draped necklace, you can't go wrong with this beautiful piece. Available on farfetch.com $335
BLACK JEN
CHLOE
ANDERSON'S
Why carry a basic bag when you can carry a fly mini bag? Available on farfetch.com $455
Octagon framed sunnies for any season can make a lady look chic and sophisticated. Get yourself a pair! Available on netaporter.com $315
The perfect way to add detail to any outfit: a classic srunchy! Available on netaporter.com $270
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BE
You
TIFUL
TOP BEAUTY PICKS: THE SUMMER EDIT
MOISTURIZING LOTION
TINTED MOISTURIZER
CARTIER PERFUME
This is a makeup remover and face cleanser that virtually melts away all makeup, leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth. Available on sephora.com $34
A fragrance-free, light-coverage skin tint foundation that instantly brightens with near-neutral undertones and leaves skin with a dewy finish. Available on sephora.com $37
Booming flowers, irises and violets, glistening the cool shade of fruit trees. Available on nordstrom.com $113
EYESHADOW PALETTE 12 unexpected nude shades in four eye-catching finishes. Available on sephora.com $59
LIP BEAUTY An ultimate, gotta-have-it lip gloss with explosive shine that feels as good as it looks. Available on sephora.com $19
BRONZER & HIGHLIGHTER A limited-edition cheek duo that features Bronzing Powder and Highlighting Powder. Available on sephora.com $45 Issue 15 | 31
BEAUTY,
LIFESTYLE
CONTENT
HIKARI
CREATOR,
AUTHOR
Interviewed by: Lauren Colder
What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur? Making my own schedule. Having a lot of flexibility. Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? Bossed up women such as Nicki Minaj inspire me. She always motivates women to make their own money. Why did you decide to start your own business? I felt like as a person in the arts, you need flexibility and creative freedom. Being an entrepreneur gives you exactly that. We love that you are an advocate of women empowerment, can you elaborate on what role you play? I encourage women to focus on and accomplish their goals. I use my platform to uplift women mentally, physically and spiritually. I send them weekly reminders of their worth.
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What does your current business model look like?
Talk us through what your typical day looks like.
At the moment I am a one women show. I film, shoot & edit all of my work myself.
I get up and have a cup of tea with some breakfast. I work on emails, and plan out my content for the following week. I also prep for shooting and filming content for a few hours.
"I encourage women to focus on and accomplish their goals. I use
my platform to uplift women mentally, physically, and spiritually."
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How do you juggle running multiple businesses so well?
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
I practice organization. The more I have structure and organization, the easier it is to deal with running them all at once.
Keep being proactive! Constantly look for motivation. Networking is your best friend. Be yourself.
What's next for you?
Where can people find your website or social media channels?
Im working on my next ebook which hopefully launches before the summer ends.
IG - @hikarifleurr TikTok -@hikarifleurr
What celebrity would you love to have dinner with?
What is one thing on your bucket list that you would like to complete by end of the year?
Drake
Host a women’s empowerment event
What is your favorite vacation location? Disney Land
Coffe or Tea?
What does your current workspace look like? Desk or studio Studio
Tea
n u F
s t c a F
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if you need something to believe in, start with yourself.
Model: Tess Annique Photographer: Scott Irving Stylist: lliki Price HMU: Sam Bentson / Exclusive Artists Hair and Make-up: IGK Hair and Laura Mercier Cosmetics Model Agency: TNG Models PR Agency: Now PR Beverly Hills
Empower the women around you.
RAIYONDA VEREEN Interviewed by: Angela Brickley
What is one of your favorite things about being a lead costume designer for the Tyler Perry Studios (TPS)? In my role I have the freedom and autonomy to express myself creatively. The producers of each show that I've worked with has granted me the ability to think outside the box and in some cases, build from scratch. In my experience at other studios the producers were heavily involved in deciding the costumes choices for each character and that would sometimes result in a different vision and creative direction. As the lead costume designer at TPS I don't have to worry about that.
TYLER PERRY STUDIOS
COSTUME DESIGNER
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Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? As a child, I admired my mother's style, charisma and talent. Her style was impeccable and she would wear off the rack shirts and add a tie with a brioche in the middle and make it look couture. She had an eye to make her style different and captivating. She was my inspiration and still is. I also draw inspiration from my alma mater, Howard University, which of all the HBCUs was (and in some cases still is) considered the mecca of fashion. Howard exposed me to styles from different cultures and regions of the world. I used to be a teen model and did not like doing runway shows but found comfort in working behind the scenes. At Howard, I started participating in fashion shows and fell in-love with the adrenaline rush I would get from helping produce the shows. I graduated from Howard University with such an amazing experience that I had tunnel vision with no option but to chase my dream which was to build a career in the fashion and entertainment industry. And now, here I am.
BUSINESS TALK
What or who inspired you to become a costume designer? I never really had a desire to be a costume designer. In the beginning I just wanted style artists for music videos. I found so much joy in doing that that once I was given an opportunity to style bigger projects with more people then I got into the creative side of designing my own looks and costumes. From there, again, I was inspired and wanted to do more and go further in the industry. As I transitioned into tv and film and began working under more experienced designers I began to learn the industry. Working underneath designers like Rita McGee, Lorraine Coppin, Ruth Carter, and Trish Summerville helped mold me into the costume designer I am today. What does your current business model look like? That's an interesting question. My brand, Raiyonda Vereen LLC, is multi-faceted and goes beyond just fashion and costume design. It includes my online women's boutique but I am also scaling to include a mentoring program, women's empowerment circles, networking groups, investment opportunities, and eventually my own clothing line. My current store is a joint collaboration with a close friend and business partner. I typically handle the merchandising and finding unique styles while she focuses on the marketing, trade-shows, distribution, and fulfillment. We have a small team and have worked together for years now and I look forward to opening my brand and business model to include more collaborative ventures with other designers, investors, and retail chains. Talk us through what your typical day looks like. Typically I get about 6 hours of sleep a night and sometimes I may wake up in the middle of the night to read scripts or create mood boards for a project that I’m working on. Depending on the day, I start with going directly to the office to meet with my crew or I will go shopping to create looks and closet building for the characters/actors. Some days are filled with putting together looks and others are full of fittings. It all depends. When we begin filming I typically spend the day pulling the line for the actors, this is the process of laying out the costumes each actor will wear during the scenes for that day. After that I’ll go to set to establish their costume on camera.
Where do you get inspiration from when designing costumes? I like to keep my finger on the pulse and draw inspiration from old movies, magazines, the internet, and more. Sometimes I enjoy traveling and going to new restaurants and venues to observe the trends and styles of different markets. I guess you can say, I people watch. It is a good way for me to develop a versatile creative pallet to choose from when I need to come up with a creative and unique costume design. What's next for your career in 2021? I recently did a home and gardening show for HGTV that I am looking forward to. Also, in the fall I have two new television shows that I worked on come out and a comedy film. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting and would love to be a costume designer? If you have an opportunity to work underneath or beside an experienced designer then take advantage of it. Ask a lot of questions so that you can gain as much knowledge as possible. Also try new things to help you learn different facets of the industry. Keep an open mind. Every opportunity to to propel your career may not come with a substantial amount of money. I know that's a hard reality to face but if you can, take the opportunity and build from there.
Where can people find your website or social media channels? You can visit my website at www.raiyondavereen.com or find me on Instagram at @Raiyonda . Also, I will be opening up opportunities to join the women's empowerment group, creative discussion panels, and the mentorship program. You can also visit my online women's boutique at www.shopwhichbitch.com Who is your favorite designer of all time? I honestly can't pick just one. As a costume designer I love so many different designers for different reasons. For instance, I love Victoria Beckham for the clean lines. I love Balmain for their fashion forward designs. I also love Oscar De La Renta for the fabrics and silhouettes. The list goes on. If you're gonna make me choose just one then I'll pick Alexander McQueen. What is one life phase that you live by? Life life to the fullest. I like that quote because you never know how life will go and you don’t want to live with regrets. Y.O.L.O You only live once!
Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over she began to fly.
FORKABLE
FOODS BY REBECCA
SAMAKOW Interviewed By: Kristal Lambert
Tell us about Forkable Foods Forkable Foods is my platform to engage with anyone who has an interest or love for cooking and great food. Right now it consists of my weekly cooking web series where I send a themed menu out each week with an ingredient list and we cook together live each week. It also consists of my instagram @Theforkable where anyone can see pictures, videos, recipes, tips and tricks on what I'm whipping up in the kitchen. I started the Forkable Foods web series last year at the beginning of the Pandemic for my colleagues at work as a way to help keep the team together even though we were physically apart. What started as a way for friends to virtually hang out, learn basic cooking skills and how to make simple meals, turned into a full-fledged, weekly cooking series. I've helped people develop new skill sets and a love for cooking that they never knew they had. Every class incorporates the history and facts of food, basic cooking skills, and easy to follow recipes, that everyone cooks together live. Each week we build on new techniques, cultural flavors and the fundamentals to pull off a delicious flavorful meal. I developed my instagram as a way to connect with others and share some tips that I regularly use in the kitchen. Also, who doesn't love a good food pic? I've held some IG Live events with my friend and multi-platinum rapper, Ginuwine and I'll be looking at ways to incorporate live participation in the near future. Feel free to follow @theforkable to keep up to date! FOUNDER
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& CHEF
Tell us about yourself? So I definitely did not take the traditional route to get to the kitchen. I'm still a practicing attorney by day but by night I'm a very happy home chef who's looking to share her passion with others. I had the privilege of learning to cook from my Father and Grandmother at a young age. Their creativity and passion shaped my love for cooking and a lot of my go-to flavor profiles are built on my family heritage and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. I'm always looking at new ways to connect people and share a little insight into things that make me happy and think sharing my passion for cooking can help ignite that passion in others. When I'm not working or in the kitchen, you can find me out and about with my fiance, Kurt, and our two dachshunds, Hebrew National (Brew) and Andouille (I may have taken the sausage dog theme a little far but I love it!) What can food lovers expect when they tune into Forkable Foods? They can expect a (virtual) hands-on experience. We cook together as a team so it doesn't matter what your skillset is. You could have never used a pan to have been cooking since you learned how to walk and there's a place for you here. I look to introduce everyone to new cultures and flavors they may not have experienced before and some fun facts and tips that you can use for a lot of meals. Each week focuses on bringing new and exciting flavor profiles together and encourages the common theme that food is for everyone and everyone can cook! My instagram houses a lot of those tips and recipes so that if you can't join my class you still have access to my cooking and teaching methods. I'm in the process of building out a website too! What sets your food brand apart from any other cooking web series out there today? I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from other cooking series is it's not just a class where we make a recipe together. While that's included you get so much more. You learn about the ingredients when the prime season to use those ingredients is techniques and tips on how to prepare them. You learn about the history and facts of the ingredients and dishes (I love to tell a good story). Most importantly I tailor the recipes to be inclusive of everyone. If there's an ingredient you don't like or can't eat I work with you to customize the dish so you're not deterred from being a part of the class. Food is so personal and I like to make this experience personal for my participants as well.
What do you want people to know about what's coming down the pipeline for Forkable Foods? I'm looking to expand my reach by building out a website and expanding to more platforms. I have some exciting brand partnerships with really great companies that I'm excited to share as well! Stay tuned! Where can people find the Forkable Foods web series? I'm going to be opening signups in the next few weeks with the launch of my new website. If you're interested in joining prior to the launch of the signups please feel free to email me at Becca@theforkable.com and I'll get you on the waiting list!
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Can you share some of your favorite recipes? Absolutely! This is one of my favorite recipes I created for a Mushroom Cobbler. Ingredients: 1 10z package of whole white button mushrooms, diced 1 8oz package of whole baby portabella mushrooms, diced 1 3.5oz package of shitake mushrooms 5 cloves of garlic, chopped 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper ½ of one large yellow onion, diced 1 shallot, diced 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped 1/3 c of heavy cream 2 Tbsp butter Biscuit topping 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp baking powder 1 Tbsp sugar 1 Tbsp garlic powder 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided 1 cup whole milk 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp thyme Directions: Preheat the oven to 400F. Combine mushrooms in a bowl with chopped garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper Place mushroom mixture in a 9x12 baking dish and roast for 20 minutes mixing the mushrooms halfway through (10 minutes). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter to the pan and melt. Once melted add onions and shallot and cook until translucent (about 5-8 minutes). While onions are cooking, add 2 Tbsp of the butter to a large microwave safe mixing bowl. Microwave 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Add flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Stir until combined. Pour in the milk and stir until the flour is all wet; do not over mix. Fold in the cheese. Add mushroom mixture to onions and add thyme (whole on the sprigs). Stir to incorporate. Add heavy cream and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until thick. Raise temperature to 450F. Pour mushrooms back into the roasting pan and drop heaping spoonfuls of biscuits on top of the mushroom mixture. Transfer to the oven and bake at 450 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
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u o y , s Si h g u o are en
ENTREPRENEUR ADVICE
WHY YOU NEED A CONTRACT FOR EVERY BUSINESS TRANSACTION Written by: Beatrice Yabarra
If you run a business, your business depends on all kinds of relationships: With customers or clients; with employees; with vendors of goods and services; with lenders and landlords, just to name a few. Each party to a business relationship brings to it a set of expectations with respect to what he or she will give and get. A contract is a useful tool for describing and defining the expectations of each party to a business relationship. Why is this important?
Think of a business relationship as a house. A contract is the blueprint for building that house; a reference for its operation and maintenance. A contract captures the rights and obligations of each party; the terms and conditions of their respective performance; and what each party will gain from the relationship. A contract articulates remedies in the event that one or the other party fails to perform as expected/required. By clearly defining the terms and conditions of a business relationship and the consequences of a failure to perform in accordance with those terms and conditions, a contract provides a measure of certainty, and can quantify the upside and downside inherent in a business relationship.
In addition, contract answers questions at the outset, establishing the basis on which the relationship will go forward. Knowing and understanding your rights and obligations reduces the possibility of a dispute; and, if a dispute does arise, a contract provides the framework for its resolution. That’s the “why” of contracts. Contact me for assistance in negotiating, drafting or reviewing contracts for your business.
In conclusion, next time you have an agreement or a business transaction with another party, make sure that you have a contract in place to protect your busniess.
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Here at Luxur Lux, we target the female community. Females who are dreamers, believers, achievers, and girl bosses. Females from different backgrounds all unite as one in this magazine. The business gal, the fashionista, the traveler, and the list goes on. We celebrate diversity and inclusion of all women from different walks of life. Each issue allows you to experience the true beauty of women from cover to cover.
ADVERTISE WITH US for advertising rates contact us Luxur Lux is a bi-annual publication info@luxurluxmag.com www.luxurluxmag.com
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Interviewed by: Angela Brickley Photographer: Abiel Essau Garcia
Tai Bowen FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF WHITE FLAG CLOTHING
Photographer: Abiel Essau Garcia
Tell me about yourself and your brand? My name is Tai Bowen and I am 25 years old. I am the creative director and founder of White Flag clothing. I am a wife and mother of two girls. I graduated from LSU with a degree in Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in business. White Flag was created during 2020 COVID pandemic by myself to provide an avenue for men and women. We wanted to provide all people a luxurious at a modest demand. We offer a variety of pieces to cater to the everyday person. What advice would you give an up and coming fashion boutique owner? To remain authentic and true to yourself and your vision. Patience is key as trial and error will happen. Constantly invest in yourself and brand as your work will speak for itself. Be determined and do not take no for an answer. What is the biggest misconception people not working in your field have about your job? That my job is easy and full go glitz and glamor. It's a lot of tireless nights speaking to manufacturers, researching trends, having models cancel at the last minute, and scrapping every idea that you have. People just see sales and don't see the work behind it or how you have to continuously invest in your brand and make constant sacrifices. What has been the most memorable moment of your business, so far? My first campaign and shoot. Being able to come up with a story for the first collection and just the process of seeing everything coming to life and being in the moment was priceless. It was the moment my "baby: was born. What challenges do you have as a fashion boutique owner? I don't own a boutique but challenges that I face as a clothing brand and online merchant has been to meet the demand of my consumer(s), as I struggle with deciding whether to remain super exclusive or providing more quantities of pieces for everyone to have equal accessibility and inclusivity. What does your current business model look like? Currently, I do everything myself with the assistance of my PR team, Talks Brand Group, which makes the decision making process easier as well as meet the demands of press, campaign placements, and organization on many different levels. Talk us through what your typical day looks like. My typical day starts before the day begins, as most of my manufacturers are up working around the time I typically fall to sleep. Other than that, I wake up every morning and grab a coffee, check emails, respond to customer inquiries, and fulfill existing orders. In addition, dropping packages off for shipping. After that, I return home to my family and spend time with them.
What do you want your brand to ultimately be and do for others?
What goals do you wish to achieve in the future?
I want my brand and clothing to be a place empowerment, comfort, and a one-stop shop for many occasions. In addition, I want to merge the lane of luxury and affordable pricing.
I want to focus on expanding my brand to the UK fashion market and open up a store front.
What do you want people to feel when they wear your brand? Confident, Unique, and a Show Stopper
How do you choose what pieces you want to feature in your brand launches? First, I look at what is trending and then look to high-end couture brands to see what collections are based on. Then, I look to my vision and unique style in attempt to merge them to make something more for the everyday person.
Photographer: Abiel Essau Garcia Issue 15 | 65
Photographer: Mavricio H.
How would you describe your personal style?
What is your favorite item in your closet?
It's contingent on the season. However, if I had to choose a go-to style, it would be classic chic.
If I must choose, I would say my lamb skin Chanel crossbody.
Where can people find your website or social media channels?
If you could choose a celebrity closet to shop in, who's would it be and why?
Where can people find your website or social media channels?
Erika Jane from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
What is the one word that you live by?
What's the best style advice you've received?
Fabulosity
Less is always more.
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Photographer: Mavricio H.
Photographer: Abiel Essau Garcia
MARCEL ATLANTA| MARCELATL.COM| A RESTAURANT BY FORD FRY Issue 15 | 69
Hearts of Lettuce A crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with grape tomatoes, apple wood bacon and crumbled blue cheese.
Sizzling Crab Cake Louisiana jumbo lump crabmeat with a blend of Chef's spices served on a sizzling plate.
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Lobster Tails Lobster tails broiled to perfection and served on a sizzling plate.
Colorado Lamb Chops Four broiled succulent lamb chops, served with a flaming Mojito glaze, over garlic mashed potatoes.
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Filet Mignon The most tender cut of corn-fed midwestern beef.
Bread Pudding Savory bread pudding topped off with whip cream
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DESI VEGA STEAKHOUSE| DESIVEGASTEAKS.COM
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SIS, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TAKING RISK.
The Miami Beach Edition ESCAPING THE COLD FOR SOME SUN
By: Lauren Colder
It's that time of the year again! When it is cold in the city of New York, which is where I currently reside. All that I can think about is escaping the winter months to a close tropical destination. That close tropical destination just had to be Miami beach. Why not? I've always found that when I travel to Miami, it reminds me of the Caribbean, but of course here in the states. What keeps me coming back to Miami is the hidden gems that I stumble across, just from being a foodie and loving to explore interesting finds in any city I travel to.
That is when I stubbled across this beautiful hotel. I found the Miami Beach Edition hotel from my last trip with friends. We decided to have brunch somewhere near the beach and with a nice view. Everyone was on board for being a bit fancy for brunch on the last morning of our trip. Well, when we walked up to the entrance I just fell in love with the modern traditional hotel decor. The lobby makes you feel like you are walking through a tropical garden somewhere at a villa in the Caribbean. I knew this would be a place to add to my list of places to stay, even if it was a bit pricey. I've always liked to pick hotels that make me feel like a goddess. And this pick did just that.
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If you are looking for a beautiful, traditional, modern, and eco-friendly hotel in Miami, visit The Miami Beach Hotel for lunch, brunch, or dinner and then you will be sure to be booking reservations soon.
Lobby
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Lobby & Entrance
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Moroccan Inspired Spa Issue 15 | 78
Ocean Front Balcony King
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Premiere Bungalow
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Premiere Bungalow
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Metador Terrace
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Open
the
Door
Undivided Campaign
Here at Luxur Lux, we target the female community. Females aged 20-55 who are dreamers, believers, achievers, and girl bosses. Females that come from different backgrounds, come together as one in this magazine. The business gal, the fashionista, the traveler, the list goes on. We celebrate diversity and inclusion of all women from different walks of life. Each issue allows you to experience the true beauty of women from cover to cover.
ADVERTISE WITH US for advertising rates contact us Luxur Lux is published bi-annually info@luxurluxmag.com www.luxurluxmag.com
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Never stop dreaming
