Volume 9; Issue 3; summer 2020
contents lady luxury
38 features
196
manifest
fashion
52
‘classical bae’ takes a stand
88
gioli & Assia take on the globe
134
jordyn woods cover story
22
in her shadow
184
cinthya carmona Interview
60
superego
202
savannah may: time to shine
78
final form
116
garden party
beauty
144
All or nothing
164
sisters in style
96
the textures of self care
190
ode to the shade of red
106
ginger august
208
la vie insulaire
on the cOVER Photographer: Dametreus Ward, Model: Eugena Washington, Makeup Artist: Kevin Wade, Stylist: Jamar Hart Eugena wears: Flower dress with Gloves by The TrendHaus & Stuart Weitzman
visually striking & cutting-edge presenting the most trailblazing talent of the emerging fashion community
available in print & digital For More Information Visit www.mod-mag.com
m a g a z i n e
Published by MOD Media, LLC. 1266 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Suite #591 Atlanta, GA 30327 (678)-744-5663
MOD Magazine is the online destination for the new generation. Since exploding through the digital landscape in 2012, we’ve become the leading platform for creatives on the rise. As an independently published magazine dedicated to discovering fresh faces, we offer a uniquely innovative perspective on fashion, art and culture. By presenting the most trailblazing talent of the emerging fashion community, our aim is to steadily shape the future of the industry. With striking visual aesthetic and cutting-edge content, we seek to inspire, inform and entertain.
editor-in-chief / creative director
Shannon Phelps
Writer
assistant editor
Writer
Ashley Dawson
Velma Daimon
Destini Lattimore
editorial contributors Charles Grant, Julie Grant, Chereine Waddell, Nathan Cherrington, India Stibilj, Dametreus Ward, Eugena Washington, Kevin Wade, Jamar Hart, Natalia Aguilera, Roger Mo, Christina Lichko @ Gaspar Management, Anastasia Golubnichaia, Jessica Xu, Han Yu, Junsong Wang, Tempus, Natalie Dunn, Deja Monett @ Storm Models LA, Wilford Lenov, Jenna Nicole, Shantara King, Riccardo Iozza, Hayley Kassel, Bree Colter @ Freedom Models, Rachel Messick, Svetlana Gracheva, Anastasia Vladlenovna, Natalya Fox, Arina Bik, Lena Smolnikova, Anna Pluskota, Charlotte, Manny Lago, Dorota Wójcik, Justine Collins, Ann Lai, Bonnie Nichoalds, Jordyn Woods, Grace Butler, Graham Nation, Alexander Echeverri, Charles Grant, Emma Cotterill, Georgia Hull, Charlie Robertson @ Chic Model Management, Carmen Rose, Rosie Deschanel, Josie Hanuska, Neve Fogg & Maddi Fogg, Eran Levi, Eden Yerushalmy, Netta Szekely, Talia Balistra, Grigoris Georgopoulos, Dimitris Belitsis, Irida Anka, Meropi Ramantani, Themis Gliatis & Christos Evelthodos, Leonidas Diamantidis & Athina Liaskou, Ace Models, Montana Lowery, Emily Dhanjal, Angela Lowery, Amanda Elkins, Kareem Quow, Natasha @ Jump Life SVG, Amirh Brown, Raeven Murphy + Josephine Defreitas, Andy Brown
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© 2020 MOD Media, LLC. All rights reserved. All content presented in MOD Magazine is the exclusive property of MOD Media, LLC. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. MOD Magazine is a registered trademark of mod media, llc.
Editor’s
letter
elcome to our Daydream Issue!
Ezinma, also known as ‘Classical Bae,’ the dynamic
The star of this very special edition
musical duo, Gioli & Assia, ‘Julie and the Phantoms’ star,
is none other than the fierce and
Savannah May, and lead actress in ‘The Tax Collector,’
confident, Jordyn Woods! As an
Cinthya Carmona. My hope is that, through reading the
advocate for body positivity and
stories of these amazing young stars who continue to
an inspirational figure for millions
chase their dreams, you, too, will dare to dream big and
of women, Jordyn was the obvious choice for our primary
claim what’s yours! 2020’s been a challenging year for
cover. With this issue, we really made a point to spotlight
most of us, but even through all the chaos and confusion,
talented, ambitious women who are shaking things up
we cannot lose sight of our purpose. Going forward, may
in the industry—and we’ve assembled a pretty stellar
all of your dreams and visions be as clear as day!
selection, if I do say so myself! Inside, you’ll find features on incredible women such as: world renowned violinist,
- Shannon Phelps, Editor-in-Chief
icking up the phone on a Sunday afternoon to chat with one of the world’s most prolific violinists is certainly not something the average person gets to do on a regular basis. Ezinma made her debut as a part of Beyoncé’s touring ensemble and has been dominating the online world of classical music ever since. Her mission in life to make classical music more accessible and inclusive to people of color, namely women of color and children, has been covered by large media stations and passionately broadcasted to her hundreds of thousands of online followers. By spreading her unique sound with classical hip-hop covers, and starting her own outreach program, Heartstrings, this talented artist continues to wow audiences and make an impact in her community, from the ground up. It all started when Ezinma was only three years old, admiring violins on her Nebraska farm. “I went to school on a farm and they had a violin program,” the musician recalls, “I saw the violin and just immediately fell in love. I think it’s one of those things where I didn’t pick the violin, the violin picked me; I was obsessed.” Her parents, not being musicians themselves, were initially unsure of their daughter’s request, but eventually caved in and rented her first violin. “I never really stopped,” Ezinma says, “I really took to it and was a natural with it, and the rest is history.” Of course, that history was not built overnight. When it was clear that Ezinma was musically gifted in school, her father pulled her aside and told her something that would stick with her, for life: “People aren’t going to see you for your talent, but for your skin color. It isn’t enough to be good, you need to be the best.” When asked what this message meant to her as a child, Ezinma opens up about growing up in a predominantly white, rural Nebraskan town, and how it shaped her as a performer. “I remember when I was a little girl, I used to do fiddling competitions,” she tells MOD, “because I’m from Nebraska, and everyone is really into Bluegrass and Country music and Americana.” As a trained violinist with a natural gift for the instrument, Ezinma would come in as a little girl and win the competitions against adult men. “Then one year, I placed fourth,” she says, “and my dad didn’t want me to [compete] anymore. He knew they weren’t picking based on skill; they just didn’t want me to win anymore.” Soon, she stopped participating in the competitions, and eventually came to understand the reasoning behind her parents’ decision to move her from those groups. “My parents wanted to protect me, as much as they could, from the inevitability of facing racism as a person of color in this country—especially when you’re really existing in white spaces, because it can be really tough. I think that was always just a part of my training; always having in the back of my mind that no matter what I do, if I am a doctor, a lawyer, a painter— whatever it is—I have to just be the absolute best that I can. And that was
kind of just my motto of my upbringing, living with my parents.” As Ezinma grew older, however, her journey to classical freedom and artistic expression took a detour when she went to college for biochemistry. The artist also admits that this stage left her feeling a bit unsure of her path in life. “It was a really tricky time in my life, because growing up, I’ve always been this very obedient, perfect type of kid,” she says of her college years, “[but] I wanted to take a risk and pursue my dreams of being a violinist.” Being a professional musician wasn’t really an option in Ezinma’s household, growing up, and she was expected to become a doctor, or lawyer, or something of equal status. Her family questioned her basic ability to pay rent or live a good quality of life as a “starving artist,” and it gave her pause. “Ultimately, I had to choose me,” she says, “and I had to choose my own path and trust myself enough that I could do this on my own.” Of course, with that self-trust and passion in mind, Ezinma began her entrance into her persona of “Classical Bae.” The world now knows her by this nickname, which came from a simple experimental internet feature on the black-owned gossip site, Bossip. “I had just graduated from high school, and I was experimenting and trying to find my sound and posting content on the internet. Bossip picked me as one of their ‘Baes’ for the week, and they called me their ‘classical’ bae,” the violinist says. Soon after, the name followed her, and it’s been her trademark ever since. Ezinma’s persona and musical prowess quickly caught the attention of big movers and shakers in the industry, and one day, she found herself staring at an unsolicited Facebook message from a music director. “They messaged me and said, ‘Hey, my client really likes your work, and I can’t tell you who the client is, but we have a gig coming up at the Barclays Center— can you play with us? We’ve never used the violin before,’” Ezinma says, remembering the conversation. Because the director couldn’t reveal names and she didn’t have any details for the job, she ultimately turned him down and went back to her life of playing in orchestras and teaching. “I was a freelance musician in New York,” she tells us, “and I was working a lot. And [the music director] called me, because I had basically turned [his offer] down, and he said, ‘You know, before you completely pass up on this gig, I want you to Google my name.’ So I Googled his name—most important lesson I learned is to always Google who you’re talking to—and it turns out, he’s the MD for Beyoncé and produces for Lemonade and is just that guy.” And before she knew it, Ezinma was officially a working member of Beyoncé’s touring band. The artist notes how the entire three-year experience changed her life in incredible ways; changing her outlook on herself and her music, as well as providing her ample opportunities and
connections within the industry. “That was a really confirming moment for me, because I had been a kind of starving artist, uncertain if I’d made the right decision,” she says, “and then I get this call, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is something that will really change my life.’” As she played for Beyoncé and toured the world, Ezinma also began to cultivate her own unique sound and style. She has this unmatched knack for taking modern music and covering it in a classical way, which was born from her unusual need to express her individuality through the violin. “Even as a kid, I was always adding notes into my pieces and moving a little too much and bouncing along while I was playing,” she tells us, “and you’re really not supposed to do that when you play classical music. You’re supposed to be still and calm and all those things.” This “unnatural” method to learning the violin led teachers to encourage Ezinma to break away from the mold and try not to fit into a classical box, and instead to follow her own path. As she was finishing her Master’s degree, she moved to New York and simply started experimenting with her sound. “I took some classes in music production and was amazed at what I could do with a laptop. I could make a whole song in three minutes, where it would take a month to master a piece on the violin. So I just had so much fun experimenting and melding the music of classical—which is what I was playing 24/7, my favorite music in the world— with hip-hop, which I just love equally. So it was a very natural thing for me, and a lot of the music I play in my covers is actually from a classical repertoire, or is very stylistically similar.” With all of her newfound success, Ezinma also stays focused on a mission that is close to her heart. She works hard as an artist to ensure that all musicians are represented in today’s musical landscape, and to help make the classical realm a less exclusive, more inclusive space. “For me, the most important things are visibility and then accessibility,” the violinist says. “ I think now, more than ever, we need to have people of color, women of color, everybody who isn’t ‘supposed to be in the spaces,’ they need to be as visible as possible.” Ezinma believes we will see change when everyone who has talent and creativity is able to feel included and have access to the tools they need to succeed in the industry. When asked about representation beyond the realm of classical music and how it personally impacted her, she gets candid: “Especially when you’re a child and you’re so impressionable and, you know, these images that are placed on the media and TV—they really stick with you. I remember when I was little, for the longest time, I just thought I was so ugly because I didn’t look like my white mother who had long, blonde hair and I didn’t look like my Barbie dolls and those images are really powerful and damaging. Times are changing, which is important, but I think for me, my activism is simply existing and doing what I’m doing and playing the violin and looking the way that I look. And I think it’s so important to see, specifically for young girls of color.”
With her foundation, Heartstrings, Ezinma states that her mission is simple: to make sure all children can receive quality musical instruction. She was blessed to have parents that could afford to rent a violin and pay for her lessons, and she wants to pay that forward for other children of color who don’t have that same chance.
Along with voting, Ezinma also wants to remind people that we can all take this time in history as a learning experience and a chance at humility. She encourages everyone to ask questions, check in with each other, and really try to understand the topics that confuse them.
“I want to give more children those opportunities, specifically children of color,” she says, “because classical music is such a white space. I want to be a part of that change to make it more inclusive and diverse.”
“It’s okay to educate yourself and to learn and to be a part of this movement to create a better world. And in order to do that, it really takes humility, and to understand that, ‘maybe I don’t know everything, and maybe I have been doing some wrong things – let me change now,’” the artist says.
When it comes to today’s political landscape and social environment, Ezinma says she wants to stress the importance of voting to readers. “Vote, vote, vote,” she states. “Voting is kind of my thing. I think we all have this simple power to vote that we haven’t always had, and I think to not exercise on this amazing opportunity and act of civic duty is wrong, and I want to encourage everyone to register to vote, because if we vote, we can really change things.”
Between her music, passion, and mission to spread classical music to those without access, Ezinma continues to send shock waves through the musical industry each and every day. Her unique sounds and love for those before her, as well as those coming up after her, are simply unmatched – and she is truly a musician to watch, in today’s space.
Giolì &Assia take on the globe Sitting Down with Music’s Most Interesting Creative Couple Interview by ashley dawson | Photographed by Riccardo Iozza
MOD: How old were you when you first discovered your love for music? Giolì & Assia: We were both young when we discovered our passion for music. Both our families introduced us to some of the best rock bands from the 80s, but we took different roads, musically speaking. Giorgia started playing piano when she was eight years old, while Assia had some private guitar lessons during high school.
MOD: Your partnership started as a manager/artist relationship—can you tell us more about how it evolved from the beginning? G&A: We met almost five years ago, and we knew since the beginning that we wanted to collaborate somehow, outside of our relationship. Our goal was to create something together, to build a career that would allow us to grow and travel. Half of the time, we didn’t really know what we were doing, but we always had trust in each other’s ideas and tailored our career to ourselves. Assia was a great photographer and creative mind, while Giorgia was already producing music and playing instruments, so we started from there, using social media to our advantage and sharing videos. MOD: What is it like being in a romantic relationship with your music partner? Can you share with us any unique aspects of this dynamic? G&A: Sometimes it can be hard, because the stress that comes from work could somehow jeopardize the balance of the couple, but we never regret it. We built our balance. We still think it’s the best decision we ever made. Our dream, as a couple and individually, was to travel the world, to live our passions, and to produce music 24/7—but the best part of this life
Makeup in Photos by debora Artese
t’s rare in life to find a romantic, professional, and creative partner, all rolled up into one individual, but that’s just what musical duo Giolì & Assia have. The talented couple travel the world as musicians and artists, and when they aren’t touring, they’re hunkered down at home with their puppy and musical instruments. From viral videos on the sides of volcanoes to their very own record label, Giolì & Assia continue to stun global audiences this summer, with their creative sound and new EP’s. MOD had a chance to sit down with the artists and dive into their unique sound and rise to success, as well as how their perspective of the industry has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Half of the
time, we didn’t really know what we were doing, but we always had trust in each other’s ideas and tailored our career to ourselves.”
is sharing everything, especially happiness, joy, and emotions with the person you love. This job allowed us to grow a lot in the past five years, and we are very grateful for all the experiences and memories we have had. MOD: When did you both know that you wanted to start this journey together? G&A: Since the very beginning; probably since the first messages. We both had that feeling like: ‘she’s the one!’—Not just because we liked each other, but mostly because our views matched about life goals, relationship goals, and professional goals. MOD: How does your everyday life fit into your art and career? Describe an average day for the both of you. G&A: Our life now is different from the life we were living last summer. The virus destroyed the music industry, namely live shows and events, so our daily routine is pretty different. For example, now we wake up very early in the morning, while we were always used to sleeping in really late, because we worked really late into the night. Then we do breakfast, and start working: answer emails, edit videos or graphics, plan social media posts, produce new music, write new lyrics. We have a small puppy, so we always take care of him, and love walking him at the beach or in parks around the city. MOD: What were you both doing in life before you found each other? How has your life changed now? G&A: Giorgia was living in Cambridge, studying for the IELTS exams, while Assia was graduating at the Languages University in Sicily. Our life has completely changed: we’ve lived together for four years, we have a puppy, and we live the dream we built together. We are very proud and grateful for what we have achieved, but we have so many other goals to reach in front of us! MOD: What was it like performing on an active volcano? Did you expect your live performance to go as viral as it did? G&A: It was one for the books, definitely the most special #DiesisLive so far. It was hard to climb the volcano during the night, but once on top of it, we saw the sunrise, and playing during it was pure magic. We expected this video to go viral, but not as much as it did. We’re so happy that people loved the video and the music; many of our fans discovered us, thanks to it! MOD: You both play various instruments and wear a lot of hats in your careers: producers, multi-instrumentalists, singers, songwriters, record label owners, and DJs—to name a few. What roles have you enjoyed the most and how do you balance such a versatile workload? G&A: We love producing new tracks and dedicate our time to researching new sounds, but the part we love most is when we are able to perform those new tracks in front of our fans. We really miss performing live, and we miss that adrenaline, the people and hugs after shows, and seeing them
singing with us! MOD: Can you describe your sound for us? You have a particular brand of indie, techno-pop that is uniquely your own—how did it come about and what inspires it? G&A: We both like and listen to different kinds of music, from pop to underground, afro house and indie, so we wanted to find a way to mix them all together and build our own signature sound. It was a slow process, and we produced many tracks and tried different instruments before achieving it, but we are always growing and our taste is constantly evolving; we are always curious to experiment new languages, new sounds, and new beats. MOD: What is it like co-owning your own record label, Diesis Records? What made you both want to own your own label? G&A: Our idea was to create a safe place where we could release the music we like producing, without worrying too much about other label’s standards. You can find different kinds of labels—some are underground, some are very commercial, some are EDM, some are techno—but we always wanted to be free to experiment and to avoid any limits. Diesis was born with this concept, an open minded label that welcomes different genres and types of artists. We loved creating it and seeing its development. MOD: Tell us more about your sold out 2019 American tour—what was it like playing for fans nationwide? G&A: We loved every single second during those three weeks! It was awesome from the very beginning in Toronto to the last date in Denver. We were experimenting with performing in concertstyle rooms versus nightclub shows for the first time, and playing in front of our closest fans was definitely the best feeling we’ve ever felt! New York was probably the most incredible, because we had the whole team supporting us, and our managers and agents were there to see us and give us love. We were upset to postpone our second run we had planned for April 2020, but we really can’t wait to start touring again in the USA and all over the world, hopefully soon! MOD: How does your songwriting process work as a duo? What inspires your lyrics and art and how do you bounce ideas off of each other? G&A: When we start a new track, we always start building the music, then we think about the voice and melody. After we decide the melody, we both start singing it, just using some common words or vocals, to get familiar with it. At the end, we start the lyric writing process, in which we think about the story we want to tell through the lyrics. We usually talk about how love can help someone get through bad periods in life (e.g. “Feel Good,” “Emptiness,” “Blind”). MOD: What are your current favorite songs that you’ve recorded? What is the deeper meaning behind them and what do you hope fans get from these tracks? G&A: Talking about the ones we just mentioned in the previous question,
to share a different version of our live videos, in which we were more comfortable and natural. MOD: What are your plans for releasing new music and organizing tours? Are you having to rethink the way you work, due to the pandemic? G&A: Unfortunately, yes. Our plans for 2020 are definitely changed, due to the pandemic. We had to postpone lots of our shows around the US and Europe, but we are confident and patiently waiting to be back on the road. Speaking about the release schedule, we have recently signed with Ultra Music. We are stoked about it and can’t wait to share the whole EP! Our debut single with them, “For You” was released on July 24th.
probably “Emptiness” and “Feel Good” are the ones with deeper lyrics. “Emptiness” talks about a person who is going through depression. “I’m feeding my demons, I’m feeding them all, they want to control, they won’t let me go.” Someone that is struggling with their inner thoughts, who brings them down. These negative thoughts don’t allow this person to be positive and love himself, but all of this will change the moment they find the person they love. “But I have you, make me yours, so I don’t feel the emptiness.” They are trying to fight the depression, leaning on this person whose love is giving them the strength to go on. At the same time “Feel Good” tells the same story in a different way: “I feel good, I feel better, when I’m with you.” MOD: You recently released your latest track, “Darling”—can you describe this song more to us, and what inspired its relaxing and upbeat tones? G&A: “Darling” was born thinking about a fresh sound for the summer. We added the handpan and kalimba, with some jungle vibes and metaphorical lyrics, so it’s like a nostalgic, positive lullaby. It was perfect for this period. We hope our fans appreciated it, and had fun while listening to it. MOD: You’ve collaborated with some amazing brands, like Louis Vuitton—can you tell us more about these experiences? G&A: Louis Vuitton is one of the brands we love and dress in the most, so we felt honored to perform during the opening of one of their shops in Russia. The atmosphere was elegant and very intimate; we hope we’ll have the chance to work with them again in the future. MOD: How have you both been staying creative and keeping up with the industry, while in quarantine? How has the pandemic changed the way you make music and connect to fans? G&A: At the beginning, we couldn’t believe that the whole year’s touring plan was about to be postponed. We were pretty shocked, as was every other DJ or live performer. We always tried to stay positive and concentrate on things we could do from home, like producing new tracks, making live videos from home, and so on, to try to feel close to our fans. MOD: Have you been doing any lives or online concerts in the midst of social distancing? G&A: Yes, we started a six-episode live format called #DiesisLounge, in which we were performing from our cozy living room. It was nice
MOD: How has the quarantine challenged you both as a couple? Any advice for other couples working through the pandemic? G&A: Probably the best part of this pandemic was sharing the same home with each other. We had fun watching literally every movie on Netflix, cooking, playing with our puppy, and doing normal couple stuff. We felt the stress because of our tour cancellation, but always tried to stay positive. We can suggest having fun together, buying a PS4 and challenging each other at Tekken 7! MOD: Earlier this summer was Pride month, but it can be hard to celebrate in crowds, due to COVID-19. How did you guys celebrate Pride at home and connect with your audience, during the month of June? G&A: We decided to take a small break from social media in June. We wanted to concentrate on producing new tracks, so we didn’t really celebrate Pride month as much as in past years, but we had fun taking part in a Spotify initiative who was celebrating Pride in the music industry. To learn more about the dynamic duo or listen to their newest tracks, follow Giolì & Assia on Instagram @gioliandassia. Giolì & Assia’s Favorites: MOD: What is your favorite instrument to play? G&A: Piano MOD: What is your favorite song? G&A: One of our unreleased tracks called Quedate (coming soon) MOD: What is your favorite designer to wear? G&A: Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Versace, Gucci MOD: What is your favorite on-set snack? G&A: Pistachios MOD: What is your favorite book/ author? G&A: Dan Brown MOD: What is your favorite way to relax after working? G&A: Play with our puppy and go outside, taking walks in the nature. MOD: What is your favorite food to cook? G&A: Lasagna MOD: What is your favorite movie/TV show to watch together? G&A: Disney Cartoons
Stylist: Grace Butler, Makeup: Alexander Echeverri, Hair: Mariama Dashiell Dress by Fouy Chov, Earrings by Wasee By Farah, Bracelets & Ring: Vintage
jordyn woods
From starring alongside Hollywood’s biggest names in film and television to designing her own athletic clothing line, Jordyn Woods is taking no prisoners as she builds a name for herself in the entertainment industry. The actress, influencer, and model is quickly gaining traction online for her star-studded roles, as well as her focus on body confidence, positivity, and health and fitness– and she has no plans to slow down any time soon. Truly a well-rounded creator, Jordyn’s online portfolio is packed with magazine cover editorials, beauty campaigns, and glimpses of her self-made business. MOD recently sat down with the rising artist to talk all things acting, entrepreneurship, and how she’s maintaining her health and wellness over the summer. Interview by ashley dawson | Photos by bonnie nichoalds
shley: Were your family and friends supportive of your journey to become an actress and model? How has your life changed since you gained notoriety? Jordyn: I have a very supportive family and friend group. They support me on anything positive I put my mind to. The notoriety just happened naturally over time, so I’ve had time to get used to it. Ashley: Where did you grow up and how did it affect your outlook on life? Jordyn: I grew up in Los Angeles, so my outlook is a lot different. A lot of things that aren’t normal became normal to me. For example, it’s always sunny here and that’s completely normal to me.
could better promote black female artists? Jordyn: The first step to promote black female artists is to stop comparing them. There’s enough space for everyone. Ashley: You’re starring in your first motion picture, Trigger for BET+, which comes out October 1st, and working on your first single this year—exciting! Can you describe these projects in a little more detail for us? Jordyn: Yes, I decided to take my role in Trigger because I thought it would be a great learning experience. Everyone has to start somewhere. Trigger is a thriller film, so it was a lot of fun being a part of the project. As for my first single, the pandemic has put a pause to that, so I’m not sure when it is coming—but one day. After The Masked Singer, I’ve been inspired to put something out.
Ashley: What is it like being a female artist of color in the industry? Jordyn: I feel like, as a woman of color, you have to go harder to prove yourself.
Ashley: What was it like starring alongside Paula Patton in the BET film, Sacrifice? Jordyn: Paula is such a down-to-earth person and a veteran in the film industry, so it was nice to see that you can be both.
Ashley: Any comments on how the entertainment and business sectors
Ashley: You’ve modeled for many major brands and magazine covers
Dress by Kaftan Studios, Bracelet: Vintage Chain Belt
Dress by Kaftan Studios, Bracelet: Vintage Chain Belt
throughout your career. What’s it like being a successful cover model? Jordyn: It’s still a surreal feeling to me because my younger self would’ve never imagined that I’d have the confidence to pull any of this off. I’m grateful. Ashley: What have been your favorite moments in modeling, so far? Jordyn: I think my favorite part of modeling has been getting to come out of my shell and meet all of the amazing people I’ve gotten to work with. It’s also so cool seeing all of the different visions come to life. Ashley: What’s it really like to have such a large online following? Jordyn: It’s cool to know that I can reach a lot of different people and that my message can be heard. Ashley: How do you balance your personal and work life, on a day-to-day basis? Jordyn: My work life has become my personal life. Ashley: You’re very vocal about leading a healthy lifestyle and promoting body positivity for all body types. Can you tell us more about your mission
to make women feel physically strong and empowered? Jordyn: My goal is to be unapologetically myself and inspire people through that. I also would love to share more of my journey with the world one day—as well as eventually teaming up or starting my own empowerment group. Ashley: You recently released a workout line called Frst Place. Can you describe what inspired you to create the line? Jordyn: I went on a serious fitness journey when I lost my father, and it helped me physically and mentally. I always had a lot of people ask me what I did, so I wanted to share that with them, as well as help build a community of people. Ashley: What challenges do you face daily, as a female entrepreneur in the industry? Jordyn: Just being an entrepreneur, in general—there’s a lot of ups and downs. It’s all a process of trial and error. Also, as a female you have to learn how to stand your ground, so people respect you without seeming like a b*tch. It’s all about the balance.
Dress by Kaftan Studios, Earrings by Wasee by Farah, Lace Netting: Vintage
Dress by Kaftan Studios, Earrings by Wasee by Farah, Lace Netting: Vintage
Ashley: What are some major accomplishments you’re most proud of, as a business owner? Jordyn: Honestly, making any project come to life is a major accomplishment. Creating always makes me happy. Ashley: You recently spoke out about your journey with cancer in your family. Is there anything you’d like to touch on this very personal topic? Jordyn: Dealing with illness with family members is always going to be difficult. Just do your best to be supportive and never take a day you have for granted. Ashley: How have you been staying creative and keeping up with the industry, while in quarantine? Jordyn: Luckily, Zoom has brought us all together, whether it’s meetings, interviews, or videos. I’ve also just been trying to stay busy by trying new hobbies and I’ve actually been really inspired, now that the world has slowed down a little. Ashley: How has the pandemic changed the way you create? Jordyn: The pandemic has put a lot of things into perspective. The industry is changing in front of our eyes and it’s been a time of evolving. Ashley: How have you been staying connected with fans during quarantine? Jordyn: I’ve been trying to continue to post content and chat more through my social media platforms. Ashley: What are your thouhts on how to accommodate the global situation, when it comes to consuming TV, music, and media at home? Jordyn: I think that we need more positive programming. Ashley: How have you been staying fit, healthy, and positive (both mentally and physically) during COVID-19? Jordyn: I have been making sure I stay active and it’s very helpful for my mental health, as well as my physical health. Ashley: What tips do you have for others trying to maintain self-care during this time? Jordyn: Try to find what you really like to do during this time and try new things. You may just shock yourself. Ashley: Let’s talk favorites – What is your favorite song? Jordyn: Vanish by Giveon Ashley: What is your favorite designer to wear? Jordyn: Bottega Veneta Ashley: What is your favorite workout routine right now? Jordyn: Frst Place Programs Ashley: What is your favorite healthy post-workout snack? Jordyn: Protein Shake Ashley: What is your favorite book? Jordyn: The Four Agreements Ashley: What is your favorite social media app? Jordyn: Twitter Ashley: What is your favorite beauty product? Jordyn: Moisturizer or Lip Gloss Follow Jordyn Woods on Instagram for updates: @jordynwoods
Photo: Eran Levi, Hair: Eden Yerushalmy, Makeup: Netta Szekely, Style: Talia Balistra
OD: Tell us a little about your background. Cinthya: I am ColombianVenezuelan. My family and I emigrated to the United States when I was 3, and I was raised in Miami, FL. MOD: What inspired you to start acting? Cinthya: I was always just very creative as a child. Whether it was dancing, singing or creating plays in the garage for the neighborhood, I was always expressing myself. I danced a lot, did some commercials, but it wasn’t until I took an acting workshop at 17 that I knew this was it for me. I was always just inspired by the madness that was my childhood. MOD: Tell us about your new film The Tax Collector. What can the audience expect? Cinthya: The Tax Collector is a trip! It’s an inside look at Latino gang culture in LA. However, it’s also a story about family, love, and ultimately the price of power. MOD: What was it like working with Shia LaBeouf? Cinthya: Shia is raw and powerful, but he’s also crazy chill and generous with his wisdom. I’ve always loved his work and now, after seeing his dedication and process, it just confirmed it even more. MOD: You’ve actually worked with David Ayer on a couple of occasions. What’s it like working with him? Cinthya: David is awesome. The way he led us through rehearsals and filming was done in a way I had never worked before and honestly, it changed my life. He forces you to take a good, solid look at yourself and weed out any bullshit. MOD: Any fun on-set memories or behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share? Cinthya: Honestly, there are so many, that I have to keep them to myself because they’re sacred. I’ll never forget though, the first day of filming, Bobby, Conejo, Shia and I drove to set and played “You and Me” by Penny & The Quarters. That was the song we chose for our characters’ relationship. We were about to begin something so special. Will never forget that moment! MOD: Who are some actors and directors you’d like to work with in the future, and why? Cinthya: Wow! So many! Definitely the actors that inspired me, growing up: Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx, John Leguizamo, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Angelina Jolie, Juliette Lewis, Penelope Cruz, and Viola Davis. Honestly, my list is massive! For directors: Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
MOD: Of all the roles you’ve played so far, which character do you identify with the most, and why? Cinthya: I identify with all of them—I could be playing 17 or 27—there is a very real piece of me in every character I play. MOD: What’s your dream role? Cinthya: Cleopatra, that’s the ultimate dream role. MOD: What’s the most challenging part of being an actress? What’s the most rewarding? Cinthya: Constantly having to remind yourself to stay true to you. In this business, people will try to tell you what you can and can’t do. They try to put you in a box and tell you that you are this “type.” You can start to feel like you are at the mercy of someone else’s opinion of you, but at the end of the day, it’s you the authentic artist within your truth. You can’t ever forget that! The reward for me has always been, not only expanding my mind and my compassion for the different people whose stories I get to learn about and portray, but also having that story resonate with people from all over the world. It’s therapy. MOD: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Cinthya: I recently lost my Godfather, Carlos Bornacelli to cancer. He’s the first person to tell me I would be an actress, before I had even realized it myself. When I was unsure about really pursuing a career as an actress, out of fear of what my parents would think, he said: “You are an actress, Cinthya. Forget what your parents think, forget what people are going to think—hell, forget what I think— this is your life and you have to do what’s best for you.” That statement gave me so much strength. MOD: How has COVID-19 affected your personal and professional life? How have you adjusted? Cinthya: Honestly, forcing me to just stop everything I was doing in my hectic life, giving me time to sit with myself and my thoughts. It’s been incredibly healing for me. I have worked on my mental health heavily, and now I realize everything we do stems from a healthy mind and perspective. Professionally, it’s really just given me time to focus on what I want to do next and be creative on my own terms. Personally, I’m such a homebody that I didn’t need to do much adjusting. Nothing I love more than being home, cooking, and watching movies. MOD: What’s your favorite travel destination, and why? Cinthya: I travel quite a bit—Thailand is truly spectacular. The food, the people, the culture, the islands. I’m kind of obsessed. MOD: What’s your favorite social media app, and why?
MOD: What would you say are the pros and cons of social media, in terms of how it affects society? Cinthya: I love that social media gives visibility to so many people, causes, and helps shine light on a lot of what’s happening in the world, that the media won’t talk about. On the other hand, I really do believe it can be toxic for people, especially the youth. People aren’t posting their failures on social media, it’s a highlight reel and that’s not how life really is. I also think it robs us from actual human interpersonal connection. MOD: How would you describe your personal style? Cinthya: I mix it up with fun, glam, daring pieces, but also love to stick with timeless classics. MOD: What’s your favorite recent fashion or beauty trend? Cinthya: Growing up, I was obsessed with glitter makeup (it was bad), now with Euphoria and all of the incredible makeup looks on the show, I’m loving every minute of it. MOD: What’s a trend that you just can’t get on board with, no matter how popular it is? Cinthya: TIKTOK. I know it’s fun and all the rage, but when I think about spending all that time learning dance challenges, I’d rather read a book. MOD: What are 3 beauty products you cannot live without? Cinthya: A tinted BB cream with SPF, mascara and a lipstick. MOD: What’s on your current playlist? Cinthya: Kali Uchis, Prince and most of the songs from The Tax Collector soundtrack. MOD: What’s your favorite show to binge watch? Cinthya: During quarantine, I binged all of Breaking Bad – it was amazing. MOD: What’s a movie you never get tired of watching? Cinthya: Girl, Interrupted. MOD: Describe your perfect day off. Cinthya: A full day at the beach and dinner at my favorite restaurant. MOD: What’s your mantra? Cinthya: “Sat-Chit-Ananda,” a Sanskrit term that means TruthConsciousness-Bliss. MOD: What wise words would you share with young aspiring actors and actresses out there? Cinthya: Train your craft, find what moves you and the kinds of stories you want to tell. Live a full life, travel, because you will draw from all of your experiences—and never, ever give up. The sky is the limit. Be sure to follow Cinthya on Instagram for updates: @cinthyacarmona.
Photo: Eran Levi, Hair: Eden Yerushalmy, Makeup: Netta Szekely, Style: Talia Balistra
Cinthya: I’m not on a bunch of social media apps—to be honest, if and when I use social media, I’m on IG (Instagram). I’m a very visual person, so I love that I can post photos of all kinds, that send a certain message and express what I’m passionate about.
estini: Tell us a little about your background. Savannah: I grew up in a small town, right outside of Houston, Texas. My family has always been incredibly close, and we all lived no more than 10 to 15 minutes from each other. We would get together almost every other day, and I even went to the same school as my two cousins, so I saw them every single day—haha! They’re basically my big brothers. My family came to every single dance recital, and when I started musical theater, they came to every show I was in. They were and still are my biggest support system. I feel very fortunate to have that in my life. Destini: Was this the career path you always saw yourself taking? At what point did you know you wanted to be an actress? Savannah: Even though I started dancing at a very young age, I truly felt the most at home and the happiest when I was performing on a stage. At the time, my passion for dance was so strong, I didn’t think there would be something else that I could love more. When I was about 5 or 6, I saw High School Musical for the first time. That changed everything. Watching that was my first real exposure to musical theater, and I immediately became interested in acting. Fast forward to when I was in 3rd grade and auditioned for our Christmas musical, I ended up getting the lead and I was thrilled. Being in that show and portraying a character gave me that same feeling I always got when I was dancing is when I knew that this is what I want to do. Destini: Who or what inspires you as a performer? Savannah: There have been so many people that have inspired me since I was a kid, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. I mean, there are actors, dancers, Broadway performers, directors, the list truly goes on and on. There are also people that I have worked with on different shows or learned from, growing up, that continue to be my biggest inspirations. I think in general, just seeing people who are so passionate about what they are doing and putting all their energy into it has the greatest impact on how I view them as a performer. Destini: Which actor or actress would you like to work with in the future? Savannah: Steve Carell is probably number one. There are tons that would be a complete privilege to work with, but I think working with Steve would be the most surreal. I am the biggest fan of The Office and Michael Scott is one of my favorite characters of all time. I really admire his work, not only in that show, but in so many of his other projects. Another big one would have to be Jennifer Aniston. I think she is an incredible talent and it would be an honor to learn from her. Destini: What kinds of projects would you like to work on in the future? Savannah: It would be a blast to do an action movie or franchise of some sort. While working on Knight Squad, we learned basic combat skills and how to work with certain weapons. That was such a cool new experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and would love to do again on a more intense level. Getting to play a strong and powerful character is something I would totally sign up for. I also definitely want to do more musical based projects. Getting to sing and dance in Julie and The Phantoms made my inner musical theater kid totally geek out. It felt like my two worlds were colliding. Destini: Julie and The Phantoms premieres soon on Netflix. What can the audience expect?
Savannah: They can expect a show with a lot of heart, some great laughs, and incredible original music. In my opinion, there is truly nothing else that is quite like this. There are moments that make you want to get up and dance, then there are the ones that will move you to the point of tears. It’s such a beautiful, inspiring story and I can’t wait to see how the audience reacts to it. Destini: What was it like to work with the iconic Kenny Ortega? Savannah: Given that he is indeed such an icon, and the fact I have idolized him since I was 7 years old, there’s no better way to describe it than a dream come true. He’s a brilliant talent and his credits are proof of that. I was on cloud 9 getting to work with him and, honestly, just be in the same room as him. Not only is he a total legend, but he also has one of the kindest souls of anyone I’ve ever met. The passion and genuine excitement he had every day on set was completely contagious. When you have someone like that leading this type of project it makes everything even more special and memorable. Destini: What characteristics do you share with your character, Carrie? Savannah: You know, Carrie is the queen bee of Los Feliz High and can definitely be labeled as the “mean girl” so hopefully we don’t share too many characteristics—haha! One thing I know I can relate to is her drive and dedication to always be at her best. I’m kind of a perfectionist when it comes to my work and I never want to give less than 110% in anything I do. I want to continue to grow and become better in every aspect of being a performer. So, I think that would be the biggest similarity I share with Carrie. Destini: What is the on-set relationship like with your costars? What were some of your favorite behind-the-scenes moments? Savannah: Absolutely incredible. I have so much love for all of them. There wasn’t a dull moment on set, even on super long filming days. We all clicked really fast and it made the process even more fun. They are some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever worked with, plus the amount of talent they all possess is unreal. I have a lot of favorite moments of us goofing off on set or hanging out in Vancouver, but one moment that really sticks out was actually during a scene. I was on set waiting to film, and I ended up going by the monitors getting ready to watch the band perform one of their numbers. At this point during filming, I had only heard the recordings of a song or two, and I had watched them rehearse for only a couple of minutes. They began filming and seeing what was happening on camera—it was pure magic. Their natural chemistry, their talent, the song, everything about it just left me speechless. I knew from the very beginning that this show was different than anything else out in the world right now, but that was the exact moment I knew this was something really special and I felt honored to get to be a part of it. Destini: What part of your job do you enjoy most: the process or the product? Explain. Savannah: I think both can be very exciting to an actor because you love creating in the moment, but you also love seeing what exactly you created. For me, it would probably be the process itself. Diving into a project and playing a character that you’re excited about is so fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like that first day on set, meeting everyone and beginning to collaborate with other actors. It’s so cool to see how everything comes together and to watch the script come to life, right before your eyes. Destini: Of all the roles you’ve portrayed thus far, which role do you identify with the most and why? Savannah: I think there’s some kind of similarity between myself and every character I have played thus far, even if it’s very minor, but if I can
only pick one, I’d probably have to say Buttercup in Knight Squad. We were definitely different in a few ways, but the biggest thing about Buttercup was her ability to always see the best in people and her positive, bright energy. I have always thought of myself as a very optimistic person, or at least hope I am—haha! I just want to be that one friend someone could turn to when they need a good laugh or to feel better when they’re upset. I always choose to give people the benefit of the doubt and I believe everyone has some kind of good inside them. You just need the right person to bring that goodness out.
not, I believe everyone has some sort of artistic outlet in their everyday life. I honestly think it’s very crucial to have that kind of release. That’s why, when I see schools cutting their arts programs, it breaks my heart because it’s a proven fact that being involved in those programs can have the biggest impact on students and our younger generation. I mean, it’s really no different than those who play a sport. They are playing because they love it. They’re passionate about it. They have a drive to be the best they can be. Well, those of us in the arts feel all of those same things about what we do.
Destini: How would you describe your acting journey thus far? Savannah: One crazy, wild, incredible rollercoaster. I think that’s everyone’s experience in this business. You start off at the very bottom, and then the next day, your whole world changes. Then, just as quickly, you can come back down to the very bottom and the process starts all over. I have been very fortunate to have had many more high points than low ones, thus far. I am a huge believer in what’s meant to be will be, and that’s the kind of mindset you have to have if you want to enter this business.
Destini: In your opinion, what is the most inspiring thing about your generation? Savannah: I think the most inspiring thing is that we stand up for what we believe in. We want to better ourselves, not only as individuals, but as a society all together, so that’s why this generation continues to speak up about what’s right. That really is the best example we can try to set for the generation after us because at the end of the day, it’s all about what we leave behind for them.
Destini: What has been your most fulfilling career moment, to this point? Savannah: I think booking Julie and The Phantoms would have to be the most fulfilling moment. Carrie is the polar opposite of any character I’ve ever played in my career, and honestly, I didn’t know if I would be the right fit for it. I wanted it more than any role I’ve ever gone out for so, I really prepared myself for that first audition. I knew that script like the back of my hand and I went over my song cut every 5 minutes. After going through the first round and then the callback the following week, where I had to act, sing and dance, I was just hoping what I left in that room would be enough. When I found out I got it, I immediately started crying and I’m not really an emotional person, so that’s how you know this was a big deal—haha! I was completely shocked, and to tell you the truth, there are still times where I pinch myself to make sure this is still real. Destini: Tell us about your work with the River Performing and Visual Arts Center? Savannah: The River Performing and Visual Arts Center is a facility where they provide fine arts education for people with disabilities. Back when I was living in Texas, I would volunteer whenever they put on galas or performances for the Houston area. We worked with the kids on fun numbers to perform at those events. Being able to see how much joy the arts brought to them was such an incredible thing to witness. Now since I’m in LA, I’m not able to take part in it like I used to, but with social media, I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of the parents and kids themselves. Destini: Why do you think art is an important part of everyday life? Savannah: It can be very therapeutic, at times, to be able to express yourself through different forms of the arts. For me personally, dancing was one of the biggest ways I was able to express myself and as time goes on, I’m finding more and more ways to do so. Even if some people realize it or
Destini: What is your life philosophy or mantra? Savannah: Live everyday like it could be your last. As I have gotten older, I started to notice just how fast time is flying by, so I’ve really been taking in every single moment I can. I want to make the most of whatever time I have in this life, and I want to spend those amazing moments with the right people. I think that’s why I constantly tell very important people in my life how much I love them, how wonderful they are, or how much they mean to me. You never know what tomorrow will bring, and I never want to look back wishing I would’ve said something when I still had the chance. Life is too short, so you have to make every second count. Destini: In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your professional and personal life? How have you adjusted? Savannah: It’s affected my life in many more ways than I ever thought possible. My everyday routine when I wasn’t working was still simple, but it included going to the gym, hanging out with friends or maybe even taking a dance class. Now, those things seem so abnormal to what we have become used to. I only left my house once since the first lockdown, and that was for work. Speaking of work, I think everyone in this industry is still trying to adapt to the new ways we will work on a set. There are so many guidelines and safety measures we will need to take, but it’s like you said, we just need to adjust. This is our new normal and we need to do everything we can to stay safe. Destini: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Savannah: I’m the kind of person who loves to be kept super busy with work. I would gladly be on set all day and night, if they would let me— haha! I feel like I’m always constantly moving, so when I do get down time, it truly is down time. Taking those couple of days to really chill out is a key component on how I maintain that balance. You don’t want to
exhaust yourself with too much work, but you also don’t want to take too long of a break and lose that motivation. It’s all about finding what works for you. Destini: What are some of your favorite travel destinations, and why? Savannah: I haven’t done a whole lot of traveling, but I have gotten to go to some pretty cool places for work. I went to Malta in the spring of last year. That was the first time I ever traveled out of the country, so that was a really cool new experience. The island was so small, but the views we had were unreal. Then, later in the year, I went to Vancouver to begin filming Julie and The Phantoms, and I absolutely loved it! I love the cold, so the weather was amazing, the city itself was just gorgeous, and I honestly didn’t want to leave. It’s probably one of my top favorite places I’ve ever been. Destini: What is your go-to activity to unwind? Savannah: Definitely binge watching a new series or an old one that I want to see again. When I go to unwind, I want to be able to kind of shut my brain off and only focus on one thing. For me, just hanging out on the couch or in bed watching Netflix does that for me. It takes my mind off of whatever else is going on in my life and I can truly just relax. Destini: What are some of your favorite Netflix shows? Savannah: Oh God, I have so many–haha! I will say, one of my favorites since the whole lockdown first started was Outer Banks. I was one of the last of my friends to watch it and it quickly became one of my top favorite shows. I was so happy when they announced they got a season 2! Another one that I actually just finished was Umbrella Academy, and it was fantastic! I really have a wide range of genres that I like to watch, so it’s hard to find something that I don’t like. Destini: How would you describe your personal style? Savannah: My style changes daily. Sometimes, I want to give off the 90s grunge or vintage vibe, and then other times, I love the more dressed up chic look. It really depends what mood I’m in, but I love to experiment with new pieces and see what I can add to an outfit that would be original. I pull inspiration from certain individuals, for sure, but I still want to make it my own. I want people to be able to see myself through what I wear, instead of just seeing an outfit. Destini: What advice would you give to your younger self? Savannah: Never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. There were a lot of moments where I questioned if I could actually do this, due to a few people telling me I wasn’t enough. I’ve been told many things that would take a toll on my mind and at times can still, to this day, affect how I view myself as a performer. I had to tell myself that those opinions don’t matter, and I used those words as motivation to prove them wrong. I love what I do, and I wasn’t going to let anyone ruin that deep love I have for it. Those moments of doubt just pushed me to become better and better. So honestly, I guess I have those few people to thank because what they said made me stronger, and now, I’m living my dream.
