WINTER EDITION JAN 2019
+ VENDELA + QUEENA QIN + VALÉRIE ENGEL + CYD CHARISSE
RUFIO DIVIDE & CONQUER, IT’S THE WOLF BABY!
#53 MRDREAMZMAG.COM
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR “2018, THE ERA FOR A NEW GENERATION OF DREAMERS” Mr.Dreamz Magazine has established its brand as “The New Era For A New Generation Of Dreamers” which is available online, on mobiles and in print. The publication aims at giving artists & creators a voice that can be heard across all over the globe. Working from Paris to Miami and Montreal, the magazine showcases tomorrow’s mainstream stars.
Chris De Neptvne OWNER| CEO OF MR DREAMZ MAGAZINE “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”- Walt Disney
www.mrdreamzmag.com
Follow us @Mrdreamzmag
CONTENT & FEATURES
Editor in chief Chris De Neptune Contributing writers Joha Brown Winnie MC French Vouvou Jeremia Linton
06|AND GOD CREATED... 08|LA FASHIONISTA 10|IT’S THE WOLF BABY! 15|MIAMI DREAMS
WINTER EDITION DEC 2018
+ VENDELA + QUEENA QIN + VALÉRIE ENGEL + CYD CHARISSE
20|LA RÉTROSPECTIVE : � MOKA BLAST � SMART BLONDES � DOLLY THE CHAMP � DIREXTA � JOJO THE GAMEGOD
RUFIO
#53 MRDREAMZMAG.COM
Photographers Direxta Lydell Birch Chris de Neptune Andy Baptiste Shaye Babb Mike Tang Contributing illustrators Kloud9 Agency Solomon Reese Blvck Digital PR/ Marketting Kloud9 Agency Neptune 1983
DIVIDE & CONQUER, IT’S THE WOLF BABY!
FRESH MAGAZINE - 3
STAY OU T OF THE BOX WWW.MRDREAMZMAG.COM
4 - FRESH MAGAZINE
FRESH MAGAZINE - 5
“You need to constantly stay motivated and determined while several no’s are getting thrown in your face on a daily basis.”
6 - FRESH MAGAZINE
AND GOD
FRESH
Her name is We discovered your beautiful face with Battlefield 1: In the name of the Tsar. The visuals are just magnificent. What a charisma! How did you get this opportunity? Thank you! I got a phone call one day from a Swedish agency I didn’t know I was still signed to. All they asked was if I still had a shaved head, and if I did, the job was mine. My agency never told me what it was for, so I got really surprised when I showed up on set and they told me what we were shooting. Was it your biggest break in the industry? Or what do you personally believe first gave you that “in”? Battlefield 1 was definitely an eye-opener for me. I had done some small jobs
home in Sweden. I ended up moving to Los Angeles six months later and it is the best decision I have ever made. How would you define your personal style? Comfortable. I think the most important thing, no matter what you are wearing, is to be comfortable. Being comfortable is sexy, it shows on your face and body language. I love wearing sweatpants and a hoodie but I also love dressing up sometimes. It is not about what you wear, it is how you wear it. You are also an amazing athlete. How do you stay in shape? Thank you! I try to work out as much as I can.
That what we do is easy and that anybody could do it. It is a lot more than just looking pretty in front of a camera. You need to constantly stay motivated and determined while several no’s are getting thrown in your face on a daily basis. I think another big misconception is that you have to be at least 5”8 to make it in this industry. Yes, you will get a lot more no’s if you are short, but it is not impossible. I am 5’5” and constantly have to prove to casting directors, agents, and other people that I can do exactly what a girl that is 5’8” can do. You just have to keep pushing and not give up on your dreams. What is your dream modeling job? Oh, that is a great question. I would love to
“Being comfortable is sexy, it shows on your face and body language (...) It’s not about what you wear, it is how you wear it.” before that one, but the thought of doing modeling for a living never crossed my mind. What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done so far? Battlefield 1 and Playboy, for sure. Battlefield 1 because it was my first big shoot ever and everything was so new to me. I had a great time on set with Playboy, because they let me be me 100 percent. Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, what brought you to Los Angeles where you currently live? First time I came out to Los Angeles, it was only for a weekend. I stayed at a friend’s house in Venice and I remember how I went for a walk to the beach my first morning here and I thought, “this is home”. I have never felt like
I started going to the gym with my dad when I was 13 years old, and I have tried different sports since I was seven years old. Thanks to my physically active upbringing, it is fairly easy for me to stay in shape today. Can you describe your typical workout week (days/week, cardio, weight-training, focus, etc)? It depends on the season, during summer I go for a hike (Runyon Canyon in Hollywood) at least three times per week, but during winter I end up doing less cardio and more weights at the gym. Right now, I would say I do cardio once a week, and weight-training three times per week. What are some of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to models?
work with Nike and Yeezy, because their clothes align with my style. But I think my biggest dream is to work with Balenciaga. And be on the cover of Vogue one day. If you weren’t a model, what would you want to do? I would probably work with casting. I would love to work with casting in the future when I feel like I am done with modeling. Instagram @vendela Website : vendelali.com Interview by Frenchvouvou Photo by Andy Baptiste
FRESH MAGAZINE - 7
“ 8
“Simple x wild can be a beast pair.”
LA FASHION
FRESH
“Chanel is the brand that i’ve always wanted to work with. I love its elegant and classy design. All the pieces are never going to be out of fashion.” Where do you come from and when did you sign in on Instagram for the first time? I am from Shanghai, China. I first sign in on IG in 2013. I was not even active on IG. Later, I started to posting some photos. It was only a way of sharing my life to my American friends. In 2014, I launched my clothing line in China. I developed the idea of posting my outfits on IG. Gradually, I began my influencer path with my products. What are your 3 favorite Instagram fashion Influencers? Brittany Xavier, Caro Daur and Carmen Hamilton. How did you feel when you reached your first 1,000 followers? Did you ever think you would make it this far? Thanks to the power of internet. It was surprisingly fast to reach 1000 followers. I think it is part of my goal. I made concerted efforts to make sure my audiences enjoy my photos. Most of my photos are taken by excellent photographers. Most audiences appreciate the quality of good photos.
Is being an influencer a full-time job or is it more of a hobby for you? Being an influencer is my hobby for now. The words are out there. Not all influencers can support themselves financially by doing it as a full time job. Especially for first starters. However, I do hope that one day I can make it as my full time job because I love sharing my fashion sense to everyone. What were your favorite collaboration with a brand? Stuart Weitzman and Everlane are my favorite brands. I am a fan of Stuart Weitzman’s boots before my influencer job. I also love Everlane’s brand mission. Their products have very satisficing quality. Which brands have you always wanted to work with? Chanel is the brand that i have always wanted to work with. I love its elegant and classy design. All the pieces are never going to be out of fashion. Where do you get your sense of fashion? Fashion magazines such as Vogue and ELLE are always my favorite. I started reading them
when I was 12 years old. Now, I like to explore fashion bloggers’ Instagram pages and street styles from the newest fashion show. They are very inspiring. Winter is just here! What are you top tips when it comes to fashion for the season? I love the animal prints trend. It is perfect for winter. We can match them with light color furry coats. Simple x wild can be a beast pair. What’s something your followers would be surprised to learn about you? I am in love with fashion and clothing when I was 12 years old. I barely shared with my audiences. In fact, most my fans don’t know I have a clothing line in China because I only advertise in Chinese. I am going to make fashion as my career. Instagram @queenaqin_ Website : queenaqin.com Interview by Meagan Gloyle
FRESH MAGAZINE - 9
SAUVAGE
DESIGNED BY
BESTIAL “You have to focus on your next move and apply yourself to be better at your craft.”
RUFIO
FRESH
“DIVIDE AND CONQUER, IT’S THE Talk to me about the way you work on a song? What is your process? Where do you find the inspiration? The best way to work on a song for me is to start from the ground up. I like it when everything is organic and I’m vibing out, feeling out what sounds good... The inspiration I get to make music really just come from the mood. If i’m happy, I want to make some energetic music. On the other hand, if I want to talk my shit then I’m gonna make music that really cuts deep. It’s all depending on how I’m feeling at the moment or the current events that are going on in my life. Tell us about how did you hook up with FGC Studios? FGC came into my situation via the MMA gym. Long story short : Moka Blast, who has a mean left hook, my brother and I train at the Uprising MMA training center (located in Las Vegas). One day, my brother was playing one of my older songs during a sparring session and Moka heard it. All of a sudden, Mr. Blast wanted to discuss my future over some 14 ounce gloves
and footwork. I’ll never forget that day. Now here I am! How did you choose your stage name? Why is the wolf your favorite animal? Are you more a pack leader or a lonely beast? The name? That’s simple. I was born in 1991 when Hook came out the leader of the Lost Boys. As far as The wolf, Odin was a fan! Pack leader maybe. More like pack legend! From an artistic point of view, which artists in the game do you think are really pushing the boundaries and changing it up? As far as game changers, I tend to gravitate to the artists who are multi genres such as Russ, 6lack and JID. These artists stand out because they can express themselves through lyrics as well as sing a tune. What lessons have you learnt from the music industry so far? What I’ve learned thus far is the music industry is a lot like Jujitsu or a chess game. You have to focus on your next move and apply yourself to
be better at your craft. So when the time comes you’re able to sink in the choke like second nature. But be humble, learn from the black belts in the room. So eventually when you’re competing head to head with them, you’re using what the masters have given you to develop a reputation and style the world has yet to see. Who or what inspired you to get into music industry? I just want to make some catchy tunes man. Maybe some gear while I’m at it. So what are your plans for the future? My plans for the future... Divide and conquer like the Vikings or Genghis mothafucking Kahn! It’s the Wolf baby!!!
Instagram @rufiothewolf FGC @fgcstudios Interview by Winnie M.C Photos by Lydell Birch
FRESH MAGAZINE - 13
DESIGNED BY
14 - FRESH MAGAZINE
MIAMI
FRESH
VALÉRIE ENGEL “Last year we doubled our clientele. We started selling baby/kids clothing 2 years ago and this was a brilliant addition.” Once you know your clientele/target and what they want it gets easier. Also, if I can give a second advice is to find reliable employees who understand the business.
Please tell us a little about yourself & your boutique “Roses and Dreams”! After getting my “baccalauréat” in France, I did an “Arts preparation” school and then a fashion school in Paris. After, I worked with Chanel for 5 years in the South of France at the image department in Paris. Opening a boutique was my dream. I also wanted to live in the US so I decided to combine both. Plus, Miami is a really nice place to live especially after Paris!
Take us through a day in your life as a fashion entrepreneur.... What is your day routine? I wake up early to enjoy some time with my family and workout. Most of the time, I have to stop by the post office on my way to work in order to ship our online orders (this is at 8am!). When arriving to the shop, I make sure everything looks nice and pretty then I answer to our emails. Depending on our daily arrivals (we get new arrivals every week), I will text my customers with some photos. I try to do everything I can to please my customers! Take care of our website, prepare our newsletter, our social media, place new orders, change the merchandis-
I opened the shop with the idea of selling only french brands but honestly, the styles did not always work for my targeted clientele and the deliveries are so long. Often in high season, we need inventory very quickly. So far, what has the feedback been? Last year we doubled our clientele. We started selling baby/kids clothing 2 years ago and this was a brilliant addition. (my mom suggested this idea!) This brought us so many new customers, from the moms to the grand parents looking for a gift. Plus, we are located in a very seasonal part of South Beach, but our clients come back every year. I will take this as a good feedback! Some even visit us when they are in town for a couple days. We try to offer a very personal experience and accommodate the needs of everyone.
How long has it been since you’ve been doing this? It is our 4th year in business. Create a fashion business in Miami Beach... As a foreigner, what was the hardest part of it all? Everything! I moved here from one day to another, I did not know anyone, neither Miami at all. I had to apply to an E2 Visa which was so much work. Opening a business from scratch in a new country, with a new language, culture etc... requires a huge effort and a lot of work! What are your tips & advice for someone looking to start their own business in Miami? The most important is the location. The clientele is very different from one neighborhood to another. Miami is a very cosmopolite city.
ing etc... Depending on my husband’s schedule, I will go home, play tennis or have dinner with my mom! “French Boutique”... Does it mean you “only” sell french products/brands? Let’s say we work with the “French Touch” and we mostly sell french brands (70% of our products).
Can people also buy your beautiful products online? Yes of course! We also ship to our customers who are out of town very often and help them place their order. Instagram @rosesanddreams Website : rosesanddreams.us FRESH MAGAZINE - 15
DESTROY THE
FRESH
CYD CHARISSE
“People were asking us for advice and so we created a coaching curriculum for hair stylist that launched in 2016.”
Where do you come from and how did you get started in this industry? I grew up in the south next to the beach. I’m very influenced by skater surfer hair. Blondes and natural dimension are my favorite type of colors to do. My mother was a hairstylist and I grew up watching her do hair. It was never something I “wanted” to do but once I fell into it I was addicted.
“We want to Destroy what it means to be Just a Hairdresser”
When did you decide to create your own business “Destroy The Hairdresser”? My business partner David Bosscher and I started the company in 2012 as a blog. We had a lot to say about the industry and wanted to help give hairstylist a voice. Next came instagram and then the podcast. We built our entire business through social media. People were asking us for advice and so we created a coaching curriculum for hairstylist that launched in 2016. We provide one on one business and career support for the hairdresser. What is the concept behind DTHD? ELEVATE THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE INDUSTRY ONE PROFESSIONAL AT A TIME. We want to Destroy what it means to be “Just a Hairdresser” We want to Destroy bad business and everything that comes with it by offering support and elevating the Hair stylist. What is your number one beauty tip? Number one hair care tip? Beauty tip, healthy hair and skin starts from the inside.
16 - FRESH MAGAZINE
Focus on healing your body and mind and your beauty will radiate. Hair care tip, Stop washing your hair so much. It’s not necessary. We are stripping away our hairs natural way to protect itself. Try only washing 2-3 times per week. What are the trendiest styles for this season? I would say anything textured messy and lived in. Anything thats easy. Shags and bangs took over this year. Which products and tools are always in your kit? Powder and Undressed by Hairstory! I’ve never go on set with out them! Tell me something you’ve learned on your journey. Was there ever a moment on your path where you considered quitting? I’ve learned messing up and taking risks is all apart of the process. After 10 years I decided to put my self first and know my worth and now I have the career I’ve always wanted. What do you love most about being a stylist? The ability to connect and share with people. Instagram @cydcharisse Website : cydcharisse.work
FRESH
X P E R I E N C E
I T
N O W
FITNESS.FR FRESH MAGAZINE - 17
W3 VR3 R3VCHING 4 TH3 L
IGHT B3YOND TH3 HORIZON NEPTUNE1983.COM
2018 was
20 - FRESH MAGAZINE
2018
FRESH
NO MORE BORDERS FOR THE CONQUEROR
MOKA
“Since I can travel now I just look forward to learning about new places and setting an example for the youth in impoverished communities.”
THE STAGE DESTROYER
As the stage destroyer, I will never give you fifty. It’s my duty to make sure when I get off that stage people can justify that their money was well spent. Being on stage is my ultimate high as I feed off the energy from the crowd. When they get excited I go even harder to make them crescendo as keeping the crowd hyped shows great control as an artist who have perfected their craft.
THE NEW MOKA
The new Moka is a more refined artist as he has ventured off from the trap music and now welcome different genres in Latin, Pop, and EDM. I want to be that brand that is related to all walks of life. I have also left my past in the past. I held on to values that made me feel that I was subjected to a certain code when in all actuality I have finally learned to put myself first. Ever since I have rid myself of certain individuals around me I have flourished.
THE TRAVELER
It was my second trip to Europe as I had hit En-
gland seven years prior but it was my first time in Turkey. The show venues were amazing and I really enjoyed myself as the people and culture are so remarkable I can’t wait to return. One of my favorite places in the world. The women are drop dead gorgeous as well. I just had to add that. Lol
REVELATION
Revelation is the perfect word to describe the impact on my life as my eyes are set on conquering every continent and leaving a lifetime impression. Since I can travel now I just look forward to learning about new places and setting an example for the youth in impoverished communities. I want to show them even somebody like myself who came from nothing can always achieve your dreams and since touring worldwide I can actually tell you that the world is not that big any more.
to always show my fans how much they mean to me. I will do every and anything to keep them smiling as they are the reason I have been getting nonstop notoriety.
LIVING ON MARS
I will love to go to Mars but not live there. I will go on a tour so the Martians can see how us Earthlings give it up Lol! But you know I live life to be legendary so yes it will be. life does exist on other planets but we will never know. I pray that one day we meet another life form. In the time being I will remain the only Alien here under these Blvckskies. Urrrggghhh! Instagram @mokablast FGC Studios @fgcstudios Read this issue on mrdreamzmag.com
LOVE
I always dreamed of this moment and now that I am here I am going to make it last as long as possible. The support and love makes me want FRESH MAGAZINE - 21
2018 was
2018
FRESH
B E C A U S E
E V E R Y
smart
W O M A N
I S
A
U N I C O R N
“We constantly want to create innovative content, take risks with our wardrobe choices all while remaining authentically #Smart-
UNICORNS
Being a unicorn is an evolutionary process at least for me. Everyone has a different definition of self expression and the way in which they view themselves and their surroundings. Becoming a unicorn is not within one sex, it’s about coming into the power of your own being and knowing you are completely comfortable in your own skin. I would say going into business with my sister really cemented the confidence and belief that I can do anything I set my mind to. I already had drive, channeling it into a visual company just pushed me further. Anyone that
INFLUENCERS
Yes, I would say we are a combination of influencers and stylists. Being an influencer is all about trendsetting in an authentic way for the #SmartBlondes brand. Our followers and fans relate to us because they know we keep it real and because they know we’re going to continuously push the boundaries with our content. What being an influencer means to me is providing quality opinions, content and messages to our fan base that represents the #SB brand.
VISUAL IDENTITY
We have always had a very firm grasp on who we are as individuals as well as our vision for our brand. We constantly want to create innovative content, take risks with our wardrobe choices all while remaining authentically #SmartBlondes. What I mean by that is who Lindsey and I are, is our brand—we’re bold, colorful, loud personalities. We incorporated a mix of our personal tastes to create a powerhouse joint statement. I personally gravitate towards edgier pieces—mixed prints, bold colors, statement jewelry and always a pair of sunglasses. We have come to be known for our blue and pink hair, so that also ties into our visual appeal. I would say our style comes from a combination of current trends and a drive to continuously out due ourselves, push the boundaries to trend set.
BEAUTY
I was actually in my junior year of college at Arizona State University studying Journalism when I really had a better understanding of fashion and how I fit into it. I was also managing a boutique at the time and I realized I
wanted to explore some public relations internships in the fashion industry. Upon graduating from ASU in 2014, I worked in the PR field for six months before Lindsey and I incorporated our brand. We have always wanted to go into business together and both of us realized that we had a platform in fashion to really use our voice and carve out a niche for ourselves in the industry.
BRANDS
We have worked with quite a few different brands as #SB is very versatile. So many of the brands that we work with vary in size from boutique to larger followings. We’ve worked with local brands such as The Art of Ice Cream Experience, Luxe and City, UrbanOG, Vulpinic Vestements, Fashion Week San Diego all the way to celebrity brands such as Shahida Parides. Instagram @smartblondes Read this issue on mrdreamzmag.com
FRESH MAGAZINE - 23
2018
FRESH
DOLLY “My biggest sacrifice I’ve made as an artist so far is to quit my regular grind and dedicate all my time to pursing my dreams.”
2018 was also MUSIC
I knew I wasn’t meant for “everyday” life. There was so much more for me to accomplish, and that knowledge motivated me to go that much harder with my music. Dropping my first mixtape was proof I’m destined for something greater. Music is life!
THE NEW GOSPEL
Instagram @dollythechamp FGC Studios @fgcstudios Read this issue on mrdreamzmag.com
24 - FRESH MAGAZINE
My upcoming album is entitled “The New Gospel”. The concept of the album came from my realization that you have to embrace the good with the bad. So many artists these days sound the same. I’m a fresh face with a unique sound and lyrics with substance that will make you think. I want to impact people.
IN THE SHADOW
It’s not really about anything “happening” - it’s more about my drive and commitment to make sure I do everything right this time.
I’ve started to work on adding sound engineering and even producing my own beats to my list of talents. I’m inspired to do great things and excited to unleash my sound for the world to hear.
UNITY MAKES STRENGTH
TKF stands for The Kush Family - we always keep the kush rolled. And FGC stands for Forever Getting Cash or Fly Guy Committee. We are two different teams that came together for the greater good of independent artists in the state of Nevada. We got next!
SACRIFICE
My biggest sacrifice I’ve made as an artist so far is to quit my regular grind and dedicate all my time to pursing my dreams. I wouldn’t have it any other way as this music is all that I exist for.
2018
FRESH
It was direxta “If I catch it, we make it a song. That ’s how easy it is for us to create.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
I’ve just moved to Las Vegas the beginning of 2018, and I’m feeling like Jordan 23 ballin with the unstoppable FGC team. Vegas is home now.
ORIGINS
I grew up in Long Island, New York. Then moved to Atlanta, GA in 2010 to finish high school. After that, I moved to West Palm Beach, FL for a few years – eventually landing in Las Vegas, NV in 2018. I was doing a lot of music videos, my brand was “Dean the Director”. I decided to change it to Direxta.
INFLUENCE
I would have to say my biggest influence musically is Jay Z - his business sense is impressive.
NEXT
My upcoming single with Chantal Alexis is called “Too Much” anticipated to drop late October of this year. It’s fire! It kinda just happened organically – we started writing and had a hit in three days. It’s the perfect blend of rap and R&B/Soul.
PROCESS
The writing process was really easy, we have a connection, and work great together. When Chantal talks it sounds like an ad lib or part of a song. If I catch it, we make it a song. That’s how easy it is for us to create.
THE FAM
I met Jae (Jae Douglass) through Moka while we were hanging at FGC Studios. Moka was showing me a video Jae dropped in Jan of 2018 “Runnin Way From Good” and I was impressed. We brought him in to FGC Studios and we had a dope vibe and it was a wrap.
MOKA BLAST
Moka is my mentor – I’ve known him since I was 11 years old. He has been a mentor to me in my career & filled a “big brother” / role model for me personally. He’s always there to help with the creative side of things, and he has such a great ear, he knows if anything is off or needs to be rerecorded.
Instagram @direxta FGC Studios @fgcstudios Read this issue on mrdreamzmag.com
FRESH MAGAZINE - 25
PLAYERS
FRESH
jojo the “ M o n e y, M o n e y, M o n e y i s w h a t I love for sure. It’s the best part of the city for real.”
2018 was THE GAMEGOD
I’m real seasoned when it comes to the streets. Whatever you could do in the streets, I’ve done it. So I feel like at this point, I could teach a m’fcker about anything thats got something to do with what I’ve been through. I just chose it because I see so many people game goofy out here, for real, that are supposed to be street cats. It just makes me realize how much of a veteran I really am.
FROM GA TO VEGAS
When I got out of prison, I came to the halfway house here because I knew I couldn’t go back to Georgia. I couldn’t stay out of jail there, so I was like fuck that, and came out here put in for the halfway house, stayed there for 6 months and when I got out, I stayed.
VEGAS LOVE
Money, Money, Money is what I love for sure. It’s the best part of the city for real. Vegas is straight, I’m not going anywhere right now. Other than that, the thing I hate is mostly the people.
Their word ain’t shit. Nobody does what they say. Buncha fuckin drug addicts. I just stay away from everybody. But i love the money so that keeps me distracted.
FASHION LOVE
I find my clothes in all different places, just what I see you know? I don’t really have a fa-
vorite fashion brand because I like a lot of them but if i had to say a store, it’d probably be Versace. Barneys, Saks 5th, Neiman Marcus, I shop at all of them.
VERSACE EMPIRE
My brother, who I have the label with, his name is Saks. His Instagram name used to be VersaceSaks and he would sometimes call me Versace Jo. When we started tossing names back and forth for the label, we kept coming back around to Versace, so we ran with it
Instagram @jojo_the_gamegod FGC Studios @fgcstudios Read this issue on mrdreamzmag.com
FRESH MAGAZINE - 27
27
C H R I S
D E
N E P T U N E