Nickii Jean Magazine Spring 2016

NickiijeanMagazine.org

April 2016

Spring Issue

I Am My Sister’s Keeper

Brooke Lauren Westbrooks with

Spring Must Haves Man of the Season

Letter from the Editor WELCOME TO SPRING WITH THE NJMAG TEAM!!!

It has been such a great season thus far .We are transforming from winter to spring and it feels like I am literally turning a new leaf. I am starting to really comprehend life for what it is and how vital each season can be. So it’s really important to be in the moment of each season , feel the pain , feel the tears , feels the success ,feel the joy , feel the confidence but , also take into consideration that a season has a beginning and an end. Have you ever felt like your world was coming to an end and life was throwing you as many curve balls as possible? Sometimes I sit back and cry out to God and ask why? The best part about his response is him saying “ IT’S ONLY FOR A SEASON NICOLE”.

When you think of a season according the Calendar a season is typically three months at a time . Which in reality is a measly 90 days! However in those 90 days we still have to go through them to complete the season . When it’s all said and done , the feeling of being complete is an indescribable feeling. This season my team and I worked really hard to produce a breathtaking publication full of laugher , love , motivation , help, and most importantly SUBSTANCE!. So sit back relax , grab your favorite snacks , and enjoy this read.

XOXOX NJ Your Favorite Editor in Chief

A Day at the Shoot

Written By: Simone Green

An Experience with Brooke A typical Sunday in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles begins with a photo shoot behind the graffiti painted walls of “The Concrete Studios.” Music play and fills Studio 526 to help the creative individuals mentally prepare and to channel their creativity; in preparation for this 4th cover shoot for NickkiiJean Magazine. Mercy Perkins of Merciful Photography, the in house photographer immediately transforms the ordinary studio into a magical room. She uses seamless orange and pink paper to create a color blocking backdrop. She arranges lighting to capture the subject in the perfect lighting. She collaborates with Demetrius, the in house videographer and together they work together to capture every angel of every moment.

Make-up artist Michelle Robinson is setting up her make-up station in preparation for the beautiful canvas known as Brooke Lauren Westbrooks. Michelle works together with hairstylist Aerica to create the perfect accents in Brooke’s soft features. Brooke arrives and the magic begins. While we are waiting for Brooke, I had the opportunity to meet and be interviewed by Chellez Evette, media personality and radio host of “The Hub Radio.” My interview is complete just in time for the grand entrance of Brooke Lauren Westbrook. As she enters the studio everyone is absolutely captivated by her elegance as she is adorned in a butterfly headpiece designed and created by NickiiJean in house stylist, Dymond Warren.

Mercy encourages the camera shy Brooke to smile and relax. Yes, I too was surprised to learn that she was camera shy and very nervous. Brooke tells me in an in between sets interview “This is my first professional shoot with just me as the focus.” During her photo sessions she jokes with Mercy and tells her “We should trade places with one another.” During the in between times I have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Brooke. During one of the quick conversations I learned that Brooke never imagined this success to arise from her first Instagram upload. However, since her social media fame she realizes that she makes an impression on fans young and old alike. She now realizes there are people watching her and with this realization she sees not only are her kids looking up to her but her 300K fans are too.

Brooke mentions she sees herself as an ordinary person and mother. She volunteers at her kid’s school and takes them to school every day. She starts her day with daily affirmations to help keep her spiritually grounded. One particular affirmation that she holds dear is written by Joel Osteen “I Declare a legacy of Faith over my life. I declare that I will store up blessings for future generations.

My life is marked by excellence and integrity. Because I’m making right choices and taking steps of faith, others will want to follow me. God’s abundance is surrounding my life today. This is my declaration.”

Although this Sunday began just as any other day, my experience during this day will be remembered as the day I met Brooke Lauren Westbrooke.

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LIFESTYLE

Camille’s

BIG WIN

Hi, my name is Camille Morgan, and at 16 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. On December 12, 2005, I was at cheerleading and gymnastics practice. I was warming up and suddenly I felt an excruciating pain in my stomach. I passed out and woke up vomiting. My best friend called my mom. Upon picking me up from practice, my mom took me to my primary care physician. Upon quickly examining me, by pressing down on my stomach, he concluded that I had a bladder infection. He prescribed me an anti biotic and sent us home. I remember not being able to sit still on the ride home. I remember endless sobs and tears of pain. After of couple of hours of not being able to keep food or medication down, I told my mom, “I’ve never bad a bladder infection, but this can’t possibly be it. Please take me to the emergency my room.” I arrived at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI and described my symptoms to a team of doctors. After a series of consults, I had my first ultra sound, Pap smear, and “manual pelvic exam.” It was during the last exam that the pain stopped. All of the tests concluded that there were tumors on my ovaries. Soon after I was going into surgery, my first surgical procedure of my life. The surgery consisted of the removal of my left ovary and a part of my right ovary. I had a tumor that was about the size of a grapefruit on my left ovary, and a tumor about the size of a golfball on my right ovary.

After doing a biopsy, I underwent chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, I was inpatient at Beaumont while receiving my treatments for one week, and outpatient at school for two weeks. This went on for about three months. Chemotherapy as a high school student was hell.

Overnight, I went from being a popular cheerleader, to a sick girl that people thought was contagious. I was bullied and tormented by many. I had to get “special permission” to wear scarfs and head wraps to school due to our “no hat” policy. My cheerleader “friends” called more “bald headed” or “cancer having” you-know-what’s more than anything else. Death was wished upon me daily by my peers, and as fate would have it, on that year’s season of Grey’s Anatomy, a teenager named Camille had ovarian cancer.

She ended up passing. My peers has a field day with that one. Depression and suicidal ideation plagued me.

My last day of chemotherapy was March 13, 2006. With the help of some special teachers from my high school, and a lot of holistic therapy methods, I survived my emotional and mental state, and the cancer.

I need to mention that during this time of my illness, two of my high school classmates died, one from a drug overdose, and the other died of sudden natural causes in our high school gym. I also should emphasize that I was sixteen at the time. I did all treatments and follow up appointments in the pediatric wing. I heard the cries and screams of babies and children. I saw these innocent babies die of this illness.

Guilt was a very real emotion that I felt for a long time upon surviving. Survivor remorse is something that I still battle with today if I’m being honest. Although cancer and chemotherapy was over, I was still in constant pain. Most people in my life treated me like a hypochondriac.

Dear Cancer, As much as I hate you, I love you.

You have taught me so much, yet you’ve left me so ignorant. I don’t understand why I detected you so slowly, or how you spread so fast. You steal; you kill You bring life; you bring death You give; you take You commend; you degrade I am in love with you.

I am in love with everything about you. I want to know you better, though I am afraid of you.I am afraid of your thoughts, your presence, your speed, and your intensity. I am afraid of Your heart, Your brain

Luckily, my parents were affected by my biggest lesson with all of this, my ability to know and listen to my body. After meeting with my doctors for about two years, it was concluded that I had endometriosis. Insert surgery number two.

This second surgery found endometriosis filled masses as far back as my rectum.

They were removed and I was put on birth control for hormone and pain management.

My pain with endometriosis has attempted to get me down for years now. On May 7, 2015 I had my most recent surgery, and cancer recurrence scare. After being on the depo lupron shot to try to shrink the mass on my ovary that was found in an ultrasound in November, my OBGYN used this shot to place me in a medically induced menopausal state. This shot caused me migraines every single day, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. My pain also continued. My OBGYN referred me to three doctors, one fertility specialist to discuss freezing my eggs before removing my partial ovary, and two gynecological oncologist. The third doctor is the one who took my case. He was the first doctor that I have had since this journey began to not be affiliated with Beaumont Hospital.

I had a robotic assisted resection of a pelvic mass, endometriosis, and an appendectomy cystoscopy.

All of those big words pretty much mean that I had more endometriosis removed, fibroids removed, my appendix removed, and a mass removed. This was the first time I had a robotic surgery, and I am forever thankful to the staff at Crittenton hospital in Rochester, MI. Today, just two weeks post my 26th birthday. I am still standing strong and spreading the word about the cancer that changed my life. Before my personal experience with cancer, I was only used to seeing other “more prominent” cancers, and now I proudly announce every day that not all cancers are pink. Aside from my mother’s brother, who died at the age of eight, I am the only person in my family who has had a cancer diagnosis. Ovarian cancer is a silent killer, and early detection is the very best weapon out there. At sixteen in composition class, I wrote this poem about cancer. I would be honored if you included me and my story in your journal.

Your lungs, your veins Your breasts, your ovaries Your prostate, your skin.

I am you, and you are I. You are a parasite, I was your home.

Without me, you would’ve been dead, Now we are tied together forever Without you, I would’ve remained weak, Now we are tied together forever.

You taught me how to fight.

This fight is so much more than me I know now how to fight with my heart, spirit, and soul.Because of you, I fight for a cause I fight for a cureAbove all, I fight for hope.

Cancer I must thank youBecause without you, I would not understand me.

Regretfully yours,

Camille D. Morgan

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Introducing

Fab Hatters www.fabhatters.etsy.com

Fab Hatters is the creation of N. Fang. While backpacking overseas, Fang would often put souvenirs and trinkets on her hats, eliciting overwhelmingly positive responses from passersbys. One she returned to the states she was encouraged to sell hats online.

In 2014, she began Fab Hatters and hasn’t looked back since. Since then she has taught herself the art of millinery, as well as developing her own unique construction techniques inspired by her background in scientific research and the arts.

She draws inspiration from pop culture, drag queens, and surrealist art to create unconventional, wearable art pieces that are sure to command attention. Her clients are scattered from around the globe and include royalty, celebrities, politicians, drag queens, and club kids. Her hats have also been seen at the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art, fashion events, art galleries, the NY Times, and in major publications.

Though she is a successful milliner, Fang is also currently a nursing student. Giving back is an integral part of Fab Hatters and for every $100 dollars of profit we earn, we commit to volunteering at least one hour of our time.

Best, Nancy “Fang”

Guest Blogger

“Lilato Madiri”

NJM: What does it mean to you to be a blogger ?

- To be a blogger to me means to be brave and vulnerable enough to open up your world and how you see it to people familiar and strangers alike around you. You hold the power of influence and opinion regardless of your following to online citizens all over the world.

NJM: Do you feel blogging is needed socially ?

- It definitely is! I think the shift and movement of online and social media platforms gave every individual a voice to showcase what they are passionate about, and because the world wide web is so big and vast everyone regardless of just how much, will have a light at some point on them. Socially may be stretching it a little because yes the web is so vast but as a blogger it has the potential to be niche. Actually I take that back, now taking a look at it, because of the niche audience blogging is needed socially because, somewhere out there in society someone shares the same interest as you, and socially they may not be able to connect, but blogging and bloggers create a platform of community for like minded people with similar interests to connect NJM: Being that blogging is a form of communication how creative do you have to be to have an effective conversation with your viewers ?

- First and foremost before creativity authenticity is important. Just like a conversation people can tell if you believe what you are talking about. Are you doing it for the followers or because you are passionate about what you are talking about? Trends will always keep changing but if your voice is effective in being authentic then people will always come back. Leading then to creativity. It is important to always think of how to keep up with the various form of communication on the blogging and social media platform, but I also think that individual creativity can always keep you one step ahead in making sure you are inventing or even reinventing new ways to have conversations with your following. So as to how creative you can be…try everything within the margins of your voice.

NJM: What are the highs and lows when it comes to blogging ?

- The highs of blogging without a doubt has to be when you look at your analytics and you see how people have responded to content you have worked hard at putting out there. Just in any field, that extra affirmation you receive when people like your work always pushes you to keep at what you’re doing.

Exploring your own individual way of expressing yourself online is also a high, you stretch yourself in how you think, how you communicate. You are seriously educating yourself in one way on the world around you as web based as it has become, advancing and pushing yourself creatively is always a high.

The lows for me definitely is that, just like every other market I suppose, is that there are always the big corporations or should I say big voices which when starting off may feel like you may never catch up to that level, even if you are not showcasing the same interest it’s very easy for even the blogging market to look like all bloggers have to be fashion forward, and stepped off the runway themselves. This can be incredibly deceiving and damaging to viewers in my opinion, that the one platform where the majority can have a voice and express individuality and authenticity-it can quickly become to look like the same ebb and flow we are trying to run away from in our own society.

Okay now we are moving into spring and we are excited to have you on board we would like to ask you a few questions in regards to spring .

NJM: When you think of spring what is the first thing that comes to mind?

- I immediately thought of a throwback song Chris Brown-First day of spring! Gosh what year was that? 2007? 2008? Haha When I think of spring honestly, in England I’m just waiting for the weather to catch up to the fact that it is indeed in spring so envisioning my fashion beyond the legendary April showers we’ve still to go through is a bit hazy. When I do however, I think of young love, floral prints and wellies.

NJM: What are your spring must haves?

- My spring must haves this year has to be just like last year, I think trends move way too fast only to come back again and you need to enjoy them especially if it works for you. And it worked for me.

Shirt Dresses are a must in my wardrobe, I loved and still love that look and very much so appreciate that the fashion world are continuing that look, you can dress it up or dress it down. A shirt dress with sneakers, or knee high boots you can go from city chic to street fabulous in moments. Also its one of those outfits where your hair can be singing whatever story and it wouldn’t matter! Moisturisers and fragrances I just can’t get enough of, I featured on my blog recently a few body care treats I picked up whilst abroad and I am looking forward to use some of the less heavy moisturisers this spring. My favorite which I stocked up whilst in Brazil last autumn was by a brand called O Boticario and the line of lotion is called Cuide se Bem and the scent I absolutely go crazy over is Frutas Vermelhas e Avel (Red fruits/berries and hazelnut) NJM: What’s the worse part about spring and how to get through it ?

- The worst part about spring is the changes your skin has to get through adapting to the new weather.

Stay hydrated and slowly adjust into the moisturisers that you usually use this time of year.

Another spring peeve is adjusting my wardrobe, I’ve been in hibernation for so long and now all of a sudden the weather demands quite an eccentric adjustment from my wardrobe. The weather will still be quite unpredictable so you’ll be playing it day to day, I just say bring out those lighter jackets and ditch the winter coat, for when it warms up during the day, and make sure your layering game is strong for the cooler mornings and evenings.

NJM: What’s your favourite season and why?

- Hmmm I would definitely say summer transitioning into autumn is my favourite. You get to experience the better of the two seasons as they merge, the colours are a lot richer and warm in my opinion. I love my browns and I get to use them as much as I want during this period. I can play with comfort and style rather than focus on just staying cool or warm. For more of sentimental reasons you’re at the pinnacle of where the year is coming into its last leg and you get to start preparing for the year ahead as well as look back on the last 8 or so months and cherish or re-evaluate some moments.

NJM: What’s special projects are you working on in the spring?

- I am a student, so by May I will have finished and handed in my final project which will showcase different articles and stories I would have written of people who have interesting stories to tell about their culture and cultural identity journey. It’s been a long and exciting Journey and I will be excited to focus between May and July (which is when I will be graduating) on my blog and work towards expanding it into the platform of sharing mine and other people’s stories and empowerment that I dream it would be. I also plan on being very intentional about being in my 20’s and that is to have fun, cultivate strong and healthy lasting relationships and dream without restraints. The biggest project will be ultimately myself and my journey.

www.myscrapbooktales.com facebook.com/herscrapbooktales

I Am My Sister’s Keeper with

Brooke LaurenWestbrooks

Photographer - Merciful Photography Cover Retoucher - Zakiyah Caldwell Videographer - Demetrius Fair Media Cover -The Hub Radio Glam -Erika - Hair Michelle - Makeup Dymond Warren - Head Stylist Tiara Saleem - Stylist

Cover Story

I could remember when I began modeling and pursuing the creative route it had suddenly dawned on me that I would like to take control over my career and try a few new journeys. Here we are spring 2016 and I was sitting down with Lauren Brooke Westbrook for the reality t.v. show “The Westbrooks” which simply explained how this family has found the recipe that works for them. The family is a huge, loving, successful family and we were honored to have a piece of them on set for the SPRING 2016 COVER SHOOT. As soon as we both sat down we realized how amazing the glam squad for the day was.

There’s nothing like women complementing each other. “ Welcome to the Spring cover shoot with the NickiiJean Magazine, I am Nickiijean your favorite editor in chief and we are here with Lauren Brooke Westbrooks from BETS hit show “THE WESTBROOKS” When I began to interview Brooke I wanted to really start from scratch with her.

We only had a certain amount of time to talk about a lot. The new century’s entertainment leaders such as writers, producers etc have found a really huge market in REALITY TV. It helps viewers escape their reality while helping the entertainer develop great content consistently. It’s a win win situation.

The Westbrooks gave black families hope, shared their personal life, and elevated all in one season.

Photographer - Merciful Photography Cover Retoucher - Zakiyah Caldwell Videographer - Demetrius Fair Media Cover -The Hub Radio Glam -Erika - Hair Michelle - Makeup Dymond Warren - Head Stylist Tiara Saleem - Stylist Headpeice - Fab Hatters

Here’s a recap of our discussion.

Spring Cover Talk with Brooke Westbrooks :

NJM: LET’S BEGIN….

Nickiijean began to explain the flow of the conversation and the goal of the conversation .

NJM: “We picked you for the cover of the shoot due to the confidence you display as a socialite.

It’s not easy to share your story publicly but you still have to go through the motion of each trial and tribulation. You make it look so easy and we commend you for the strength you have.”

NJM: We picked you for the cover of the shoot due to the confidence you display as a socialite. It’s not easy to share your story publicly but you still have to go through the motion of each trial and tribulation. You make it look so easy and we commend you for the strength you have.

Brooke: Thank you..

NJM: Let’s start with a question about social media what are you thoughts about social media?

Brooke: “It’s stressful for me. I’m just going to be honest. It doesn’t matter what I post someone always has something negative to say. I’ve learned along the way you have to love yourself and be confident in who you are. Growing up my mother and grandmother was extremely into church which in the end developed a life and long term relationship with me and GOD now. I have to pray and be thankful everyday because I know it’s all GOD”.

NJM: Speaking of God you said you had to reintroduce yourself, what were you doing to stay connected?

Brooke: I literally had to start my day off with prayer. I would read my bible and affirmations of faith to just start my day off with a great peace of mind.

As I began to ask her questions the conversation began to loosen up and I literally felt a shift in our energy that began to exude comfort and confidence. It was a great place to be in as young women (DID I MENTION WE WERE COMPLETE STRANGERS?) to be able to effectively communicate , empower each other and share the reality of our struggles.

Struggles mold us and create fearless women and men once we overcome them so this was a win win situation for the both of us.

Moving right along let’s talk family!!!!

NJM: Hows your relationship with your mother? I noticed the moment you had while having a spa moment with your mother on national television? How was that moment?

Brooke: We have a wonderful relationship and have grown to have a better one as the years go by. My mom was extremely honest with me from a woman’s perspective.

The more I was aloud the time with the warm spirit the more I understood her. She was the epitome of a women , mother and more importantly her sister’s keeper. Hence the title . It seemed to be the perfect fit for this title after replaying the cover shoot experience as well as the interview. Being the oldest , a mommy , and a wife to be can be a challenging role to play but Miss Brooke wore her CROWN with her head high with no regrets!!! She demonstrates a women surviving life and we were honored for the opportunity to share this unforgettable moment with this gem. We are so excited to see you in the future Miss Bro oke Westbrooks. This magazine focuses on raising awareness for Vaginal Cancer however in the midst of raising awareness our number one goal is to motivate , uplift , and enhance the world on a global network. Thank you Miss Brooke we look forward to hearing from you in the near future as you continue to walk in purpose.

Best Regards, NJ and Staff Written by NickiiJean and Kattie Klien

Photographer - Merciful Photography Cover Retoucher - Zakiyah Caldwell Videographer - Demetrius Fair Media Cover -The Hub Radio Glam -Erika - Hair Michelle - Makeup Dymond Warren - Head Stylist Tiara Saleem - Stylist Headpeice - Fab Hatters

A Kick off to Artistic Taste LA

Tyra Nicole & Visual Artist Feli Fresh at the Art is My Drug Re Launch 2015.

Photo by: AIMD Photographer, Wite Raven Photography

This was the kick off to Artistic Taste La, Valentine’s Day Weekend February 12 , 2016 in Downtown Los Angeles on one of the most busiest streets of them all. While it was busy on a FrIday night between the hours of 7pm-11pm? Two leaders came together to build an experience that would never be able to be duplicated without their special touches. COO & Event Producer of Art is My Drug Tyra Nicole and CEO of Something Good to Eat Executive Chef Tiffany Swinson . Both Women Contribute to our everyday lives from two different angles but once they are brought together there’s an indescribable energy that develops. The Artista Taste La was created to bring a community of people to network , be entertained , and to feed your soul with eats provided by Executive Chef Tiffany. This was a night to remember considering it took place the day before according to single people “ single awareness day” meaning there was no pressure to going out , dressing the part and enjoying a wonderful evening whether you were with a date , friends , or by yourself. There were live performances by singers Taylor Gordon, Marcel , Synai , and poet Jay Hart. From our understanding this will be a recurring event and from the last experience i refuse to miss it! The older we get the more seasonings our mindset becomes when we describe what we like to do for fun. Out with old and in with the new!!!! It’s time for a change and the Artistic Taste La is here to change it!

Guests at the opening night of Artistic Taste LA. Photo by: www.LaMayDay.com

Tyra Nicole, Chief Operating Officer & Event Producer at Art is My Drug has always had a passion to help people reach their dreams and goals. Tyra Nicole and Founder of Art is My Drug, Poncho The Artist began their partnership in 2012 with a mission to help get people addicted to their art form rather than drugs. Art is My Drug started off as an organization that hosted events, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work. Both Tyra & Poncho decided to take things to the next level by completely transitioning into a talent development & project management company servicing artists of all forms, giving them the tools to succeed in their industry. Art is My Drug is known for their many events ranging from open mic nights to large art festivals all produced by Tyra Nicole. Tyra’s attention to detail & organizational skills combined with poncho’s creativity guarantees an event you’ll never forget.

NJM: How did you start your new project?

- We started this new project based on an event similar to Artistic Taste, where Tiffany & I met. Tiffany reached out to Art is My Drug about partnering & curating an upscale pop up restaurant, I (Art is My Drug) produced the event & booked the entertainment for the evening. Tiffany put together a very delicious 5 course menu. Our mission is to bring a new name to pop up restaurant by giving you a taste of everything. This pop up restaurant gives you a taste of delicious food, a taste of visual art, a taste of music, and a taste of a variety of cocktails.

NJM: What was the process behind creating your company name and building your team?

-- Poncho, the founder came up with “Art is My Drug” for our company name. Like our mission states, we want to get people addicted to their art form rather than drugs. We bring a new definition to the word addict, and we do not provide rehab for our artists and never plan to. We want them to stay addicted and always create. Our team is full of creatives & accredited industry professionals that guarantee high quality services for our clients & our audience. Like everything else in our company we are very careful when it comes to adding onto our team.

Everyone interested must go through a process of interviews and understanding our policies and mission , they must be professional, into the art industry, & meet all expectations set before them. For the name Artistic Taste LA, Tiffany & I probably went through 30 names before finally deciding. We wanted a name that would capture the vision of the event, and Artistic Taste LA was perfect. The team for this particular event was built on strong people who had connections not only in the food industry but also the entertainment & art industries.

NJM: How important is team work to you?

-Team work is very important to me. I live by the saying “Your brand or company is only as strong as your weakest link” with Art is My Drug, teamwork is vital. It takes a strong team to continue to build this company and keep it running. Everyone must give 100 percent and pull their weight or else we will have weak spots & that requires the others to take on more. With all of the hard work & dedication poncho & I put into building Art is My Drug it is very important everyone on the team lives up to their true potential within the company.

NJM: What are some common ethical rules your brand follows to keep consistency ?

- some ethical rules we live by are honesty, trustworthiness, & commitment to excellence, just to name a few. Being honest & trustworthy is huge, we never over commit to a project & we are always sure to give the best service possible to our clients & at our events. Each team member takes pride in their individual roles & is sure to perfect their craft.

NJM: Why is bringing awareness to your particular audience so important ?

- Our audience consist of aspiring artists of all forms and art lovers. It is important for us to bring awareness to our mission and make sure our audience knows to always stay addicted to your art form and never stop creating. There is not enough support in the art industry, in fact it is the first thing they take away in the school system. It is important that Art is My Drug continues to be the safe haven for artists to continue to pursue their dreams, we are here to inspire the aspiVring.

NJM: Why is bringing awareness to your particular audience so important ?

- our audience consist of aspiring artists of all forms and art lovers. It is important for us to bring awareness to our mission and make sure our audience knows to always stay addicted to your art form and never stop creating. There is not enough support in the art industry, in fact it is the first thing they take away in the school system. It is important that Art is My Drug continues to be the safe haven for artists to continue to pursue their dreams, we are here to inspire the aspiring.

NJM: Why is art so important to share and spread?

- Art is so important to share & showcase because there are so many talented artists out there who are too afraid to show their true talent, or don’t know how to gain the exposure they need and deserve. Art is not only a positive drug but is also a sense of healing, it releases stress and forces you to use the God given creativity within you.

NJM: Are there any specific projects your brand is focusing on this coming spring season?

- Art is My Drug has a calendar full of upcoming events. We have a monthly Art & Poetry Night which showcases live visual artists, a performance line up filled with singers, musicians, lyricists, poets & spoken word artists, this event happens every last Saturday of the month until June 2016. We will be having a Sip & Paint every second Friday of the month starting in April-June which is an interactive event allowing our artists to take an art class while enjoying a wonderful wine bar. All of our small events lead up to our huge annual festival July 2016 which is an event showcasing all forms of art in one setting. The all day event consist of vendors, food trucks, performers, fashion, art, special guests, and so much more. You can also utilize our services year round by getting started on www.artismydrug.com

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

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Man of the Season GLEN PAYNE NJM: What does fitness mean to you?

- Fitness means to challenge yourself to be better than your best. Fitness to me is all about no limitations, and pursuing an ongoing quest of perfection your body, mind and spirit. I believe that to be physically fit you have invested in yourself to improve yourself. Fitness is not just about working out it’s about physical training it’s about discipline and dedication.

NJM: Do you believe fitness is a lifestyle or something you can pick up and put down at any given time but still receive the same results?

- It’s definitely a lifestyle. Fitness is something that you have to focus on everyday or you will quickly become out of shape. Ask any athlete who takes more than 3 weeks off, they will all tell you they fell slower, weaker and out of rhythm.

NJM: What made you want to move forward with American Ninja Warrior as a new goal?

- The American Ninja Warrior became a goal of mine when my friend said that I looked like I would do well on the show. Before this comment I hadn’t really watch the American Ninja Warrior show. Since I competed in numerous Spartan Races, and I spent over a third of my day working out I decided to check it out to see, if I can do it. After a year watching the show and dancing around with the idea of submitting my audition video I finally submitted a video in 2015. To my surprise I was called to do the show. On the day of the course I had an adrenaline surge that I hadn’t felt in years. Sadly, I didn’t make it to the end (I failed on the fifth obstacle of the course), but I became hooked, and my training became dedicated to winning the American Ninja Warrior competition.

NJM: Who’s your favorite warrior?

- Kevin the Bull. He’s athletic and a risk taker that brings flair to the course. I would love to run the courses the way he does.

NJM: What advice would you give a child interested in some of the same opportunities you had such as college basketball, fitness and building a brand like so?

- I would tell them to start early. Learn everything you can about the sport or fitness style you are pursuing.

As a child I took gymnastics, karate and boxing. I played football, basketball and ran track.

When I became a trainer I acquired 3 personal training certifications and 3 group fitness certifications to understand all elements of fitness. This type of dedication to knowledge will allow you to have all the wisdom you need to conquer any goal they set their mind too.

Image Credit for Spartan Race Photos go to the Reebok Spartan Race and Nuvision Image Credit for the head shot photo go to Beyond Fancy Photography

Duchess &

Heiress Hair Co.

www.duchessandheiresshair.bigcartel.com

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Jordan Mercedes has a word to spread…

Jordan Mercedes is an Author, Speaker and Certified Professional Coach. She has recently launched her signature live life coaching event called Time to Shine. Time to Shine calls women of all ages, cultures and walks of life to step into their brightest and most beautiful Shine.

She believes in the power of a supportive environment to create meaningful connections and forward moving change. You can learn more about the Shine events at Jordanmercedes.com

Go Ahead Shine, I Dare You!

TAKE A RISK!

I dare you. Yes, I said it, I dare you to shine. Frankly, the world has enough women who are happy and content to hide their unique light under a bushel. Well, let me rephrase that, they may be hiding their light all the while they are not happy or content yet they are willing to settle. Why? Because it takes a brave woman to really open up and let her shine come alive. Many women forget their own inner courage and bravery when it comes to shining.

Here’s the question: why not shine?

We all have our own shine. We were born with it and we were born to bring that spark to the world. Little girls know this instinctively, no one has to tell them to shine, they just do it and they are proud of it. They will sport a tutu and rain boots and a poncho with a big purple ribbon wild hairdo all at the same time.

As a little girl, I strutted my shine vwhen I would pretend that I was a Motown superstar with a sweater on my head representing my multi colored hair and a hair brush shaped microphone. I sang powerful songs that I wanted people to feel. I was living my shine.

You may remember being a little girl and strutting your shine.

As the years went on, there was a lot less hair brush singing and a consistent dulling of my inner and outer glow. Sadness, disappointment and the lack of cheerleading supporters covered me over. In fact, my whole life felt locked in and quiet. The sad part is that I accepted this as my out in life. I even packed up my shine and put it in a box. But there’s a funny thing about Shine. You can let go of it, but it won’t let go of you.

Try to tell that little girl not to shine, she will have no part of being squashed down and she will have her In time, my hidden and secret shine started creeping. It was coming for me just as your shine is coming for you. megawatt day with or without your approval.

The little girl knows that you didn’t put that shine in her, she has always had it and you can’t take it away.

It’s the same with us women, nobody but God put our shine inside of us and no one but God can take it away unless you let them.

Shine. Your shine, what’s going on with it? If you really want to do your best work in the world, have loving and powerful relationships and live your best life, you have to find and reconnect with your inner glow or as Writer and Producer Shonda Rhimes describes in her TED talk your hum.

“Girl, you did me wrong by trying to put a gag in my mouth, wrap me up and put me in a box. You thought you could live the rest of your life without me. You were wrong! Don’t you know I eat eggs for breakfast and boxes for lunch? Honey, you can’t keep me down, I’m your SHINE and I am too big to play small. So listen sister, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The choice is yours!”

When this happens you have a decision to make. Your shine can become your best friend but if you’re trying to live the old way in a dark and dim world of your own making, it can serve up a lot of sleepless nights. You see, your shine (or your inner strength) will keep poking you until you pay attention. As a friend, your shine will help you make better choices for your life, better choices for your work and better choices about love. It will help you stop putting things off and help you connect with your sacred courage. Courage and Shine are good friends. In his book, 7 Women Eric Metaxas shares the biographies of Rosa Parks, Hannah More, Corrie ten Boom and others. What links these women together is the way they unleashed their inner shine, impacted lives and changed the world.

You are stronger than you know. Your Shine will help you stand up and say NO! It will help you to embrace your loudest YES! Can you feel that? It feels good right? Your shine will cause people to stop you in your path just to inquire about what makes you glow. Your shine will connect you with your inner voice of wisdom so that you can walk into your boss’s office and tell him that you deserve to be better compensated for the valuable contribution you make to the company.

Your shine will cause you to choose better loves, after all, you are valuable and worth having the best. Your shine will keep you from settling, keep you from shrinking and keep you on the journey to your best most beautiful and inspired life.

Your shine has a job to do and that job is to get you in alignment with who you really are and with what is in your heart. Keeping the best of you locked away and hidden inside causes you to live on auto-pilot and dulls your ability to completely show up in the world, it can even make you sick.

Just to clarify, it is not prideful or self-centered to let the light that you have inside out. Those who are living their own shine will be drawn to you and those who are stuck in dark places will be encouraged because your shine will show them what’s possible.

Shine is about alignment, strength, love and inner beauty.

When you get in alignment with what you believe, what you want to contribute to the world or just simply who you want to be, you begin to shine. Making peace with nagging resistance and placing value on your deepest dreams and desires causes a brilliant and reflective sparkle. No one can deny you permission to shine and you can’t buy shine at the cosmetics counter, shine happens from the inside out, not the other way around. Dare to Shine Here are some ideas to help you get started: Accept the truth about your shine.

You have it, you know it, stop pretending.

Think about what made you shine when you were a little girl and think about what kind of shine dreams you had then.

Remember, your shine didn’t go away just because you were hurt or you failed or you got a little lost. It is still there inside of you.

Write a letter inviting your shine back into your life. This letter is just for you so be as intimate as you want to be. Ask questions, tell stories and spend time with your shine. Notice what it feels like to write good things about yourself vs. beating yourself up.

Describe what your shine looks like.

It takes time to shed the different things that have covered up your shine, be patient, be kind to yourself and most of all honor the process. The more you step into true alignment with your heart and your core values the more you will begin to shine. The shine that you thought was lost was with you all the time, it just wanted space to show up in your life. Go ahead, accept the dare, it’s your time to shine.

Social Corner We have had an awesome time publishing content but now we have had many doors open since the beginning of our journey together!

We are proud to announce our new LIVE radio show sponsored by Shiek Shoes (www.sheikshoes.com ) and powered

by The Hub Radio. (www.thehubradio.net) Every Monday from 8:00pm-10:00pm our very own Editor in Chief NickiiJean along with Celebrity Makeup artist / Hair stylist Tasha Muah (www.tashamuah.com) , Film Director BJ (www.makcielophotos.com) and Naturalista Sharissa take over the airwaves full of entertainment, fashion, beauty and unforgettable guest interviews.

This past season we caught up with Comedian @Tonybakeercomedy, Comedian @Juhahnjones, Author and Talk show host @ Itsbiancabee and Sickle Cell advocate @beingkristy, lDr. Darnell Lamont @cleverbastard, Singer Songwriter@TiaramonetQueen and The Creator of Curl Bands : Ashley (@Thecurlband). Although each guest represented a different industry they all had one thing in common. The common denominator consisted of one simple phrase “ BE TRUE TO YOURSELF “. Everyone's interview displayed the price that was paid for the success they are now experiencing.

Hard work genuinely pays off and all guest through their careers , stories they shared, and time frame of finally breaking the barrows of what NOT giving up on your dream/purpose looks and feels like. It was made very loud and clear that all things are possible when you put your all into it. NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

Powered by The Hub Radio.net

We have a wonderful time and look forward to many more shows. If interested please submit your information to livetalkwithnjmag@gmail.com . To tune in visit www.thehubradio.net/livestream every Monday Live from 8:00pm -10:00pm

FASHION’S THE TOPIC

Red, White & Gold with

Naima Mora

Location: AG building Penthouse (DTLA) Photographer: Curtis J. Moore Makeup artist: Genesis Contreras Stylist/ Accessories Designer: Aunt Funky’s Closet Model: Naima Mora (former ANTM winner)

CHILDREN’S CORNER

2016Young African American Women’s Conference

Presented by The Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ What an experience young women from local cities came together on behalf of the common denominator which is understanding that - “YOUR LIFE MATTERS”! The purpose of this conference was to innovative and interactive with other like minded young women to help create endless bonds and unstable women. From an attendee’s perspective I would have to say each keynote speaker’s purpose and job was to inspire, motivate.

I’d also like to think that each high school and middle school girl that attended this event left with the knowledge and the awareness of the experiences and challenges they may encounter on their journey throughout life and the options available to ensure their future success and well-being. That was the key part!

The key part about community outreach is REACHING THE COMMUNITY!!! . Weather we want to believe it or not eventually young women become WOMEN!!! I sincerely believe it the community plays a huge roll on building up their children. I was honored to have the opportunity to speak at such an amazing event being that as a teangaer I to attended this event year after year due to the strong impact it made over my life.

The theme of this year’s Young African American Women’s Conference was YOUR LIFE MATTERS! WELL DOES IT? How often do you take into consideration that your life matters? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 10:00 AM Hit and we (The keynote speakers were on) Nicole Alexander , Thaine Madere and Aleya Williams were in charge of the Careers in Writing & Communications #Expressyourself workshop.

NJ- “It’s not easy keeping a room full of female teenagers attention at one time. The best part about this situation is we as a team accomplished it with a breeze because of the organic stories and lives we have lived to get to where we are now.We had their undivided attention and if felt absolutely wonderful”

NJMAG: What was the most rewarding part of speaking at the YWAAC? Thaine: “ Hearing all of the young ladies stories and aspirations really inspired me. It was amazing and rewarding to see young black young with so much zest and drive to live a life of impact.”

Meet Key Note Speaker “Aleya” My realm stretches from corporate to culinary. My court is the kitchen. I am Aleya Desné: The Culinary Princess. I began my culinary journey after obtaining my B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and working in the corporate arena. I used my communication strengths to distribute critical information across the nation and internationally in an interesting, motivating and operationally streamlined manner. With my training from the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, I have worked with catering companies, private individuals and families, and within my own catering and private chef company, Culinary Princess Catering.

As a business owner in the culinary industry, I understand how to market services, act in a fiscally responsible manner and manage individuals and relationships. As a chef, my main objective is to create awe inspiring, flavorful, nutritious meals that transport you to your “happy place”. I want to make amazing food, work with great people and share my joy of cooking with those who love to eat. As a corporate culinary professional, my goal is ensure that the objectives of the company are executed with excellence. I have a honed focus on quality food and ingredients, exceptional event and design concepts and professional and ethical business procedures.

Wide range of culinary styles including, but not limited to: Traditional French & French Bistro, Californian Cuisine, Italian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Latin American & Nuevo Latino, Fusion, Spa & Health Conscious, Comfort Food, Fine Dining I am a proud member of the first African-American Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Eta Lambda Omega Chapter.

A big Skee-Wee to all of my oh so pretty AKA Sorors!

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NJMAG: Would you do it again and why?

Thaine: “ Of course! It was a great opportunity to meet and network with beautiful black women making an impact in their communities. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?! “ NJMAG: What was the most challenging part of the conference as a key speaker?

Thaine: “Being among so many powerful, successful and inspiring women can be intimidating. I sometimes have moments when I fumble over my words or forget that I too, have #blackgirlmagic . In those moments I have to take a second for a silent prayer for God to remind me who’s I am. “ This event served its purpose and we were honored to be apart of such a meaningful moment for all attendees.We walked away from this event feeling motivated being that we for that small amount of time were the motivators and it felt great!

Give back to your community you never know what role you will end up playing.

Community 101 starts within the heart!!!!!!

Social Media Contact : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thainamadere/ Snapchat: @thainamadere www.instagram.com/culinaryroyalty www.aleyadesne.com

What’s in your “Glam Bag” with

Sarah Lee Cosmetics

Our Matte Lipstick Collection is full of long lasting color and compliments variations of skin tones. This collection was created for the matte lovers with a variety of color combinations designed to enhance your lips flawlessly.Colors- Vary please visit website for color description for each lipstick color Textures include (M) Matte Features Extreme Pigment Full Coverage Long Lasting Packed with the Antioxidant Vitamin E Contains Natural Vanillin Extract

Our Lip Gloss Extreme Collection is full of long lasting color and compliments variations of skin tones. This collection was created for the nude lovers, from mid tone nude to nude with pink undertone and the perfect nude.

These color combinations were designed to enhance your lips matching the perfect nude, flawlessly.

Colors- Vary please visit website for color description for each lipstick color Textures include (C) Cream Features Slightly tacky texture (designed for long wear) Super Pigmented Packed with the Antioxidant Vitamin E Contains Natural Vanillin Extract tays on longer than any other lip gloss and retains its color

sarahleecosmetics.com

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Submissions for the follwing

Model’s Makeup Artist Hair Stylist Photographer’s Submit your info to KattieKlien@gmail.com