ISSUE 3
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NYOTA Magazine was founded
by two sisters who shared a love for discovering new talent and young entrepreneurs. Nyota /niːˈoʊtə/ means star in Swahili, this magazine focuses on finding and promoting the rising stars in fashion, music and culture. So if you know a young person who is serious about their craft, please contact us! The magazine will be released quarterly, (winter, spring, summer and fall).
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@nyotamagazine
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Cont 019
004 005
Contributors Editor’s Letter
042 007 Music Festival Lineup 008 Jillian Interview 012 Spring Playlist 014 Ron Dadon Interview
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tents 058
FASHION 019 032 040 042
Music Festival Outfits Faded Royalty
064
102
058 Spring Break Spots 060 Music Festival Essentials 063 Inspirational Intro 064 City Love Interview 071 Photography Feature 096 Genesis Dorsey Interview 100 New Releases & Gift Ideas 102 France Travel Diary
Prom Queen Fashion Week Recap
CULTURE NYOTA
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TEAM
NIARA WRIGHT Co-Editor in Chief CAROL WRIGHT Co-Editor in chief JOCELYN NAARDEN Graphic Designer BREANNA RIDDICK Youtube Host SIMONE DREUX Editor at Large VICTORIA KESSLER DIY Expert
CONTRIBUTORS & FEATURES SHOE LUSH Designer LABELED BASIC Designer BRANDY MARKS Model
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R E T T E L R’S
O T I D E
Being able to release a third issue of Nyota seems like a dream. Looking at the growth Nyota has made from the first issue to now shows what dedication and hard work can do. In this issue we meet two young musicians, a faith motivated blogger, and a music duo that uses their lyrics to inspire and spread conversation. We have added an inspiration segment to our culture section that will feature an inspirational person or people creating positive change in their communities through different mediums. To continue to grow with Nyota you can follow us on our different social media accounts and subscribe to our Youtube Page, and if you know any emerging talent contact us at nyotamag@gmail.com! Instagram: @nyotamagazine Twitter: @NYOTAMagazine Youtube: Nyota Magazine Love your Co-EICs, Carol and Niara Wright
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#NYOTAMUSIC
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FESTIVAL LINEUPS COACHELLA
Two Weekends: April 15th, 16th, and 17th and April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Who doesn’t want to spend an entire weekend in the valley? If you haven’t bought tickets yet it looks like you’re out of luck this year. Both weekends are sold out, but with good reason. The lineup this year is packed with some of music’s finest. Including LCD Soundsystem, Flume, The 1975 and Guns N’ Roses just to name a few. Coachella will be here in one month, and if you have purchased your ticket, get ready to experience the festival of all festivals.
GOVERNOR’S BALL
One weekend June 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Three full days of non-stop music, fun and friendly faces on Randall’s Island. Speaking from personal experience, Gov Ball was one of the best times of my life. Everyone was friendly and happy to be there, from the festival goers to the staff. The food is A+ and the lineup is always worth buying a ticket for. If you’re heading to Gov Ball this year, you’ll be able to see The Killers, The Strokes, Two Door Cinema Club, Chet Faker and Yeezy himself. You better buy a ticket before they’re all gone!
PANORAMA
One weekend July 22nd, 23rd and 24th
Coachella is moving to the east coast for the very first time. This new festival that takes place on Randall’s Island during the weekend of July 22nd is a music lover’s heaven . You can see some of music’s best such as Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, The National and Arcade Fire. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but keep your eye out!
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#NYOTAMUSIC
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by:
l Caro
ht Wrig
HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE ARTS HAVE CHANGED YOUR LIFE? HOW HAS MUSIC CHANGED YOUR LIFE? AT WHAT AGE DID MUSIC BECOME ONE OF YOUR PASSIONS?
Music and art in general have given me an outlet in which I can put out all my feel-
I became obsessed with music when I
ings unapologetically. I’ve always been
was very little. I would put on little “shows”
pretty angsty, and dramatic, and I let my
for my family members, and I would make
feelings out in art.
them watch me as I stood in front of the vacuum and sang Oops I Did it Again...
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG OFF OF
over and over and over again.
YOUR EP?
Lyrically, I love Daughter of the Sun. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY, BUT WOULD YOU SAY
WHY DID YOU NAME YOUR EP HEADLIGHTS?
THAT MUSIC IS YOUR FIRST PASSION. WHAT
In Deadly Love, there’s a line that says
ABOUT MUSIC MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?
“It’s like walking into oncoming traffic/just
Music is everything to me. It’s (basically)
to feel the warmth of the headlights”. I’m
all I care about. (I also really like food, and
incredibly proud of that line, and I wanted
my mom).
to name the EP after it.
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#NYOTAMUSIC
MUSIC AND AR
HAVE GIVEN ME
WHICH I CAN PU FEELINGS UNAP
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WOULD YOU SAY STATIK IS YOUR ALTER
DO YOU WRITE ALL YOUR OWN MUSIC?
EGO? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CALL YOUR-
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR LYRICS?
SELF STATIK?
RT IN GENERAL
E AN OUTLET IN
UT OUT ALL MY OLOGETICALLY.
I write all my lyrics! Nothing specifically
Statik isn’t really my alter ego. I am Sta-
inspires my writing process, I mostly just
tik. The definition of “static” is motionless
whine about things that happened forev-
and unchanging. I love the word, but I’m
er ago and get really emotional at two in
not the definition, so I changed the “c” to a
the morning. I do love nature though, and
“k”, and created my own definition, which
try to incorporate it in my writing often.
is the antonym of static. WHERE CAN OUR READERS CHECK OUT YOUR ON ITUNES YOU GOT A LOT OF POSITIVE REVIEWS, WERE YOU EXPECTING SUCH GREAT FEEDBACK FROM YOUR FIRST EP?
MUSIC?
Everywhere! My EP is now available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google play.
I knew that a lot of my friends were downloading it and writing good reviews
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO INSPIRE WITH YOUR
because they’re amazing, but there are a
MUSIC?
few reviews up there from names I don’t
I hope to inspire people to be as dramat-
recognize. It feels crazy, you know? Hav-
ic as they want to be, and to find a way to
ing “fans”. So yes and no, I was expecting
channel all of it into something.
my family and friends to write reviews, but I was surprised to see other people
DOES LIVING IN CALIFORNIA INSPIRE THE
writing good things, too.
SOUND OF YOUR SONGS?
I wrote all of my songs in bedroom stuWHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR MUSIC TAKES
dios in Huntington Beach. California is a
YOU?
huge part of myself and a huge part of my
I hope my music takes me across the
music.
globe and into the houses of my fans and onto cafe patios where I can have
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR LABEL
big meetups. My followers have done so
UNITED FAMILY MUSIC. WHAT DOES IT FEEL
much for me and I want to meet every
LIKE BEING SIGNED TO A LABEL? HOW DID
single one of them.
YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE FIRST SIGNED?
I’m both the youngest and the only WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSI-
woman currently signed to UFM. I feel
CIANS? WHICH MUSICIANS INSPIRE YOUR
very exclusive. I worked with the label for
MUSIC?
over a year before officially signing the
I’m really digging Devendra Banhart
papers, so the feeling was even better. Ev-
right now. I’m also listening to a lot of
eryone associated with UFM is wonderful
soundtracks and classical music. I have
and talented, and I’m proud to work with
artists that I love and listen to all the time,
people who are so experienced.
but I love to listen to new artists (and old artists) all the time to learn more. The Headlights EP was heavily inspired by artists like Natasha Bedingfield and Shania Twain. NYOTA
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#NYOTAMUSIC
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1. BLOOM/ ODESZA 2. HEY MAMI/ SYLVAN ESSO 3. KAMIKAZE/ MØ 4. MIDDLE/ DJ SNAKE (FT. BIPOLAR SUNSHINE) 5. NEVER BE LIKE YOU/ FLUME 6. NO REST FOR THE WICKED/ LYKKE LI (FT. A$AP ROCKY) 7. PILLOWTALK/ ZAYN 8. SEASONS (WAITING ON YOU)/ FUTURE ISLANDS 9. UGH/ THE 1975 10. WAVES/ ELECTRIC GUEST
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Ron D #NYOTAMUSIC
by: Carol Wright
1. WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN MUSIC
START?
I have been in love with music for my
entire life. I used to sing all the time as a
child and then when I was about 9 years
The thing is, after a few days of feeling
old I decided to learn how to play the guitar!
bad for myself, I decided that I was tired
of just sitting around listening to Taylor
2. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR MUSIC?
My emotions, and just life in general. My
entire EP is about love and heartbreak be-
Swift songs and crying. So that’s when I decided to invest my time into creating an EP. 2.5 years later and viola, it’s here!
cause I always write about what I know.
My music is basically my diary. My songs
4. WHICH SONG WAS THE MOST EXCITING TO
are the words I’m too afraid to say out
RECORD? WHY?
loud...so I decide to sing them instead.
Okay, I have to admit it was a super em-
Definitely “Life Support.” It was the most
powering feeling when I was able to per-
recent song I’d written for the EP. I had
form it in front of everyone at the release
3. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO PUT OUT
been going through a really rough patch
party. Seeing their faces was priceless.
YOUR EP LOVERS TO STRANGERS?
with a boy and my friends at the time
My first breakup. Having a boyfriend as
so that song made me feel better every
5. WHICH SONG WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT
a freshman in high school was such an
single time I sang it. To be honest, It’s ba-
TO RECORD? WHY?
exciting thing for me at the time, so once
sically just a giant “F you!” to everyone in-
the relationship ended I was heartbroken.
volved in the drama at the time.
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“Rock ‘n’ Roll Lover” was the hardest to record because it was one of the first
Dadon songs that I’d written for the EP. That song
SONG COVERS AND VLOGS, HOW DID YOUR
was 10 or 11, so I figured it was time for a
was written in 2013, so you can imagine
CHANNEL COME ABOUT? DID YOU EXPECT
fresh start. Since I began my new channel
how much my voice changed from the
SUCH POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM VIEWERS
I’ve gotten the most incredible feedback.
time I wrote it to the release date. My pro-
AND THE 4,000+ SUBSCRIBERS?
I’ve also started vlogging so that has been
ducer and I had to re-record it so many
Not at all! I started my “livingwithron”
a huge help in getting to know my audi-
times because my voice kept maturing
channel back in 2013, because I just
ence better. The community on YouTube
more and more every single time I went
wanted a way to share my music with the
is just so amazing and I could never have
back into the studio.
world. I did have a YouTube channel as a
expected to be where I am today.
6. YOU HAVE A YOUTUBE WHERE YOU POST
child but I’d stopped posting on it when I NYOTA
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#NYOTAMUSIC
MUSIC IS MY ESCAPE. IT’S W UNLEASH MY FEELINGS IN A W ME TO SHARE THEM WITH MELODIES. tells you that they love you, you’re inclined
the Nile Theatre for Bravefest 2015 was
I basically just scribble all of my frustra-
to think that you love them too. You trick
the most surreal experience I’ve ever had.
tions into my song book and hope for the
your mind into thinking that you’re in love
best.
with the person when you’re only in love
11. HAS YOUR MOVE FROM ARIZONA TO
with the idea of having a relationship. I
CALIFORNIA OPENED DOORS FOR YOU MU-
was a child when I had my first boyfriend,
SICALLY?
7. WHAT IS YOUR SONG-WRITING PROCESS?
8. WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
This is always the hardest question! I have tons, but right now I’m really into:
and now when I look back at it I really wasn’t in love at all. It wasn’t real.
Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, the Broods, Daughter, FKA Twigs, Ed Sheeran, Kanye West, Troye Sivan, and tons more. My music taste changes depending on my mood. 9. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM ONE
“She’s got eyes as bright as you used to make my world” from Life Support. and he left me for a girl with bright blue
wrote a song yesterday about how unin-
eyes. I love how this line captures exactly
spired I am, hahaha! But yeah, I’m moving
how I felt at the time.
to LA in July so hopefully that’ll help my music flourish.
“And I realized I wasn’t in love. I was only
YOU’VE PERFORMED?
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Performing, whether it be at a coffee shop or live music venue, is always the
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to living in a big city (like I had in Arizona.) And I have no inspiration, AT ALL! I literally
10. WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCATION
When you’re 14 years old and someone
since I now live in a small town as opposed
This one’s quite simple. I was with a boy
Okay, I have two!
you” from Fantasy.
has been really hard on me. It’s hard to find places to perform here, especially
OF YOUR SONGS? WHY?
in love with the idea of being in love with
Honestly, no. I’m not gonna lie, this move
most amazing thing. But, performing at
I’m excited.
12. HOW HAS MUSIC CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
I know that without music I wouldn’t be
13. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LEARN
the person that I am today. Music is my
THE GUITAR? DO YOU PLAY ANY OTHER IN-
escape. It’s where I’m able to unleash my
STRUMENTS?
feelings in a way that enables me to share
It took me about a year or so to learn
them with others through melodies. I’m
all of the basic chords, but I believe that
so blessed to have incredible people and
you never really stop learning when it
mentors in my life that have supported
comes to instruments. There’s always
me and have helped me develop myself
something new to learn. I don’t play any
into a musician who writes and performs
other instruments, but I do want to begin
all of her own songs, and who is actually
learning piano.
confident in her work. Music is my life and
14. WHERE DO YOU HOPE MUSIC WILL TAKE
I wouldn’t wish for anything else.
YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIR-
WHERE I’M ABLE TO WAY THAT ENABLES OTHERS THROUGH
ING MUSICIANS?
I hope to one day release a full album and have the chance to go on tour. Performing is the most amazing feeling, and to travel the world by tour bus or plane is my absolute dream. My advice to aspiring musicians is to never give up. Keep writing, keep performing, keep working hard because one day all of your hard work will pay off. Just never ever stop making music!
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MORE INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUAL LIPSTICKS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.MDMFLOW.COM. MDMFLOW IS CURRENTLY STOCKED AT TOPSHOP (FLAGSHIPSTORE) LONDON, COLETTE PARIS, AND NASTY GAL LOS ANGELES
#NYOTAFASHION
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M
O
MUSIC FESTIVAL
OUTFITS
Front Photo by: Carol Wright Photography Styling by: Niara Wright
Don’t know what to wear to a music festival? We partnered with The Wright Look, an east coast styling firm, to give you the latest in festival fashion inspo.
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#NYOTAFASHION
COACHELLA
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AFROPUNK
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#NYOTAFASHION
GOV’S BALL
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PANORAMA
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#NYOTAFASHION
GOV’S BALL 24 //
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COACHELLA
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#NYOTAFASHION
COACHELLA
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AFROPUNK
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#NYOTAFASHION
PANORAMA
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AFROPUNK
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#NYOTAFASHION
PANORAMA
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GOV’S BALL
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#NYOTAFASHION
Faded
Earrings, $30, houseofflair.co; Necklace, stylist’s own; body suit worn as top, models own; Lace dress, $20, urbanoutfitters.
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houseofflair.co; necklace and beaded dress, both vintage, stylists own.
Headchain, $20, houseofflair.co; Vintage style Pearl drop Earrings, $48,
Royalty
Photography & Styling by: Niara Wright
Makeup by: Alexandria Rodriguez
Model: Brandy Marx
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own; body suit worn as top, models own; Lace dress,
Earrings, $30, houseofflair.co; Necklace, stylist’s
#NYOTAFASHION
Beanie,$30,houseofflair.co; Lace Neckpiece, $30,houseoflair.co; Necklaces,(from top to bottom) $30,$45,$50, atomik3.com; Demin Jacket,$40, Banana Republic; Dress( worn under jacket), $180, Rough and Tumble.
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Bracelets, stylists own; Dress,$200, Rough and Tumble.
houseofflair.co; Rings, Models own; Beaded Necklace, $50, Gold Fringe Necklace,$25, houseofflair.co;
Orange and blue necklace(worn as head piece),$25, Grey and Taupe Necklace( worn as headpiece), $20,
#NYOTAFASHION
Lace Neckpiece, $30, houseofflair.co; crochet
neckpiece, $30, houseofflair.com; Pearl Choker with Crystal
beads, $50, houseofflair.co; Bra, $32, labeledbasic.com; Vintage blazer, stylists own.
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#NYOTAFASHION
Lace Neckpiece, $30, houseofflair.co; crochet
neckpiece, $30, houseofflair.com; Pearl Choker with Crystal
beads, $50, houseofflair.co; Bra, $32, labeledbasic.com.
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com; Bra(worn underneath, $32, Labeledbasic.com.
Chain worn on hand, $25,houseofflair.co; necklaces, houseofflair.co; Vintage lace Shawl,$50, secondtimearound.
Chanel Pearl hair pins, $30 a set, houseofflair.co; Earrings,$30, houseofflair.co; rings, models own; Foot
#NYOTAFASHION
Prom Queen All can be found on ShoePlush.com 40 //
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WITH PROM RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, SHOEPLUSH IS THE PLACE TO GO TO HAVE YOU STEPPING INTO PROM FEELING LIKE A QUEEN.
Confetti Silver Pointy Toe Pump, $37.49
Napa Wine Suede Laceup Bootie, $42.50 Amber Blue Perforated Faux Leather Chunky Heels,$44.99
Carmen Thigh High, $89.53
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#NYOTAFASHION
This past February, The NYOTA team hit up the big apple for the newly revamped, New York Fashion Week. With IMG as new management, NYFW has truly taken over Manhattan. We had shows all over the city at fashionably famous venues such as ARTBEAM Studios, The Metropolitan Pavilion and Pier 59, just to name a few. We started the month with Concept Korea: Menswear. This season they showcased the collections of Ordinary People and DBYD. Menswear is headed in the right direction this fall with fur and wool coats, warm color tones, and thick soled shoes. Next was Canadian Duo, Maison Cyma. Their clothes screamed luxury and style with classic silhouettes and pieces. They use recycled fur so it doesn’t go to waste. That’s one way to be sustainable and stylish. Our first presentation of the season was Nika Tang. If you are looking for a killer coat next fall, you definitely should check out Nika’s collection. Her collection was all about structure and details, every time you looked you saw something new. 42 //
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Article by: Niara Wright Photography by: Carol Wright
Alisha Tremble ended our night in elegance in Parlour Night Lounge. Her collection was inspired by a song by Sly and the Family Stone called Everybody is a Star and the 70’s. She has a store in Williamsburg called I Love You Beckford, so if you want to check her stuff out in person you can pay her a visit. Next was Small Boutique Fashion Week where independent fashion designers and boutiques showcased their collections. There were jewelry designers, street wear collections and our very own House of Flair. The most impressive presenter was 10 year fashion designer, Egypt Efele. A few days later we attended the Nolcha Shows, another independent New York Fashion Week event. They showcased student designers, international designers and emerging brands. A nice little surprise for us was that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Tour was in town. We got to meet super models like Chanel Iman and Rose Bertman and saw Gigi Hadid from afar. Our final day of NYFW started off in an uber stuck in traffic on the way to the Victorinox Presentation. Knowing this is an adventure gear company, I didn’t know what to expect except swiss army knives but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The closing show was Art Hearts Fashion. Being another independent designer showcase, they never disappoint. Showing in an old gothic church and having an art gallery as a backdrop, I would have to say this was the coolest show I had seen this season. NYOTA
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Alisha Trimble
#NYOTAFASHION
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Co-EIC, Niara Wright, interviewing designer, Alisha Trimble NYOTA
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ART HEARTS fash #NYOTAFASHION
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hion
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#NYOTAFASHION
concept Korea
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maison cyma
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Nika Tang
#NYOTAFASHION
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Nolcha Shows
#NYOTAFASHION
sports illustrated 52 //
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Victorinox NYOTA
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#NYOTAFASHION
SBFW
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#NYOTACULTURE
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#NYOTACULTURE
K A E R B G N I R SP Bahamas
ATLANTIS Enjoy a few days in the Bahamas with warm sandy beaches, great pools and water slides, even swim with the fish! www.atlantisbahamas.com 1-888-877-7525 or 954-809-2100
California
THE ERWIN HOTEL Who doesn’t want beaches, sunshine and the chance to see Channing Tatum walking down the street. Stay at The Erwin Hotel right on Venice Beach. www.hotelerwin.com (800)786-7789
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S T O P S K
By: Carol Wright
New York
THE HAMPTONS Shop, eat and be merry. Check out all the places you can rent on www.Airbnb.com and shop at a store like www.blueandcream.com
Miami
WYNWOOD WALLS Check out the Art walk in Wynwood and unleash your inner Banksy. www.wynwoodmiami.com
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#NYOTACULTURE
MUSIC FESTIVA ESSENTIALS
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By: Carol Wright
AL
FANNY PACK. Mocha Bags,$68. Etsy.com; Scarp City Iridescent Fanny Pack,$38, Nylon.com; Denim Fanny Pack, $24, American Apparel REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE. Infusion Water Bottle With Drink Tracker, $15.99, femmefitalefitclub.bigcartel.com; S’well Bottle, $42, swellbottle.com LIP BALM. Robin Lynns Organic Lip Balm, $2 per balm, $5 a set of 3, www.robinlynns.com MONEY. Brass Money Clips, $80, food52.com CAMERA. Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Camera, $130; Mobile Lens Kit, $34; Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera, $70, urbanoutfitters.com PHONE. Liquid Gold and Mint Phone Case, $40, casetify.com; Iphone Gold Pineapple Case, $20, skinnydiplondon.com; Vivid Glow Purple Wrap, $24.95, slickwraps.com SNEAKERS. Chuck Taylors, $75, converse.com; Adidas Stan Smiths, adidas.com, $75 SUNGLASSES. Krill, $210, cocoandbreezy.com; Love’s Floral sunglasses, $160, tnemnroda.com, LA Hearts Classic Metal Round Sunglasses, $16.95, pacsun.com JEAN JACKET. Warren Lotas, $400, vfiles.com; Trouble Maker Denim Jacket, $125, nylon.com PHONE CHARGER. IKeep, $20, ikeep.com; Anker Powercore+ Portable Charger, $11.99, amazon.com; Chanel Lipstick phone charger, $25, storenvy.com
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MORE INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUAL LIPSTICKS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.MDMFLOW.COM. MDMFLOW IS CURRENTLY STOCKED AT TOPSHOP (FLAGSHIPSTORE) LONDON, COLETTE PARIS, AND NASTY GAL LOS ANGELES
#NYOTACULTURE
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NYOTA’S INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE At my High School I am in a class called Teach2serve. Teach2serve is either a one-year public service program or a two-year social entrepreneurship program, both of which aim to educate, train, assist and inspire high school students who are committed to effecting positive social change. In our second year of Teach2serve, each student chooses a Capstone Project, for my capstone project I am using Nyota as a way to highlight inspiring young adults. In this issue we are highlighting City Love, a Philadelphia based duo that makes music aimed to bring people together and work to help heal the racial divide in our country. City love synthesizes the power of music and deep conversation to reach audiences in ways that dialogue alone often cannot.
Carol Wright
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#NYOTACULTURE
NYOTA’S INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE
HOW DID YOU TWO MEET AND WHAT IN-
had a passion for writing love songs,
SPIRED YOU TO FORM CITY LOVE?
both the romantic love and the kind of
We had mutual friends around West
love Cornell West talks about when he
Philly (because it is a small city, and lots
says “Justice is what love looks like in pub-
of folks who are engaged in justice work
lic”. We started just getting together for
all mingle together) and we swapped mu-
some jam sessions, and the next thing we
sic the first time we met. I (Sterling) then
knew, we were performing as City Love
had the chance to listen to Caselli’s music
around the City. It was fate, truly, that we
after a powerful conversation before one
met and that we started building.
of my shows with another group that I
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was in, and was completely blown away
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO MAKE MU-
by his voice, the emotion, the power. We
SIC THAT INSPIRES PEOPLE AND STARTS
t
By:
gh Wri l ro
Ca
CONVERSATION OF IMPORTANT TOPICS
are about the great love along the lines
We played a fundraiser for Mill Creek
INSTEAD OF MAKING MORE MAINSTREAM
of James Baldwin’s brilliant insight that,
Farm a year ago, and seeing 2 and 3
MUSIC THAT DOES NOT HAVE A MESSAGE?
“If I love you, I have to make you con-
year olds dancing around, really feeling
We believe all music has a message. As
scious of things you don’t see.” So we
it, while we played a song about ending
Howard Zinn said, “you can’t stay neutral
can seamlessly shift from a song about
mass incarceration was a powerful sign
on a moving train.” So we want to be
falling in love to a song where we advo-
that we were on the right track. Simi-
proactive and intentional about what
cate for equitable access to education or
larly, playing at Pennswood Quaker Re-
we put out into the world. All of our
an end to police violence.
tirement Village and having an elder in
songs are love songs. Some are about
their 80s shed a tear during a song we
romantic love - so we try to be mindful
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO INSPIRE WITH YOUR
shared about police violence and the
of the gender roles and values we’re
MUSIC? WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO
Black Lives Matter movement helped us
broadcasting - and some of our songs
GAIN AFTER LISTENING TO YOUR SONGS?
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IF WE ARE WISE ENOUGH AND OPEN ENOUGH, THE INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE. touch others. We hope our music can help others see the world and themselves in a way they hadn’t considered, and that our music will inspire dialogue that challenges us and helps us continue to grow as well. WHO
INSPIRES
YOUR
MUSIC?
YOUR
SOUND?
If we are wise enough and open enough, the inspiration is everywhere. There have been times when we’ve gone to a march, a conference or a lecture together, and a new song bursts out of us the next day. WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE EVER PERFORMED?
It was a surprise concert in a school yard before school started as parents dropped their children off. The energy, the joy, the positivity that filled up the school yard was unbelievable, and the fusion of voices as some of the students sang along to “Lean on Me” and other songs reinforced the power of community and connection. Hard to start off a day better than that! DO YOU BELIEVE THAT MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO STOP VIOLENCE IN THIS COUN-
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TRY OR THAT IT HAS ENOUGH POWER TO
BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU, HOW MANY
10 years. We each have music deep in
MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO NOT DO VIOLENT
INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?
our core, and will be making music for
THINGS?
Let’s say this, we can’t imagine anyone having a fight while listening to Stevie
Hmmmmm. Let’s see. Guitar, mando-
the rest of our lives, whether together or
lin, cajon, piano, synthesizer, melodica.
separately. But we are hopeful that we
But we’re just getting started ;)
will continue to blend hip-hop and har-
Wonder sing “Love’s In Need of Love
monies well into the 21st century.
Today”. When music is about Love, it’s
DO YOU SEE YOURSELVES BEING TOGETH-
going to send Love out into the world.
ER AND MAKING MUSIC IN TEN YEARS?
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR WRITING YOUR
If you’re focusing on Love, it leaves less
We think it would be a true honor and
time and space for hatred and greed.
blessing to continue to make music with
Music is a soul education, and we be-
each other. And we have no idea, if that
Sometimes one of us comes with an
lieve it can inspire deep shifts.
happens, what that would look like in
idea, other times we just vibe and jam
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MUSIC? HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE FOR YOU TO WRITE A SONG?
WE BELIEVE ALL MUSIC HAS A MESSAGE. AS HOWARD ZINN SAID, “YOU CAN’T STAY NEUTRAL ON A MOVING TRAIN.” SO WE WANT TO BE PROACTIVE AND INTENTIONAL ABOUT WHAT WE PUT OUT INTO THE WORLD. and something jumps right out at us.
STERLING, BECAUSE YOU ARE ON THE
transformative. Being on on the Diver-
Some songs are born in minutes, some
BOARD AT FRIENDS CENTRAL DO YOU
sity Board ensures that I remain focused
in weeks, but all of them continue to
THINK THAT ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE A
on the experiences of young people, and
grow and change with the months and
GREATER
keeping that at the center is definitely
INFLUENCE
AMONGST
THE
years as we gain clarity about what we want to share and as we continue to grow and change as individuals. CASELLI, I KNOW YOU ARE AN EDUCATOR AND PERFORMER. DO YOU EVER PERFORM YOUR SONGS FOR YOUR KIDS AND TRY TO DISCUSS IMPORTANT TOPICS OR PRESSING ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM?
My kiddos are 4-6 years old, but at my school we try to draw on the rich diversity of students’ families coming in to share about themselves and use these meetings as a chance to have developmentally appropriate discussions about race, class, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Music is definitely a part of
YOUNG PEOPLE IN PHILADELPHIA?
key to building authentic relationships,
that sharing, and I wrote a song with the
Co-Clerking the Diversity Board at
which in turn impacts the trust built be-
kids called “We’re All Made of Stars” to
Friends’ Central is a wonderful experi-
celebrate our differences and our com-
ence, though the act of being on that
mon ground. Sterling and I have also
Board doesn’t directly connect with my
WHERE CAN READERS CHECK OUT YOUR
had the fortune of sharing our music
connection to young people in the city,
MUSIC?
through performances and workshops
as we focus a lot on structural and pro-
You can visit our webpage, www.
at a number of area schools, but usually
grammatic things specific to our school
muchcitylove.com, like us on Facebook
for 5th grade and above. We hope to do
community. What the opportunity does
- www.facebook.com/muchcitylove) or
more and more workshops and interac-
afford me is the ability to have a balco-
stream our music on Soundcloud - www.
tive performances at schools, because
ny view of systems and how they work,
soundcloud.com/muchcitylove.
we believe our music can be a very pow-
and to think about how to better con-
erful tool for education, dialogue and
nect with young people and think about
community building.
experiences that are meaningful and
tween me and young people.
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Photography by Ron and Jillian
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GENESIS DORSEY By: Niara Wright
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR
to one another and ultimately God.
MOVEMENT THAT IS CENTERED AROUND
AT WHAT AGE DID GOD START SPEAKING/
my pastors, parents, and former bosses.
GOD?
REVEALING TO YOU YOUR PURPOSE? HOW
They have invested in my business, plat-
DID IT MAKE YOU FEEL?
forms, and more. My mother just placed
My life and the people around it. Many
Large is an understatement. They are
people would call it religion. However,
I was 19 when everything started to hap-
an order on my business site for a mug
it’s not that for me. It’s a relationship
pen. It made me question my self-worth.
and t-shirt. I was about to fulfill the or-
with someone who showed me that life
Someone thought that I was the perfect
der when I saw that it was my address.
was more than what society pre-
candidate to start a platform to empower
My parents are the ones who taught me
sented to me. Due to God, I am
women. That was the beginning of it all.
about business and leadership in gen-
able to share and create a move-
ARE YOUR PARENTS A LARGE INFLUENCE
eral. I am honored to be their child.
IN YOUR LIFE?
I LOVE HOW GENESIS 1 IS A MOTIVATIONAL
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SCRIPTURE FOR YOU, IS THIS INTENTIONAL OR IRONY?
Many people think that it’s intentional but it’s not. When I started my graphic design & branding business, I knew that I wanted a scripture as a backbone. I live by the Word of God and words are important to me. The original graphic designer was God. In design, we discuss UI and UX. God was a master at making our bodies so detailed yet functional that scientists have committed their lives to understanding who we are as humans. I found this scripture as the best fit. I READ THAT YOU ARE ALSO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER. DO YOUR POSITIONS AS TEACHER AND YOUNG ADULT/BUSINESS
MINISTER
EVER
OVERLAP?
So that was a temporary position. I was an elementary school teacher for close to 2 years at my mother’s school. This position was for me to learn
don’t have the character to sustain it.
late 2011 and went to prison in 2012. We
more about the teacher’s side of the
CAN YOU ELABORATE ON WHAT GIRLS OF
spent so much time trying to fight for the
business and understand their perspec-
ROYALTY IS? HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH
truth to come to light. The slander was
tive. It also opened my eyes into work-
THAT NAME?
hard to handle being that I had never
ing with parents from the teacher’s per-
Girls of Royalty is an Online Christian
seen so many people who “supported”
spective and the expectations within the
Network for women of all ages. We offer
us turn their backs at one mention of
classroom. The position was definitely
two main programs. Girls of Royalty is for
a lie. My parents fought to appeal and
not for me. I’m glad it was a short term
the adults and we have Branded Teens
the state worked even harder to turn it
position. Being that the school is a Chris-
for teenagers. Our goal is to use tech-
down. So at 19, I had to come home from
tian school, there were several opportu-
nology to connect women from across
Spelman and take care of things at home
nities for me to teach the children about
the world. We offer weekly live teach-
while both of my parents left. My mother
spiritual leadership. This is a huge topic
ings, prayer calls, mentoring, and more.
went to Connecticut and my father went
for me. In the classroom on certain days
My father actually came up with the
to New Jersey. My parents were also pas-
there would be character development
name back in late 2012. I was going to call
tors and leaders so this really shook up
days. We used the 7 Habits of Happy Kids
it Esther’s Girls. I thank God for my father
the “public image”. However, I learned
(Based off of 7 Habits of Highly Effective
telling me that his idea was better.
more from my parents during that time.
People) as the foundation. I integrated
BEFORE THE BIRTH OF GOR IN 2012, YOU SAID
They taught me how to trust in God no
biblical lessons with the book. That was
THAT YEAR WAS THE LOWEST PART OF YOUR
matter what people said. However, it
the most rewarding thing of all. It doesn’t
LIFE. CARE TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY?
took me some time to digest what faith
matter how intelligent you are if you
My parents were wrongly indicted in
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and tried different ways of releasing
kets to the homeless, and more. As far
the anger and pain. However, God was
as memorable feedback, one in particu-
One of the things that I love about
there the entire time. He was there try-
lar impacted me. This had to be from
our ministry is how open we are due
ing to be all I needed. He was there with
maybe 2 years ago where a mother had
to technology. We have so many teach-
me in the bar, to the bedrooms that I
her daughter reading a confession that
ings online and on our site that it isn’t
shouldn’t have been in. In 2012, I gave
I had written. Each month, our mem-
“inclusive”. We also use our social media
God my all and I never looked back.
bers have access to a new study. Each
pages to offer encouragement in a way
HOW HAD GOR IMPACTED THE COMMUNI-
month our studies are written different-
that isn’t judgemental or condemning.
Someone thought that I was the perfect candidate to start a platform to empower women. That was the beginning of it all.
BELIEVERS WITH GOR?
Jesus didn’t come to condemn. He came to love us according to John 3:17. We have a “Learn about Jesus” page on our site where people can learn and connect with our team as well. Our team makes sure that anyone can listen to our teach-
TY? WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE FEED-
ly. However, in some studies, we have a
ings and not feel “on the outside”
BACK/ TESTIMONY FROM A USER?
confession at the end. Well this mother
TWO YEARS AFTER GOR, CAME THE BIRTH
Our user base stretches all over the
recorded her daughter reading the con-
OF GIGICREATES.COM. WHAT WAS THE IN-
world, thanks to technology. As far as
fession on the way to school. That hit
SPIRATION FOR THIS PLATFORM?
impact, we’ve been able to put togeth-
me really hard that people who I never
GigiCreates.com came about when
er local events to help the community
met were impacted by our ministry.
I figured out that all of the things I do
such as going to kitchens, giving blan-
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE/ENGAGE NON-
for Girls of Royalty could be a rev-
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enue stream for me to do what I love full time. Through developing Girls of Royalty, I have learned so much and I knew people wanted to learn the same. HAD YOU ALWAYS DONE GRAPHIC DESIGN? (ONE OF YOUR MANY TALENTS I SEE)
I started graphic design back in high ers
school and
while
layouts
for
designing my
fly-
church.
So, the deeper I dug into the brand that is Genesis Dorsey. I DISCOVERED HOW MUCH OF A FULL PLATE YOU HAVE! ASIDE FROM BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR, A MINISTER, MENTOR, AND TEACHER, YOU HAVE ALSO LAUNCHED AN ONLINE MAGAZINE, CROWNED MAGAZINE.
You have to work very hard to get it off
at the moment. For right now, it would
(WOW!) CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT
the ground and that may take 3 months,
have to be Gary Vaynerchuk when he
a year, or 5 years. You have to make sure
talked about having balance in his life.
Crowned Magazine is under the Girls
that you believe in your product/service
He said: “Just do it”. As an entrepreneur,
of Royalty’s umbrella. Our editor Britt
and that it’s scalable to make real profit.
ministry leader, church creative director,
had done a fantastic job bringing togeth-
If I may be honest, many people have
and more, I’ve learned that there are no
ABOUT THAT PROJECT?
er some amazing female writers. So far we have released two “collections”. Our magazines don’t come out based upon seasons but instead themes. To make room for this growing platform, they are developing their own site to make room
Due to God, I am able to share and create a movement that empowers people to connect to one another and ultimately God.
for weekly content in the form of a blog.
cute ideas that are great as a thought
tips for having perfect balance. Do what
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?
but there’s no scale factor. If you don’t
you can and be grateful for those mo-
We invite our writers to contact our
see your business growing beyond your
ments.
Crowned Team at: crowned@girlso-
basement or home office, that’s an is-
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS WE SHOULD
froyalty.com to learn more.
sue. Most people could see their busi-
LOOK OUT FOR? ( NOT THAT YOU DON’T
WHERE CAN WE GET A COPY?
ness growing past a home office, but
ALREADY HAVE ENOUGH TO DO,LOL)
Our members of Girls of Royalty get a
is the product good enough to do that?
Right now, my main focus is on writing.
free copy for signing up. You can also re-
If not, work on what you provide and
I’m working on releasing a book around
ceive a free copy by joining the Crowned
make it something unforgettable. Look
Christmas of this year. I’ve already re-
email list on their site.
at the market and learn more about
leased many resources for entrepre-
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG
your customer base.
neurs and women which I’m also looking
ENTREPRENEURS TRYING TO START A BUSI-
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE ANYONE HAS
at turning into study kits. My goal is to
NESS?
GIVEN YOU?
focus more and more on full time minis-
Understand that you are in start-up
Out of the different interviews and ses-
mode. Not enough entrepreneurs un-
sions I’ve been at, I always give a differ-
derstand what it means to be a true
ent answer to this question because it
start-up. You’re not promised anything.
depends on what’s happening in my life
try and writing as the months pass.
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New Releases By: Carol Wright
Movies Get a Job ( March 25th) This new flick might be one of the most relata ble movies that came out this year. It stars An na Kendrick and Miles Teller as two recent college graduates who after having a few stran ge jobs can’t seem to find a desirable one, bu t with the help of family and co-workers learn that the most important adventures are the unexp ected ones.
BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (MARCH 25TH) One of the most anticipa ted films of the year ha s hit theaters! We get to watch Henry Cavill rep rise his role as Superm an and Ben Affleck step into new shoes as Batman. The storyline is simple, two years after the destruction Su perman has caused fro m his fight with Zodd. Batman deems Superm an as a threat to Earth and makes it his duty to end Superman’s rei gn, while Lex Luther (wh o is being played by Jesse Eisenberg) is begin ning to launch his ow n battle against the man of steel.
THE JUNGLE BOOK (A PRIL 15, 2016) This April you can see one of your favorite Dis ney movies come to life in this remake starrin g Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, and Idris Elba just to name a few of the big names in thi s cas t. Go back to the Jungle and follow Mowg li’s journey as he has to lea ve the only home he’s ever known in ord er to get away from the Tig er tha t is threatening his life.
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Books
Mother's Day Gift Ideas Buy your mother unique jewelry and accessory pieces from The House of Flair! Located in Haddonfield, NJ. The HoF houses independent artists so you are sure to find something new each time you visit. You can also shop with them online at www.houseofflair.co You’re never too old for noon tea with mom. Treat her to a lovely evening at The Picket Fence & Garden Tea room. Make reservations online at www.picketfencegardentearoom.com or call (856)795-5357
Nothing says “I love you Mom” like a home and body set from Rlynns! Order your set today at www.robinlynns. com Foot care set, $15
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Fr
rance Travel
During spring break I travelled through
Diary
By: Carol Wright
France with my school. We started out in
Paris and went sight seeing for two days. I got the chance to see the Eiffel Tower,
got to relax on the sand, eat ice-cream
go to The Louvre and climb the Arc De
and bask in the moment. I also got to
Triomphe. ( I also ate my bodyweight
see a few celebrity hand prints near
in bread) After Paris we took a train to
the casino where they have the famous
Avignon where we stayed for one day.
Cannes Film Festival every year. After
Avignon had beautiful buildings and
Cannes we travelled to St. Paul De Vence
cute shops, we went exploring for a
which was peaceful but still bustling
bit and got a tour of the Pope’s Palace.
with life. There were numerous beauti-
Then the next morning we took a bus to
ful views no matter where you looked,
Aix En Provence. On the way to Aix en
and the cutest small alleyways and win-
Provence we stopped and saw an aque-
dowsills with potted plants. St. Paul is
duct in Pont Du Gard which was a great
somewhere I would like to retire when
experience. The Mediterranean sea was
I hit the age of seventy. After St. Paul
glistening and the sun was shining on us.
de Vence we continued on our journey
After leaving the aqueduct we got to Aix
and made our way to Nice. We checked
En Provence and had the chance to go
into the hotel and then had the chance
to an art museum and explore the town.
to explore. First we explored the beach
The shops were quaint and the food
area (which will now hold a special place
was delicious and I saw numerous well-
in my heart). The beach was covered in
dressed Frenchies. The next day we trav-
rocks and my friends and I took time to
elled to Cannes. Cannes is now one of
sit on the rocks, live in the moment and
my favorite places of all time, just from
just talk. Nice’s beach is gorgeous in ev-
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you have when you are on it. After being on the beach we had the chance to shop around and basically tear up Zara and H&M. It was overall one of the best days of our trip. The next day we took the train from Nice to Monaco. I had heard about Monaco from Grace Kelly but was not completely sure what to expect. I was blown away by the beauty of Monaco. The water was sparkling, the shops were vibrant in colors and in life. It was a great place to end our journey. We ate, we shopped and we made sure to take a moment to stare in awe at the beauty of it all. Then we took the train back to Nice and made our way to a candy shop where we got to test candies and buy candies (which I obviously did). After it all we had dinner and went back to the hotel and our journey had come to a close. Spending spring break in France was memorable and every moment was captured either in Videos or Photos so that I would never forget it. Stay tuned for a video on Nyota’s Youtube page. XOXO
Carol Wright
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