Nyota Issue 23 by NYOTA Magazine

featuring

Ava Jules Issue 23

CONTENTS Music

Fashion

Cyberspace 07

Niharika Chandrasekar

H3rizon 09

Ariel Mckenna

Brittany J Smith 11

Aesthetics, Trends, and Human Psychology

Cooper Phillip 15

Grace Chow

A Thank You for All the Ways Music Brought Us Together

Megan McSherry

Words of Wisdom: Valeria Lipovetsky

Sierra Blax 19

Culture Ava Jules 43

Allison Kimball 71

Ava’s Faves 45

Bianca Valle 75

Emma Norton 47

Noelle Lucien 79

Shaka Smith 49

An Addictive Necessity: How my screens control me

Alexis Barber 53

Eryn Danielle 85

Erin Reese 57

Nicole Huff 89

Honey Thistle 59

Alex Rudin 91

Exploring the Finsta: a “fake” account meant to expose our “real” selves

Sarah Sem 97

Aley Arion 65

Dominique Druckman

101

Words of Wisdom: Chase Tang

105

THE

TEAM

Editor in Chief

Carol Wright is a recent graduate of American University. At a young age, she became interested in telling stories through photography which eventually led her down the path of creating Nyota. Now, her passion for storytelling has given her the opportunity to pick the brains of musicians, actors, and influencers across the world.

Assistant Editor

Arielle Ostry is entering her final year at The George Washington University, studying journalism and mass communication as well as dance. She started out writing dance reviews and artist features, and now likes obsessing over and writing about mental wellness, pop culture, and art (in all its many forms). In her spare time, Arielle enjoys fresh air, experimenting with her ever-evolving coffee order, and binge-listening to true crime podcasts.

Art Director

Nicole Cox is a recent American University graduate with a bachelor’s in Graphic Design. Nicole has always enjoyed the arts, from writing stories to painting objects she observed in nature, she always found a way to create, but she never expected the computer to be used as another medium for her creativity. Thanks to her wonderful professors at American, she was able to explore her passion for the arts and further implement her skills in her professional studies and hobbies.

FEATURES H3rizon

Erin Reese

Brittany J Smith

Honey Thistle

Cooper Phillip

Aley Arion

Sierra Blax

Allison Kimball

Niharika Chandrasekar

Bianca Valle

Ariel Mckenna

Noelle Lucien

Grace Chow

Eryn Danielle

Megan McSherry

Nicole Huff

Valeria Lipovetsky

Alex Rudin

Ava Jules

Sarah Sem

Emma Norton

Dominique Druckman

Shaka Smith

Chase Tang

Alexis Barber

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Sachar Breanna Riddick Maggie Mahoney Amanda Molloy

EDITOR’S LETTER Here we are a year into a global pandemic, coming out with our first quarterly issue of 2021. Since March of last year, life has been a series of nighttime drives to get fresh air, and going from looking at my midsize screen all day to my small screen at night then back again. Through it all, I have found myself taking breaks from online activity when the world becomes too much, or finding solace in vlogs and fashion content on Pinterest and Instagram. This led to me having the idea to focus on influencers, content creators, and digital changemakers for our March issue. In the past, we have used the March issue to discuss change and healthy habits – topics that go hand in hand with a spring awakening – but this year that felt wrong. Most people have spent their time binge watching, scrolling through TikTok, and listening to more podcasts than they can count (same here!), and there is no reason to pretend that hasn’t been happening. I hope you enjoy this issue which is chock full of YouTubers, podcasters, online activists, and creatives you should have on your radar. As we continue to navigate life in this COVID-19 era, make sure to get that fresh air and not judge yourself when you scroll on TikTok for exorbitant stretches of time. With Love, Carol Wright Editor in Chief @_carol_wright

Cyberspace Playlist curated by Sophie Sachar 7

Thats No Fun // Steve Lacy Bang // Goat Girl Sagittarius Superstar // COIN feat. Faye Webster Drink The Lake // IAN SWEET Too Good // Arlo Parks Someone Else // Deb Never telepatía // Kali Uchis Wooden Girl // jonatan leandoer96 Hear Me Out // Hovvdy Jitterbug // Fog Lake

H3rizon Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Anastasia Fua

In today’s digital age artists on the rise are using social media to build their fanbase and get their music out there. Girl group H3rizon are showing the importance of doing just that. H3rizon talked to NYOTA about their single “Maniac” and how social media has aided their careers. Take us back to the beginning. When and why did the three of you form H3rizon?

During the pandemic have you all had to find innovative ways to connect with your audience?

We all met through mutual gigs and loved performing together and singing cover songs as a trio. In late 2017, we wanted to create a new image for ourselves that fully represented us. H3rizon became the birth of a new sound for our group, incorporating elements from each of our musical backgrounds that are influenced by Pop, RnB, and classical music. Being a girl group, we want to empower every woman and for our success to inspire them to say, “I can do that too!”

Definitely. We are always creating content to engage with our audience. We find that listening to what our audience is looking for will establish more of an emotional connection. The audience also gets to know us better and what we like to sing/perform.

We’re constantly being inspired by female artists in the music industry – current, upcoming, and icons in history. As a girl group, we’re particularly inspired by Destiny’s Child, Chloe x Halle, the Spice Girls, and Little Mix!

As new artists, we find that making the first connection to a larger audience on social media is important. During the pandemic, using TikTok helped to grow our fanbase drastically, which we’d like to call a “miracle in disguise”. Social media has definitely been a huge help to us and without it, getting to where we are now wouldn’t be possible!

What inspired you all to start posting covers on social media?

2021 brings with it a new year and new music. Who are some artists you have been listening to?

Aside from writing and creating music together, we’re also passionate about creating unique vocal arrangements of other songs. We were inspired by other creators and the sense of community on social media, and that motivated us to share our arrangements on those platforms, especially on TikTok.

Bernie: My favourite artists I’m listening to right now are Chloe x Halle, Summer Walker, and Blxst.

Who are some of your music inspirations?

What inspired the lyrics to your latest song “Maniac?” We were inspired by other women boldly reclaiming sexuality in music. Our lyrics speak candidly about it and being the one to take charge, just like the way Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion don’t hold back in their song, “WAP.” We want women to feel in control in the craziest and most fun way possible when listening to our song. 9

Without social media do you think it would have been harder for the three of you to start your careers?

Gabby: Mahalia, Snoh Aalegra, and Victoria Monet – very iconic women I’ve been listening to on repeat. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? If music is what you love, and you’re passionate about pursuing a career in it, just do it and definitely put yourself out there to work with other creatives! Don’t let any negativity affect you, but learn to embrace the constructive criticism. And show that you treasure the appreciation and support that’ll definitely come your way! Believe in yourself, put in the hard work, and remember to be patient. It will all be worth it in the end.

#NYOTAmusic

Brittany J Smith Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Brittany J Smith

Brittany J Smith has been passionate about music since a young age and that passion eventually led her to creating a YouTube channel where she has amassed over 100,000 followers. Smith talked to NYOTA about creating content for her channel and how she keeps her channel positive.

Take us back to the beginning. When did you become passionate about music? I’ve been passionate about music since I can remember! I grew up in a very artistic and musical family where I was always encouraged to write songs and sing. From a very early age, I understood that music was an amazing way to express yourself and began making up songs at 2 and 3 years old! I was actually 7 when I recorded in a studio for the first time (a cover of “Jesus Loves Me!”) You can hear it on Spotify. It can be a big leap to post videos of yourself online let alone singing videos. Were you nervous to start posting videos online? Oh definitely! I STILL get nervous every single time. Haha, putting yourself out there, especially when it’s a video you worked really hard on and are proud of, can be pretty nerve-wracking. But I’ve gotten to the point where (even though I have butterflies) making a video public and just letting it go, for better or worse, is almost cathartic. I take a deep breath, hit ‘publish’, and think, “well, that’s that. On to the next!” What initially inspired you to put yourself out there in that way? Honestly, I hit a point where I was just done with waiting for a producer to finish a song, for a record label to sign me, for a musician to play with me and so on. It hit me that I needed to do the best I could with the equipment and knowledge I had in the moment in order to start taking steps forward towards my dreams and goals. I actually got started in the internet world in 2015 through live-streaming where I would put an iPod full of instrumentals on my iPod dock, go in the bathroom (because of the acoustics), set up my iPad and sing while streaming from there. Soon after, I began posting on my YouTube channel, slowly upgrading my equipment, learning A LOT along the way, and the rest is history! Do you have a favorite cover you’ve posted? That’s like asking a parent to choose a favorite child! Haha, I have SO many videos I’m extra proud of. Some of my favorites are “Down”, “Michael in the Bathroom”, “Dead Mom”, “Satisfied” and “The Schuyler Sisters”! 12

#NYOTAmusic

“You attract what you put out… so I try to be very mindful about the ways I communicate. If I can’t say something in a kind and tactful way, I don’t say anything at all.” Through your channel and on your Instagram it’s clear you’re a big Disney fan. Could you ever see yourself writing or creating songs for Disney one day? Absolutely! Working for Disney in any capacity would be a DREAM come true… especially if it was to voice a character! Having a large online following has its ups and downs. How have you maintained a positive YouTube and Instagram community? Two things I do to maintain positive communities are:

projects, and outside of creating content, it’s brought me an opportunity to do YouTube mentoring through Bsquared MGMT! You’ve hit over 100k subscribers on YouTube. Where do you see your channel going from here? From here, I hope it will continue to grow and be a place where people can come for fun content that brings some joy to their day... and maybe even some happy distraction from the hard things going on in the world. There will be a lot more original music this year, more vlog and makeup content, and more collaborations with amazing fellow creators!

1. Keep things positive with my own speech and the ways I react to things. You attract what you put out… so I try to be very mindful about the ways I communicate. If I can’t say something in a kind and tactful way, I don’t say anything at all. 2. I have a zero tolerance rule for bullying! If a comment is meant simply to inflict pain, or cruelty veiled as “constructive criticism” whether it be directed at me or at another commenter, it gets deleted. Period. Allowing comments like that to exist gives others permission to speak to myself and one another that way, so I always nip it in the bud immediately. Has the pandemic given you more time to focus on creating video content and music? Definitely! I’m currently working on finishing up multiple original songs, a few REALLY cool cover song 14

Cooper Phillip Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Alena Soboleva

Cooper Phillip was born into a family of accomplished classical musicians, so it’s not a surprise that music became her life’s work as well. After studying classical piano, music theory, harp, jazz, blues, ballet and voice at Moscow State Classical Academy, Phillip moved to New York City to pursue an international career in music at the age of 17. She talked to NYOTA about her single “Head Over Heels” and the power of utilizing social media. You grew up around accomplished classical musicians. Did a career in music seem inevitable? I’ve always known about my path and purpose in life, and even though it felt like my parents decided on my future, the decision to pursue a singing career was honest and my own. With the love and support of my family, I quickly realized what I really wanted to do. What was it like moving to New York to get your career started? What did you learn along the way? It was the craziest and the bravest and the happiest decision of my life. I had no idea it was gonna be this rough, but it made me a stronger and better person, showed me my weakness and strength. That experience taught me how to be kind. I’m truly grateful. Tell us about your song “Head Over Heels” and the message behind it. This song speaks about spontaneous and crazy decisions in life in the moment. All the best decisions in life I made without thinking. I trusted my gut. This song talks about self-trust and self-forgiveness. Too often we’re too hard on ourselves about little things. It’s important to respect any decision and trust. Do you have a particular songwriting process? I usually come up with a cool, catchy title first and a story. I’m very visual when it comes to writing. I love telling stories, especially those that happen to me. 15

As artists grow in their careers. Do you think utilizing social media is an important way for them to grow their audience? Absolutely. Our power is our fans, our audience. It’s an amazing era to create in. You can do so and literally by yourself. You just have to do it. Has this year of quarantine and social distancing given you a chance to create a lot of new music? Yes. I created an entire album. Has social media given you the opportunity to interact with fans on a deeper level? I’m getting there. I think I can dedicate more time to my social media. I feel that I have many angles that I want to share with my fans that I wasn’t able to yet. What advice do you have for aspiring artists? Keep going no matter what. Believe in yourself!

A Thank You for All the Ways Music Brought Us Together By Breanna Riddick

During the early days of quarantine, when I was a college senior avoiding my final assignments and thinking about how ridiculous it was that I’d be transitioning from a graduation on the National Mall to a graduation in my dad’s basement, I turned to music in a new way. At school, I was the host of a music radio show about music sampling that ran for three years. Now that I was home and without a proper studio, I decided to improvise. I made a blog for my show and for the remainder of the spring semester, I uploaded playlists once a week, still centering the sampling theme. Throughout the week, however, I wanted people to be engaged. My favorite way to do this was by creating conversations on Instagram. I’d ask people to write in who they thought was an industry plant or run polls on which Drake album is better between Nothing Was the Same and If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late (spoiler: NWTS won because of it’s artistry but IYRTITL is better because you know he had a lot of fun making it). While my personal Instagram isn’t incredibly groundbreaking, we can easily look back and see that creating conversations about music has been a source of levity and has been critical in building and maintaining community throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. So, I’m taking some time to say my proper “thank you’s” for all the ways music digitally brought us together over the past year.

1. Thank you to the people who tell us exactly what they’re listening to on social media

2. Thank you to the Instagram programming that kept us and our parents occupied

60 percent of my DMs on Instagram are my friends responding to my Close Friends posts or sending me memes. But the other 40 percent are these weekly to biweekly moments where I have responded to or someone else has responded to me: “OMG I LOVE THIS SONG!” or “OMG I just listened to this song! I have to listen to more of their music. Thank you!” Aside from the ego boost that someone thinks your taste in music is top tier, it’s proven itself to be a great way to reconnect with friends or make new ones. Especially in the early quarantine days, I found myself talking more to my beloved radio intern because we’d respond to one another’s music shares.

My mom had speakers set up in her apartment for her DJ D-Nice Club Quarantine listening sessions. I often found myself overhearing conversations with my dad and his Instagram having friends about what he missed during “Club Quarantine” the night prior. No matter where your parents fell on the Instagram programming spectrum, it was something to unwind to after another bizarre day of working in the same environment as their kids (a.k.a. us). But it wasn’t just Club Quarantine. Instagram Verzuz challenges, where greats in R&B and Hip-Hop battle it out for the top spot in our hearts, have been fantastic for family (and Twitter) bonding.

#NYOTAmusic

3. Thank you, TikTok From the Savage to Don’t Rush challenges TikTok has rolled music, dance, and humor all in one for prime midday and midweek activities and entertainment throughout quarantine. It’s been a phenomenal vehicle for discovering and building community through new music. Granted, by the time the songs end up migrating from the app to the radio or our phones, we typically hate the song. Even more, by the time it’s migrated across various digital media, we typically realize the song wasn’t that great to begin with. But that doesn’t change the fact that we can’t stop listening.

COVID-19 gave us new ways to engage the music around us, specifically in how we can come together because of it. Community doesn’t always have to be groundbreaking or supportive efforts. Sometimes, community can be as simple and important as having a source of entertainment and light during really difficult times, just like now.

4. Thank you to the friends that make us playlists When I was still running the blog, in the midst of finals and the overall disappointment that my senior year ended when I submitted my final paper from my mom’s table, I found myself burnt out. I needed a break, but I also didn’t know why I did. I made the announcement that I wouldn’t be releasing a playlist or blog post that week while I took time to rest. Later in the day, I opened a text from my friend which read, “because you’re sad” with a link to a playlist titled “5/18 4 Bre.” A few weeks prior, another friend had noticed a trend in the music I was sharing on Instagram and said, “I think you and I have similar taste in music. I’m going to make you a playlist!” She sent me personalized playlists filled to the brim with songs I hadn’t heard before but suddenly found myself listening to nonstop. 5. Thank you to the people who have been mastering the art of curating There’s a difference between throwing a bunch of songs into a playlist and curating one. Quarantine and the pandemic, especially as I’ve seen and discussed with friends, have offered more time to intentionally build a cohesive body of work. I have major applause and “thank you’s” for the people who have taken the time to learn this skill. These playlists perfectly identify, execute, and influence the vibe that is intended to be created. Even though we’re not “partying” right now, there’s going to be some truly amazing party playlists once we can all be around each other again. 18

#NYOTAmusic

Sierra Blax Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Becca Hake

Sierra Blax was raised on the island of Kaua’i where she grew up listening to reggae and hawaiian music that still influences her sound to this day. Through her songwriting she aims to empower women and show that it’s ok to make mistakes. Blax talked to NYOTA about her single “INYIM” and connecting with listeners through social media. You were born and raised on the island of Kaua’i. Did your upbringing have any influence on the music you listen to or artists you like? Yes, absolutely. I grew up listening to the island radio so I was exposed to so much hawaiian and reggae music. It’s simply that kind of music that makes you feel good and it’s easy to sing along to. In many ways, I try to incorporate that same idea into my music by adding that neo-soul flare to it. I think it develops a cool sound. Tell us a bit about your song “INYIM (It’s Not You It’s Me)”. What inspired the lyrics? “It’s Not You It’s Me” is an unapologetic song that plays with the idea of commitment phobia and independence. I’ve always loved the use of this phrase, and in this case, I wanted to use it as a way that felt playful and sassy yet really giving honesty and reason to the “ME” in the phrase. So I thought it would be interesting to really develop a narrative of flaws that give reason to why it’s ME and it’s not YOU. What you’ll hear in the verses is my testimony to why I can’t commit due to my insecurities and issues, yet at the same time just simply wanting to be FREE and INDEPENDENT! I think everyone can relate to the lyrics when you find yourself in a hot mess or in an unrequited love all while having NO MONEY. I know it’s kind of specific, but at the same time I’m sure most people have been through some kind of similar experience! I love the song’s sound. What was it like collaborating with your producer Tim Rose and the musicians on this track? Thank you! Collaborating with Tim and the rest of the musicians on this track was such a cool experience. They’re the real deal. When I brought this song to Tim, I showed him a reference song of how I wanted the bass to sound and feel. I really wanted it to be the center of attention. Tim definitely resonated with the idea, so it was super neat being able to bring that to life. 20

Your visuals for your songs are very creative and fun. What is your usual process for creating visuals that will accompany a song? I’m super in love with things looking old and kind of DIY. I think it’s important to give out visuals that people can relate to and at the same time live vicariously through. With that being said, my process usually just starts with a vision I have in my head and then finding someone who I know would have the same aesthetic and then from there we put together a game plan. As a rising artist has social media been useful in building your fanbase? Yes, for sure. It’s a really useful platform for independent artists like myself to reach an audience without having a label to do it for you. I’ve met some really cool people through Instagram that have been supporting my music from the beginning and it’s so cool to have them on this journey with me. For your career overall has social media been a useful tool when it comes to sharing your music? Yes, for sure. I think everyone is having to use it these days to stay up to date and relevant with the times. It’s very useful for me. Since I’m not with a label, I’m able to create an image and a brand for myself using social media. With the pandemic live music has essentially ceased and virtual events have taken its place. Do you see virtual events becoming the norm at least for the near future? Hmm.. this is a tough one. I think it will be the norm for at least another year or so, but once things are back to normal, I’m sure people are going to want the real thing. Virtual shows are super cool – I’ve done a few – but it’s really not the same feeling as what you can experience at an actual concert. How have you been keeping yourself creatively motivated? I think learning how to do something new like producing has kept me creatively motivated to see what I can evolve my sound into. When the pandemic hit, I wasn’t able to go in the studio with producers, so I was kind of forced to learn how to use logic to send vocals and maybe some guitar tracks. During that process, I began dabbling in my own productions and I became hooked. Learning how to produce my own songs has made me a better songwriter and artist.

#NYOTAmusic

Niharika Chandrasekar Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Niharika Chandrasekar

Niharika Chandrasekar has had an interest in clothing since preschool, and thanks to Instagram she now has a platform to share her unique and evolving style. Chandrasekar talked to NYOTA about her work with Parachute Media and how she keeps her content fresh and interesting. What initially got you interested in the world of fashion? I’ve been into fashion ever since I was a toddler. I would play dress up 10 times a day and be insistent on wearing the most extra outfit ever to preschool. I loved how fun and creative you could be everyday just with your clothes. One day I could be more grungy and the next as girly as I wanted to be in a full pink fit. As I got older, I got more opportunities to work in the world of fashion beyond just sharing my style online and it’s been incredible to do so. When you first started creating content online how did you differentiate yourself from other fashion/beauty influencers? I always made sure to stay true to my style and the aesthetics I personally gravitated to rather than what’s just trendy a specific season. When I first started out, Instagram wasn’t too evolved so it was great to explore types of content and not be too cautious of being perfect or having a flawless feed. Now, I still try to stick to what I truly like because as trends move through feeds so quickly, it’s far more genuine to own your own aesthetic than chasing after the next viral trend. Your makeup looks are always fun and creative. What usually inspires the looks you share online? I love playing around with bright colors and patterns. Also, I try to make my looks unique but also wearable so that I can rock them in public. I really enjoy finishing off my outfits with a matching look that helps me be as bold as I can be!! For most of my looks, I pull the colors from my various outfits and vintage pieces. How has it been working and building relationships with brands? Was that a difficult road to navigate at first? It’s been a great learning experience and has allowed me to learn how to independently build up my brand as well as professional presence. In 2020, I pushed myself to start reaching out and gaining partnerships on my own. That was difficult at first as I wasn’t exactly sure how to pitch myself for success, but after a handful of acceptances and rejections, I understood the value to my content and what I really could bring to brands. From then on, I realized that my makeup looks specifically are a great way to market any product or brand. I’ve done sponsored looks for pajamas, high-end bandanas, and even mezcal. 23

#NYOTAmusic

“...stick to what you truly love!! Trends will come and go as well as give you quick growth, but always sticking to your most authentic self and style will help you be the most genuine online.” Tell us about Parachute Media. How did it come to be and what is Parachute Media’s mission? Parachute Media is a WOC media startup that wants womxn and non-binary people of color to reclaim their narratives and identities. It was created by Ochuko Akpovbovbo, who is an international student based in Oregon who wanted a safe space to talk about the issues we face as women of color. I’ve really enjoyed cultivating a community and digital space that allows anyone to be themselves and guide them to self-love in whatever form that may be. You’re in charge of Marketing for Parachute Media. Has it been a learning experience building an audience from the ground up and coming up with creative ways to get the company out there? It’s definitely been a learning experience to grow from scratch. I’ve previously worked for more established brands, where my role was more maintenance than growth. Initially, our reach was our team’s network and digital reach, but this really helped get our name out there. It allowed us to have a strong and engaging community, which I’ve been super thankful for. Now, we are continuing to grow through our digital community space, Parachute Club, where members can find others for advice or just to connect! When your work revolves around social media it can be easy to burnout. How do you balance your work and taking care of your mental health? It’s definitely easy to get burnout and feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, I feel like I’m on my phone all day because of Parachute, digital strategy research, and my own brand work. After I get through my current 25

projects for the day, I make sure I turn off my phone for a few hours and practice being present. It’s a great reminder that you have a whole life outside of your digital presence. I find that it’s so easy to be hyperfocused on engaging with others and even comparing yourself to other creators. Taking time away from that, I realized that my journey through fashion, beauty, and creating is my own unique journey. Comparing myself or constantly being online isn’t productive for anyone. It’s so crucial to remember that. What advice do you have for others who want to start posting fashion or beauty related content online? My biggest advice would be to stick to what you truly love!! Trends will come and go as well as give you quick growth, but always sticking to your most authentic self and style will help you be the most genuine online. As Instagram is now greatly valuing engagement, it’s definitely easier to bring that about by making content with both styles and brands you love.

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAfashion

Ariel Mckenna Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Ariel Mckenna

After consuming content on YouTube, Ariel Mckenna decided to start making content of her own. And now 21k+ followers later, she has cultivated a space to share videos ranging from how to make a rug to thrift haul unboxings. Mckenna talked to NYOTA about planning out her videos and how you don’t need a particular set-up or equipment to get a YouTube channel started. Has creativity always been a large part of your life? Yes, creativity has definitely always been a large part of my life. I think that at every stage of my life, I’ve had some sort of creative activity or hobby I really loved. When I was really young, I enjoyed arts and crafts and typical coloring and drawing activities. When I got a bit older and was in middle school, I was very into sculpting with polymer clay, and would spend hours making little charms and keychains. Then, during highschool I became more immersed in fashion and picked up sewing and hand embroidery. Now, as I’m in college and especially during quarantine, I’ve picked up some new creative outlets like rug making, and most notably, YouTube. Creating has always been a great outlet for de-stressing and personal expression for me and has taken many different forms throughout the different stages of my life. YouTube is in need of more Black creators and it’s great to see you carving a space for yourself on the platform. What initially motivated you to start your channel? I think that I’ve kind of always wanted to start a YouTube channel, but always felt like something was holding me back or stopping me from really going for it. I have always watched a lot of YouTube videos, and would constantly plan for and even film videos that just never made it to being posted. I think the thing that initially motivated me to start my channel was finally feeling confident enough to put myself out there. In the past, I always thought I had to be perfectly put together and professional looking, with all the right equipment and perfect set-up, before I could start my channel. However, I think that after wanting to do it for so long, I realized that there would never be a “perfect time” to do it, and that I’d simply have to just do it. I also think another large part of it was that I was tired of consuming, oftentimes over-consuming, YouTube videos and generally just online content. I felt as though shifting from constant consumption of media to actually producing content of my own would 28

be refreshing. I also found that what I was consuming wasn’t necessarily things that I really loved or really resonated with me. Part of that I think is due to the fact that there is such a lack of diversity on YouTube and particularly within the space of content that I was consuming, so I thought that by starting my channel I would have the opportunity to create the content that I would like to have as representation and inspiration.

filming a video. I film and edit one video each week pretty much just based on how much time I have, what I feel like filming, and what I’m interested in at the moment. I guess I do sort of have a general idea of what types of videos I want to film within a month. I like to have a good variety of hauls or unboxing, vlogs, different DIYs, or tutorials, but other than that I just go based on how I’m feeling that week.

A staple on your channel are your thrift hauls. Share with our readers some of your favorite stores to shop from and why thrifting became a large aspect of your life?

You’re very creative and have created a rug and pants from scratch. When you’re not creating videos do you do other projects as a way to unwind?

I started thrifting when I was in middle school, sort of out of necessity. My parents were quite strict and choosy with what clothing they were willing to buy for me, and I didn’t have much money to buy the clothes I wanted for myself. For me, thrifting was the solution to this problem, it allowed me to buy clothes that I liked and felt represented me, but it was also within my very limited budget that I could afford at the time. I’m so grateful for it, because thrifting really helped me to develop my own style and I have definitely found some of my most beloved pieces in my wardrobe at the thrift store. I don’t really have any specific special spots, it’s definitely always a hit or miss, but Goodwill and Savers thrift stores are ones that I frequently visit and have found some gems at!

Definitely, I love doing crafts so much and really enjoy learning new crafts! I sort of have a list of different craft or creative activities in my head, and whenever I have time I like to learn a new craft. It can get difficult to find time for it, especially between school and YouTube, but it’s also a great way to unwind and engage a different, more creative part of my brain. After learning a craft I love bringing it to my channel in a tutorial or even just talking about it to inspire others to find joy in it the same way I did. The next project I would like to learn is crochet, because I think that there are so many different things you can make, and I love the practical fashion aspect of it as well. I also hope to make some more rugs, because after making my rug tutorial, I haven’t had much time to finish another rug.

One of your videos focuses on the problem with aesthetics. Do you think social media has played a large role in people wanting to fit into aesthetics and straying away from personal style? I definitely think that social media has completely changed the way that fashion and trends arrive and cycle, and I think that aesthetics have a large part in that as well. It’s really easy to look at what’s popular and trendy on social media and what is getting “likes’’ or is perceived as cool, and shift your own personal style to reflect that. For this reason, I think social media has shaped the personal style of others, including myself, and many times that may mean losing one’s own uniqueness by following what is esteemed on social media at the moment. Do you take time to plan out your week or month in YouTube videos or do you focus more on filming ideas as they come? I have a notebook where I write down video ideas as they come, but I don’t really plan ahead a ton before 29

Do you have a favorite video you have filmed so far? I’m not sure if I have a favorite video, but I think that if I had to choose, my favorite video that I’ve filmed so far was “instagram vs (my) reality”. It was one of my first videos on my channel, and I really like how honest and open it was. I also really enjoyed the fact that I could just speak freely about a topic I generally find very interesting, as well as my own experience with the subject. It is a type of video that I was looking for on YouTube before, but never really saw other people talking about. I think that among my other videos, this one is kind of overlooked, but all of the comments and feedback from others on the video are very thought-provoking, and it kind of shows me that other people agree or can identify with my own social media experience.

#NYOTAmusic

Being on YouTube, is it difficult not to get caught up in the numbers of views you get or subscribers you have? If so – how do you get past that hurdle and just focus on the creative side of things? It can be hard to not get caught up in the numbers of subscribers or views, and it definitely was difficult for me in the beginning, but as my channel has grown I have really learned not to focus on it much. I have realized that regardless of the numbers of views and subscribers I might have, it’s not really of much importance. I think that the content I create shouldn’t be subject to being reduced to only a number, and the people who subscribe to my channel and watch my videos shouldn’t be reduced to a number either. Whenever I find myself focusing on stats and analytics of my channel more than I’d like to, I find it helpful to log out of my account for a bit. It gives me the space to focus on what I really care about, which is creating things and content that I am proud of and enjoy sharing with others, rather than subscriber count or views. Regardless of the number of subscribers or views I may have, what really matters is that I am making content that I can enjoy and be proud of, and that others may enjoy as well.

Aesthetics, Trends, and Human Psychology By Maggie Mahoney

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Social networks are subversive, dominating our lives in the modern world. Many of us engage with social media in at least some way for multiple hours each day. As a result of widespread use and constant saturation, nearly every industry has been forever changed by the rise and popularization of social media. The fashion industry, and by extension, people’s personal styles are no exception. In the words of SEO marketing guru and business journalist, David Amerland, “Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something which the real world lacks: it gives us immediacy, direction, and value as an individual.” The fashion industry is one trade that is deeply affected by the influence and whims of social media platforms. Consider the relative inaccessibility the fashion industry used to bolster versus the collaborative nature of the industry now. The fashion industry was previously quite one-sided where designers displayed their collections on catwalks and in magazines for consumers with access to these resources to see and take inspiration from. The fashion industry created the trends and decided who the trendsetters would be. Consumers were limited to what was available and presented to them within the market. In today’s world with the rise of social media, this old structure has been flipped on its head. Trendsetters can come from anywhere and consumers have the power to influence and contribute to fashion, even shaping trends and the work of runway designers themselves. 31

In the pandemic, we have directly seen this more clearly than ever before. Despite people venturing out less overall, trends have thrived and flourished online. Subcultures and fashion cults from dark academia to Y2K to cottage core have been elevated and infiltrated mainstream style. The high fashion world has taken notice of these trends and even been inspired by them. For example, just look at Marc Jacobs’ Heaven label division which draws from goth, Y2K, and punk influences. Need further proof of social media’s influence? Just think about the ways in which platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok create and identify the trends, and then these same trends seep into the clothing choices of people you see and know in your daily life. Trends spread quickly and widely across the world through social networks in ways they were never able to previously even with print and television. Social media intersects with style and consumerism more than ever in today’s world. We have subsets of social networks like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shopping, and branded/sponsored posts as direct examples of those relationships. Now that we understand why and how social media influences trends, consider why people assimilate and adopt them. Humans have long been influenced by culture, environment, and one another. As social creatures, people feel an inherent desire to belong, be accepted, and find community. This desire to impress and attract others can induce a bandwagon effect where a person behaves a certain way because

#NYOTAfashion

they think that other people are doing the same. This directly applies to fashion and the tendency for people to follow trends. Imitation and admiration go hand in hand in impacting trend adoption. Individuals seeing people around them (both friends and figures that they admire) wearing certain articles or styles of clothing may encourage them to also do so or may inspire them to venture outside of their fashion comfort zones. Fashion isn’t always freeing, however. People may feel obligated to fit into a certain aesthetic or follow certain trends to make themselves more easily understood by others or so that they are viewed more positively by their peers. But fashion is also perceived by individuals as a way of identifying and expressing yourself. One’s style, in that way, is a way of packaging and even marketing one’s self to the world and attracting people who are similar to you (could be within the same aesthetic or otherwise). At its core, fashion is a form of finding individuality within a collective context.

#NYOTAfashion

Grace Chow Interview by Carol Wright Imagery courtesy of Code Mint

Grace Chow has been working in the influencer space long before it became trendy to do so. Now, after years of working with brands, she is breaking into the beauty industry with her own company, Code Mint. Chow talked to NYOTA about how her upbringing influenced the work she does now and Code Mint’s focus on clean beauty. Did your upbringing have any influence on the work you do now?

compelled me to take action and incorporate health and environmental concerns into product development.

I think my upbringing definitely has made me who I am today. My father is a very strict figure and he taught me how to be a responsible person. My mother herself is a very entrepreneurial lady. She is the living example of how a woman can achieve whatever she wants. As most parents do, they had their expectations of me, but they’ve never dictated my life choices. In a way, they have supported me to explore my passions and be myself.

Code Mint has a focus on clean beauty. Was this something you wanted to be a tenet of your brand from the start?

Being an influencer is common nowadays, but you were one of the first people to truly step into that career path. At the beginning could you have foreseen the growth the influencer industry would have? Honestly speaking, I could not have foreseen the exponential growth in this industry, just as I could not have foreseen the mass expansion of social media platforms in the past few years. My presence online initially was simply to share my life with like-minded people. Who love fashion, food, and lifestyle. I do also share my emotions and ups and downs in life with my followers. I think that was how I built up these connections online. As an influencer you have to build and cultivate relationships with brands. Is there a particular brand you’ve enjoyed working with the most? I had many great collaborations with brands. One of my favorite brands to work with is ByFar. I had a very pleasant experience with their founders, three very inspiring ladies, and we really clicked. On top of their trendy and chic designs, they have allowed me absolute freedom to create brandrelated content on my social media. Tell us about your latest venture, Code Mint. What made you want to break into the beauty space? As a cosmetics consumer, I often find existing products lack the qualities I need or the ideal color for my style. So, the idea of creating my very own ideal products had always been in the back of my head. Over the years, I have also learned more about cosmetics products’ impact on health and the environment. This ongoing pandemic rang the alarm and

Clean beauty is undoubtedly the goal we have strived for from the very beginning of our brand. However, this is not a single step but a continuous learning experience. The awareness of clean beauty is still inadequate at the current stage in China, so part of our work is to educate the consumers about this idea while providing them with clean and affordable products achievable with existing technologies. What are some of the biggest lessons you learned while creating Code Mint? I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how things are not as simple as they seem. When developing our first line of products, we tried to use all renewable, non-plastic materials for our packaging. However, we have learned that such an approach could increase carbon emission because the materials we chose would require more energy when produced and transported. In the process of developing responsible products, I had to face technological constraints and balance different factors. During the pandemic how have you had to reinvent the work you do while stuck at home? As an influencer, my work is about sharing my life, so staying at home was initially very restrictive on what content I could create and share. However, it was also an opportunity for reflection. I was able to communicate more with my followers and encourage each other during that hard time. In a way, I took that period to foster stronger connections with my followers. What tips do you have for those trying to build their personal brand? I think one tip is to be true to yourself. A personal brand is a reflection of the person behind it. Only an authentic creator can develop a personal brand that connects with its fans.

Megan McSherry Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Megan McSherry

Megan McSherry’s passion for conscious consumerism coupled with her social media savvy has allowed her to build an audience and educate them on the benefits of sustainable fashion. Through her blog, Instagram, and TikTok she discusses topics ranging from thrift flips to how to help garment workers. McSherry talked to NYOTA about what initially sparked her passion for conscious consumerism and taking brands to task. What initially made you passionate about conscious consumerism and can you give our readers a brief explanation of what conscious consumerism is? As a college student who was very new to issues with sustainable and ethical fashion and sustainable living as a whole, I felt like there was no way for me to make a difference. I was just a student, I didn’t have a ton of time or money, I hadn’t even been eligible to vote in my first election. So, when I learned about conscious consumerism – the idea that you can vote with your dollars – it really connected with me. A conscious consumer is committed to making purchasing decisions that are good for people and the planet, and a huge part of that is simply thinking through your purchases on a deeper level. Thinking through my purchases and trying to actively choose items that were more sustainably made, more sustainably packaged, or easier to reuse or recycle felt doable because it was just adding a layer of awareness to my purchases. Your website says you’re an INFJ (same here!). How much do you think your advocate personality type plays a role in the work you do? I think it plays a huge role! I didn’t know that I was an INFJ until after I started to become passionate about sustainability and environmental issues, so “the advocate” label really connected some dots for me. Feelings and emotions were the very reason I got into sustainability activism and education – I was so moved by The True Cost documentary that I immediately changed the way I shopped and changed how I used my platform to talk about fashion. You often post thrift flips and this led to you posting a TikTok discussing how shoppers need to be more conscious when thrift flipping. For those who thrift flip and buy clothing that’s not their size, can you explain why this can be harmful at times? The fashion industry has always been somewhat exclusive to certain groups of people and those exclusions are amplified in the sustainable fashion industry. Sustainable fashion is expensive and many brands only offer their products in a small size range (S-L or XS-XL). For those with less disposable income and those that need plus size clothing (which is more people than you may think as the average women’s size in the US is a size 16 or an XL or XXL), new sustainably made clothing isn’t accessible but secondhand clothing can be. Thrift flipping can become problematic when folks who benefit from thin privilege buy items 4 or 5 times larger than their typical size and turn it into something smaller that fits

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAfashion them. This takes away from the already limited selection that fat sustainable shoppers have and makes participating in the sustainable fashion movement even more difficult. It’s also important to think about what communities thrift stores exist to serve in the first place. This is a perfect example of being a more conscious consumer. There are lots of nuanced issues with buying secondhand clothing, so it’s important to be aware of what is available at your store and who may need the items there more than you. Becoming a conscious consumer may seem daunting to some people. What tips would you give to those who want to shop more sustainably but feel as though it’s too hard or their financial circumstances won’t allow them to? In its most basic definition, conscious consumerism is just being more aware of what you consume when you consume it. In an ideal state, you would be able to buy products from companies who uphold your values and work to protect the people who make their products and the environment, but at the end of the day conscious consumerism is about knowing what you are buying and buying what you will use. Ask yourself questions before you buy something. Do I need this or want this? Will I actually use this? Is there a better alternative available to me that works with my budget or other needs? Is there a secondhand option? Is there an option made from organic materials or ingredients? Is there a reusable option? Asking yourself these questions will ensure you buy things that you will use often and will get the most out of! Even if you cannot afford the “best” option, the most sustainable option is an item you will use for a long time. Think through your purchase, figure out what makes most sense for your budget, and choose the option you will get the most use out of. Conscious consumerism isn’t something you can be “perfect” at, so don’t feel like you aren’t doing enough if you cannot always choose the “best” option available to you. When you became a sustainability activist, were you nervous to take brands to task and let them know they needed to take xyz steps to becoming sustainable? Or did your passion make it easy for you to use your voice? Oh absolutely! I consider myself an extremely nonconfrontational person, but there is just something about issues with sustainability that lights a fire in me to really ask the hard-hitting questions no matter how nervewracking it may feel to call a brand out. Especially as my community has continued to grow, both on Instagram and TikTok, I feel a great responsibility to put in the work and make sure I truly believe in the values of the brands I talk about.

With online shops like Depop and ThredUp becoming more popular, have you seen thrift flipping and buying second hand start to become the new normal? If so, do you see this leading to Gen-Zers and younger shoppers becoming conscious consumers at younger ages? I definitely have seen shopping second hand become more popular over the past few years, and thrift flipping is absolutely growing in popularity with people who love a good DIY clothing item or know how to sew. I do think this has played a role in bringing Gen-Z into the conscious consumerism movement, as second hand fashion is likely the most accessible way for Gen-Zers to participate in the sustainable fashion movement, but I also think Gen-Zers as a whole are way more aware of issues like sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry (as well as other industries). Social media has its bad and good sides, but do you feel as though you’ve been able to educate and reach your audience in a positive way? I definitely try my best. I think this has become more complicated as short form video content has really taken off on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. You have 30 seconds to get your point across to someone and there is no way I can hit every nuance of every complex issue regarding sustainable fashion or sustainable living. I never know what video is going to go viral or only reach the followers that have been following me for a while. I do feel as though I have been able to provide a somewhat realistic example of what sustainable living can look like – I create waste, I use plastic, I fall for greenwashing sometimes – and that is really important for my community to see. This is an interview in our fashion section after all. What are some of your favorite stores to shop at or thrift from? I swear I learn about a new amazing sustainable brand or second hand shop every day! My favorite second hand shop as of late is Love Hannah Lee. I’ve gotten a few items from her and they are all staples in my closet! As for new sustainable clothing, I love Girlfriend Collective. They take a very holistic approach to sustainability and I appreciate their transparency. I’ve been wearing my leggings from them constantly throughout the pandemic. I also love what Loud Bodies is doing! I have a dress from them in the mail and am so excited to get it. Loud Bodies is committed to inclusive sustainable fashion, offering sizes from XXS-10X as well as custom size requests since everything is made to order! Inclusivity is so important in the sustainable fashion movement.

#NYOTAfashion

Words of Wisdom

Valeria Lipovetsky Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Aashish Mahajan & Rupert Aquino

Known for her magnetic personality and sharing her life online, Valeria Lipovetsky is an influencer and founder of VALERIA INC. and e-commerce business, Leia Collection. Valeria’s platforms have become a source of positivity and advice for her followers with a focus on fashion, family, and self-love content. Thanks to her authentic approach, Valeria has garnered over 3 million followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Lipovetsky talked to NYOTA about her years as a model and connecting with others through social media. Take us back to your childhood. Were you creative or interested in fashion growing up? I always had an active imagination as a child and my mom definitely sparked my interest in fashion. She wouldn’t leave the house without a full face of makeup and was always dressed to the nines. And of course, my time modeling around the world helped to solidify my love for fashion and expressing myself through clothes. Do you think your years of modeling have given you valuable lessons that have helped in your current career? 100 percent. People tend to have negative views of the industry, but my experience overall was quite positive, largely because of how much I learned about myself. I developed a thick skin through modeling – there’s a lot of rejection and you really have to become your own cheerleader. In a roundabout way, modeling showed me that external validation wasn’t the be-all and end-all, and I really came into my identity as my career progressed. When you first started posting fashion and lifestyle content on Instagram was it with a business mindset or more for your own enjoyment? At the time, I was working with my nutrition clients 1-1 but I felt limited in terms of who I could connect with so I started posting on YouTube and Instagram as a way to share my knowledge about holistic nutrition with a larger audience. When I first started sharing content on social media, I was pushed out of my comfort zone. What really kept me going was realizing that, as a mother, I didn’t have a ton of time for hobbies so I could either turn what I was doing into a career or slow down, and that’s when my business mindset really kicked into gear. As my community grew, I started sharing more about my day-to-day life, my family, ups and downs. It felt very organic. I continue to share my life and create content because I genuinely enjoy it, but periods of high growth have also encouraged me to look at the business side. 40

#NYOTAfashion

Your fashion content is always perfect and makes me want to completely redo my wardrobe. Do certain people or places influence your style and the fashion content you create? Thank you! I’m not sure about perfect, but I put a lot of time and energy into those videos so I’m glad they’re well-received. I get inspiration from the world around me, the women around me. One of the reasons I love to travel is so that I can be exposed to other cultures and fashion around the world. I also love scrolling on Pinterest and taking inspiration from art and photography there.

What advice do you have for others who want to become content creators or influencers? First and foremost, consistency. To get good at anything, you need to put in the hours. Next, I’d say listen to your audience but don’t let them dictate exactly what you do. Bring your unique insights and ideas to the stage, keep experimenting, and have fun with it!

What has been the best part of growing your platforms and building a community on social media? It might sound cliché, but the best part is – without a doubt – the connections I’ve been able to make with people all over the world. From other creators to viewers who have seen my YouTube journey from the beginning to new friends who have found me through TikTok, I’m thankful to have an incredible community of young women who support and uplift each other. You’re very open on your channel when it comes to your personal life and your family. Over the years have you had to learn where to draw the line when it comes to what you share with your audience? Absolutely! Over the years, we’ve actually become quite selective about what we share. Anyone who engages with us across social channels gets very real insight into our lives, but there’s certainly a lot that happens off camera – good, bad, and super mundane! Last year changed our way of life in more ways than one. What are some positive changes you have seen across social media as a result of all that happened in 2020? What stands out to me is the importance of human connection, and how much we all strive for it. I think social media is evidence of that and it’s been encouraging to see people band together and continue making connections virtually. Self-awareness has also been a big part of my personal journey over the past year. 2020 forced us to slow down and be present, with ourselves and our emotions. It has allowed for more raw content on social media.

Ava Jules Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Sienna Morales

Ava Jules’ YouTube channel is a breath of fresh air. Whether Jules is sitting down to discuss books she is currently reading or taking her viewers around the island she calls home, there is always a warmth and positivity that can be hard to come by online. Outside of her channel this same positivity can be seen when she spreads awareness about sustainability or when she takes on a new project such as collaborating with her best friend Hannah Meloche on a jewelry line. Jules talked to NYOTA about keeping things real with her audience and how YouTube has brought out her creative side. Watching makeup gurus inspired you to start your own YouTube channel ‘Beauty By Ava’. In those early days were you eager to share with others that you had a channel or did you keep it to yourself? I was anything but eager when it came to telling others about my channel. My parents didn’t even find out until months after I had started posting. It was more that I didn’t feel like it was anything serious rather than feeling embarrassed. The world of social media can be a mean and toxic place, but you’re always a breath of fresh air with your constant positivity. What do you do to disconnect and stay positive? I really love having quality time with friends, my boyfriend, and family that isn’t recorded or posted. Having that time to disconnect and be present with the people that mean the most to me holds a lot of importance to me. I’ve also started reading, which has been so enjoyable. It’s nice to do something that’s not on a screen. Other than that, any time I’m out in nature is where I feel most happy. Maintaining a healthy balance of an online and offline life is a top priority I keep for myself. Through your videos you have emphasized the importance of self-love and body positivity. Was this something you planned to do when starting your channel or did speaking on those topics happen organically? Speaking on such important topics has come naturally as I’ve gotten older. As I experience and go through more things, I find myself wanting to talk about it with my audience. I want to be someone that people know they can trust and come to for advice, and I always strive to keep it real when I’m going through stuff. Sharing such personal things like my journey with body confidence has made my bond with my viewers so much stronger. I feel like they see me more as a real person who goes

through similar things to them, not just someone on the internet with a “perfect” life. Has YouTube helped you become a more creative person? If so – what usually inspires the way you edit videos and how you create your content? Creating videos on YouTube brought out a side of me I’m not sure I ever would have discovered otherwise. I’ve found a real passion for video editing throughout the years. Especially now, one of my recurring goals is to always be learning new editing techniques and perfecting the ones I have. When it comes to getting inspired, I actually try not to grab inspiration from other creators. I don’t want to fall into a trap where I feel like I need to edit like someone else in order for a video to do well or because that’s the “only way” it can be done. Instead, when I’m sitting down editing, I think of what I would want to see as a viewer. You have gained a loyal and kind following through the years. How has it been connecting with your followers online and in person? Connecting with my followers in any form always brings me so much joy. Replying to comments and having conversations with people in my DMs makes me feel super close to my followers. It’s funny because I’ll see familiar names in the comments and it feels like I really know them. Meeting followers in person brings a whole other type of happiness to me. It’s almost overwhelming in a way, meeting a viewer in real life because I usually see them as a tiny profile picture. Hugging and chatting with those I meet in person will forever be one of my favorite things that has come with my platform. Tell us about the work you do to promote sustainability and how this ties in with your merch line. Sharing my knowledge, spreading awareness, and encouraging others to take action are my favorite ways

#NYOTAculture

to promote sustainability. I focus mostly on ocean conservation, like reducing plastic pollution in the ocean, and coral reef care. Growing up in Hawai’i, I’ve always felt very connected to the land and ocean and I want to do my part in helping to protect it. My upcoming merch line is made with sustainability in mind and will be eco-friendly! How would you describe a typical work week for you as you create content and how has it been balancing work and school? My schedule is constantly changing because each week looks different depending on what I have going on with YouTube things and school. Currently, I’m taking a two month break off from school because my college classes are asynchronous, which means I can pick it up whenever. Usually when I have to balance both, I’ll dedicate mornings to school and the afternoon for all things content. Depending on what type of content I’m creating in a given week, I might have to go around the island to get certain shots or take pictures at a certain place. As long as I’ve got my planner, I’m pretty on top of things. Outside of creating videos you are an avid film Photographer. Could you see yourself pursuing photography professionally in the future or coming out with a photo book? I honestly love that film photography is purely a hobby for me. It’s something that brings me a lot of joy and I value that it’s not for work or school; it’s just for me! Currently, I don’t see myself pursuing it as anything more than a fun hobby, but maybe one day a photo book would be cool to release. Your videos on YouTube show a glimpse of what life is like in Hawaii. Are there any myths about Hawaii you would like to dispel? Sometimes people see Hawai’i solely as paradise, but life here isn’t perfect like how movies or social media depict it. There’s issues that happen here just like any other place. What advice do you have for aspiring YouTubers? Just start. The longer you wait to start your channel, the more you’ll talk yourself out of it. I’ve found that a lot of small YouTubers wish they had started earlier. I know it’s scary, but once you post your first video and get over that initial anxiousness towards it, it becomes a lot easier! Have fun with it and let your personality shine through.

#NYOTAculture

Ava’s Faves: 1.

Favorite app on your phone: Spotify

Favorite place to shop: Depop

Favorite YouTube channel (outside of your own): Claudia Sulewski

Favorite place to go in Hawaii: North Shore

Favorite book: The Silent Patient

#NYOTAculture

Emma Norton Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Tim Schaeffer at Cellar Door Studios @cellardoorstudios.la Hair and Makeup: Allison Noelle @allisonnoellemakeup

During quarantine, Emma Norton took her creativity and passion for storytelling to TikTok and soon found herself going viral. Norton talked to NYOTA about working with special effects makeup and what motivated her to start posting content on TikTok. Did you grow up in a creative household? My great aunt, Lillian Norton (AKA Madame Nordica), was a diva with the Metropolitan Opera and the first spokesmodel for Coca-Cola. She was the most famous! Other family members are musicians, artists, and big fans of Broadway. More than anything I inherited, my family encouraged and supported my development in the arts from the start.

TikTok is a great platform for creatives. What motivated you to start creating content for the app? A friend encouraged me to post on TikTok in January of 2020. I received positive feedback and ended up enjoying the process and community. When the COVID-19 lockdown took over, TikTok became my primary creative outlet.

You’re interested in acting and dance. Is acting something you hope to pursue professionally or is it more of a creative outlet?

Tell us about the work you do with Charity Water and Brought to Reality. How could our readers get involved?

Without a doubt, my number one career goal is to act in films and TV. I’ve been working toward that goal for a long time!

Now that I’ve established a platform, one of my goals is to bring more good into the world, whether through directly partnering with organizations or bringing more attention to their work. Charity Water is a brand that focuses on providing clean water to millions of people around the world who do not have access to this basic human necessity. On multiple occasions, I’ve used my platform to bring attention to their movement. You can visit charitywater.org to learn how you can help. BTR is a brand that started to promote teens’ mental health awareness and support. Because of the importance I place on mental health myself, I’ve used my platform to spread the word about their brand. You can visit broughttoreality.com to learn more.

When did you start experimenting with special effects makeup? If it isn’t obvious, Halloween is my favorite holiday. I started playing with special effects makeup when I decided that buying Halloween costumes off the shelf was not good enough. TikTok became an excellent platform to put my spin on well-known characters and create some of my looks! What was your first-ever look you tried with special effects makeup and how does that compare to the intricate looks you do now? The Harley Quinn character was my first on TikTok and my first video to go viral. Though her makeup isn’t as complicated, Harley Quinn is one of my favorites. With extra inspiration from Halloween, I’ve created more complex looks – some of which take up to six to seven hours to complete.

Shaka Smith Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jeff Vespa

Shaka Smith is not someone that can be boxed in. As an actor, musician, lawyer, and fitness model, he has proven that when someone follows their passions they can carve out their own lane. Smith talked to NYOTA about how social media has allowed him to wear many hats and how he is keeping himself motivated during the pandemic. Did you always see yourself as someone who wouldn’t have a linear career path, or did that not even cross your mind and you just focused on following your passions? I always saw myself as someone who would carve out my own lane in what I wanted to do. I’ve always had varied interests. I’ve been intent on pursuing what didn’t always align with others. Along with that, in this digital age has it become easier for you to have a multifaceted career? Yes. The digital age has really allowed us all the tools and reach to connect on a daily basis with one another, which is critical when trying to get any message across. Personally, it’s allowed me to represent myself fully how I see fit and particularly during the pandemic has been a great tool in pivoting in a changing landscape. You were an athlete in college who swam and played water polo. Do you think the discipline and drive you had in college as an athlete has helped you in your career today? I do. Athletics was a gift in my life and the discipline and drive it gave me are the reasons I’ve been able to achieve many of my goals and continue to pursue what I love. As an actor, how has it been navigating the industry during the pandemic? Do you feel even more motivated to get back out there and book projects? It’s been difficult in that productions shut down and are still coming back slowly, and there was an adjustment period to the self tape auditions. Though I had done them before, they didn’t make up 100 percent of all my auditions. I didn’t realize just how much I enjoyed and valued being in the room with the casting director. That said, I’ve come to love them and ironically amidst quarantine being in a completely comfortable space with no LA traffic to contend with has been liberating. 49

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAculture

On the flip side, as a musician have you found that the pandemic has given you more time to focus on creating new music?

We’re a year into this pandemic/COVID-19 life. How have you been keeping yourself motivated during this time?

Yes, the pandemic has definitely given me more time to focus on music. As a new artist, in many ways I was fortunate to have the space and privilege to focus on this creative side of me. During this time, I’ve also been able to collaborate with established artists who otherwise might not have had the time to work together. I’m really excited for the new music I’ve been developing and can’t wait for the world to hear it.

Staying motivated for me has been a lesson in complete and total acceptance. It’s been not punishing myself for missing a workout, not engaging in negative self talk because I didn’t feel 100 percent, and just having grace for myself. It quickly became clear that there would be very little we would have control over and life would look different for awhile, so I had to accept that I might look different for a while, mentally and/ or physically. I gave myself the space to explore what that would look like for me. It’s a fine line though, not letting acceptance of self turn into excuse and justification. I’ve felt successful navigating that line, but it takes work every day.

As someone who wears many hats as an actor, musician, lawyer, and fitness model, has social media allowed you to build a community around your many interests? Yes, social media has allowed me to wear many hats with a supportive community that has followed me from my early days in fitness competitions and YouTube skits to my first legal podcast and now to my fitness podcast, Fit Club and new music. At the end of the day, we’re all multifaceted people that want the freedom to pursue our various passions, and I think and certainly hope that ultimately resonates and inspires others to do the same. Since you have a passion for fitness and you share that with your audience, do you feel as though you have been able to educate others about health and wellness through social media? I love sharing health and fitness on social media because of the ability to potentially help someone be healthier, live longer, and/or become stronger. It’s never lost on me how fortunate I am to share with others in this way – I’m inspired by the messages I get from people that have changed everything from a single meal to their entire diets, routines, and lifestyles. That was the goal with my podcast. I particularly wanted to get information out to underserved communities who have long been ignored. It’s a blessing to be able to influence anyone when it comes to health, and I consider it a privilege.

#NYOTAculture

Alexis Barber Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jeffrey Birori @jeff.bi

Alexis Barber didn’t originally see herself becoming a wellness influencer, but after getting steeped in diet culture and then using social media to share her experience, Barber found herself with a platform and a large audience. She talked to NYOTA about creating her podcast “Too Smart for This” and being a Black woman in the wellness space. You studied political science at Northwestern. How has what you learned and experienced in college influenced the work you do now? On the surface, I never really dive deep into political theory in my day job, but I believe that political science taught me a lot about how people interact with each other and what they care about. Something you learn when you study political science is that politics, capitalism, and many systems are simply unequal and unfair, and so I never lose sight of the fact that things are not always what they seem and I need to keep that in mind both at work and in my side jobs. The current political climate really reminds me that I absolutely need to stay engaged because politics is life and death for many people today, and I have always found it very important to stand up for myself and other marginalized identities as I establish more influence in my personal and professional life. Becoming a wellness influencer wasn’t initially something you saw for yourself. Tell us a bit about how @wellnessalexis (now @alexisbarber) came to be? Sure! So I always struggled with my body image in college and high school, but I had pretty much no knowledge of health and fitness when I got to Northwestern. I felt that all the women around me talked about how they ate whatever they wanted, and we were going out drinking and eating three times a week and all these girls still had toned abs while gorging themselves in pasta. I didn’t have the toned abs, so I resorted to learning how to diet. Some of the girls in my sorority house were following a popular NYC diet, so I joined and I really went hard with it when quarantine hit. It turned out, however, that I was on a diet that led me to starve myself while glorifying alcohol, and it created a binging/ restricting cycle for me. When George Floyd died, I recognized that I had wasted the last three years obsessing over calories and working out, when in reality I could’ve spent that time focused on the things that mattered to me. At the same time, the diet came under fire in the summer of 2020. I had about 1,500 followers when I called out the founder for promoting an unhealthy version of her diet, and I got a ton of support from people who agreed. That propelled my account quickly to about 5,500 followers, and I honestly didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t interested in diet culture, wasn’t interested in recipes, so I shifted to focus on my real experience dealing with diet culture and my unique experiences as a Black woman trying to navigate finding myself and self-love in this difficult world.

You’re very open with your audience. How do you draw the line between what to share and what not to share on your page? I don’t really think about it like that. Honestly, I know that the things that really resonate with people are the most vulnerable things. I really stifled my personality for years because I went to schools in a predominantly non-Black environment, and never felt comfortable being myself or being honest about what my interests were. I got really lost in being the most successful or cool while I was in college, but getting there was supposed to be “effortless,” when it hardly was for me. My account is sort of my form of taking back my personality, a place where I can be incredibly vulnerable, honest, and clear about my experience with self-love, self-confidence, and body confidence, so that other people know they aren’t alone in trying to balance society’s expectations of them. I want to show other young women that it’s possible for them to be themselves, too. Recently you launched the podcast “Too Smart for This” and it seems as though all topics of conversation are on the table. What motivated you to create the podcast and have these in-depth conversations? I am a podcast junkie and I absolutely love listening to all types of content, from news to education, to social media to business. I absolutely love them. On my Instagram, I felt as though I was always bringing up these really important topics that mattered to me and weren’t being talked about, so I decided to launch my own podcast in order to really give myself a space to sit down and talk about what matters to me in my solo episodes, but also to interview women that I am in awe of and get the truth about their journey to self-confidence, political engagement, and time management. Do you have a favorite interview you’ve done on the podcast so far? All of them! The best thing about podcasts is that they are incredibly inspiring and so fun to record. I still hate hearing my voice back though. Has creating and running your page changed your relationship with social media? Good question! Absolutely. Social media used to be an escape where I could mindlessly scroll or get inspiration, but now I find myself always thinking about strategy or content creation when I’m scrolling through, and feeling

pressure to really expand and grow my following so I can get where I want to go. I have to put a lot of boundaries and take breaks from Instagram and TikTok or I will go crazy. You’re currently working a full-time job at home and running your wellness account. How have you been keeping yourself centered and organized during this time? A few things! Living alone means I have complete control over my day, which is a godsend, and I work from home with a team that’s on the West Coast, so I get my mornings to myself. Mornings are essential for me – I absolutely have to journal every day, and when it’s not cold I go on walks to listen to podcasts. I also meditate daily, and stay off social media until I’m done with that. To plan my day, I use my own templates (available at alexisbarber.com!) to organize my day, and spend a lot of time when I create new projects (both personal and at work) to build systems to manage them more efficiently later on. What are some changes you hope to see in the wellness space in 2021? Most importantly, I hope the white influencers in the industry can take a step back to recognize the political situation that they are in and take accountability, helping people to think about what’s going on. I hope that toxic anti-science, pro “whole health” people recognize and promote the importance of the vaccine and COVID-19 responses. I also really hope to see more Black women, of course, focus on their own mental health and sanity. As a collective, we give so much of ourselves to others, and rarely focus on our own mental health, sanity, and healing. I love being alone because I can focus on my own healing, and I wish Black women luxury, health, and wellness this year.

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAculture

Erin Reese Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Nicole Mitchem

Erin Reese found herself going from 1,000 to over 60,000 followers on Instagram after starring in the popular online series Chicken Girls. Now, she is making funny and relatable content of her own through TikTok and Instagram Reels while focusing on her burgeoning music career. Reese talked to NYOTA about what she learned from working on Chicken Girls and her songwriting process.

As a kid did you often put on performances for family members and friends? Absolutely! I would teach myself dance moves watching TV and loved singing in the car especially. You were in the popular online series Chicken Girls. What did you learn from that experience? I was amazed at how loyal the fans are to the show. To go from being unknown to all these amazing fans sending messages of love and support saying what an inspiration we all are was really inspiring. Did your online presence grow after Chicken Girls and if so how did you deal with having a larger audience? A million percent! I think I had about 1,000 or so followers, and after appearing in the first episode the numbers went crazy. It’s important to me to be mindful of others while staying true to who I am, so having a positive presence on social media is important. It can be overwhelming. A favorite moment was our live taping of Chicken Girls for selected fans! To see them lined up screaming our names was just so special. Your Instagram is full of funny and relatable video bits and sketches. Do you brainstorm ideas for those short videos or just film things as you come up with them? I do. It’s really important for me that the fans see the real me. I truly am a goofball and love to laugh. I watch TikTok and reels endlessly to get inspiration.

Social media can be an incredibly useful tool. Have you found yourself connecting with other creatives through different platforms? Yes I have. Again, I love seeing and learning from what other creators do. Tell us about your single “Hometown Heart”. What inspired the lyrics? “Hometown Heart” lyrics follow my story of starting out in a small Florida town then going off to doing amazing things, but always finding myself right back where it all started… home. Home truly is where the heart is, my family most importantly. What is your songwriting process? “Hometown Heart” was the first song I had ever been a part of the entire writing process. My manager put together an amazing team of writers and producers who helped me put my thoughts into words. Writing with Jaime Floyd, Grammy-nominated this year for Kesha’s song “Resentment”, as well as Jake Hoot (recent winner of The Voice) and Kelly Clarkson was amazing. I learned so much from her and she continues to be supportive of me on this journey. 2021 is here and with that comes goals and New Year’s resolutions. What are some of your goals for 2021? I am working on learning guitar past just the basics! It’s important to me to continue spreading positivity, so I will work on journaling to produce inspiring songs. 58

Wei a.k.a Honey Thistle Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Wei

Wei a.k.a Honey Thistle is a miniature artist based in Toronto, Canada who creates animals, garden decor, and numerous other tiny items that would be perfect in any dollhouse. She talked to NYOTA about how she found herself creating art for a living and how the ethics and principles of a company come first. Have you always seen yourself having a career in art in some form? Truthfully no, and that’s probably because I didn’t have anyone in my extended family (that I know of) who worked as a professional artist, so I never really viewed it as an option or possibility. I’ve been creating things since childhood, but it’s always been just as a hobby on the side. I was also under the impression, probably through TV or movies, that people who created beautiful paintings or other types of art for a living had to have some level of personal wealth to begin with, whether it’s through family or a former career, so I never saw that for myself, at least in terms of the family wealth aspect. With that in mind, I went to business school and worked as a business analyst out of university for a couple years, still creating things on the side. Then, I had the realization that I wasn’t particularly interested in the career path I was heading down, so I pivoted to art instead (with a few meandering stops along the way). When did you become interested in creating miniatures? I think I created my first tiny thing back in elementary school, maybe around age 8 or 9. It was a tiny paper mache cake, inspired by my favourite show at the time, Art Attack. The host, Neil Buchanan, spent half of the time in almost all the episodes making castles and other fantastical landscapes out of toilet paper rolls (or loo rolls as he called them), toilet paper, and PVA glue. I knew that my parents wouldn’t be happy if I used up multiple rolls of toilet paper and a whole bottle of white glue for some weird kid craft, so I 59

opted for something smaller, a tiny paper mache cake measuring (maybe?) an inch across with a puffy Hello Kitty sticker on top. More recently, I became interested in creating small things when I fell in love with stop motion animation. I’m a big fan of the films from LAIKA, the Wallace & Gromit claymations, among countless other charming stories told painstakingly frame by frame. Wanting to tell my own stories one day, I set about creating miniatures that would populate a set of my own. I’ve gotten a little sidetracked with the aesthetic side of things, but look forward to creating more animation work in the near future. What is your usual process for creating your miniatures? When I get an idea for something I want to create, whether it’s a piece of furniture, a potted plant, or an animal, I look for images of that in real size on Google or Pinterest. Then, I think about how I could construct it using the craft techniques that I currently know, and if I hit a wall, then I will do some research on how that item is created in real size (obviously not an option for animals or other living things). Once I figure out the technique, either through sketching it out or just thinking about it over a couple of days while I do other things, I’ll gather the materials and start experimenting. One of the things I enjoy most about creating miniatures is learning new techniques or figuring things out, kind of like a puzzle of sorts. I also want to create things with my own taste or spin on it, so sometimes I don’t replicate something to a very exact level of detail. For example, on some of my

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAculture

mini plants, I will use colours or skip certain details on leaves that may not be 100 percent true to nature in order to make it fit more cohesively into an overall scene or room box. Sometimes, I’ll make things that I haven’t seen anywhere, but that I think would work really well in a composition. Did you start posting your art online to gain an audience or did that happen organically? I think it depends on the account, because some of them were intentional while others were not. I started my Instagram account as a personal account – if you scroll back all the way to the beginning, you might see a very delicious banh mi sandwich that I consumed six years ago. I started posting my art work there soon after because I was creating things to sell at craft fairs and in my etsy shop, and I wanted people to know about it. So I would say that it’s been a bit of both. My tumblr account (yes I still have one!) is a bit more loose. I reblog the things I like, I’ll post my own work every now and then, and I enjoy the long rambly threads there on all types of fandoms and social justice topics. Finally there’s Facebook, which was intentionally meant to gain an audience from day one, being a business page and all, and hilariously it has the smallest audience out of the three. It’s probably because I only post there twice a year now, although I’ve been meaning to use it a bit more. Have you found a community of artists through creating your Instagram page? Yes I think so! I tend to still feel closer to people I’ve met in real life, artist or not, but finding and talking to other artists has been a really pleasant part of Instagram. It’s like having a set of colleagues across the world who understand your work in a way that others, who may be closer to you geographically, do not. How has social media helped your business grow? I think the biggest role of social media, and the internet in general, has been to show people like myself that making a career out of art is possible. If it weren’t for the internet and social platforms today, I don’t even know where I would start in trying to figure out how to make a living by making art, much less non-traditional art like tiny dollhouse furniture.

After growing your audience, have you seen a change in the way you use your platform or the topics you speak on? Yes for sure. I think when I first started my Instagram page, everyone who followed me knew me in real life in some capacity – old colleagues, friends from high school, etc. I’m pretty opinionated and they know it, so I didn’t talk about any social or political things online since they were already being expressed offline. However, as my audience grew, and with the drastic turn in both U.S. & Canadian politics in the last few years, I wanted to make sure that I was being responsible with the greater reach of my platform. I also just don’t like the idea of my miniatures that I spend hours making ending up in the hands of someone who is socially regressive and believes in things that make me ill. I think for me the ethics and principles of an artist or a company come first, no matter how big or small the company is, and no matter how attractive their products are. I know that sounds preachy, but that’s what is important for me, and so that’s why I’ve been more vocal on some topics as of late. However, it’s a delicate balance because I don’t want to use trending political topics to sell my work, if that makes sense. What advice do you have for those who want to create miniatures but aren’t sure where to start? I think the best thing about miniatures is that there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. I made a tiny cake from toilet paper and white glue. Subjectively, it might be a lumpy mess compared to the beautiful tiny polymer clay cakes on Etsy, but objectively, it is still a miniature cake. I would start by thinking about things you enjoy in real size, maybe it’s a corner of your house that you like snuggling up in, or a pet you love, or maybe it’s a spoon you inherited from a grandparent. Then, think about the craft skills you have currently, like drawing and cutting things out of paper, or building things out of matchsticks or popsicle sticks, and see if you can recreate that thing using those skills. If not, then hop on Google or YouTube, because someone might have made something like that already and is talking about it. Then, rinse and repeat! Making art is all about practice and self improvement.

Exploring the Finsta: A “Fake” Account Meant to Expose our “Real” Selves By Amanda Molloy

Instagram: a glimpse into everyone’s (seemingly) perfect lives. While it’s common knowledge that social media is not reality, it’s easy to feel inadequate when you begin scrolling and you’re met with heavily edited and posed photos masquerading as real life. It’s easy to feel unworthy on a platform where your worth is measured in likes and follower counts. The app has become a hotbed of deception – but for some users, a much different social experience exists below the surface. It’s a phenomenon that has gained rapid popularity over the past few years, particularly with younger Millennials and Generation Z: the finsta. The “fake Instagram” – also called a spam account – is the antithesis to the “real Instagram”. Whereas “rinstas” are often curated to perfection, “finstas” are unfiltered – both figuratively and literally – in that users are much more likely to use their spam accounts to broadcast life’s less glamorous moments to an exclusive audience. Gone are the “aesthetic” photos and flawlessly refined feeds the app has become known for – these carefully monitored, private accounts are home to chaotic photo dumps, self-deprecating memes, inside jokes, unattractive selfies, content you wouldn’t want a parent or a future employer to see, and long-winded rants about… well, anything. On your finsta, it doesn’t matter how many followers you have, how many people you follow, or what 63

your page looks like to an outsider. “Likes” are irrelevant. Your audience is made up of close friends or select acquaintances, and because of this, you’re free to post that picture you were too hesitant to post on your main account. Posting multiple times per day is acceptable and even encouraged. And, of course, the funnier or more ironic your username, the better. Interestingly enough, Instagram users use their “fake” accounts to put their more honest and genuine selves forward. Since its origination in 2010, Instagram has acted as a way for users to present a highlight reel of their lives to their following, but perfectly manufactured feeds are more often than not a poor representation of reality. A 2017 survey conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health and the Young Health Movement showed that Instagram is the most detrimental social media network for mental health and wellbeing. The survey of almost 1,500 teens and young adults in the UK suggested that the app’s visual platform is driving heightened feelings of inadequacy and “FOMO” – fear of missing out – among its young user base. It comes as no surprise, then, that users would take an app notorious for its inauthenticity and give it a more authentic twist. In many ways, the finsta functions as a safe haven where users can embrace their vulnerability in front of an audience that they feel most comfortable being vulnerable with. Some use their account as a public

#NYOTAculture

diary where they update close friends on life events – the good, the bad, and everything in between – and connect with others going through similar struggles. Largely led by young girls, the finsta phenomenon could also be considered a positive reclamation of an app that has been particularly damaging to its female user base. Research in Psychology of Popular Media Culture suggests that increased exposure to “idealized images” on the app contributes to greater feelings of anxiety, depression, and body image issues among women.

best to constantly remind ourselves that an online identity can never truly compare to reality – and no one is as cool as they make themselves seem on their rinsta.

For many people – especially teen girls and early 20-somethings – finstas are a testimony to reality and an unapologetic celebration of imperfection. But like many other internet trends, it isn’t all positive. There have been concerns about the anonymity of a finsta – or lack thereof. Some experts worry that the pseudonymous nature of these accounts could encourage cyberbullying and embolden users into using hate speech. It doesn’t matter if you have 10 followers or 150 – given the possibility of screenshotting and screen recording, nothing on a finsta is truly private once it leaves the drafts. In fact, it’s gotten some in trouble. A University of Alabama freshman was expelled from the school after videos of the student using racial slurs and other profanities went viral on Twitter in 2018. The source of the videos? The student’s finsta. So the finsta was created as a response to people being “fake” online – but why can’t we be our most open and authentic selves on our “real” Instagram accounts? What does it say about our online habits when our “real” accounts are actually fake and our “fake” accounts are actually real? The existence of the finsta speaks to the mounting pressure young people face to compete with their peers, conform to societal standards, and cultivate an image of an exciting and impressive life to the public. Ultimately, the pressure to put on a performance via social media is not going away. Our love of instant gratification is not going away. We’re always going to care about how we’re seen to others. Perhaps it’s 64

Aley Arion Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Aley Arion

Aley Arion found herself entering into the world of blogging during college. What originally started out as a fashion blog turned into a lifestyle blog where she shared stories from her post-grad life and wrote about being a Black millennial. Arion hopped on the phone with our Editor in Chief to talk about radical Black joy, disconnecting from social media, and monetizing your passions. Take us back to the beginning. Did your love for writing start at a young age? I’ve had a journal pretty much since I could hold a pencil. I kept the journal as a friend and companion because I grew up with a household of five off and on. Keeping a journal was my way of having something – a space to put my thoughts in; and so that relationship, I guess you could say, kind of cultivated into me really finding my voice in the hidden pages of my diaries and journals. I remember when I was in fifth grade, my teacher would have these writing segments and I remember her always getting on me for the topic that I would pick and they were really problematic. I would talk about what Black History Month means to me. I would talk about Jesus coming back and stuff. I volunteered to read that one out loud and she called my dad on me. But like, if you’re going to give me a place to write I feel like I decided very early that I was going to be honest about what I was writing about and commit to that honesty, even though it has to be refined over years, time, growth, and maturity. I always want to choose authenticity and radical honesty in storytelling as a way of self expression. I think growing up that was how I found my voice. What led you to start your blog and how has it been gaining an audience? Starting a blog was pretty much on a whim because back when I was in college, I changed my major from biology to marketing. I don’t know what convinced me that I was about to be a neuropsychologist, but that was the track that I was on until I realized that being a biology major meant having a chemistry minor, and that just wasn’t the path that God had for me. So I changed my major after I was encouraged by another guy who was a marketing

major. I just liked what he was doing on campus. He had a clothing line; he was always really stylish. He was like our Mr. Claflin (that’s the school I went to), and he was just really influential on me shifting majors. Marketing did give me a sense of creativity and storytelling to get a message across. The starting classes that I was in really weren’t tapping into that side of me that still needed an outlet to express my creativity. On campus, I was the girl with the locs and the girl with funky style, so a couple of people were always like, ‘girl you should start a blog. We would follow you.’ I was like, ‘okay!’ So I started a fashion blog, and I was posting clothes and telling a story. It was a fashioncentered blog of my personal style, but there was always a story attached to that. When I graduated, I refined my blog to do more post-grad, stumbling into forced adulthood stories, and dating stories because that’s what I was experiencing and that’s what was on the top of my mind at the time. That actually helped to garner a new audience because I think people were just looking for a space to know that they weren’t crazy if they didn’t get a job straight out of school. It took me 10 months to get a job after I graduated and you want to know that you’re not alone. So, that’s kind of how my audience got a little bit more tailored to millennials – Black millennials specifically – but young women who are fly and curious. Lately it’s been interesting and fun just to see how much my community has grown with me, because even though I’m not posting every week like I used to, I’m still committed to doing mini blog posts on my Instagram. And that still garners conversation, interaction, and engagement that I honestly am really proud of. So just seeing the evolution of it all, it’s been really heartwarming.

#NYOTAmusic

Let’s talk about your blog post where you discuss falling out of love with writing. Why do you think this idea that you have to monetize your hobbies has been so persistent in recent years and do you think social media plays a hand in that? Yeah, absolutely. I think the sinister thing about capitalism is that whenever there’s a new space being innovated and produced, it’s going to find its way to be front and center in that space – social media started off as a place where you pop in and say, ‘hey, guys, I’m alive. Look how cute my outfit is,’ and that was it. If I get a couple likes, that’s great, but the sole purpose is to connect with friends and say hello, say I’m alive, say I’m good. When that changed, because our good friend capitalism, it translated into the monetization of whatever got you hot or whatever’s hot on the platform. When it came to writing, I was always thinking, ‘well I could sell this or I can make this or I could do that.’ But it’s like, what if this is just a strength of mine that I want to give it out to the world, but I don’t want to become a slave to it? When the virus hit in LA, all these crazy things happened. There were all these murmurs at work about what would happen, then I got laid off. I had a birthday and then the city shut down all within days of each other. It was such a traumatic entry into unemployment, and I had to decide what was going to help me survive; what was going to help me to still feel like a productive citizen of this country. I didn’t want it to feel like how I felt when I graduated and I had nothing going on. I wanted to feel like I was doing something – still being resilient – despite the state of the world. It got to a place where I decided I wanted to keep writing. Still, I will say that by fall of last year, I was so detached from my words. I felt really detached from the stories that I was telling. I felt like if it wasn’t popping and it wasn’t good enough to be picked up by the publication I was writing for, then it just wasn’t good enough even for me to make it into a blog post on my own site. So the money being attached to the message was where things were getting hazy, and I realized how heartbroken I felt that I could not produce out of this gift that God gave me because I was too concerned with whether or not it was going to hit on the publication I’m writing for.

That really did create a disconnect for me when it came to writing in general. I didn’t want to look at my blog. I didn’t want to look at Google Docs. I didn’t want to think of a pitch for another publication. It just didn’t feel good enough. I don’t want to rant about this, but it was pretty painful. Writing is my girl. I’ve known writing for as long as I’ve come into myself. So to have that relationship kind of dissolve because money got in the way – that’s jarring. That could be jarring for anybody. Taking a break from that really did help me find my voice again and get into what I actually want to say. Will I be able to stand on what I feel passionate about saying whether there’s a check attached to it? Getting back to that and actually creating a division between that is something I’m still working on, but it’s definitely progress that I’ve made and I’m really proud of it because no one can take this love of writing from me. Writing is the love of my life Has 2020 changed your relationship with social media and given you a chance to take a step back and reevaluate? Yeah, it has. It really has. I think recently I’ve gotten to a place where I just don’t want to take social media that seriously anymore. I post when I want. I think the only time that I am committed to is my Monday Motivational posts. Oh, and I do a #creativegirlcheckin post either on Sundays or Mondays because I like checking in with my community and sharing what’s on my mind because that makes me feel connected, but I’m taking it a lot less seriously because I have to preserve my kindness to myself and I have to preserve my own self image. I think what was happening in 2020 – and this is full transparency – is that I was seeing something really strange happening because everybody has their entry points into self-awareness and racial awareness and all of that. My entry point came in 2012 with Trayvon Martin, because I remember that being like the OJ Simpson trial. You know, like that peak news trial, that type of energy that was in the summer of 2012. I remember feeling it and mourning and grieving and watching what’s happening in Ferguson with Mike Brown, and I remember the summer of 2012 and getting into 2013 and that acceleration of the plight of anti-blackness for our generation. It was something that I used to write about on my blog very passionately. I wrote about, you know, the Charleston shooting because my people are in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, which is about 40 minutes from Charleston. So I remember how the air felt when the massacre happened. I remember the shift and I remember writing about it and just feeling so grieved and there are so many why’s that are attached to that. I’m not going to say that things got quiet, but the uptick in awareness that used to happen on Twitter, really translated into Instagram in 2020 with the Black Lives Matter movement. And just seeing how one post would get somebody viral overnight was so strange to me. So I was like, nah y’all not about to get me all caught up trying to be the

#NYOTAmusic

next woke warrior. My entry point just happened a little bit earlier and that wasn’t the wave back then, but it’s something that I’m deeply connected with now. And I thought that maybe I should start being the educational Black girl who puts everybody on to infographics, but that’s not the labor that I want to give social media. It’s just not. So thinking of all the shifts that were happening, I felt like I had to rediscover my voice and footing and what I wanted to speak about. 2020 was that time for me to figure that out. In conclusion, I have decided that my retaliation to Black death and the darkness that has prevailed in our community is Black joy – radical Black joy. That’s why my feed is very colorful, and that’s why I try to speak with a sense of vibrancy because there’s so much darkness that tries to oppress our people and how we speak, how we move, and try to police how we navigate this world. I’m like, no you can’t take this Black joy. I will fight with my Black joy. I will fight with this sense of pride that y’all are trying to tell me that I do not have the right to. I feel like that was the shift that has happened as of recently, and it has motivated me to be a space where you hopefully, prayerfully are left off better than when you came in. Does social media ever leave you feeling drained or uninspired? If so, how do you get over that hurdle? Yeah, I take breaks often. I think one of the things that I’ve been really committed to is just when I know that I’ve put a lot out, I will take Friday through Sunday off because essentially when you’re a content creator, you’re a graphic designer, you’re a photographer, you’re a creative director, you’re a social media manager, and so you need to take a break. When it comes to inspiration, I realized that things can get really muddled when it comes to whose voice is what and what came from who. I really committed to knowing that my words are my own, my thoughts are my own, my inspiration is derived from my own need for it, and so really spending time with God is a large majority of where I get my inspiration from because I have to be able to connect to my source. God is the source of my creativity, the source of who I am, my voice, my identity, so if I am too clouded by the static of social media that I feel disconnected to what my inner voice is telling me, that’s going to make me feel uninspired. One of the affirmations that I’ve committed to telling myself is: I’m an endless source of creativity and connected to the divine source of creativity, so I can never run dry. I can be a little fatigued and just not feeling it one day,

but that doesn’t speak to a lack or a deficit. I’ve been able to kind of distinguish what those feelings feel like when they come. I realized that I cannot get inspiration on Instagram, so I created a Tumblr account. Tumblr is where I discovered my fashion sense; Tumblr 2012 to 2013 is like peak Tumblr for me when I was in college, so going back to that has helped me so much. That’s what I like. That’s what I’m naturally drawn to. These things just pique my interest without any outside influence. It’s really helped me to refine what interests me and that inner child that is just naturally drawn to color, Black faces and barrettes, flowers and balloons, and stuff like that. So it’s been really helpful. Through writing you have been able to interview Wendy Williams, Kennedy Johnson and others. Has there been one interview that was particularly rewarding? I think the first one was definitely when I interviewed Alex Elle simply because when I discovered her Tumblr back in 2013, whew, it was probably one of the worst summers of my life. I was babysitting three young kids and it was chaotic, and whenever the boys were taking a nap, I would go on Tumblr and read whatever Alex Elle had up for the day. I would just read her words and I remember feeling like I had a friend online – tuning into what she had to say about raising her daughter by herself, and when she would be praying for a husband, to seeing where she is now. It was really a full circle writer’s moment for me to interview her. I was so nervous, but she was so kind and sweet. That was such a peak moment for me because I felt like everything was leading up to that. It was just this moment of, wow, I get to tell somebody’s story who has literally informed the story that I’m currently telling. It really meant a lot and a friend of mine encouraged me not to downplay the moment but to celebrate it. So I did and I bought a bottle of champagne and I celebrated. Ever since the Alex Elle story, I committed to myself that I was going to write every story that I tell as a cover story. No matter if it’s an influencer that only a community of people know, or an actress like Ebony Obsidian, or if it’s Wendy Williams. I’m going to write every story like it’s a cover story because I know what I’m preparing for and I know what I have in me to contribute to this world of storytelling. I’ve committed to that and it can be for Xo Necole or it can be for Vogue, but I need to practice what I see for myself. When it came to the Wendy Williams opportunity, that was dope. I smile about that at random moments because no one captivates and is as unapologetically salacious as Wendy Williams, and as

messy as she is, I honor her ability to own her story and what she proclaims it to be. It’s hers and she’s proud of that and owns that. And that’s something that I hope to embody as a storyteller of Black stories. 2021 means new stories, articles, and books. Is there anything you’ve been reading lately that you would recommend to others? What I would recommend in general is pick up some magazines, because print is not dead and there’s something very personal and intimate about reading through a magazine. Growing up, magazines were literally how I realized that Black people could be front and center on the cover. They could be seen and visible. I felt like there was something very intentional that my grandma was setting up for me when it came to having a weekly subscription to Jet and having access to seeing an array of Black stories and seeing Black faces, especially in segments like “Beauty of the week.” Later in life, I remember when I discovered Mark Anthony Green, he is now a special projects editor for GQ, but he worked his way up from associate editor. I remember discovering him and how he wrote. It was very sharp, comical, and humorous, but he had the swag of a Black man telling a good story and he’s one of those people I look up to. Now it’s crazy how you get into contact with people who are your peers, but you see them with their bylines in Allure or Cosmopolitan or Teen Vogue and stuff like that and I don’t want to lose that. So pick up a magazine and support print. Support editorial storytelling because that is what still moves conversation. Outside of posting about your writing, you always have bomb outfit photos. Do you see clothing as another way to express yourself? 1,000 percent. I love clothes. I actually just purged my closet, and am about to sell some stuff online. I love thrifting; thrifting is one of the best highs I think I’ll ever get from a non-substance and is my favorite thing to do. I haven’t been able to do it since the pandemic hit, but I went back home and my sister was like, ‘I know a place’. So we went to this thrift store that I had never been to because it was new in the area and I walked in and really got teary eyed because I remember it being the only way I could get clothes. I remember deciding that I wouldn’t ask my parents for money once I graduated high school, and thrifting was my way of finding my personal style, becoming independent, and being a young woman. I honestly realized that I’m just never going to be anyone’s fashion editor, but personal style is a form of storytelling.

It can tell you how that person’s feeling that day. It can tell you if they’re feeling confident, if they’re celebrating something, if they want to get some color off, if they want to just hide away. Honestly, I think there’s something very personal about Black style and Black finesse, making something out of nothing, but also being trendsetters and deciding when not to follow a trend because you know that’s just who you are and it’s not even a trend to you it’s just who you be. I know that’s not grammatically correct, but there’s a sense of being that is connected to blackness and the expression of blackness and it’s valid. I never want to lose that. Ever. I think my style has evolved a lot just because I used to think that I wanted to have a Steve Jobs uniform. I’ll probably get there one day when I’m in my 50s, but for now I want to play with color, I want to wear sneakers with dresses, I want to wear trucker hats with a blouse, I want to wear oversized clothing and still feel feminine; and I want to be able to express who Aley is and who she’s becoming.

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAculture

Allison Kimball Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Sean Brown from Move Mountains Co.

Massachusetts born model Allison Kimball has been using social media to connect with her audience about health, life-advice, and her hobbies such as surfing and skiing, so it was no surprise when she decided to launch her podcast “Spiked Kombucha” to have deeper and more personal conversations. Kimball talked to NYOTA about staying away from negativity online and how she has always wanted to be her own boss. Growing up did you see yourself working in a creative field or being your own boss? I always saw myself working as my own boss. Since I was a little girl, I was really set on interior design. I loved being able to grow my own company and have a schedule that would basically allow me to surf at 2pm in the afternoon if I wanted to. I was lucky enough to fall into modeling which gives me so many wonderful opportunities, and no two days are alike! I really thrive on an ever-changing schedule like that. You have modeled for brands such as Reebok, Adidas, and Calvin Klein. Do you have a favorite brand you’ve modeled for? You actually just named some of my favorites! Working with any athletic brands tend to be my faves, just because of the open mindedness I’ve witnessed on so many sets. It’s really easy for my energy to be let loose, and I’ll often be doing handstands or backbends or running around the studio and acting wild, so that is always a fun time that fills up my heart. Having a large social media following has its good and bad sides. What have you done to stay away from negative comments and keep your page positive? I really don’t even allow any space within me for negativity. For me, there’s no need to use up my energy throughout the day investing in something that doesn’t benefit me or move me further. I try to look at it from a logical point of view. Don’t get me wrong, thinking without emotions is very difficult for me, but once I see the negativity at face value, I realize my time is better spent loving myself. Tell us about the “Spiked Kombucha Podcast.” What initially inspired you to start it? “Spiked Kombucha” was something that came out of the pure passion of my heart. I needed an outlet to be able to show my voice, and who I really was outside of all the photoshoots. “Spiked Kombucha” is a healthy, real, organic platform I’ve given myself to not only be able to show people who I really am, but help people along the way. The ideal combination. I love my podcast with my whole heart. 72

“Be light, be clear, and be real about who you are and what you want to do. If you have natural passion in certain areas, breed that and go from there.” Have you felt more connected to your audience through releasing podcast episodes and getting feedback from them?

What tips do you have for those who want to become influencers but aren’t sure how they would stand out?

Absolutely. I love getting feedback. Some parts of the episodes I will just record and not think twice about it, but some of those parts end up resonating with people the most. It takes me off guard, because I won’t think that sharing a personal experience will help someone on such a deep level. I have already had so many real, heartwarming connections felt through feedback people have given me. This is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. That’s really one of my strongest values, and I want to continue to reach people in these ways.

I would say don’t try to force anything. Be light, be clear, and be real about who you are and what you want to do. If you have natural passion in certain areas, breed that and go from there. I’ve experienced trying to pursue something that I do not have a natural passion for, and take it from me, you won’t be able to go as far. If you are in something you love, you will be limitless.

Is there anything you can tell us about the book you’re releasing in accompaniment with the podcast? The book I am releasing is unconventional. I say that, because it’s in the form of wandering thoughts and it’s not written in “perfect grammar” on purpose. That helps with the flow of reading, and really being able to envision yourself in the moment of what you are reading. Also, there will be some missing pieces in my podcast episodes that will be uncovered in the book, and vice versa. When the book and the podcast combine, all the answers will be in front of you and the connections will make sense.

While work is important it’s always good to take a break. What activities do you do to unwind? I love this question, haha. I like doing things such as meditating, surfing, snowboarding, cooking, working out, adventuring, yoga, fishing, and sailing. I also love practicing my handstands. I like to take it slow a lot of the time (believe it or not), and that looks something like a self-care night with tea.

#NYOTAmusic

Bianca Valle Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Bianca Valle

Bianca Valle is an all around creative who expresses herself through painting, sculpting, and fashion. Along with her artistic endeavors, she is a certified holistic nutritionist who is helping make the wellness space more accessible with her nutritionist hotline. Valle hopped on the phone with our Editor in Chief to talk about her upbringing, creating community on social media, and being comfortable with chaos. How did your upbringing influence the work you do now? I was raised in a Hispanic household with lots of cross cultural values if you will, and we kind of structured our days around mealtime. Breakfast, whether it was before school or not, my brother and I would eat together, or if it was lunch after school, my brother, myself, and my mom would eat together. Then for dinner all four of us would eat together. So food was a very important part of my life growing up, and it brought people together. I went to college at New York University. I went to NYU for film and television and I minored in art history. Then when I graduated, I had a few jobs in fashion and media. I then realized I wanted to do something even deeper, something more connected with my heart and with my soul. So I did some thinking and some soul searching and fell on food, fell on nourishment. I’m pretty sure that growing up, since we were always around food, making food, and celebrating with food, it definitely became something that was at the forefront of my mind and heart. So I wanted to go into something that I really felt my heart was in. You grew up in California but moved to New York for college. When you first got to the city, were you immediately inspired or did it take time to adjust to the hustle and bustle? I would say that when I came to New York, I was very starry eyed and very excited. I grew up in a small town – I grew up in Coronado, California – which is a little beach town, and I was really hungry. I was hungry for culture, I was hungry for diversity, I was hungry for art, for fashion, for energy, for new perspectives. So when I got here, I definitely was very excited and 75

enchanted by the city. I think as I get older, and I do more exploration work, if you will, on myself and on basically the human experience. I’m kind of stepping away from so much curiosity, but I think these things come in waves, right? I think we have different eras. At the moment, I’m doing more exploring internally of my own world, rather than that of the city. But there’s a balance to these things, so I’m sure I’ll come up on an even level soon enough. I feel like one good thing about growing up in this time with social media is that there is more flexibility in going from job to job and changing the work you do. Could you speak to your experience in switching up your career? Totally, and I think an interesting aspect of New York City is that one does meet people from every walk of life. So personally, I have been in spaces and in places with maybe people from other generations and I explained to them what I do or what I’m doing or what I believe in, and I do kind of get those quizzical looks. So at times, it’s a little disenchanting but ultimately, the only approval we need is that of our own and I have to remember that. But for so many years, people did, you know, have almost excellence in certain areas, correct? They were really dedicated and devoted and now I feel like people are good at a bunch of things rather than really good at one thing. After college you were able to land a job at NYLON before the magazine shifted to an online publication. What did that experience teach you, and looking back do you think that change gave you the chance to explore other avenues? Totally, totally, totally, totally. Working at NYLON was one of the most beautiful things so far in my journey

#NYOTAmusic

because I did have that structure, and I got to taste of old school glam, if you will – kind of like a Devil Wears Prada era where people, you know, emphasize the glamour of it all, if that makes sense. There were lots of really beautiful presentations that we went to and meetings and lots of glitter and dreaming and kind of this like, luxurious realm of beauty and fashion, which not many get to experience. So I’m very fortunate that I did get to see this almost old school model, because now things are being torn down and taken up and restructured, and people want accessibility. People don’t want to be excluded. People don’t want things to be exclusive. Yes, there’s aspirational things out there, but I think more and more people aren’t aspiring to be the coolest, or have all the cool things, but rather be community oriented, be mindful, and live slow and easy, in a way that’s potentially a little more sustainable. I would say that’s something that I’ve observed. But on a personal level, what I learned was that even though I had this beautiful job, the grass is always greener, right? Even though I was surrounded by such beauty and splendor and excitement, I felt a little restless. I thought, wow, I went to school for so long to just wake up and go to the same chair every day, which so many people do. And personally, for some reason, I can’t do that. I can’t be so stagnant. I’m an explorer. I’m curious. I’m a researcher. So I tried to honor that as best as I could and I still do, and it’s very scary. It’s difficult because there’s no stability, if you will. But the challenge is to create that stability within your heart and your mind and your soul rather than on an exterior source. Through social media you have created a community of art, fashion, and wellness lovers. Have you found yourself making genuine connections with the people who follow you? Yeah, totally. I think social media, if anything, has taught me the biggest lesson about genuine connection. It’s shown me what connection is not, and it’s shown me what connection is. I think that was one of the biggest gifts, if you will, that Instagram has given me, realizing that you can only connect with a person so much on the internet, and lately, I’ve been stepping more away from Instagram and focusing on connection in real life. But that’s not to say that I haven’t made connections online. On the contrary, my goal is to remain as open as possible, always – an open heart, an open mind. So when I do meet people online, or people that follow me, who message me or email me, I’m ready for that 77

because they’re human and I’m human. Nobody is better than somebody else, and who am I to not give someone time if they give me their time. It’s all an exchange not a means to an end. It’s also just the right thing to do. It’s the right thing to stay open and, you know, strive for genuine connection with your fellow human. So I’ve taught myself to not draw lines between myself and anybody else because I’m only limiting myself. The ultimate goal is to connect with humans on the most genuine level because why not? We all grow from it, benefit from it, feel good from it, and at the end of the day, isn’t that what such a big part of human existence and the human experience is about? Feeling love, if you will, right? So at the source and at the base of all of my connections, I try and put love there. Is it always easy? No. Does ego get in the way sometimes? Definitely. But for the most part, I’ve really learned that human connection requires an open heart, an open mind, and this desire to give love. So online, I’ve been able to do it, I think. In person, it’s my intention every day. Have I been very successful? I’m not sure who’s to measure. As a nutritionist have you found that social media has helped you find new clients? Along with that, have you been able to use your platform to educate others? Totally, yes. Social media has helped me kind of bolster my cause and my mission, and find support from others that want to support my dreams and my vision. I do get a lot of clients from social media or word of mouth, through interviews, podcasts, really through lots of outlets. I am very lucky that people have received my messages through social media, and then decide that it’s for them. They trusted what I put out. Yes, it definitely has helped me form more awareness towards what I do, which is very beautiful. You’re an all around creative who paints, sculpts, and has taken photographs backstage at fashion events. Does art help you to stay sane and grounded, especially during these turbulent times? Totally, yes, yes, yes. I think art has always been something that really calls me, grounds me, and makes me feel like I have a purpose. But as far as staying sane, you know, and maybe this is just a personal thing, but I have kind of an issue with that phrase, because in theory, chaos is always present, right? Life will always present chaos and we have to learn to manage that and react accordingly, or

#NYOTAmusic

rather, maybe be proactive rather than reactive. So I think staying sane is a reaction response rather than a proactive response, if you will. Does that make sense? It does. That’s one of the things that makes it harder for people if something happens and you can’t keep it together in that moment because you’re not really prepared. Exactly. So I think the goal here is to always be at equilibrium, so no matter what life and the world brings we can handle it accordingly. But that’s on the most individual level. Obviously, there’s so many factors and figure systems in place, but that’s just my two cents. Art for sure has kept me motivated, because I feel like I owe it to myself to keep growing, keep living, and keep enjoying and pursuing and unfolding. So I’ve been diving deeper into my art during this time because things have slowed down. I’m very fortunate that I live alone, I’m on the younger end, and I’m relatively healthy, so I’m not in the high risk category. I don’t have to worry about infecting other people in my home, per se. So I’ve definitely been in quite a privileged position to be able to then turn towards myself and create for myself and express myself in these ways. Also, stepping back from social media has helped me connect with myself again and be a little more human. I think filtering your existence through the phone can be very superficial. Not in a vain way, but rather in a more tactile way. You forget to look around, you forget to look at the person sitting across from you on the subway, you forget to look up at the buildings, you forget to even look people in the eye when you’re so entrenched in the phone. So it’s not a bad place, it’s not a dangerous place, it’s not necessarily a toxic place, if you remember to also put the phone down sometimes. You had the opportunity to collaborate on activewear with Planet Nusa. How did that opportunity come about and what was that process like? Well, Planet Nusa was created by these two incredibly lovely Danish girls that live in Copenhagen, and I was finding myself going to Copenhagen quite a bit in the past for fashion week. One Fashion Week, they saw that I was in Copenhagen and they said, ‘Bianca, we’d love to exercise with you. We have an exercise brand made out of recycled materials. What do you think?’ And I loved it. I said, ‘Yes I’d love to exercise. I’d love to see your stuff. Let’s do this thing!’ We got together and we just hit it off and had a great time. We stayed

in touch, and one day I told them over Instagram DM, I said, ‘hey, should we come together and make activewear?’ So we did that and I mean, I’m super excited about it and it’s very beautiful. But I guess I’m very hard on myself. I feel like I could have done better. I could have illustrated something, or maybe designed the pieces better and I think that’s the downfall about being a creator: when you do create something, you always think oh it could be better, or maybe I should have done this, or maybe I should have done that. Which is, you know, not the best practice. I’m trying to ease up on me being my own art critic. I’m just trying to enjoy the fact that I came together with these girls, we made these beautiful pieces, they’re eco-friendly, and they motivate people to get outside and do good things for their body. I think sometimes I’m in such an art lane right now, and things are so visual for me right now. I’m waiting on the visual and I’m thinking, oh, maybe we should have made the bananas a little smaller, or something. I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about your style (which I love). What inspires the outfits you wear and as someone living in NYC, and what are some of your go-to clothing stores? I think, again, it comes from just being a visual person. I think you don’t really choose these things. Some of us are born with one thing and other people are born with other things, and I think something that is innate in me is just this attraction to the visual. There’s always layers beneath the surface, right? There’s always depth. There’s just a matter of uncovering it. Ever since I was little, I would always take time to dress myself with intention. Think, ‘Oh, do I like this? Do I like that? Does this match this? How does this look on my body?’ Even as a little girl, I’ve always had kind of this more Latin body, if that makes sense. Bigger hips. I went through puberty at like 12 compared to my counterparts. So it’s always also thinking, ‘Okay, which top looks best with my boobs and which dress looks best with my Latin hips. I feel like these things are natural and normal, and definitely nothing to be ashamed of, that’s the facts, right? We all have different bodies and it’s nice when we find the puzzle piece of what works with our body, or not even focusing on the body and just wearing whatever. All of it goes. All of it is beautiful, all of it is a form of expression, and there’s room for all of it. I just know for myself, personally, I love wearing things that work in my eyes.

#NYOTAculture

Noelle Lucien Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Noelle Lucien

Noelle Lucien has been wanting to start a YouTube channel since the age of 11, and after graduating college and finding herself in the midst of a pandemic, she decided to take that leap. Lucien talked to NYOTA about how she chooses which topics to cover in her videos and how her creativity has been bolstered. Before we dive in, tell our readers a bit about you. For sure! My name’s Noelle Lucien, I’m 22 years old, and my big three are Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius. I just graduated from Trinity College this past May where I studied theater and dance. I’m an actor, a writer (currently working on writing a pilot), and an aspiring producer! I’m also obsessed with TV and reading books. I read at least a book a day – it’s insane. Why did YouTube seem like the right move for you when it came to building a community and sharing your opinions? I’ve wanted to be a YouTuber ever since I was 11. I grew up with YouTube, and was always attracted to being on camera/working on a “set,” especially since I was a performing arts kid. YouTube always seemed like a platform I would be really good at in terms of expressing my creativity. Fast forward to last summer, I was kind of stressed after graduating college and not having a job. I wanted something to do that would bring me structure, but would also connect me to the entertainment industry and allow me to be creative. People have always told me that I have that on-camera personality, and that I have a way of making people feel really good when I talk to them. More and more people kept reaching out to me, telling me that I should just start! All the excuses I had come up with before that had kept me from taking that leap, all kind of faded to the background. It was the perfect time to start. I felt like I didn’t have a choice anymore. Your video topics range from iPhone photo tips to self-love and acceptance. How do you go about choosing topics you want to cover? I honestly come up with a bunch of ideas all of the time and house them in a Google Doc… I think I have 50+ ideas on there currently. Then, depending on how I’m feeling that week, I pick a topic that speaks to me. I’m an extremely multifaceted person, and it’s super important to me to showcase all sides of myself. A lot of people talk about ‘niche-ing’ down on YouTube, which I immediately shied away from. I know people could technically consider me an amalgamation of lifestyle and self help, but I don’t like to think about myself in rigid categories. I am a lot of different things, like most people, and that is completely okay! 80

#NYOTAculture

The video you created on microaggressions opened up a great conversation in the comments section. Has it been rewarding to speak your truth and have people appreciate you sharing your story? Absolutely. I would always find myself so frustrated when navigating the internet (especially social media sites) because everyone was showcasing their highlight reels, but nobody was opening up about the not so pretty things that come with life as well. It’s so crazy, because the first time I really opened up and was vulnerable on social media was about my assault. I was so nervous. I thought people wouldn’t care and that I would be judged. I remember trying to talk myself out of it so many times, until I finally decided to take a chance. And I couldn’t have been happier about the outcome. So many people reached out to me, telling me how I made them feel seen, how I was an inspiration to them, how I gave them the courage to speak up, speak out, and even make formal reports or go to counseling. That was huge for me. I saw how I could take something not so pretty and make something really beautiful out of it. I could heal myself through speaking out, and also help heal others. I haven’t stopped being vulnerable and honest since. The YouTube space definitely is in need of more Black voices on the platform. How has it been navigating YouTube as a Black woman, especially since you do openly discuss race on your channel? You know, it’s so strange because you see it time and time again on social media platforms how Black creators are treated. I’m not going to lie, I was really afraid of having to deal with blatant racism or prejudice on socials because that side of being a Black creator is talked about so much. I’m thankful that basically 99.9 percent of feedback I’ve gotten is so incredibly positive. I am on the smaller side of YouTube, so I haven’t received any glaringly harmful or offensive comments, however there have been some that are definitely on the microaggression side. I think it’s important to talk about race because even though I am more than my racial identity, it is a big part of what strangers see when they’re interacting with my content. I can’t escape that, I don’t want to, and I feel like it would be such a disservice to myself and others if I completely avoided talking about race. My channel exists for entertainment purposes, but also to expand perspectives and to hopefully leave watchers with something that they hadn’t considered

before. If I can do that in any capacity, I am absolutely going to try. When it comes to creating videos on YouTube and building an audience, consistency is key. Do you carve out time in your day or throughout the week to plan your videos and filming days? Yes, yes, and yes! People don’t realize how much work goes into a YouTube video. While my videos range from 10-20 minutes long, it takes me an hour to plan out videos, 30 minutes to get ready, 30 minutes to an hour to film, and then between three to six hours of editing (it takes so long because I am SUCH a perfectionist). And on top of that, I have to wait for sunny days (which this winter haven’t been that easy to come by). What really helps with all of this is setting days for things. One day for planning, one day for filming, two days for editing. Admittedly, I have been pretty bad at consistency these last two months. I started a job and I have been so busy that content creation has fallen to the wayside, however, I’ve finally found my groove and can’t wait to start consistently posting content again! Have you found yourself being more creative as a result of creating YouTube videos? Oh absolutely. I watch, read, and see things so much differently now because of how involved the video making process is. I definitely see things more visually now. I also try to make stories out of everything. A good YouTube video is basically a visually compelling 10 minute story. I also feel as if it’s expanded my mind to show me what other creative things I want to try, or feel like I could be good at. When you open your mind to creativity, I feel like naturally more follows! I started making bracelets a couple of months ago just because I wanted to see if I could do it! Who are some YouTubers you’re inspired by? I love love love Kianna Naomi and Kelly Stamps. They are both Black women who are very different, but consistently disrupt monoliths that exist about Black women with their content. I want to have a platform that does the same thing, so it’s always inspiring to watch their videos and see them shine! I also really love D’Angelo Wallace’s commentary videos.

An Addictive Necessity: How My Screens Control Me By Arielle Ostry

Photo by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash

It’s 7 a.m. My alarm sounds. And the first thing I pick up and interact with in the morning is my phone. I snooze my alarm and open up TikTok, scrolling through my For You page. This is a new development for me. I only downloaded the app a few months ago, but somehow it has wedged its way into my morning routine. Some indiscernible amount of time later, I make my way to the shower. But my phone comes with me. I throw on a podcast. Some days, it’s The Daily or Post Reports. Others, it’s the newest upload for RadioLab. But there is always something playing along with the metallic hum of the pipes and the steady spray of city tap water. I can’t shower in silence; what if I get bored? These sorts of patterns are peppered throughout my day, and screens seem to play an integral part. From online class to career advice webinars to my latest YouTube rabbithole, screens are nearly a constant. And while I’ve recognized how toxic and harmful these habits can be – resulting in periodic headaches, mental fatigue, and overwhelming stints of burnout – I am not too sure if I can stop. Throughout the years, we’ve learned that technology, and even more specifically social media, can become addictive, contributing to our human need for instant gratification and constant entertainment. If you have not yet watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix, I would encourage you to do so. While 83

the documentary may keep you up at night, it does a great job of exposing the dark side of our social media ecosystems and the true product involved in the business structure of social media companies: our time, our attention, and even more significantly, our behavior. I won’t reveal any major spoilers, but a specific scene comes to mind where a mother challenges her children to go one meal without their phones, locking them away and encouraging her family to eat and talk with each other. Within minutes, a phone notification rings out from the lockbox and the temptation is too much to resist. The daughter races over and breaks the box, desperate to see who is messaging her. It may seem a bit overly dramatic, but think about the ways in which technology is irreplaceably present in our lives. Think about the countless toddlers with iPads you have seen sitting at family dinners in restaurants, or how you can’t navigate to a place you’ve never been before without the help of your handy dandy GPS now in your pocket 24/7. You can’t find a single commuter in the city without airpods in their ears, and if a storm is coming and the power may go out, my first thought is to make sure every one of my remote devices, including travel batteries, are plugged in. Following my viewing of The Social Dilemma, I decided to delete my Facebook and Instagram

#NYOTAculture

apps from my phone. If I needed to check in with a friend on one of the platforms, I could do so on my computer. This way, opening up my Instagram could not be a mindless habit meant to avoid awkward conversation or procrastinate on more pressing responsibilities. It was easier than I thought it would be. Sure, I still watched YouTube, listened to my podcasts, and attended online class, but this one act cut my time spent scrolling endlessly through my feeds substantially. But around two months into my little experiment, I got a text. It was from Facebook. The message seemed harmless enough: “Emma Johnson shared a new update…” with a link attached. I thought little of it and went about my day. But the next day, I got another text saying it was someone’s birthday and urging me to celebrate with them on their timeline. This left me unsettled. Why was Facebook texting me? I then realized these texts were just like the instant notifications I used to receive back when the app was on my phone. Facebook wanted me back. And I felt used. As a journalism major, I have participated in plenty of conversations about free media and advertising. A common phrase associated with this type of phenomenon is as follows: ‘if you aren’t paying for the product, then you are the product.’ Jaron Lanier, an American computer philosopher, amends this statement in The Social Dilemma by saying, “It’s the gradual, slight, imperceptible change in your own behavior and perception that is the product.” In other words, it’s not just your attention these social media companies want. They want you to act. At this moment, staring down at a birthday reminder on my phone, I fully realized that while social media and other forms of technology can improve and simplify my life in countless ways, it is not meant for me. It’s meant to eat up my time; it’s meant to become so valuable that I can’t live without it. This whole experience has made me cautious, but it hasn’t changed a whole lot. Because while I wish I wasn’t, I am the product. And I’m not sure if I have the will to not be. 84

Eryn Danielle Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Sydney Claire & Brooklyn Gallagher

Eryn Danielle is an all around creative. Hailing from Maryland, Danielle is a movement artist who has been dancing since the age of 3, a Creative Strategist at Black Men Build, and the creator of Allies Doing Work. She talked to NYOTA about using art as a way to connect with others and balancing her work with taking care of her mental health. Growing up did you use art as a way to connect with others and share stories? Yes! I began dancing at age 3 and was a very shy child. Dance helped me break down some of the barriers I had as a young child with a speech impediment. I was particularly drawn to it because it felt like art rooted in discipline. I need discipline as a driving force in any of my creative processes, so my dance training was a perfect fit for me. I truthfully didn’t begin to think of myself as a storyteller until my twenties. I feel that I’m still finding my own voice as a creator and dancer and that I’m just at the beginning of my storytelling journey. When did Instagram go from a place you could post photos to a platform where you could share your creative endeavors? When I became confident in my purpose and didn’t let follower counts and engagement rates define how I would choose to use my voice! I feel enriched by social media when I freely put content or stories onto the platform without expecting anything in return, without seeking validation. I also learned that I would (in time) connect with the people I was meant to be engaging with online and that you’re not meant to inhabit every space. It happened organically and earnestly. You have hosted virtual chats throughout the pandemic. What has it been like connecting with your audience and fellow creatives in this way? It has been the most enriching experience. Connecting with individuals who are rooted in the same belief system as I am has been a saving grace amidst a tumultuous year. Online activism can be a very dicey and dangerous space. By fostering an inviting, thought-provoking, and authentic space for conversations around race, intersectionality, and allyship in action, I hope to change the framework of how we engage online with people. I am so inspired by everyone I bring onto the platform and personally leave every conversation feeling solidified in my purpose. But great care goes into the preparation of these conversations because I want the platform to be known as a productive space where we are able to explore the nuances of these topics. 85

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAculture

Tell us a bit about Allies Doing Work and how it came to be. I started Allies Doing Work in May 2020. I was feeling deeply triggered by the onslaught of news coverage and the social media haste to be the most “woke” person in the room. I felt also that anti-racism work was being incorrectly framed as something only white people could engage in, and that many other groups were being overlooked and forgotten in the discourse. I was more interested in having conversations about race amongst many communities of color. I didn’t see a space that was fostering conversations between Indigenous folks and Black folks, or Asian folks and Latinx folks. I felt that my course of study had prepared me to begin fostering that space. To approach activism, intersectionality, and anti-racist work from a non-White-centric point of view. Allies Doing Work is a space primarily for communities of color to be in conversation with each other, to recognize that our stories are unique and specific, yet interwoven. I’m sure creating content for Allies Doing Work can be mentally taxing at times. How have you navigated putting your work out on social media and taking care of your mental health? I allow myself to set my own deliverables and tasks for the month! I don’t compare myself to other activism platforms because it’s not productive. I don’t allow myself to get sucked into hateful comments and DMs either. At the end of the day, it’s just Instagram. It’s not worth compromising your mental, physical, and emotional health. I try to also be conscious of not being too reactive. I don’t force myself to be a leader on every social justice cause. Learning offline and putting that into practice is the most important part of allyship and activism. Knowing when to pass the mic, amplifying other creators and platforms, and not letting the algorithm run me into the ground is how I set healthy boundaries with the platform. You studied Human Rights and Race/Ethnic Studies at Columbia University. How has your time as a student impacted the work you do now for Allies Doing Work?

grateful that I didn’t allow myself to get swayed into a more conventional pathway because I wouldn’t be doing this work today. We need people that are passionate about critical race theory, intersectionality, and human rights work in every organization, industry, and company. This knowledge we have is unique and can have an exponential impact. Instagram can be incredibly fake but it has become clear in recent years that people enjoy following influencers who are authentic. How have you stayed true to yourself and stopped yourself from getting caught up in the Instagram game? I stopped posting for the approval of others and viewed social media as something fun I could choose to engage in, not something I was forced to do. It’s all about managing the expectations you have for the platform and if you’re holding too much of your worth in an algorithm-based space. It’s great to challenge yourself or your platform to reach more people, but also growing in a conducive way is crucial to your success and happiness on the platform. My numbers grow slowly, and I’m fine with that! I genuinely feel enriched by the people I follow, and that so many incredible opportunities have come from having a platform that outweighs what people see on the app. After the tumultuous year that was 2020. Have you seen positive changes happening across social media when it comes to topics content creators are discussing? I think folks are realizing that we are in this for the long game. That these conversations can happen in any medium. You can center your activism around your hobbies and passions. Joy, passion, and activism can go hand in hand. You’re allowed to be a full person also outside of your activism. I think initially people felt that if they wanted to be politically engaged and conscious, that there was no room for all the other aspects of themselves. I proudly occupy the dance and modeling spaces, as well as using Allies Doing Work as a method of activism. I allow all the different parts of myself, my story, my passions, and my ethos to inform each other.

During my studies, many people told me my course of study was silly. That I wouldn’t be able to find a job or put my knowledge to use in any way. Now people are hungry for this knowledge and expertise. I feel that I was preparing myself for a future that I couldn’t fully see but truly believed in. I’m incredibly 88

#NYOTAculture

Nicole Huff Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jaylyn Todd Stylist: Rebecca Wengle

Nicole Huff is an actress, dancer, and singer who grew up performing in and outside of school. As someone who grew up entertaining people, it is no surprise that she recently had her breakout role in the Netflix hit, Tiny Pretty Things. Huff talked to NYOTA about stepping into her character Paige’s shoes and the advice she has for aspiring actors. Being a dancer, singer, and actress, were you often putting on performances growing up? Definitely. At school, I’d host the talent shows and choreograph the dances in it. I’d choreograph my dance starting at age 5 in talent shows my mom put me in. I’d also always be singing karaoke at parties and dancing around my house. I fell in love with entertaining people and making them happy at a young age. What initially interested you in Tiny Pretty Things? I became interested in the incredibly complex and challenging world of these elite ballet students. I could relate to the dedication and passion these students had in the pursuit of their craft. I also became interested in the darkness, the mystery, and the dramatic aspect. I love that the series is based on a book, too. I thought it would be cool to read the novel then see it come to life in the series in its own way. Your character Paige goes through a traumatic experience in the show. Was it difficult to have to stay in that headspace throughout those episodes? It was definitely a challenge. I had to live in those circumstances as my character, Paige, for a while throughout filming weeks in order to tell her story as truthfully and authentically as I could. The scenes from that episode completely juxtaposes my character’s other scenes because Paige always brought joyful, loving, and sassy energy. What do you hope viewers take away after watching what Paige went through? I hope that viewers are able to feel inspired by Paige’s strength and vulnerability. I also hope that viewers realize how it shouldn’t be stigmatized nor should it

exist anymore. People shouldn’t be afraid to speak up about issues they are going through. Tiny Pretty Things did incredibly well on Netflix. What was it like being a part of a show on the streaming giant? Seeing the show go to number one in the world was a crazy experience for me. I witnessed how hard everyone worked on the show, and for the show to receive such recognition and exposure is amazing. The hard work paid off. I had fun being a part of it. Netflix is very active on social media and so are Netflix’s actors. In turn, have you found yourself interacting with fans online a lot more? Absolutely. The fans of Tiny Pretty Things are wonderful, supportive, fierce, and loyal. It’s cool having people recognize you and tell you they admire and love you. It’s flattering. They also make hilarious memes. I feel grateful for the fans and my supporters. I love interacting with them. Tell us a bit about your project Pretty Hard Cases. What can viewers expect? It’s a comedy that follows two detectives, Sam and Kelly, on their journey. They’re hilarious and very different from each other. There’s so much action in the show. I play Alina Taylor, who is interrogated by Sam after Alina acts out from her parents’ divorce. I am extremely happy to be a part of it. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Be authentic. Work hard and stay inspired. Don’t take the rejection personally. Every actor goes through it. Be confident in your uniqueness because your uniqueness alone is an asset and is going to help you in this industry. 90

#NYOTAculture

Alex Rudin Interview by Carol Wright Photo Courtesy of Alex Rudin Art by Alex Rudin

Alex Rudin has been using art as an outlet since childhood which led her to studying at Parsons New School for Design to hone her craft. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that she unexpectedly found herself in the political art space. After auctioning off her art to help Covenant House New York and the Black Lives Matter movement, she started to gain a new audience and created connections online. Rudin hopped on the phone to talk to our Editor-in-Chief about not comparing herself to other artists online, her creative process, and how art should be accessible to all.

Take us back to the beginning. Has art been an outlet for you since you were a child? Yes, actually. I have always been drawn to the arts in general. I was interested in music as a child, specifically singing and musical theater. I spent a lot of my time performing when I was younger. However, I was always enthralled by the visual arts, as well. I come from a family where the arts have been ingrained throughout the generations. My grandfather was an illustrator, and my mom is an interior designer and an amazing artist herself. In addition, my dad is an incredible craftsman who builds boats and has an impeccable eye for architecture. There’s a lot of other peripheral family members who are very involved in the arts, as well. It was definitely something that was innate to who I was. I feel lucky enough to have a family that fostered and recognized my talents at an early age. Art is a pivotal part of my life. I actually can’t remember life without it. You went to Parsons New School for Design. What did you learn there that you still take with you in your career today? The biggest thing I would say about Parsons is that it taught me how to think like an artist, something that is unique to art school. It’s important to also note that Parsons is a design school, which was actually not something that I fully understood when applying to school. Perhaps I didn’t get the education that I was looking for in regards to the technical aspects of art, but they absolutely taught me how to develop concepts and to create engaging and meaningful projects. Parsons taught me the importance of investigating and learning about art history references, why you’re doing what you’re doing, and why you’re referencing what you’re referencing. In my opinion, this is one of the most critical parts of art. You have to be a smart artist, in my opinion, to make an impact. A lot of that has to do with your references and the concept itself not just creating a pretty picture. 92

That is what I would say is the biggest takeaway from Parsons, as well as the fact that the arts are completely self-motivated. I went to school with a lot of people who maybe – this goes for regular school as wellweren’t so motivated. Some students are strongly self-directed, and some aren’t. Parsons was a place where they were not going to hold your hand. It’s not an environment where they’re saying, “Here, this is a great opportunity for you.” However, all of those opportunities are there if you’re willing to look and go after them yourself. For me, it was really all about self-efficacy. I know what I can do and achieve and it was just a matter of making it happen for myself. Not waiting for, per se, the art world to happen to me. It’s not a world that just happens to you. If it does, you’re extremely lucky, but for the most part that doesn’t happen. What specifically got you interested in creating political art? Generally, I’ve always been interested in social justice. I went to a Quaker school for elementary through high school, which has invariably impacted my artwork. The tenets of Quakerism are simplicity, equality, and basically the golden rule: do unto others as you want others to do unto you. I would say that while I never knew it growing up, the quaker environment has been formative for me. I strive to incorporate kindness, a desire to help people and make an impact into my everyday life. It wasn’t until the coronavirus hit that I started focusing my work around such principles. Since college, I’ve been in the fine arts world predominantly doing gallery work. Additionally, I spent about a year and a half learning how to silk screen and do Verre Eglomise, which is gilding on glass. Prior to Covid-19 I wanted to start making furniture for my company Rudin Studios LLC. As I mentioned, my mom is an interior designer, so this felt like a natural segway for my work. Then the coronavirus hit and the lab closed. I left the city and went 40 miles away. Suddenly I had no way to print, which meant I was unable to continue prototyping my furniture. During the beginning of quarantine, I remember watching the news and being so struck. I so vividly recall seeing over one hundred people waiting in line to get food from Covenant House New York, which is close to where I live. To be honest, it just broke my heart that there were people in my community who because of this virus don’t have anywhere safe to stay, 93

or anything to eat. They have no job prospects, or they’ve been laid off and can’t support their families. I, feeling extremely privileged for my shelter and access to food, felt an extreme desire to try to do something to help those less fortunate than me. That being said, the main tool in my arsenal is my artwork. I made a series of six or seven paintings and auctioned them off to raise money for homeless and trafficked youth in NYC. Two weeks later, the George Floyd murder happened and kicked off the BLM protests. Disgusted by the pervasive racism and white supremacy in the U.S. I decided to make a poster for the Black Lives Matter protests. I started selling those, donating 100 percent of the proceeds to Black Lives Matter organizations. In doing so, I got intensely involved in the artistic effort to either raise awareness, promote actionable change, raising money, and getting people to pay attention to issues underrepresented by the media. This all eventually turned towards politics and the 2020 Presidential election. 2020 was absolute mania. Each event rolled into the next and to me, a logical landing place for all of the turmoil was the election. I kept thinking “Where can we enact change?” After creating a handful of political posters that went a little bit viral, I started working with organizations like Women for Biden Harris, Friends Vote Together, and Women For The Win. From there I started getting into the human rights space with Article 3 and started working with trans rights organizations. All of this was the result of me thinking that I needed to do something because of COVID-19. Now here I am on this whirlwind journey that I never thought I’d be on. I never thought of myself as someone who was going to do either political commentary, political satire, or anything like that! However, the work I am doing now feels like the most genuine thing I’ve ever done. How are you going about pulling information that you then use in your art? When you’re working on a piece, do you usually watch the news or read the papers to figure out what you want to work on next? There are a couple different avenues. I have an amazing strategist named Collins Nai, and we’re always in conversation about what is most pressing to make work about. There are a lot of things that happen in the news, but we are very specific in regards to

#NYOTAculture

what issues we tackle and how we talk about them. I would say that most of the topics are about how to be anti-racist, how to galvanize excitement around local and national voting, women’s issues, and fighting antiSemitism. We often take cues from what’s going on in the world, like the insurrection for example. That was a huge event that we obviously weren’t planning on making work about, but it had to be addressed. We also have longer term projects – things that we feel are important in the long run. For example, we’re working on a healthcare worker series honoring our healthcare heroes. We are planning on pitching them to hospitals and other medical associations. In addition we are working on a series about the pervasiveness of sexual abuse among women. The focus of the longer term projects is not to get it out on Instagram, but to deeply conceptualize work that can live outside of social media. In addition, I simply follow the news on both sides of the spectrum. When looking at social media, I mainly look to see what’s picking up traction. However, I’m also looking to see what has happened that is NOT getting enough attention. In turn, I try to make visual and informational graphics, carousels, or videos about issues that are not getting adequate media attention. I like to ask myself-- Where is there a hole? What needs light to be shed on this issue? What type of education can support this topic? Why is the mainstream media not paying adequate attention to the issue at hand? How can we help? A lot of the things that we have done in regard to that strategy have been extremely effective. Some of

our most engaged posts have been pieces that were designed specifically to “fill in the gaps,” if you will. It really goes to show the importance of graphics, visuals, and identifying with the cause in an artistic fashion. Visuals have so much to do with how information gets shared and how people digest difficult subject matter. This is our digital issue and I’m curious, as an artist are you ever inspired to create because of what you see on social media? Does social media serve as a good place for you to look for ideas? I would actually say that for the most part I am kind of a lone wolf artist. I’m somebody that doesn’t like to pay much attention to what others are doing on a visual level. In regards to being inspired by what I see, I look at that as something that almost hinders me. I don’t like to compare myself to what anybody else is doing currently online. I know that what I’m doing is different than what exists and I don’t want to pigeonhole myself in a matrix that doesn’t yet have its proper spot for me yet. I believe that I am creating something that doesn’t really exist yet in regards to the partnerships I am building behind the scenes. This is our main focus. Having a robust following on IG is amazing, but the business behind the facade of social media matters so much more. Don’t get me wrong, there are incredible artists and illustrators on Instagram that I love following, but I would not say that I hold my work to any type of standard while looking at them. I like to be fresh and not have any type of artistic impositions placed upon me because of what other artists are making.

#NYOTAculture

Social media has its good and bad sides, but at the end of the day it can be a great tool. Has it allowed you to meet other artists or collaborate with people you would not have met otherwise? Instagram is an incredible place to network. I would say that I’m particularly thrilled by the amazing community I’ve been able to create through Instagram. The amount of support is unparalleled. Don’t get me wrong, trolls are real and there’s definitely a lot of hate on IG that’s really negative, especially in regard to certain issues. I have noticed that specific issues get so much more hate than others. For example, whenever I make work related to combatting antisemitism or sexual abuse, there is always a barrage of hateful comments and messages. However, there are also amazing aspects of Instagram. I was able to start most of my partnerships because people saw my work on IG. My subsequent social media growth also proved to be extraordinarily fruitful in regard to landing partnerships. I was suddenly getting emails from all different kinds of organizations asking if we could work together. Of course, I am also constantly reaching out to people, looking for new opportunities. This is key for anybody trying to start a career in the arts. You have to learn how to not be afraid to reach out to people. Tell them why they need you – what you bring to the table – because as an artist, you really do have so much to offer. Instagram is an incredible tool to reach people that you would not be able to reach ordinarily. I think that’s a huge factor for my success at this point. Social media really serves as a doubleedged sword in a lot of ways. Your comment on Instagram being a double-edged sword really speaks to the conflicting relationship with social media a lot of young creatives feel. Could you elaborate on what you perceive to be the bad? One of the most important things to realize as an artist is that followers really don’t mean anything. If somebody has 1,000 followers as opposed to another artist with 20,000 followers, it doesn’t mean that their career in the arts or the quality of their work is lesser than. I think that is something that gets lost in regards to art and Instagram – it’s not about quantity it’s really about quality. It’s about having those engagements and connections with people that are genuine and productive to growing a community that your art lives within. The goal shouldn’t be getting thousands of followers, the goal should be making great work. Somewhere that notion gets lost, which is incredibly unfortunate.

Art has been a tool for change for years now and your piece “Seeing is Believing” in USA Today focused on that. Why do you think there is still stigma around art and its ability to create change? How do you think that mindset could be changed over time? I think there’s probably many reasons for this. One of the first things that pops into my head is the fact that we live in a society where certain careers are deemed more acceptable than others. There are a lot of stereotypes about artists that are untrue. For so long artists have been somewhat cast aside and stigmatized as lazy, undisciplined, and often borderline crazy. I think that in general, artists are not as valued in our society because they typically don’t make exorbitant amounts of money. Capitalist America dictates that the highest earners are most often the most respected among us. Of course, there are exceptions when it comes to the wildly unregulated art market, but for the most part artists are not raking in the dough. In our society, if you’re not making tons of money, then you’re not valued. I obviously think that is a complete hindrance to the artistic process and ultimately stops people from becoming artists because it’s not a sustainable life choice. When in reality, if more people pursued their art and were supported in doing so, their self-expression and artistic commentary would help the world in so many ways. In addition, art is the truest form of expression. I feel as though we live in a society where free expression is not necessarily valued. We’re constantly told to reign in our feelings, reign in our emotions, don’t react so much, be this, be that. To me, the fundamental purpose of an artist is to rebel against the pressures society has placed upon us and to bring truth to and/or shed light on issues that affect us all. Lots of artists make work aimed at rebelling against the systems in which we live. If you think about World War I and the subsequent surrealist movement, it’s clear to see the artists rebelling against the war machine, industrial violence, and societal hierarchies. Artistic movements happen in reaction to societal fractures. This is what we are currently witnessing. Art allows viewers to connect, empathize, and feel on a deeper level through powerful images. Effective art begs the viewer to contemplate, to sit in discomfort, and to confront. if artists are making work that questions the systems in which we live, it’s no surprise that such systems consequently devalue or negate the work that is designed to undermine their power. 96

Sarah Sem Interview by Arielle Ostry Photos courtesy of Sarah Sem

Sarah Sem was always fascinated with how her interests in digital communication and advocacy could intersect, and so in collaboration with her friend Molly, Little Bit Of collective was born. Sem spoke with NYOTA about her learning curve throughout the past year in embracing the unpredictable, and provided some valuable insights for those interested in cultivating their own online community. Your online presence is one of the first things that caught our eye! When did you first realize you had a passion for communication and online media? Communication has always been a part of who I am, ever since I was younger. I loved reading, writing, and performing – finding ways to connect with other people in new and unique ways. I didn’t realize until college that online media could be a way to do that. I think my first memory of being passionate about communication and online media together was in a class my sophomore year of college – in a web design course. My professor had assigned us to create a social media campaign and website for a brand of our choosing, and I remember truly enjoying the process of crafting content for Dove’s Self-Esteem Project. I even spoke to my professor after I turned it in, asking her about what it would take to make this into a career. Social media had and still does always come naturally to me – in every office I’ve worked or student organization I’ve led, I somehow always become the social media person (mainly because I think I just see it as another creative outlet and constantly have new ideas for it). My Instagram is not only how I connect with my friends, family, and strangers-turned-friends, but something I take joy in curating. I started creating my “aesthetic” my freshman year of college, taking care to include graphics with quotes that have inspired me and playing around with filters in Lightroom. Especially in today’s world, I am constantly fascinated by the ways people connect and foster world-altering movements through a screen with people they have never met. I am constantly inspired by online media, and that’s what keeps me as passionate about it today as I was those years ago. Tell us about Little Bit Of. What inspired you to create this community and blog? Little Bit Of came about in the summer of 2019 after I attended a summit for an influencer collective. I didn’t know a soul there, and ended up sitting next to someone named Molly who I followed on Instagram and knew of through the program. Molly and I talked the whole day about how so many collectives exist for college-aged women, but once you age out of the demographic, you’re no longer included. We also talked about how this extended in the real world to anyone who wasn’t thin, straight, white, or identified as a cisgender woman. About a month after the 97

#NYOTAculture

conference, Molly texted me out of the blue and asked me if I wanted to start a website and collective based off of the things we had talked about. I immediately said yes, and we spent the better part of the next nine months on FaceTime talking about our plans and goals for this inclusive collective – even down to choosing inclusive and diverse stock images for our newsletter. After weeks of brainstorming, we settled on the name Little Bit Of, because the people with a little bit of everything inside of them are what makes this world such a wonderful place to be in, and are the true influencers. At the end of the day, our mission is to serve and empower the next generation of influencers, and to create an inclusive community for creators in all phases of their growth. It is clear from your past work with organizations like She’s The First (and current work with Little Bit Of) that issues surrounding inclusivity are really important to you. How has your expertise in digital communication helped you advocate for the causes you care about? This is a fantastic question. I never really saw my expertise and advocacy as two separate entities, since I’ve grown up in a world where so much activism takes place online, but they really have developed and supported each other. I feel incredibly lucky to have gone to George Washington for my undergraduate degree, because the professors there are experts in digital communication and how to create a compelling narrative. They taught me so many of the skills I use online and in my advocacy, because I learned pretty early on that activism is dependent on intricate messaging – a movement can either thrive or die based on the quality and clarity of its mission. This taught me to be not only clear but also intentional in how I expressed my passions online, because people are only truly influenced by leaders they deem to be authentic. Whenever I put together a campaign or a simple Instagram story, I’m constantly thinking about my audience – their needs, how they will interact with my content, and what I want them to come away from it with. I can’t remember when, but I realized somewhere along my journey that digital communications and a social media presence are essential to engaging others with your advocacy. A great example of that is She’s the First, the nonprofit that shaped my undergraduate career and relationship with feminism. They started as a Youtube campaign, and have developed into a 98

global movement that’s attracted the attention of Michelle Obama, Imaan Hammam, Cristian Cowan, and so many others. Their digital footprint and strong foundation in social media advocacy inspires me daily to find effective ways to connect with people online. If activism in the world of COVID has taught us anything – from the accountability demanded and earned by the Black Lives Matter movement to the grassroots campaigning in the 2020 election – the future of advocacy is sitting in the palm of our hands, so I’ve worked hard to embrace every new platform and technique in order to reach as many people as possible with my message. What would you say is the biggest lesson you learned when launching the lifestyle collective Little Bit Of? Being flexible was absolutely the biggest lesson I learned when launching Little Bit Of. The number of times Molly and I had to change course along our journey – from choosing a new Instagram handle when the one we wanted was already being used, to moving our timeline around after I was given a lot more responsibility in a student organization role just three months before our launch – taught me that just because something isn’t going according to plan doesn’t mean it isn’t going right. So much of digital and online media communications is about gut instinct and the human experience, and both of those elements are so unpredictable. The less I tried to control the process and the more I just enjoyed working with one of my best friends to create a more inclusive space on the internet, the end product became better and better. I’m still learning how to be flexible today, between working 40 hours a week on top of running Little Bit Of and our new podcast, and can only say that as long as you are clear in your mission and your purpose, nothing can truly get in your way. The topics you write about, from conditional friendships to imposter syndrome, seem to come from a deeply personal place. How do you decide what to write about? When I’m choosing to write an article for Little Bit Of, I think of a conversation I would have with a friend or advice I would want to hear. I used to be really cautious with sharing personal experiences, but when I started to open up in my relationships with friends

and family, I realized that vulnerability and authenticity allowed me to deepen those connections in really meaningful ways. So when I’m deciding what to share online, I take away so many of the filters I’ve imposed on myself and the ones society has imposed upon me, and write about experiences I think people will relate to. This spirit of being unfiltered also helped propel the brand, and Molly and I have now ventured into the podcast space with a show called A Little Bit Unfiltered! Graduating last year in the spring of 2020 must have been a challenging experience. What did you find to be most difficult and how did you get to where you are now? Embracing the unpredictable was definitely the hardest part of graduating in 2020 – I’ve always had a plan for how my final semester of college and graduation would go, but COVID caused me to abandon those plans pretty quickly. Living out the final few months of my college experience in my childhood bedroom was a disappointment in a lot of ways, but an unexpected blessing in many others. I suddenly had so much time to dedicate to launching Little Bit Of, and was able to reconnect with friends and family that I was “too busy” to spend as much time with before. Don’t get me wrong, graduating in my living room instead of on the National Mall with my friends and classmates was a little bit of a let-down, but I’ve realized that there are so many things no one has control over in the age of COVID, so I should focus on the things I can control. Also, applying for jobs in the middle of a pandemic is incredibly challenging. I knew very few people in the Class of 2020 who got hired right after graduation, which created a common experience for us to bond over, but easily led to self-doubt and anxiety. This was made even more difficult by the fact that I was starting a business at the same time I was applying for a full-time position, but this allowed Little Bit Of to be a fun and creative outlet for me as I was going through the process. I’m a person who loves to be constantly creating and engaging with others, and when I didn’t have a job to go to everyday, I was able to devote more time than ever before to Little Bit Of. I definitely don’t feel like I’ve “arrived” anywhere yet – everything still feels like it’s in a constant state of flux – but I feel so much more settled because I’ve stopped comparing my journey to the journeys of others.

#NYOTAculture

What advice do you have for people aspiring to launch their own online community? It’s so odd to be giving advice when I’m still constantly searching for it, but I think that would be the first, and one of the most important, things to know – the internet and online community space is so vast and ever-changing, so be open to learning from those with both more and less experience than you. I’m the first to acknowledge that I don’t know as much as I should about the influencer industry, but my eagerness and devotion to my mission is what has got me to where I am today. Some other good rules to follow, based on my experience: 1. Be clear in your mission and what you want members to get out of your community. Nobody is going to care about this as much as you do, so you need to make it clear why it’s worth their while. 2. Constantly be a student of best online and social media practices. The landscape changes in some form almost every week, and the brands most on top of this experience the most success. 3. Be patient!! Overnight successes never actually happen overnight. They’re developed through years of hard work and sometimes just sheer luck. If your community doesn’t have 1,000 members in the first month, or 10,000 followers on social media after your launch, that’s normal. Take your time investing in the foundation of your community, so it can be prepared for that growth in the long run.

100

Top: Celine (@oldceline) Suit: Annakiki (annakikiofficial) Necklace: icandi rocks (@icandirocksjewlrry) Rings: Ruminations (@ruminationsstudio) showroom: @626fashionhaus

101

#NYOTAculture

Dominique Druckman Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Christopher Brown Makeup: Deborah Isshac Hair: Arsineh Ghazarian Stylist: Tatiana Isshac

Dominique Druckman realized she wanted to be a performer after growing up as a dancer. This passion for performing led her to do improv training at The Groundlings and helped her book her biggest role yet, playing a fake influencer on the social experiment Fake Famous, a documentary on HBO. Druckman talked to NYOTA about the effort that can go into creating a fake moment and becoming an influencer in her own right. Growing up did you always see yourself getting involved in show business in some form? I grew up as a dancer and always loved having our showcases or recitals, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a performer. So, yes? How did your time at The Groundlings prepare you for your role in Fake Famous? Improv training at The Groundlings has helped with so many aspects of my life outside of acting, but especially in my time filming Fake Famous just to be comfortable being myself in front of the camera. Your co-stars opted out, but you stuck with being a part of the social experiment that was Fake Famous all the way through. What motivated you to continue? I like to give my all to whatever job I’m doing, and the social experiment that was Fake Famous was no different! I looked at the social experiment as an acting role, because I was essentially acting like an influencer – someone or something I don’t see myself as regularly. You have different moments throughout Fake Famous where certain photos were not what they appeared to be (ex: you at the Four Seasons). While filming were you surprised to see the amount of effort that can go into a photo that’s not even portraying a real moment? Oh absolutely! It’s crazy and impressive (crazy impressive?) how much work goes into faking photos, most of which people do just to get something free out of it. The film really pulls back the curtain on that side of the influencer world.

Over time as your following on Instagram grew did you see yourself starting to have a different relationship with social media or how you viewed yourself online? I feel like other people who saw me on social media viewed me as an influencer, so I continued to play the part until the film came out. I wanted that to be true for them so I wouldn’t feel like a fraud, but it just wasn’t. It was all still a role to me. Post Fake Famous do you have more respect or a renewed respect for the work influencers do? Some influencers, yes. The people who have used their social media platforms to start social justice movements, charities, businesses, fashion lines – those influencers I have respect for. The ones that show you the free products they are gifted and create this illusion of a world that isn’t their reality to make others feel bad – not really. Prior to Fake Famous you had a dream of being an actress, and now you’ve been able to make a name for yourself. Have you been even more motivated to go for auditions and book projects since finishing Fake Famous? Definitely! Acting is still my main goal. I try to do something every day towards bettering myself for my career. Now that you are an influencer in your own right with over 340k Instagram followers, what brands or companies do you hope to work with in the future? Oooooh great question. I love Mejuri and their jewelry, Tatcha skincare has always been kind to my skin, I love Parachute Home and Brooklinen. Nespresso? That’d be cool.

102

Dress: Rodarte (@rodarte) Pumps: Free Lance (@freelance _paris) Necklace: icandirocks (@icandirocksjewellry) Rings: icandi rocks (@icandirocksjewellry), ruminations studio (@ruminationsstudio) Bracelets: Ruminations (@ruminationsstudio) Showrooms: @thepop.group, 626fashionhaus

103

#NYOTAculture Dress: Maxrieny by Sara Wong (@Sarawong_maxrieny) Earrings: Iris Trends (@eyesofiris) Boots: Kurt Geiger (@Kurtgeiger) Showrooms: @poly_global_advisory, @maisonpriveepr_la

104

Words of Wisdom

Chase Tang Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Nina Ricci of North Collective Photography

Chase Tang grew up in Nova Scotia believing that one day he would end up in the NHL, but things changed when he found himself becoming an actor. Tang talked to NYOTA about being a part of Jupiter’s Legacy and his advice for aspiring actors. Growing up in Nova Scotia was acting always on your radar as a future career? Growing up in Nova Scotia was probably the furthest thing away from acting. My entire childhood was dedicated to ice hockey. I always envisioned that I’d end up in the NHL as opposed to Netflix! Other than the TV shows or Hollywood films we would see in the theaters or at home once they came out, there was next to no exposure to enter the entertainment industry. With Halifax being the biggest city within the Maritime provinces, anything to do with acting or film and television was really nonexistent. I never imagined in a thousand years that I would enter the entertainment industry as an actor. Tell us about Jupiter’s Legacy. What about the show interested you? Jupiter’s Legacy is an epic drama about the second generation of superheroes who are pressured to live up to their parents’ legacy. It’s going to be the biggest budget show to hit Netflix. The details are kept confidential at the moment so unfortunately there are no updates that have been shared with me regarding the release date. Did you read the comics by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely to prepare for your role? No, unfortunately I actually didn’t get around to reading the comics… I 100 percent will read it though once the show releases to get a sense of the similarities and differences between the original comic and the new Netflix series. Social media can be a great way to interact with fans. Have you found it beneficial as your audience grows? I am so beyond blessed to be a millennial and grow up in a time where social media is so accessible and prevalent. Using Facebook and Instagram to connect with audiences has made marketing and promoting brands and personal profiles so much easier. I still remember a time when trying to connect with thousands of people at a time was only possible if you were on the news, TV, or radio station. Now, it’s made possible through a majority of social media platforms. 105

#NYOTAculture

106

107

#NYOTAculture

“The opinions of one person, no matter how powerful or experienced they are, does not define your career.” Between being a streaming giant and often connecting with fans in various ways through social media, Netflix has a large digital footprint. Were you excited to be a part of a show streaming on the platform? There are so many amazing streaming platforms nowadays from Amazon to Disney+ to Netflix. Being a part of the Netflix family is a dream come true and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome! I feel that being an actor on a subscription service in this day and age gives your career a definite boost because viewers are able to watch their favourite episodes and characters at their convenience and as many times as they like! In comparison to traditional television, it’s now easier to build a stronger fan base because you know that they chose to watch your show over the many others available at their fingertips.

you. Don’t take anything personal. Nothing in this business is ever about you. If you don’t get cast, it might be because they were looking for someone with a particular voice, height, skin tone, all of which is out of your control. Always keep your spirits high and stay strong.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors? The opinions of one person, no matter how powerful or experienced they are, does not define your career. Do your own research and due diligence on everything. What one acting teacher says is terrible, another may say it’s great work. The industry is subjective and very different from person to person. When I first started, I was trying to do everything the “right” way, and then I realized I was actually being misled. I was going in circles and wasting not only time but also lots of money. You need to believe in yourself because a lot of people won’t, especially before you’ve reached any kind of success. Be ready to create your own opportunities! If you’re somebody who feels like you have a lot to offer the world versus what is currently being given to you, do something about it! Don’t wait around for others to hand it to

108

Stay Tuned for more Nyota Magazine Subscribe to us on www.issuu.com/nyotamagazine Follow us on instagram @nyotamagazine Want to contribute? Contact us at nyotamag@gmail.com