Queen Size Magazine February 2017 Issue by Queen Size Magazine

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

Cover image by Rick Jones

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Photography | PDrew Photography Dress | Ashley Stewart Shoes | Anne Klein

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

FROM THE EDITOR Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief

Welcome to the February 2017 issue of Queen Size Magazine. I hold this issue very dear to my heart; literally. I am dedicating this issue to women all across the globe. Plus size, straight size, young elderly, black, white, orange, etc. As we all know February is Valentine’s Day month; but more importantly it is Go Red for Women Month. This is the month when we raise awareness for Women’s Heart Disease; our number one killer. In 2016 many of my friends had scares with their hearts; none were fatalities thank God, but all were wake up calls to take better care of ourselves. Very recently someone very dear to me experienced her own “warning sign”, it was enough for everyone very close to her to take a look are ourselves and each other. Ladies, if you are experiencing any changes in your body that is out of the norm, I urge you to get it checked out. You owe it to yourselves to do that. It may not be anything but on the other hand it might be something. Don’t ignore the signs, continue to do your research and spread the word. I am my sister’s keeper. Thank you all for continuing to support Queen Size Magazine. We would love to hear your feedback. Email us at queensizemagazine@gmail.com and let us know what you like, don’t like and/or want to see in future issues. We value your opinion.

Photography | PDrew Photography Dress | SWAK Jaket | Ashley Stewart

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director NICOLE FRANTZ Assistant Editor & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR NATALIE DAWN Assistant Editor CRYSTAL CARMEN Beauty Editor DARSHI SHAH Assistant Editor CARRIECE JEFFERSON Assistant Editor DOUG SWAIM Director of Photography for the DMV area DIONNE REEVES-GRUBBS Model Recruitment Manager

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

THE 2017 FACE OF QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE - MEESHA ANN

HEALTH AND FITNESS

GO RED FOR WOMEN

7 FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

By QSM

VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT OTIONS

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE

By QSM

BEAUTY&FASHION

12 COLOR CORRECT EXPRESS

By CRYSTAL CARMEN

HAVE SCENTS FOR MEN AND 14 MUST WOMEN By MEESHA ANN

SWEATER THAT ARE CUTE AND 16 TORRID’S WARM By QSM

BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT EYANI COUTURE By QSM

IMPORTANT MARKETING TOOLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS By QSM

SPOTLIGHT 38 MODEL CHARLENE GRACE By QSM

36 38 18

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

GO RED FOR WOMEN February is without a doubt one of the most important months for women; it is the month that we collectively get together to remind each other of how real Heart disease is. February 6th is the day that the nation gets together and wears red in honor of Go Red for Women. Heart disease has no targeted name, age or demographic; except women. Studies show that one in every eight women will get some form of heart disease. Most of us know of siblings, cousins, aunts, mothers…. That have been born with heart murmurs; but most of us don’t recognize that as a heart disease. Well ladies and gentlemen, it is. It is one of many forms of heart diseases. Here is a scary truth for you all; Heart disease is the number one killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer. Now with breast cancer running ramped; how scary is that truth for you? Does it make you take a closer look at your health?

What are some of the symptoms? According to WebMD; here are 11 Heart Symptoms that you should never ignore: • Chest Discomfort • Unexplained Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain • Pain that Spreads to the Arm • Dizziness or Lightheadedness • Pain or pressure in the center of your chest that spreads up into your throat or jaw • Extreme exhaustion or unexplained weakness for days at a time • Unusually loud snoring that sounds like a gasping or choking • Breaking out in a cold sweat for no reason • A Cough That Won’t Quit • Swollen Legs, Feet, and Ankles • Irregular Heart Beat

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GO RED FOR WOMEN | QSM

Each one teach one. Don’t for to: • • • • •

Wear your Red Encourage family and friends to wear Red Research and spread the word Don’t ignore the symptoms Take care of your health

There are many different forms of heart diseases that we need to watch out for. (http://www.world-heart-federation. org/cardiovascular-health/heart-disease/different-heartdiseases/#c420) Rheumatic heart disease Rheumatic heart disease is caused by one or more attacks of rheumatic fever, which then do damage to the heart, particularly the heart valves. Rheumatic fever usually occurs in childhood, and may follow a streptococcal infection. In some cases, the infection affects the heart and may result in scarring the valves, weakening the heart muscle, or damaging the sac enclosing the heart. The valves are sometimes scarred so they do not open and close normally.

Hypertensive heart disease High blood pressure of unknown origin (primary hypertension) or caused by (secondary hypertension) certain specific diseases or infections, such as tumor in the adrenal glands, damage to or disease of the kidneys or their blood vessels. High blood pressure may overburden the heart and blood vessels and cause disease. Ischemic heart disease Heart ailments caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries and therefore a decreased blood supply to the heart.

Cerebrovascular disease Disease pertaining to the blood vessels in the brain. A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is the result of an impeded blood supply to some part of the brain.

Inflammatory heart disease Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), the membrane sac (pericarditis) which surround the heart, the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) or the myocardium (heart muscle). Inflammation may be caused by known toxic or infectious agents or by an unknown origin.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

SALMON has a great amount of omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown in studies to lower the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) and decrease triglycerides. According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that you eat fatty fish at least twice a week. This includes sardines, mackerel, herring, lake trout, and albacore tuna. OATMEAL also contains lignans, a plant chemical that has been found to prevent heart disease. The food label on your package of oats should list one ingredient: whole grain oats. Avoid prepackaged oatmeal that may be high in both sodium and sugar and lower in beneficial fiber. DARK CHOCOLATE - recent study found that dark chocolate helps restore flexibility to arteries while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels - both common causes of artery clogging. Unfortunately, milk chocolate and most candy bars don’t make the grade when it comes to protecting your heart. TOMATOES - Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life. POTATOES are cholesterol-free and have zero saturated fat. According to the 2010 Dietary guidelines by the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services, potatoes have no cholesterol or saturated fat. While many factors affect heart disease, diets low in cholesterol and saturated fat may reduce its risk. Note: it is the unhealthy things you do to potatoes that make it unhealthy. i.e. frying, slopping butter on them, and loading them with your favorite toppings. BROCCOLI is rich in the compound called sulforaphane – that is shown to ‘turn on’ a protein that prevents the plaque formation (block) in the arteries. It is also rich in glucosinolates, from which the anti-inflammatory isothiocyanates (ITCs) are produced. ITCs stop chronic inflammation inside the cells and blood vessels. In addition, these ITCs reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. GREEN TEA - Recent studies show that people who drink at least two cups of green tea a day (about 500 mL) have a 16 percent lower mortality rate than those who drink less. Drinking green tea rapidly improves the health of the delicate cells lining the blood vessels and helps lower one’s risk of heart disease.

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7 FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART | QSM

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Valentine’s Day: The day for lovers…. I am a romantic at heart, so I love Valentine’s Day. However, I am not one of those that enjoy the going out to eat cliché type of day. I like to do simple things that require some thoughtfulness behind it. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that if your loved one takes you out to eat that they are not thoughtful. So don’t go sitting across from him/her giving that side eye unappreciative look. What I like may be different from what others like. I like those quiet evenings at home with maybe a candlelit picnic on the floor. I like the surprise candlelit dinners where we feed each other. I enjoy getting dressed up, putting on some nice slow music and dancing with each other. And perhaps going in the kitchen and making some dessert together. In honor of Valentine’s Day and Go Red for Women’s Heart disease, I took the liberty of providing you with a couple of dessert options that you and your loved one can make together. This beats having a box of chocolate from the store (in my opinion)… Enjoy.

Ingredients 2 cups whole almonds 4-5 cups loosely-packed dates, pitted 1 cup Craisins (or additional dates) ¼ cup dark chocolate chips ¼ cup shredded coconut, optional

ALMOND DATE BARS Author: Itsy Bitsy Foodies Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 10 mins You can make these simple energy bars with only two ingredients (nuts and dates) but feel free to doctor them with chocolate chips, shredded coconut and other goodies as you like.

Instructions: If your dates still have pits, cut the dates in half lengthwise and remove the seed. Pulse the almonds and dates in a food processor until your desired consistency is reached, adjusting the amount of dates and almonds as needed. You should be able to pick up a bit of the mixture and press it between your fingers without it being sticky and without it crumbling apart. If desired, pulse in chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and/or any other ingredients. Line a 10x14-inch pan with parchment paper and press the almond-date mixture into the pan to reach your desired thickness. (I like them to be ½ - 1 inch thick.) Cut into 32 squares, or bigger bars, or use a heart cookie cutter in honor of Valentine’s Day to cut out shapes (and save the cut-out scraps for snacks for yourself!)

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VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT OPTIONS | QSM

VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT OPTIONS THAT BEATS HAVING A BOX OF CHOCOLATES

Ingredients 1-¾ cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed 3 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 teaspoons orange juice 1-⅓ cups whipped topping 12 cubes angel food cake (½-inch cubes)

MINI RASPBERRY MOUSSE PARFAIT

Instructions: Press raspberries through a strainer and discard seeds and pulp. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in raspberry juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Refrigerate until chilled. Divide raspberry mixture in half. Stir orange juice into one portion; set aside. Place remaining mixture in a small bowl; fold in whipped topping. Divide angel food cake among four small cocktail glasses or dessert dishes. Layer each with a scant tablespoon of reserved raspberryorange mixture and 1/3 cup creamy mixture. Refrigerate until serving.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

BEHIND THE GLAM By CRYSTAL CARMEN

COLOR CORRECT EXPRESS We see them in every beauty store and by every brand but few gals who arenÕt deep into the makeup world know what they are, hereÕs a quick cheat sheet on the most commonly used shades

Get the look: Concealer Quad, Runway Lip Whip, 5 Minute Makeover in™

Color correctors use the concept of color theory to help camoußage and perfect complexion inconsistencies and blemishes like acne, hyperpigmentation and under eye circles.

Quick Tip! Out of Concealer? If you can’t get your hands on your concealer or you left it home, there is still hope. Use your foundation! Using a small amount of foundation on over your blemish. Allow it to dry without blessing it or touching for at least 2 minutes. In these 2 minutes, the foundation will become a little thicker as it dries and it will become more opaque. Blend it and you won’t be able to spot your acne.

ORANGE Orange is perfect for covering dark blemishes on darker skin tones. This is especially helpful for hyper-pigmentation and covering tattoos.

Bye Bye Under Eye Circles

MINT GREEN Mint green is used to cancel out redness like redness found with rosacea or acne spots and blood vessels. N E U TR A L Neutral is perfect for lighter marks and small imperfections. It’s also a great shade for concealing under the eyebrows.

Bye Bye Imperfections

Other frequently used shades include: Coral, cancels hyper-pigmentation on fair to medium skin tones. Yellow, canceled purple-blue under eye circles on medium-tan skin. Violet brightens skin that appears dull, yellow sallow. White brightens and highlights.

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

FIVE GREAT PERFUME MUST HAVES FOR WOMEN

MARC JACOBS DAISY SHINE GOLD EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY, 3.4 OZ $100.00 AT MACY’S

CALVIN KLEIN EUPHORIA LIMITED EDITION EAU DE PARFUM, 3.4 OZ $92.00 AT MACY’S

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1 3 5

CHLOÉ EAU DE PARFUM, 1.7 OZ $105.00 AT MACY’S

VERSACE YELLOW DIAMOND EAU DE TOILETTE, 3 OZ $94.00 AT MACY’S

GUCCI GUILTY INTENSE EAU DE PARFUM, 2.5 OZ $117.00 AT MACY’S

MUST HAVE SCENTS | MEESHA ANN

FIVE GREAT COLOGNE MUST HAVES FOR MEN

BVLGARI MAN IN BLACK EAU DE TOILETTE COLOGNE, 3.4 OZ $89.00 AT MACY’S

PACO RABANNE 1 MILLION EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY, 3.4 OZ $84.00 AT MACY’S

2 4

1 3 5

GIORGIO ARMANI ACQUA DI GIO ESSENZA EAU DE PARFUM, 2.5 OZ $110.00 AT MACY’S

PACO RABANNE INVICTUS INTENSE EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY, 3.4 OZ ONLY AT MACY’S! $93.00

EAU DE NUIT THE QUINTESSENCE OF THE ARMANI STYLE $78.00 AT GIORGIO ARMANI FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE

BEAUTY AND FASHION

BE CUTE & WARM

Foldover Collar Sweater $54.90

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SWEATERS | BY TORRID

TORRID.COM

Off Shoulder Sweater $54.90

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

TORRID.COM WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE

Cross Front Sweater $48.90

SWEATERS| BY TORRID

Ribbed Lace Up Neck Sweater $58.90

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY - MUA & HAIR | BY MODEL - BRA | SOMA

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BUSINESS

MEESHA ANN | QSM

”

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PASSION FOR FASHION

”

Meesha Ann 2017 Face of Queen Size Magazine WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE

BUSINESS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MUA & HAIR | BY MODEL OUTFIT AND STOCKINGS |KELLYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S KLOSET (www.kellyskloset.net)

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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BUSINESS

Queen Size Magazine was built on the principle the women should be treated like the Queens they are. Way too often we see images on social media and in the media period of women half dressed and depicted as “eye candy”. This gives our women the indication that this is what they need to do if they want to become published models. We have to do better; we can’t tell models that they don’t need to unrobe in order to succeed, when this is what we as media companies are publishing. This is what QSM is about. No model that we work with will ever be able to say otherwise. A couple of years ago we made the decision to begin choosing brand ambassadors. These models will represent the company in a positive light in an attempt help to increase brand awareness and sales. The brand ambassador must embody the company’s identity in appearance, demeanor, values and ethics. Therefore when we choose these ambassadors they are chosen with extra care. Our 2016 brand ambassador, Ms. Natalie Dawn, was one of our loyal followers from the beginning. She showed her loyalty and dedication to our brand well before the idea of bringing on an ambassador. So it was a no brainer to select her as our first ambassador. In fact, truth be told; Natalie was the inspiration for us selecting brand ambassadors. She definitely set the tone for what is expected of everyone that will come after her. She served her position well; for that and so much more we are eternally grateful to her. This now brings us to our 2017 Brand Ambassador Ms. Meesha Ann. Meesha has been with QSM for almost two years now. She has grown from being a model under our management company, to now begin one of our model mentors and fashion editor for QSM. She is an irreplaceable member of our team who treats our company which as much pride as if it were her own. Her loyalty and dedication is undeniable. When building a company, Meesha Ann is definitely someone you would want to be on your team. She has represents the brand every time she steps out in public; in person or via social media. I have no doubt in my mind that she will continue to do so with her newly appointed title. Allow me to officially introduce you to the 2017 Face of Queen Size Magazine…. Ms. Meesha Ann. PHOTOGRAPHY BY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MUA & HAIR | BY MODEL RED DRESS | LANE BRYANT ROBE | KELLY’S KLOSET (www.kellyskloset.net) STOCKINGS | TORRID

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MEESHA ANN | QSM

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BUSINESS

”Most women do not realize that heart disease is the #1 killer of American Women” ~Monica Potter QSM goes red for Woman’s heart disease

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MEESHA ANN | QSM

I am deeply humbled, honored and excited to be the Face of Queen Size Magazine (QSM). This is a role that I graciously welcome and proudly accept. Queen Size Magazine embodies a woman that is regal, confident, fierce, ambitious, diligent and classy. The team at Queen Size Magazine pledge to portray Queen Size Women with class. To represent a brand that values these qualities is welcoming and invigorating, especially in today’s world. As a community we need to support and promote companies that values these traits because the ideology of who a woman is, how she should look and what she stands for has been lost. At QSM they understand the importance of portraying this image and that is something worth recognizing. Additionally, QSM also provides a platform for full-figured women to showcase their talent. Growing up I always wanted to model but the opportunities were extremely limited, especially in Jamaica. I have always had passion for fashion and thanks to companies like QSM that provides an avenue for us to learn and grow. My ultimate aim as the brand ambassador is to continue along the same path of making Queen Size moves! In other words, I will continue to promote and enhance the legacy laid down by its founding members. This role will be challenging because the bar has been set by the actions of the previous ambassador, Natalie Dawn. She did a phenomenal job during her reign as the first Face of Queen Size Magazine. Miss Dawn has laid the foundation and has set a really high standard which I plan to uphold and continue. During Natalie’s reign she has hosted multiple events for QSM as well as winning varies pageant titles. She represented the company with dignity, class and grace. Cheers to an epic year! I look forward to my new role and you will be hearing and seeing a lot of me in 2017!

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Eyani Couture

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BUSINESS

EYANI COUTURE | QSM

A third generation seamstress and designer, Sakinah B credits her mother and late grandmother for her immediate interest in designing and creating garments… About 17 years ago Eyani Couture was born when Sakinah realized that there were not many clothing options to fit her curvy physique or elegant taste. Though she was known for her custom designs and prom dresses Sakinah decided to create a stylish clothing line focusing on the curvy woman in 2011. A mother of five, full time city employee, designer & boutique owner. Sakinah B is one of Newark, New Jersey’s most known fashion designers. She has come through the ranks of emerging designers to where she has today forged and consolidated her place in the plus size fashion industry. She’s has traveled internationally showcasing her collections in London in late 2014, 2015 and 2016 and has also showcase in Paris in Spring 2016 and will also showcase in Milan in the Fall of 2017. She has showcased In Full Figured Fashion Week New York in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Her designs has made the October 2013 cover of Fashion Avenue News magazine. She has also been featured in various other magazines like Pulp Fashion Week Paris, London News, DeVoe Magazine, Pose Magazine, Full Blossom Magazine and BBC Sunday News Live. Sakinah continues to create new original trendsetting designs daily... With the launch of her 2016-2017 collection at Full Figured Fashion Week, she aims to widen her field markets, pursue wholesaling and provide greater accessibility for her clientele. She says ”the 2016-2017 collection is geared at the confident classy and curvy women with international style… As always every garment is made to compliment & accentuate the curves and beauty of the fuller figured woman. The vibrant colors and timeless styles represented in this collection range from classy & conservative suits, headturning dresses & gowns to fun & sexy show stoppers”.

PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKEUP | BY MODEL ALL DESIGNS | BY EYANI COUTURE

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BUSINESS

QSM: Congratulations to you on all your success so far. I have heard from many designers that they started their clothing lines for this same reason. That reason beaing that there weren’t enough options for them in their sizes. You have been doing this now for 17 years (kudos to you). What is it that you think separates you from other designers? Sakinah: What separates me from other designers is that I consider myself to be a trendsetter and I’m not afraid of stepping out of the box to create garments that are fun, colorful, youthful, sexy and classy. I am not afraid to go couture with a ready to wear feel. QSM: Speaking of couture; since you are a designer I am going to ask you this question. Everyone is running around using the name Couture…. So for those that don’t know, can you explain what couture is please? Sakinah: Couture means high fashion, the creation of exclusive custom-fitted garments, the art of dressmaking and tailoring. QSM: How did you come up with the name for your clothing line? Sakinah: This may sound corny but it came to me in my dream back in 1999. As I woke from my sleep it felt so real and to me. I guess you can say God spoke to me. QSM: That doesn’t sound corny at all. You have had the opportunity to travel internationally to showcase your amazing pieces. Can you share a little about how that came about? Sakinah: Well I have been doing shows all over the USA since 2009. Like the Apple Bottom tour, FFFWEEK, etc... As you know these are very well known shows and people all over the world are watching and paying attention to the shows along with the designers in the show. A London producer reached out to me in 2014 and I have been traveling overseas

since then. I have sold several of my garments in boutiques In London and Paris. With the hopes of going to Milan and Australia in 2017 if everything works out. QSM: I’ve watched your designs hit the runway at Full Figured Fashion Week in 2014, 2015 and 2016. And each year I was more amazed that I was the year before. You continue to grow as a designer and I feel that is quite important. How do you keep up with the trends? Sakinah: I always do my research and I look at what is hot and what is needed. So I give the customers what they need. I was the first full figured designer at fffweek in 2012 that took a risk. Then I went and did the unimaginable thing and had a model take off a piece of clothing on the runway which blew the crowd away and brought them to their feet. It was just a taboo thing to do at a runway show and since then independent designers and big chain brands started to do it as well years after. In fact, I started a trend. I love to create things out of the box because I live out of the box. QSM: Where does the inspiration for your exclusive pieces come from? Sakinah: It comes from my kids, traveling, different life experiences, my mood, most of the time just by going fabric swatching and shopping. QSM: Do you have any favorite designers of your own? Sakinah: Yes Chanel, Versace, John Galliano, Dior just to name a few. It’s a lot more also but can’t name them all. QSM: Let’s go back to your kids, because not only are you are successful designer; you are a successful mother with successful children as well. Kudos to you. Tell us a little about the prodigies that you brought into this world. Sakinah: Ok, I’m a mother of 5

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children ranging in ages now 21, 17, 13, 11 & 9. The first three are boys and their names are Jihad, Amir and Zahir; I am co-owner of their brand S.O.S Denim which is their urban collection. As of 2017 J.A.Z Menswear will be born which is their suit and tie collection. My girls are 11&9 and their names are Eyani and Destiny; I am co-owner of Pink Ladybug Couture which is their toddler to preteen collection. They now have Pink Lady Couture which is their Teen to young womanhood collection. All of my children have been born into fashion. QSM: Girl how do you do it? LOL Sakinah: Through the grace of God, patience and the support of my family. QSM: I admire you as a mother, and entrepreneur and as a woman. Please keep doing what you do because you are GREAT at it. Keep making it look easy because by doing so you are providing hope to all those that want to do so and don’t feel it is possible. Please tell everyone where they can find, follow and support you. Sakinah: My website: Eyanicouture. weebly.com Facebook: Eyani Couture Instagram: EyaniCouture Twitter: Eyani Couture Boutique address: 957 Bergen Street Newark, NJ 07112 Email:Eyanicouture@gmail.com Please lookout for my other brands S.O.S Denim, J.A.Z Menswear, Pink Ladybug Couture and Pink Lady Couture. We all are working hard to bring our customers what they have not been able to find in stores.... Sakinah B the brand, the label and the trendsetter. Thank you Tawana Blassingame for your belief in me xoxo

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKEUP | BY MODEL ALL DESIGNS | BY EYANI COUTURE

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BUSINESS

IMPORTANT MARKETING TOOLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

IMPORTANT MARKETING TOOLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS | QSM

A professional website - Your website should reflect the type of services you are offering. If you are selling clothing then you should have some of your products on the site. You want to be sure that the images you use are professional quality as well. I am personally not a fan of music on a website, unless you are in the music business. But other people seem to like it; if you are one of those people then try to avoid vulgar music because that may not be everyone’s style. And also have the mute button in clear view for those that would like the option to view your site without the music. Keep your site clean, easy to navigate and informative. Be sure to have all of your contact information along with your social media links.

Social Media – This has become an important tool for businesses. Be sure to utilize your social media pages in a professional manner. You want to also remember to be engaging with your audience. Don’t just try to push your products down their throats and then get mad when they don’t buy. Customers and clients like to feel like you actually care about them and not feel like you just want their money. I personally love the interactions that I get from some of the businesses that I buy from (specifically the ones on social media) because it feels more personal. I like to feel that the product they are selling is for ME. Remember that your social media connection is your first impression because they are interacting with you online before they even get to meet you in person (if they ever get to meet you in person).

Network – This is key. You have to ask yourself how people will ever know who you are if you don’t get out there and tell them. Social media is a great networking tool but it is extremely important to get out there in the real world and meet other people. Gaining followers, getting likes and customers is great but you want to also meet other people who are in your field so that maybe you can join forces and collaborate on projects. You will never know who you will meet. Go out to events, meetings, conferences, etc. Anywhere that there are other business folk, that is where you need to be as well.

Word of mouth – Word travels fast; the good and the bad. Word-of-mouth advertising is important for every business, as each happy customer can steer dozens of new ones your way. And it’s one of the most credible forms of advertising because a person puts their reputation on the line every time they make a recommendation and that person has nothing to gain but the appreciation of those who are listening. What are you doing to make sure your potential ambassadors feel confident enough in your business to recommend it? What are you doing to trigger word-of-mouth?

Find a good email marketing platform - Email marketing occurs when a company sends a commercial message to a group of people by use of electronic email. Most commonly through advertisements, requests for business, or sales or donation solicitation, any email communication is considered email marketing if it helps to build customer loyalty, trust in a product or company or brand recognition. Email marketing is an efficient way to stay connected with your clients while also promoting your business.

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BUSINESS

    PHOTO CREDITS: PW PHOTOGRAPHY, A TREE OF LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, OJAY’S PHOTOGRAPHY, RON MAYES PHOTOGRAPY, JOSEPH MERRIL PHOTOGRAPHY, DAVNPRT AD DESIGN AND LAYOUT: WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE AURA GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

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Model | MAllory Richardson Photography by Casha Dess

BUSINESS

Charlene Grace ”Women of all sizes are beautiful, but women with curves are especially made.”

Charlene grace is a professional model, designer and radio show host in New York City who has been interested in fashion ever since she realized how beautiful her curves were. Charlene was a person who thought women her size were unattractive to the world. She felt as though women like her were last choices for jobs, friends and love. Her life experiences as a young adult made her believe that she was not as beautiful as the next person who was half her size. Today Charlene believes women of all sizes are beautiful, but women with curves are especially made. With her newfound love and confidence, Charlene thought it was important to show the world that all women are beautiful, so she began involving herself in numerous fashion events as a model, such as fashion on the Hudson, Runway the Real Way, Jersey City Super Bowl Fashion Weekend, Great lakes Ohio Fashion Week, New Day & Assoc. MLK fashion Weekend, Ricky Davista Fashion event, New Day & Assoc model of the year competition 2014 and many more. Charlene is also the winner of the diamond dynasty model competition 2013. Because of her love for fashion and the runway, but lack of choices and

funds, Charlene began to create her own designs for women who are curvy and love to look unique and fabulous at an affordable price; and from that her new line¬ “Stallion Style Designs” was born in 2014 prompting her to begin an online boutique called mother2model boutique¬ featuring custom made clothing for women of all sizes as well as shoes sizes 6-11. Stallion Style Designs has been showcased in many shows throughout the world, such as Serenity Nights, Women Celebrity Event, Cincinnati fffw, NYFW, Face the Sweet Fashion Week and Boston fw. Stallion Style Designs is also published in magazines such as Beyond Curves 11/2014 & Queen Size Magazine 1/2015 issue. Stallion Style Designs has been sold in stores like Chocolate Angel Boutique in West Haven, CT and Diva’s Den in Long Island, NY. You can also shop stallion style designs and shoes online at www. m2mboutique.net How Grace became a radio personalityIn February 2015, Charlene appeared as a guest at Flo Empire Radio Station where she impressed the radio station so much, she was offered her own radio segment that same night, and in March 2015, TalkItOut Radio show began. Since the start of TalkItOut Radio, Charlene has had

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE

the pleasure of discussing great topics and interviewing people from all walks of life, including celebrity guest such as actress Alyson Stoner, Michele Lawson, Pernell Walker, Delores Williams, Grammy award winning producer street runner, rapper Ms. Toi, Big Mike of Day26, Ashley T. Moore from love & hip hop, boxing champ Rock Blackwell, West Haven, CT Mayor Edward O’Brien and many more. TalkItOut Radio is a platform created for people to have their voices heard and their talents showcased. You can tune in to ”TalkItOut” Radio airing live every Sunday @9p on dsn, Tuesdays @6pm on 106.1 fm & Fridays @9pm on www. ladyflavanetwork.com In addition to all the above, Charlene is also a writer, public speaker, event coordinator, host, mother and mogul. When it comes to success, the sky isn’t even the limit for her. Follow grace @: Ig: designedbygrace Ig: talkitoutradio Twitter: designsbygrace Twitter: talkitout_radio Fb: grace the stallion Shop: m2mboutique@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKEUP | BY MODEL BLACK PANTS SUIT | STALLION STYLE DESIGNS

MODEL SPOTLIGHT |QSM 39

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BUSINESS

PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKEUP | BY MODEL BLACK PANTS SUIT | STALLION STYLE DESIGNS RED DRESS | STALLION STYLE DESIGNS

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | CHARLENE GRACE

”IT TAKES HEART TO BEAT A HEARTDISEASE” QSM goes red for Woman’s heart disease

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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE

BUSINESS

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