Queen Size Magazine July 2017 Issue

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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JULY 2017 ISSUE

MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

COVER STORY:

CRYSTAL LEWIS

Fashion + Lifestyle

OWNER OF I SAY YES HAIR SALON

TIPS FOR KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF BEAUTY WATCH BEHIND THE LENS SPOTLIGHT

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PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

GETTING READY FOR SUMMER MODEL SPOTLIGHT SABRINA CLINTON LORI MICHELLE WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| JULY 2017 ISSUE

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“If you love what you do stick with it, but do it right!”

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 July 2017 issue of Queen Size Magazine. I recall just a couple of months ago we were praying for a break in the weather; a break from the cold and the snow. Now here we are getting ready for summer fun. Kids are graduating and moving up in grades. Oh how I love this time of year. I have been searching the web looking at all of these lovely swimsuits that are being made just for US. Don’t be surprised if you see me on someone’s beach in a nice swimsuit. I’m not sure which would surprise people most, me on a beach or me in a swimsuit; either way watch out. LOL My message to you all is dare to be different! Love who you are and never apologize for it. Dream, but don’t forget to wake up and make those dreams a reality.

Every issue I have to give thanks to everyone that continues to support us. We appreciate you more than words can say.

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.

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director & Director of Photography DOUG SWAIM Director of Photography for the DMV area ELVIRA ANDERSON Photographer DANA HALL Photographer MEESHA ANN Fashion Editor JACKIE PAYTES Fashion Blogger CRYSTAL CARMEN Beauty Editor LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Blogger LA-FINA PHILLIPS Creative Stylist TANAYA JOHNSON Makeup Artist ANDREA BLASSINGAME Makeup Artist EYANI COUTURE House Designer FLAVORS OF FULLNESS House Designer

MODEL | CRYSTAL LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | MARGARET ELAINE CHEW HAIR STYLIST | ALBERT RILLEY III DRESS | JERMAINE PRATT ACCESSORIES | TRACI LYNN

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

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CRYSTAL LEWIS I SAY YES HAIR SALON

By QSM

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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TIPS AND TRICKS TO KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF

By DR. SCOTT SCHREIBER

BEAUTY&FASHION

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By CRYSTAL CARMEN

GET READY FOR SUMMER 10 LET’S (SWIMWEAR)

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS

JULY 2017 ISSUE

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By MEESHA ANN

BUSINESS

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SOME OF OUR FAVORITE BRANDS ARE CLOSING ITS DOORS; FIND OUT WHO

By QSM

SPOTLIGHT 28 MODEL SABRINA CLINTON

By QSM

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34 AVENUE IN-STORE FASHION SHOW

By QSM

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BEHIND THE LENS SPOTLIGHT PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY

By QSM

SPOTLIGHT 40 MODEL LORI MICHELLE

By QSM

34 38 18 40

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

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DR. SCHREIBER’S TIPS AND TRICKS TO KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF 2. CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE Most people think cardiovascular training when trying to lose weight. This tends to decrease muscle mass over time; take look at distance runners! Muscle mass is very metabolically active and burns additional calories.

As lean tissue increases, body fat decreases. Ideally, three to four days a week weight training and three days cardiovascular exercise will give you the best of both worlds.

While a mix of cardiovascular and weight training is helpful for fat loss, mixing up the individual exercises each day will burn even more calories. For example, Monday run on the treadmill, Wednesday use the stair climber, and Friday use the bicycle.

When weight training, multijoint exercises are essential for a leaner you. Make sure you allow adequate rest before exercising that body part again. Soreness is good!

1. FIRST, GET EXAMINED A physical exam from a doctor trained in weight management is key. During the exam, possible barriers to weight loss will be identified. Special tests may be performed and blood work may be required.

These areas must be addressed before, or weight loss will be minimal at best. Areas that the doctor may look at include thyroid function, cholesterol, blood sugar, body fat, and hydration status.

3. TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS There are several supplements that can help with weight loss. Be sure to use a professional brand, these are only available from healthcare providers as the quality is the best in the industry. They also have third-parties test their products to make sure their raw materials are pure.

Multivitamin-Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals are lead to slow metabolism. In addition, when exercising the body’s need increase.

Green Tea-EGCG, a component of green tea, is thermogenic, raiding metabolism without the negative effects of stimulants.

It increases the amount of hormones that promote fat metabolism. Some studies show that green tea burns more fat while exercising and also increases basal metabolic rate. Green tea is a must when it comes to fat loss.

Bitter Orange-Bitter orange has been shown to increase thermo genesis and basal metabolic rate. They also help to increase lean muscle mass by encouraging the uptake of amino acids into muscle tissue, and may have mild appetite-suppressant effects. Just be careful because many products use a type of bitter orange that contains stimulants, which can have potentially negative side effects.

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KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF| DR. SCOTT SCHREIBER 4. EAT WELL AND EAT FREQUENTLY While exercise and supplementation are important, diet is by far the most important for weight loss and fat reduction. Make sure you eat well and often. Six meals a day, spaced three hours apart will keep metabolism high and fuel your body. Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Stay away from fatty meats, processed meats, red meat and pork.

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5. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy body composition. Studies show that most Americans are sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation causes people to retain fat, lose less weight, slow metabolism and put on less muscle mass. Sleep deprivation has been shown to cause craving for junk food. One of the causes of all this is due to Growth hormone. Growth hormone is released while you sleep. It is responsible for repairing damaged tissue and rebuilding muscle that you used during the previous workout. Make sure you get between seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.

Avoid processed foods, foods containing sugar, milk and products as they contain excess sugar and fats. In addition, avoid fats, like oils and butter, and avoid buying junk foods.

Keep eating out to a minimum as you do not know how your food is being prepared.

Do not go grocery shopping when you are hungry as it will cause you to buy excess junk foods. Stay to the outside isles as these are where the fresh food is located. Organic food is better for you as they were treated with less harmful chemicals, like pesticides.

6. HYDRATE Dehydration can have a big impact on metabolism as water is essential for most of biochemical reactions.

Vitamins and minerals need water to be absorbed. Dehydration will slow metabolism, bringing your weight loss efforts to a standstill. In addition, drinking water will make you feel full; therefore, you will consume fewer calories. It is recommended that the average person needs a minimum of eighty ounces of pure water divided throughout the day, however, that need will increase depending on your activity level.

7. STAY AWAY FROM STRESS Stress will derail any weight loss program by interfering with thyroid hormone production, and depositing belly fat. Find time for stress reduction. Take a yoga class, read a book, or whatever you like to do to relax.

It may seem daunting, but you can become healthier! It all starts with making a commitment to a better you. If you have any questions regarding weight loss, finding a provider near you or how to start a program. Please feel free to contact me at sschreiber@delawarebackpain.comor www.drscottschreiber. com.

Dr. Scott Schreiber has been practicing in Newark, Delaware for over eleven years. He is a chiropractic physician that is double board certified in rehabilitation and clinical nutrition. He is also a certified nutrition specialist and a licensed dietitian/nutritionist.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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BEAUTY WATCH This summer there are so many beauty products launching it's hard to keep up. One product you must keep your eyes out for is Replenish Revitalizing Skin Oil. I love natural skin care and beauty products and it was love at first sight. The facial oil trend is hot right now and I don't think it's going anywhere soon. The benefits and the way it makes your skin radiant, I do not see this pass as a fade. Why do I love it? Great Ingredients and the pretty packaging doesn't hurt. What's in it? Ester C, Raspberry Seed Extract, Squalene from Sugar Beets, Mustard Seed Apricot Kernel Oil Caprylic from Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Safflower Seed Oil , Green Tea Seed Extract Calendula Extract, Passion Fruit Seed Oil Rice Bran Oil Vanilla Fruit, Acai Oil, Babassu Seed Oil Blood Orange, Sweet Orange and Bergamot Essential Oils What does it do? Encourages improvement in the appearance of the skin, Where to score this new oil? www.mypureproductsonline.com

BEAUTY WATCH While you are enjoying the new trends be sure to keep your skin cleansed and toned wth Renew Luxury Facial Bar, What does it do? Cleanses, balances and tones in one step. Why do I love it? 100% naturally colored and naturally fragranced, great for even the most sensitive skin. What's in it? Activated Charcoal, thought to detoxify and clarify the skin, Rose Clay, thought to cleanse and balance.1 00% Pure Geranium Rose Oil, thought to soothe and promote faster skin renewal.

Where to score this beauty bar ? www.pinkstilettocosmetics.com

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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Let’s Get Ready Check out some of Torrid’s swimwear and coverups by: Meesha Ann

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LET’S GET READY FOR SUMMER | MEESHA ANN

For Summer

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

El Anderson Photography

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Model | Leslie Flores

THE ALL WHITE AFFAIR | EL ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

El Anderson Photography

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Model | Andrea Scotland

THE ALL WHITE AFFAIR | EL ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

El Anderson Photography

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Model | Sue Blackwood

THE ALL WHITE AFFAIR | EL ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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BUSINESS

Crystal Lewis

I SAY YES I first met Crystal Lewis through her mom, Barbara Hall, at a fashion where Crystal was backstage doing hair and makeup.

And then I saw her at just about every other fashion thereafter. I had to know more about this hard working young lady who donated so much of her time resources to our industry. I think the day I inquired was they day that I became family (LOL).

Crystal, her mom and her entire team are wonderful people. When I sat and did my list of cover features, Crystal was on that list; why? Because we at Queen Size Magazine love to highlight individuals in our industry who contribute to our growth. Not only is Crystal a great and giving human being, she is also damn good at her craft.

Hence why she is widely requested from state to state at different fashion events.

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MODEL | CRYSTAL LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | MARGARET ELAINE CHEW HAIR STYLIST | ALBERT RILLEY III SUIT | TAHARI SHOES | ROSS ACCESSORIES | TRACI LYNN

CRYSTAL LEWIS| QSM

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Crystal Denise Lewis is a Beauty Expert, Educator and Philanthropist. She is the President/Owner of I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC. in the beautiful township of Delanco, New Jersey.

Crystal opened the doors to the public on November 17, 2012. The company is flourishing and growing quickly in the community. The I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC caters to a diverse, ethnic clientele.

Crystal started on her career path in 1992, where she attended Gordon Phillips Beauty School and graduated with a license in Cosmetology and Hairstyling in 1995.

When you meet Crystal, you will find out that she loves Old Hollywood glamour hairstyles and then she adds her modern/ urban mix to your style. Crystal also has a wonderful spunk to her, which draws customers into her salon. Crystal is just as concerned about her client’s hair care as she is about her client’s style. This is why she makes sure all of the salon’s hair care products have natural ingredients in them.

I Say Yes Salon and Spa, LLC was nominated and voted as a Finalist in the SOJO Happening Online Magazine in March 2013, for the Best Salon in Delanco, NJ. In 2014, Crystal was asked to sit on the Advisory Board of the Empire Beauty School which is located in Cherry Hill, NJ. You will always find Crystal in a class teaching or learning new trends in the hair and beauty industry. Crystal is very proud of her title that her clients have bestowed upon her, “The Hair Doctor of South Jersey,” because of her detailed attention in her one-on-one and group consultations, and in her work on the hair styles she creates.

Crystal graduated from the Latin American Economic Development Association’s (LAEDA) Entrepreneurial Development Training Program in Camden, New Jersey, which was a nine week business course.

The company Crystal is building is to be an active partner with the people and businesses in the township of Delanco, New Jersey, Burlington County and Camden County. As a visionary, Crystal’s goal is to take the company global. This Salon & Spa is a dream Crystal yearned for at a very young age when she took all of her Barbie Doll Collections and styled their hair using a mixture of different colors of Kool-Aid for hair color.

Crystal’s goal is to educate leaders, stylist, and students in the beauty industry. Crystal’s salon is always sponsoring monthly education and training sessions by experts in the field. Crystal is proud to say that she is a Military Brat whose father served in the United States Air Force for 23 years. As a result of her military childhood life, Crystal has compassion for, and has partnered with the Hearts Apart Program at the Joint Bases McGuire-Fort Dix-Lakehurst to give free makeovers to Military wives while their spouses are deployed.

Crystal also volunteers with the American Cancer Society with their “Look Good…..Feel Better Program.” Once a month, Crystal helps out in the American Cancer Society, Cherry Hill, NJ office to fit women with a wig while they are going through their chemotherapy treatments.

Crystal has developed a business where she can be a blessing to others. Crystal is sought after for her creative styles in Fashion Shows and Beauty Pageants. She loves what she does and it shows. She wants to make sure everyone knows how to keep their hair healthy when they are not in her salon chair and how to have that beautified look that she gives.

Often, when Crystal completes a beautified look, having fun with her customers, she has the customer look into the mirror while Crystal says, in a fun-loving, sassy way, “Shake it but don’t break it.”

Also, Crystal gives her customers valuable advice, reminding them to drink plenty of water and take their vitamins.

After being around Crystal for a while, everyone seems to quote her favorite words, “I SAY YES.”

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BUSINESS

MODEL | CRYSTAL LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | MARGARET ELAINE CHEW HAIR STYLIST | ALBERT RILLEY III DRESS | JERMAINE PRATT ACCESSORIES | TRACI LYNN

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THE TEAM top left | Courtney Pennington (masseuse) bottom left to right | Albert Rilleu III (hair stylist), Margaret Elaine Chew (stylist), Sareeta Lopez, Ali Mitchell (barber and hair stylist)

CRYSTAL LEWIS| QSM 21

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BUSINESS

MODEL | CRYSTAL LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | MARGARET ELAINE CHEW HAIR STYLIST | ALBERT RILLEY III DRESS | JERMAINE PRATT ACCESSORIES | TRACI LYNN

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CRYSTAL LEWIS| QSM

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Get to knowCrystal QSM: Crystal, you have such a giving spirit; where did that come from?

Crystal: I would say God first, but my role models are my parents showing me how to be that giving person.

QSM: “I Say Yes” is so addicting! Where did this come from? Lol Crystal: I have been saying it since elementary. It came from me debating with my teacher, and I agreed to disagree, she didn’t have a comeback lol. It works all the time.

QSM: Were you born with good hair or did you have to work hard like the rest of us to take care of it?

Crystal: Lol LOL I SAY YES. ok lol good hair I had very thick hair healthy, looking at old pictures I would say yes. Everyone has good hair it’s all in how you take care of it.

QSM: Why is giving back so important to you?

Crystal: It’s so important me because God blessed me to bless others.

QSM: Where did the idea of becoming a hair stylist come from? Is that what you always wanted to be growing up?

Crystal: I always wanted to be stylist. I was cutting my barbies’ hair and coloring them with koolaid lol.

QSM: What is your overall goal for your I Say Yes brand?

Crystal: For I Say Yes to be a household name.

QSM: Crystal, we thank you so much for all you do in our industry and for people as a whole. May you be blessed tenfold.

QSM: WOW, I remember the days of the Kool aid hair dying fad. LOL! Is this your first salon?

Crystal: Yes, it has been a learning lesson for me. Praise God QSM: So you are “The Hair Doctor of South Jersey” huh? How did you get that name?

Crystal: I say yes. lol I truly am humbled to have that title.

Researching different things on health makes a huge difference on whether one will have healthy hair.

QSM: Tell me about the first time you had a customer look in the mirror and cry (happy tears).

Crystal: It was one of those THANK YOU JESUS MOMENTS; it was a lady who had cancer and we fixed her wig. It was amazing.

QSM: Have you ever had an unhappy customer? If so, how do you handle that?

Crystal: Not that I know of. I strive to make sure each guest leaves happy.

QSM: Tell me about your team.

Crystal: My team is awesome. They are always there when I need them. #yesweareartist QSM: As I understand, you sponsor monthly education and training sessions; what do these training sessions include?

Crystal: We do things to inspire women, men, children, teenagers, and families. We must go back to basics and keep encouraging each other.

QSM: You and your mom have an incredible relationship. Do y’all ever disagree on anything?

Crystal: Lol no, God is so great he turned it around for good.

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BUSINESS

MODEL | CRYSTAL LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | MARGARET ELAINE CHEW HAIR STYLIST | ALBERT RILLEY III DRESS | JERMAINE PRATT SHOES | ROSS ACCESSORIES | TRACI LYNN

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CRYSTAL LEWIS| QSM

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MODEL | CRYSTAL LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST | MARGARET ELAINE CHEW HAIR STYLIST | ALBERT RILLEY III DRESS | JERMAINE PRATT ACCESSORIES | TRACI LYNN

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SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MAJOR BRANS ARE CLOSING ITS DOORS Is it because of high rent, competition, the economy, online shopping or an over saturation of stores? Who knows? But what we do know is that a lot of our favorite brand stores are closing its doors on some of their stores. It’s business so I understand that in order to prevent the Empire from crumbling you have to sacrifice some of the smaller establishments that are not meeting its quotas. But some of the announcements pained me because I shop some of these stores and to know that they will be gone is pretty disheartening. Sure I can travel a bit further to find another store, or I can go online but some of these stores have been in our neighborhoods for years and will be missed. Let’s fast forward pass my emotions and talk about which stores are closing.

BCBG Max Azria – in March of 2017 the brand began their process of closing the doors of 120 of their locations.

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Bebe is closing all of its doors. OUCH!!!! At one point you couldn’t go into a mall without seeing a Bebe store; now you won’t see any.

WHO IS CLOSING IT’S DOORS| QSM

Macy’s – Oh Nooooo not Macy’s too. Yep, they are scheduled to close 100 of their locations.

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Payless – is closing 400 stores but will likely be more if they don’t get some help from lenders.

Rue21, the teen fashion retailer is slated to close about 400 stores.

J.C. Penney is closing about 140 of their stores.

Abercrombie & Fitch (which is not really one of my favorite stores) is closing 60 of their stores.

Sears is one of my favorite stores to shop at for kids clothing. I found that their clothing was great quality. They are in the process of closing 42 of their locations.

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BUSINESS

Photographer | Abanyie Films Model| Laton Macklin Makeup | done by model Designer/Stylist | K.Nicole Collections Accessories | K.Nicole Collections

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Photographer | Abanyie Films PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | SABRINA CLINTON Model| Natia Jenkins Makeup | Sparkle Hill Designer/Stylist | K.Nicole Collections Accessories | K.Nicole Collections

MODEL SPOTLIGHT| SABRINA CLINTON

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S C abrina

linton

This industry has taught me to come out of my shell in many ways, own my confidence, and help other to pursue their platforms.

Born on the beautiful island of Barbados, this shy island girl migrated to New York at the age of 3. Growing up Sabrina Clinton has always been on the thick side, being teased by family and feeling insecure until high school. In her early 20’s she began to accept her body and the curves that came with it. She can vividly recall passing Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant thinking what would it be like to be one of those girls? How can she be an addition to the select few models that looked like her? From then on she had aspirations of becoming a model. It wasn’t until many years later when she met Andrene Williams, CEO of UBM Models that her dreams became reality. It’s been such an amazing experience thus far. Sabrina says that she hasn’t reached where she’d like to be as yet but at the age of 33 and accomplishing what she has so far, she is grateful and proud.

Modeling is not just a hobby for Sabrina, but a passion. Not only is she doing something that she has dreamed of, she looks at it as a role model for her daughter and many other young ladies. She has graced many runways, given the opportunity to be a house model for Akini & Gillani Couture and Terry Macc Boutique; as a print model she has landed a cover on Fashion Avenue News Magazine and currently a house model for Queen Size Magazine doing many amazing things. As a plus size model she intends to show the average woman to embrace the curves she has and to be comfortable and confident in the skin you’re in.

“I’m ecstatic to be a plus size model, it’s still a dream. This industry has taught me to come out of my shell in many ways, own my confidence, and help other to pursue their platforms. I am also Vice President of Unique Blend Models which is soaring to new heights every year. However I don’t only model I’m Co-owner of Caribbean Gemz creating carnival costumes and motivating Caribbean women to aspire to be more that just ordinary.”

PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | SABRINA CLINTON

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QSM: Sabrina, you said you haven’t reached where you’d like to be yet; where exactly is that?

Sabrina: I’d like to be a print model for Ashley Stewart and tour as a Curvy Supermodel.

QSM: Tell us about your first runway experience.

Sabrina: My first runway experience was the UBM Fashion show in 2012 at the African American Museum in Long Island.

I was so nervous my hands were sweating, but I held it together well (insert laugh). The best moment was walking out at the end with Just Ramona; she has such a great personality.

QSM: Who is your favorite model and why?

Sabrina: My favorite model rest her soul was Mia Ambers. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. I got the opportunity to meet her at FFFweek nine years ago; I believe it was when I was assisting Jewel Shannon. To me Mia helped open the door for plus models to flood the model industry.

QSM: What are your overall thoughts on the progress of the plus size industry?

Sabrina: The Plus Industry has grown tremendously but still has a ways to go. I love the fact that it is shying away from the European Standard Plus Model and now accepting of all shapes and sizes. The next big step will be natural hair. Hope I don’t get chastised for this comment but I find in some areas of the industry if you’re not able to wear a wig you can’t make the cut. I was once told since I have locs I can only be an Urban Model *side look face* it’s a challenging road but I’m glad I’m not classed as an Urban Model.

QSM: Biggest pet peeve with the industry?

Sabrina: Models that don’t wear proper body foundation, snoody looks from straight models and the shade from some photographers when curvy models are incorporated in mixed shows. I’ve had my share of uncomfortable stares and looks but baby when I hit that runway and come back the looks change.

QSM: I know that’s right!!! You have a beautiful little girl that is now following behind your footsteps. How does that feel? Also, being a model yourself and understanding the industry, how do you help your daughter navigate the industry if she decides that she wants to model full time?

Sabrina: Well......She is following in mama’s footsteps having done The ladydoves youth fashion show as well as The Living Dolls Project Fashion Show with Timotheus

Smart for the past 2 years. She’s so hard on herself that I have to remind her she’s still a child and has time to progress. She’s been rushing me to get her into more fashion shows and to do photo shoots, however I want her to take her time, this industry can be very consuming. I’m elated that she looks up to me. I remember when she took my Fashion Avenue News magazine to school to show all the children and teachers her mom is on the cover.

QSM: Tell us about Caribbean Gemz.

Sabrina: Well do you want the long version or the short one? It was a bright sunny day.....lol. Originally it was my husband’s idea in terms of being a part of carnival for Labor Day in which we design and make costumes for adults and children. Then we also created a pageant system to help with self confidence and empowerment of Caribbean women. Our past Queens have been guest speakers at many events and workshops throughout the years. We like to hold the pageant in June during Caribbean heritage month. It’s also a learning experience for our contestants and guests because each contestant has to research their island for two categories within the pageant. We took a break to restructure and make some changes but anticipate being back strong in 2018.

as we say “making mas”. I love putting together ideas for carnival costumes, things just pop in my head and I’m like Yes! I have to make this come to life. Aside from that just doing things with my family and my crew like our version of Lip Sync Battle, it gets intense. As a Libra I pull out all creativity I’m in it to win it.

QSM: What can we look out for next from you Sabrina?

Sabrina: I’m helping with the production of Unique Blend Models yearly fashion week, working on my next creative photo shoot and hopefully some more magazine features and covers. Also working on Caribbean Gemz gear just for the team.

I’m not really sure what else I’ll get myself into.

QSM: Thank you for taking the time to allow us to get to know more about you Sabrina.

Sabrina: Self love is all the confidence you need, love yourself before seeking it in others.

For bookings contact me at Sclinton83@ gmail.com and you can follow me on IG @ empressbrina. Thank you QSM for taking an interest in me you guys are awesome!

QSM: As you know there is much controversy around the term plus size; what is your take on it?

Sabrina: I don’t have much of an issue with the term plus size although “curvy” is my preferred term.

Plus size is not a bad stigma and we need to embrace our additional (Plus) thickness (size) and equate it to beauty.

QSM: I know this question is going to sound very cliché-ish; but how do you balance being a wife, mother, model, entrepreneur and vice- president of another company?

Sabrina: Oh my it’s very hard at times because some things do clash and I have to prioritize, but every day I thank God that I have an amazing husband by my side.

He travels with me just about everywhere, at every show and event, helps with my shoots (jumps in the shoot if he’s asked to lol), rubs my feet every other night, make sure I put in family time and slows me down when I’m doing too much. I truly couldn’t do half the things I do without him, his support is phenomenal.

QSM: When you are not doing all of this what do you like to do for fun?

Sabrina: Carnival! I look forward to my summer vacations in Barbados for Crop Over. It’s not only to enjoy carnival but also PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | SABRINA CLINTON

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PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | SABRINA CLINTON

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PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | SABRINA CLINTON

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THE AVENUE SPRING IN- STORE FASHION SHOW WOODBRIDGE, NY

PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS | (top left) MERCEDES BENZ, (top right) SHAKITA JOHNSON, (bottom left) TINA HAMLETT, (bottom right) STACY VALENTINE

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PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS | (left) DORCHA CHANNER, (right) STACY VALENTINE

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PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS | (top) MERCEDES BENZ, (bottom) TINA HAMLETT

PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS | (middle) SHAKITA JOHNSON, (top) SHARELL GRAY, (bottom) AMBER BENNETT

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TAMARA BENJAMIN

LAKESSHIA SLAUGHTER

DORCHA CHANNER

TAMARA BENJAMIN

SHARELL GRAY

LAKESSHIA SLAUGHTER

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BEHIND

THE LENS

PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY Philip Drew was born in Queens, New York. His mother was born and raised in Barbados. He spent eight years attending school in Caribbean. He later returned to the states and graduated from Hillcrest High School. He loves to critical thinking tasks. While in Barbados he learned the game of chess and has won several trophies. Philip is known by many of his peers as a hard working, detail oriented person and always eager to learn things. He has been working since he was in high school. He is currently an Audio Visual Tech at a well known hospital in Long Island. When he is not working he dedicates most of his time to helping others. In his downtime he can be found relaxing, watching movies and playing video games. Philip is the Executive Director of Queen Size Magazine. He is very involved in the day to day operations and productions of the magazine. Philip picked up photography a couple of years ago because he saw the need for the Queen Size Magazine to have a dedicated photographer on staff.

Since picking up the camera for the first time, he has not put it down.

He has spent every day studying and perfecting his craft. He has shot numerous fashion shows, designers, models and entrepreneurs. Philip has also done sports, engagement and family shoots.

Photo credit for Philip’s image | Alec Turner

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PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | LORI MICHELLE

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT |LORI MICHELLE

LM ori

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ichelle

I don’t want to be stuck in a box as ”just” another urban model or just another plus model. I want to build my brand to multifaceted not just one genre.

Lori Michelle is an aspiring Model determined to break barriers and not be categorized as just a ”Full Figured Model” or an ”Urban Model”. She wants to see curvy women recognized for their beauty and curves without being categorized because they aren’t a size 0-6.

Lori has always had a passion for fashion. When she was younger she got her face taste of modeling by participating in church fashion shows. Like most models, she got a lot of her inspiration from watching America’s ”Next Top Model” with the dream of one day participating. Some of her biggest obstacles were being too big because she didn’t fit the “industry standard” and of course her age. Regardless of these obstacles, she still held on to her dream and she never gave up. She continued to research, take classes and network to help her find the tools and people that she needed in order to obtain her goal.

Not only is Lori an aspiring model, but amongst many other things she is a mother of a seven year old and newborn twins. She is also on a mission to set an example for her daughter, young ladies and women all over that having a strong self image is extremely important. Her goal is to become a household name. A model that isn’t just plus size, isn’t just brown, doesn’t just have locs, but that is a part of making the change that we all desire to see; for her little girl along with other young women to look at and say ”She is like me, and I can do it too”.

PHOTOGRAPHER | PDREW PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL | LORI MICHELLE

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QSM: Tell me about your younger years. Where and how did you grow up?

Lori: I’m a native New Yorker, I grew up in Suffolk County, Long Island.

The oldest of four and the only girl.

QSM: Tell us one fun fact about you; something that most people would be surprised to learn.

Lori: A fun fact that might surprise some is I enjoy couponing and a good sale. When I shop I usually hit the clearance rack 1st.

QSM: Congratulations on getting off to a good start. In this industry that is usually the hardest part. You made a statement about not wanting to be categorized as an urban model. Can you elaborate on that?

Lori: Thank you. According to society standards I have plenty of alleged obstacles. I have never quite ”fit” in, so my best option is to continue to stand out. I don’t want to be stuck in a box as ”just” another urban model or just another plus model. I want to build my brand to multifaceted not just one genre.

QSM: What is your favorite clothing store and why?

Lori: Currently I am obsessed with Forever 21. I think they have made major improvements fashion wise and they are very affordable, I also love New York and Company, I love the Eva Mendez collection and the fact that they carry tall sizes.

QSM: If you could compare yourself to one model who would it be and why?

Lori: Comparing myself to another model; that’s a tough one ....growing up I wanted to model like Tyra [Banks], have locs like Lauryn [Hill], and have money like Oprah. If I could build the perfect model it would be that combo. I guess that is why this is so important to me. I would like to be someone my daughter can look up to and say I can be like her.

QSM: As a model, what do you think separates you from most?

Lori: As I model I think what separates me from most is that by nature I’m friendly. I have met some amazing models, some who were kind and some who were not so kind. I think it’s ok to be friendly; yes I could be your competition for a job but, it’s not a reason to be mean and combative. I believe what is for you is for you and being mean won’t change that.

QSM: What is your biggest pet peeve within our industry?

Lori: My biggest pet peeve is that I feel people put limitations on where and what they can do because society says so. I wish that they would use more models that look like everyday women; I’m an everyday woman that has locs. There are many women with locs, we should be able to model too without always being told that we need a wig in order to book a gig.

QSM: How long have you been modeling now?

Lori: I have been modeling now for about a year.

QSM: When do you stop calling yourself an aspiring model and start calling yourself a model?

Lori: That’s a good point! I guess I have always compared it to being signed or published, but you can be a model without either so I guess it’s just a force of habit to say aspiring because I am a model. But it’s also a driving force to have that billboard or that cover photo that says I’ve accomplished what I’m striving for.

QSM: Thank you for your time. Please provide your contact info?

Lori: Thank You for this opportunity I can be reached at Email: booking@ iamlorimichelle.com Instagram: @lorimichelle_model

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