Queen Size Magazine March 2018 Issue by Queen Size Magazine

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

MARCH 2018 ISSUE

MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

COVER STORY:

JONNA CAPONE

Fashion + Lifestyle

The Pros and Cons of being a Signed Model

YOUR FAVORITE FASHION FINDS $25 AND UNDER WORKING YOUR CORE FOR THAT PERFECT SHOT WHAT HAIRSTYLES WORKS BEST FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS EDLEXIS SPADY SHANIQUE SAVAGE WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MARCH 2018 ISSUE

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

FROM THE EDITOR Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief

Welcome to the March 2018 issue of Queen Size Magazine. Never forget where you came from. I remember when I started this magazine; I thought I had the best magazine on the market. People were buying it; people were congratulating me, so how could I be wrong right? I’ve always known that not everyone is going to be honest but I met someone who was. He sat me down and explained all the things I was doing wrong, and then he helped me get it right. My feelings were hurt at first, but then I got over it and got with the program. Today I often look back at those magazines with such pride. I’d like to dedicate this issue to Eric Jorgenson, the guy who helped put me at the next level. As with every issue, I truly thank each and every person that had a hand in making Queen Size Magazine possible. And on behalf of myself and Queen Size Magazine, I would like to thank all of our readers; without you we would not still be here. 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.

Photo by PDrew Photography Dress by Juul Couture Makeup done by Brooklyn Tate

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director & Director of Photography ELVIRA ANDERSON Photographer DANA HALL Photographer MEESHA ANN Fashion Editor JACKIE PAYTES Fashion Blogger LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Blogger LAFINA PHILLIPS Creative Stylist ANDREA BLASSINGAME Makeup Artist EYANI COUTURE House Designer FLAVORS OF FULLNESS House Designer SABRINA JONES Lifestyle Editor

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

JONNACAPONE - TALKS ABOUT THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A SIGNED MODEL

HEALTH AND FITNESS

FEED YOUR BRAIN

WORKING YOUR CORE

By COURTNEY K. PENNINGTON

By QSM

BEAUTY&FASHION

10 MODEL SPOTLIGHT: EDLEXIS E. SPADY By QSM

16 FASHION TRENDS $25 AND UNDER

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS

MARCH 2018 ISSUE

By MEESHA ANN

18 FACE SHAPES AND MATCHING HAIRSTYLES

By CRYSTAL LEWIS

20 PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE ALERT: ELEVEN60 By MEESHA

36 MODEL SPOTLIGHT: SHANIQUE SAVAGE By QSM

BUSINESS

LALA SITS DOWN WITH MONIE BRODIE By LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

46 FORMING BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE By QSM

34 36 38 18 46

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Feed Your Brain We rarely put emphasis on the importance of feeding our brain, and why expanding your mind and satiation of thought matters. We all have heard the saying ‘You are what you eat’ and we also know it’s important to have a healthy diet. Whether we stick to eating well is a whole other story, but our brains absorb nearly 20 percent of the nutrients our body consumes. Eating well is a major factor in having a healthy mind, but food isn’t the only way to feed your brain. One very important reason to feed your brain is because the brain can deteriorate if it is not used, just like the muscles in your body. Keeping this organ functioning at its peak can be achieved by reading on a regular basis. Reading a book can be a great way to relax, it allows you to take a mental break and escape from the stresses of your life. Along with the relaxation effects, the mental attention you devote to a book helps to develop better focus overall and more attention to details within your daily activities. Consistent reading can be beneficial in other ways. It has been suggested that reading works of fiction can make you a more empathetic person because it allows you to immerse yourself into the life of another person and see situations from another perspective. Medically you can benefit from expanding your mind and exercising your brain. Studies have shown that stimulation of the brain helps with memory retention on a day to day basis, but long-term people that read regularly have a lower risk of developing and suffering from Alzheimer’s. You don’t always have to pick up a book, there are a lot of things you can do to enrich your mind.

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FEED YOUR BRAIN | COURTNEY PENNINGTON

Exercise your brain by strengthening your cerebrum cortex where the memory muscle of your brain lives. You can do that by doing math in your head before reaching for a calculator, try memorizing phone numbers instead of always using the names in your contacts, and fortify your concentration skill by focusing on a single task like reading a book to help your brain to center on a single goal strengthening your resolve of finishing tasks. Try something new or do something that challenges your brain. Doing something you haven’t done before can increase your intelligence by creating new neural pathways in your brain. Along with trying something new you can work on being creative, growing your imagination, work on puzzles, or developing your vocabulary to challenge and reinforce the mind. Gather new information about a subject or product. Doing your research on a new product requires you to form new opinions or build on previous perceptions which can strengthen your mind. Reading can also be a great way to entertain yourself that is likely to be more beneficial than scrolling through Instagram or being sucked into Facebook timelines. Make sure to get enough rest. If you read my contribution from last month’s article you know how imperative it to be well rested. During the night is when we release the largest amount of toxins from our bodies that have built up during the day, this includes within the brain. Allowing your body and brain to regenerate gives the greatest potential to take on the next day with full force. Exercise your body. Exercise increases brain function and help your body create new brain cells, just another reason regular workouts make you really smart. So, let’s get you sprung this spring and your brain and body performing at its peak.

By: Courtney Pennington Reiki Master, Licensed Massage Therapist, Owner of UaHan Son

Please take note. The information provided is as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider to discuss if these exercises are appropriate for your lifestyle or medical conditions. If you have any question, please feel free to contact me at CourtneyP@UaHanSon.com. Sources: http://www.readwritework.com/7-reasons-why-reading-is-important-for-adults/, https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5913/8-Ways-to-Feed-Your-Brain.html, https://www. huffingtonpost.com/2015/08/05/health-benefits-reading_n_4081258.html, https://www. naturalbeachliving.com/reasons-why-reading-is-so-important/

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

WORKING YOUR CORE FOR THAT PERFECT SHOT Shoots, shoots and more shoots; the story of a model’s life. They can often feel like a workout themselves with all the twisting, turning and holding poses for extended periods of time. Oh and heaven forbid you have a little pouchy mid-section that you don’t want to show in those photos. It could be pretty agonizing to have to hold that in for a while; OUCH. But if you are not in much shape then you will be pretty sore after your shoots. I recall very recently having to do a photoshoot myself. I don’t lift weights or workout so I was a bit taken back by how much work it actually was. Whoever said modeling was easy lied; it is work. This is one of the reasons why I decided to do this article, because I want to share with everyone the importance of getting your body in shape. It’s not about losing weight; it’s about preventing your muscles from tightening up, which in turn limits your range of motion. This WILL affect you as you get older. No one is asking you to hit the gym or lift weights, just loosen up those muscles. The best way to do that is to exercise your core. Here are some exercises that you can do at home to help you with that. Ten to fifteen minutes out of your day, a few times a week can make a huge difference; even in your day to do activities. Do these exercises in reps. Everyone is different so figure out how many is comfortable for you and then add one or two more reps. No pain no gain right?

Flutter Kicks

Flutter kicks are great for helping improve your lower core strength. It is a similar motion to the one involved in swimming the back stroke, which makes this exercise beneficial to swimmers. When it comes to modeling, you often need to stand on one leg for an extended period of time. Flutter kicks teaches your body how to control a single leg at one time.

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Lay flat on your back on a mat with your arms by your sides and your palms down. Extend your legs fully out with a slight bend in your knees. Lift your heels about 6 inches off the floor. Make small, rapid up and down scissor-like motions with your legs. The key is to focus on having your midsection do all the work and to keep your abs constantly contracted throughout the exercise.

photo credits for all images photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Natasha Crys @natasha_crys workout pants | RBX Active

WORKING YOUR CORE FOR THAT PERFECT SHOT| QSM

Mountain Climbing

Strengthens the entire core and boosts the metabolism that burns fat. If you want to have strong, flat abs in a short time, you should include this bodyweight exercise in your routine. There are other variations as well for even faster and better results. Start in the pushup position with your arms completely straight and directly beneath your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Squeeze your abs, lift one foot off the floor, and bring your knee up toward your chest while keeping your body in as straight a line as possible. Return to the starting position, and repeat the movement with your opposite leg.

Bicycle Crunch

If you want to work your core, this air bicycle maneuver is a great choice. It’s a noequipment, beginner’s level exercise you can do anywhere. You only need a flat surface to lie flat. I do recommend having an exercise mat so you are not lying on the hard floor. Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground (pull your navel in to also target your deep abs). Put your hands behind your head, then bring your knees in towards your chest and lift your shoulder blades off the ground, but be sure not to pull on your neck.

The Reverse Plank

Challenges under –utilized muscles. When performed correctly, it will isolate and strengthen not just the butt muscles but also your hamstrings, abs and lower back.

To perform this exercise, sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you, and place your palms on the floor slightly behind your hips. Spread your fingers wide and press into your palms, lifting your hips so that your torso moves up towards the ceiling.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Edlexis E. Spady

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Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Edlexis E. Spady Black & Grey ombrÃ© | Fashion Nova Shoes | Call It Spring

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | EDLEXIS E. SPADY

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | EDLEXIS E. SPADY

Edlexis E Spady. I was born and raised in South Jamaica Queens. Graduated from TYWLS, Queens, an all girl school. My ultimate goal has always been to become a Midwife because I’ve always loved helping people. I also love learning about people’s minds, so I went to get my associates in Social Sciences from Alfred State College In Alfred, NY. Then continued my studies in Human Services at City Tech of New York. I’ve always been in love with taking pictures and showing off my smile. For years I told my friends and family I was going to become a model and they always pushed for me to pursue my goals. I had my first set of photos taken in December of 2016. It was nerve wrecking, but I loved it. Since then I’ve been trying to connect with different people and take small steps toward becoming a Plus Sized Model. To date I’ve worked with a few local photographers. I wish to continue working on my craft and getting to know more people in the business.

Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Edlexis E. Spady Cheetah print dress | Fashion To Figure Shoes | Call It Spring

Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Edlexis E. Spady Yellow print & Faux fur | H&M Shoes | Call It Spring

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Edlexis E. Spady Yellow print dress | H&M Shoes | Call It Spring

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | EDLEXIS E. SPADY

Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Edlexis E. Spady Black & Grey ombrÃ© | Fashion Nova Shoes | Call It Spring

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

$25 AND UNDER CLEARANCE SALE AT CHARLOTTE RUSSE| MEESHA ANN

Shop the charlotterusse.com $25 and Under Sale

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

WHAT SHAPE IS YOUR FACE AND WHAT HAIRSTYLE WORKS BEST FOR YOU

All people have one of six face shapes: round, square, long (or ”oblong”), heart, diamond or oval. To figure out which one you are, you’ll need a ruler or a tape measure. Just be sure to write down the numbers for each step: • We’ll start with the forehead. Measure across your forehead at the widest point. • Move on the cheeks. Measure the widest length across your cheekbones. • Now on to the jaw. Measure your jawline at its widest point. • Finally, we’ll measure the length of your face by using the ”cross shape method.” Put the ruler just under the eyes and measure from ear to ear (stopping at where the ear begins). Then place the ruler at the top of your forehead at your hairline and measure to your chin. Your ratio will either be 1 (your width) to 1 1/2 (your length) or 1 to 1 or 1 to 2

SQUARE SHAPE FACE

ROUND SHAPE FACE

If you have a square face, consider yourself lucky. Some of the most famous faces in the past and today have strong, angular jawlines. Two other big pluses to having a square face: square faces photograph the best and women with strong angular features tend to age well.

• The width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are equal • Your jaw is slightly rounded as opposed to angular. • You have soft features in general. The difference between a round face and a square face (which also measures the same across as long) lies in the angles. Square faces have strong, angular features, whereas a round face has soft features. Round faces tend to be soft with non-angular features and full cheeks. You may find you have more of a round face when you carry extra weight, but keep in mind many classic round-faced women are super thin and still have non-angular features.

Styles That Work Best on a Square Face If you have a square face, you may want to play down your strong, angular jaw. Here’s what to looks great on a square face: • Texture, in the form of curls or choppy ends, is gorgeous on a square face. • You can also get away with super short, edgy cuts. • Long, sleek styles with layers that start at the jawline and continue downward are gorgeous on you. • Long bobs are an excellent choice. • You’ll look great in side-swept bangs.

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Styles That Work Best on a Round Face Typically, if you have a round face, you want to make your face appear longer and leaner and less round. To do this, create less volume around the face. • Try cuts that fall just below the chin like the long bob hairstyle. • Soft, graduated layers like the ones found in this shoulder length hairstyles are a great because they make your face appear slimmer and tend to remove bulk and weight from the sides. • Consider wispy and tapered ends. The wisps de-emphasize the roundness of your face. • When it comes to bangs, keep them long or side-swept.

WHAT SHAPE IS YOUR FACE | CRYSTAL LEWIS

LONG SHAPE FACE

OVAL SHAPE FACE

Long face shapes are longer than they are wide. The perfect haircut for this type doesn’t drag down the face, yet adds width.

Stop for a second and congratulate yourself. You’ve landed

• Bangs can be your best friend because they can hide a big forehead. Try brow trimming bangs or blunt bangs. • When it comes to haircuts, chin-length bobs are also ideal for us because they create the illusion of width. Blunt long bob is very flattering on a long face. Just make sure your stylist cuts the hair a bit shorter in the back, so it doesn’t look boring. • Curls and waves work well because they add width to the face. • Be careful with long hair: Hair that is too long can drag down the face. Long layers work best with pieces hitting at the nose, the chin and the collarbone. Consider a V-shaped style where the length is mainly in the back, while the sides and front of your hair appear shorter. Also, consider adding waves or curls to the hair.

The oval face is the most versatile shape. You can pull off almost any look: short or long, straight or wavy or even one of the funkiest cut ever. To find your most flattering style, consider your best feature and highlight it with your hair cut.

most versatile face shape. You can wear almost any All people have one of sixthe face shapes: round, square, long (or "oblon hairstyle. Just be careful, with a bad haircut, your face can start to look long. To Styles That Work Best on afigure Long Face out which one you are, you'll need a ruler or a tape measure numbers forface:each step:Styles That Work Best on an Oval Face Here are some looksthe that look great on a long

• • • •

We'll start with the forehead. Measure across your forehead at Move on the cheeks. Measure the widest length across your ch • If you have gorgeous bone structure, consider angular bob Now on to the jaw. Measure your jawline at its widest point. that shows off your chin. • Great eyes? Do blunt and side swept bangs are a great bet. Finally, we'll measure the length of your face by using the "cro Styles that are flattering and stylish: sophistic bobs long, layers you can and practically do anything. from ear to ear (stopping ruler just under theetceyes measure Then place the ruler at the top of your forehead at your hairlin Your ratio will either be 1 (your width) to 1 1/2 (your length)

I SAY YES!!!!!!!!!! DRINK YOUR WATER TAKE YOUR VITAMINS. CRYSTAL LEWIS

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If you have a square face, consider yourself lucky. Some of the most f today have strong, angular jawlines. Two other big pluses to having a

BEAUTY AND FASHION

PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE ALERT! As a full-figured woman it gives me no greater joy than to learn about a store that caters to my body size. Let us introduce you to the SEXY, BOLD AND ECLECTIC Eleven60. Eleven60 has been around since 2015 but has started to put its stamp on plus size industry for 2018. The store pride itself on offering the quality clothing for the full-figured woman by drawing inspiration from New York, London, Paris Tokyo and Sequel. The storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique name was formulated by combing the birth month and year of the legend Karen Clark Sheard. Here is a sneak peak of what the store has to offer. see more at www.myeleven60.com

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PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE ALERT| MEESHA ANN

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BEAUTY AND BUSINESS FASHION

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

ADVERTISING Rates & Sizes

Founded in 2011, we are a magazine dedicated to Queen Size women. Queen Size is not only about the physical size, but also the mental. We are dedicated to highlighting women of all walks of life. If you are a woman making Queen Size moves, then this is where you belong. We do not limit ourselves to just women; this was the basis of why we created the magazine. We are looking to highlight and promote small businesses owners/entrepreneurs, both men and women. Queen Size Magazine puts out a new issue every month with realistic articles written by real life people. We have writers that cover health and fitness, true life situations and experiences, fashion, recipes and more.

Ad Rates Full Page ½ Page ¼ Page Cover Story Inside Cover Back Cover Inside Back Cover ISSUE December/January February/March April/May June/July August/September October/November

1x $100 $60 $45 $300 $240 $200 $140

6x $570 $330 $240 ////// $1,410 $1,170 $810

12x $1,080 $600 $480 ////// $2,760 $2,280 $1,560

Ad Due Date November. 10th January. 10th March 10th May 10th July 10th September 10th

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FEATURED STORY

onna E. Capone, is a fresh face in New York City, but has been working all over the country as a Plus Size/ Curve model for the past year. She is a body positive activist, and public speaker as well as an actress and singer. Jonna has been blessed to shoot with major brands, designers and companies such as FashionNova, Dia & Co., Rainbow,

SmartGlamour and Rebel Wilson XAngels. She is currently working with MSA/State MGMT and Bicoastal MGMT and has recently be named one of Queen Sized Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House Models for 2018. You can see her published articles and photos featured in LoveUMag and The American Theatre Magazine representing her work for her body positivity campaign. Jonna can also be seen on the runway for the past NYFW and featured runway events including; Smartglamourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring/Fall runway shows, Runway the Real Way, Curvy AF: Courtney Noelle & Jonquel Art Show and this summer in the Essence of Curves Fashion Review in New Orleans. For more information about Jonna including her portfolio, future events and booking information, please contact her at j.elizabeth.c16@gmail.com. You can also follow Jonna on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. (IG: curvy_capone; FB:www.facebook.com/ Jonna E. Capone; TW: @JECapone)

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Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Jonna Capone Hair and makeup | Done by Model Denim Top | Fashion Nova

JONNA CAPONE | QSM

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FEATURED STORY

Photographer | PDrew Photography www.pdrewphotography.zenfolio.com Model | Jonna Capone Hair and makeup | Done by Model Denim Top | Fashion Nova

JONNA CAPONE | QSM

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FEATURED STORY

Getting to know

Jonna QSM: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background Jonna. Jonna: Well, I grew up in Massachusetts and have always loved being in the city surrounded with diverse cultures. I grew up in music and theatre and continued to pursue that throughout my life. I have had the blessing of starting in the plus size modeling industry. As a body positive activist, writer, performer and public speaker I firmly believe in sharing people’s stories. I aspire to inspire others and see more diversity across all industries. QSM: You’ve lived in a few states; tell us about what lead you to moving around. Jonna: I originally moved from Massachusetts because my family had a lot of personal changes including grand children being born, career changes etc. Then I moved around for school and to pursue aspects of my career. I also love to travel! QSM: What was your favorite city to live in so far? Now don’t feel obligated to say New York ok lol. Jonna: I can honestly say that it is tie between Asheville NC and New York City because they are both so wonderfully unique and influenced by the arts. QSM: let’s talk a little about you as an opera singer? Why opera? Take us down that road. Jonna: I started singing in church and my grandmother was an opera singer who studied in the New England Conservatory. I always found it so moving and unique. Opera has lead me to so many different pathways and allowed me to gain incredible story telling skills. You have to learn so much about your character, their language (as many operas are in foreign languages) their background and how to captivate and connect with audience members. It takes a specific

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determination, precision, attention to detail and hard work that I have always admired and aspired to have. QSM: Modeling for you wasn’t something that was on your to do list. Can you share with us how you got into modeling? Jonna: I actually started modeling a little over a year ago. I was in a musical at a local theatre and my friend and costume designer of the show asked if I had ever modeled before. I hadn’t really thought about or realized there was a platform for me and my body size to model. However she was convinced I would be successful in it and she wasn’t wrong. She took my test shots and introduced me to other plus size models in the industry which led me to even more opportunities, particularly a photoshoot with Dia &Co. From that photoshoot I was put in contact with MSA models (now merged with State MGMT). I was signed in their Fit department and have found work since. I met other models who suggested i submit to other agencies for print, commercial and runway work, that lead me to my other agencies. I am happy to say I have found a true passion in modeling. I can truly be myself in front of a camera and have fallen in love with it this past year. QSM: Some models wait years to get signed by an agency; you were blessed enough to get signed by multiple agencies within your first year. What’s your secret? Jonna: I would say, the biggest secret I can share is TO DO YOUR RESEARCH!! Just being signed to any agency isn’t enough. I would say to look at agencies YOU want to work with and have a message you can connect with. I checked out their boards and their models and reached out and asked for advice and help where I could find it! Then you have to continue to put yourself out there and put in the work.

JONNA CAPONE | QSM

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FEATURED STORY

QSM: Can you share your experiences with being a signed model. Jonna: I have been blessed to work with some great agencies who have given me work in Fit modeling and some commercial print work! I would say though that you still need to go to the open calls, especially for runway, and find the events to do networking! Doing research on companies and sending information to my agencies has been incredibly helpful in making connections and getting work. I have had to do my own homework and practicing to stay fresh, energized and ready to work. QSM: Freelance modeling vs being a signed model. What are your thoughts? Jonna: I believe there are pros and cons to both! I would say I know signed models who put in A LOT of work and have found it is much easier to have representation and someone to go up to bat for you. However, I know freelance models who are killing the game and finding work on their own who negotiate their own prices. Again, both require hard work and looking into what works best for your goals. QSM: You’ve done runway, fit, and print modeling so far. Do you have a preference? Jonna: I would say they all fulfill different elements that I love about modeling. However, I LOVE to strut my stuff on a runway. Curves on a runway are so powerful to me and the energy that comes from it is pure magic for me. QSM: Where is the opportunity for more money? Jonna: I would say that Fit Modeling is a good opportunity for the most money. However you need to again do research and know your stuff to book consistent clients. You also really have to work on your measurements and KEEP them! I would also say there is more money in great print work. Finding magazines to be featured in or companies who want to pay to represent their brands is a great way but you need to reach out to them sometimes. Also having a strong following on social media platforms can open the door for paid collaborations or pages like Patreon that support artists sharing their work. QSM: What are two things that you would like to see change within the full figured industry? Jonna: I would love to see more diversity within the full figured industry. Including, petite plus size models, or plus size models that don’t fit these ”hour glass figure” molds. I feel there is a huge demographic of women and men that are still being neglected by companies and designers. QSM: Being in an industry where there are an abundance of models, models that come and go, how does one stay relevant? Jonna: Finding your look and what works for you. Not all models see themselves in the work that is out there but if you know your strengths are in boudoir or high fashion or commercial looks then do some test shots. In the beginning it is a lot of trial and error, but once you find what works for you, you can find yourself in what is current and stay relevant.

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QSM: What is your favorite part of modeling? Jonna: I would say my favorite part is the process. I love to go through the journey of styling, working with different designers, sharing concepts and visions for photoshoots and then seeing the final result. I like to get my hands dirty with it and be a part of the action. I can be unapologetically myself in front of a camera especially if I have included my own ideas and input. QSM: If you had the opportunity to model alongside two models and work with two designers and/or boutiques, who would they be? Jonna: My dream shoot would be with Hunter Mcgrady and Precious Lee or La’Tecia I would also love to work with the design team and stylists from Lane Bryant or Ashley Nell Tipton’s Designs. QSM: What is your ultimate goal? When it’s all said and done, and it’s time to hang up your heels, what do you hope to have accomplished? Jonna: I hope to have given a voice to those who feel they don’t have one. I want to be the idol I needed to see when I was growing up. I want to use modeling as a platform for change and to experience other people’s stories, heels and all! QSM: What advice would you like to offer the young lady reading this who wants to advance their modeling careers? Jonna: I would say to keep moving forward but to SHOW UP! It isn’t easy, but if you are really passionate about it and you are willing to do the work and research then it’s worth it! I would also be willing to be vulnerable and share what makes YOU unique!

JONNA CAPONE | QSM

Also have your wits about you and through research make sure you are safe and smart about your personal investments including who you work with. QSM: Where can people follow you and your journey? Jonna: People can follow me on all social media platforms particularly Instagram: @curvy_capone. I also have a patreon page people can check out for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/curvy_ capone Facebook: www.facebook.com/jonna capone Twitter: JECapone QSM: Thank you for chatting with us. We wish you continued success and we look forward to working

more with you. Jonna: I just want to thank Queen Size Magazine for this opportunity to speak about my experiences and passions in the full figured industry! The work they do is incredibly important for especially women and men to feel heard, represented and appreciated! I also want to thank those who have helped me get to where I am thus far! I could not have done it without those who have believed in me and continue to support me. Also to remember to those reading this and who identify as full figured, plus size, etc, that we are here to STAY and are worthy of love, respect and great fashion! Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to continue this journey and God bless!

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FEATURED STORY

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JONNA CAPONE | QSM

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

DEALS

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Shanique Savage

Makeup Artist, Mother, Entrepreneur and aspiring Model WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MARCH 2018 ISSUE

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | SHANIQUE SAVAGE

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Growing up, I was always the odd ball in the bunch. My sisters were beautiful and slender; ideal models. Then there was me. I always loved how I looked and embraced my curves, but it seemed that others around me thought there was a problem with how I looked. Although I’m a strong and secure person, it really got to me at times. During the summer, right before my senior year in high school, my mother enrolled my baby sister and me into John Robert Powers Modeling/Etiquette School in center city Philadelphia. It was there that I regained my confidence, fell in love with the art of makeup and fashion; becoming a plus size or curvy model seemed like a possibility for me. A few years later & two kids later, nothing seemed to be going right. I had gained more weight... I stopped doing all of the things I loved and didn’t feel at all inspired. Then one day I just reached my breaking point. I took a moment to go on a mini vacation to clear my head and escape my problems. There WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MARCH 2018 ISSUE

was when I realized that you can’t escape your problems, you have to face them. If I wanted my life to improve and to become someone my children could look up to then I had to change the way I went about everything. I had to learn to fight for what I wanted and not care about what anyone might say or think. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been building my empire and brand. The amount of support and love I’ve been receiving has been unbelievable; a blessing. I now work as a freelance makeup artist/body painter. I’ve gotten back into producing art work in the form of paintings, I’m modeling again... I’m going for mine and refuse to let anything or anyone get in my way of achieving my goals.

MODEL SPOTLIGHT| SHANIQUE SAVAGE 39

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT| SHANIQUE SAVAGE

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BUSINESS

Queens this month I had the awesome pleasure to interview celebrity Makeup Artist, Beauty Expert, Speaker and now Author Moni Brodie of Moni B Cosmetics.

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LALA SITS DOWN WITH MONIE BRODIE | LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

Moni started her journey in New York but don’t exactly recall how she transitioned into makeup. She wanted to be in fashion because she always loved clothes and she had every Barbie doll outfit there was, she was a true girly girl. She was good at doing her own makeup and then she started doing the makeup of a first cousin, then she had a first model and things blossomed from there. She got with the mentor that showed her how she could make money and her first cousin was her first paying client over 20 years ago. She was a full-time makeup artist in 2002 then she moved to North Carolina were there were not a lot of people doing makeup in North Carolina at that time so she became a full-time artist again in 2015 until she recently retired December 31th 2017. Over the years she has seen the industry change with the onset of social media. Social media has led everyone to believe that they are a makeup artist. She refers to it as ”YouTube University” which has given a lot of miss education and the market has become oversaturated. But this is not necessarily a bad thing because it has given people the opportunity to do something that they may have felt they couldnt do. It has allowed people to create a space in the market and brands have been able to grow because of social media. Moni recently self published her first book called ”How to Create Your Own Beauty Brand”. When Moni first started Moni B Cosmetics there was no blueprint, she did not have a guide as to how create a brand. People started asking her to help them and she herself was still learning until she got to the point she had enough knowledge to contribute to others and their brand. How to Create a Beauty Brand is a simple tool that was developed out of the need to help people to develop their own success. We talked about the difference between a business and a brand. She shared a business you create example you sell tea cups but a brand speaks to personality that you portray in the marketplace. Your brand creates a persona and people begin to feel like that they know you based on your brand. It is important to know who you’re talking to, your product, learning your customers and learning what they look like and where they are, because that controls everything. I ask Moni if she was still as passionate about the industry as she was in the beginning. She share probably not because a lot has happened with the loss of her parents and other close family members, over the years she has learned that beauty is an inside job and now she’s more concerned about the inner person. Moni points out you have to prioritize, and write down things. What is important to you, people are always trying to figure things out but you have to plan especially for those working a fulltime and trying to build a brand. Balance and a good support circle is needed because you can’t do it all by yourself you need support people in your circle that think the impossible Is possible.

Moni’s son, 12 year old Bryce, is also in the industry and she hopes to leave a legacy for him. He wanted to be included in the Brand so they developed an all natural lip balm in kid friendly favors. He is definitely finding his space in the market. Moni officially retired December 31, 2017 but they’re still lots of things on her plate that she plans to accomplish. We can look forward to her second book ”Glow Be Fabulous, how to live a Beautiful life”. She is also working on a Blog, sharing about being single on purpose as she he has designated 2018 as the year of solitude and she is ready to take people through the journey with her. She’s very excited and very transparent in the choice she’s making to be a better version of herself. You can find Moni B Cosmetics, How to Create your own Beauty Brand and other Brand products on her website her www. monib.com and also on Amazon. She also on facebook @Moni Brodie.CEO and KingBryce.Bigcartel.com for the all natural lip balm line. Support her Brand, support Black owned. Until next time my Queens, you are Beatiful. Lala

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BUSINESS

Forming Balance in Your Life

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FORMING BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE | QSM

Forming balance in your life can be a pretty difficult thing to do at times. Most of us have work, children and social lives to deal with; not including making time for family as well. This becomes especially difficult when you are the “glue that holds everything together”. If you don’t form that balance, what you will end up with is chaos and unhappiness. It is very important to understand that you must always remember to put yourself first. I know that you have heard this time and time again, and you are probably saying to yourself that this is a whole lot easier said than done. You are also probably looking at this principal as being a bit selfish. Take a moment to ask yourself this very important question; if you die tomorrow, who is going to do all the things that you do for everybody? The answer to that question is this, they will either do it for themselves or they will find someone else to do it. You cannot make someone else happy if you are not happy yourself. Are you doing what needs to be done in order to make yourself happy or are you putting your life on the back burner to please the world? None of this applies to your young children; fulfill your obligations as a parent while taking steps to fulfill your dreams of doing what makes you happy. Don’t be one of those people that get into a relationship and put everything that you have been working so hard to build on hold. Please don’t be the type of person that finds a boyfriend or girlfriend and then your world must stop to manually spin theirs. If you are giving your all to this person then what time do you have for you? What time do you have for the friends that you have been spending time with? What time do you have for your children? Your parents? Your family? Your goals? If you meet someone who is ok with your dropping and neglecting your life to make them happy, then they are not the one for you. Your mate should be assisting you in forming balance in your life. He or she would not be selfish enough to not want you to fulfill yourself happiness and your goals. A mate is supposed to add to your happiness not create it for you.

I met a young lady and we became really good friends. I helped her to begin the process of building her business. She told me that she wanted to get into the jewelry making business and being the friend that I am, I wanted her to succeed so I helped her with the process. She was happy that she was finally able to do what she always dreamed of doing. A few months later she met a man that changed everything. He came along and she slowly stopped doing what she loved and began to spend more time with her new boo. I am all for finding someone who puts a smile on your face, but I am totally against devoting all your time and energy to a person and then neglecting yourself. If you don’t find a mate who understands and supports the things that make you happy then your relationship is liable to end with a lot of regret and resentment. You will end up wasting a lot of time on building temporary happiness. And then you must ask yourself what happens when that relationship is over; where will you be then? Will you be left trying to reconcile the friendships that you neglected for your new boo? Will you be left trying to go back and pick up and attempt to put together the remnants of the life you were trying to build for yourself? I don’t know how most people feel about this, but I personally feel like the best relationships are the ones when you are working together to build something. I believe that there should be support, not just financially and emotionally; but your mate should also be supporting your dreams of being successful. A lot of younger relationships these days are not concerned about building lives together for the future; they are only concerned with having as much sex as they could and buying their mate’s happiness. New jewelry, sneakers and clothing are their priorities. Adults in relationships concern with much more important things. And let me be clear when I say this; your age is not what makes you an adult. Learn balance; learn how to make everyone happy without neglecting yourself in the meantime. Never give all of you to someone else and not leave some of you for you.

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From our family to yours Happy Holidays