Welcome Roam Magazine is CU Boulder ’s rst life and style publication. Roam aims to represent a diverse compilation of voices in order to cultivate a platform that engages and inspires dialogue surrounding fashion. Roam provides quality insight on Fashion, Lifestyle, Culture, and Art. Through its journalistic integrity, Roam seeks to deliver a variety of perspectives to engage with the Boulder community through our issues in both print and online.
Letter from the Editors Welcome back to another issue of Roam Boulder. In true Valentine’s Day month spirit, we wanted to
take some time to talk about love. Love is something that we all have felt at some point or another in our the most important type of love is self love. Here are some ways you can practice self love: 1. Spend time getting to know yourself 2. Say “no” when you need to 3. Don’t compare yourself to others 4. Be truly present 5. Know and use your strengths 6. Give yourself plenty of treats 7. Be honest with yourself and imperfections 10. Accept that some people won’t like you 11. Make fun a priority 12. Practice gratitude 13. Write down your successes 14. Feel your feelings 15. Take good care of your body 16. Pursue a hobby 17. Speak up for yourself 18. Write yourself a love letter 19. Ask for help when you need it 20. Speak kindly to yourself 21. Surround yourself with people who treat you with kindness and respect 22. Allow yourself some down time
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We just listed a few ways that you could practice self love, but self love is even just as simple as treating yourself to something you enjoy. That being said, it’s very easy and important to incorporate little acts of self love into your life.
We love you all
Julia Belian Editor-in-Chief
Aspen Pasikov Deputy Editor 37
Beat on a Budget: True Queen S%*#! By Carlee Bleeker
Being broke is a drag, but you can make it fashion with a little creativity, baby!
Watching the queens on Rupaul’s Drag Race
strut across my TV on a Friday night has become a solace for me. But what does it take to be a drag queen? It’s no secret that the queens on Drag Race pay a hefty fee for their costumes, wigs, makeup and props––all to achieve that perfect look––but does drag is whatever you want it to be and can be done with any size bank account. People partake in “doing drag” for reasons ranging from self-expression to mainstream performance. Drag queens vary by ROAM BOULDER
type, culture, dedication, and, yes, pocketbook size. On the Dublin-born writer, editor, and digital marketer Kelly Meehan Brown’s podcast, she sat down with four fabulous drag enthusiasts to teach us how to channel our inner queen for less. Farrah Moan, Havana Fair, Madame Fabulous, and Victoria Secret have combined their beautiful brains to bring us the tips, The ground-breaking Farrah Moan, from Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, shares how she started as a creative queen on a tight budget:“I started out with
no money. You have to get creative. Go thrifting and vintage shopping; learn to rhinestone and customtorials online and try and get your wigs just right.” Havana Fair, a queen turned multi-award-winer of innovation. That thing between your ears is the best thing you have. You may not have money, but with a little work, you can be creative.” And that’s what drag is all about: An open expression of self and entertaining the hell out of an audience. A lot of creativity can take you all the way. Madame Fabulous, who believes a true queen can work even a garbage bag, encourages broke-as-a-joke Judys, “Just do it! It doesn’t matter if you look a busted mess—express who you are unapologetically and have fun with to be any one thing, just make it your thing.” Havana Fair agrees, “Just have fun. All drag has value. No matter how you look, you have value. Drag queens and trans people are the heroes of our community. You are a part of a legacy that includes kabuki, shamanism, the two-spirit, Divine, and RuPaul. Go out there and carry that torch.” While the queens we watch every week on Drag Race have fabulous hair, makeup, and costumes, what we really fall in love with is their performance and character. Victoria Secret, a popular Dublin-based queen, concludes with
some much needed advice. “Be creative and remember that an audience will respond far more to a queen who has thought out her number with the aim of entertaining than to someone who walks onstage aiming to look head-to-toe polished, but who has not really invested anything into making a performance entertaining.” Drag is what you make of it, but you better be damn sure to commit. CU Student and drag enthusiast Garrett Botsch, A.K.A Carsyn Kline, serves him as any art form would. He approaching and planning: “I enjoy trying to get closer to the vision of what I could look like,” he says. But Garrett doesn’t break the bank to achieve his ravishing persona of Carsyn Klien. “I have probably spent a total of $150 on makeup and a bit more on clothing, which is pretty good considering the amount of usage I get. For makeup, a drugstore is always the way to go for me. There will almost always be a product that works for you.” As for Carsyn’s sickening looks, he almost always uses second-hand clothing (we love a sustainable queen). His main advice is to be patient, “you don’t need everything all at once. It’s good to be resourceful.” You wanna be a queen? Girl, go and be one! Get creative. Hit up your local thrift store, take care of that Amazon wig, express yourself, and, baby, perform like the world is watching. 5
By Abigail Wiegmann
Black designers across the world are sparking
conversation through their visionary works of art and inspirational messages. These individuals are ence in fashion, and they’re changing how society incorporates the message of diversity and inclusion within fashion and culture. Societal conversation in the realm of fashion is a key factor in understanding each other’s ideas and concepts and how Christopher John Rogers, 27, is blazing the trail for the future of black designers through wards shaping the industry for all individuals. Rogers grew up in Louisiana and was exposed to the beauty of diversity from a young age, understanding the uniqueness of individuality. In an interview with Net-a-Porter, he acknowlhis ways of thinking and morality as a designer. “Growing up in Louisiana, people were expressing their queerness outwardly and felt comfortable doing so. I was around people of and sizes, and I’m so grateful to my parents for putting me in that environment,” Rogers stated. Rogers has a successful career in the fashion industry working with A-list celebrities and inROAM BOULDER
City-based business: Christopher John Rogers. He is an avid advocate for body positivity. As he ures, such as Kamala Harris, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Zendaya, he is inspiring millions of historically marginalized aspiring artists across the world. Rogers is still making headway, having earned the Council of Fashion Designers of America: Emerging Designer of the Year award in November of 2021, and he is only going up. Ethiopian supermodel, designer and businesswoman Liya Kebede, 43, opens a discussion around ethical fashion and the process in which garments are made and represented. Her mission is to create high-end fashionable resort wear that is ethically sourced, coming from her home country of Ethiopia. Her business, Lemlem, has a clear commitment to ethically source and create opportunities through the brand. According to Lemlem’s mission statement, the start of their business journey began through recognizing that Ethiopian traditional weavers were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods. “Liya started Lemlem in 2007 to preserve the rare ancient art form and simultaneously create job opportunities for local artisans.” “By employing traditional weavers, we’re trying
Romeo Hunte
Liya Kebede
to break their cycle of poverty, while preserving the art of weaving, to create modern, casual, comfortable clothes that we really want to wear,” Kebede said. Her outlook on positive sustainability is something to take note of in a world where convenience takes precedence over conservation-friendly material. Her approach to fashion is broadening the horizons and economy for the country of Ethiopia, as well as Kenya and Morocco where she has expanded her sourcing as her business has grown. African countries and expands the conversation on sustainable fashion open the door to a more innovative industry, one that looks beyond the product. Brooklyn designer, Romeo Hunte, is striving to create a label that focuses on the practicality and creativity of fashion while being an inspiration for young black designers. “When I was a child, fashion was something that I always dreamed of doing, but it’s challenging to step into an industry and feel like there aren’t that many people that look like you or share the same inspiration,” Hunte told Vogue in a 2020 interview. His goal is to break into the industry as a sustainable, creative and innovative black designer. This goal is expanding his name and reaching the masses, highlighting the growing power that minorities have in an industry that seldomly rec-
Christopher Rogers
ognizes the brilliance of marginalized designers. His brand, Romeo Hunte, is based out of New York and focuses on juxtapositioning masculine and feminine attributes of modern fashion. “Signature Romeo Hunte pieces are a hybrid of luxurious outerwear and attire that highlight modinnovative with an admirable passion for the arts and pop culture,” Romeo Hunte’s website states. Black designers and brands are gaining recognition throughout the world, and with it, it’s more important than ever to continue to push these creative and inspirational individuals to the forefront of the conversation. Within and outside of the realm of fashion, advocating for black and minority designers creates a more diverse, inclusive, and enriching environment. Expanding new ideas and culture cultivates constructive conversations, which in turn, brings society closer together, rather than creating a blinding divide. These three artists are just a small representation of the thousands of up-and-coming black designers in the fashion industry, and they are the spark of productive representation and visibility in fashion.
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I BUILT A BOX ONCE A Poem By Katalina Villarreal I built a box once, Because society told me to. My innocent love for you was a sin, according to them. I cried myself to sleep the night of that dance, As I watched my friends hold hands with their special person, I felt incomplete, a piece of my heart withered. I built a box once, To stop myself from loving you. As I said goodbye to my authenticity, my burning heart fell apart. As years went by, I became unrecognizable to myself. I knew I could no longer deny my truth. Embracing my bleeding soul, I chose to be proud of my natural love. Now we gaze into each other’s eyes, mesmerized by our re-creation of that night. Dancing cheek to cheek, we tear down the walls. I feel safe, home, free; I recognize myself again. I built a box once, But I broke it for you, for me, And for all of us as we reclaim the past and love in the present.
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By Nic Tamayo there was never any trouble, i paid, i left, screaming at me, i remain humble, head down, still screaming: “theft! theft!” i’m scared; i don’t, won’t, Can’t stop. keep walking, keep walking, don’t run, don’t run no stopping, no stopping, i see a gun… Gun; my brain screams “HELP. HELP.” dim light across my face, they keep following even after i turn, as my breath quickens, i pick up the pace, their eyes, they burn, on my back as i fall into their grasp. my hair, they grab my hair, pulling, pulling, through an alleyway, the light fades as shade covers my bare limbs, a blanket that covers us in gray; scraping, ripping, gripping, hitting. blue, Red, blue. my Veins, their Veins, our Veins: the Blood of Injustice courses through as they become the banes of my existence. Red, Red, Red. it is easiest to die alone, where no one can look at you; cold, broken, fractured bone, no one to ask: who? peaceful, quiet Isolation. silent, shallow breaths slowly, quickly fade until I don’t, won’t, Can’t Breathe anymore. 137
By Sasha
Perspective
Sunlight
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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SINK
Now, let’s take a quick look at the history of The Sink. The Sink has been transformed numerous times; starting as Summer’s Sunken Garden, people nicknamed it The Sink. Some say it got that name because of its low ceilings and the sunken
By Samantha Hruska
to be is still a mystery. After Summer’s Sunken Garden became, well, The Sink, years passed and The Sink became Herbie’s Deli. The deli had its fun, but was later transformed back into The Sink, and it’s been that way ever since. The moral of the story is that no matter what happens, The Sink is what everyone wants and that will never change.
restaurant known for its iconic art, funky vibe, and of Boulder no one can do without. It serves the best pizzas and burgers around, but it’s more than a restaurant. Can you guess the name of it? I’m sure you already know just from the description that: it’s The Sink! Getting ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary in September 2023, we wanted to put together a piece that is appreciative of the restaurant that has become essential to our culture. The photoshoot at the beloved restaurant we all know and love, but we also got to interview the owner Chris Heinritz and get the inside scoop on this exquisite eatery. We learned that this restaurant’s reach has grown enormously with visits from Guy Fieri, Barack Obama, and even people in Australia who were hearing about The Sink. This February 28th The Sink takes on Man vs. Food, so don’t forget to tune in on monday, February 28th!
Moving on to the food, an essential part of The Sink, I took the time to learn what some of the most beloved foods and most underrated products are. Heinritz said, “The Texas Straw burger and the Cowboy Reuben were featured on Diner Drive-ins and Dives and have been super popular ever since. We don’t have a huge disparity between our biggest sellers and the lowest sellers, so it seems like a
right now,” for the most commonly ordered items. Then, to answer the underrated question, he said, “I think we have the best veggie burger patty I’ve ever had. It can be ordered as it is on the menu or substituted for beef in any of the burgers.” It’s wonderful that The Sink produces tasty food that suits the dietary and environmental needs of the city. The Sink is a restaurant that everyone loves for many reasons. One of these reasons is that The Sink is accommodating to many groups of people, however, there is more to it than just that. I asked how does one establish this kind of culture? What are the steps one should take to acquire this in their businesses and endeavors? The answer I received was: “The Sink has always had a comfortableness about it. It may be that the low ceilings or the cavernous rooms contribute to that feeling. The culture is something we have nurtured, but didn’t necessarily create. We have always felt The Sink belongs to the millions of people who have come through our doors and had a memorable experience. We think of it as we own the business, and
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it is our responsibility to maintain and encourage an environment where those experiences can happen. The positive feedback from our guests fuels us to work harder at our craft, and it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle. To achieve a healthy culthe spark and vision, but after that, I believe it will begin to take on its own path. Culture is built on the company as well as the “tribe” or customers of the business. Management must “nurture” the its and encouraging positive behaviors and outand customers when deciding what is a negative
Herbies Deli in the early ‘70s. When the paneling came down in the late ‘80s, the glue from the panels destroyed much of the artwork, so the Kavaurs brought in Llloyd Kavich, who had helped Dormer with the original murals, to recreate and reimagine the murals. Llloyd, spelled with 3 L’s just for the L of it, was brought back a third time in 1995 by the Heinritz brothers to add more murals after a large renovation. The murals are themed around college life and young adulthood and are entirely a product of Llloyd’s creative mind. The caricatures are a combination of Sink regular customers and ran-
The last subject the interview covered was the artwork scene. Murals cover the walls of The Sink. I had Mr. Heinritz describe to me the story of the art at The Sink: “In the 1950s, Joe Beimford and Floyd Marx owned The Sink. They had the idea to paint
has passed away, so there are a few newer caricatures painted by other people. Since the artwork is so accessible to people, it is constantly being damaged and drawn on, so repairing and maintaining it is ongoing,” Mr. Heinritz stated.
Mike Dormer, and he is credited for creating the signature angel and devil caricatures in the front room. The story goes that the Angel represents the innocence of youth of a young college student and the devil represents the temptations and trappings of college life. Dormer’s murals were covered up with wood panels when The Sink transformed to
This interview was a tremendously exciting experience. I was able to better understand and appreciate The Sink, how it came about, what it stands for, and the special impression it presents to guests. Make sure to give The Sink your love with a visit, and make sure to tune into Man vs. Food, aired on Monday, February 28th, 2022. 17
“Apelitia spient, sim que nonsedis nobitaqui dolestin pliquam, comnis mi, earibus etur?”
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THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING Editors’ Article
Wear them wisely.
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Practical Critical Platform Bootie
Steve Madden Cypress Black
Fashion Forward Naked Wolfe Jane Red
Millennium
La Moda Love Potion
Steve Madden
Bel-Air JL
Cobra
Honestly, I just like to Look Louis Vuitton Silhouette Ankle Boot
Bottega Venetta Storm Zebra Print Boots
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Rouge Red Dreams By Katalina Villarreal
Special Thanks to Lolo Rugs & Gifts ROAM BOULDER
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By Samantha Hruska
The vehicle rattles as it drives down the road. smoke, and a sliver of road. Soon the smoke gives ing 100 mph winds. This is what Matt Ogren and into Boulder County on December 30, 2021. Matt seen a disaster quite like it. The Marshall Fire in 45 minutes, the time it takes to work out, the time it takes to watch an episode of your favorite TV show, the time it takes to take a shower. 45 minutes, the amount of time it took to evacuate Boulder County on that tragic day, on December 30, 2021. 45 minutes, the amount of time that the Sagamore neighborhood didn’t Nothing. Sophia Miranda and her family returned from their trip to Florida to no house and none of their treasured possessions. Like something out of a movie where a zombie apocalypse or a horrible war takes place, the world she grew up in was erased entirely, reduced to ash by the Marshall Fire. Sophia and her family have just recently found a place that they can lease and begin to call their own. A lot of her folks’ community, and communities elsewhere, are still expeSome have already put this tragedy in the back of their minds, but this piece serves as a reminder that while this event might be out of breaking news, it isn’t close to over. But more importantly, this arROAM BOULDER
ticle is a dedication of appreciation for a couple of folks that need to be recognized in light of these disastrous events. It is written that canaries represent
their spirit can be recognized in Ogren and Sophia. Ogren, and all other emergency responders, put their lives on the line every day, and it is important to recognize them for their contributions to putting out the Marshall Fire. On December 30, Ogren was working his normal shift at station 21 in Wash Park, Denver. He got a call from his see smoke from the back porch. Ogren told him to start the sprinkler system to wet the grass and protect the house. It was little then, not a big deal. Time passed, and soon enough, they were headed was immediately visible. The smoke was super heavy, they couldn’t even see in front of them. ing lot awaiting directions. Ogren’s rig went to Superior. They took over a subdivision that had a lawn and cul de sac. One house was already
houses. The one completely engulfed was too far gone and they couldn’t save it. Their main mission is to save lives, and that was accomplished. It is incredible how quick evacuation notices were sent and how low the missing person count was. Ogren recalls the crackling and falling infra-
12/30/2021
winds were a record high, making communication tricky. They had to yell to hear each other. Then, with embers blowing, the situation beheroes because the things they experience are life-threatening. It is with compassion that they on that terrifying day, Ogren represents a canary. Sophia is truly an inspiration. She does not home, but she says she is more emotional when the event comes up on the news because it’s like it’s happening all over again. Sophia thinks of the she was planning on moving somewhere and beginning her career in acting. She feels like she has already somewhat moved on. Sophia made ently and told me about her friends’ and neighbors’ experiences. She said she was lucky to be in Florida because she didn’t have to fear for her life. Even so, she also thinks she might not have fully accepted it yet and that, at times, she does get sad. She knows the material possessions can be replaced, but the memories cannot. Certain materials just won’t be found again. For example, her dad had all of his work uniforms from over the years in their basement. All of them are gone now. have the scents, stains, and marks that make them
has a dream car. For Sophia, her dream car was the vehicle she already owned, a 2006 white ToyoYet again, Sophia has chosen to look on the bright side of things. She is excited about a fresh start. She talked about how her community was strengthened through the experience. Her sister had a gigantic Squishmallow collection that was lost. It has started again due to generous donations. She has gotten a new 2006 Toyota Camry, this time in gold. Sophia is remarkable for being so optimistic about the situation. She embodies a canary for continuing to support her family and friends through these hard times by staying her sweet self. Victims of the Marshall Fire still need aid. It is like that old saying, “a small act can go a long way.” These people lost everything and have to rebuild their lives from scratch. Sophia says the true help lies in the little things like groceries and gift cards.
Please, donate to ROAM’s clothing drive. Be sure to donate clothes that aren’t ripped or stained. Any little thing counts, and remember just because this event might not be breaking news, it isn’t over yet.
is gone. Her room had a special wall with letters, a Panera menu, and the cool Sonic milkshake posters on it, and that special wall is gone. Everyone 25
By Abigail Wiegmann
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” - Shirley Chisholm
International Women’s Day is a time to dedicate
thanks, gratitude and give recognition to the women who have made an impact in the world. Whether that be on a societal scale, or within our homes. On Tuesday, March 8th, take the time to thank those women who have impacted your lives in one way or another. This could be a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, neighbor, teacher, mentor and or whoever is special to you. The IWD organization encourages all people to celebrate the accomROAM BOULDER
“Identifying, celebrating, and increasing visibility of women’s achievements can help forge equality,” states the IWD organization. The campaign’s theme this year is #Breakon their own biases and how it contributes to the progression of women’s equality. Through rewomen across the world. Biases create obstacles that fail to represent the diversity in our commu-
nities, providing a narrow perspective. It is like looking at the world through a keyhole, limited Breaking the bias can be done wherever: Schools, homes, workplaces, and personal communities. “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” - Malala Yousafzai It is important to note that creating a more diverse and inclusive world only generates constructive conversations. Recognizing and alter-
ing bias starts with you, and how you decide to contribute to a greater, equality-driven world. Educating all people on the empowerment of women creates visibility for younger generations and can ignite change. Highlighting the achievements of women constitutes change, sets goals in communities. Celebrating International Women’s Day is more than just saying “thank you” to women, it’s recognizing their accomplishments, struggles, and advancements for equality. Let’s hear it for all women this March 8th.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” - Serena Williams
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Photographers Featured Cristian Abood
Our Team Julia Belian | Editor-in-Chief
Victoria Benkowski
Aspen Pasikov| Deputy Editor
Owen Hartmann
Aidan Jones | Creative Director
MJ Sykes Cooper Thayer
Cooper Thayer | Designer Victoria Benkowski | Photography Director Cristian Abood| Photography Editor
Models Featured Sebastian Arreola Noa Batson Garrett Botsch
Garrett Botsch | Co-Modeling Director Max Hicks | Co-Modeling Director Kevin Korn | Fashion Director Carly Killorin | Lifestyle Director Abigail Wiegmann| Co-Journalism Director; Di-
Max Hicks Samantha Hruska
versity & Inclusion Director Samantha Hruska| Co-Journalism Director
Ashlyn Lee
Katalina Villarreal | Journalism Editor
Dianne Lee
Sebastian Arreola| Social Media Manager
Elyja Steinhauser Gavin Warner Abigail Wiegmann
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