Shimmer Magazine Summer 2023

Lettie Jacobs Model Teacher

c e l e s t i q

A Note from the Publisher

Shimmer Magazine Spring Issue shares with our readers some wonderful Models from around the globe, we had the privalage to work with IRMS Team and we got to meet the top 6 models of 2022.

During these unprecidented times, the last two years of Covid19 has been very challenging, we hope everyone has been safe and has kept optimistic as we move forward. These models clearly found good in most cases of what the pandemic did to their area. We hope you find inspiration in these stories and learn from them.

Shimmer Magazine will continue to be a digital publication and will be coming out quarterly throughout the year.

Enjoy Milka xo

TALENT SECTION

“Models to Watch For” Talent Section by CHOSEN PLACE PRODUCTIONS INC.

Publsiher Milka Von Rhedey

Lettie Jacobs 2022 IRMS Finalist

Laura Diaz 2022 IRMS Finalist

Lilitha Mehlo 2022 IRMS Finalist

Craylene Dancey Photography Model Lettie Jacobs

Photography by Jessica Díaz

Model: Laura Diaz

Photo bt Kevine

Craylene Dancey Photography Model Lettie Jacobs

Corporate Team

Publsher Milka Von Rhedey

Editor in Chief Tristen Jones

Fashion Editor Jill St. John

Talent Director Karyn Byrd

Graphic Director Peter Laine

DIRECTOR OF SALES Christian Dale

PUBLIC RELATIONS David Kent

Director of Photography: Hicham el Banine

Cinematographer: Ahsan hassan films

Company Photographers

Hicham Banine - Portugal

Ahsan Hassan Film - NYC

CV Photography -NYC

Fashion Photographers

Cover Story Feature Lettie Jacobs pg. 14

Masthead

Departments

TALENT SECTION

“Models to Watch For” Talent Section by CHOSEN PLACE PRODUCTIONS INC.

CULINARY SECTION by Rose’s Kitchen pg.48

CADILLAC’S NEWEST

Coming Summer Issue 2023 Cover Story with Robert Rison

Rose’s Traditional Recipe

INDIA LIFESTYLE with Sufi Sayyad page 18 SHIMMER

Photography by Zoey The Zylist and Stratford PòhlModel: Sean Yohane

A look at Mens fashion

Fashion by Robert Rison a preview of what is coming next issue of Shimmer Magazine -Summer 2023

CULINARY SECTION

by Rose’s Kitchen

BBQ Traditional Recipe HONEY BBQ

TALENT SECTION

“Models to Watch For ” Talent Section “ by CHOSEN PLACE PRODUCTIONS INC.

VENISON MEATBALL A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE RECIPE PAGE 59

MODEL: SHIMA PAGE 30

TALENT SECTION

“Models to Watch For” Talent Section by CHOSEN PLACE PRODUCTIONS INC.

SHIMMER MAGAZINE INC. 3600 E. LAKE RD. SUITE 5 CANANDAIGUA, NY 14424 www.shimmermagazine.com

MODEL: BUNKOSI PAGE 26

Hicham Banine - Portugal

Shimmer Magazine....................... New

NYC Based Lifestyle Photographer & Cinematographer

Ahsan Hassan Films

My passion for photography ignited in 2014 when I started playing around with a 60D Canon camera. It’s features including the lens, subject modes, built in filters and continuous shooting option sparked my interest. I knew this was the beginning of a great friendship. Most people get an ego boost from posting their filtered pictures on social media platforms; however, I get that feeling of “high” when I am capturing that photo. Behind every great photo, there is a photographer. Behind my photography, there is love and passion. My photography career started when I was doing my bachelor’s in Pakistan, concentrating on weddings and gradually made my way to filmmaking. Day after day, I’m continuously learning rules, ethics and different techniques that come with this field. I can’t help but think how this field has molded me. Sharpness, brightness, contrast, highlights, color enhancements are some of the filters I have used and saved. What an amazing tool Photoshop is! Cameras have revolutionized our society and I’m blessed to be in a field that is constantly evolving; a field that glorifies the past and enhances the present and will adapt to the future.

Ahsan Hassan Photographer | Cinematographer

Team Member’s

Director Karyn Byrd

the newest fashion team member to join the shimmer magazine team. running the model talent section!

What are you the most excited about ?

“I am extremely excited to be working with Shimmer Magazine as well as the International Fashion House. I have experience as a runway model, mentor, runway coach, and talent director for over twenty eight years. I enjoy marketing and sales side of fashion design management.”

What area do you think you will be the most helpful?

I believe I can help emerging designers and models through my personal experiences.

More about Karyn: I was born in Southern California but moved to Miami Beach, Florida a few years ago to be in the heart fo the fashion industry here. I am a mother of two children and a grandmother to three.

Photographer Hicham Banine

Editorial Lifestyle & Fashion Photographer -Portugal

Hicham Banine from portugal is our International Team Member

Casting

“Keeping it Real”

Craylene Dancey Photography Model Lettie Jacobs

LETTIE JACOBS

Season 6 IRMS VIRTUAL Model Winner at International Runway Model Search

has been an inspiration for all model hopefuls , we had an opportunity to visit with the top 6 models and we can see why these top models made it this far. Meet Lettie Jacobs, she has set herself up for this her new adventure and we loved her story and felt she would be an inspiration to our readers.

Q: Share with us what your business background is and what have you did before you applied for the international runway model search virtual event?

A: My name is Lettie Jacobs and I’m from South Africa in the Eastern Cape. I live on a citrus farm in the Sundays River Valley, called Kirkwood. I started my career in 2006 as a Grade R Teacher. To be recognized as a qualified Teacher, I had to study and complete my certificate in Early Childhood Development. During my years of teaching as a Grade R Teacher I then decided to study towards my teacher’s diploma. This was part-time study as I had to work during the week and attend classes on Saturdays and school holidays. Three years later I obtained my Professional Diploma in Education in Foundation Phase and the year after that I obtained a certificate in ACE Remedial (Learners with Special Needs) in 2021 I also obtained a certificate as an Assessor in teaching. I’ve been in the teaching profession for 16 years

Q:.What inspired you to participate?

A: I’ve always been fascinated by fashion. I remember as a child I used to stare at pictures of models in magazines and made myself a scrapbook of fashion, sometimes used to copy and draw those outfits. But as I grew older, I started to focus on doing something else, as there were no opportunities for me to live out what I wanted. Growing up with just a little to survive was not so easy. A couple of years later I decided to get married but that lasted only 6 months. This was the most difficult time of my life and the turning point in my life. Every woman dreams of having a home and a family. I felt like my world had fallen apart. At a stage I became so depressed, ashamed and at times felt guilty. I felt like giving up on life but deep down I knew I had to do something to get me out. One night whilst I couldn’t sleep, as this happened a lot during that time, I saw an ad on Facebook about a modeling competition. It is called SPICE TV NTOMBENTLE AFRICA BEAUTY PAGEANT. I then decided why not try it. I entered; got accepted. I became one of the top 15 models for 2021. A couple of months later it was the finals, and I was nominated as one of the top 5 participants and a Brand Ambassador for Spice TV Ntombentle Africa. My broken marriage was the turning point and I decided after achieving what I did in that competition to never back down again. Months later I came across the IRMS advertisement on Facebook. This one I was uncertain of as it was an international model competition and at that time, I didn’t see myself being one of them., after reading the ad several times I then decided to enter. To my surprise I was selected to take part. And there is where it all started.

Lettie Jacob (above)

During the “SPICE TV “ NTOMBENTLE AFRICA BEAUTY PAGEANT.

Lettie Jacobs (below)

The official Semi Rounds on line and becoming one of the Finalists with IRMS 2022 and won a place with 2023 team.

Q: What did you learn about yourself?

A: I’ve learned that I can do and be anything if I set my mind to it. There are times when you feel like giving up but with perseverance you can achieve. Think of the possibilities. If you don’t try, you’ll never know. I learned that no one can tell you how to live your life or what to do with it, If something makes you happy, live it -It is all up to you. I realized that dreams can become a reality if you put your heart and mind into them. I learned to become self-confident, to never back down even in the toughest moments. I also learned that what you sometimes want is not always a need, that there is a time for all to happen. INT’L RUNWAY Model Search has taught me that you can do anything if you have perseverance. I’m a strong woman, with my own uniqueness and that no – one can take that away from me. I am a woman with many possibilities!!

Q:.What is your goal with modeling? (What is your dream job if you have a dream job idea)

A: Childhood dreams do not disappear, they stay within you. When I decided to take this path, I told myself I’m going to live what I always imagined myself to be. IRMS has shown me that I can be that. If I got the opportunity, I would take it. It is not about a glamour life but because of a childhood dream that is still alive. Yes, I also realize that it comes with a lot of responsibility, and perseverance. I have chosen this path and I’m walking it with GRACE and CONFIDENCE, because I OWN it.

Q: Share what is driving you today to take risks doing things outside the box, or have you always been driven to experience new things or did you break out of your normal?

A: CONFIDENCE. Yes, a couple of months ago I did not have that. And this, yes, it is outside my box as it was just a childhood dream. Life challenges can break you or make you strong and I chose to be strong. Today I choose to experience new things because I know that I can. Now that the box is in front of me, open and I’m ready for it. After these couple of months, I feel like a new me. This is what I enjoy, this is my WHAT IF, this is my POSSIBILITY!!

Q: How did covid pandemic affect you from your perspective?

A: During the COVID PANDEMIC I realized that there is life out there, It is how we look at life that makes the difference. It made me realize that I can do more, be more. I promised myself if I survive this I would do all the things that I wish I could but never did. Not because I could not but because of a mindset that told me I can’t. I told myself after all I’m going to try me, be me, live me.

To all the women out there, don’t ever think less of yourself. Know your worth. IRMS has shown me to dream Big even if it feels like sometimes you are not going to make it .And also remember, dreams come to realization if you put an act to it. Lastly, be YOURSELF. Yes, you may learn from someone but keep it FOCUSED. Keep it REAL. Keep it for YOU, Keep it YOU!!

The Taj Mahal in India is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage

The Taj Mahal (‘Crown of the Palace’) is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died on 17 June that year, while giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum. Construction started in 1632, and the mausoleum was completed in 1648, while the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. The imperial court documenting Shah Jahan’s grief after the death of Mumtaz Mahal illustrates the love story held as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around 32 million, which in 2020 would be approximately 70 billion (about US $1 billion). The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the emperor’s court architect. Various types of symbolism have been employed in the Taj to reflect natural beauty and divinity.

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts more than 6 million visitors a year[3] and in 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative.

February 2022, The basement of the Taj Mahal housing the original graves of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal was opened on Sunday and the graves were bathed with ‘gulab jal’ (rose water) as part of the ‘gusl’ ritual.

Prayers being offered near the graves of emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal in the basement of the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, Agra, India (photo: David Castor)

View of the tombs in the Crypt. Author: William Donelson. Courtesy: http://www.taj-mahal.net From email correspondence:

Contrary to popular belief, the Taj Mahal – which is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, is not a temple; in fact, it is a mausoleum. It was commissioned in 1631 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Arjumand Banu Begum – also known as Mumtaz Mahal–which means “jewel of the palace”, Mumtaz died whilst giving birth to their 14th child, Gahuara Begum.

Construction began the following year, and the mausoleum was finally completed in 1648, while the stunning gardens were finished five years later.

Jahan first spotted his future wife in the bazaar at Agra, selling silks and beads. History has it that Jahan fell madly in love at first sight with Mumtaz, who was a Persian aristocrat. He pursued Mumtaz for five years until he married her in 1612–making her one of his wives (he already had two, as was the tradition).

Mumtaz has been immortalized as the epitome of feminine beauty, but she was also an astute political practitioner, and was entrusted with the royal seal, even accompanying Jahan on the battlefield–whilst pregnant!

When Mumtaz died of postpartum complications, Jahan was inconsolable and plunged the imperial court into mourning for two entire years. He began planning the construction of the Taj Mahal, the ultimate testament of his love for his favorite wife. He summed Muslim artists and architects from all across the land to design a mausoleum worthy of Mumtaz. Altogether, 20,000 artisans assisted in building the Taj Mahal and its gardens, helped by 1,000 elephants, over 22 years.

The Taj Mahal is unparalleled in beauty, incorporating Persian, Ottoman, and Islamic art and traditions, and its design is inspired by descriptions in the Koran of heaven. It is also a masterpiece of symbolism. Its bilateral symmetry is dominated by a central axis, an image that has long been used to demonstrate a ruling force that brings balance and harmony.

The structure is also aligned in the cardinal north-south direction and the corners have been positioned so that when one stands in the center, the sun can be seen rising and setting on the north and south corners during the summer and winter solstices. Thanks to the flawless white marble, the building appears to change color depending on the time of day and the weather, ensuring the sky is incorporated on the surface of the building–as well as in the reflective pools, a sure way to imply the presence of the Islamic god Allah.

https://www.agraone.com/the-tale-behind-the-making-of-the-taj-mahal/

Mumtaz Maha Shah Jahan

Image by Biswarup Ganguly

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Photography by Kurhula Ngobeni

Model: Bunkosi Nise

BUNKOSI NISE

Bunkosi was the TOP Finalist in the Semi Finals in early 2023, he came in first and was a force to be recond with, he had the energy for more than himself. We found his tenacity was very inspiring and it helped other models see the potential and he was a team player during this virtual event. We wish him luck and success and we know that he will achieve all he wants with this kind of thinking and determinationCongratulations Bunkosi!

Q- What inspired you to participate in the International Runway Model Search?

A- I want to be a model because it is something that I’ve dreamed about ever since I knew about modeling from 2020. Since then, I have worked diligently and taken the necessary steps to make sure that I am doing my part to ensure that I can make my dream come true.

Q- What did you learn about yourself while doing this competition?

A- I learned that I’m a hard worker and I go for what I want and believe that I deserve it. The hardest thing I’ve come across was to build myself and make sure that I don’t give up on myself. I showed up everyday on the voting process until I won the competition because I believe in myself. The easiest thing I experienced was to engage with different people during modeling and build our relationship.

Q- What is your goal with modeling?

A- My goal with modeling is to become success and become international model, become Mr universe and model for different brands. I want to inspire people and introduce model to people who don’t know anything about modeling.

Q-What is driving you today?

A-My dream job is to be a model and have my own modeling agency where I will train people how to walk, pose and answer questions about modelling. Bring education to places which have poor education system and food.

Q-How did the Covid Pandemic effect you?

A-COVID-19 pandemic didn’t affect me it helped me to learn more about myself and have strong relationship with close ones.

I would like more pictures of models to be included IN the magazine so that more people can know about modeling and learn more about this industry.