Lucille Kistner (p

UP AND COMING

By HaNNaH TrouBH

lucille kistner

We’ve all experienced the tremendous glory of finding a perfectly fitting pair of jeans. We’ve also all experienced the pain of seeing every size but yours hanging on the rack. But what if you had the freedom to alter your clothes to a perfect fit?

Lucille Kistner, B-CC class of ‘23, got her first sewing machine for Christmas when she was 7. Although cheap and barely functioning, the machine was enough to kick start her love of sewing. After that she spent her summers at sewing camps, surrounded only by mannequins, fabrics, and seasoned designers. She learned exactly how to draw out and execute her ideas. At the start of the pandemic, she turned her talents into a small business and sold masks she handmade.

“My favorite thing to do is up-cycle,” she says, “I love going to thrift stores, finding something I think has potential, and taking it home to sew.” Not only has Lucille found an outlet of personal interest, but she’s also found a way to creatively avoid fast fashion and be environmentally conscious.

Lucille’s abilities range from bikini tops to formal dresses. She even made her homecoming dress. “I’m hoping to just continue making more clothes and gaining new skills,” says Lucille, “and maybe even get an internship in college. For now, it’s just a fun process, and I’d like to spend more time doing it.”

LUCILLE is sew cool!

EXCLUSIVE Q&A! THE SINGER

By kareNNa BarMada

alexa givens

Q: What got you interested in singing and making music? A: I’ve always sung, ever since I could talk. I began

writing poetry in elementary school which morphed into writing songs. Music has been a safe haven, a best friend, a child, and companion for me. My family is my guitar, my piano is my voice and my creativity. When I saw what I was able to create there was no doubt in my mind that it was my future. I’m so in love with music and I always will be.

Q: What’s one challenge you’ve encountered in pursuing music? A: The music business. Something a lot of people don’t

know is that being a musician or singer is completely different from being a recording artist. It was a hard truth I had to face and a hard transition that I had to go through but it’s important to be knowledgeable about this career. This business is hard and not all make it, but you can survive, you just have to be smart and look out for yourself.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about music?

A: It’s new every time. There’s always something

different. It brings people together, and I love how perfect and healthy of a vessel it is for working out your feelings and thoughts.

Q: What advice do you have for students who want to pursue music? A: Know the business and manage your money well.

Most artists aren’t making their money from spins or streams as they are through brand deals and endorsements, so manage that well, and don’t blow the first little bit you earn. Be confident in yourself and OWN YOUR MUSIC.