Trustworthy Magazine February 2020 Vol 7

Trustworthy Magazine

G

uest Editor

Superwoman Guide You! Are Meant To Be!

Andrea Lewis Shares her 2020

photo challenge & talks about her journey to selflove

February

The Tribute Issue #MyBlackActress

2020

Trustworthy Magazine

Our Goal is to inspire & to be inspired. We know that everyone has a story; we want to know yours

Founder & Editor Amina Touray

Trustworthymagazine.com For comments, submissions & Inquiries pleses contact; info@trustworthymagazine.com

Trustworthy Magazine

G

uest Editor

Superwoman Guide You! Are Meant To Be!

Andrea Lewis Shares her 2020 photo challenge & talks about her journey to self-love

February

The Tribute Issue #MyBlackActress

2020

On the cover: Andrea Lewis Photographer: AminaTouray Page desigen: Moses Dalton

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Photo: David Bartus

Photo: Ebehard Grossgasteiger

Trust

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Contents 8 12 18 21 31 54 60 62 70

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Andrea7 Years Lewis Self Love

Clarissa Hoffman

Superwoman-Guide

Amina Touray Ensenada

Andrea Lewis Honoring Black Icons #MyBlackActress The Photo Challenge Mia Nicole Girl’s Trip 2019 Kaitlyn Noble Kale & Quinoa Salad TobbeFromSvensson Trauma to Art D’AYour na Own Smith Boss

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Letter From The Editor I was on a boat, somewhere on the Pacific ocean, in the middle of the night when I had an aha-moment; It really doesn’t matter where you are unless you have peace within.

You can’t escape yourself. After a tumultuous winter, I took a well-deserved mini-vacation. While it was definitely needed (and fun!!), I realized that what I needed more was a quiet place, meditation, and a notebook to write down my goals. Selfcare is so important, not just to you, but for your surroundings. When you’re happy, it affects the people around you. In this issue, Superpower life coach Clarissa Hoffman gives us tips on how to become the ultimate superwoman. What a

way to start the year! We are also dedicating this issue by honoring black actresses! It was important to our cover star and guest editor Andrea Lewis to begin the year by paying homage to the actresses that came before her. In her cover story and on our #MyBlackActress challenge you can learn more about what she came up with. Lastly, but not least, I hope you will get inspired by reading about the 30year long friendship our writer Mia Nicole shares, the good healthy recipe we have, and all the amazing stories that we’ve gathered for you about entrepreneurship, going from trauma to triumphs, and so much more. Enjoy!

Amina Touray

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Photo: Mark Neal

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Love Guest editor Andrea Lewis speaks about her journey to self-love Photography by Amina Touray

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Lessons from 7 Years of Self Love

started my “Self Love” Journey in the Spring of 2013. Before that date, I really don’t know what I was doing. I had confidence sometimes, but it was incredibly circumstantial.

I generally lived in a state of low self-esteem, it was something that I was completely unaware of. Like a passing feeling that you think is supposed to be there. Looking back I remember that, I was always unsure of myself and needed a lot of outside approval in order to feel like I was doing a good job in my own life.

I was very comfortable with my insecurities and I had never thought about “fixing myself” until the Spring of 2013 when I went through a life-changing break up that lead me to finally confront who I was head-on.

After my break up, I was so disappoint-

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ed with where my choices had to lead me and I was desperate for a change.

So I started by doing what every person does when they need to restart, I went home.

I moved out of Brooklyn, New York and back to my mother’s house in Toronto, Canada and pushed the restart button on my life, but mainly on my self-esteem.

It was hard, but it was also one of the most exciting times of my life because it was the first time that I was seriously and ferociously working on loving myself. My self-love was the only project I was concerned about and after years of being a professional entertainer, and consistently working on creative projects, for the first time I was putting all of my energy into ME. What did I do? I treated myself like a project, I did research, and study, and

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I didn’t run away from the ugly parts, instead, I embraced them and healed them.

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analysis on what was working and what wasn’t. Why I had low self-esteem, and what areas of my life needed to change in order to feel good about me. I stripped away all the areas I didn’t like and I asked myself tough questions. I didn’t run away from the ugly parts, instead, I embraced them and healed them. I poured love back into my self.

to this journey, and once I understood that I let go of the notion that I have to one day become this perfect zen master of my life. Instead, I relish in the knowledge that I am a real woman. A flawed person, who has her moments of triumph and her moments of bad decisions but every day I try to be my best self and that’s all that matters.

I literally wrote love letters to myself every morning. I just had to say something nice, it could be anything at all to show that I cared for and loved myself before my day got started. And I prayed, a lot. I spoke affirmations out loud to myself daily and I gave myself patience and permission to grow and learn to love myself.

I’ve learned that my selflove journey will evolve with me. The thoughts and beliefs I once had and the enthusiasm I had to learn and pushing myself have changed many times over the years. I’ve had months where I was unmotivated and thought I’d hit a selflove plateau. Only to get past that feeling and get re-inspired all over again.

I’ll literally feel like I have a schoolgirl crush on myself when my inspiration is sparked and that is nothing but the power of Self Love. With that, I’ve also had to learn to become comfortable with the idea of re-starting, again and again. No, seriously, it’s okay if you have to start a thousand times, it’s your life and if you are making the choice to go after something great, taking a step back and realizing that something in your life needs to change is okay.

You love yourself enough to trust your own intuition and do the work.

In the years since I started my self-love journey to now, there’s been a lot of ups and downs that I’ve experienced. I moved back to Los Angeles and spent a lot more time in New York, which was scary for me at first because it was the city that pushed me in this new direction after my break up.

I experienced love a few more times, I’ve made great friends, and lost friends, experienced career highs and lows, dealt with health challenges and battled with depression.

But I’m a firm believer in the fact that if I hadn’t been rooted in self-love I would have never made it through any of my challenges and heartbreaks. My self-love commitment taught me that there is no destination 10

I’ve learned that Self Love is literally the best love.

As corny and cliche as that statement is, it’s the only love that has kept me grounded. I always know

“I’ve learned that my selflove journey will evolve with me.”

that I can come back to me whenever I feel lost or scared. My true self doesn’t sabotage or blame or fear or live in lack. My truest self only wants the best and when I can reconnect with her, I’m back to being the best version of my self.

And now seven years later, I’m here.

I’m not perfect, but I’m happy, and confident in who I am and where I’m headed. I appreciate the growing pains of my constant evolvement and I’m grateful for the journey.

If you’ve ever hesitated on doing the work and the investment of self-love, I strongly advise you to break past your fears and do it.

That break up in the Spring of 2013 was the best thing to ever happen to me. It brought me back to me.

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Photo: Ylanite Koppens

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Your Guide To Becoming

The ultimate superwoman Clarissa Hoffmann is a Superpower life Coach, Breathwork Facilitator and Content Creator who is passionate about activating the superpowers of creative ambitious females to step into their most powerful self, unleash their full potential and live the life of their dreams. Originally from Germany and currently having her base in New York City, she has lived in many different places around the world, has tried many different professions, among those working in human resources, tourism and event organization, as well as acting in films and on stage. Having gained all that knowledge and experience she ultimately found herself being completely transformed from the formerly shy and pessimistic self into a confident, happy self. Now she loves empowering other women to transform themselves. www.superpowercoaching.org

Clarissa Hoffman

• Superpower Life Coach • Breathwork Facilitator • Content Creator

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February 2020

Photo: Teresa Marenzi

Clarissa shares her fundamentals to becoming a superwoman.

You’re meant to Be! 1.

Dare to Be It!

Now that you’re reading this, it’s a sign that becoming the ultimate superwoman resonates with you. I mean who doesn’t want to be it, right?! So the first thing is to recognize this desire and allow yourself to dream that big.

You are a superwoman already when you have the courage to make this your goal. Lots of fun waiting for you to be discovered!

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Already Super!

Let’s have a look at the amazing superwoman you already are. What are the superwoman qualities you already possess, and what superwoman moments have you already had in your life? How did you make them happen, and what were you feeling? Are there specific ways of behaving/feeling/thinking that you can apply again in the future? The best way to answer those questions is by writing them down in a journal. Yes! By hand. Have fun!

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3.

Think Super!

So we now know that you already are a superwoman. Isn’t that cool?! Now let’s look into what unique expression of superwoman you want to evolve into! What NEW superwoman qualities do you want to develop? How do you want to feel, as the ultimate superwoman? How does YOUR unique superwoman self look like, behave, act, talk, and think like?

How does she deal with tougher times? Write it all down. Create a vision board. Photoshop your face on a superwoman image. Hang a superwoman mission statement over your bed. Whatever helps you to envision yourself being it, and feeling it. Have fun!

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Act Super!

Now you have set the goal, acknowledged your superwoman skills and created the vision of the ultimate superwoman self you want to evolve into. Let’s take action now! Are there specific activities that you can do that make you feel like the ultimate superwoman? Attending a power boxing class, starting a new powerful morning routine, dancing by yourself to superwoman music (Alicia Keys!), drinking delicious power-smoothies? Can you dress in a certain superwoman way?

Or find an accessory to complement the normal clothing that makes you secretly feel like a superwoman everywhere you go?

Do things that your ultimate superwoman self would do. Take bold steps. A superwoman takes risks and knows how to handle and learn from failures, and how to have fun!

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5.

Stay Super!

Never give up And yes. Talking about failures. A superwoman can experience some lower moments.

That’s all good. It’s about noticing and accepting those and not judging but forgiving yourself about it. If you become aware of how you relate to those moments and change the way you deal with them - in your unique superwoman way - you’re already through it. Learn the lessons, get back up, keep your vision high, and continue to fly as the unique superwoman you are. You got this! And have Supeeerrrr FUU...

6.

..Unnn!

Life is too short, dont take it so serious!

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f you want more superwoman support along the way, I’m here for you. You can reach me via activatemysuperpowers@ gmail.com or on my website www.superpowercoaching.org.

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Take a bite

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Photo: Quintin Gellar

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Ensenada Written by Amina Touray

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once read a quote by Susan Sontag, that said: - “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list”. That statement truly resonates with me. It’s important to me to do something for myself, and set intentions for each new year that comes, and each day for that matter. Although I don’t make new year’s resolutions, I promised myself a long time ago that I would visit a new place every year. It can be either a new country or a city. It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a place that I haven’t been to in the past. I believe that the greatest lessons aren’t taught in schools, they’re taught when you’re out in the world on your own, bargaining at markets, trying a new dish, or having a flat tire in a remote bush, in the middle of the night in Africa, yes that has happened to me! So after almost nine years in California, I couldn’t really grasp that I had never been to Mexico!

Crazy, I know! So at the top of this year, I had booked a Carnival Cruise trip that went from Long Beach to Catalina Island and finally ended in Ensenada Mexico. The cruise was family-friendly, with lots of activities, entertainment, and great foods. I would recommend a trip like this to anyone that wants to break their routine and is looking for a short getaway. But to me, the end destination was what excited me the most! I was thrilled to see a country that is so close to California, but that is yet so different. Once I got off the ship, I got on a minivan that took me to an old historic casino that I explored, while learning some history about Ensenada. The weather felt good to be January, no jacket was needed. After the casino visit, I was off on the road again along the Gold Coast, and stopped at a beach restaurant which had the best tortillas chips and salsa that I’ve ever had! I don’t remember what food I ordered, but I do remember how good it made me feel! Ensenada is a small port city that has a lot of old charm. I loved stopping at some beautiful scenic views, as well as wandering around the downtown area in search of a nice hat. Next time I would like to travel further and longer and visit cities such as Guadalajara, which I’ve been greatly recommended by my dear friend Karla, who’s from there. Maybe later this year or next. Time will tell! I have far from been everywhere yet, but I’m one step closer than I was yesterday.

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“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take” you everywhere”

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February 2020

Photo: Emre Kuzu

- Albert Einstein

Andrea Lewis

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February 2020

Honoring Black Icons Creative Direction: Andrea Lewis Photographed & Written by Amina Touray Styling Assistance - Gina Lewis Makeup Provided by - The Lip Bar Hair by - Malika Palmer

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It’s important to me to pay homage to the women that came before me”

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here are some memorable actresses and movies that are defining for us growing up. They take us back to a time in our lives that shaped us. For many of the ’80s and ‘90s kids, these iconic actresses changed the way young girls viewed themselves. Now we’re celebrating Black actresses together with our second-time cover star and guest editor, Andrea Lewis, who came up with a photo challenge in honor of Black actresses. In our conversation, we discuss the idea behind it and what she hopes that people will take away from the challenge.

Amina Touray: We’re so thrilled to have you as a second-time cover star and guest editor in the February issue of Trustworthy Magazine. We’ve dedicated this issue to Black actresses, which was your original idea. Let’s talk about that! Can you share what inspired you to pull actresses together, and myself included (as the photographer), and wanting to recreate images of iconic Black actresses for a photo challenge, and why it was important to you?

Andrea Lewis: I love Black women and Black actresses! Since I was a little girl I’ve always been incredibly inspired by Black women. I decided at the top of the year that I was going to go after all of my goals with a lot of joy and excitement and I wanted to do something

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The mission has always been to create authentic stories that represent minority groups.”

to encourage my friends and peers in the same way. I thought of the #MyBlackActress Photo challenge as a way of reminding all of us about why we started and who inspired us to start doing what we do.

It’s important to me to pay homage to the women that came before me and had to fight to break boundaries that helped me and my fellow actress friends to have the opportunities that we have today.

AT: You chose to recreate a photo of Pam Grier. Tell us why?

AL: For as far back as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of Pam Grier. She’s gorgeous, fierce, strong and didn’t shy away from her body or her blackness. When I think of Pam Grier I think of a Power House woman and she inspired me to see myself in the same way.

AT: What do you hope that people will take away from the #MyBlackActress photo challenge?

AL: I hope other actresses and creatives will be encouraged to recreate their own iconic images and to pay homage to the

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Leopard Cape Provided By Caribbean CowGirl

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people who inspired them to start.

Right now I just hope the work I do is impactful. ”

AT: You’re very hands-on with writing, producing, acting and being creative overall.

Can you tell us more about your company Jungle Wild, what the goal is, and how it has developed over the years?

AL: Jungle Wild is my production company, that I started in 2012. I started it so that I can put all of my creative energy into one place! The mission has always been to create authentic stories that represent minority groups.

AT: Mental health is a topic that you’ve openly talked about. What are some of the things that you do for you to stay happy and balanced?

AL: I write in my gratitude journal daily, I always do a 10-40 minutes walk outside every day. I find getting out and just walking is a great exercise for calming your brain down a bit and relaxing. These two steps help my mental state tremendously and have become a vital part of my routine.

AT: What legacy do you wish to leave?

AL: I think it’s hard to talk about the type of legacy I hope to leave at this point in my life. Right now I just hope the work I do is impactful.

Follow: @AndreaLewis

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“Her ability to stand up for herself and remain true to her beliefs no matter what that looks like to anyone else is a powerful reflection of what a strong artist is!�

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#MyBlackActress Photo Challenge Creative Direction: Andrea Lewis

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Photography by Amina Touray Associate Producer Trell Thomas

t the beginning of the year actress, writer & filmmaker Andrea Lewis made the goal to honor Black actresses that paved the way to the next generation. She started the photo challenge #MyBlackActress, to remind herself, as well as her fellow actress friends of who inspired them. The challenge involved that each actress picked a photo of their favorite actress, and then recreated it with themselves as that actress.

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Andrea Lewis as Pam Grier IG: @AndreaLewis Pam Grier is the original female superhero. She was some of the first images I saw of a sexy, powerful and unapologetic Black woman. She’s a Power House and she taught me to see myself the same way.

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Deborah Olayinka Ayorinde as Diana Ross IG: @ItsDeborah I picked Diana because she is a huge personal role model for me. She is multi-talented (and equally as talented in each gift. She is a great musician AND a great actress). She has a light that radiates so bright. To me, she just moves about freely with no limits. She has transcended past any limitations that are usually imposed upon Black women, especially in 1960s America...and she did it with style, grace, and that huge smile that she wears so well. She resonates with me so deeply. I see myself in her.

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Chantel Riley as Lark Voorhies @Chantel_Riley I truly believe that the ‘90s was our Black Renaissance for TV. Being an ‘80s baby and a ‘90s kid, I used to be obsessed with Saved By the Bell! It was funny, exciting, and it made me want to be a student at Bayside so badly! You either wanted to know these characters or BE them. So naturally, I wanted to be Lisa Turtle. I think it was the first show where I said: - “I wish I was her”. Lisa stood out to me for obvious reasons. She was the only Black lead on the very popular series. But not only that. Lisa Turtle had style, she was funny, popular, charming, a natural beauty and RICH! A rich Black female lead and she bagged 90s “heartthrob” ZACH MORRIS both on-screen and in real life. Who didn’t love him at the time? Sis was winning. I felt like she was an “It Girl”. I believe I felt “seen” for the first time with Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle because she just stood out. Looking back and seeing she was the only Black lead on such a huge network show with a majority white cast but wasn’t the stereotype you expected at the time, was incredible. She was beautiful, full of confidence and a trendsetter. Although she was the only black lead, she held her place in that space for about ten years.

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Ava Hill as Dorothy Dandridge IG: @TheAvaHill Dorothy was determined to make it and that’s what I love about her - from her personal life to professional life, she never let her downs in the beginning and prime of her career get in between her achieving and being a beautiful movie star.

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Joy Brunson as Ruby Dee IG: @JoyBrunson For me, Ruby Dee was the premier representation of an actress and civil rights activist. In addition to originating memorable characters like ‘Ruth Younger’ in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”, she also rallied against injustice and discrimination towards Black people. Which included, among other duties, MCing the 1963 March on Washington. She is a source of power and grace. That’s why I choose to recreate this image of my icon, Ruby Dee. Photo: Mike

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D’Kia Anderson as Tamala Jones IG: @DKiaAnderson Having always been a fan of her work, especially in The Wood & The Brothers, Tamala Jones’ has been working consistently in this industry for over 20 years #goals. She has inspired me as not only an actress but also as my “twin” which I’ve heard so often growing up. I also admire that she regularly donates to the Rosemary Children’s Foundation to aid foster kids in having a better future.

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Kenesha Hemmings as Angela Bassett IG: @KeneshaHemmings I chose Angela because she brings this unspoken strength that resonates with every Black woman in each character she portrays. The first time I saw her was on The Jacksons and it instantly became my favorite movie. I can still quote some of her lines.

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Reagan Gomez as Janet Jackson IG: @ReaganGomez I’d grown up watching and loving Janet and she brought an innocence to this role that I identified with. The story is about a young Black woman trying to find her way in a cold-hard world and she played the role perfectly. I’ve always been a Janet fan & having not been around for “young Janet”, this role made me respect her even more as an all-around entertainer.”

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Photo: Public Domain Photography

Sarah Francis Jones as Jasmine Guy IG: @Cali.Aka.Sarah Jasmine Guy is a jack of all trades. Being a true “triple-threat” in this business is becoming more and rarer, but watching Jasmine encouraged me to embrace and hone all of my talents as a performer. In a male dominant, comedic world, she was able to break boundaries and keep up with her male counterparts, while being the pretty girl on screen. She is graceful and absolutely stunning while being fearless in her comedy and shows passion for the arts both in front and behind the camera.

Having decades of work under her belt, she continues to show off her love for the creative world and that’s why Jasmine guy makes me feel seen!

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Chasity Saunders as Gabrielle Union

IG: @ChasitySaunders Gabrielle Union has always exemplified what a bold, beautiful and talented Black woman in Hollywood and beyond can do and be if she is steadfast. She has been a shapeshifter and renaissance woman that I’ve been inspired by since the ’90s!

From modeling to acting, producing, activism and being a badass girl boss, author and now wife and mother, she’s remained persistent and determined to accomplish her goals and dreams regardless of what cards she’s been dealt; she’s handled life and its twists and turns with grace and style and in other moments where she may have fallen short, she’s shared those experiences and insight on how she worked on herself to be better and to help push the culture and sisterhood in the entertainment industry forward; that’s strength, it’s admirable and honest! She works hard and plays just as hard and has not settled in life or love. She’s fun, smart, sexy and takes up space and I’ve loved her since I was a little girl; she’s allowed me to see myself. I also love how she’s continued to reinvent herself and built a powerful brand! Her ability to stand up for herself and remain true to her beliefs no matter what that looks like to anyone else is a powerful reflection of what a strong artist is! Her presence, longevity and tenacity are motivating and she does it all while remaining an unapologetic Alpha female! Watching her slay roles, campaigns and business have truly empowered me to never stop or give up!

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Photo: Vittorio Staffolani

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Virginia

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Girl’s Trip 2019: 30 Years of Friendship and Counting Written by Mia Nicole

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September 11, 2000, at 8:55 PM, I called my best friends, one by one and said, “Hurry! Don’t forget to turn to the CW channel! The new show Girlfriends premiers tonight!”

Yes, Girlfriends was the fictional story of Joan Clayton, Maya Wilkes, Lynn Searcy, and Toni Childs – four professional, funny, caring, giving and loyal friends living in Los Angeles, who shared their ups and downs, highs and lows and family drama over the years. They were always as the incredible Angie Stone sang in the theme song, “there through thick and thin” for each other.

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he date of September 11, 2001, has disturbingly become synonymous with the horrific and tragic terrorist attack that took place in the United States of America. Unless one was born on that day, that’s usually what it’s remembered for. However, September 11th of 2000, a year earlier, is a date that excited me - more than I care to admit! The fact that I remember it is, well, embarrassing.

Why? Because on Monday,

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While our lives don’t quite mirror their “television friendship” the love and support we have for one another does.

This is the real story of Rhonda, Kim, Jolene, Mia and Camille - five professional, funny, caring, giving and loyal friends from Virginia Beach, Virginia whose friendship spans over 30 years and they decided to leave their cold, beloved East Coast and travel to the West Coast, landing in the warm, sunny, palm tree skyline City of Los Angeles. All from Virginia Beach, Virginia, we met in school. Some of us were still in elementary school when we met. Camille (my sister) and I still live in Virginia Beach. When we were in our twenties, we traveled together - met new people, created new experiences and memories everywhere we went. By the mid-’90s, both Rhonda and I had gotten married – me in 1995 and her in 1998. She then moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Ready for a change, Joline moved

to Brooklyn, New York and a few years later, Kim decided to join her family and move outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. But we didn’t let that stop us from being the “crew” that we were! Because we enjoyed and valued our friendship, (these ladies could be comics) we decided to create a yearly “Girl’s Trip” and meet up and continue the tradition of traveling together as we did when we were young.

The trip to Los Angeles really started as a joke – at least in my mind. Rhonda, barely 5’1” and maybe 100 lbs, has always been our “fearless leader.” Her nickname is “Hollywood” - because she wears her sunglasses at night so you can’t see her rolling her eyes at you. One evening she told me in our group chat on Instagram that it was my turn to plan our 2019 Girls Trip! While scrolling through my timeline and really not taking the time to think of anywhere to go, I quickly replied, - “Los Angeles” and went back to perusing the foolishness that is called, “the internet.”

I was not honestly serious about going to LA because I hate flying (even though I fly for work). Rhonda clearly took my suggestion seriously because the very next day, she booked us a sweet bungalow in Venice Beach. The date was set as well and she made the executive decision that we would stay for a week. Unfortunately, the date didn’t work for my sister Camille, as she had already scheduled another trip the same Trustworthy Magazine

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month, and was unable to go with us. And being that I purchased my airline ticket 4 days before it was time to leave for LA, my girlfriends didn’t think I was going either! Did I really pay that much for a plane ticket when we had planned this trip 6 months earlier? Man, the price of procrastination!

Come along with me as a recap the trip that we hashtagged #Va2LAGirlTrip2019 and #ATribeCalledDope as we shared pictures all over social media.

On Saturday, November 16th, I took an early morning flight from Virginia Beach to Atlanta, meeting Rhonda and Kim at Hartsfield International Airport as we all waited for our flights - Joline would be meeting us in LA on Tuesday, November 19th. Had I purchased my ticket when everyone else did, we all would have been on the same flight, as they kept reminding me.

Did I mention that Hartsfield International Airport has a million restaurants in it? I was almost as excited about seeing all of the prestigious eateries, as I was about flying to LA! I arrived at LAX at 11:35 AM. Getting off of the plane (thank you Delta for getting me there safely) and seeing the sign, “Welcome to Los Angeles” 56

was a long time dream for me! Even though I am in the public relations field and have worked with, as well as written about many people in the entertainment industry, including Emmy award-winning producers, this was my very first time in LA. I had a lot of exciting things planned for my friends! Rhonda and Kim arrived at 1:35 that afternoon. Taking our first, “LA selfie” we then picked up the

SUV we rented and drove to Venice Beach where we would be staying. Now one thing surprised me, was how old the city of Los Angeles was – it is very old. But I fell in love with the mountains, the palm trees, and the sunshine! After dropped off our luggage in our cute little home surrounded by huge lemon trees, we headed to get what would end up being my favorite

meal the entire trip: The fish taco! I had never had one before and I had heard that California had the best! And I had the most delicious fish taco in at Baja California Tacos in Culver City, CA. After touring – they had both been there before so they were showing me around; it was time to head back to get dressed for my first planned event! I had connected with Face, a Hollywood talent manager that I had done business within the past, and he invited us to the Television Academy aka The Emmy’s to see a private screening of Harriet. As a writer, to walk up and see the huge Emmy statue planted before me was mindboggling! Seeing the larger than life statue of the late TV Host/ Comedian Johnny Carson – along with the bust of some of the most famous legends in Hollywood including Oprah, left me speechless! The three of us sat there in amazement as we realized where we were – sitting with the members of the Television Academy, at a private screening in Hollywood. Not only was it exciting, but it was also a blessing. I can’t wait to thank the Academy for my Emmy one day!

My second event was even more exciting than the first!

I surprised Rhonda and Kim (Joline was arriving later

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that evening) with tickets to see the Emmy Award-winning daytime television show, “The Real.” Driving up to the Warner Brothers studio in Burbank, I couldn’t believe that I was able to score tickets! Being a part of the live studio audience was so much fun! Being ushered to the front row of the studio audience was unexpected!

Everyone was super nice to us – especially Bridget McManus, the “warm-up comedian” as well as all four of the host! Bridget even picked me before the show started to “strut my stuff and walk down the catwalk.” And that was my 15 minutes of fame! We received calls and text from our respective cities where our friends all said: “We saw you all on The Real!”

Television host, the beautiful Tracey Edmonds was something else on my bucket list as I have always been a fan. Tracey took time out of her busy schedule to meet with my friends and me. Talk to us like old friends. Of course, it helped that I interviewed her before.

We drove up the PCH or the Pacific Coast Highway. Can you say gorgeous! Toured and ate lunch in Malibu at the Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market. Growing up in Virginia Beach, I absolutely

a few years older than me, is loving, nurturing and sensitive. She taught me about style and elegance. I didn’t always listen but never the less, she taught me. Kim, hilarious – I am not sure I know a woman funnier than Kim. Not even me, and I am pretty funny! She and Rhonda would give the shirts off of their backs for anyone.

And Joli, who we call “the baby” because she is about 7yrs younger than I am, is encouraging, and independent – a true champion of the underdog. And even though my sister Camille couldn’t make the trip, I can’t leave her quirky, creative and loving self out! There are so many ways to different adjectives I could use for all of them. But the one quality that stands out the most is that they are all loyal. They have my back as I have theirs.

Even 3000 miles away from home, our friendships have stood the test of time, and I say this with deep fondness: No one’s friends are greater than mine. They are my girlfriends – and they are ‘there through thick and thin.’

“Even 3000 miles away from home, our friendships have stood the test of time”

The third event was a photo shoot at Universal City Walk with Trustworthy Magazine and my incredible editor Amina Touray – who as you know, is a celebrity photographer.

I learned three major things during that photoshoot: 1. I am much better at taking a selfie than I am at following directions from Amina; 2. It poured, I mean poured like crazy so much so that we had to buy umbrellas and 3.

Whoever said it never rains in Southern California – lied. Nevertheless, we were grateful and excited about the opportunity that Amina gave us!

But to me, to meet Emmy Award-Winning Producer/

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love the water. The Pacific Ocean just looks and smells different from the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe it’s just me.

We went to places that I have only read about or have seen on TV: The Griffith Observatory, where we had a full view of the legendary Hollywood sign. We visited The Getty Villa. Walked The Venice Canals where we met a camera crew as they were filming a television show for Fox. We drove a few hours to San Diego and I fell in love with LaJolla so much that I want to move there! Such a good time!

Anywhere I go with my girls; it’s going to be fun. Rhonda,

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“Only in the darkness can you see the stars�

Photo: Dominika Roseclay

- Martin Luther King, Jr

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Recipe From Kaitlyn Noble

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February 2020

Kale and Quinoa

Mediterranean Salad Servings: 5 // Calories per serving: 266*

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 cups kale, destemmed and sliced into thin ribbons 2 cups cooked quinoa (about 2/3 cup uncooked) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 1 small cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced in half 1/4 cup pinenuts 1/4 cup mint, minced 1 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt + pepper to taste

Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package directions. Strain any excess water and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Wash and prep vegetables as stated in the ingredient list. Be sure to cut the kale thinly, big chunks of kale is overpowering.

Step 3: Once cool, combine quinoa with kale, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, olives, pine nuts, mint, and garlic. Pour over olive oil and lemon juice then toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For more recipes, visit: pinchofkate.com Vol 7

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From Trauma to Art

By Tina Bergqvist

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magine losing your hearing and becoming deaf, at the same time as you are losing your sight and end up seeing no more than the size of a pin. You also have a five-month old child at the time. How is it possible to go from such a deep trauma to being an inspiration to thousands of people? That is exactly what happened to Torbjörn ”Tobbe” Svensson from Höganäs, Sweden. He got the diagnosis of Usher syndrome type 2 when he was 28 years old. Here are his inspiring life lessons that we all can learn from.

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”Either you survive or become bitter. Humor is essential to actually not make everything so serious all the time.”

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Torbjörn Svensson (TS): In a way, I have noticed the Usher syndrome basically all my life. But I am completely convinced that my subconscious realized that if I had a vision problem, I would lose my driving licenses. I was a truck driver and loved driving, and I think my subconscious realized something

was not right. I also had a car license, motorcycle license, and a trailer license.

Driving was a big part of my life.

The signs where there early, I have always had a bad night vision. When we were at parties and at Tivoli [entertainment park in Copen-

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hagen, Denmark], my friend Emma always steered me when I was too drunk. And people did not react when I fell in the darkness. No one said - Torbjörn, it’s something wrong with your sight, what is happening? Which was very strange. On top of that I’ve been suffering from chronic fatigue for many years, something that is also a strong indicator that something wasn’t as it should.

Tina Bergqvist (TB): How did you get through it and got out on the other side?

TS: That period is very fuzzy...

When I got the diagnosis, I was completely certain my life was over. That the “Tobbe” who existed before that, who was a truck driver, stopped existing from that day. I have a picture in one of my books where I had dug a grave in the forest for myself, and I was standing next to it with a spade, dressed in a suit. The photo illustrates so clearly that my life ended then, and that the future was chaotic. Something that gets pretty clear when something like this happens is that you get into a certain kind of pattern. I noticed that many others could relate to my situation because they go through the same kind of pattern. There is a system for when you go through all these different phases [denial, anger, bargaining, depression, accepting]. What happened to me is not anything unique really. One of the steps during these phases is that you actually

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rise up. What made me get through this situation was what I realized...it is hard to put words onto it. A part of it is that I am a parent of two young children. When children are involved you have a natural instinct to continue, not giving up. But I also had a life previously where I actually could be inclusive. And this process with the deafblindness, it was tough, but I realized that not everyone in society has the same rights, and that changed so much for me. I could compare: inclusive – not inclusive. I realized that deafblindness was not the biggest issue – it is the system we live in, the society we live in, and it made me so triggered to actually transform it. Make a change!

But the angst has not let go.

Not at all! But I find it easier handling these things today.

I still get panic anxiety attacks. I can wake up in the middle of the night, pang boom! Filled with angst, but you get better at handling it.

And the deafblindness has amazing abilities to make you understand and perceive another perspective of life that is incredibly much clearer, and you can choose to see only the negative parts or not. I can’t stand this ”I can’t be bothered throwing out the garbage anymore”... the trivial in one’s life. Suddenly things get so much clearer about what is not worth whining about, and what is worth caring about.

And that changed a lot, radically, in my world. So I have the deafblindness to thank for many amazing things.

And other things – Nah, not too grateful. Being able to handle everything still continues today, as my requests for having an assistant to help me in everyday life get rejected, time after time. It’s a struggle. Mixed with the opportunities to meet people whom I feel linked to, and get a deeper connection with.

TB: How do you deal with panic anxiety attacks?

TS: You become friends with it. Accept that it is there and that it will be a part of your life. One adopts. The people who have a hard time adapting are the ones who have the hardest time. I have to accept that it is a part of my everyday life as long as I don’t get the freedom and belonging that I need. So, just breathe, use different techniques and focus on something else.

Tobbe’s daughter Alva is 8 by now, and his son, Hugo, is 5 years old.

TB: It must have been tough going through something like this when being a new dad? (Alva was 5 months when Tobbe got his diagnosis.)

TS: Having children is the best you can have in a situation like this. They are amazing at getting you out of self-pitying. They are amazing, living in the present – there is no yesterday, no tomorrow. Only now. That is amazing. Kids are also really good at taking it for what it is. They don’t

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have any frames about how it should be, they have an open mind and accept and respect the situation. Not many adults do that. So, it is actually the best thing that could have happened in this situation; to have children.

No doubt about it.

TB: Your children give you the strength to continue?

TS: Definitely. But there are other things too. I want to be a human being. I want to be who I am, Torbjörn, and when you get into a situation like this there are so many stereotypes and so much discrimination. It is a question of survival.

TB: Do you see your kids a lot?

ing my diagnosis and what it is like living with a person with deafblindness, it is hard to highlight the positives. If I stand proud of who I am and not feel ashamed of it, my chances increase to find someone to live with. If I don’t give up being me, noisy and all, and I don’t make the situation harder and feed the stereotypes... then it will be easier.

Tobbe has three sign language interpreters next to him. One is signing everything I am saying in his hand, the other one sits behind him and makes different ”pictures” on his back to interpret what is happening around him – if I am nodding, smiling, etc. The third one is a student and is practicing her skills. As he still has a good speaking ability, no one would notice that he is deaf. He is also aware of exactly where I am and looks straight at me when talking. Suddenly he cracks a joke about how serious the interpreters are in their work roles and that he enjoys lighten up the mood.

With a twinkle in his eyes, he says that he can be mean to them, in a loving way, to make them relax a bit more, as ”it is a very disciplined working code to be an interpreter”. Everyone laughs. His self-distance is striking when he says it cannot be easy for people going from being used only to having Tobbe around, and suddenly there are three more people in the

“I have a dream that is very important to me. I would love to have a boring Average Joe’s life.”

TS: No, not very often, because of the weak system that took effect after the kid’s mom and I decided to divorce. It is very hard to accept because the situation is complicated – I am the underdog due to the deafblindness and I don’t have the rights that I should have. When we do see each other we have a really good time together, they get to experience the good sides of deafblindness, we form a stronger connection and get a new perspective on life. Hugo doesn’t know much sign language, Alva knows more. It is magical that they can see past the obstacles.

When an adult doesn’t know the sign for something they get worried and don’t know how to get past it, but the kids 64

are amazing and find new ways and never get angry or tired of me. They work out a solution and we’ve been using other techniques as well.

When Alva was very young we used social haptic signals as a form of communication on the hand, for example when I was putting her to bed. Amazing, not easy, but most things can be solved.

Some people think it may get easier when they get older, but they still have to learn the sign language. And I mean, it is not the biggest priority for a

teenager to be at home with dad when they might want to go out partying with their friends. The need will always be there even though the situation might be different.

TB: How does it work to have a love life?

TS: Finally! (Laughter) Touch but not see. I have noticed that if I feel ashamed of what I have or if I back away from what I actually have I don’t show any strength in the person that I am. With all the stereotypes surround-

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room.

TB: What about your sense of humor? You always seem to have a burst of laughter or a smile close by.

TS: It is a survival mechanism.

Either you survive or become bitter. Humor is essential to actually not make everything so serious all the time. It is an excellent way of spreading knowledge. If I am doing a seminar and only whine the whole time, no one will care.

But if I mix the serious parts with humor... How do you survive to be a grave-digger? By joking about it. It is essential to survive. I love making fun of myself and find it heaps funny when people can’t handle me (laughter).

When I was in Stockholm for an event, several girls were running in and out of my hotel room, so I had to explain to the hotel managers what it was all about, that they were actually my interpreters and nothing else (laughter). They got a whole different picture of what was going on, and I was like ”oh that’s cool, they‘ll be tactile in another way”...

So humor is important to survive.

TB: Have you ever considered doing stand up comedy?

TS: Yes, I have actually, and I might perform at a pub in 2020. So it is not impossible.

I am not afraid of trying out new things anymore. I can try something and then let it go if it is not my thing. It’s so good not feeling that pressure on yourself. When you go through something like

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this you stop caring about cheesy small things like that.

We put so much effort into what other people think, and that holds us back. You have to dare to try. No one else cares. When we’re at the gym, it is easy to be selfconscious and fears that everyone is looking at me who’s so fat, but everyone is thereby the same reason.

If you make a fool of yourself, no one will remember it in a week from now anyway.

I find it really fun trying out new things. And it actually makes me a lot cooler trying things and not be bothered to care about it. You have to take the step, it is all about being brave, and wanting to.

When you want something and dare to let go of what is holding you back, it is such a good feeling. I think that is an insight lots of older people get as well.

TB: Are there any positives about deafblindness?

to make everyone included because you’re not included and know what it feels like.

Also, it is kind of boring meeting people who had an easy life and hasn’t been through any difficulties. So I realize straight away if a person has been through any hardships.

You have two choices. One is fighting and making the best out of the situation. The other one is to give up and become bitter. I meet both kinds of people. I totally understand why one becomes bitter because we have an incredibly demanding system. But the ones who actually continue fighting are special. The hard conditions they battle and still being able to believe in the positives, that is something I find beautiful.

A few years ago, Tobbe arranged deafblind walks in a forest and beach area, where people could try on a blindfold and hearing protection and were led by someone around the area, to get a glimpse into his life.

He has also created Deaflind Challenge where he went paddling from Helsingör, Denmark, to Helsingborg, Sweden on one of the world’s busiest sounds in 2018, as well as going by bike from Sweden’s most north point to the most south in 2019 (the second challenge will also be on Swedish TV by autumn this year). He has highlighted his issues on national TV in Sweden, published books, having a blog as well as creating art from old white canes.

TS: Lots of things! You know the saying, ”look but don’t touch”, I’ve twisted it to ”touch but don’t look”. To touch other people gives you an amazing connection to actually see the person, you get a good feeling of who the other person is. You don’t need big things in life to be satisfied.

You learn how to sort out the important and not important things. I don’t postpone things, I find a solution and just do it. You get a lot better thinking outside the box.

My emphatic ability has increased a lot, as you can’t be selfish when you realize other TB: Where do you get the inpeople are having it at least spiration for your art? as tough as you. You want Trustworthy Magazine

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TS: Life. My situation. One gets a great desire to get out what’s happening on the inside when you have lots of angst and emotions. A big thing for me was to start writing, the next step was to express myself through art.

The self-perceived situation is the most powerful form of art. If you paint a picture without a perspective and without a lot of feeling behind it, you can still appreciate what you see. But when you see the thought behind it, an experience many people can identify themselves with... Then it reaches another level. I had an exhibition in October last year, and one day I went down there to have a look. It was an autumn break in school and lots of kids around. That’s great and that’s why I wanted to be there as well, and I was handing out candy and stuff. My interpreter told me this lady was crying when she was looking at all my art, so I went up to her and asked how she was doing. She told me she got a brain tumor and she could really see her procedure and everything she went through in my art.

That was such a strong experience for me.

Also, kids are amazing in sharing what they see in my artwork and it’s so amazing when they ask questions grownups would never ask.

Such as ”Why don’t the other people let you into the group community? Why can’t they fix so you’re a part of it as well?” As adults, that’s something we find very hard to ask, as we believe our system is so damn good and it gets too complicated to ask. It is very cool that art can create 66

a bridge and dialogue from a piece of bend metal and old, broken white canes. It is also important not taking yourself too seriously, cause then you’re screwed (laugh).

In 2015-2017 Tobbe had a three-year-long project manager role for ”Project Kännbart”, which was about discovering art without hearing and sight and relying on the other three senses.

It was a Swedish project for creating contemporary art through the sign language world and the art scene.

TS: That work role made me wake up from this squareness I experienced for many years while being a truck driver. When being a project manager, I firstly didn’t know what was expected of me or how to do things, but then I put the pieces together and that created amazing results in the end. I was interested in art even before this job, but I learned a lot about the effect art can have on people, and it helped me understand that you can use art to spread knowledge.

TB: Where do you find the energy to get involved in all these things?

TS: It is part of surviving. I don’t do this to satisfy my adventure lust. The reason is to find new ways to influence my situation. I am in a really messed up situation where I don’t get the help and support I need, and I have discovered that I need to do big, challenging things to raise the awareness on these things to be able to change them, and that is also why I

chose to start the Deafblind Challenge part. It is a thousand times harder sitting in my apartment and being able to handle my everyday life. It is easier for me to go by bike through all of Sweden than to go to the shop to buy milk, weird enough. Of course, it is really challenging physically to go through these challenges and it has taken a lot of exercises. It is hard putting together all the practical pieces of it. But I always have to fight from the bottom. I would like to argue that the adventure is a bit bigger than when I was on the bike as well, it is everything before and after that as well. Especially when I am back in isolation again. When I do these challenges I am always surrounded by people around me. Then I am exhausted, bruised and alone.

Hello, loneliness. Angst... and then the carousel is back again. That’s the toughest part. But there are lots of positive things too. Christ, I do such a difference through these things. The people I meet who are grateful and think I am amazing, they give me the energy to continue, and it is a good place to raise awareness for all the questions.

The situation at home is more dangerous than what I am doing during the challenges. I mean, trying to cross the crossing over there - if there is a person in a car playing with his cell phone – bang! I have no chance.

You can hear the emotions in his voice when he is painting up the picture.

TS: I want to find a bit of a

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perspective through the Deafblind Challenge. And it will be damn cool telling my grandkids about me being the first person ever crossing the Öresund sound, but it is not my main purpose of why I am doing it.

we have built up. I am completely certain of if you give all the people the right support, then everyone can develop in the right direction and then suddenly everyone can help to build society. If we realize we are all human beings and need to take care TB: You have achieved a lot of each other... that is the while being a powerful voice solution. Love... for others with deafblindness. Do you have any other TB: What advice can you dreams? give others that are going TS: This will probably sound boring. I have a dream that is very important to me. I would love to have a boring Average Joe’s life. I’d like to sit here by the kitchen table with my kids, arguing about whom ate the last flakes and trying to leave the kids at kindergarten on time. A very boring average life. That would mean I would not need to fight for everything I need to fight for.

Besides that, well, why not using the positives that deafblindness can give. If I can do something for the society/ community I’d love to do that.

We are so incredibly stressed out today. We get fed with information and get lost on the way. Do the best of the positives. That’s something one always can do.

TB: What’s your message to the world?

through some similar?

TS: Allow yourself to feel. You need to realize you are no less worthy. Dare to believe in what you have and dare to use the positives. Try to see the good thing in the situation you go through. Be happy/grateful for that experience. And most of all: don’t give up.

Torbjörn ”Tobbe” Svensson 36 years old Family: Daugther Alva, 8 years old and son Hugo, 5 years old Lives in Höganäs, Sweden

For more information on Usher Syndrome, visit: www.usher-syndrome.org/

TS: Stop disappearing from the human beings we are.

We need to go back to being humans again, we need to care about each other. We are herding animals by nature. We need to take back humanity again and take into account that we are not made for living in the society

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Photo: Oliur Rahman

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Your Own Boss – Streetwear Designer D’Ana Smith

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Photography & interview by Amina Touray Assistants: Megan Ballinger & Anastasia Rivera-Hackley

n a world where you are encouraged to study hard, get a degree, and work for someone else, it can be hard to identify what your true calling is. Going against the norm can be scary, but not to streetwear designer D’Ana Smith, behind the line Fourth Period. She knew early on that she wanted to work for herself, and was never afraid of saying no to a great job offer, to build her own legacy.

complicated, but nonetheless rewarding and the exact place I am supposed to be in this season of life. All my life I have been involved in a little bit of everything, whether it was sports and dance or singing lessons and theatre. My interests were all over the map and far out of the lines.

I knew for pretty much all of my life that I wanted to work for myself as that was the standard and the precedent my parents set before me. To be honest, I like that my parents owned their own company D’Ana Smith - “The road to Fourth Pe- and that meant my mom worked from riod was both short and long, easy and home, she was her own boss, and she 70

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had a team of employees find strength.” that called me little boss lady Amina Touray: I love the which ultimately set the tone whole educational theme for what I wanted. Through- behind your brand and the out college and the summer idea of building your dream into grad school, I had clear and working for yourself. intentions of what I wanted Have you always believed in to do for myself. The career yourself, or where does the of a sports agent was all that confidence come from?

I planned for and made sure each step was in that direc- DS: Thank you! I think the one tion! On the other hand, I was thing I always want people to still building what would be know is that education is a my first clothing company, tool that no one can ever take Purpose Denim. As I navi- from you but in that same gated that process through- vein, creativity and innovaout grad school I was eyeing tion is yours and you can’t let the results I wanted, and a what society has painted as mixture of a smart business correct be your definition of move and the pressure of school screaming at me to get a traditional job I stepped away from Pur“I knew for pretty pose to pressure, the tradimuch all of my life tional road. After countless job offers and opportunithat I wanted to work ties that would have been considered my dream job for myself ” not too many years ago, I found myself unfulfilled and quite honestly miserable. I wanted to have the confidence and honestly, the justification to cre- what’s right for you, it’s about ate what I knew was for me. taking your tools {education I wanted to sit among my in the instance} and makclassmates as we go around ing them work for you. I think the room some un-authen- confidence is something mytically boasting about their self and I lot of people battle internships and job and say with, ya know some days it’s I work for myself without it overfilling and other days its feeling like less than or so dif- MIA. I always say if I had just ferent. Fourth Period was born one ounce of the confidence out of the desire to simply do I had when I was younger I’d me. It’s a consistent reminder be set. But All of my confito find that confidence within dence comes from my faith myself, the justification that in God placing me exactly I wanted comes from with- where I’m meant to be when in, and I want this brand to I’m meant to be there, I am a serve as that pillar for oth- perpetual worrier but I know er creatives, innovated, do- that my confidence in his ers, change-makers and so plan is ultimately all I need. many more to lean on and That coupled with my Mom’s 72

unwavering support, If I told my Mom I wanted to fly to the moon she shows up the next day with all the parts and pieces to help me make it happen.

AT: What type of person wears Fourth Period?

DS: I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a target market, because in today’s day and age of marketing...who doesn’t.

But I set out to make this brand for everyone, it’s accessible to everyone as it is both size-inclusive and unisex, but the brand remains exclusive as only a few really carry that understanding for the struggle of trying to create your own path. The person who wears Fourth Period is ready to face the obstacles of the day with confidence and security to go after their dreams, to pursue that totally out of this world idea, the ones who invent, lead, make change, those who do what they feel passionate about no matter the struggle or the doubt they receive. Fourth Period is for anyone, because we all have that dream, that idea, that passion we’ve always wanted to chase and Fourth Period serves as that little reminder that you are the shit, even when you’re in the thick of it all and it feels quite the opposite.

AT: How hands-on are you with your clothing line?

DS: I am very hands-on, I think of this as my little baby that I want to nurture and I feel that it’s my responsibility to define the narrative and

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the foundation of this company before I allow it to even be touched by anyone else.

Despite the fact that I like to have two hands in on everything Fourth Period, I also think it serves as a beautiful platform to work with others. When I meet another creative who I feel resonates with the brand and the meaning behind it, I am immediately drawn to the idea of working together. Some of the best digital content and media that I have come from a collaboration with other individuals who emit the essence of the brand and from that pure magic is made.

AT: Where do you see your streetwear brand in the next five years?

ing your favorite hoodie and their own clothing brand? your inspiration to do you.

DS: First and foremost; be inAT: What are some obsta- tentional! We live in a day and cles you’ve faced that you age where any and everyone learned from? wants to start this or that but without the right reasons and DS: Fashion is a difficult in- without a proper purpose all dustry no matter how you you can say is that you made slice it, whether it’s having a shirt. My goal with Fourth your collections reviewed Period was to always inspire and not liked, being rejected the innovator, the creator, by buyers, not selling as much and the dreamer in all of us; as you’d like at the trade especially young people beshow that you spent way too cause I feel that they have yet much money to be at, but I’m to adopt the fear and hesitaso thankful for each these tion that adulthood forces on experiences because I walk you, So with that; my advice away with resources and would be to GO FOR IT. If you lessons far greater than what want it to happen, wake up I expected. But the hardest and make it happen, if you challenge thus far would be don’t know anything about the obvious difference be- fabric; pick up a book and tween me and the majority learn. You want to be in a of the streetwear industry; It’s store; go to the store and ask a boys club! for the buyer’s information I am 24, and I’m well aware first hand. If you want to do of society’s constructs and anything plan your charted pressures and as a woman, course and put your feet on and a black woman at that; the pavement, thank God for in an industry dominated by the ability to do so, and make men, I have no choice but to it pop off! I have a master’s silence my insecurities and degree in Sports Public Repull myself up and keep it lations, grew up practicing pushing. I went from being competitive dance, and went very young and thinking I to a performing arts high was invincible and capable school for theatre...and I’m a of anything to slowly watch- clothing designer. ANYTHING ing that diminish to the cur- can happen so don’t ever rent place I’m in where I am count yourself out! fearlessly allowing myself to let my confidence shine and Visit: Shop4thperiod.com finding that boss lady within. Follow: 4thprd With each and every pitfall I find a different kind of strength within myself and ultimately that’s what allows me to face each obstacle with confidence, dope shoes, and a good attitude.

DS: I often think of what the future of streetwear looks like and where I’ll find my place in the room. I see the industry evolving twofold, it’s becoming more widely known and accepted, in fact anywhere you look you will find anyone and everyone in cargo pants and a sick T-shirt telling you they’re in streetwear. On the other side, tried and true streetwear brands are remaining closely tied to their original roots; making clothes with a statement.

Limited quantities and creating garments that are the voice of the youth and the under-represented. I want to be somewhere in the middle, I care less about the hype and having lines down Fairfax to get in a store and more about who and what my brand represents. In 5 Years I see Fourth Period situated AT: What advice can you give somewhere between be- to anyone looking to start

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Make time...

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uest Editor

Superwoman Guide You! Are Meant To Be!

Andrea Lewis Shares her 2020 photo challenge & talks about her journey to self-love

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The Tribute Issue #MyBlackActress

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Photo: Simon Clayton

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