Simply Bowie September Issue

September September2020 2020

THE SHIFT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Shop Local Shop Local Boutiques

With The Hottest Boutiques Fall Fashions

With The Hottest Fall Fashions

DESIREE CALLENDER & ASSOCIATES

Miel Concepts THE SHIFT IN Art THEShares FASHION ForINDUSTRY Your Home

Realtors Serving Our Community

PAYNE MECHANICAL SERVICES, LLC

providing you with maximum comfort, air quality and energy savings

Inspiration Inspiration

Check Out Check Out TheseAmazing Amazing Closets These Closets September 2020 | 1

Publisher & President Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net Editor In Chief Alyson Turner Alyson@simplymagazines.net

Contributing Writers Alyson Turner, Alexis Murray, Laura Gaskill

Layout & Ad Design Natthaphon Foithong Advertising Director Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net

Contributing Photographers Ro Moreno, Matt Sesow

On The Cover Photography by Andre Nowell Menswear

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Publisher’s Corner

Letter from the Editor

Renovate & Refine

Innovators

Simply Style

Fall In Love With Fashion

The Heart of Style

Style Your Kitchen

DCA Realtors Serving Our Community

The Shift In The Fashion Industry

2 | September 2020

Table of Contents

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33

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Shop Locally

Artist’s Palette

Our House

Locally Owned

In The News

Support Local Fashion Boutiques

Matt Sesow

Closet Inspiration

Payne Mechanical Services, LLC

September 2020 | 3

Kamala Harris: Joe Biden’s Pick For VP

Publisher’s CORNER It’s Time to Fall In Love With Fashion It’s that time of year, where we say Goodbye to Summer and Hello to Fall!

Welcome to our Fashion issue! The Simply Bowie September Issue is all about fashion, style & design where Alexis Murray will showcase local boutiques as well as the shift in the fashion industry. We have also shared amazing renovations for your kitchen and your closets! Whether you’re getting your home ready for the ultimate get-together this season or want to look your best on Zoom Calls, this issue will help you fall in love with fashion and give you ideas to spruce up your space.

Whatever kind of style you’re into this season, we hope this issue inspires you to enjoy the finer things in life.

Stay stylish, Bowie.

Veronica Fountain

Wardrobe by tu-anh located Alexandria, VA

Hairstyle by Hands Divine Olivia located in Bowie, MD

Photography by Charles Martin 4 | September 2020

Letter from The Editor

THE HEART OF STYLE The best thing about style is that it doesn’t just apply to your wardrobe. Style can be expressed through clothing, the design and comfort of your home, the art and music that you like, the way you communicate with others, and many other aspects of your life. Style is a miraculous thing because it can be crafted in a way that makes you completely-uniquely-you.

In honor of expressing ourselves truly, we have compiled stories of local fashion, art, interior design, current events and more. You can see the heart, soul, and style of our community throughout every page. We hope you enjoy our style this month.

Be True to Yourself, Bowie, And as Always Be Kind.

Alyson Turner Editor-In-Chief

September 2020 | 5

Renovate & Refine Your Style In The Kitchen A Guide to 10 Popular Kitchen Styles Article By Houzz Contributor Laura Gaskill

Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel with the help of a kitchen designer, architect or contractor, knowing which style resonates with you can be a big help. Read on for the need-to-know details about 10 popular kitchen styles, including color palettes and key features of each look.

Houzz.com

Color palette: In transitional kitchens, serene neutrals are key. Whether you opt for cool or warm hues, the colors tend to be soft and subtle. For a richer look, consider deep blue or gray cabinetry.

Photo: Clearcut Construction, Inc

Transitional

Key features of transitional-style kitchens:

Transitional kitchens gracefully walk the line between traditional and contemporary, with just enough detailing to please folks in both design camps. Keep in mind that while there are elements of both traditional and contemporary styles present, transitional kitchens don’t veer too far in either direction.

• Shaker-style cabinetry • Farmhouse sinks • Stone waterfall countertops made from marble and quartz • Subway tile • Stone slab backsplash • Pendant lighting

6 | September 2020

Color palette: Farmhouse-style kitchens tend toward simple, natural hues with a timeless feel. Crisp white with black accents is a popular choice. Colors inspired by nature, historic homes and farm finds also work well — think of barn red, robin’s-egg blue, mustard, buttermilk and sage.

Farmhouse Farmhouse-style kitchens balance the rustic appeal of regional, rural heritage with simplicity-loving modern sensibilities. And while farmhouse kitchens today often incorporate modern elements, this isn’t the place to experiment with trends: Think simple, honest and homespun.

Key features of farmhouse-style kitchens: • Shaker-style cabinetry • Tongue and groove, shiplap and beadboard • Natural wood floors, exposed beams, butcher block and farm tables • Spacious pantry area • Apron-front sinks • Subway tile

Photo: Interiors Unlimited

Traditional Traditional kitchens are comfortably refined, with luxurious finishes, intricate architectural elements and classic details. Unlike modern and contemporary-style spaces, traditional kitchens welcome a bit of ornate millwork and well-curated collections.

Color palette: Traditional kitchens favor rich colors that have stood the test of time.

White is a popular choice for cabinetry, but it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for something different, consider soft shades of blue, green, beige or natural wood.

Key features of traditional-style kitchens: • Raised-panel cabinetry • Islands and cabinetry with furniture-inspired details • Apron-front sinks • Luxurious stone counters such as marble or quartz • Intricate or curved countertop edge profiles • Architectural details like custom hood surrounds, decorative moldings and corbels

Photo: Oak Hill Architects

Color palette: White is a popular choice for contemporary kitchens, but it’s certainly not the only option. Color can be bright and bold or soft and subtle. Consider using crisp white walls as a jumping-off point for colorful cabinetry or an eye-catching backsplash.

Contemporary Contemporary kitchens fully embrace the latest in technology, materials and trends for an of-the-moment look with clean lines and minimal adornment.

Key features of contemporary-style kitchens:

September 2020 | 7 Photo: Kerry Vasquez Design

• Flat-panel cabinetry • Waterfall counters, bilevel surfaces and other innovative island designs • Cutting-edge appliances and smart kitchen technology • Creative backsplashes • Dramatic lighting • Undermount sinks and minimalist faucets

Color palette: The focus of a modern kitchen is on the architecture, which means the color palette tends toward crisp and clean white, subtle neutrals and black. When brighter colors do appear, it’s often in the form of accessories.

Modern Modern kitchens emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of smooth surfaces like concrete and steel, strong horizontal lines and plenty of open space. The polar opposite of traditional style, modern kitchens embrace a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the emphasis on the architecture.

Key features of modern-style kitchens: • Frameless cabinets with flat-panel doors • Continuous backsplash material, such as a glass sheet or stone slab • Minimalist faucets in polished nickel, chrome or matte black • Clean-lined pendant lights, recessed and integrated lighting • Concrete as a flooring material, countertop surface or even on the walls

Photo: BBH Design Studio

Rustic

Color palette: Echo the hues of natural materials like stone and warm woods with paint colors and accents in similar shades for a rich, cozy look.

Rustic-style kitchens are warm and welcoming, showcasing rugged natural materials like rough-hewn wood beams and stone. While the look is informed by the past, today’s rustic-style kitchens can lean more contemporary, depending on your design sensibility.

Key features of rustic-style kitchens: • Textured stone such as granite, slate, fieldstone, travertine and soapstone • Apron-front sinks • Natural wood, including beams, stained wood cabinetry, flooring and farm tables • Barn door hardware • Lighting made from copper, reclaimed wood and wrought iron • Open shelving

Photo: Keith Allen-Custom Builder

Color palette: The raw materials used form the foundation of the color palette in an industrial-style kitchen. Think of concrete gray, architectural white and matte black, with an occasional pop of saturated color.

Industrial Reminiscent of factories and warehouses, industrialstyle kitchens are simple, utilitarian spaces where raw materials and tough fixtures and finishes take center stage. Favoring practical, hard-wearing surfaces and restaurant-grade equipment over ornament and excess embellishment, industrial-style kitchens are made to stand up to a lot of use.

Key features of industrial-style kitchens:

8 | September 2020 Photo: Nina Williams Interiors

• Hardworking materials like stainless steel and concrete • Found objects and salvaged materials • Frameless cabinets with flat-panel doors • Exposed piping and ductwork • Utilitarian factory-style or filament-bulb light fixtures

Color palette: Beach-style kitchens gather inspiration from the colors of sand, sea and sky. White is a popular choice for walls and cabinetry, as it creates a crisp backdrop for pops of sea-inspired color. For a more vibrant take, look to greens and bold corals to add tropical flair.

Beach Beach kitchens are light, bright and open, with ample island space and a casual, easygoing style perfect for socializing with family and friends. Beach kitchens can lean contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between — the relaxed mood is more important than the specifics.

Key features of beach-style kitchens: • Colorful appliances • Light counters such as engineered quartz and recycled glass with cement • Patterned tile • Natural textures like jute, seagrass and rattan • Nautical lighting • Indoor-outdoor connections

Titan & Co. Photo: Titan & Co

Mediterranean Mediterranean-style kitchens emphasize natural materials such as wood, brick and stone for a casually elegant, earthy look inspired by sun and sea. While traditionally Mediterranean kitchens have featured warm hues and heavy wrought iron details, today’s iterations often take a lighter approach, with plenty of white space to offset the rich tilework and natural wood.

Color palette: Rich hues inspired by the warm earth and sparkling sea — such as chile pepper, terra cotta and cerulean blue — look striking in a Mediterranean kitchen, especially against a calming backdrop of white and natural wood.

Key features of Mediterranean-style kitchens: • Dark, rich wood, such as walnut • Materials with patina, such as brick, stone and reclaimed wood • Colorful tile • Curving arch details • Lighting made from wrought iron, hammered metals and reclaimed wood • Natural fiber and leather accents

Photo: Jute Interior Design

Color palette: Craftsman-style kitchens feature rich earth tones, vibrant greens and warm neutrals that coordinate well with natural wood.

Craftsman Craftsman-style kitchens spotlight the simple beauty of natural wood and quality workmanship within a warm, cozy atmosphere. Craftsman kitchens are not the place to experiment with trends or veer too far from the plucked-from-nature aesthetic.

Key features of Craftsman-style kitchens:

September 2020 | 9 Photo: WINN Design + Build

• Handcrafted cabinetry made of oak, pine or maple • Artful lighting with strong geometric lines • Built-in storage such as bookshelves, wine cubbies and glass-front display cabinets • Banquette seating • Handcrafted tile • Nature-inspired details like botanical artwork and earthy pottery

Innovators In Our Community Women Owned & Operated, Family Business Taking 2020 by Storm The Women Leaders of Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors discuss their 2020 re-launch, their goals and aspirations, and the true of meaning of their slogan “We Are Here For You – 2020 & Beyond”

A

t the start of 2020, we had no idea that there would be so many life-changing events happening in our community and across the globe. In spite of all of the challenges that have occurred, there have been many positive aspects as well including the recognition and appreciation of local businesses that serve our community directly. One such business is Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors.

Desiree Callender and Charisse Callender-Scott of Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors, don’t just sell houses. As a women-owned & operated, family business they are creating a legacy in which they educate and empower people in Bowie and the surrounding areas.

“We moved to Bowie in the early 1990s and there was nothing out here. I remember vividly thinking, ‘Why are we moving out here?’ We were moving to a community with beautiful homes, but nothing to do there. Yet, so many years later we have seen so many changes; new development and the redevelopment of older communities. My mom [Desiree Callender] has worked in real estate for 40 years and she started her own brokerage in 2007. She initiated it because she wanted to do her own thing. She wanted to be a training ground for young realtors coming up to show them how she learned and how they can be successful in the business,” Charisse tells us, “When the real estate crash happened in 2008 she had to make an adjustment in her business and it was a learning experience for her because there was no traditional market anymore. She was very successful in REO (bank-owned properties) we went from traditional consumers to more corporate with the banks as our clients.”

While Desiree successfully navigated the real estate market and all of its changes, Charisee worked in Journalism, Public Relations and Production Management.

“My background is in marketing, television, and business management. I worked in my field successfully for 16 years.

I grew up seeing my mom as a realtor. I didn’t really have a full understanding of what she was doing and thought she just “sold houses”. Then as a young adult seeing my mother in business, I saw this with a different lens,” Charisse says, “I went into news, started in the newsroom and never thought I would be working real estate. I want to educate and empower people. I felt like as a journalist I could do that.

I couldn’t even watch and enjoy the work that I was doing with my family. I left and went into public relations and then moved to production management. It was a balance between the creative and the financial management aspect.

I still felt that I wasn’t engaged in my purpose to give back to the community through my work. I would volunteer with nonprofits, but my work wasn’t fulfilling in the way I needed too.

Then, in 2012, I thought, ‘Let me help [my mother’s business]

10 | September 2020

Desiree Callender Broker/Owner

ABOUT US

Charisse Callender-Scott Realtor/Manager

Offer 40+ Years of Professional Real Estate Experience We are Independently Owned and Operated Since 2007 Specializing in Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties Bowie & Silver Spring Area & Community Specialists Serving Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors Skilled Marketing Strategist & Expert Negotiators Detailed & Quality Customer Service Knowledge and Insight to Keep You Engaged and Informed Serving You Is Our Number 1 Priority Mother & Daughter Award Winning Realtors | Prince Georges & Montgomery County Housing & Education Advocates

Office: 301-390-8244 | Desiree Direct: 240-753-5661 | Charisse Direct: 240-715-5138 | Web: www.DCARealtors.com

in an administrative capacity, filling in the gaps.’ My mother turned to me one day and said, ‘Why don’t you get your real estate license? This can be our family’s legacy.’”

Charisse quickly found that working with her mother and serving families was the purpose that she had been searching for. She became the advocate that clients needed when approaching one of the most complex and significant transactions in your life. “My first transaction was a short sale for an older couple; a husband who was sick and his wife who was just trying to figure out what to do. I took the lead on it and during the first conversation with their bank I realized people in these situations needed an advocate. I realized that there were a lot of people that just don’t know what they need to do when working with the bank. My mom made the pitch about our family legacy and I never looked back. I am a full-time realtor. I received my first platinum award from Prince George’s County Association of Realtors

that recognized me as a top producer in the county.”

“I knew that I could make an impact in people’s lives.

Whether they are first-time buyers, first-time sellers, or anywhere in the journey of homeownership what they really need in that moment is someone who can understand where they are and where they are trying to go. They need someone who can help them to get there,” Charisse says, “I always ask, ‘What is your long-term goal? What is your short-term goal? How can we help you get there?’ We always use that level of care with our clients. I have a lot of volunteer work that I do in the community and most of it stems on advocating for housing and education. I am on the council of Montgomery County Council of PTAs. I can provide insight on the community because I engage with people daily. I can get feedback and relay it to those parties and present testimony. I feel connected to helping and advocating for people. The perspective I have on this

September 2020 | 11

Innovators In Our Community

business is that offering these services, helping people, and the community makes it a fulfilling job to come to every day and it makes it truly worth it.”

In May 2020, Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors have launched, “2020 & Beyond”. With the ever-changing market and current events including the increasing virtual landscape, Desiree & Charisse are looking at ways to best serve their clients. They are looking at the next generation of this business which includes growing their online presences, staying active and engaged within the community in the face of Covid-19, and being there for their clients. They are licensed in the State of Maryland, and have worked in many different counties with their bank clients.

Charisse currently sits on the Prince George’s County Board of Realtors and on the legislative committee. Through this affiliation they are able to learn about policies that impact consumers.

“Another factor in our re-launch is how times have changed and how much things have changed. People have

unlimited access to information which can be detrimental.

Having an experienced and knowledgeable realtor who is vested in their success in the process can be critical to the outcome,” Charisse says, “Also, having that connectivity with their lender, having a good title company and all of the team players to help get that transaction to closing. Before we move into the process, we do a buyer and seller education so they can see what to expect. It puts them in a better position. We make sure that we take the time to provide quality service and go above and beyond to make sure the clients’ needs are met.”

Desiree says, “[When working with us clients], will be informed. I think that an informed consumer is crucial.

A house is one of the largest investments and people may have a little bit of information, but they don’t know what it truly means. We are there to help with that.”

At the end of the day, the vision of Desiree and Charisse is to educate and empower their clients and help them get exactly what they need. “If I go into a For more information, call Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors 2905 Mitchellville Road Suite 101, Bowie, MD Office 301.390.8244 DCARealtors.com Facebook.com/DCARealtorsMD 12 | September 2020

Innovators In Our Community

home I want to feel just as confident as my buyer. We take the time to get to know our clients, learn their goals and their needs, and how we can help them. It is a personalized and custom experience when you work with us. We form relationships that last,” Charisse says, “I am working with the children of people who bought their first, second, third

homes with my mother. My mom sold their parents a home, and I am getting to work with the next generation of families who were served by Desiree Callender. It is such a fulfilling experience to help people and empower people.

Continuing that legacy of what my mom has set out to do. It is an honor.”

What’s Going On- Online?

Talk It Through Thursdays – We host Zoom Interviews which premiere on YouTube. We make ourselves available to answer questions.

In The Street – Conversations with panelists from our Women’s History Month workshop with women in the industry. People can ask questions and learn more about specific jobs.

SIMPLY STYLE The Shift In The Fashion Industry

Article By Alexis Murray

T

he coronavirus has brought change to many industries and old ways of being, which also includes the fashion industry. As the global pandemic continues on, the fashion industry stands in an uncertain position. Although unclear about total forward movement, the unpredictability has brought the fashion industry some insight on forthcoming operations pertaining to the industry’s fast-paced environment, starting with the fashion cycle. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the British Fashion Council (BCF) announced their newly revised fashion schedule to maintain the creativity and innovation the industry is known for but most importantly, sustainability amongst brands. The CFDA states, “Together, we strongly recommend designers focus on no more than two main collections a year. We firmly believe this can provide our talents with the time they need to reconnect to the creativity and craft that makes our field so unique in the first place.”

With fashion councils discussing the new ways to showcase collections, many brands have already taken it upon themselves to come up with solutions. Anifa Mvuemba, owner of contemporary fashion brand, Hanifa, has created a 3D model experience presenting her spring ready-to-wear line on Instagram Live, previously during the month of May and Kerby Jean-Raymond, creator of Pyer Moss, will have a drive-in premiere of the documentary “American, Also”, that displays the hard work and intense labor it takes to present a fashion collection. The documentary premieres sometimes around New York Fashion Week. NYFW dates will be from Sept. 14-16, 2020 due to the pandemic.

With the cancellation of the MET Gala for the MET Museum’s 150 th anniversary and fashion’s biggest night of the year, it allows more introspection from fashion industry counterparts to improvise and prepare various ways to celebrate the industry through virtual experiences and that are

15 | September 2020

Instagram @pyermoss

SIMPLY STYLE

Colin Kapernick & Nessa Instagram @pyermoss

also cost-effective. As technology becomes a prominent aspect for the fashion industry, it will also provide more opportunities for innovation amongst designers and brands, where consumers are not overwhelmed. Over the years, the industry has adopted the ways of fast fashion with overproduction strategies to keep consumers satisfied. With more online presence, designers will adopt ways of an intimate and authentic experience with consumers that will draw supporters. Aforementioned above are Pyer Moss and Hanifa, which are two brands who created authentic experiences for their supporters.

Over the years, the fashion industry and fashion lovers around the world have been raising questions about who runs the fashion industry and is it time for a new class of leaders. Recently, fashion editor, Andre Leon Talley, addressed his intricate relationship with former friend and American Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, in his book, “The Chiffon Trenches”, where he explains how the complex relationship left him underpaid, undermined, and used by Wintour and other fashion heads. Although the former friendship has subsided, Talley stated in a recent interview that he still has much love for Anna Wintour. He states, “My

16 | September 2020

Instagram @pyermoss

book is an epistle to everyone that I love. It’s a love letter to Anna Wintour. I love her deeply.” Talley, proclaimed as being one of the most knowledgeable in the industry for over 40 years, but more importantly, being a black man in fashion has been a strenuous stride. This also highlights the failing structure of inclusivity in the fashion industry, especially when it comes to racism and tokenism.

hone in on their crafts and push forward. An example of this matter would be the rise of Telfar, a fashion label created by Telfar Clemens. The Telfar bag or the “Bushwick Birkin” as some like to call it, has rose to stardom amongst consumers this past summer. Although originally released in 2014 and won the CFDA accessory designer of the year in 2017, the bag gained outside fame from other than fashion insiders during the Black Lives Matter Movement moment that has been ongoing since the death of George Floyd this past May. The restock process since the high demand has been questionable amongst others that misinterpret the vast racism Black designers endure in the industry—production would be one aspect that is top on the list.

The continued unappreciation and non-recognition from the fashion industry when it comes to black creatives, including gender-fluid and LGBTQ+ creatives will cause a split in the industry where these creatives are showcasing and creating their own spaces without the unwritten rules of fashion standards, causing them to

Instagram @pyermoss

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LOCAL BRANDS TO SUPPORT DURING FASHION & STYLE MONTH Article By Alexis Murray

As we are still in unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses have been affected in every kind of way. Small fashion businesses have definitely been impacted—whether its shipping to customers, labeling, simply getting their garments to their boutiques. This fashion month, it is imperative that we as locals of the metropolitan area pay attention to the designers and fashion brands that have been keeping us in style for years. Here are some great local fashion brands.

18 | September 2020

Instagram @MDOTROSS

Instagram @shopmimimiller

MDOTROSS

Mimi Miller

MDOTROSS is a black woman-owned online contemporary boutique that offers minimalistic clothing and athleisure. The boutique was started by founder, Monique Ross, who wanted to create timeless pieces for the everyday woman who want to stay in style forever. Garments such as the A-Moon River Wrap Dress and the D-Bead Drop Earrings are great examples of stylish pieces for working women or moms who want to stay in style.

Mimi Miller is a womenswear brand that was created by fashion designer, Mimi Miller, in 2015. The brand was created for everyday women who see clothing as an investment of undeniable, sleek and modern garments. The Flannel Gingham Midi Dress and the Blanket Coat are both garments that exude modern, everyday professional women who are into quality.

September 2020 | 19

LOCAL BRANDS TO SUPPORT DURING FASHION & STYLE MONTH

Instagram @andrenowell_menswear

Andre Nowell Andre Nowell is a contemporary streetwear brand that is based on sharp tailoring and exceptionable design. Started by Andre Nowell himself, the brand was based on “a wide range of experiences”, he said. His streetwear sense mixed with his high fashion tailoring is perfect for any man around the metropolitan area.

20 | September 2020

LOCAL BRANDS TO SUPPORT DURING FASHION & STYLE MONTH Romy Studio Romy Studio is a contemporary jewelry designer that specializes in handmade pieces that will last a lifetime. Jewelry designer, Camille, is committed to the modern woman who likes to stay in style. Her handcrafted Large Jellyfish and Peddle Dangle earrings represents the sophisticated woman, who likes to have fun.

Instgram @romystudio_

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September 2020 | 21

Art In The City Washington DC Artist Matt Sesow harnessed the power of art to heal from the trauma of childhood accident and now inspires others with his work.

Article By Alyson Turner Photography Courtesy of Matt Sesow

Highlights Visit Matt’s art studio in Downtown Washington by appointment.

You can become a Sesow “Art Patron” and get unique art from Matt throughout the month direct to your mailbox.

Matt has over 29 paintings selected and displayed as part of the permanent collection of American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore Matt Sesow released on UN stamp and featured in the documentary, “Join Hands” about the life and paintings of Sesow.

Art is a form of expression. It comes in all different mediums, shapes, colors, textures, materials and sizes. Art can bring about a visceral reaction of sorrow, of inspiration, of joy, or of healing. Art can do all of these things. For Washington DC based-painter Matt Sesow, art has been a way to express joy, unpack many different emotions, and inspire people for over 20 years.

“I came to Washington DC to work at IBM after college. I was a tech guy. I worked in Bethesda and started painting as a joke with some friends who were art students. In 1994, I just started painting and listening to music. I tried to transform my favorite style of music (hard rock/punk rock) and used that to paint things about myself; there were a lot of self-portraits that were aggressive. A lot of my work was super strong, abrupt with strong lines. Then, I fell in love with painting,” Matt tells us.

When he was 8 years old, Matt was involved in a tragic accident where he grew up near Lincoln, Nebraska. “There was a small airport where we would play near the runway and one summer evening [in 1975], a plane was landing and the propeller hit my upper arm,” Matt says, “I woke up in the hospital and they were unable to save my hand. The rest of my childhood went on okay. I moved on with my life, played sports in high school. There was a lot of internal trauma and I never really focused on it until after I came to Washington DC.” As a self-taught artist with no formal training, Matt continued to paint while working full-time for tech companies. In 1996, he set up some paintings for sale at a street festival in Georgetown to see what would happen if he put his work out there. “I didn’t have any confidence of my work and I didn’t sell anything all day.

Then, at the end of the day, an outsider art dealer from Connecticut came by and

flipped out. She pretty much bought everything I had and she became my art agent in for years. She introduced me to the art scene,” Matt says.

By 2000, Matt decide to leave the tech field and make a living full-time as a painter. After working in the industry for so long, Matt was able to heavily rely on the internet and his own website to sell paintings. He would also travel across the globe doing solo gallery shows and selling his art to both collectors and novices. “If a gallery in Barcelona asked if I was interested in a solo show, I would bring a few paintings with me, but mostly I would create the whole show from scratch starting when I arrived in the country until Opening Night. I have traveled overseas many times of work and it has been so much fun.”

Though COVID-19 has put a hold on most traveling, Matt and his wife, fellow artist, Dana Ellyn, have a heavy online presence to keep in touch with their new followers as well as their repeat clients. Matt says, “Dana and I met in 2001 at one of my Washington DC shows. We have really been together for the best years of my painting [career]. She was working at a law firm at the time and about a year after we started dating, she began working full-time on her art,” Matt says, “We are fortunate that we have a larger following and have been able to sell successfully online.”

Matt and Dana have split their condo in two pieces in order to allow them both room to have a studio. They are currently

accepting appointments for visitors to the studio in the mornings, but they usually begin painting before noon every day. The option to directly sell paintings to consumers has gone very well for Matt Sesow. “I want people to have my art if they life it. It is all I do. Paint. It makes me very accessible because I am a local. I create a lot of small paintings that are super affordable. At The American Visionary Art Musuem in Baltimore people can leave the museum with an original painting by me for $40. They see the work inside in the museum and then they can take a small painting as they leave and contact me in a year and get a bigger painting in a year. I love the idea that you live on through your art and people hand it down to the next generation. This makes every day seem so important to me because it seems like these will last way beyond me and my life.”

The creation of art hasn’t stopped because of a global pandemic and the threat of COVID-19.” I have been doing a lot work. I try to be a lot happier with my day to day. My paintings are not all dark, but they still kind of come off that way. I like to listen to hard core punk and there is kind of a comedy aspect. I try to be humorous and have that shine through. For me, my paintings these days are pretty much happy and moving forward as a survivor”, Matt says.

Matt continues painting every day to spread some of that joy around. “Mostly I think that maybe people will see themselves in some of the art and it gives me hope.”

To contact Matt for questions, to purchase art from his website or to commission your own Sesow original, visit Sesow.com. You can also call 202.737.6161 or visit him on Facebook and Instagram.

Sesow

Sesow

24 | September 2020

Inspired Check Out These Dream Closets For Your Next Home Renovation Inspo With everyone spending more and more time at home, you need the perfect space to store your wardrobe. These closets are stunning and functional with just the right amount of flair.

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Inspired

Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors Women Owned & Operated, Family Business

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Desiree Callender & Associates, Realtors 2905 Mitchellville Road Suite 101, Bowie, MD Office 301.390.8244 DCARealtors.com

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HELPING YOU GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER SUREN G. ADAMS. ATTORNEY AT LAW ASSET PROTECTION ESTATE PLANNING (Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney, and Advance Directives/Living Wills) ELDER LAW (Long-Term, Nursing Homes, Medicaid Planning) PROBATE/ESTATE ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS FORMATION (LLCs, Corps, S.Corps, Non Profits) STRATEGIC DEBT ELIMINATION (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13)

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Locally Owned Payne Mechanical Services, LLC

Registered & Insured HVAC Experts Serving Bowie and the surrounding areas providing clients with maximum comfort, air quality and energy savings.

Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Ro Moreno

One of the biggest challenges of homeownership is dealing with issues when they arise including plumbing problems, electrical issues, broken appliances, and HVAC needs. It can be a major hassle and a very large expense when it comes to these repairs.

That is why preventative maintenance is critical to maintaining your home. Not only does it make your home systems and appliances run more efficiently and safely, it also saves you money in the long run.

Ron Payne, with Payne Mechanical Services, LLC encourages all homeowners to have their HVAC system serviced twice a year. “It is very important to have your system serviced twice a year. I give this example, you would not drive your car for a year without changing the oil, checking tire pressure or getting a tune up. You have to think of it on the same basis. [Your HVAC system] is a mechanical piece of equipment and you have to take care of it. The small price you pay in mechanical service will save you money in the long run. It is extremely important to get service twice a year; in the Spring time before it gets hot, and in the fall before it gets really cold. You can spot premature problems rather than having your AC go out in 95 degree weather or your heat cut out in 15 degree weather,� Ron says.

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Ron Payne, his wife Renee, one of his daughters, one of his sons, and brother-in-law, all work for Payne Mechanical Services, LLC. This is a longrunning, registered and insured, family-owned business. Ron has over 30 years’ experience working with HVAC systems including working for the government in the postal service, working for Prince George’s County Schools, and working with hotels doing preventative and corrective

maintenance. Their tight-knit, highly qualified team will work with you to ensure customized and personal service in a timely manner.

Ron says, “I have been doing this type of work for over 30 years. It is a very technical business.

I like to educate my customers and help them understand. I tell them they can always call if they have questions; questions are free.”

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Tips From The Experts *Replacing your filter every 60 days is an easy and inexpensive fix to do consistently. Set a reminder to always change your filters will save you a lot of money in the long run. *Schedule your service appointment twice a year. We will ensure your system is running cleanly and discover any potential problems. *Keep the outside air conditioning unit clear. You don’t want a bunch of bushes and dirt growing all around it. The unit will not work as efficiently. You want it to be able to breathe. *A clean system will run more efficiently and it does save you money in heating and cooling bills. It also will not have to work as hard to maintain the temperature of your home.

Payne Mechanical Services,LLC can install heating and air conditioning systems, complete HVAC service and repairs, and other minor repairs in plumbing, electrical and some appliances. They can also recommend the best type of system to fit your home.

Ron Payne and his family have lived in Bowie and operated Payne Mechanical Services here for many years. Their main goal is to serve the community and provide the most high-quality service around. “My motto is to always treat my customers like I want to be treated and I believe in that.�

To start saving on your energy bills or to schedule your service today, call (301) 254-1447 or visit PayneMechanicalServices.com.

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Payne Mechanical Services, LLC

FOODIE ISSUE COMING IN OCTOBER Featuring: Top Doctors + Delicious Food & Eateries

Registered & Insured HVAC Experts Serving Bowie and the surrounding areas providing clients with maximum comfort, air quality and energy savings. .

Every ad package includes a complimentary editorial feature.

To start saving on your energy bills or to schedule your service today, call (301) 254-1447 or visit PayneMechanicalServices.com.

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VERONICA@simplymagazines.net

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In The News

The Race For Vice President Kamala Harris has been chosen as Joe Biden’s Running Mate for the 2020 Election Article By Alexis Murray

In The News

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nited States Senator of California, Kamala Harris, was selected as the vice president of the Democratic party by running mate Joe Biden. After many differences between the two and vast research amongst Biden’s campaign advisers and selection committee, Harris was the best running mate to be vice president. She is the first vice president candidate on a major political party ticket that has graduated from an Historically black college or university (HBCU). Harris is not new to making history. She was the first black woman elected as district attorney in the state of California, First Black woman and Indian-American woman to run for vice president on a major political party, and the first Indian-American senator.

When Kamala entered Howard University from Oakland, CA in 1982, she knew her future was bright. As a child, her mother instilled in her the principles of activism and the tenacity of getting the job done. Kamala states her mother said, “Don’t just sit around and complain about things. Do something.”

This statement has clearly stuck with Kamala as she went to pursue duties on campus such as freshman representative of the Liberal Arts Council (her first elected office position) and the debate team. She has also participated in many protests at Howard, such as the sit-in at Howard during her freshman year in 1983, protests for apartheid in D.C. and many others that have dealt with fighting for what’s right—while pursuing a degree in political science and economics.

After receiving her law degree at UC Hastings, she became a deputy district attorney where she was noticed for her go-

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getter attitude and powerful personality. Although her parents, especially her mother, were not too fond of her being a prosecutor, Kamala felt like it was the perfect job for her.

In her memoir, “The Truth We Hold: An American Journey”, that was released in early January 2019, stated her mother believed that the United States has “A deep and dark history of people using their power of the prosecutor as an instrument of injustice.” She then began as an assistant attorney working under former district attorney of San Francisco, Terence Hallinan. There she took on crimes that consists of robbery, sexual assault, burglary and homicide. In 2004, she began her role as district attorney of San Francisco that lasted seven years. In these years, she produced many programs such as the hate crimes unit focusing on LGBT youth in schools and her reform efforts include banning the death penalty and tackling truancy by issuing citation against parents who have let their children miss a vast amount of days in school.

With all the programs and initiatives that she implemented, they have always not been in full pursuit or less about the help of others and wrongly convicted of crimes. That is why her career as a prosecutor has been questioned many times. During her campaign for presidency, on the Second Democratic Debate Night, she was questioned

by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard about her failure to help citizens off of death row and how people of color were arrested for misdemeanor marijuana charges. Gabbard stated, “Senator Harris said she’s proud of her record as a prosecutor and she will be a prosecutor president but I’m deeply concerned about this record.

There are too many examples to cite but she put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and then laughed about it when she was asked if she has ever smoked marijuana.

She blocked evidence that would have freed an innocent man from death row until the courts forced her to do so. She also kept people beyond their sentences to be used as cheap

labor for the state of California.”

After her roles of district attorney and attorney general of California, she ran for the democratic senate seat in 2016 and won succeeding Barbara Boxer. In her 2016 senate campaign, Harris had somewhat changed her prosecuting ways by calling for social justice reform and immigration that helped her sweep the democratic vote.

On January 21, 2019, Kamala announced her campaign as a presidential candidate in the 2020 election. With strong support from citizens, Kamala raised 1.5 million dollars from 38,000 people that averaged a 37-dollar donation from each supporter right after her announcement. The support in the beginning was not the

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same throughout her campaign.

Later that year in December, she announced her campaign suspension because of the lack of funds and support at the polls. Harris stated, “I’ve taken stock from every angle, and over the last few days have come to one of the hardest decisions of my life. My campaign for presidency simply doesn’t have the financial resources we need to continue.

I’m not a billionaire. I can’t fund my own campaign. And as the campaign has gone on, it’s becoming harder and harder to raise the money we need to compete.”

September 2020

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