2013
Review
The V oice Judith Hill talks life and her desire for becoming the next big thing
KESHIA NOV/DEC 2013 www.delux-mag.com
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FACEOFF!! WAYS TO WINTERIZE YOUR SKIN
Twist &Go
Achieve the Perfect TWIST OUT Without the Shrinkage
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TAMAR BRAXTON CHANTE MOORE AVERY*SUNSHINE SHOTS BY MIKO HONEY’S CHILD BOUTIQUE DELUX MAGAZINE
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• NOW SERVING LUNCH! • Monday - Friday • 11am - 4pm
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DELUX MAGAZINE NO. 29
CONTENTS
Keith N Griffin II
PUBLISHER/CO-FOUNDER @DeluxMagazine Lawrence Bryant Co-Founder @lbfoto1 Michael Winfield Co-Founder @brklynstl Kyle A Griffin Co-Founder
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Fashion Editor Kayla Bolton Art Director McArthur Smith Social Media Kendra Pete Raechel Rivers Writers Winnie Caldwell Raechel Rivers Janine Brownridge Gerren Keith Gaynor
Graphic Design Rehema McNeil Keith Griffin II Arthur Smith
22 regular featured
From the Editor 06 31 Delux Individuals Stuff 08 38 FALL Fashion: Honey’s Child Living 14 44 COVER: Keshia Knight Pulliam Beauty 19 48 Missouri Fashion Week Recap Get It 20 53 MUSIC: Avery Sunshine Style Icons 24 60 Tamar Braxton: Love & War Essentials 26 66 Profile: Jeff Clanagan Where 56 68 Legends: Chante´Moore Delux Seen 62
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Photographers Lawrence Bryant McArthur Smith Allen B. Thompson Keith N Griffin II Arlis Davis Sales | sales@delux-mag.com Carol Mayfield Ashley Broyles Serita Moody Keena Atkins Leslie Norwood Carissa McGraw Interns Rachel Nevels Janine Brownridge Publicist/PR Rep Kandis Knight(ATL) Advisory Board: Trina Claggett Kim Moses Anthony Sanders
DELUX MAGAZINE No. 29 ·November/December2013 · Year 4 · PUBLISHER Keith Griffin II GRAPHIC DESIGN G5IVE MEDIA GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS $19.99/YR. Mail Subsciption Cards and Payment to 2907 Magnolia St. Louis Mo 63118 DISTRIBUTOR Cowley Distributing Jefferson City MO IPAD APP Available in itunes store WEBSITE www.delux-mag.com ADVERTISING Email Sales@delux-mag.com SUBMISSIONS Email submissions@delux-mag.com PRESS RELEASES Email PR@delux-mag.com
[Stuff]
Easy Does It
Easy Sushi is a French invention that makes whipping up iconic Japanese cuisine a snap. The specially designed roller sets come with an offering of books to teach you how to wow your dinner guests with rolls for appetizers, dinner and dessert. Up the ante like Jiro himself with these dreamy accessories. www.touchofmodern.com $44
Art Energized
Tobias Tovera’s paintings are anything but ordinary. Instead of traditional paints and canvases, he uses oxidized mahogany boards and paints them with minerals, pigments and solvents. They are visually arresting art pieces that capture the energy of change in a beautiful abstract design. www.touchofmodern.com $500+
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Ackafool wear is an undergarment apparel line that’s been described as comfortable, affordable, exclusive, intimate lingerie wear. It is suitable for all ages. As we introduce to Metro St. Louis and the entire Midwest Region, we want you to feel the compassion of what Ackafool Wear means. Ackafool wear features undergarments such as boy- shorts, thongs, camisoles and tee-shirts. Ackafool wear is a quality brand that strives to make you feel sexy and comfortable. Products are readily available via the website. The fabulous team of Ackafool wear appeared and appealed to the audience of St. Louis Traffic Music Awards fashion show in early March 2013. There is more to come FROM THIS BRAND THATS DEFINITELY ON THE MOVE. Be sure to stay connected by joining their email list online www.Ackafoolwear.com.
Pack a Lunch
The lunch box is legendary. From the iconic image of the working man and his metal box on a floating beam in 47-story height to the young student bringing a delicate club sandwich with her for library readings at law school. Menu - Cool Lunch $50.00 allmodern.com
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body desserts
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[Stuff]
Have a Ball!
The Original Whiskey Ball has more volume and less surface area than a traditional ice cube, so it melts slower. The mold itself is made from a thick silicone rubber to ensure that the ice freezes more evenly- this beautiful ice ball will pop out of its shell without any cracks or watery residue. www.touchofmodern.com $18
Honey’s Child B
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Letitia McPherson-Young, owner of Honey’s Child Boutique, is shaking up the fashion scene in St. Louis. Over the last year and a half, she has been featured as one of St. Louis’ Most Influential Women in Business by Alive magazine and she opened for St. Charles Fashion Week as the first ever plus-size runway show. She was also honored by the Shalom House as a She is Queen recipient.
The boutique has been featured on Fox 2 News with April Simpson and most recently was the winner of the 2013 Missouri Fashion Week Stylist Challenge. The boutique was born of Letitia’s desire to create more style options for plus-size ladies. “As a plus-size woman myself, I often found it difficult and frustrating trying to find the latest fashions in my size. While there are retail chains in my area, I found that the downfall is that they all carried the same clothing,” she says. “So the likelihood of someone having on my dress or outfit was very high. I decided to take all that I had learned and couple that with my business experience, love for fashion and need for something bigger and created Honey’s Child Boutique: Embracing Your Curves.” Always a lover of fashion, Letitia is not surprised that she ended up in her profession. Prior to owning Honey’s Child Boutique, she completed her Master’s degree in Management, and worked for a large local investment firm for 5 years. But, her heart wasn’t in it. “I liked my job, but I didn’t love it. I wasn’t passionate about it, I didn’t feel like I was making a difference” Letitia
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1927 Washington Ave St. Louis, MO 63103 314-875-0011
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says. So she left her job to nurture her entrepreneurial aspirations of owning a boutique. Letitia says she named her boutique “Honey’s Child” because she is literally Honey’s child. “I chose the name Honey’s Child because it is simply who I am,” she says. “Throughout my teen years, I was always ‘thick.’ But my mom, whom my family affectionately calls Honey, always made sure she took her time to show me how to put my clothes together to ensure that I flattered my assets and concealed my non-assets. I learned very valuable lessons about being plus-size, confident and beautiful at an early age, all of those lessons came from my mother.”
Power UP
BY TOCCs
The Power Bank has a lightweight frame and powerful 2,600mAh rechargeable battery. Plug it into your smartphone/tablet’s USB port and watch as the Power Bank brings an empty battery to 100% full within 19 minutes, all the while allowing you to enjoy your device uninterrupted. www.touchofmodern.com $24
In August 2013, Letitia opened her new swanky and edgy location in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The life-size Honey’s Child logo is beautiful and captivating and Letitia says she wanted the new location to be completely chic yet welcoming and warm for her customers to have a wonderful shopping experience. The new location boasts even more designers including Monif C., Youtheary Khmer, Jibri and Haus of Sierra Moses. Honey’s Child Boutique is St. Louis’ only premier boutique for full-figure women. They offer unique, fashion-forward pieces created by some of today’s most renowned plus-size designers. Each item is hand selected by Letitia to ensure that Honey’s Child boutique has only the highest in quality and fashion. They offer a wide array of flattering dresses, fabulous tops, skirts, and accessories that can take you from work to play, all in one day!
Throw It In The Bag
Hit the ground running with these luxurious travel styles from Hideo Wakamatsu. This international designer is known for a seamless blend of Japanese heritage and contemporary function that goes with you on every adventure. Whether you’re headed to Bangkok or the Bahamas, you’ll enjoy the smooth wheeling motion and scratch-resistant cases in this collection.
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[Living]
NO PLACE LIKE HOME W
hether you’re enjoying family game night or entertaining guests during a party, there is no better place to congregate with family and friends than the living room or family room. True to its name, it’s the space where you and your family truly live; you watch movies, read stories, roughhouse and maybe get some homework done. As the focal point of the home, it’s meant to be comfortable, with a cozy fireplace, practical furniture, fully stocked bookshelves and, of course, a nice big-screen TV. Because it’s where we spend most of our time, it is important to truly love and be inspired by your space. While planning a renovation or redesign, it’s key to keep your family’s needs in mind. If you love playing games, ensure there is a large table for game night. If your kids are all about video games, there should be plenty of seating and the TV setup should be fully stocked. And if you want to encourage studious behavior, add a built-in desk, bookshelves and a handy reading nook. To start your process, your first priority is thinking about your focal point. Many living rooms aren’t complete without a fireplace, but if you live in a warmer climate, maybe a large entertainment center is your best bet. Once you figure out your top feature, invest in those built-ins. Bookcases, media consoles, desks and shelves are a great way to add practical storage without taking up too much space. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what color scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room? Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you’re looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead. What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room? Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organized and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment center, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects. How do I decorate my family room? When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. If you do want to try out a bolder color scheme, add color with walls and accessories. That way, if you get sick of a color, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colors include blue, green and gray, but don’t be afraid to try bright colors like red or yellow, even if it’s just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight. - houzz.com
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TROTTERS: HOOP DREAMS Rewind the time to 1988 in North City, St. Louis, MO. A group of young boys ride the bus or walk to the nearest basketball court with ball in hand passing the drugs, alcohol, gambling, and death that surround them. At a time in St. Louis where the streets were claiming so many young black lives, the Pepperboys found their way on blacktops and gym floors. Originally from the south side of Chicago the Pepperboys, Marlon, Willie aka Joker, and Milan aka Choc short for Chocolate, moved to St. Louis. Getting used to the new surroundings was easy basketball courts don’t have addresses or zip codes and a new Pepperboy, Gabriel would help show them the ropes. For as long as he can remember basketball has been a passion for Milan Pepper. Whether it was him and Joker battling big brother Marlon on makeshift rims in alleys, playing varsity at Gateway Institute of Technology, 4 years at SW Oklahoma State, overseas in Singapore, or playing with various teams; the now owner and team captain of the IBA St. Louis Trotters, basketball has taken on a whole new meaning. In order to make the Trotters a reality he had only to look at long time mentor and originator of the St. Louis Trotters, local basketball icon and celebrated coach Harold Webster. The St. Louis Trotters began in the 1970’s out of St. Stevens Lutheran Church as part of a boy scout team troop #14. Its name sake, the Harlem Globetrotters, coach a long time fan. From St. Stevens the team moved west to play at the Yalem Community Center which is now the West End Center. It is at West End Center where all basketball players from both sides of the river came to play. If you were a ball player back in the day you wanted to play at West End. The Trotters had the first AAU team in the inner city, so all players in the city would come and tryout for the team. The Trotters have had a lot of players come thought its system: Shawn Bush, Randy Reed, Anthony Bonner, Shawn Tunstall, David Thurkil, Dink jones, Rob Wallace, Shotgun Campbell, Ramon Trice, Ken Kaid, and Cornell Hayes aka Nelly. Two of those players went on to play in the NBA and Hip Hop Superstar Nelly went on to sell millions of records! After being affiliated with a few other failed semi pro basketball ventures Coach Webster had wanted to take the Trotters to the next level and the opportunity presented itself at just the moment when IBA League commissioner impressed with Milan and Harold’s passion and know-how offered them a franchise in the growing and exclusive league.
Taking the Trotters to that next level will not be easy, in what is arguably one of the best sports cities in the country; there will be several challenges. What would happen next over the coming months is movie worthy. First putting together a top squad would be important and between Milan and Coach Webster the talent needed in order to make a run in the IBA was at their fingertips. Between cashing in favors for practice gyms and counting on years of respect earned for time spent in the community, Pepper and Webster reached out to men like Mike Nettles, Lawndale Thomas, and Charles Woods to name a few. It was the contribution of these men united for a love of basketball that in many ways helped Coach Webster and Milan Pepper feel like they were on the right path; After all one of the communities own was endeavoring to bring professional basketball back to St. Louis. Marketing would also be important to the team’s success and Milan Pepper knew just where to begin. Longtime family friend, DeWarren Smith had a knack for promotion and marketing. Working with graphic designers was something, Smith had been doing for a while and after a marketing internship at Notifi Music Group and then pushing Tef Poe to the national scene through XXL Magazine and The Source, he tired of the music scene. “I just wasn’t helping anyone, I know what’s out here and deep down I was searching for something more,” says Smith. What initially began as helping a friend reignited a passion in basketball not felt since Jordan won his sixth ring and instantly became a channel towards community service.
season in the IBA. Jackie “JP” Phillips, known for promotion and marketing; came onboard toward the end of the Trotters 1st season. Bubbling with excitement, ideas, associations, and energy; JP entered the mix and helped bring new life into the organization facilitating a special relationship with MVP Bar & Grill (TrottersHQ) and other local businesses. The Trotters also have added firepower to its coaching staff with Coach Milt Stith who experienced success in the collegiate ranks. Coach Marlon Pepper after obtaining his Masters has decided to take on a more active role in the front office this season taking on the responsibilities as the franchises’ COO. “I’m so proud of my boys,” says Barbara. “With the talent, the deep love we have for the community, and the mission we have set before us we are already champions. Now all we needs is to bring that IBA championship trophy back to the city where it belongs.“ -Victor Newman (Pseudonym)
The Trotters have picked up some serious talent to help take them to a new level in there 2nd full DELUX MAGAZINE
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CONNECT WITH DELUX
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gigi LIFESTYLE
LUXURY
ELEGANTLY HANDCRAFTED
WITH
JEWELRY
INNOVATIVE SOPHISTOCATION
G i G i by J e a n n e .c o m
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[Beauty]
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[Coiffure]
Model: Shayla Garo Hair Stylist: Jennifer Salon: New Beginings Beauty Salon Photographer: MrDonPhotos.com MUA: Antoinette Dowden
How to Achieve the Perfect TWIST OUT Without the Shrinkage These are the steps to getting that “Oh So
Words By Cherice Richmond
I never thought I would go natural, but there came a time when I grew tired of the “creamy crack” and I wanted to have healthy hair again. So I stopped getting my hair relaxed and I was about that healthy hair life. While transitioning, I experienced horrible breakage and I had matted, puppydog hair. Ugh! In July 2012, I grabbed my scissors, cut off my poor excuse for relaxed hair and was no longer held down by scraggly ends. Can we say F-R-E-E-DO-M?! That was the best move I ever made for my hair and now I can’t get enough of flirting with my natural tresses!
During my natural hair journey, I found a successful way of achieving the best wash and go without compromising my length. Curls are a Naturalista’s best friend, but not when they involve major shrinkage! My approach for maintaining and styling natural hair is to keep it simple. And I always get great results. Follow my lead and you too can have the perfect, shrinkage free wash and go. What you’ll need: Hair clips Spray bottle Styling gel
Fab” Wash and Go 1. 2.
3. 4.
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Wash your hair the night before and apply the desired amount of twists or braids to your hair. Take each twist or braid, pull it to the other side and apply a hair clip to lock it into place. This will help stretch your hair as it dries overnight. Wrap your hair with a silk scarf or bonnet and get your beauty sleep. When your hair dries, take your spray bottle, fill it with lukewarm water and spray each section. DO NOT SATURATE! The more water you add, the more shrinkage you will have. Apply styling gel to each section while raking through your hair with your fingers. The finger raking technique will help stretch your curls and it works better than using a demi brush. 6Let your hair air-dry or for faster results, sit under a hooded dryer
That’s it! Now it’s time to rock your mane! For more helpful hints on natural hair maintenance, product reviews, styles and monthly giveaways, please visit www. coveredwithcurls.com. DELUX MAGAZINE
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[Get This]
YOU BETTER WATCH OUT
There are a variety of Polar watches, so it might be difficult to make the right choice. But this FT7 Heart Rate Monitor device combines some of the best features of each watch at an affordable rate. The integrated fitness watch is for those wanting to track their fat burning and determine their fitness progress. Among several features, the FT7 allows you to decide your beats per minute and it follows your progress. $119.95, www.polar.com
UNDER YOUR SKIN
The PMD Personal Microderm allows professional exfoliation treatment from the comfort of home. The tool gently vacuums skin and removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells as it unclogs pores to produce a healthy, blemishfree face. The PMD device also tones skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. $179, www.personalmicroderm.com
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
If you can’t have a private masseuse at your beck and call, the Moji 360 Foot Massager is the next best option. The spheres rotate 360 degrees and offer a full-coverage rubdown as you roll your foot across the personal massager, heel to toe. The Moji 360 is a one size fits all gadget that helps relieve sore feet and achy arches, among other pains. $39.95, www.gomoji.com
WIPE ME DOWN
Matte For Men Complete Cleansing Cloths are perfect for removing dirt and refreshing faces on the go. The moistened wipes contain vitamin A, retinol and collagen, so they are not just good for cleansing; they also exfoliate and bring a youthful glow to the skin. The one-step facial cloths are convenient for travel, but they also work well for lazy nights. There’s no need to rinse or even leave the bed. $22, www.skindirect.com
SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY
A LITTLE R&R AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES
Relax Deep Bath & Shower Oil combines tranquil scents vertivert, chamomile and sandalwood to stimulate your immune system and calm your body for deep rest and relaxation. Add a touch of the oil to your bath and enjoy the soothing comfort as you soak. $63, www.aromatherapyassociates.com
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BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Genre is the perfect fragrance for crisp fall weather. The daring yet feminine scent combines notes of lychee, spicy black pepper, cardamom, warm amber, sandalwood and black vanilla to create a spicy, floral and woodsy aroma. The slightly mysterious Bon Genre is reminiscent of an everchanging autumn day. $75, www1.macys.com
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MO KNOWS HAIR words by: chauncia boyd rogers
An active microblogger on Instagram, Monica “Mo” Stevens noticed that a lot of other accounts shared photos of their hairstyles, but rarely gave instructions for how to achieve the looks. Mo was dissatisfied because she felt the followers of those users weren’t getting what they wanted. “They have questions and they want you to tell them how you did it. From what I can tell, people just want help and lots of it,” Mo says. “Why hold information?” she asks. Mo had already used her Instagram account to share photos of the styles she created for herself and others, but in spring 2013, she decided she would fill the void and offer her followers what others didn’t always provide. She started posting more photos with instructions and tips as well as styling tool and product suggestions. Instagram accounts like @curlbox and @teamnatural_began sharing her pictures and she amassed more than 16 thousand followers. Once her Instagram popularity increased, Mo says she felt confident enough to move forward with her blog. Launched in September 2013, Mo Knows Hair is a blog where everyone, regardless of hair type or stage of growth, can find something helpful, says Mo. “I believe it’s time to start sharing what I know!” In this one-on-one Delux interview, Mo talks about her new blog, her natural hair journey and her favorite products and tools.
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MIXED CHICKS LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER This leave-in gives me definition in my wash-n-go and keeps it from frizzing up. It helps me maintain my style for several days without a lot of shrinkage. I’ve tried a lot of leave-in conditioners, but this is the one the one that doesn’t frizz or dry up. $16.99 (10 oz), www.mixedchicks.net
OUIDAD WIDE-TOOTH COMB This comb is good for detangling your hair while wet, especially if you use conditioner. It helps distribute the conditioner evenly throughout the hair. $8.00, www.ouidad. com
[Coiffure]
Delux: Who is the target audience for Mo Knows Hair? Mo: My target audience is everyone who is interested in healthy hair care and styling tips! Whether you’re natural, color-treated, relaxed or transitioning, there will be something for you at Mo Knows Hair. My blog will feature hair of all types, textures and lengths. Delux: What is the purpose of Mo Knows Hair? What are your goals/intentions? Mo: The purpose of Mo Knows Hair is to share what I’ve learned in my experiences with my own hair and that of friends and family. It is my hope that I can inspire you to try new things and help you have the best version of your hair! You can expect lots of tips on maintaining healthy hair through care and styling methods I use frequently. There will be tons of product reviews and video tutorials on styling and maintenance. I really want to create a place where everyone, regardless of hair type or stage of growth, can find something helpful. Delux: Are you a licensed cosmetologist? How did you get into hair? Mo: I have not attended beauty school. I learned a lot from watching my aunt and cousin who have both owned salons. But, the ability to “do hair” just sort of happened. I remember cutting and curling my dolls’ hair as a kid. Over the years, I learned to cut, color and style by watching other stylists, doing my research and trying things out on others and myself. It’s definitely one of those things I can just do with ease…not sure why, but I’m glad about it! Delux: Briefly describe your natural hair journey. Mo: I have had natural hair off and on throughout life. I would relax my hair when I wanted a short cut to lie nice and sleek. Whenever I would start to grow it out again, I would forego the relaxers and just let my hair do its thing! My last relaxer was in 2009. I had cut some color out of my hair back in 2008 and into a short, tapered cut. From there, I allowed my hair to grow naturally. I did a few sew-ins as a way to keep myself from cutting it again during the growth phase (I realized my patience level for awkward hair growth phases had decreased since I was a teen. LOL). But once I got to a length that let me “bun” easily, I was good to go! I am currently using an ammonia-free demi-permanent hair color to achieve my bright red coils. My natural hair color is a medium brown, and I have type 3A hair with medium porosity, so I am able to achieve brighter colors without additional lift or bleach. Delux: Approximately how many products have your tried during your natural hair journey? Mo: So very many. I’d say around 20-30? I remember using Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue for my wash-n-gos back in 2010 and the results weren’t nearly as great as what I get now with Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioner. It takes time and lots of trial and error to find what works for you.
100% PURE JOJOBA OIL I chose jojoba oil because it’s the oil closest to the oil that your skin makes. It’s a good refresher for the scalp and It’s that’s not heavy to the touch. available at drug, beauty and health stores, prices vary
Delux: What are your favorite hair products? Mo: My three favorite hair products are the Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Shampoo and Conditioner, Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioner and Chi Deep Brilliance Reflect oil. These are products that help my wash-n-go to be soft, shiny and full of defined, fluffy curls. Delux: What general products do you recommend for everyone? Mo: I recommend that everyone have a leave-in conditioner that makes their hair manageable. Whether it is to help with detangling or frizz on the styling end, leave-ins are key to any styling process because they protect the hair. I also recommend the use of 100% pure oils. My favorite is jojoba because its makeup is much like the oil found in human skin naturally. It’s lightweight and can help seal in moisture and stimulate growth. Delux: What essential styling tools you would suggest? Mo: If you straighten your hair, always do so with ceramic tools…blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron. Whatever it is, make sure it’s ceramic and has adjustable temperature settings. Also, make sure you have brushes and combs for different purposes. For example, the Denman 9-row Styling Brush is great for detangling dry hair and the Ouidad Wide-Tooth Comb is perfect for detangling while you condition your hair. Soft boar bristle brushes are ideal for smoothing edges into buns and other protective styles, and classic rattail combs make styling easier! It is important to remember to replace bristled brushes every six months (just like replacing your toothbrush every three months). Bristles split due to regular wear and tear and will snag your hair and possibly pull it out. Also, clean your combs and styling clips often to remove bacteria and product build up. A little of your favorite shampoo to clean combs and clips will work just fine. www.moknowshair.com Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube: moknowshair
CHI DEEP BRILLIANCE SILK REFLECT The oil acts as a heat protectant. I use a diffuser blow dryer and the oil protects my hair from heat damage. Beyond the silk, it has silicon, so it keeps my hair soft and manageable. It protects and shines. $19.99 (12 oz), www. beautydrama.com
DENMAN 9 ROW STYLING BRUSH It’s a great detangling bush because it doesn’t take your hair out. You can use the brush on your hair wet or dry. It glides through the hair easily. $9.99 (medium), www. folica.com
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Some
Spoiled Kidz
Inspire, inform and engage. This is what Clayton Holloway and Shawn Hall aim for with their clothing line, Spoiled Kidz. Holloway and Hall created this dream with the start of their friendship in 6th grade. Both would come up with design ideas in their classes and feed off of each other’s concepts. Later on, they acquired the design skills and determination to make their dreams a reality. The first step in their journey included doing designs for other companies. The next was taking matters into their own hands. In 2011, Spoiled Kidz was open for business with a website that would grow into something bigger. Though Spoiled Kidz is available for all ages, it caters to a younger crowd. You can find uniquely designed clothing for babies, kids and adults, both women and men. Websites, magazines and stores have advertised their products and they even have their clothing
in two stores in the St. Louis area—RSRVD, located in the loop, and DNA, located on Washington Avenue downtown. Spoiled Kidz gives off a hip-hop vibe and has the street cred to back it up with the hip-hop artists in the community that have embraced them. Right now, Holloway and Hall are working towards expanding. Being a St. Louis based company, they welcome the support from the city. At the same time, this duo is looking for platforms on a nation and global scale.
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[Essentials]
THE BODY SHOP
Benefit Refined Finish Facial Product
Face Off!
Refined facial polish brightens skin while exfoiliating the skin while minimizing pores and keeping the skins natural radiance. Contains seaweed and natural clay. $23 sephora.com
Ladies and gentlemen, these products are a must-add to your skin glow treatment.
HONEY MOISTURE MASK
Are you a Survivor? or love the outdoors-- This super-hydrating mask nourishes the most dry and stressed skin with propolis extract, natural honey and vitamins. $22 lather.com
E•SHAVE
Face Moisturizer Made with natural antioxidants Vitami E and Green Tea extract. The enriched moisturizer fights signs of agining as it keels your face nourished while protecting the skin $28 eshave.com
KORRES
KYOKU: THE LAVA MASQUE A purifying natural volcanic mud mixed with volcanic black sand and ash theat works in unicine to draw out excess oils and posions deep with in the skin. With 73 essential sea minerals work to incread blood and oxygen levels renewed cells creating a smother softer skin. $32 amazon.com
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Lip Butter Meet the seasons demand which leaves lips deeply moisturized and kissably soft. Produced with natural oils, shea butter, and rice wax this gloss provides a lasting hydration and softness. $12 sephora.com
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THE CELEBRITY WorkOut with Olympic Medal Hepathelete Hyleas Fountain
BECOMING YOUR BEST SELF Words by: Karen Banks, M.Ed., Therapist & Owner of Trinity Wellness, LLC.
Hyleas Fountain is the only female athlete, next to Jackie Joyner Kersee to win an Olympic medal as a hepathelete. She has a passion for fitness and sports and wants to inspire others to live healthier lifestyles. Check out her at home workout regimen: I recommend this 3 times a week to start Start with a 2min warm-up jogging (outside or in place) Be sure to stretch your muscles Next do 50 jumping jacks (2 repetitions) Rest for 1 min Then begin with a front lunge (10 each leg, 2 repetitions) Rest for 2min Then do a back lunge (10 each leg, 2 repetitions) Rest for 1 min
-Rocket jumps (touch your toes, then jump in the air, 10 each, 2 repetitions) Rest for 2 minutes Then do Mountain Climbers (15 each side, 2 repetitions) Take a 1min break -Finish this workout with In and outs (hands on ground in push up position. With feet jump in jump out, 10 each and 2 repetitions) Cool down with a 1 or 2 min jog and Stretch Performing this routine daily is perfect for those who work from home, don’t get to the gym often, or just want to work out from the comfort of their own home. If you have not worked out in a while you may be sore after. I encourage you to keep pushing. Happy Training!
What would it take to become the person you desire to be? Are you living up to your full potential or is something holding you back? In my time as a therapist, I have come to realize that many times we allow ourselves to become our own worst enemy. Whether we are replaying the tortuous words of our parents, peers or ourselves, we seem to have a hard time overcoming obstacles and developing into our best selves. In this article, I will briefly touch on a few thinking points that may help you become your best self. • “But” is a powerful word and it needs to be removed from your vocabulary promptly. The next time you find yourself dreaming or goal setting, listen to the words you say. Do you talk yourself out of success before you even get a good start? Stop using the word “but” and replace it with a more empowering word. • Remove obstacles from your life. We each have obstacles that may be unique to us. So, think about the places, people, things, situations, emotions and relationships slowing your growth. Is it time for a move out of your current city? Is it time to let go of someone whose season in your life is finished? Are you holding on to anger from a lifetime ago? Stop allowing people and things free rent in your life! • Are you making investments in your life that help you find balance? What daily steps do you take to reach your physical, mental, and spiritual goals? (Check out my wellness articles in previous issues of Delux to find some helpful tips on balancing your life). • Focus on the positive. Stop talking about what you don’t have or can’t do. The universe only hears one thing and you will continue to attract the same negative energy that you release. • Finally, walk your own path. Leave the path that other people expect you to follow. YOU are responsible for living YOUR life. This is not your mother’s second chance to get it right. Your path is not a chance for your spouse to live through you. We are each given one chance at life. Do you want to live it your way or someone else’s? Becoming your best self is not an easy adventure. You have a lifetime to figure it out and there are no mistakes, just opportunities to try better next time. Be a better YOU! Don’t forget to email me at info@trinitywellnessstl. com with your questions and dilemmas. Visit my blog at trinitywellstl.blogspot.com or follow me on Twitter @TrinityWellSTL for more mental health and wellness tips.
Nourish, Condition & Style Enriched with African Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E to deep condition, moisturize and nourish your hair.
©2013 Strength of Nature Global, LLC DELUX MAGAZINE 29
DELUX
INDIVIDUALS 32 Judith Hill
34 Cakes By Nette
35 Shots By Miko
influencers
cant touch this “How bad do you want it..”-
WORDS BY DELUX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS
36 Lucky Lucy
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I AM JUDITH HILL
Having literally spent her life immersed in music, Judith has long been on a path towards capturing the depth and breadth of her artistic vision. Her remarkable journey has taken the gifted singer/songwriter/musician to stages all over the planet, both as a solo performer as well as alongside such icons as the late, great Michael Jackson. Now Judith is poised to take her own well-deserved place in the spotlight. A richly emotive vocal stylist and virtuosic piano player, Judith has worked her whole life to make a name for herself. “I’m an organic soul artist with a passion to bring the world together,” Judith says. “The music, whether it’s funk or a ballad, it’s all about that message. That’s the thing that resonates most for me, that message and the heart behind it.” Musically minded from the start, Judith penned her first song at just four years old. But that’s no surprise, considering that the Los Angeles native grew up in such an intensely musical household. Her father, Robert “Pee Wee” Hill is a pioneering funk bassist known for his work with such artists as Sly Stone, Jimmy Smith and Bob Dylan. And her mom, Michiko Hill, is an accomplished keyboardist with credits including Rufus and Chaka Khan, Wayne Shorter and Billy Preston. In addition to their steady session work, the Hills also own and operate Master’s Crib Recording Studio, which served as a genuinely motivating playground for Judith. “It was very inspiring,” she says. “I was constantly surrounded by great musicians. Of course, it is only as I got older that I realized what a lucky girl I was.” Judith fell in love with the sounds of funk, jazz and soul. And she had a special fondness for gospel, especially from a vocal standpoint. She cites Aretha Franklin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and The Winans as some of her favorites. But despite her love of music, there was a time when she became somewhat uninterested. As a preteen, she rebelled against her mother’s piano lessons. She soon came back around though. “I felt like everyone around me did it and I wanted to do something different,” Judith explains. “It wasn’t until I was a little bit older that I really found the passion for music inside of me. I couldn’t help but do it.” With that in mind, Judith pursued a degree in music composition at Biola
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University, where she wrote her first symphony as well as pieces for piano, vocal groups, chamber ensembles and string quartets. “Getting inside of the music became the biggest passion I’d ever had,” Judith says. “I realized there was so much to learn, from the early baroque period to romantic classical to contemporary classical and jazz. I became so excited about it, I knew I didn’t want to do anything else with my life.” After graduation, Judith spent a year in Paris singing background vocals for legendary French singer/songwriter Michel Polnareff. Judith says it was a great experience, but she quickly discovered that her true desire was focusing on her own artistry. Judith returned home and began writing and recording songs and sharpening her performance chops at open mic nights. But fate threw her a curveball when a musician friend asked Judith if he could submit her name to Michael Jackson who was looking for background singers. Judith agreed and to her surprise, she found herself with the job. “It came out of nowhere. I was like, well, that’s a change of plans. But, a good change of plans,” Judith says. Judith put her own music on hold and began rehearsing with Jackson for the planned “This Is It” world tour. In addition to her role as background vocalist, she was chosen to duet with Michael on the classic “Bad” ballad, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” And the performance later became the undisputed highlight of the posthumously released film, “This Is It.” Working closely with one of pop music’s greatest talents proved both inspiring and educational. “He was amazing. [He was] very polite, very shy, but so iconic in everything he did—everything you’d imagine him to be like. He was a perfectionist. He knew exactly what he wanted,” says Judith, admiring Michael. “I learned so much just observing him rehearse us, giving notes to the lighting person or the director. It was so incredible to see this iconic King of Pop putting a show together.” Michael’s sudden death in 2009 left Judith and the “This Is It” troupe in a heartbroken state of shock. As the world mourned, Judith was asked to sing at Jackson’s public memorial. Watched by one billion fans around the world, the service’s emotional crescendo came from Judith’s powerfully poignant performance of “Heal The World.” She declares that moment a milestone
in her life. “Just being there was overwhelming, but I felt that I had a responsibility to rise above myself and be an inspiring person, to represent Michael in the best way possible.” Media and industry players soon besieged Judith, all pushing her to release something immediately. Though advised to ride the momentum, she opted to spend the next few years refining her sound through experimentation and collaborations. Judith strived to perfect every aspect of her artistic persona, incorporating her lifelong zeal for fashion and theatre into her live act while simultaneously pushing her music forward by blending her extensive array of influences into her own unique sound. Says Judith, “I’m really passionate about bringing cultures together. I love music from Asian and Arabic and African cultures and it’s exciting to also play with those things visually. Being biracial, those things represent me as well as the world” Judith’s desire to create what she calls a more international experience rather than just American pop music led to her spending much of 2011 traveling the world in partnership with Avon Cosmetics, serving as spokesperson and star of their worldwide Avon Believe World Tour. The trek took Judith to such faraway places as Istanbul, Shanghai, New Delhi, Warsaw, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Johannesburg. Further travels brought her to Southeast Asia and South America, where she performed as a background singer for Stevie Wonder. While she had not planned to continue her background work, the offer to work with Stevie proved irresistible. “I said to myself I wouldn’t do background after Michael but when Stevie asked me. I just said, ‘Yes, of course.’ It’s been a great experience. He’s such an inspiration, just like Michael. I’m so blessed to get to work with these people,” Judith says. Judith’s musical journey has since brought her to the soundtrack for Spike Lee’s film, “Red Hook Summer,” the stage of The Voice and to the lens of film director Morgan Neville in the upcoming film “20 Feet From Stardom.” Now on the next leg of her great adventure, Judith is recording her debut solo album. With her voice, talent and beauty, she’s likely to go far.
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Words by: Kristin Braswell Photo by: Lawrence Bryant
THE SWEETEST THING Since Shanette “Nette” Redd’s childhood, baking has been a major part of her life. Watching her mother and grandmother create sugary concoctions in the kitchen was a common pastime that eventually helped the Cakes by Nette owner realize her calling. Because of those sweet sessions, Nette developed a certain expectation for quality baked goods. So when the birthday cake she bought for her daughter’s second birthday wasn’t up to par, she was disappointed. Using the experience as a chance to tap back into her family’s baking legacy, Nette took a basic cake decorating class in her neighborhood and made her daughter’s third birthday cake on her own. After that, there was no turning back. Nette began baking cakes out of her home and demand for her desserts increased by word of mouth, which she says was her best friend in those days. After the birth of her son in 2007, Nette decided she did not want to go back to her corporate job. “I had been operating out of my home for five years,” explains Nette. “The day before I was to return from maternity leave, I just couldn’t do it. My heart wasn’t there. You work for someone eight hours a day and don’t have any happiness to write about. I had those six weeks to actually do nothing but focus on cakes and because that was my only distraction, during that time I turned out some awesome creations that I 34
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had always wanted to try.” And when she left her day job, things began to fall into place. Nette’s parents offered her the support she needed and she says she didn’t really struggle to get her business off the ground because she was well prepared. “I did my homework, researched, [and] took the necessary classes. I read up on everything: health laws, codes, what was needed to open up a bakery. I had everything in order when I finally went to apply for my loan,” says Nette. And she didn’t have to endure the trial and error most new entrepreneurs encounter. “I got it on the first try,” she says. In 2008, Nette opened Cakes by Nette at Jamestown Mall in Florissant, Mo (just minutes outside of St. Louis). Since then, business has soared. Cakes by Nette has seen an increase in sales because of social media. The bakery is gaining esteem on Instagram where people can view enticing pictures of the delicious treats being offered each day. Social media followers also get a glimpse at the sweet shop’s 3-D custom cakes, which Nette says are their best sellers along with tiered cakes. Cakes by Nette creates customized cookies and wedding cakes too. Customers flock to the shop’s layer cakes, cheesecakes, and cupcakes. And the cocktail cupcake menu is available at certain times for those who like to mix a little sweetness with
their libations. “Cupcake Happy Hour” includes alcoholic beverage inspired cupcakes like Amaretto Sour, Mimosa, and even Patrón. In the five years since Cakes by Nette opened, the bakery has been quite successful. Still, Nette has bigger goals. She says the Jamestown Mall location is just a pit stop. “I want to have a facility that can accommodate decorating parties for birthdays, bridal showers, etc. I want to be known as ‘that place’ to get creative, customized cakes,” she says. “I’m working with several businesses that get our dessert cakes to sell in their establishments. I want our name to be known all over St. Louis.” Cakes by Nette is definitely becoming more popular for their “sweet necessities” but Nette is also making a social impact in the community. She is a member of an organization called Icing Smiles that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families with critically ill children. Nette’s business puts a smile on her face as well. She says cake decorating is her passion and she loves what she does. “It’s therapeutic for me in some ways because it releases my creative energy. I love to make people’s ideas come to life in the form of cake,” Nette fondly declares. “Seeing the joy and hearing the excitement when customers pick up their cake lets me know I’ve done my job correctly.”
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SHOTS BY MIKO words by: Janine Brownridge
Being a true mixologist requires more than combining your everyday cranberry juice with your favorite brand of vodka. Six years of bartending for a wide array of venues along with being certified and licensed is what makes Miko Richardson of Shots by Miko a professional. “With me being the owner, I am certified to create custom cocktails,” says Miko. “I’m not just a ‘mixing juice and alcohol’ type thing. I have the ability to use infusion and boil extraction and things like that.” When her friends were opening a nightclub, Miko helped them set it up and she was offered a bartending position. Miko tended bar at that location and she also serviced several other venues. Eventually, people took notice of her unique drink making ability and her personable character. The positive reception of her drinks and her increasing popularity inspired Miko to develop her own bartending service. Miko’s boyfriend convinced her to start Drinks by Miko, “We built a team around what I do which is highlight customer service,” Miko says. “Shots by Miko was built around that and the creativity of making custom cocktails and custom shots for people.” Though they have been working since March 2012, Shots by Miko officially opened in July 2013. Comprised of a team with four women and two men, all of whom are licensed bartenders, Shots by Miko provides drinks for various events such as weddings, birthdays and more. Their signature is a line of Long Island iced teas. The popular drinks range from the simple Long Island to more complex and exotic types with ingredients such as ginger mixed in. Shots by Miko has been successful so far and the team is currently expanding their presence. They have travelled as far away as St. Louis to cater their cocktails and they have connections in Atlanta.
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Luck Be A Lady Words by: Kristin Braswell
When Tara Martin and Nicole Fisher first contemplated launching their own skincare line, their grandmothers’ creativity and belief in nature’s healing powers served as the blueprint and inspiration for their business. “Tara’s grandmother, Ms. Lillie, was an herbalist and believed that if you had an ailment, you could be healed by nature. My grandmother Mrs. Ethel represents the fun side of the company. She is creative, spunky and full of life,” says Nicole. Tara had always wanted to share her grandmother’s beliefs and apply them to skincare. After years of buying lackluster beauty products, Tara and Nicole took a leap of faith and launched Lucky Lucy Body Desserts, named after Nicole’s grandmother, Ethel Lucille. “I have always been into skincare and all things natural. I wanted to provide products that were natural but with a creative, […] feminine twist,” says Nicole. We came up with the name ‘body desserts’ because our products are like a treat for the skin.” In 2012, they started their business by sending samples to bloggers and hair events in New York City. Though initially nervous about leaving the security of their day jobs, Nicole and Tara believe their risk is paying off. “To be honest, if we never took the leap, we would still be unhappy and saying ‘what if,’ Nicole says. Like most entrepreneurs, Nicole and Tara had to learn through trial and error. Landing initial 36
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funding for their business proved difficult in the beginning, but their friendship and belief in the quality of their product helped them persevere. “We have been friends for over 15 years, so we are pretty much like sisters,” says Nicole. “We are a balance of serious and silly so that is how we manage to make it through the day. If we don’t agree in something we don’t do it.” When the women do agree—sometimes by mistake—magic happens. “Our fragrance Hello Good Morning was a complete accident,” Nicole explains. “We accidentally knocked over a scent into the one we were working on and we both looked at each other and said ‘hold on, we have something here.’ We sent the products out with this fragrance and they were a hit.” With all of their product creations, Nicole and Tara want women to know that natural skincare can be sexy. The appeal to all Lucky Lucy Body Desserts products is in the women’s holistic approach to the process. Tara and Nicole personally handcraft each product to ensure they are all natural and organic. “Our products are free of harmful chemicals that destroy the sensitive layers of the skin. We use a natural preservative system in all of our products. We combine herbs, natural oils, plants and other natural ingredients. Our signature fragrances are formulated using a mix of essential oils, herbs and safe synthetics, ‘safe’ meaning free from toxic chemicals like parabens and the other
fillers that disturb your skin from its radiant glowing state,” says Tara. Before marketing their body desserts, they test the concoctions on family and friends. Depending on the response, they make improvements. And their products have been well received. Lucky Lucy Body Desserts have reached a wide demographic, from Alaska to New York City. Nicole and Tara also aim to keep their business local and community-oriented by teaming up with Atlanta Mission, a non-profit organization that aids homeless. Lucky Lucy will donate proceeds from each order placed to the organization. Nicole and Tara will launch a new e-commerce site in January 2014. They will also debut several new organic skincare lines including a facial line. And the products will be showing up in various beauty box subscriptions throughout the country. The duo is passionate about their products and their friendly competition means more and better products for the consumer. Says Nicole, “We love every aspect of our business. We try to outdo each other in making products all of the time. We have a lot of fun in our creative process.” www.TheLuckyLucyShop.com Facebook:LuckyLucyBodyDesserts Instagram and Twitter: @LuckyLucyBD Email: Info@TheLuckyLucyShop.com
YOU MAKE
IT
WE BAKE IT WHILE U W AIT
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FALL CURVES Being bold with out being flamboyant... being full figured while embracing your curves... These 2013 Fall Fashion looks courtesy of Honey’s Child Boutique scream confidene, sexy, and “I’m Every Woman” Be Bold... Be Sexy... Be You!!!
Photography: Mc Arthur Photography Creative Direction: Kayla Bolton Wardobe Stylist: Laticia McPherson-Young Make Up Artist: Classy Faces by Candace Clothing: Honey’s Child Boutique Shoes: Diba Shoes Model: Angela Wilkins
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Fashion Stylist: J.Bolin Co-stylist: Fiskani HairStylist Robert “RJ” Stell MUA: Aisha Phillips Jewelry: Maryse
DELUXCOVER
Keeping Up With Keshia Keshia Knight Pulliam is best known for her iconic role as Rudy Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” Still, the Emmy-nominated actress has continued to make a name for herself since the classic sitcom ended more than 20 years ago. Her most recent credits include a role on “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” for which she won three NAACP Image Awards, and “The Love Letter,” a TV movie with Romeo Miller. But, Keshia says acting is what she does and not the totality of who she is. Accordingly, Keshia has taken on more off-camera projects and is exploring other life endeavors. She has started her own production company, Kizzy Productions, and she is the deeply involved founder of Kamp Kizzy. In a chat with Delux, Keshia talks about the woman she has become and how her beloved organization is helping young girls grow. The composed yet commanding celeb also speaks on why all child actors are not the same and she ventures her opinion on a former co-star’s much-speculated sexual orientation while playing coy about her own life and a potential Tyler Perry project.
Words by: Chauncia Boyd-Rogers Photography: Will Sterling
DELUXCOVER
Delux: What have you been up to? Keshia: I’ve been up to a lot of different things. I’m the new spokesperson for Hairfinity hair vitamins. For the past few months I’ve been focusing on my non-profit which is called Kamp Kizzy and it’s all about empowerment and self-esteem for girls.
in the door on the first day and the girl on the last day leaving camp. And it’s a testament that all the parents share. I can’t quantify it. I love working with the girls. It’s an exchange. They affect you as positively as you affect them. You go into it thinking you’re going to help these girls, but there’s so much that they open your eyes to that you see. And they, in turn, empower you.
Delux: Tell me about Kamp Kizzy. Keshia: We do so many different workshops. It’s a holistic approach, so everything from health and wellness to exercise to understanding that this is your temple so whatever you put in it is what you get out of it. We have partners with Whole Foods who do healthy food demonstrations. Planned Parenthood is a partner of ours who has been a partner from the beginning. They do reproductive and sexual health with the girls, which is really important. And the biggest thing that we do—we do things throughout the year—but we do a camp in the summer, which is free for all the girls. The girls that we work with are ages 11 to 16 and from all backgrounds, socioeconomic, race, religion … you name it. This past July was our third year and we had about 105 girls, and it was amazing. It was a workshop that I designed and I love it. It’s a really fun, engaging way to just pretty much instill the great habits into them from the beginning and not have to unlearn bad habits later on in life.
Delux: Are you focusing mainly on Kamp Kizzy right now or are you looking to do more acting projects? Keshia: I do all of the above. Acting will always be a part of my life. I actually just had a TV movie that I did air on “Up” a few weeks ago. So I’m continuously doing projects and I have my own production company, [Kizzy Productions]. And I do write, so from a production standpoint I’m working on my own ideas at this point, as well. So it’s always something going on in my world.
Delux: What are the good habits you’re talking about instilling? Keshia: It’s just instilling in them the selfesteem, knowing and living their own power as young women, from body image to just knowing their worth. And it’s really important that they understand that if they are able to dream it, there is nothing that is outside of their reach. Our motto is “Dream big. Think big. Accomplish big.”
“...PEOPLE BEFORE THEY KNOW YOU MAY HAVE AN OPINION OR THEY FEEL THAT THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE...”
Delux: Where did the idea for Kamp Kizzy originate? Keshia: It’s something that I always wanted to do. Community service is something that’s been dear to my heart. When I was at Spelman, I was actually a Bonner Scholar, which is a community service based scholarship. I did a lot of stuff in the community, specifically with kids and with girls. And I always knew that I wanted to do a non-profit because my affinity is definitely with kids and girls in particular. One thing I can do is teach a girl how to be a woman, because I have experience in that. And it’s really about exposing them to different things, because if you don’t know it even exists, you don’t know to dream it. But this was something that I always wanted to do and I finally just said I’m going to do it. Literally, it was between me and my assistant. And I sat here on my couch and said, “This is what I’m going to do.” And we did it. I’m very close with my family and my mother is the director and runs the day-to-day for my camp. But this isn’t something I’ve outsourced to anyone else. This is my baby. I’m there everyday. I developed a curriculum and it’s very close to my heart.
Delux: Do you have a staff of professionals or experts? Keshia: No. It’s not that. It isn’t a talking head, “let me tell you what you need to do.” It’s a very interactive process where I invite very good girlfriends on mine in different arenas, with different jobs and different experiences to come in and work hands-on with the girls. And what you’ll realize is it’s not about an expert coming in saying this is what you need to do and how you need to do it. It’s more an environment of nurturing the girls and being the example for them—not telling them what to do, but living it. And they will respond so much better. Delux: How do you measure Kamp Kizzy’s success or determine the girls’ growth? Keshia: It’s intangible. It’s nothing you can put a measure or meter on. You can see it in the girls’ faces. There is a transformation from the girl who walks
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Delux: You use the name Kizzy a lot. Is that your nickname? Keshia: Yes. It’s a family name. I was born right when “Roots” came out and my grandfather loved Leslie Uggams, the actress [who portrayed Kizzy]. So my grandfather has never called me Keshia a day in my life. He’s always called me Kizzy. And it’s kind a self-fulfilling prophecy. He was like, “That’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to be like Leslie.” And I became an actress, so…
have.
Delux: What projects are you working on with Kizzy Productions? Keshia: We have a few different things. We’ve been pitching and doing a lot of different things in terms or that. In terms of network, we haven’t done anything yet. However, I’m just really kind of turning my attention to it more. I’m back in Atlanta. I’ve been kind of going back and forth between LA and Atlanta. For the past several years, I’ve been working on “The House of Payne,” so now I kind of have the downtime to really get into it. Delux: Tyler Perry recently asked his social network followers if they wanted to see “The House of Payne” come back. Do you know anything about that? Keshia: I do, mm hmm. Delux: Is that something you would be on for? Keshia: Well, we’ll see how it all comes together. You guys will just have to wait and see what we
Delux: We’re going to be a little bit mysterious about that? I understand. Are you willing to open up on reality TV? Keshia: It would just have to be the right project because with reality TV, you’re not playing a character. It’s you and your real life. I’ve definitely toyed with the idea in the past. Although I’m a very public person, I’m also very private and guarded about my private life. And I like having my private life private. Delux: Is your guarded private life the reason why there are a lot of rumors about who you are dating, but no confirmation? Keshia: People are going to talk. People are going to have an opinion, but that doesn’t have anything to do with me. Delux: Are you going to tell me who you’re dating? Keshia: Nope. Well, you know, I just feel like some things should just be for you. Delux: Do you think you want to start a family any time soon? Keshia: Absolutely. I always wanted a family. Family is very important to me. And my immediate family, as it is, we’re very close knit. I’ve always wanted to be a mom, get married and do all of that. But I feel like it’s something that you do in the right timing. And I feel like everyone’s timing is different. And
it’s nothing that you rush into, because when I get married, my desire is for it to be forever. Delux: Speaking of children, would let your children get into entertainment or acting? Keshia: Possibly. I mean, honestly with my kids, I’m going to encourage them to follow their dreams and their desires. And it’s not about what I put on them or what my dreams for them are. My job is to support them in all that they desire to do. Delux: You have managed to make into adulthood without controversy and drama. How do you maintain a positive image and reputation as a child star? Keshia: At the end of the day, everyone has trials and tribulations and life happens. But I think it’s interesting how people like to lump in child stars as if there’s only one. We are different people. We all have our different upbringing, different family support, so all of those things play a part in your life and how it turns out. And I’ve been very fortunate to have a great family and a great upbringing. That’s just not what I wanted. Sometimes you look at mistakes people made before you and you decide, “That’s not what I want for my life.” It tells you and teaches you what not to do. And it’s a really hard business, like it’s a very adult business and it’s just one of those things. I’ve very grateful. I’m very blessed and I feel like I never really had to deal with any of that. I feel like a lot of that had to do with LA has never been my home. We filmed “The Cosby Show” in New York. I’m originally from Jersey, so I was able to be at home and work. And again, it’s always been what I do and not who I am. My value as a woman has never been what job I’m doing, which role is coming next. That’s just not how I was raised. So I definitely feel like that plays a part. And I took time away to go to college. It’s important to grow holistically, to go to school, to pursue other interests. And I did that. So that’s what I can say has worked for me. I’m not in the shoes of others to be able to judge or give an assessment of what did or didn’t work for them. Delux: Do you think all child stars are exposed to the detrimental elements of the industry and then they just have to have whatever it takes to overcome? Keshia: I feel like that’s just a real blanket statement and it’s hard to say. It really, really just depends. It’s not kind of a catchall that you can say every child star has had this experience. Because every person, just like any two people you know, even if they’re in the same job, their experiences are very special and unique. Delux: How do you maintain your relevance after starring on a major show for several years, but so early in life? Keshia: To tell you the truth, I just live my life. It’s that simple. I believe my brand is timeless and it’s very relatable to all people. You know people grew up with me on television. I was everyone’s sister, best friend, first girlfriend, all of that. And I’ve maintained that throughout the years in terms of my relatability, my class, my intellect, beauty, all of the above. So ultimately, I do feel as if I’ve grown into a woman who exudes that confidence, the elegance and the intelligence. Delux: It’s been almost 30 years since “The Cosby Show” debuted. Will there be any type of reunion? Keshia: I don’t know. I’m not sure exactly what they have planned yet—if anything. Delux: You just did a guess staring spot on “Guys with Kids” with Tempestt Bledsoe. Are you in touch or working with anyone else? Keshia: Yeah. I mean when you’ve had that kind of experience, they are very much like family. So we definitely keep in touch. And no matter how much time elapsed between seeing one another, it’s such a common bond that you just kind of pick up where you left off. I just saw [Raven-Symoné] a few weeks ago when she was in Atlanta. Delux: What is your response to the speculation about Raven’s sexuality? Keshia: It’s her life. If you’re not sleeping with her, why are you worried about who she’s sleeping with? Because it’s really none of your business. That’s how I feel about it. She’s a grownup and whatever decision she makes, I support her 100 percent—in terms of that. Delux: People are familiar with you because of your role on “The Cosby Show.” Do people have a tendency to treat you as Rudy Huxtable instead of Keshia? Keshia: All people before they know you may have an opinion or they feel that they know who you are. I mean it happens. People make snap judgments about people walking down the street and they have no clue who they are. However, I’m very much my authentic self. So I believe that shines through.
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Missouri Fashion Week WORDS CILAH HALL IMAGES PROPHOTOSTL.COM
T
he runway featured more than 20 designers from across the state and around
the country. Chicago Designer Rachel Frank brought her signature edge with dramatic looks that made fashion influencers rush backstage for a close up. Sherrell Hall of Adkition brought her sexy chic aesthetic with a collection that dazzled. Haus of Sierra Moses departed from its super sexy plunging necklines to create a collection for the sophisticated, fashion-conscious woman. Wynette Jones of Studio B3’s print fabric seduced with a flowing collection made one want to set sail aboard a luxury yatch sipping Moet.
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Trang’s minimal sleek silhouettes were a draw for the contemporary woman. The shows kicked off with electrifying performances from choreographer to the stars, Wizdom Truth. The ‘X’ shaped crisp white runway was a welcome departure from the usual, adding another wow factor to an already exciting venue filled with vintage motorcycles.
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[Taste]
MAGNOLIA’S
Contemporary Southern Bistro words by: Janine Brownridge
“ Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity” Voltaire Picture yourself ordering a red velvet waffle with your favorite breakfast sides to begin your Sunday morning brunch . Or maybe shrimp and grits is your go-to choice for a hearty, southern meal. Whichever way, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for to satisfy your craving at Magnolia’s Contemporary Southern Bistro in Kansas City, Mo. The restaurant started as a catering company five years ago with Shanita McAfee, and other personal chefs working private parties and a variety of other events. But Shanita, Magnolia’s owner and chef, decided she wanted to take her business in a new, greater direction. “I was wanting to try something new, take it to the next level,” Shanita says. “I decided that I wanted to buy a small café type restaurant.” Before Shanita became a restaurant owner or even a caterer, she was a young girl who took interest in the culinary world. She says she developed a passion for food and cooking when she was 14 years old. The future chef watched her mother and grandmother cook and she learned some techniques from watching various cooking shows. Shanita combined what she had learned from TV and the skills she had acquired from her family and began cooking for her loved ones. She was in eight grade when she learned she could turn her passion for cooking into a career. After that, Shanita was committed to making her dream come true. Magnolia’s officially opened in April 2012. Adopting the “M” from her last name, Shanita wanted a name that would match the feel that a southern bistro should have. The name Magnolia came about, perfectly encompassing the atmosphere that the dishes create with their elegant presentation. “I’ve gone to culinary school so we try to incorporate the education I had in school with everything I grew up eating and loving,” says Shanita speaking of Magnolia’s cuisine and ambience. “We just kind of make it more fancy.” Shanita, who spent time working in the south in addition to studying the cuisine there, enjoys having customers from the south that love her renditions of traditional southern dishes. “We try to pay attention to the detail and to show that everything is flavorful and well seasoned,” says Shanita. Shanita says she is still thinking of different avenues that Magnolia’s could take in the future. “Are we going to expand into a full service dinner club restaurant? Are we going to just go back to catering?” she ponders. “At this point I think that the options are limitless.” MAGNOLIA’S 2932 Cherry Street Kansas City, Missouri 64108 (816) 531-2882 info@magnoliaskc.com www.magnoliaskc.com
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Available for Digital Download October 31st
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Avery
[Vibin’]
Sunshine
words by: Gerren Keith Gaynor
Avery*Sunshine may not be a household name, but she’s most certainly an attention grabber. Her name, stylized with a noticeable asterisk, stops you in your tracks. “It’s one name,” Avery boldly declares. It’s a reminder, the singer says, for people to always “shine” in times of adversity. “In the midst of all of that darkness is where the light shines brightest,” she says. Avery’s music, which is a cross between adult contemporary R&B and neo-soul, is where she not only spreads a little soulful cheer, but levels the playing field between artist and listener. During her shows you’ll often find the former choir director teaching her songs to her audience so that they’re able to sing along to the hearty tunes. “I don’t care if I’m singing for two or two million, if they’re singing the music, that’s success for me,” she says. Avery is a musician in every sense of the word. Having studied music at Spelman College, the singer is a trained pianist and has starred in the Jasmine Guy-directed musical, “I Dream.” Originally from Philly, which is also home to the likes of Jill Scott and Boyz II Men, Avery*Sunshine occupies a sometimes empty space in music where the artist doesn’t just talk to you in song, but makes you a part of the conversation. Most of the songs and music videos off her 2010 selftitled debut album (heavily inspired by a divorce) are like pages from her personal diary. “No gas is in my tank and I’ve got myself to thank, I had to make ten dollars last for three weeks and a day,” she sings on “I Got Sunshine,” a radiant track that is both relatable and inspirational. Avery’s candid tales have paid off well. In addition to touring with Ledisi and sharing the stage with Eric Benet, one of her most popular tracks, “Ugly Part Of Me,” garnered radio airplay and heavy rotation on VH1 Soul and Centric. And that was no easy feat considering the independent singer/songwriter does not have a major record label in her corner. But defying the odds is what Avery*Sunshine is all about. “I had to grow into being happy with my full hips and my full bosom,” she admits. Now she firmly embraces her womanly curves and unorthodox, yet striking beauty. “Clearly I want to look the best for me and I want [my body] to be healthy, but I’m not going to [slim down] so that I can sell records,” she says. “I hope that my sisters and brothers are empowered when they see me talking about wearing Spanx.” Regardless, it’s her voice—sweet and thick like honey—and animated lyricism that propels her to a stratosphere all on her own. Though she’s still in the introductory phase of her career, Avery*Sunshine is hoping her upcoming sophomore album will change her status. And with Musiq Soulchild and DJ Jazzy Jeff as collaborators, listeners are sure to take notice. “I want to be a part of that soundtrack to people’s lives,” she says. “I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard Donny Hathaway’s tunes for the first time, and I want my music to do that for others.” DELUX MAGAZINE
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[The Look]
the smaller things...
1.Stella & Dot Rhea Bangles (in rose gold) $79 2.Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace $198 3.Stella & Dot Tempest Bracelet $98 4.Stella & Dot Pouf in Leopard Print $24 5.Stella & Dot Union Square Scarf in Midnight Bloom $59 6.Stella & Dot Lakra Bangle $59 7.Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet (in silver) $59 All of the S&D items can be purchased from my website, www.stelladot.com/tameka
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where
KC’s BRGR Kitchen + Bar
EAT+DRINK ST.LOUIS
MEMPHIS
Hand-crafted cocktails, succulent nosh, jazz, and funk-driven late night grooves are only a compliment to the true nature of what makes our city so wonderful.
There’s no shortage of creativity, flair or flavor at the only restaurant in Memphis serving Jamaican and Southern cuisine to the masses. Founded by owners Tony Hall and Vicki Newsom, this top-rated eatery offers authentic Jamaican foods like pigeon peas and salt fish as well as sorrel—a sweet beverage made with hibiscus, ginger and sugar cane. Get a fill on the small plates and don’t forget to try their yummy desserts.
LOLA
500 N 14TH Street St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 621-7277 www.welovelola.com
HOUSTON
THE CHOCOLATE BAR
Chocolate lovers, sugar addicts and sweet treat fanatics will adore The Chocolate Bar. This dessert spot has something for every confection craving and has been featured in documentaries and on the Food Network. With an extensive menu and seemingly endless options, patrons can choose from gourmet bars, fresh fruit, dipped cookies, pizza, popcorn, ice cream, coffee and even something for pets! 1835 W. Alabama Houston, TX 77098 (713) 520-8599 theorginalchocolatebar.com
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EVELYN & OLIVE
630 Madison Ave Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 748-5422 www.evelynandolive.com
MEMPHIS
INTERSTATE BBQ
It makes sense that Jim Neely would pick the city some consider the “Barbecue Capital of the World” to open his iconic restaurant. This tasty place was once voted “Best Small Business” and has been recognized by “People,” “Vogue” and “USA Today” as a top spot in the country for great tasting barbecue. Interstate BBQ is the place
to get a fix for a classic ‘cue craving and try a couple new things too. Try indulging in some BBQ nachos. 2265 S. Third Street Memphis, TN 38109 (901) 775-2304 www.interstatebarbecue.com
KANSAS CITY PORT FONDA
What started as Kansas City’s most talked about dining experience — authentic Mexican cuisine served from custom Airstream trailer — Port Fonda has taken that grassroots success and turned it into one of Kansas Cities most compelling restaurants. A home away from home for people that value quality, local ingredients, and creative expressions of rustic Mexican cuisine. Open seven days a week, 4141 Pennsylvania Ave Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 216-6462 www.PortFondaKc.com
Lunc h Hours
Monday–Friday 11am-2pm 2617 Washington Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63103
Dinner Service Wednesday 5pm -10pm Thursday 5pm -12am Friday 5pm -1:30am Saturday 5pm -1:30am
Live M usic
Wed-Friday 7pm-9pm Find us on facebook Follow us on twitter @theRusticGoat
314. 371 . 4031 www.RusticGoat.com DELUX MAGAZINE
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Know of a special place to eat + play + socialize? Let us know... email your favorite destination to delux@delux-mag.com.
SHOP+SOCIAL ST. LOUIS CLUB VIVA
Previously named one of St Louis’ Best Dance Clubs, dance enthusiasts and club-goers and can stop by for a chance to check out live music or DJs spinning hot tracks. During the week, this multicultural dance venue is the place to be for the latest reggae and R&B tunes. Thursday through Sunday, Club Viva transforms into a Latin spot for those who want to spice it up with some sultry salsa. They also offer free salsa dancing lessons. 408 N. Euclid Ave St Louis, MO 63108 (314) 361-0322 www.clubvivastl.com
ATLANTA
REIGN NIGHTCLUB
If you’re in Atlanta on a Friday night, this spot is the place to be! “25 and Older hosts 4Play Fridays which gives you an upscale, high energy environment at an affordable rate. Reign, the number one nightclub for urban professionals, has a sophisticated and energetic feel that attracts a diverse crowd including celebrities like Drake, Future, and Kevin Hart. At Reign, colorful lights illuminate the dance floor and a mist gently sprays from the ceiling to cool club goers as they turn up to the sounds of Atlanta’s DJ Kash. Kash, of popular radio station V-103, gets the crowd going with the hottest hip-hop and R&B. For free entry on Fridays, RSVP via 25andolder.com. Doors open at 10. 1029 Peachtree St Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 898-1703 www.reignatl.com
KANSAS CITY
AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM
With more than 200 events, programs and performances available to the public each year, the American Jazz Museum is definitely doing its job to preserve the legacy and ensure the remembrance of one of America’s most beloved art forms. Visitors can find the museum in the historic Jazz District on 18th and Vine and stop in to check out a variety of exhibits, films and more. 1616 E 18th St Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 474-8463 www.americanjazzmuseum.org
HOUSTON
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE
Money isn’t necessary for entrance into this historical and contemporary museum full of dynamic exhibits, thought-provoking programs and compelling artist 58
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talks. CEO John Guess has made it his mission to keep the ever-evolving collection fresh and progressive with past exhibitions showcasing everything from Houston Rap to a 7,000 piece full-scale Lego reproduction of a slave plantation. Nestled in the Historic Museum District, it’s 1 of 19 museums in a 1.5-mile radius. 4807 Caroline St Houston, TX 77004 (713) 526-1015 http://hmaac.org
MEMPHIS
CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE
Right in the bustling downtown area, the Center is considered “one of the most extensive archives of ethnographic materials in the country” and has the multimedia archives to back it up. This site is a great place to learn more about the Memphis/Delta region. Stop by to take a cultural tour and check out films. And pop in the folklore store to score cool gifts for yourself or someone special. The annual Memphis Music and Heritage Festival is held at the Center for Southern Folklore every year on Labor Day. 119 S. Main St Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 525-3655 www.southernfolklore.com
REST+RELAX
ST. LOUIS
DWELL NINE TWELVE
This private apartment bed and breakfast is attached to a 3,500 square foot home in the historic LaSalle Park neighborhood just south of downtown St. Louis. Separate from the main house, the modern B&B is accessed by its own entry through the side yard. The lounge is an open space drenched in St. Louis art where guests can chill out, catch up, tune in, log in, log on, or unplug. Dwell Nine Twelve delivers the basics of contemporary living with clean lines, open 912 Hickory St Saint Louis, MO 63104 (314)-599-3100 www.dwell912.com
ATLANTA
ST. REGIS HOTEL
Splendor is the name of the game at this toprated luxury hotel located in Buckhead, just a few miles outside of Atlanta. Depending on the room, dwellers may encounter all-white marble bathrooms, handcrafted chandeliers and majestic mahogany desks for travelers who still need to get some work done. The spa and 40,000 square foot pool are an excellent way to relax before indulging in an evening glass of complimentary champagne or going to dine in the on-site restaurant. 88 W. Paces Ferry Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 563-7900 www.stregisatlanta.com
KANSAS CITY
CoCo Key Water Resort
This indoor water park is an ideal place for families who want lots of room to roam while they make a splash. Kids and adults will both appreciate this Key West-themed water wonderland complete with body slides, an arcade, an indoor/outdoor whirlpool, an adventure river and more. The 55,000 square foot CoCo Key Water Resort offers a day in the tropics in a Midwest metropolis. 9103 E. 39th St Kansas City, MO 64133 (877) 425-2746 www.cocokeykansascity.com
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[Play]
Love & WAR T
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Words by: Gerren Keith Gaynor
hough she was first introduced to the world as Toni Braxton’s little sister, Tamar Braxton has quickly made a name for herself thanks to her larger than life personality, which is popularly displayed on the sisters’ show, “Braxton Family Values.” Considering her older sister’s already iconic status in music and a waned attempt at solo success in 2001, some may have doubted the youngest Braxton’s chances at superstardom. But Tamar’s lead single and title track, “Love and War” silenced the doubters and has since solidified her as a serious contender on today’s R&B roster. The single’s old-school R&B flair and soaring vocal arrangements ignited burning nostalgia for true soul music and the days when the genre wasn’t overdone by the influences of hip-hop and electronic dance music. The Billboard charting single not only earned Tamar the right to be taken seriously, but also ushered her into musical terrain with today’s vocal greats. On the album “Love and War,” Braxton lives up to the hype that’s been generated from her television fame and explosive singles, including the Mtume “Juicy Fruit” and Notorious B.I.G. “Juicy” sampled track, “The One.” The 14-track album, which is executive produced by her husband Vincent Herbert and the legendary L.A. Reid, is a bonafide R&B collection, fittingly packed with tender ballads exploring the uphill battles of love and heartache. Tracks like “All the Way Home” and “Stay and Fight” best illustrate the album’s theme of lovers being wedged between adoration and emotional warfare. Tamar admits such songs are the soundtrack to her once embattled marriage with Vincent, which was documented on their reality show, “Tamar & Vince.” “I want to stay and fight with you, fight until my heart is black and blue, fight ‘til there’s nothing left, not one single strand of the love we had,” Tamar
passionately sings in the chorus of “Stay and Fight,” a slow and moving ballad. The majority of the songs on “Love and War” are timeless rhythm and blues tracks that effortlessly show off Tamar’s enchanting vocals. Though it’s hard not to hear the similarities with her older sister Toni’s signature inflections, Tamar’s vocal range transcends the Braxton name. On “Pieces,” which is written and produced by Bryan Michael Cox (Usher’s “Confessions”), Tamar’s voice is impressively powerful and elegant, and showcases her clean riffs and falsetto.
Collectively, it is a cohesive body of work that will set a new standard in the genre. It’s clear that Tamar and company took their time with this project and the rewards will certainly pay off. Not since Beyoncé’s “4” (2011) has an R&B album contained this level of fervor and execution. For years, Tamar has fought to step out of the shadow of her older sister and become the breakout star she always wanted to be, and with “Love and War,” she’s finally earned her stripes.
Braxton does, however, take some risks by switching up the pace with songs like “Tip Toe” and “One on One Fun,” which are alternative, up-tempo tracks where she ventures to keep up with the Joneses (Ciara, Rihanna, Beyonce). Unfortunately, they don’t exactly match the level of mastery displayed in her astounding ballads. Lyrics like “I don’t want my business on the Wendy Williams show” and “I’m your super girl and you’re the truth” are quite a departure from the rest of the album’s finesse. She does manage to pull it off on “Hot Sugar,” a sassy dance tune that best executes what is an obvious attempt at commercial success in the pop realm. But Tamar is at her best when she sticks to the basics, like with “Where It Hurts,” and “Sound of Love,” a stripped down and sensual ballad where Braxton’s breathy voice is piercing and unmistakably mesmerizing. “Take me higher, take me ‘til I’ve had enough. Make me scream I’m all yours,” she sensually croons. It’s on tracks like these where Braxton proves not only can she hold her own, but that she can belt like the best of them. In a climate where contemporary singers are reluctant to record ballad-heavy albums for fear of compromising sales, “Love and War” is arguably the strongest R&B album in years. DELUX MAGAZINE
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MISSOURI FASHION WEEK Who would have guessed that it would take a small team of high energy, ambitions fashion influencers and event planners to galvanize what’s arguably the largest fashion transformation that St. Louis has seen in recent years? Created by Xanadu Public Relations owner Cillah Hall and Art Institute of St. Louis Fashion Professor Kristy Lee, Missouri Fashion has without a doubt impacted the fashion landscape in the region. Its creation has forced other fashion event producers to bring their A game and once again create what was a once a fashion hub with thriving garment districts in both St. Louis and Kansas City. As seen in Hollywood, it takes multiple entities working towards a
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common goal to create an industry. If the buzz and turnout at the inaugural Missouri Fashion Week was any indication, this Midwest state has enough talent and an eager audience that can support a whole slew of fashion events. Lt. Governor Peter Kinder presented a proclamation to the founders after declaring the week of August 18, 2013 the official ‘Missouri Fashion Week’. We’re looking forward to year two of Missouri Fashion Week scheduled for August 20 – 23 in the Grand Center District. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROPHOTOSTL.COM
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2013 delux-mag.com
THE “SUN” DAY PARTY @THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Brought to you by Tequila Avion + MPAC + DELUX Magazine Photos courtesty of Xpressions 2 Art Cum dollaut eum quam, omnimol orestium ad eatior si non rem ex excese poratiossit, ipiciis citatia temolore, ipsae planist que dolum velecto blaccum et ipsam latisto tores aut quunditem quis alibus venistior mos aut omnis aborepe litature litions ererit as aut offictiumque voluptis est, occum rem. Et et porerorepedi ressim
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ON I T A C O NEWNOLW OPENAVE SS223 A C 0 0 13 4-241-2 31
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EYECANDY + MO SPOON BDAY BASH @ EXO photos courtesy of iam6 Photography
CAFE SOUL @ THE PAGEANT Photos Courtesy of
B Free Paparazzi
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[Profiled]
took advantage of an amazing opportunity. The entertainment industry is a very hard business to break into because a lot of the big guys—especially back then—are the ones controlling the market. But their ignorance and turning their noses up at hip hop left a wide open door for me and other guys to break into the industry.
Words by: Rachel Nevels Photographer: Errisson Lawrence Styling: Brandon Williams Make-up/Grooming: Drini
JEFF
CLANAGAN
Jeff Clanagan works behind the scenes, but he has made a name for himself as founder and CEO of CodeBlack Entertainment. CodeBlack was created to promote positive representations of African Americans in film, and the independent film studio is doing just that. Jeff is a pioneer in the urban film market and he’s produced an impressive lineup of films throughout the years such as “Foolish,” “Lockdown” and Shaquille O’Neal’s “All Star Comedy Jam” series. Here, the entertainment veteran shares his path to becoming a Hollywood industrialist. DELUX: What university did you attend? Jeff Clanagan: I attended the University of Washington and I majored in Business and Marketing. DELUX: Was being the CEO of a multimedia entertainment vehicle always your goal? What career moves did you make to get where you are? JEFF: I actually had a company in high school. I was always working; I used to be a promoter. I promoted parties around the area in high school and I continued throughout my college years. That eventually transitioned into my era of promoting major hip hop artists and concerts. For seven years I promoted majors shows [for] Run DMC, LL Cool J, Ready for the World, and people like that. I honestly don’t know if [becoming] the CEO of my own company was a conscious decision. It just so 66
happens that a lot of times in your career you’re just in the right place at the right time. Because I got in hip hop at the early stages, I ended up being one of the first movers in that market. At that time, the bigger promoters thought that it was just a fad, while I made a business out of it. That moved me into wanting my own company and [wanting to control] my destiny in terms of what I was doing from a professional standpoint. When I was promoting parties and concerts in college, that was not what I intended to pursue. It was just something I was good at. I was able to identify young talent before they were on the national scene. I did the first NWA tour and the first MC Hammer tour, just to name a few. DELUX: It’s interesting to hear that you are where you are because you took a chance on yourself. JEFF: Absolutely, that was it. I
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DELUX: While attempting to build your brand/business, what were some of the most difficult obstacles you faced? JEFF: The most challenging thing is being the CEO of your own company! In the beginning, it was just me and my partner promoting, and there was a natural flow. But as a company grows and you bring in more people, it changes the dynamic. [It changes] the way that you have to communicate, the way that you talk to people and your expectations of people coming in. Along with all those things, for me personally, budget management was a big thing I had to work on. DELUX: Besides becoming the CEO of your own company, what would you define as a pivotal point in your career thus far? JEFF: One of the things I can say about myself is: I am a visionary. I always look ahead. Being a part of the hip hop movement was very important for me. Doing that developed a very broad skillset. People always ask me how I broke into movies and I always tell them that being a promoter helped me out tremendously. You have to wear ten hats when you’re a promoter. I have to book the talent. I have to secure the building. I have to do the advertising. I have to do the marketing plan. [Those] are the same hats you have to wear when running
your own company, especially when dealing with movies. The average person doesn’t know what a concert promoter does. They aren’t aware that all the “magic” that takes place on the scene is hard work behind the scenes. DELUX: What advice helped you out the most in life? JEFF: I consider myself a researcher. And I would [say] some of the things I’ve found out through my own research have helped me more than anything throughout my career. I still go to school and take classes and that’s important because the industry is constantly changing and there are always new things to learn. [My] staying on top of things and constantly researching information has helped me more than any advice anyone could ever give me. DELUX: What advice would you give someone who wanted to break into the entertainment industry or become the CEO of a company one day? JEFF: You have to do the research! Know exactly what it is you want to do. A lot of people don’t take the time to do the research. And the entertainment industry is huge, so you can’t go in to it with a broad idea. You have to do your research and know what you want to do. DELUX: What is your everyday motivation? JEFF: My everyday motivation is my kids. It’s not the business; it’s my kids.
[Legend]
There’s Moore to the Story Words by: Chauncia Boyd Rogers
This diva has been turning heads since 1992 with her striking beauty and even more stunning pipes. She has a flair for taking life’s situations and making beautiful music. And with their meaningful lyrics, the songs have just as much story as they have soul. 68
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A testament to her raw talent and natural ability, Chanté Moore has never had any formal vocal training and her high-pitch crooning is something she discovered by chance. “I was just messing around, trying to do fun stuff because it was my joy to sing. I started playing around with things and that came out,” she says. Chanté has undeniable talent with a soulful voice that ranges more than four octaves and a piercing whistle register that soars to levels few have achieved and mastered. Describing her voice as a bit airy and emotional, Chanté says she hopes people feel her heart when she sings. Chanté says her most heartfelt song is “Don’t Make Me Laugh,” a track from “Moore is More,” her new album. “It’s very revealing in my heart, my life, my pain. What I’ve been through in the past five years is in that song,” she says. Viewers got a glimpse into Chanté’s life as she offered up a strong personality on TV One’s hit reality show, “R&B Divas LA.” But even through the drama, antics and revealing monologues, the entertainer’s true hardships were never fully exposed. Chanté and singer Kenny Latimore divorced in 2011 and she says the broken marriage left her feeling sad and heartbroken. True to style, though, Chanté channeled her emotions not just into one song, but into an entire compilation. “Moore is More,” which was released in July, is a journey of Chanté’s love life and one of the album’s songs, “Mrs. Under Stood” is inspired by the gossip Chanté has heard about her private relationships. “I know what people say. And it’s really a song that lets me understand myself because I get it,” she admits. Before marrying Kenny, Chanté married and divorced actor Kadeem Hardison, and her failed relationships left her subject to gossip. “Golly. How many times is she going to do this? Aint’t she been married before? How many men is she going to mess up?” she says, imitating her critics. The negativity does affect her, but Chanté says she is okay with revealing her life and having opinions formed about it and she has always recorded songs and made or written songs that speak from her heart and where she is in life. Writing and singing is therapeutic for the vocalist and when she finished recording “Moore is More,” Chanté felt triumphant. “It wasn’t just, ‘Oh. I’m in the dumps and here’s this really sad album I’m making.’ It was a process from the brokenhearted to lifting myself up again and really realizing who I am as a woman by myself,” she shares. In addition to her song collection, that cathartic process also inspired a book. Chanté says she had several unanswered questions about her relationship and she was trying to determine the faults in her mate. But she realized that she should ask the Lord for help in understanding her own flaws. Chanté learned to stop blaming others and to look inward and work on strengthening her personal weaknesses. “It’s not really about pointing the
finger at anybody else,” she explains assertively. “It’s really about yourself and figuring out how do you become the best you and take responsibility for yourself.” Chanté questions, “If you turned around and made a list of your own traits and looked at them, would you marry yourself just off the paper?” Appropriately, her book is titled, “Will I Marry Me?”. Chanté clarifies that the book isn’t about teaching women. It’s about having them look at themselves and discover themselves. Chanté says when she discovered herself, she realized that she’s happy alone. “I’m just happy just being here and not looking for the next adventure, the next boyfriend or the next anything,” she proudly declares. “Chanté loves having a man. That’s great. But that’s not the only part of who I am, that’s not the only place that I excel.” Indeed, Chanté has excelled in a career spanning three decades and boasting the critically acclaimed “Wey U,” and hits like “Love’s Taken Over” and “Chanté’s Got a Man.” The songstress has also garnered several award nominations and wins. Chanté earned an American Music Award, a Soul Train Award and an NAACP Image Award for various songs. And, she received a Grammy nod for the Isley Brothers hit, “Contagious” on which she was featured with R. Kelly. Still, Chanté has not quite seen the success of some other vocal powerhouses. But she’s content. “I think when it’s time for you to succeed and God says, ‘It’s time for the doors to open,’ they open. And if this is how much He wanted me to have, this is how much I’m supposed to have,” she explains. “I cannot complain, honestly. I want more. And that’s okay because we all want more. But I don’t feel slighted or underrated.”
more records’ or ‘I need this amount of number of sales,’” she reiterates. “I just want to be working, doing what I love, and being in peace.” She also wants her two children to be happy and she’s gigging to ensure that they have money and college funds. “That’s really what’s most important for me right now,” she says. The singer feels that she still has more to do with her calling. So even though she is content with her success, she confesses that she would be disappointed if her career ended now. “I’ve been blessed. I believe I’m on a journey and I’m not at the end yet. I think the best is yet to come for real. And that sounds so cliché. All of those sound so cliché. But the reason why they’re cliché is because they are true,” says Chanté with a laugh. “But I do really believe the best is yet to come.”
Chanté says she appreciates those who truly love her music and it’s a pleasure when people say she should have more recognition. But Chanté is fulfilling her career ambitions simply by singing songs from her heart. “I just wanted to sing songs that I believed in—sing songs that really reflected who I was. From the very beginning, I just wanted people to feel my heart more than anything. I’m a very resilient person and God made me that way. I think that’s also why I sing songs that represent who I am and the truth in me. Music is a beautiful, beautiful broad forum, so I believe if we take what’s inside of us and pour it out, it can be very beautiful, whether it’s gospel or love songs.” Chanté wants to keep recording beautiful music and making songs that make her happy. “I don’t have a specific goal like, ‘I need to win a Grammy’ or ‘I need six
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[Community]
CARDINAL RITTER COLLEGE PREP Words by: Dewarren Smith
As found in many tales, whenever an explorer seeks to find a well-kept and hidden treasure, it is to the heart of the city that they travel. Cardinal Ritter College Prep, in many ways, is like a hidden treasure nestled in the heart of mid-town. CRCP is an Archdiocesan Catholic high school originally founded in the Walnut Park neighborhood and now resides at 701 N. Spring Avenue. The schools namesake is Joseph Elmer Cardinal Ritter who served as a Cardinal in St. Louis for over 20 years. It was Cardinal Ritter whose efforts led to the desegregation of the entire archdiocesan school system, 7 years prior to Brown v. Topeka School Board of Education. It was in 1977-1978 that a task force of Catholic and community leaders decided to study the existence of a Catholic school in North St. Louis. In 1979 Cardinal Ritter College Prep began as a co-ed college preparatory named after the forward thinking and compassionate Cardinal. In today’s world, it is not often that you come across an institution that garners so much respect from students and alum, but CRCP manages this very effectively. Remaining true to its mission, Cardinal Ritter seeks “…to provide an exceptional Catholic educational experience to youth that instills attitudes of success and self-worth through faith development, academic excellence, and leadership.” You need only to speak to an alum to hear how deeply this mission statement is carried out in the spirit of CRCP and how it creates something more than a building and teachers, but a spiritual and intellectual family united towards excellence in almost every form. Keith Turner was a member of the graduating class of 1991 and fondly recalls his days as a student athlete at Cardinal Ritter; “They helped you understand what you were there for and what you were trying to accomplish.” Turner, now the founder and CEO of TurnGroup Technologies, declared the 2009 “Business of the Year, City of St. Louis,” by the Mayor’s Office, credits Ritter for the mentors he encountered and their leadership program. This sentiment is also shared by Tina Grimes, MA. Grimes graduated Ritter in 1988, and as an academic and athletic standout had her choice of schools. Her mother heard of the promise of Ritter. From the initial visit she describes herself as having “bought in” to the message of CRCP. “Cardinal Ritter helped prepare me to face any situation and to excel in any environment,” says Grimes. The former Salutatorian is a business owner and founder of Success Academy, LLC. She also co-pastors FaithWorks Fellowship Ministries and has authored her first book, 70
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“Grandmother, CEO (Caring Elegant and Outstanding)”. Another CRCP family member and English teacher Blasé Boettcher served as the editor of the book. From its genesis to now, Cardinal Ritter’s mission, legacy, and promise has not changed. In my conversation with Leon Henderson we discussed his path to Ritter where he has served for over 30 years. Henderson at one time left Ritter to become Dean of the nation’s only private HBCU, Wilberforce University. Henderson served as Dean for two years but felt something was missing. When he began to consider how he wanted to serve, all signs pointed back to Ritter. He felt a need to be part of a school environment where “… at the same time you learn a little bit more about yourself.” This realization drove Mr. Henderson to reconsider where he wanted to spend his life. Preparing young people for college and beyond is not an easy task, but it is as if it were a calling for President Henderson. “We want your gifts enhanced so you can serve and give back”. This sentiment was a common thread amongst the alums I spoke with, who also expressed their desire to educate African American youth about their role in the community. As a college preparatory institution, Ritter has a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate, with students recently awarded over $70,000 in scholarships. Many students earn 12 to 16 hours of college credit while at Ritter and surpass the state requirements. To donate to Cardinal Ritter College Prep’s financial aid/scholarship assistance program, please contact John Saunders, Jr. at (314) 792-7732 or johnsaunders@ archstl.org
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