ARTist Feature Magazine | Winter 2021 [Issue No.06] by I AM ART Campaign

OUR MISSION To provide a platform that brings artists together in collaboration; while also giving readers behind the scenes access into the lifestyle of an artist and celebrating the perspectives that make each of them unique.

OUR VISION To debunk societies initiative of competition against creatives and to re-present a community of support, representation, and unity for the next generation of the ARTS community to inhabit.

BE INSPIRED.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT.

EDITORS LETTER

WINTER 2021

ISSUE No. 06

PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF ARTavius Veasey CONTRIBUTORS Christina Frank Shane “ChicoFit” Huggins Jim Hughes Kris Reece

ARTist Feature is an international digital + print quarterly creative lifestyle and empowerment magazine; With an objective to feature diverse creatives, mindsets, and personal journeys of artists in the community.

Find us on Social Media @ArtistFeatureMag

Tap into your Superpower 05 www.ARTistFeatureMag.com

As artists, each of us are uniquely created. Though we may share the commonality of being creative, we all specialize in different categories of art forms; Not saying that one form of artistry is better than the other, more so saying that all of us are special in our own right. Look at artists like superheroes and our specialized skills as our superpower. Like the Avengers or the Justice League, each superhero has a different ability that separates them from each other. As the ART Community, we must explore and discover the unique superpower , and share it with the world. The community doesn’t need a clone of what’s, already out there; it wants something different and unique; it wants you! Hone your craft and embrace your uniqueness. The diversity within the community is what makes us so powerful. Never be afraid because your creative expression is different from others; Celebrate that! Tap into what makes you different and own it.

ARTist Feature Magazine reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity, space availability, and suitability for publication. ARTist Feature must give permission for any material contained herein to be reproduced in any manner. Any advertisements published in ARTist Feature Magazine do not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s services or product.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS EDITORS LETTER

FROM MY DESK: Tap into your Superpower 05

HEALTH+FITNESS

HEALTHY DURING WINTER: 6 Must-Eat healthy foods

CHICOFIT: Are you ready to sweat? 09

BEAUTY+FASHION FEATURE: Carey Beauty by Naki

51 COMING NEXT ISSUE SPRING 2022

ISSUE No. 07

MUSICAL INDEPENDENCE

ON THE COVER

For our Spring issue, we’re highlighting diverse creatives in the community of independent musicians; Giving a platform for those who take the initiative as artists to distribute their music to the world with no big labels backing them; Exploring the conversation of their personal journeys and how they’ve been able to navigate through the music industry as an independent artist.

WANT TO BE FEATURED? Email us your stories, ads or ideas to:

INTERVIEW: D. Ornitha

FEATURE: Antonio Layrock

FEATURE: Nikkila Carrol

COVER STORY

THE ART OF PERFORMANCE: DIversity within Performance ART

LIFESTYLE

ENTREPRENEUR: Life Hacks for Young Entrepreneurs 31 ARTIST TO WATCH: Marcus Murphy 33 ARTIST TO WATCH: Alani J. 34 COMMUNITY: Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 35 ADVICE: You were never meant to FIT IN 37 MENTAL HEALTH: How to switch tasks and avoid BURNOUT 38

ART UNLIMITED INTERVIEW: PaperBoyo 39 FEATURE: Calitrickzz 42 INTERVIEW: Toonky Berry 43

BUSINESS+ENTERTAINMENT

INTERVIEW: Justin Allen Tate 47 INTERVIEW: Jennifer Ford 51 INTERVIEW: Jason Martin 55 INTERVIEW: Tanya Lawrence 59

Models:

Elladj Balde, Zakiyyah B. Gray, Suavo Jones, Ladia Yates & Ty Gibson

artistfeaturemag@gmail.com

SPECIAL ICONS Video Clip

DESIGN+CREATIVITY

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HEALTH+FITNESS

6 MUST-EAT HEALTHY FOODS DURING THE WINTER by Christina Frank

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In addition to the significant changes you witness in energy bills and how you dress during winter, the chilly weather also affects your body. Your food preference, metabolism, and even energy levels change drastically during winter. The feeling of skipping the gym and eating or drinking a warm drink kicks in. If you feel this way, you are not alone. However, this doesn’t mean you should do nothing and wait until summer kicks in so that you can take charge of your life. The secret to staying healthy during winter is winterizing your diet. Here are some foods that you should try out this winter.

SOUP

This is one of the best foods that will help you live through winter comfortably. However, you should avoid much salt, beef soup, and cream to get the most out of this meal. You should get recipes that include water as the base and a lot of vegetables. A hot bowl of soup with chicken broth and some vegetables will leave you rejuvenated. You can pair your soup with whole-grain crackers.

START YOUR DAY WITH PORRIDGE

The secret to remaining energized until lunchtime is taking a healthy slow-release breakfast such as porridge. You can be creative with this morning meal by adding toppings such as seeds and nuts. Moreover, some winter fruits such as dates and apples can increase the health benefits of this meal.

CONSUME ROOT VEGETABLES Milk and other by-products such as yogurt, cheese, etc. are a great meal choice for winter. This is because they pack a lot of vitamins B12 and A, proteins, and calcium, which boost a person’s health. Most people tend to catch a cold during winter. Drinking warm milk frequently will help you avoid falling ill. However, choose to drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk rather than full-fat milk. Moreover, you can take low-fat plain yogurts to decrease the number of calorie intake.

Finding fresh vegetables during winter can be a daunting task. However, root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and beets can be readily available. This is because they can withstand the cold weather. Consuming these vegetables as either boiled, raw, roasted can endow you benefits such as vitamins A and C, and a boost of beta-carotene.

INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF CHEESE, EGGS, AND FISH

CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI

Apart from drinking milk, eating a lot of vegetables, and engaging in fitness activities, these vegetables can add to the defense against winter sickness. Both broccoli and cauliflower pack a lot of vitamin C, which enhances the immune functions. The chilly weather might pose a challenge in getting fresh vegetables. However, frozen cauliflower and broccoli pack the same nutritious benefits as fresh ones.

Even though the previously discussed meals might not be your cup of tea, you most likely like eggs, cheese, or fish. These meals pack vitamin B12, which boosts the normal functioning of the immune system. Moreover, these meals reduce fatigue and tiredness. What’s even better is that you can consume them at any time of the day. In essence, these meals will make your winter look shorter since they will boost your immune system and give you the energy to live through the season. Winter doesn’t have to look dull anymore.

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DRINK MORE WARM MILK

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CHICOFIT HEALTH+FITNESS

ARE YOU READY TO SWEAT? Hey Chicolites! I’m here to give you just a couple exercises that you can do in the space of your home to get you toned and sweating. Today we will be doing a Core & Lower body Progession Workout! You only need 25 minutes and can do these anywhere, anytime!

EXERCISE ONE

Each exercise should be performed for 30 seconds with 15 seconds rest between each, and 1 minute rest between each pair. All five exercises are equivalent to 1 cycle and should be completed for a total of at least 4 cycles.

EXERCISE TWO

30 Secs / 4X Toe Reach

30 Secs / 4X Add Jumping Jacks

Shane (ChicoFIT) is originally from Bridgetown, Barbados but has lived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 18 years where he received his primary and secondary education. He believes greatly in the words of St. Augustine, “Faith is to believe what you cannot see, the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” By this, he exudes onto others their ability to reach their health and fitness goals by looking deep and believing in themselves.

their goals through HIIT Training, resistance training, as well as sports specific training. He realized the need to push people past their comfort zones and has applied this to each person through positive encouragement and constant reminders of the euphoric and life-changing benefits looking after your body has. He has seen nothing short of outstanding results by doing this including working with TV Personalities and high-class clientele on Resort Islands in the Caribbean.

Shane has been in the fitness industry for the past 9 years after completing his qualification with the Shane has been immensely devoted to his work and enjoys helping live happier, healthInternational Sports Sciences Association. ier, and longer lives. He applies his beliefs to Since his Personal Training Qualification, Shane himself and is always keen and excited to moved to South Africa and has worked with put his professional skills and knowledge to many clients around the world providing exercise good use. and nutritional plans and helping them reach

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EXERCISE THREE

EXERCISE FOUR

30 Secs / 4X Add Squat

30 Secs / 4X Add Squat Jump

EXERCISE FIVE 11 www.ARTistFeatureMag.com

30 Secs / 4X Add Core Twist

DON’T FORGET!

Each exercise should be performed for 30 seconds with 15 seconds rest between each and 1 minute rest between each pair. All five exercises are equivalent to 1 cycle and should be completed for a total of at least 4 cycles.

FOLLOW CHICOFIT @Chico Rudy Huggins @ChicoFitHuggins

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BEAUTY+FASHION

13 www.ARTistFeatureMag.com Naki Carey owns a fashion accessories brand and is a lifestyle content creator. She is an African American transgender woman from Washington, DC. Naki started out modeling at local fashion shows/events, in 2008. She later branched out and started teaching her own modeling classes as a runway instructor. From 20102014 Naki started making custom avant-garde eyewear, and apparel. Her designs were featured in numerous blogs, as well as online and in-print publications, and were worn by numerous celebrities. In 2022, Naki is focusing on expanding her accessories brand, print, commercial, tv, and lifestyle content.

FOLLOW NAKI @Naki Carey @NakiCarey www.NakiCarey.com

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Thongs

Boy Shorts

Briefs

Jockstraps

DESIGN+CREATIVITY

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D. ORNITHA

BEAUTY RE-IMAGINED

As a Black creative, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? To be totally transparent here, It’s the support of your community. One of

the biggest lessons that I’ve learned is to trust God in the process, and with patience and faith, all things are possible even when we think it’s not. At the end of your career, what mark or message do you want to leave people to remember you by? To never stop trying to live out your dreams in color. Know that I gave it my best shot, and keep believing. What advice will you give an aspiring artist whose trying to pursue a career in the same field as you? Learn your craft. Become knowledgeable and educated about the field that you want to pursue. Long after you obtain your degree, diploma, or certificate, there’s still more training required. We are always learning, and don’t get me wrong, or misunderstood, anything that I am saying YouTube, and any other platform that many people search to find what we need can be resourceful, but are they always right? So invest in yourself! Go take a class in whatever it is that you want to do. If you want to be a makeup artist or hairstylist, then go to school and become knowledgeable about the business side, not just the beauty side of it,

that’s just a small portion. It’s so much more to this industry than just I want to be rich and famous. There are some talented individuals out there whose been misinformed about what it means to be a professional in this industry. Why is it important? So they can have long-lasting healthy careers, being educated and licensed is a big deal for me. Where do you seek inspiration for new material or each makeup technique? My background is in the medical field (EMT), hairstylist, and makeup artist by profession, so I use what I have learned to create my many different looks; When it comes down to wound simulation and the injuries, it has to make sense. So I researched and studied reference material, and other times I allowed my imagination to have its way.

super excited about that. I would love to offer a scholarship to a few students who are already in their studies and give them the opportunity to work alongside me to finish obtaining their hours and in addition, receive movie credits as well as an assistant, and so much more. What is your most proud moment as a creative and why? My most proud moment was recently when I saw a childhood dream come true. I always declared as a young child that one day I would do hair and makeup for a movie. Although I believed it would happen, it finally did! This was something that I have always said as early as 11-12 years old. I’m here today, a living witness that dreams do come true.

What are your plans for the next 3-5 years in your career? However God wants to use it is fine by me. If I could interject, I would like to have my own school with my own curriculum that teaches others how to do SFX makeup and prosthetics. My desire is to have worked on several major projects, which they are already in the process

D. Ornitha Taylor is a wife, mother, and all-in-one combo housed in a compact but mighty vessel. With over 20 plus years in the hair and beauty industry, she has become one of the many highly sought out licensed hairstylists/makeup artists and educators in the area. She is known for her expertise and skill when it comes to hair care, skincare, hair design, styling, and special effects. D. Ornitha is very comfortable behind the scenes and in front of the camera. She has assisted in the production of fashion shows, plays, red carpets, and much more. She’s not afraid of exploring past boundaries and trying new things and is willing to try all to bring ideas to life.

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Who inspired you to pursue your form of artistry and why? Somewhere around 10 years old, I stayed up one night to watch the making of Thriller and I saw Rick Baker, he’s a famous makeup artist. Rick created the werewolf and designed the costume for the late Michael Jackson “Thriller”; I sat there and watched the entire thing, and I was so intrigued! Rick had to create several different looks for him for that mini-movie, just the work and the details that went into that. I knew then that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to do hair/ makeup for film and tv.

FOLLOW D. ORNITHA @D. Ornitha Taylor @Danielle Ornitha @

DESIGN+CREATIVITY

17 www.ARTistFeatureMag.com Antonio Layrock was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Gary has been a fan of martial arts since childhood which led to his studying martial arts in high school. After serving in the United States Army for seven years he was Honorably Discharged and rediscovered his love for martial arts. Gary is a first-degree black belt and has won several tournaments. Gary wanted to channel his love for martial arts and his personal mission to counteract the negative stereotypes of the African American family unit into something that would appeal to all audiences which led to the creation of Layroc Visions.

FOLLOW ANTONIO @AntonioLayroc @Antonio Layroc @Layroc Visions @ www.LayrocVisions.com

DESIGN+CREATIVITY

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Nikkila Carroll is a native Memphian, earned her BFA from Memphis College of Art in 2011. as of 2020, she transplanted to Russellville, Arkansas from Memphis, and maintained a studio practice. She’s now living with her wife with whom she raises four cats (Sansa, Moon, Wicket, and Murphy) and two step-pups (Ampersand and Max). In 2011, Babycreep launched; an extensive line of ceramic and mixed media jewelry and miniature art objects.

FOLLOW NIKKILA @_Babycreep_ @ @Babycreepceramics @Nikklia Carroll www.Babycreep.com

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COVER FEATURE

ELLADJ BALDE | ZAKIYYAH BG | SUAVO JONES | LADIA YATES | TY GIBSON

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COVER FEATURE

Who inspired you to pursue your form of artistry, and why? Growing up I was really inspired by hip hop and freestyle dancers, also recording artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Usher; they were huge inspirations of mine. I really vibed with how they performed and expressed themselves through movement. Unfortunately, through the figure-skating world, I didn’t have any examples of that. No one moved that way, and no one used music that revolved around that type of style. As a Black creative, what’s the biggest challenge you have faced and the biggest lesson you have learned so far? Definitely as a black creative, one of the biggest challenges is owning, accepting, and embracing who I was. My uniqueness, my blackness; It’s a style in figure-skating that you don’t really get to experience.

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Photography by Dan Dealy and Paul Zizka

At the end of your career, what mark or message do you want to leave for people to remember you by? I’m hoping to change figure skating culture;

To inspire young black indigenous people of color to embrace the sport, their uniqueness to grow in the sport, and be successful champions for the sport to be more diverse. I want to see black indigenous champions at the highest level with hopes that can come from the message of embracing yourself and sharing your gift with everyone and not conforming. What advice will you give to an artist who’s trying to pursue a career in the same field as you? It’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to be yourself, and it’s okay to skate to the music that you like to move to; And if what you want to do hasn’t been done before, then be the first one to do it; In this world, we’re all unique with different gifts so don’t be afraid to share yours and walk proudly on your own path.

we do it the other way around and think of an idea or message first, and then we find a song that matches the concept. What are your plans for the next 3-5 years in your career? One of my dreams is to have my own tour and show with my wife Michelle to create an experience that’s going to be unique to us and something that hasn’t been seen in the figure skating world. I want to continue to support black skaters, indigenous skaters, and people of color in the sport in whatever way they may need; Rather it’s access to equipment, mental or emotional support through figure skating, diversity, inclusion, or through my own organization Skate Global Foundation. I’m looking forward to engaging the community and the next generation of figure skaters.

What is your most proud moment as a creative and why? One of my favorite pieces I’ve created was with my wife to the song Mount Everest; The message and intention behind the movement, the emotion I got to share and release within that performance was something really special for me. That will definitely stay as one of my favorite pieces of art that we’ve created together. Another thing I’m most proud of and get excited about is when I get messages from parents or young skaters; explaining to me how I inspired them or their kid to skate or continue to skate after being bullied. That is the most beautiful and powerful thing I can share with the next generation of figure skaters.

Where do you seek inspiration for new material or each performance? For us figure skaters, we seek inspiration through the type of music we play and how it makes us feel. We use songs we connect with emotionally and then begin to create a concept or message we want to portray in our performance to the audience. Sometimes

Elladj Balde is a Canadian former competitive figure skater. His mother is from Russia, and his dad is from Guinea. He was born in Moscow and immigrated to Montreal at two years old. Elladj’s mothers’ enormous passion for figure skating was something that she had always hoped to instill in him from a young age. He started skating at the age of six and was on Canada’s National Team for over a decade skating competitively. Through his 20 years of competing, it is this passion that has stuck by him and pushed him to persevere through the times of hardship and allowed him to stand out as a unique performer.

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You don’t get to vibe to the things you want to vibe to or be who you are. You have to conform to what figure skating says you should conform to, which is mainly a white European elitist style of movement or music. As a young black and biracial kid, I was inspired by those guys like Usher and Michael Jackson. I wasn’t really allowed to skate to that or move in that way, so that was definitely the biggest challenge. The biggest lesson was to embrace that, and I didn’t have to conform and be like everyone else; I can be different, I can be myself, and that can be celebrated.

FOLLOW ELLADJ @ElladjBalde @ElladjBalde

COVER FEATURE

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Who inspired you to pursue your form of artistry, and why? I was always naturally drawn to art because it was easier than math. But as an actor, I was more pushed than inspired at first, as in my bio, I stated my mom forced me to go on stage to perform a play I was not interested in doing (or just being stubborn) ever since then, I found enjoyment being in front of the camera and telling stories. The artform of filmmaking itself is inspiring; the storytelling aspect to the psychology of the camera to the actor going within him/herself to create a living character we’ve never seen before. It’s all enchanting, movie magic as they call it. Right now, I’m wrapping up the second half of my series #RespecttheScreenplay where I pay homage to my favorite screenplay writers because we all know you can’t create a film without a script. Actors such as Viola Davis, Anthony Hopkins, Marlon Brando, Sidney Poitier, and Jeffery Wright, just to name a few, are my go-to actors for studying. Oh yeah, and Shakespeare, I really really like Shakespeare.

Photography by Charles A. Kennedy Jr. | Makeup by Jasmine Hurt

At the end of your career, what mark or message do you want to leave people to remember you by? Be yourself, follow your dreams, and make it count. Life is too short. What advice will you give an aspiring artist whose trying to pursue a career in the same field as you? Commit. Learn from the best, learn from the worst. Study all the time

and when I mean study, I mean not just the craft of acting but the world around you and the people in it. Watch real people. Go out and live, gain experiences. Know your history, know the business of acting. Have a fire, have passion, know that it doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re putting in the work then it will happen; just make sure you are ready when it does. Don’t worry what those around you are doing; your path is made for you to walk, so just focus on that, and most important of all is BE YOURSELF. This field is extremely competitive, and the best way to stand out is just to be you. You are more than enough. Where do you seek inspiration for new material or each performance? I really don’t “seek” inspiration; I allow it. I find music to be an “inspirational trigger”. I’m a huge classical person, I could be driving down the road, and while listening a story just paints itself into my mind. A color could inspire me, a piece of nature or landscape. Being open and just allowing it hit you. Performance-wise, it’s a little bit different, especially when creating a character as an actor. I study people; I watch lots of interviews of real people, it could be a way

a person talks or the way they avert their eyes when they begin to feel insecure, I use that I steal it and make it mine. I even use animals to help me create characters as well. I say, allow the world around you to inspire you, and you will never be without inspiration ever again. What are your plans for the next 3-5 years in your career? I’m a late bloomer, I’ve been acting for about ten years on and off but I’m just now truly taking it seriously. Next 3-5 years, I’m focusing on really making a name for myself, so when they hear the name Zakiyyah BG they also hear; hard-working, talented, professional, great to be around, and capital (in a good way) I gotta’ be able to fill those seats in the theatres. What really excites me for this journey are all the amazing people and creatives I will get to meet, hear

Zakiyyah BG was born June 28th 1991, in Lansing, MI. As a child, she was energetic, charismatic, and witty. Her passion for the performing arts grew only after being forced by her mother to perform in her elementary school play. From there, she continued studying acting and cinematography. In high school, she became a thespian performing musical, dance and studied at her local performing arts school: Ruhala. She also starred in local short films that have received awards including, Best Acting, along with her own film “Badnapping” which she directed, starred, and written; has won eight awards around the US.

their stories, and collaborate with; that’s going to be epic. What is your most proud moment as a creative and why? Finally, allowing the world to see me as a creative. Many people who know me know that I’m an actor, but they really didn’t know that I could ACT until I put myself out there allowing myself to be completely vulnerable for all opinionated minds to see. That was my proudest moment because now, that has opened many doors for me. I use to allow my fear of judgment to hold me back or the idea that I wasn’t good enough, the lack of discipline to not even “try” to put in the work. So yes, I am very proud of the person I allowed myself to be. I allowed the true creator in me to come out.

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As a Black creative, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? Just being “Black” as a creative is challenging alone. You get put in a box, yes I know I’m black, but that’s not where I should be limited. I’m black, and I can still do Shakespeare or Greek plays. I’m black, and I still can tell stories outside of my race. You get where I am going. I’m black, and I am automatically placed as the “baby momma” and other tropes for women of color, and the only way to break that is to tell our own stories and show the world we are much more than what we are made out to be. I’m sure there will be many more challenges along my career path that I will go through and talk more about down the line.

FOLLOW ZAKIYYAH @Zakiyyah Gray @ZBGBaby @Zakiyyah B Gray @ @Zakiyyag BG

COVER FEATURE

25 www.ARTistFeatureMag.com Photography by Phil Brisse | Edwin Brickhoff | Ernest Fields | Malik Tha Martian and Laura Carbone

Who inspired you to pursue your form of artistry, and why? There honestly isn’t a particular person that inspired me to do any form of art that I do. Life just has always had its way of guiding me to things. I’ve always wanted to be great and gain worldwide recognition for doing great things. As a youngin’, Once I learned how to read & write, I immediately started to use my imagination to create stories. I felt like I’d be a great director/ actor. Now when it comes to being a musician, the magic hit immediately upon joining the band; even though my initial intentions for joining the band was just as a substitute for gym. Either way, I made the best of it, but it was putting smiles on others faces that got me hooked. If I have to name individual people I’d say I idolized Michael Jackson & M.C Hammer. They didn’t directly make me want to pick up a horn or a pen/pad, but what they did do was give me an image of

the power of a microphone and a stage. They looked like they enjoyed their art and in return, I enjoyed their art. Their uniqueness showed me that not fitting in, just allows you to stand out. I love their legacy and I just want to do the same for someone else. As a Black creative, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? The biggest hardship I’ve had as a black creative has been trying to understand my worth and get paid what I feel I’m worth. I’ve been a very consistent artist through my time as a professional musician, but it’s very often that I’ve settled to make the other party happy or just to have the opportunity to bless the stage. I love what I do so much and now I’m just ready to live abundantly through my gift.

don’t understand how great they are because all they see are their own faults!! I want to help switch the narrative & be recognized as a game changer!

sometimes view life as a song, so I may go brush my teeth in a mirror and if I’m in the right mood, a whole song may derive from just that moment in the mirror.

What advice will you give an aspiring artist who’s trying to pursue a career in the same field as you? To never allow anyone to dictate what you can and can’t do. Take the reigns in your life because all things are possible if you are willing to put in the work. Also, Never Stop Learning!!!

What are your plans for the next 3-5 years in your career? My plans for the next 3 to 5 years include creating a space where well known creators as well as aspiring artists can come together and vibe, network, and help each other grow. I want the people to see the true power of unity & support.

Where do you seek inspiration for new material or each performance? I seek inspiration for new material when I channel my emotions. Art is my escape from the world, so I tend to write mostly when I’m low or when I’m zoning out. Also, I love to create so much that I

What is your most proud moment as a creative and why? I’ve had a few proud moments, but performing original music in germany, with Ghost Town Blue Band & The Crowd being receptive of it had to be a surreal moment for me. Seeing how people that can’t even speak your

language, but can still connect through good music is just so amazing to me. Not to mention I pushed through an entire high energy performance playing trombone, rapping, and dancing while having an asthma attack. That showed me that nothing can stop me once I apply faith to the equation.

At the end of your career, what mark or message do you want to leave people to remember you by? At the end of my career, I just hope to inspire creators to open up and showcase the things that make them weird/different. Most people hide the things that make them unique because they haven’t truly embraced who they are. A lot of people

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Suavo Jones, The Hip-Hop Trombonist, is a high-energy entertainer. He has been known to captivate any and every audience with his amazing talents. From his heartfelt soulful hip hop performances to his intense performances on the horn, Suavo Jones has all of the key elements of a legend. His presence is known when he blesses a stage. The energy emitted during a show will be sure to grasp you and take you on an emotional ride. He currently tours internationally with “Ghost Town Blues Band” led by “Matt Isbell”. When off the road he performs with a number of other bands including his own band “Memph Orleans Street Symphony” & as a solo hip hop artist/spoken word artist. In his free time, you can normally catch Suavo Jones twirling his horn on Beale Street and playing a sweet sound for anyone wanting to listen.

FOLLOW SUAVO @SuavoJones @ @Suavo J The Hiphop Trombonist @SuavoJones @SuavoJones www.SuavoJones.com

COVER FEATURE

Who inspired you to pursue your form of artistry, and why? I was born to do this; Both my parents are highly involved in music and performing arts; however, my biggest celebrity influence is Aaliyah.

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As a Black creative, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? The biggest lesson that I’ve learned thus far is to follow your gut feeling and think for yourself. No one can execute your vision better than you.

Photography by Greg Moore

At the end of your career, what mark or message do you want to leave people to remember you by? There will be no end, and that’s what I would like them to know. What advice will you give an aspiring artist who’s trying to pursue a career in the same field as you? Work hard! nothing comes easy and most of all, BE PATIENT.

your career? Open another location in my hometown Richmond, California, and also tap into the industry a little more. What is your most proud moment as a creative and why? Working with Lil Baby thus far is my most proud moment. My students had NO IDEA they were going to be in his video until we got there.

Where do you seek inspiration for new material or each performance? I’m totally inspired by MUSIC. I have to LOVE the song in order to create a masterpiece What are your plans for the next 3-5 years in

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Ladia Yates, a California Bay Area native, was discovered to possess a natural talent for dance and a love for music at an early age. In 2006, Ladia moved to Memphis, TN when she was 16 years old due to her family’s job relocation. She then stumbled across something that revolutionized her personal style of dance which was a local form of dance called “ Memphis Jookin”. Jookin was the springboard she needed to elevate her talent to another level. With much hard work, discipline and dedication, she continued to increase her credibility within the world of dance.

FOLLOW LADIA @Ladia Yates @Ladia Yates @ @iamLadiaYates @Ladia Yates www.LYEAcademy.com

COVER FEATURE

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Who inspired you to pursue your form of artistry, and why? Honestly, it was my curiosity that kept me inspired. I started live-streaming on a platform called ‘YouNow’ back in 2013 for two years. After those two years, I felt it was time to move to something new. In 2015, a friend of mine introduced me to musical.ly, which is known as TikTok today. I had no drive to be a content creator but instead a live streamer. In that realm, IamZoie was one of my biggest influencers on that platform to even stream as I did. After leaving there, I joined musical.ly without a clue of what I was doing but later found my way the more I kept at it. Utilizing what I had already experienced there while applying my foolishness to this platform led me into receiving my very first feature ever on September 1st, 2016. That was a super

major accomplishment back then; It was at that moment though that I knew the platform was now watching me. And 8 million+ supporters later, they have continued to remain on to me with many opportunities and unexpected blessings that they’ve allowed me to partake in. When I tell you, God is good and works in mysterious ways?! I would have never imagined doing what I’m doing today. Never.

Photography by @msayles

At the end of your career, what mark or message do you want to leave people to remember you by? The mark I want to leave is that Ty Gibson never gave up or gave in. I have always been passionate and determined for what I’ve wanted whether I knew it at the time or not. And with me being a Senior in college while maintaining this social media lifestyle, I

am so proud of myself. And I just want people to see that it’s never too late to start dreaming. Utilize the tools you have and think big while dreaming big regardless of how large or small your situation may feel to you now. You got to believe in that bigger picture for yourself first. A quote I came up with that I live by daily is “always remember to dream big, dream strong, and dream always because nobody can dream a bigger dream than your dream because it is your dream.” What advice will you give an aspiring artist whose trying to pursue a career in the same field as you? To simply start. Just start. Before getting yourself into anything, what is your heart passionate about? And whatever that is for you, become hungry for it and utilize what you have to begin crafting your future around this passion and get started. I would also say, be aware of opinionated people in whatever industry you step foot in. In this field, a lot of people love to say what they think is best for a person or how things “should” be. Don’t allow that to phase you. Remain true to yourself and do what’s best for you. You’re going to come across many negative-hearted people, but if you believe in the

person you’ve been destined to become, nobody can take that away from you unless you allow them to. At the end of the day, you’re not going to please everyone, so live for yourself, and the rest will fall in place accordingly. Where do you seek inspiration for new material or each performance? Mainly from what I watch; and being present in the moments around me. I could see a video hit my timeline and could immediately branch off with a completely new idea that had nothing to do with what I just watched. I also grab inspiration from what’s trending along with playing off what my characters could originally come up with; whether it’s attached to an idea or something that I can create for them personally that’s true to their character and attributes. One of my biggest influences is Tyler Perry; He has truly made an impact on what I do and has done over the years. Especially, giving me the courage to dress up in costumes and be free about it. What are your plans for the next 3-5 years in your career? I see myself branched off, working areas such as Atlanta, Los Angeles,

Ty Gibson is a 21-year-old comedian, entertainer, and popular TikToker with over 8 million+ worldwide supporters. He’s also a YouTuber with over 80,000 subscribers and Instagram influencer with over 300,000+ supporters. You can find him on social media @YeahitsTyG. He’s originally from Rockingham, NC, and now resides in Greensboro, NC. He is a Senior in college attending UNC Greensboro with a major in BA Drama alongside a minor in Media Studies.

and so forth. Greensboro will always be home though, regardless. I also see myself more involved in the entertainment industry with commercial shoots, special appearances, performances, school and stage tours, TV and movie roles/ appearances, and the list goes on. I say all that to say that I see a bigger future that I know God only can create for me. Yet, I’m believing in advance for all of these wonderful opportunities to come to pass. I know one thing, I see great things happening for me, my family, and those around me. What is your most proud moment as a creative and why? Creating the Kick Swivel trend. On June 28th, 2019, I created this simple dance called the Kick Swivel that took the world literally by storm, unexpectedly. It reached South Africa, Korea, and all other areas of the world that I never would have imagined. I took the initiative to film this jingle that just would not leave my head and if it wasn’t for me actually seeing it through, the trend wouldn’t be what you see today; It then later led to becoming my first single featuring one of my favorite comedians, IamZoie on August 23rd, 2019.

FOLLOW TY @YeahItsTyG @YeahItsTyG @YeahItsTyG

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As a Black creative, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? The biggest challenge I’ve faced while doing this social media thing is learning to accept that my journey was made different on purpose by God in comparison to the next person. I used to struggle hard trying not to compare myself to other individuals, especially in this field of entertainment that I’m continuously evolving in. The thing is, I had to keep reminding myself along with friends and family that what is for me, is for me in God’s timing, not mines. Just trust the process. And that is what keeps me motivated and moving to keep my eye on what’s in front of me because, at the end of the day, the only person I am in competition with is myself and myself only.

LIFESTYLE

ENTREPRENEUR:

LIFE HACKS FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS by Jim Hughes

GET YOURSELF A MENTOR.

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Being your own boss, starting your own company is the dream of many. The 9 to 5 job is no longer the end goal. More people are thinking about getting into the entrepreneurial world and this includes the young people: the millennials. Imagine the creativity you can wield when you are running your own company. You have the power to design products and services that are linked to your expertise. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t just give you the possibility and opportunity to earn on your own terms. Entrepreneurship can give you the opportunity to get into projects that you truly care about. Delving into the entrepreneurial world even if you are young shouldn’t intimidate you. Right now, millennials are the biggest consumers in the market. Young people’s values set the trend. Young entrepreneurs are probably already in touch with the fresh ideas that can translate to products and services that can prove to be successful. As a young entrepreneur, all you need is a little push, a few bits of inspiration, and some savvy business advice.

To get yourself right on the track you need to polish your business knowledge. You can get yourself a mentor. Mentors give you practical tips to succeed in business. Books are great but authors don’t share everything. Mentors can give you the boost your confidence needs as well as timely advice. Mentors also have a network of connections they will gladly share with you since they are already invested in your success. Eighty percent of CEOs have stated they received some type of mentorship. The numbers speak for themselves. As a young person, you can find business mentors from family members, local businesses owners who own a business you respect, and business owners who want to give back.

FIND YOUR PASSION.

Passion should be an easy thing because as a would-be entrepreneur you probably already have something you are already passionate about. Every human has the instinct to be creative and inventive. It is just a matter of polishing your ideas to be marketable. Ask yourself: what are you passionate about? How does your passion translate to goods and services? Make your research and refine your final products and services.

BE READY FOR SACRIFICES.

The start of your new venture will be rocky and things may daunt you. If you’ve already decided to go for being an entrepreneur you may have already sacrificed your day job. Being the owner of business means you have to put in more time and effort into it. You will find yourself engaging in your business such as answering e-mails and researching even after work hours. Your personal and professional life will be blurred. This may mean less sleep for you as you pour in the much-needed extra hours to make your business a success.

After you’ve refined your products and services you should be able to start your business. You can take out instant approval personal loans to fund a startup, you may need to have a 9 to 5 job just to save enough to fund your projects. You can get parents and family to get involved or get an investor. When your business is set-up you will need to find customers. Learn from feedbacks and adjust your business according to its performance with customers. Be willing to adapt, be flexible and change.

MOVE FAST AND BE INNOVATIVE.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg epitomized this point in mapping out Facebook’s direction. Moving fast means being able to build more things. Even if you make mistakes, the end result is you will learn faster. Don’t be timid and do take some calculated chances.

BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

It is good to start a business which stems from a value you care about. When you begin your business with this mindset you will always believe in what you are doing. Starting a business will be daunting at first but the challenges eventually pay off. Do acknowledge that you won’t be the most knowledgeable or expert person in your field and every entrepreneur knows the value of humility. Asking for help or expert opinion can help you gauge your next move. Accepting assistance can help you to have more confidence in your business decisions.

DON’T CONCENTRATE ON MONEY.

A lot of respected companies confess that they are not obsessive about money. True, that business is all about making money but they focused their efforts in other areas. This may seem counterintuitive but it has a huge payoff. Jeff Bezos for example, intended Amazon to be the most customer-centric company on earth. Amazon focuses obsessively on the customer. The result is a unique customer experience that has people coming back for more. When you are just starting your company, you won’t be making a lot of money. Your first steps are an opportunity to know your customer and give them the experiences and services only your business can provide.

As a young entrepreneur, all you need is a little push, a few bits of inspiration, and some savvy business advice.

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START A BUSINESS.

LIFESTYLE

ARTIST TO WATCH:

MARCUS

MURPHY WASHINGTON, D.C.

ACTOR, DIRECTOR & PRODUCER

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A native of Washington, D.C. Marcus Murphy is a classically trained actor with ten years of experience. Most recently he could be found playing Rashad Robinson in The Souls of Black Pebbles by Anthony Green. He also entertained audiences as Paul in the Off-Broadway production, Until the Flood by Dael Orlandersmith, D.J in Kenosis in Wonderland by Kenya Crawford and Sleek Art Buyer in What Would Picasso Do by Andrew Brooks. Marcus wanted to give back to his community, so he started teaching young children the fundamentals of acting. His grounding in technique and the new skills he’s gained has prepared him for a new and exciting chapter in his professional life.

FOLLOW MARCUS @Hollywooddevon @Superman Marc @MarcusDevon @MarcusMurphy19

LIFESTYLE

ARTIST TO WATCH:

AlaniJ. ALLENTOWN, PA CARICATURIST & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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FOLLOW ALANI Alani J has drawn caricatures since 2005. Since then, the passion for drawing happy memories for families increased. This has led him to reach #1 as the fastest caricaturist in the world by ISCA (International Society of Caricature Artists). He has received numerous awards for his art in both his caricatures and graphic design.

@Mr.AlaniJ @Mr.AlaniJ @Mr.AlaniJ @AlaniJimenez1 www.AlaniJ.com

LIFESTYLE

MUSIC

The Cedars - EP Caziah Rashad Franklin

The One Tonia Johnson Mays

The Reprise - EP David Michael Wyatt

Public Displays of Affection Muni Long

The Love Above Oneday Coleman

Self Love Fix with Beatrice Kamau

Becoming A Living Testimony with ARTavius Veasey

Black Is America

New Mindset, Who Dis? with Case Kenny

PODCASTS

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Socially Awe-kward with Loreico Milzac

It’s a beautiful day in the

Neighborhood

BOOKS What does ART mean to you?

More Than Enough Elaine Walteroth

WILL Will Smith

Feeding The Soul Tabitha Brown

“ART means freedom. Be Free.” Travis A. Scott ATLANTA, GEORGIA

MOVIES & PLAYS

Carrolet Thomas MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Close Caption

Ruined: Twice Blind

“ART means what opening the door for a caged bird mean to the bird... Freedom.” Baris Edwards AIEA, HAWAII

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“ART is Everything. Love, Lineage and Legacy.”

LIFESTYLE

ADVICE:

YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO FIT IN by Kris Reece

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Growing up, I desperately wanted to be accepted, so I would become whatever anyone needed me to be. All I ever wanted in life was to fit in and I thought that if I looked better, acted a certain way, or gave in to things I didn’t believe in, I would finally be included. But I always struggled with a nagging sense that I had greater purpose in life. I knew there was something in me; the problem was I relied on others to discover it. I spent my entire childhood and a good part of my adult life trying to fit in. Even when I was well into my 30s I felt I had to drive a particular model car, live in a certain size house,

and wear designer clothes in order to be successful. Then one day it hit me: I was still doing it. I was still trying to fit in. I have had enough. I longed to live a life of power and purpose but I was confusing purpose with fitting in. But what do you do when you never fit in? When no matter what you do or where you go, you feel excluded? Maybe you’re like me and you put on a mask to pretend to be something you’re not, or perhaps you settle for less. Once I realized that all my efforts to fit in were just getting me exhausted and connected to people I didn’t even like, I knew I needed to break free.

But what came next was not what I expected. My marriage ended. My friendships ended. And I was all alone. You may fear the same thing. But can I tell you that if you look beyond the loneliness and fear, you will discover something. You were never meant to fit in! I discovered that people who don’t fit in were created for a very unique purpose. It is the searching that strengthens you. It is the searching that empowers you. It is the searching that enables you to grow. While others are trying to live up to someone

else’s expectations, you are in a unique position to do something life changing. I wish I could leap through this screen and help you see that if you’ve never quite fit in, it’s because you weren’t meant to. You were intended to stand out. I want to encourage you today to stop crying over that lost relationship. To stop trying to mold yourself to a job that wasn’t designed for you, and to stop basing your happiness on someone else’s approval. You will likely never succeed in any of those pursuits. To this day, I still don’t quite fit in and I’m guessing you don’t either… and that’s more than OK. It’s God’s plan.

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LIFESTYLE

MENTAL HEALTH:

ART UNLIMITED

PAPER

BOYO Perspective on paper Photography by Marcus Mashchwitz

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We’ve been following you for a while and saw a behind-the-scenes

video of you explaining the process of achieving the perfect shot for your cut-out pieces. Where do you seek inspiration for each new cut-out piece? I really like to surprise myself with my ideas, so I spend a lot of time researching locations and un-usual architecture or landscapes to play with. It takes some patience and a playful imagination but eventually the ideas start to flow. Surrounding myself with other creative people is useful too, and that’s also why Instagram is such a fantastic platform for artists because I’m continually being inspired by artists on there. We saw you do workshops for your paper cutting which according to the pictures online, looks like everyone had a lot of fun, is

there any chance you’ll bring the workshops to us here in the states? I would love to do more of these workshops; it was so much fun sharing my experience and then seeing a room full of people get up and try it for themselves. Seeing someone surprise themselves with their own creativity is so exciting; I really believe we’re all creative people, but it takes a little bit of learning some creative confidence for a lot of us to want to use our creativity, so my work-

shops have been a really fun way of unleashing creative potential. What advice will you give an aspiring photographer who’s looking to get into the photography world? It’s okay to emulate other people when you start- I used to go and stand in exactly the same spot that I’d seen other people take photos and try to copy their style. It was a good way of learning the basic skills but eventually, you’ll then want to find your own voice, and

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Where did the name paperboyo come from? It’s a bit of a funny story, I wanted the username ‘paperboy’ because when I started my Instagram it was going to be all about papercraft, and being a young guy at the time that felt like a good name for my Instagram. However, that username was taken so I just put an ‘o’ on the end thinking it didn’t really matter because it was only going to be friends and family who would follow me. When I started growing an audience beyond that I realized I probably should have chosen a better name but it’s stuck now. I often get asked if I’m welsh because they use the phrase ‘boyo’ a lot, but unfortunately, I’m not.

Rich McCor aka Paperboyo has been described as “a non-destructive vandal” within the confines of a camera viewfinder; he transforms and embellishes scenes with black paper cut-outs. Starting in London as a hobby, it quickly got out of hand and became a full-time passion. Now Rich travels the world transforming the skyline by creating optical illusions with well-known scenes like New York’s Statue of Liberty and Hong Kong’s Harbour to lesser-known landscapes such as the vistas of Kiruna and Beach Huts in Ontario.

FOLLOW PAPERBOYO @Paperboyo @Paperboyo www.paperboyoprints.com

you and all of your upcoming projects? I pretty much dedicate my efforts to my Instagram (@paperboyo) so all my latest work and projects will be on there.

by experimenting and not being afraid to take bad photos, you find your own style.

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We saw a few shots from your book “Around the world in cut-outs” and we absolutely loved it; what can we expect next for you? I’m really keen to do an interactive children’s book using cut-outs and photos from around the world. I’ve just become an uncle so I think my niece might be my inspiration when I write it. Who is your favorite creative influence, and why? Christoph Niemann. I love his style, approach, and the thought process he puts into his work. His Abstract Sunday series on Instagram was a big influence when I was looking for my own style. What inspired you to take this route in exploring photography and cut-outs? I was taking fairly conventional photos in my home city of London as a hobby, and I wanted to find a way to stand out from the other photographers in London. I decided I had

two options- either get better at photography or be different. So I took the second route, and through experimentation, I landed on the idea of using paper cut-outs to transform and embellish London landmarks. This then eventually led to me traveling the world transforming landscapes all over the place. What is your ultimate goal as a photographer to achieve? I think as with a lot of freelancers who pursue careers they love, I just still want to be doing it this time next year. What is the most memorable experience you’ve had while trying to shoot one of your cut-outs? I’ve had so many beautiful moments and opportunities because of my photography, and I’m really lucky because of it. I think the one that stands out is the opportunity to travel to Easter Island because of my Instagram; that was a trip I will never forget! Before we let you go, where can our readers follow you online to stay in the loop with

ART UNLIMITED

CALITRICKZZ

KayyKilo x DaBaby- Yeah B!tch [Trickzz Cover]

Migos- How We Comin [Trickzz Cover]

Calitrickzz served eight years in the military; he started vaping toward the end of his naval career. When he began doing vape trick competitions he started to build a buzz around his name and eventually got sponsored by a few big vape companies with that he would start doing vape conventions all over Los Angeles. After a couple of years performing vape tricks at shows, he started touring overseas; He’s been to places like Greece, Germany, and Bahrain to name a few, all from vape tricks! During the popup shop tour, Calitrickzz would perform these amazing vape tricks in front of crowds. He would also hold tutorials for anyone wanting to learn; During all of this, learning how to edit videos and pictures, Calitrickzz started to develop a love and passion for it. He loved it so much he started his own business, Calitrickzz LLC. If you ever want your business or brand promoted, Calitrickzz is the man for the job!

FOLLOW CALITRICKZZ @Calitrickzz @Calitrickzz @Calitrickzz

WINTER 2021 l ISSUE No. 06

ART UNLIMITED

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Muralist of Imagination

As an illustrator and mural artist, where do you seek inspiration for each new piece? It varies; I don’t have just one thing that inspires

me; Everything inspires me. I do a lot of freestyle work, and a lot of that is from off the top of my head; So nostalgic memories, past events, people, music, etc. A lot of my work starts as me just drawing for fun and then adding those elements as I go. I’ve seen your work on a collection of different mediums, from digital, canvas, concrete sidewalks, brick walls, and more. I came across your art being on beverage cans recently; Congrats! What does it feel like to see your artwork on a can and sold in stores? To be honest I’m still not used to it, lol. I know younger me wouldn’t believe it if I told him. It definitely motivates me, and I can’t help but smile when I see it!

What are your dreams of taking your art, or where do you want to see it go in the future? To be able to live off of my work without doing commissions. I would still do commissions but it wouldn’t be mandatory. My income would be based on my original paintings, illustrations, and merch; Plus have them in stores around the world or even have my own store/studio.

characters tend to have multiple, some might have five eyes, and some might have just one but with multiple mouths. The

I love your unique style of illustration. How would you explain it to people? It’s kind of hard explaining it, lol! I kind of have my own world of Toonkified characters! In that world, everything has eyes even inanimate things. Due to me having full features and growing up being bullied for that. I make sure my characters have full representational features! Speaking of features, some of my

Quantavious Worship, also known as Toonky Berry is a Mississippi native and Memphis-based artist. A graduate of Memphis College of Art with a major in illustration. There he developed the style he calls Toonkification. A combination of these styles; surrealism, caricatures, and graffiti; His Toonkified illustrations, portraits, murals, logos, and multimedia work can be found throughout the Mid-South. Worship is well versed in fine art, graphic design, and public art; he blends tradition and innovation, cultivating expertise in the specialty of graphic portraits.

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Who was your biggest influence to pursue art as a career, and why? My Aunt and Uncles were really good at drawing, even my mom was good with bubble letters, so I picked it up because I thought they were so cool. I didn’t go into it thinking it would be my career though I just fell in love with it not knowing I could make money until people asked to buy my artwork in middle school. In high school, my teacher Ms. Hendrix showed me the different ways art can be a career. Before that, all I knew was that I could be an architect, a tattoo artist, or somehow get into animating cartoons lol.

FOLLOW TOONKY @Toonky_Berry @Toonky Berry @Toonkification @Toonky_Berry

combination are endless! Those can appear monster-like but in this world, that’s normal. I love thinking outside of the box for my characters! I want my audience to be like that oddly works, how did he think of that, and also I want them to see themselves in the characters! At this moment today, what has been your favorite project or mural you had to work on and why? Hard to say; it’s between my “Midtown Girl” mural at La Vogue on Madison Ave, “Nerd Alert” mural on Cooper and South-

ern Ave, and my “Love One-Another” mural at Grind City Brewery. These are my Top 3 for now. As an artist, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced, and the biggest lesson you have learned? It’s ok to say no! I’ve caught myself doing too much because I would always say yes; To the point where I’m overwhelmed with work; Which leads to slower turnaround times and overworking myself. That’s not fair for me or my clients, don’t bite off more than you can chew!

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What advice will you give to aspiring mural artists who want to get into the field? For any artist, draw more, experiment and develop your own style and post it on social media so the world can see. That documents your progress and your audience will be on that journey with you. For specifically muralists, look for mural festivals, mural calls, or reach out to your local small businesses to see if they need a wall done. Practice with big canvases or panels to get better at painting larger scale. Whatever you do, just know that practice makes progress, don’t give up! So what’s next? Are any other upcoming projects or things in the works to release in the

near future? To be able to live off of my work without relying on commissions. My income would be more based on my original paintings, illustrations, and merch; Plus have them in stores around the world or even have my own store/studio one day! Thank you so much Toonky for your time; I really appreciate it. Before I let you go, do you have any last words for your supporters or our readers? Yall support means everything to me! Without y’all, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today! Especially Memphis, yall treat me as if I’m from here, and that’s a high honor.

LOVE=LOVE

- LAURIE ANDERSON

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PERFORMANCE ART IS ABOUT JOY, ABOUT MAKING SOMETHING THAT’S SO FULL OF A WILD KIND OF JOY THAT REALLY CAN’T BE PUT INTO WORDS.

BUSINESS+ENTERTAINMENT

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JUSTIN ALLEN TATE LIFE ON STAGE

If you could choose to work alongside any actor or be in any production, which/who would it be and why? I am always available to work with any artist who loves the art. I want to work with everyone. I love what I do and the people

who love this industry. If I had to choose, it would be my favorite artist of all time Diana Ross. She is such a star. She has a star power that you can’t teach. I heard through the grapevine that you won “best actor” in a musical for the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” Congrats! How was that experience playing such a legendary role, and what does winning that award mean to you?

Playing Lola in Kinky Boots was a huge honor for me. I was in final callbacks for this role on Broadway several times, so I have had a long road with this show. Finally getting to play a role you have always wanted to do was just amazing. I think I cried almost every day during the entire run of the show. I was just grateful. Winning the Broadway World award was a complete honor as it was voted on by my community. What’s the difference between stage-play acting, and broadway acting? Acting is acting, studying your character is more important. It’s not just what the writer wrote on the page; You need to know where your character came from and where they are going. There must be an objective. I don’t care if you’re in the theatre, in a movie,

or wherever, you must come from a real place. Do your research and learn your lines. Once you know your lines, then you can really explore your character. Being a Broadway actor, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced, and the biggest lesson you have learned? I think the biggest thing I have learned about this industry is that making connections and relationships is very important. A lot of the jobs I get are not through auditions but because I have worked with a director who decides to work with me again. Your attitude in rehearsals and on the gig is very important. The tough part of this industry is constantly going to auditions and making sure you put your best foot forward every time. Sometimes you only get 30 seconds to one minute in front of the casting

Justin Allen Tate (Mr. Mid-South Pride 2020) a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City. He returns to the Memphis stage after recently being named the 2019 Broadway World Regional Best Actor in a Musical for his performance of Lola in Kinky Boots at POTS. National Broadway Tour Credits include Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Flashdance & Cirque Dreams. Favorite Regional Credits include Violet, The Legend of Georgia McBride, and Memphis the Musical. Justin has been a Lead Featured Vocalist for Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line for five years. A Background Vocalist for Blake Shelton, Gene Simmons of KISS, and K. Michelle. TV Appearances: Wedding at Graceland (Hallmark), The Deuce (HBO), Ellen (NBC) & Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve, twice. He is a former four-year member of the USO Show Troupe, entertaining our military and their families around the world including tours in Hawaii & South Korea.

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Who was your biggest influence to pursue acting, and why? My mom has been my biggest influence since I could remember. I grew up watching her amazing work ethic day and night. I just watched her work hard toward her goals, and I’ve always wanted to be just like her. I have always used her as my template. I saw my first Broadway show in New York at 15 years old. The light came on and never went out; seeing them sing and dance on stage made me fall in love. My parents always encouraged me to go after my dreams and goals and that hard work was the way to reach them

FOLLOW JUSTIN @Justin Allen Tate @JustinAllenTate www.JustinAllenTate.com

director so you have to give them that wow factor right away.

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The acting industry is over-saturated and almost impossible to be noticed out of the crowd. What advice can you give to aspiring actors to help them stand out in the overpopulated industry? There are tons of ways to get noticed. If you are singing at an audition, try singing a song not normally done. It will help strike up a conversation. Being personable is huge; It’s great to walk into the audition room

and be yourself & show them who you are. When I lived in New York, I went to auditions daily even if they weren’t looking for my type. Being seen and getting folks to know you is huge. Everyone in this industry has to pound the pavement at some point and push to get their face out there; You can’t be shy. What has been your proudest moment as an actor or favorite production you were a part of and why? My proudest moment was being in the USO Show Troupe for almost

five years. The USO supports the military and their families. I had the honor of singing all over the world for our military including tours in Hawaii and South Korea. It opened my eyes to the men & women who put their lives on the line for everyday freedoms we take for granted. So what’s next for you? Any upcoming shows or things in the works to be released in the near future? My next show is “Christmas in the Air” in Biloxi, Mississippi at the beautiful Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino. It’s a beautiful production with 20+ dancers, singers, and actors. I love Christmas music and the holidays. This show will get you in the holiday spirit with amazing talent that will blow you away. Thank you so much Justin for your time; I really appreciate it. Before I let you go, do you

have any final words for your supporters or our readers? I want to take this time to thank the people of Memphis for supporting me and all the amazing local artists in this city. I have been able to do such amazing things locally and nationally and it’s because of the love from my community. Please continue to support these artists and this amazing community. If you are in this field you have to continue to train and get better. Never stop learning. You must push yourself to make connections with people who have the power to get you where you want to be. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Collaborate with other artists. Being visible keeps you relevant. And remember most of all why you do this. When you love performing, it shows. Never forget the love and passion of entertainment and sharing your gift to make people feel good.

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JENNIFER FORD The Reintroduction of me Photography by Mikey Norman & Memphis Marcus

We saw you created a Facebook group called Seer Spotlight, tell us more about that and why is it so important to you? I created the Facebook group because I genuinely love to support others. I wanted to highlight up-andcoming talent, provide a platform to share content, and bring more visibility to local artists and entrepreneurs. I observed many notable and talented people who

lacked recognition and support. My idea originated from sharing posts on my personal page on Facebook. Fa-Harra encouraged me to share others’ content because it doesn’t cost anything, It’s free. Even when I may not be able to show support financially, I can support through sharing content, which has been very fruitful for me. Raised in a family of political power here in Memphis, Tennessee “The Ford’s”, what inspired you to go against the grain and pursue a career in the creative arts vs. politics? I’ve always been a creative person. I never really saw myself going into politics to use my voice. I believe my voice is best expressed through creative arts; that’s where my heart is.

I’ve always been a writer. That was the main way I learned to communicate. I used to be extremely shy and didn’t know how to say how I felt unless I wrote it down. It just turned into my passion. Now that I have learned to use my voice without fear, I desire to see where it takes me. I used to shut down the notion of being in politics altogether, but I’m open to the possibility in the future. Being a person who felt invisible to the world yet, a product of a family that was in the public eye, what were some struggles you had to overcome to embark on the trail you lead today? I was always wired differently, I believe. As a result, I never really felt I fit in anywhere. My dad was in the public eye a lot, which gave some

Jennifer Ford is truly beyond category. She is a writer, wordsmith, songwriter, poet, actress, recording artist on iVision Digital, motivational speaker, and mental health awareness advocate. She creates the content for her YouTube channel, Authentically Jen. Fa-Harra Farmer assists with all of the editing for each video. They are also business partners on the media platform iVD Press. Jennifer is the Chief Editor, and FaHarra Farmer is the CEO. In addition, she is the daughter of former State Senator, John Ford. Jennifer is part of a prominent bloodline; one of the greatest representations of power in the city of Memphis. No other Black family for generations has had a hand in politics quite like the Fords. However, she believes God created her to do things a new way. She believes her path will pave the way for people to see the Fords with renewed eyes.

people an idea about me that wasn’t true. I didn’t grow up privileged or automatically having the advantages people assumed I had. I believe being an introvert kept me in my shell more. I recently found out I have Adult ADHD, so growing up undiagnosed was challenging. I struggled internally with anxiety and depression for years, until I started going to therapy. I’ve learned to develop coping skills that I never had before. Overcoming how I used to view myself has really enabled me to soar in ways I never imagined. For a lot of us, following our dreams as a creative is going against the grain in comparison to traditional career paths. What advice will you give to that aspiring creative who may feel invisible or shy to put themselves out there? My advice would be to just launch. When I had the idea to create “Authentically Jen”, my first message was literally recorded on my phone in the bathroom. I felt compelled to post it on YouTube. I had no idea that simply launching would turn into what it has become today, it’s still just the beginning; However, so many doors have opened up for me since launching about four months ago. If you

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Professionally known as Jennifer Ford, but creatively known as Seer; I’ve always been curious about the meaning and background of Seer, what’s the story behind the name? A “Seer” is one who is a visionary prophet. I have always been able to see things most can not. That’s one of my spiritual gifts. I chose the name Seer because it embodies who I am as a person and an artist. I enjoy showing love and acceptance to all walks of life, but especially those considered to be outcasts. When I first mentioned the name Seer to Fa-Harra Farmer, he’s been calling me that ever since so it kinda just stuck with me. He created the logo and helped me bring Seer to life. I decided then to fully embrace my calling.

struggle with believing in yourself like I have, taking a leap of faith is key. You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there. We heard through the grapevine that Maya Angelou and Nina Simone are two of your favorite writers. What about them inspires you, and how has their work influenced your writing? I would say their ability to channel their experience into their art is what captivates me the most. They are both resilient and not afraid to be true to themselves. I tend to create muses in my mind for inspiration. I use to be afraid of my own voice. I experienced being silenced a lot, so it encouraged me to look to them as examples. They helped me see who I could be if I learned to own who I am.

My process can vary from time to time; Music helps me channel into a creative space. I also have to be in a quiet environment to focus. Most of my content is created at night, especially since I also have two children to care for during the day. We also heard that you have recently been experimenting with acting, tell us more about that and can we expect to see you sometime soon on the big screen? I had the amazing opportunity to have a role in the upcoming film, Ruined: Twice Blind, thanks to Tymika Chambliss and Ketrick “Jazz” Copeland. I enjoyed playing the role of Selena, especially since it was my introduction to filming. Besides the film’s release sometime next Spring, I don’t have any upcoming film

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We’re such a fan of your spoken word and love the videos you produce biweekly on your YouTube channel. Where do you seek inspiration for creating new content, and what is that process like for you? I seek my inspiration from the Most High. All of my videos are divinely inspired. I give all credit to God for gifting me with being a wordsmith and creatively inclined to use my words in a poetic way and source of inspiration.

projects at the moment. I would be interested in accepting other roles and potentially making films in the near future. Being so multitalented, what are your goals or dreams in taking your talent, and what can we expect to see next from you? I desire to impact others in a positive way through my talents; Inspiring them to never be afraid to use their voices. My gifts

days” by the Founder of “A Second Chance Show”, Philip Harris-Jones Jr. I will start working on a project as the artist, Seer soon. I look forward to showcasing more of my abilities as a songwriter and performer.

have made room for me to express myself organically. I hope to build a platform that will create generational wealth for my children. I desire to be a blueprint for others to follow, especially for single parents. I want them to know it’s possible to live their dreams and still be a parent. You don’t have to lose your identity. Our kids need us to be happy and present. Take care of yourself and never think doing what you love is impossible because of the lack of support. I was asked by the owner of ColorfulHeadache, Yaya Yogi to be the Affirmations Coach at her Glamping event in January 2022. I have also been asked to join “Motivational Mon-

Thank you so much Jennifer for your time, before we go, do you have any last words for your supporters or our readers? My last words would be to never allow yourself to be limited, no matter what your circumstances may be. I use to allow my circumstances to determine my day, instead of taking the bull by the horns to create the reality I desired to see. You have to believe in yourself and know you are enough. Everything you need is inside of you. Once you tap into that, everything will come together.

SUPPORTER HIGHLIGHT

Our supporters (#TeamIamART) is the heart of the entire I AM ART Campaign operation; This is a team made up of diverse creative and non-creative youth, aspiring artists, allies, industry creatives, and entrepreneurs. Working together, believing in the mission of the campaign to help empower the next generation of artists. We’re incredible individually, but together, we’re unstoppable. Please continue to send and tag us in your I AM ART Merchandise, brightens our day. Either email your pictures to: iamartcampaign@gmail.com or tag us on social media: @iamartcampaign #iamartcampaign

If you want to get you some I AM ART merch you can go to: www.iamartcampaign.com/store

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JASON MARTIN

The man with the masterplan

If you had the opportunity to work alongside or shadow any director, who will it be and why? Chris Nolan will be a director, I will like to have an opportunity to work with. His director’s eye and feel for camera angles are unmatched. I would also study his directing up close. Not to

mention, he directed one of my favorite films of all time, “The Dark Knight”. Where do you seek inspiration for writing or directing each of your films? In 2015, my friend Vintrell Jones invited me to his movie set, “Read between the lines”. He asked me, could I hold a boom mic for him. I told him, yeah. That was the first time I was on an actual set. I knew after that filming was my purpose. Out of all the movies you have done thus far, which has been your favorite to create and why? My web series, “Merciful” is my favorite project so far. It’s a crime series about a Mobster son who falls in love with a Catholic priest’s daughter. But to find out, the Catholic priest family is an Italian Mafia family in witness protection. This

project taught me how to become more confident as a director, cast for a film, scout locations, introduced the first car club to the Memphis film industry and challenged scenes from hostage negotiation, homicide, human trafficking scenes, etc. Merciful revealed my failures, which helped me grow into the director I am today. As a director, what has been the biggest challenge you had to face, and what was the biggest lesson you have learned? The biggest challenge I had as a director was the pandemic. Believe it or not, I have only been directing for 19 months now. When the pandemic hit the world, It stop everything. Everyone was in the house, and the majority of all the restaurants were closed. I wasn’t prepared for that, but I wasn’t going to stop filming either. I filmed the majority of my films outside and inside cars. Since the world was on the inside, that meant I had all the locations to film without being interrupted. I had to learn as a first-time filmmaker to adjust to something, I had no control over. But that was a blessing, I was able to build a brand because of it. So now all I have to do is, practice Covid Protocols while working with the actors.

Jason Martin was born in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of seven, his mother moved him and his brother to Mississippi. But a few years later, she moved them to Memphis, Tennessee; Where he spent the majority of his life and found his film purpose. Jason started writing at the age of 25, he filmed his first project “Merciful” in the Winter of 2020. He has been directing for less than two years now but he has made a name for himself. He has filmed over 7 projects of his own, acted in five movies, executive produced a web series, and directed and co-directed two projects, and filmed a blog. He’s also a casting director and costume designer. But Jason’s greatest achievement is his practice scenes. He created a platform where actors can challenge their character ranges, practice improv techniques, stunt training, etc.

What advice will you give to aspiring directors who want to get into the filming industry? The only advice I will give to aspiring directors is to challenge yourself to the highest level. I have a saying I tell everyone, “Most people are afraid to fail; Me, I’m afraid of not trying.” Buddha once said, “I don’t lose, I either win or learn.” Dream big, test your creative range, read and watch tons of movies. Oh, build relationships with your local businesses. You couldn’t imagine what a small connection will do for you. I heard through the grapevine that you were gearing up to begin shooting your next project Merciful. Tell us a little about that and what can we expect from this web series? Yeah, I will be filming “Merciful: Episode 6” very soon. This will be the

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How were you introduced to directing, and who was your biggest influence? Dellguan Coleman introduced me to directing. I was a screenwriter at but he said to me, “I see some Spike Lee in you, you should be a Director. Shortly after that, we started the process of directing. My favorite director is John Singleton. His movies from Baby Boy, Boyz in the Hood, Poetic Justice, and Higher learning inspired how I write films. I love his storytelling of Black Culture.

final episode of the web series. It will be a threeday event, 34 actors. This will be the largest cast, I worked with. There will be a make-up team, on-set photographer, special guests, etc. This project will have a hostage scene, a similar cypher terrorist group like Anonymous, homicide scene and so much more. I was at the Movie Go Award show here in Memphis this past August and you won the ‘Most Improved Director’ award Congrats! I saw this was also your second award from this award show that you won the previous year; what was the other award you won, and what does receiving both of these awards mean to you? The first Movie Go Award I won was “The Most Ambitious Director of the Year”. These awards mean a lot to me. I have them in a glass case in my mother’s living room. 57

I treat them like they’re Emmys, Oscars, or Golden Globe awards. So what’s next? Do you have any other upcoming projects or anything in the works that’ll be released in the near future? Yes, I have two projects I’m working on, director Chad Rhodes and I are colliding on a film called “Mourning After” in 2022 and I’m executive producing a web series called “Black Girl, Big City” with Venture Quest Films. The first episode of “Black Girl, Big City” will be airing in October of 2021. Thank you so much Jason for your time, I really appreciate it. Before I let you go, do you have any last words for your supporters or our readers? Remember, reality only exists because of creative thoughts. Everything around you came from an idea of something or someone. If you’re a

Christian, the creation of man was a thought of God, if you have an iphone, the creation of it came from a thought of Steve Jobs.

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TANYA LAWRENCE 59 www.ARTistFeatureMag.com

Creating a Safe Space for the women of tomorrow Photography by Alfred Dixon

What is one of your favorite moments that happened during your Tea Talk event, and why? One of my favorite moments was when a young lady walked into my event, who appeared to have been homeless or at least living a very challenging lifestyle. She was not dressed like the rest of us ladies at the event, nor did she have the business background that many

of us had; However, she was not judged by our group based upon how she came or what she lacked. We embraced her, loved on her, prayed with her, and instantly she was able to experience the love of God and was inspired to turn her life around and keep living. She had stumbled into the event by accident, but God lead her there (unbeknown to her). Before the encounter, she was ready to give up on life and had even contemplated suicide. But because of the love we extended to her, she is still thriving until this day. This experience helped me truly understand what the purpose of this movement was supposed to be about and helped me accept my purpose and calling in the marketplace. And it was at that moment I realized Tea Talk with Tanya would be an official movement, as it was an opportunity to impact and elevate others with what God had given me; the power to speak life and hope into the lives of many that may need some T.E.A (total empowerment and anointing) I heard through the grapevine that you announced at your last Tea Talk event back in September that Tea Talk with Tanya is working on a collab-

oration with a local network Congrats! Tell us more about that and what can we expect to see on the network? TTWT TV is in collaboration with The Kingdom Image Network, where we will showcase many entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations. Our goal is to promote these groups while speaking on purpose and passion. In addition, to having Christian values to help be successful in the marketplace. Being an entrepreneur is a huge challenge to take on but you make it look so easy. Along your journey thus far, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced, and what has been the biggest lesson you have learned? The biggest challenge in becoming an entrepreneur for me was initially trying to find the right niche. With my educa-

Tanya E. Lawrence is the CEO of CottonPatch Property Group, LLC a real estate and investing company (est June 2014). In June of 2018, Tanya founded a movement entitled, Tea Talk with Tanya. In addition to making business moves, Tanya is also a published author/writer, public speaker, and actress. She is the mother of three amazing kids and has a passion for helping people. She has spent the past two decades promoting entrepreneurism and financial literacy.

tional background in business, I was given many opportunities to do different things; however, I had to find out how my vision, passion, and talents would help me to be the most successful. The biggest lesson I have learned is that in our journey to the top of our success ladder, not everyone that started with you will be at the end with you. And also, that just because you see people clapping doesn’t necessarily mean they are cheering for YOU. Entrepreneurship is clearly not for everybody, who was your biggest influence to becoming an entrepreneur and why? I believe my biggest influence was Oprah Winfrey; As a young girl, I remember seeing her do various things in television, broadcasting, philanthropy, etc. and she was like a role model to me, because she

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What exactly is Tea Talk with Tanya, and how did it come about? Tea Talk with Tanya is a platform for inspiration, hope, healing, and divine connections. Our goal is to encourage people to Dream Big and make their mark in the marketplace while uplifting one another in the spirit of unity and love. It’s a movement for individuals to collaborate, motivate and encourage entrepreneurism.

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looked like me, she was very relatable, considering some of the various challenges she faced from growing up and even into breaking the norms for telecommunication. She was my idea of a real-life superhero because she came from a past of many difficulties, but through her belief in God, she created a mission to prove the stereotype of our culture wrong and made a choice to be great, to impact the world and always emulated a can-do spirit, hence her world-renown success. I loved that about her as it gave little girls like me hope to become whatever we wanted to be without limitations. For those who don’t know, you’re also a published writer of a few books; Tell us about your books and what inspired you to become an author?

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From a very young age, I have always enjoyed writing and creating because my mind always creates images and storylines in my head. Oftentimes, when I would speak to people, they would get captivated by how I articulated my conversation and would often say Chile, you should write a book! And one day, I was granted that opportunity. I was able to participate in a two-part anthology entitled, Tying the Knot Between Ministry and the Marketplace, created by Mrs. Deborah Taylor, a phenomenal mentor and spiritual mother to me. It was because of my divine connection with her that I was able to meet my publisher, Mrs. Chardell Self, of Speak Through Me Publishing, and was able to produce my first solo book project, I Got You Covered, 30 Days of Dedicated Prayer, and will be able to also

produce other book projects that are soon to come. It was through these connections that I truly began to understand my purpose and my ministry. As a person who desires to empower, elevate, and motivate others, it only made sense for me to write the vision and make it plain. What advice will you give to an aspiring author who wants to get into the industry that you wish someone told you before you started? I would say, don’t be afraid to tell your story. Everyone has a story whether truth or fiction. And the first step to becoming a successful author is to take the thoughts from your head and put it in your hand. Start writing, despite fear, doubt, and/or resources. Your dream will become a reality at the right time and in the right season. Never give up.

So what’s next for you? Any other upcoming projects or things in the works for the near future? Up next, in addition to working on segments for my new TV show, I will also be working on a couple of movie projects that will be released later this year, and I will also be working on a new book. Tanya thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate it. Before I let you go, do you have any last words for your supporters or our readers? I would just like to encourage the readers to always remember to dream big and live out loud. Continue to work on yourself so that you can show the world the best version of yourself.

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