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SILKY IN STUDIO WITH WORLDWIDE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, JON CARRASCO 7

“Beauty comes in all ages, colors, shapes and forms. God never makes junk.”

“My family gave me values that have sustained me through situations that would challenge any person. My personal relationship with the Lord inspires me in all I do.” - Kathy Ireland

TECH, INSPIRE, POWER MAKE OUR WORLD BET TER 10

Kathy is Global Ambassador for Best Buddies, as well as Global Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Katky speaks for over 17,000 at AIPAC, a bi-partisan coalition for American and Israeli affairs, with Prime Minister- Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu,

Israeli

President-

Shimon Peres, US President Barack Obama, Senator Joe Lieberman, and America’s most prominent members of the Democratic and Repulican political parties.

Contents Cover Story pg 7 Give Back pg 10 Non-Profit Support Ideas for the Holidays. Millenium Development Goals pg 12 Incredible News pg 18 Play Like A Girl pg 20 Women in Sports; Sarah Fuller and Serena Williams blackbird Lennon-McCartney Icons pg 34 Music and Activism Boutiful Bloom pg 36 Adding to Your Holiday Festivities 8 Tips for Virtual Buying pg 39 2021 COVID-19 Update pg 42 Finding Meaning by David Kessler pg 44 Latest in Health and Tech with LTI pg 46

Holiday Messages from Kathy pg 106 Protect Your family and Your Money pg 51 Luxury Leather and Why pg 54 The Power of Place pg 64

Into The Jungle pg 90 Prequel Novella of Fashion Jungle Meghan Markle & Prince Harry pg 106 Where are they now?

Fall Flashback pg 124 Janet Jackson The Walton’s Homecoming pg 126 Sunday Dinner pg 130 Winter’s Cozy Comforts

kathy ireland® Weddings & A Touch of Nature Resorts pg 108 pg 135 Friday Night Recipe Holiday Messages from pg 66 Media pg138 Chocolate Chipotle Brownies Kathy pg 110 and Martinis! Your Best Bow Forward Over My Shoulder pg 174 Artist in Residence pg 70 pg 114 Wrapping with Bows The Eye of the Storm Ashley Graham pg 76 Christmas EntertainIn Memoriam Emily Ratajkowski pg 78 ment pg 116 pg. 177 What to Watch this Season Cover Story pg 7 Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco

Millennium Development Goals I. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. 2. Achieve universal primary education. 3. Promote gender equality and empower women. 4. Reduce child mortality. 5. Improve maternal health. 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and other preventable adiseases. 7. Ensure environmental sustainability. 8. Build global partnerships for development. 9. Bring opportunities of financial stability and healthcare to American Veterans, First Responders and their families. 10. #STOPHUMANTRAFFICKING

Swipe A Card, Change The Life

This holiday season so many people are asking how to make more money. Here is how. irelandpay.com 13

KATHLEEN MARIE IRELAND FOUNDER and EDITORIAL DIRECTOR WORLDWIDE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITOR AT LARGE JON CARRASCO PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER STEPHEN ROSEBERRY EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT STEVE ROSENBLUM VP FASHION AND FINE JEWELRY ROCCO INGEMI VP, PRODUCER AND CERTIFIED SOUND EXPERT NIC MENDOZA VP AND MIVI FASHION EDITOR TOMMY MEHAREY VP TEAM OPERATIONS LARRY CHILDERS VP FINANCE ZULMA PONCE VP CONTENT/BROADCASTING/SPORTS STEVE GLICK CIO AND MANAGING EDITOR BRITTANY DUNCAN DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND OUTREACH BRIAN NGUYEN ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS ADRIAN PONCE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE BECCA CHILDERS CONTRIBUTING EDITOR NATALIE RAPS CHEF/BRAND AMBASSADOR SUNDAY DINNER/FRIDAY NIGHT EDITOR ANDRÉ CARTHEN LANDSCAPE DESIGNER- BRAND AMBASSADOR- JARDIN NICHOLAS WALKER PRODUCTION NOAH CHILDERS PRODUCTION ERIK IRELAND-OLSEN PRODUCTION BETHANY IRELAND-OLSEN CHIEF ARCHIVIST AND CURATOR BARBARA IRELAND ADMINISTRATOR DEE STERLING PUBLIC RELATIONS RONA MENASHE and VP & EA TO MR. CARRASCO AND MR. ROSEBERRY & ASSOCIATE EDITOR RUBÉN TORRES

CONTACT

kathy ireland® Worldwide

P.O. Box 1410 Rancho Mirage, Ca kathyireland@kathyireland.com

MICHAELAMINI.COM

Tears Over This Incredible News Tears over this incredible news...Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts, for making this possible. Those who didn’t believe became angels & those who did believe, without cause, were already angels. We thank God & we thank you. Much more #WorkToDo kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) and its Chair, CEO and Chief Designer Kathy Ireland, were announced today by License Global Magazine at the #15th position on the world’s 150 most successful top global licensors list. This ranking shatters the glass ceiling for women-owned businesses in the licensing industry, as Ms. Ireland is now the most highly ranked individual designer and sole female business owner to appear within the top 15 on the industry’s most prestigious list. This honor is concurrent with Ms. Ireland being admitted to the Licensing Hall of Fame this year and Ms. Ireland, on behalf of kiWW®, receiving the ICON award by The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA). The ICON award is not given annually, only to an individual who has made highly significant contributions to the industry throughout the course of his or her career, and through selfless acts and service, the recipient of this award has displayed leadership traits to guide and mentor the future of the industry. The prior recipient of this award is Bob Maricich, the mogul who built a multi-billion industry out of the Las Vegas and North Carolina Home Markets, as well as enhancing the profile of the furnishings industry throughout the United States and in strategic instances, globally. Ms. Ireland is a finalist for the IRF Champion Award, presented by the International Religious Freedom & Business Foundation Summit and led by Dr. Brian Grim. Ms. Ireland is a major bipartisan lobbyist for international human rights, bringing together Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Ms. Ireland also serves as International Youth Chair for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, which during her tenure has added global chapters. Ms. Ireland regularly breaks boundaries for women, as she is the only person to serve on both the NFLPA and WNBPA boards, as well as the Board of Advisors for Serena Williams. Ms. Ireland is an Ambassador for American Family Insurance, serving in this position beginning in 2012. “American Family Insurance and its leaders Jack Salzwedel, Bill Westrate, Telisa Yancy, the Board of Directors, executives, colleagues and associates are one of the most extraordinary companies we have ever had the privilege of working with. They are game-changers. They teach us to ‘Dream Fearlessly.’ In the years we’ve worked together, we’ve watched their meteoric rise as a company of inclusion and service that ranks higher and higher each year in America’s world-class Fortune 500. AmFam has taught us many lessons including to never place a ceiling upon our potential or our dreams.” said Ms. Ireland. Ms. Ireland is an Ambassador and Major Donor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Founding Ambassador of the Dream Foundation, first-ever and now former, National PTA Ambassador for Youth. Ms. Ireland is further honored as one of the top ten women’s health advocates in America, and as such has opened more neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) than any other individual. This year, as an expansion of Ms. Ireland’s health and wellness advocacy, the firm is opening kathy ireland® Recovery Centers throughout the nation for drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Says Ms. Ireland, “It is humbling … greatly humbling to receive recognition for work that is being done by our extraordinary team and our nonprofit donor fund. None of this could have happened without the tireless effort of five generations of human beings who commit their lives to our values. Teach. Inspire. Empower. Make Our World Better.” kiWW® is a conglomerate made of multiple and diverse companies in entertainment: Ms. Ireland’s companies have managed the careers of icons, including Vanessa Williams, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., whose new album Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons (EE1/BMG), produced by Nic Mendoza and Executive Produced by Ms. Ireland, returned the legendary couple to the Billboard Charts for the first time in four decades. Ms. Ireland’s firm has also guided the careers of Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Jackson. Ms. Ireland’s companies also include verticals in real estate, fashion, grooming, luxury resorts, weddings, furniture, home, lighting, ceiling fans, publishing, jewelry and much more. This fall, kiWW® is venturing into sponsorship of scripted television programming which is family-oriented. More details will be announced in July. “As one of our dearest friends, Anita Pointer once wrote, ‘We’re so excited and not surprised at the amazing things that inspire us each day.’ Without Kathy’s genius and immeasurable work ethic, this would only be a dream,” said Jon Carrasco, Worldwide Creative Director & EVP, and Stephen Roseberry, President & Chief Marketing Officer, of kathy ireland® Worldwide, in a joint statement. kiWW’s storied success began with its first client, still today-licensing partners and friends, Marilyn & John Moretz, co-CEOs Moretz Marketing, in 1993, followed by Clark Linstone of Pacific Coast Lighting and other prestigious companies, including Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway-owned, Nebraska Furniture Mart, led by the Blumkin family and Chairman, Irv Blumkin. Today, the conglomerate includes a relationship with Camping World and its CEO, Marcus Lemonis, that retail program is kathy ireland® Recreation & Adventure. Lee Mandelbaum, CEO Price Point Licensing Group is the exclusive representative for kathy ireland® Fashion. All public relations for Kathy Ireland, kathy ireland® Worldwide and its companies are led by Rona Menashe, Co-CEO of Los Angeles-based Guttman Associates PR & Marketing.

PLAY PLAY LIKE LIKE 20

GIRL 21

Lucy Draper played by Kathy Ireland in “Necessary Roughness”. 1991. Photo: Fusion Movies

“Congratulations to Sarah Fuller and the Vanderbilt Commodores. So powerful to see something that happened on film in Necessary Roughness, many, many years ago become a reality for this brilliant, superb athlete.” -Ireland said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kathy Ireland as Lucy Draper in Necessary Roughness. Image: IMDB

Below Image: Paramount/PhotoFest 'Necessary Roughness' (1991).

Photo: @The Portal to Texas History Description: Photograph of Kathy Ireland filming “Necessary Roughness.” Kathy Ireland is acting as the character Lucy Draper, the kicker for the Armadillos. Ireland is standing on the movie set in her football uniform and smiling for her portrait to be taken, film crew and film sets are visible behind her. UNT’s buildings and football field served as the backdrop for the 1991 football comedy film Necessary Roughness. The University was compensated $65,000 for use of its facilities. In the movie, the fictional Texas State Armadillos follows a string of successful seasons with a host of NCAA violations.

Casey Schwab, Kathy Ireland, Steve Scabelo Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco

Ireland, founder of kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), one of the world’s most powerful brands, has been on the cover of Forbes twice (2012, 2016) and is one of the most influential women in licensing and fashion. kiWW generates billions in sales and Kathy’s addition to the NFL Players, Inc. board will help NFL players exceed their revenue objectives through marketing and licensing. In addition to her success in the board room, Kathy and kiWW® support many non-profits including serving as an Ambassador for the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, and as an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, the Dream Foundation, Providence Educational Foundation, 911 for Kids/ AEFK and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Kathy is a strong advocate and supporter of the fight to end human trafficking in the U.S. and around the globe. “We are thrilled to have someone like Kathy Ireland join our board,” said NFLPA Executive Director and Chairman of NFL Players, Inc. DeMaurice Smith. “Kathy Ireland’s experience in leveraging her early career in the fashion industry into an iconic licensing business empire with kiWW® will be invaluable to support the work of our players. The fact that her 26

family is rooted in unions with her father’s ties to California’s farmers is another reason why she is a natural fit.” “I am delighted and honored to join the board of directors for NFL Players, Inc. and work with some of the world’s best athletes,” says Ms. Ireland. “My company’s experience in entrepreneurialism and licensing we believe, will be very helpful to the board and our players. Without question, the NFLPA is a legendary organization that offers opportunities to players at every level. It is our responsibility to protect these extraordinary athletes and to expand their earning potential while on the field and after it. Too often, the licensing industry has focused on an athlete during their playing career. This is a great loss. As we leverage all of our relationships in retail, entertainment, technology, and finance, we believe the opportunities for NFLPA life members are greater in 2019 than ever before. Being prepared for life off the field is not that different than the career of a model when the catwalk and covers end. We will work together as a board to generate a continuous stream of excitement as we move forward representing and protecting the rights of our players. We are one team!”

Kathy Ireland Joins the WNBPA’s Newly-Formed Board of Advocates

WNBPA assembles its own “super team” with newly-formed Board of Advocates The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is pleased to announce that it has formed its own Board of Advocates featuring a diverse group of paradigm-shifters and glass-ceiling breakers in business, politics, entertainment, media, and sport. Union leadership, specifically the WNBPA Executive Committee, identified each Board member to share their guidance and unique perspectives in support of the WNBPA’s efforts to create meaningful changes in the working conditions of the world-class athletes who play in the WNBA. “As the first labor union to represent women professional athletes, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Board of Advocates,” said WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike. “The WNBPA’s rallying cry for us and working women around the world is “Bet on Women” – a 28

message reinforced and embodied by each member of the Board.” “Through their professional careers and contributions to their communities, the Board’s members have proven, time and time again, that celebrating, supporting, and investing in women and girls is also an investment in families and communities, added Layshia Clarendon, First Vice President. “We know that when we “Bet on Women,” everyone wins.” Established in 1998, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association is the first of its kind and longest running union for women athletes. The purpose of the WNBPA is to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. The members of the WNBPA are phenomenal and accomplished athletes. Our union members play in the WNBA; and many play for and represent this country in World Championships and the Olympic Games. In order to make a living in the sport, they play in leagues overseas, too.

Kathy Ireland throwing the first pitch in Jackie Robinson jersey #42. Image @kathyireland Twitter

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar NBA all-time leading scorer, New York Times-bestselling author, and U.S. Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a global icon that changed the game of professional basketball. Since his stellar professional career, he has gone on to become a celebrated New York Times-bestselling author, filmmaker, ambassador of education, and Time Magazine columnist. A sought-after speaker, Abdul-Jabbar recounts in riveting and humorous detail his exciting evolution from street ball player to successful athlete, author, producer, and community activist.

For Your Consideration

blackbird Lennon-McCartney Icons, by 7-time Grammy Award winning icons, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., features “Silly Love Songs” & “Blackbird”.

AVAILABLE April 30th AVAILABLE NOW Produced by Nic Mendoza

Produced by Nic Mendoza 32

mccoodavis.com

Icons Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Release Social Justice and Equality Anthem Blackbird From Upcoming First Studio Album In Three Decades, Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons Album Climbs to #2 on iTunes’ R&B Album Presale Chart Upon Release “Why Blackbird? Why now? It is a reflection of the truth we are living today. When a blackbird leaves our mother’s nest, one day, it will not return. In 2021, mothers throughout our country live in the fear that our blackbirds may prematurely not be able to return to the nest of home, because of bigotry and violence… Blackbird, is dedicated to the life and humanity of every blackbird, whether living now or lost in battle.” -- Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Pop Culture Icons, multiple Grammy Award-winners and multi-platinum selling artists Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. released on Friday, Feb. 26, the single Blackbird from their highly anticipated first studio album in three decades, Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons (EE1/BMG), due April 30. This is an era of Renaissance for Marilyn and Billy. Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons is already among America’s top-selling presale albums, according to iTunes, #2 R&B chart, #33 among all presale albums, following their profile on Feb. 28’s edition of CBS Sunday Morning, two 5th Dimension’s greatest hits albums, featuring lead vocals by Marilyn & Billy, hit iTunes’ top ten. Marilyn & Billy’s appearance in Questlove’s “Summer of Soul”, has glowing reviews. The film earned Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. “As Black artists, at our ages, we didn’t believe we’d record another album, especially for a major label,” say Marilyn and Billy, who enjoy tremendous success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors, receiving 7 Grammy Awards, and earning 15 gold and 3 platinum records. “It took a lot of convinc34

ing from our millennial producer, Nic Mendoza, who, understood us and our insistence that our new music be about something that truly matters in our world.

We agreed to try, if the project honored the importance of lives. We always admired the talents of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and knew what some did not -hat Blackbird is a Civil Rights anthem, written after the bombing of the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham, which took the lives of four babies – Addie, Cynthia, Carole, and Carol Denise. The Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons project, each song, image, timeline and video, praises everyone who dares fight hatred,” adds the couple, who in their sixty-plusyear career of performing have broken countless racial and cultural barriers. Their CBS television variety

series was a first for an African American couple. Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons marks Marilyn & Billy’s first album with Encore Endeavor 1 (EE1), a subsidiary of kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), which has a multi-recording agreement with music giant, BMG. This project also marks kiWW’s second collaboration with BMG – the first made music history, after Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable skyrocketed to Billboard’s top spot on the album chart. The entertainment community celebrates Marilyn & Billy’s Renaissance:

Icon Vanessa Williams said, “Marilyn & Billy’s new album is beautiful, heartbreaking and uplifting. We’ve needed Marilyn & Billy always … and we need their genius right now.”

Dolly Parton said, “I am so impressed. You look and sound fantastic. These new beautiful recordings, including the Beatles classic Blackbird, and for all to enjoy. So proud of you, and I will always love you.” Sam Haskell, lifelong friend, President of Magnolia Hill Productions at Warner Bros. and Producers Guild of America Nominee for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures, who made television ratings history with the success of his Emmy-nominated films for NBC and Netflix programs said, “I love Marilyn & Billy’s talent and their new music. The success of Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons is a welcome return for these great artists.”

“Marilyn & Billy are icons and more, whose lives, artistry, and resources strengthen humanity, by ending discrimination against all, who the world seeks to marginalize,” says Kathy Ireland.

Photo 1: Marilyn & Billy Photographed by Darren Stone 2021, Courtesy of Jon Carrasco. Photo 2: Vanessa Williams and Kathy Ireland Courtesy of Jon Carrasco. Photos 3: Marilyn MCoo & Billy Davis Jr with Anita Pointer. Photo 4: Dolly Parton via Wikipedia. Photo 5: Hartwig Masuch, Kathy Ireland, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Courtesy of Jon Carrasco Anita Pointer, founder and lead singer of the iconic Pointer Sisters said, “Marilyn & Billy are amazing. Their music inspires me as a writer and singer. Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons deserves this recognition. It’s the truth about the Black experience.”

Blackbird Lennon-McCartney Icons Availablenow at mccoodavis.lnk.to/blackbird Apple Music, Itunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer.

Bountiful Bloom By Andre Carthen WARNING: Pointsettia’s are poisonous to cats and dogs.

The Fall/Winter Months bring about an array of beautiful bountiful colors; deep, rich, heart-warming colors that reflect the changing of the seasons. As we celebrate and seek more healthy food choices by opting for organic Farm-to-Table produce, a plentiful harvest and the array of fall/winter florals allow us to Bring-TheOutdoors-In. Key flowers of fall are Chrysanthemums, Pansy, Sweet Alyssum, and Black-Eyed Susan’s. Giving way to the glorious metamorphosis of the warming colors of fall foliage. Hues of rich scarlets, amberglow (a radiant autumnal orange), burnt orange, golden marigold, sunflower yellow, deep plum purples and earth-tone browns, adding the savory flavors of pumpkins and squash, which not only provide numerous health benefits, and also (in raw form) inspirer stunning Autumn décor. What could be more symbolic of Thanksgiving than the bountiful cornucopia? The eye-catching center piece that goes hand-in-hand with Thanksgiving like pumpkin pie, roasted turkey, and cranberry sauce! Likewise for winter into early spring, the season is kept alive in blood red, verdant green and winter white florals representing the traditional colors of Christmas. Against the snowy white landscape of winter, blooms the bold Poinsettia. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, this bright RED flower that is sometimes called the Lobster and/or the flame-leaf flower and due to its blooming season coinciding with the Christmas 36

holiday season is undoubtedly the ultimate Christmas Flower. Adding to holiday décor in flora arrangements, frosted bulbs and fragrant center pieces are Paper Whites, Amaryllis, Pinecones and Holly. Forced Paper Whites and later Hyacinths are some of the easiest bulbs to grow and offer a big punch of fragrance and color. Along with every-green, pinecones, wreaths, garland and a warm fire, the holidays have always been a time for families and friends to come together, and although it may be virtual gathering the symbols, the food and the memories are what we hold most dear. As nature prepares for the newest and growth of spring, so shall we. Early signs of spring come to life in Hyacinths, with its fragrance bright colors of purple, white, yellow and pink, Daffodils which seem to grow wild in unexpected places and in the traditional flowers of Tulips and Lilies. Wishing all growth and prosperity in 2021.

Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, this bright RED flower that is sometimes called the Lobster and/ or the flame-leaf flower and due to its blooming season coinciding with the Christmas season.

Kathy Ireland Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco

Kathy Ireland Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco 37

8 Tips for Virtual Home Shopping Tips by Michele Lerner

Whether you plan to purchase a property sight unseen or want to narrow the list of properties you’ll visit in person to save time, a virtual tour can be a valuable tool. While virtual tours using 3D modeling and simple videos have been around for years, during the Covid-19 pandemic real estate agents and builders quickly increased their use of virtual visits while in-person tours were restricted by local jurisdictions or sellers. Now that everyone has become accustomed to “touring” homes with a tablet, computer or smartphone, industry experts anticipate virtual tours to become a routine part of many real estate transactions. While many virtual tours can be found on home listings and builder websites, you can also ask a real estate agent or a new home sales consultant to take you on a live virtual tour via a video chat app such as Facetime or Google Duo or with a video call on Zoom or Skype. To make the most of a virtual tour online, keep these tips in mind: 1 Know your budget before you start shopping. Get a loan preapproval from a lender so you know your maximum borrowing power and come up with your personal comfort level with your housing budget. 2 Be ready with your list of priorities. Virtual home buyers should have a written list of needs and wants that you can refer to during the tour. The list will remind you of what to look for during the virtual tour. You can always revise it as you tour more homes, too. 3 Take notes as you watch. If you plan to virtually tour numerous homes, it’s smart to take a few notes on what you like or dislike about each property toured to make it easier to compare them later. Virtual home buyers should carefully review notes to get a thorough understanding of each property. 4 Make a list of questions to ask an agent after the tour. Virtual tours can’t answer every question about a property and many deliberately skip past some of the essential parts of the house such as the furnace, water heater and storage space. Keep track of what you missed so you can follow up with an agent, order a home inspection if going

Image: YH1S

under contract on a property, or remember to inspect systems yourself during an in-person tour before closing. If you’re taking a live video tour with an agent, you can also: 5 Request a floor plan. When a real estate agent tours a property via video it can be hard to get a good sense of the flow and size of rooms. Request a floor plan if available, as this may help you navigate the property virtually. You can also ask the agent to navigate according to the floor plan from room-to-room or in certain directions allowing you to view ceiling height, window and door locations and many other details during the tour. 6 Ask to check out the exterior. The agent may automatically start inside, but you should also ask to experience window views and to go outside to tour outdoor areas, patios, decks, etc., and request to see the property from the road and driveway entry to experience curb appeal. 7 Feel free to ask the agent to show you closets, utility rooms and storage areas. During a video tour, the agent may focus on the big things like the kitchen and great room. While it’s important to get a feel for the layout and those rooms, you also need to check on things you would see in person, such as closets for clothes and utilities, a basement or an attic. Ask to have more lights turned on if you need to see more. 8 Ask about neighborhood noise and the presence of home scents or odors. One thing you won’t pick up on during a virtual tour is whether the house smells musty or moldy, if there are pet or other odors, or whether there’s a noisy street or loud neighbors nearby. Ask the agent to be your nose and ears. Many homebuyers say they “just had a feeling” or they “fell in love” with a house the minute they walked in the door. That experience can be hard to replicate with a video tour, so many buyers choose to use these virtual tests to eliminate a few properties. But with some ingenuity and help from an agent, you can get a better feel for whether a property should be on the short list as your potential new home. 39

Kathy Ireland Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco

mymedicalimages.com

Our Philosophy Attune Health began with a single question: Could we harness the latest science in diverse fields like genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, and combine these precision sciences with advances in functional nutrition and lifestyle modification, using innovative technology? Our goal is to significantly improve the lives of people with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

2021 Newsletter COVID - 19 Vaccine & Delta Variant Update Another question is that of the third dose. Compelling data shows that a third dose of the mRNA vaccination may boost immunity against the COVID -19. Everyone should discuss this directly with their physicians to see if they are eligible for the third dose Additionally, booster vaccines are being worked out currently, and may enhance the vaccines efficacy against delta variant even more. Once a booster is available, we will have more data on who would qualify for those vaccines. For autoimmune patients, a significant question is whether or not their autoimmune disease will flare up from the vaccine. Recently, a study was published that showed that lupus patients did not experience flares after the vaccination. However, in my experience I’ve noticed that patients with autoimmune diseases tend to get achy and stiff joints for longer than the average person. Rarely, I have seen some more serious autoimmune side effects from the vaccines. However, when I talk to patients, I like them to think about the odds of getting a vaccine reaction (25–30/million), versus the odds of having a serious long - term illness/ ill feeling from contracting COVID-19(500–1000/million). Unfortunately, at this point in time given how contagious the delta variant is, ifsomeone is not vaccinated, they will likely end up getting COVID-19 Dear Friends, As the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all parts of the United States, we in California have been watching with anticipation.The question that has been first and foremost on everyone’s mind: Will our vaccines protect us against the worst of this pandemic? As new data is trickling in, it has become quite clear that while vaccines protect us against the worst complications of COVID -19, there have been multiple breakthrough infections. Previously we thought that the vaccines were about 90 to 95% effective against preventing COVID - 19 and could prevent transmission to unvaccinated people. However, the vaccines do not seem to be as efficacious against the new variants of COVID -19, specifically Delta. The silver lining is that vaccinated individuals are still significantly protected against hospitalization and/or death. Therefore I would urge anyone who is not vaccinated to strongly consider getting vaccinated. On August 23, 2021 the FDA gave full approval of the Pfizer mRNA vaccination. What this now means is that the FDA has gone through all of its usual checks and testing and feels that the benefits of the vaccines far outweigh any risks. Anyone who has been on the fence about getting the vaccine should feel significantly reassured by this.

I have tried to summarize some of my thoughts in the accompanying video. I would love to hear from you, with any pressing questions or other comments that you may have. In other news, I am very pleased to announce that Megan Hooey has joined our team as the Clinic & Infusion Center Manager. Meghan’s goal is to continue to improve our clinic operations, improve the efficiency of appointments and the patient experience Please feel free to connect with her regarding any clinical issues.

Wishing you good health, R. Swamy Venuturupalli, MD

FINDING MEANING in all our losses. by David Kessler In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified the five stages of dying in her groundbreaking book On Death and Dying. As a psychiatrist, she saw that patients who were dying appeared to go through common experiences or stages. Her work captured the world’s attention and would forever change the way we talk and 44

think about death and dying. She ushered the truth of this universal experience out of shadowy euphemism and into the light. Decades later, I was privileged to have been her protégé and friend, and to have coauthored two books with her. Our second, On Grief and Grieving, which was

her last, Elisabeth asked me to help adapt the stages she had observed in the dying to account for the similar stages we had also observed in those who are grieving. The five stages of grief are: Denial: shock and disbelief that the loss has occurred Anger: that someone we love is no longer here Bargaining: all the what-ifs and regrets Depression: sadness from the loss Acceptance: acknowledging the reality of the loss The five stages were never intended to be prescriptive, and this holds true for both dying and the subject of this book, grieving. They are not a method for tucking messy emotions into neat packages. They don’t prescribe, they describe. And they describe only a general process. Each person grieves in his or her own unique way. Nonetheless, the grieving process does tend to unfold in stages similar to what we described, and most people who have gone through it will recognize them. In the years since that book’s publication, I’ve experienced a great loss myself, and I can confirm that the five stages really do capture the feelings we experience as we grapple with the death of loved ones. Much of what is experienced on an individual level in grief is echoed in what we’re collectively experiencing because of Covid-19. “Many people say they are feeling a heavy sadness – and what they’re describing is grief,”. “We’re grieving the world we have lost: normal life, our routines, seeing our friends, going to work. Everything has changed. And change is actually grief – grief is a change we didn’t want.” For our physical health, luckily for many a vaccine is around the corner, but what about all the feelings we have? We have had to accept this harsh reality of our new world. We have been learning acceptance. We acknowledge the reality of all we have lost. We take some time to stop and breathe into the undeniable fact that for some of us, our loved ones are gone. Our world is different. There’s nothing easy about this stage. It can be extremely painful, and acceptance doesn’t mean that we are okay with the loss, or that the grieving process is now officially over. However, there’s been an assumed finality about this fifth stage that Elisabeth and I never intended. Over the years I came to realize that there’s a crucial sixth stage to the healing process: meaning. This isn’t some arbitrary or mandatory step,

but one that many people intuitively know to take, and others will find helpful. In my newest book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, we acknowledge that although for most of us grief will lessen in intensity over time, it will never end. But if we allow ourselves to move fully into this crucial and profound sixth stage— meaning—it will allow us to transform grief into something else, something rich and fulfilling. People often think meaning is found in the death or the tragedy or the pandemic, but the reality is that meaning is not found in those horrible events, meaning is found in us. It’s what we do after. It’s our ability to make meaning of what was lost, to find hope and keep faith in the world that will come after this. I didn’t know most people on my street but when the pandemic hit, we were all taking care of one another, making sure the elderly man at the end of the street had groceries. Parents were forced to work at home while their kids were forced into school in that same house. That has certainly been challenging and yet there is meaning in the time that so many families have been able to be together. We’ve learned how to Zoom with one another and reach out to friends and family across the street and across the world. Through meaning, we can find more than pain. When a loved one dies, or when we experience any kind of serious loss—the end of a marriage, the closing of the company where we work, the destruction of our home in a natural disaster, even a pandemic— we want more than the hard facts of that loss. We want to find meaning. Loss can wound and paralyze. It can hang over us for years. But finding meaning in loss empowers us to find a path forward.

“Finding Meaning” by David Kessler Available on Amazon

Let’s Talk Interactive, Telehealth Solutions Leader Retains kathy ireland® Worldwide for Health Advocacy and Cybersecurity

“We’re beyond excited to be working with a brand and conglomerate as extensive and effective as kathy ireland® Worldwide,” said Arthur Cooksey, chairman and CEO of LTI. “Through this relationship, potentially millions in rural, remote, urban and/or underserved communities will benefit from the increased access to better quality healthcare, specialists, and mental health professionals that LTI technology provides. Ms. Ireland recognized our extraordinary commitment to cybersecurity because of patient confidentiality laws. We are building upon our extraordinary resources and cybersecurity so that our clients and patients will have peace of mind, with the knowledge that the world’s 15th most successful brand will be guarding health concerns, personal and business cybersecurity 24/7 365. We are the only company in the world serving health and security needs in which Kathy joins all of us in standing guard to protect the health and privacy of Americans. Together with kiWW®, we know now is not the time to pull back on virtual health solutions or cybersecurity -- together we will lean forward and build a global platform to bring consistent quality healthcare, confidentiality and security to all.”

“Our company’s Millennium Development Goals strategy was formulated with the sole purpose of improving the lives of people in our country and around the world, and expanding our company’s health advocacy is a long-held top priority goal for our company,” says Ms. Ireland, Chair and CEO of kathy ireland® Worldwide, who is named by UCLA as one of the Top 10 Women’s Health Advocates in the country. “Access to quality healthcare isn’t available to everyone equally in our cities and especially those people living in our rural and underserved communities. All of us at kiWW® are committed to expanding access to better quality physical and mental healthcare, as well as cybersecurity to everyone. LTI has helped families throughout our nation receive access to excellent healthcare and through our stellar collaboration, we will be able to introduce even more people to excellent cybersecurity services, quality healthcare, to advanced communication services. We are grateful and ecstatic to work besides Arthur, the esteemed board of directors and every associate of LTI. Many companies have approached us in these arenas and the answer was always ‘no’ until we met personally with Arthur and his team. We share values, commitment and a great desire to make our nation healthier and safer. Something wonderful is about to happen,” adds Ms. Ireland, who serves as International Youth Chair for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, as Ambassador for the American Cancer Society, and an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Ms. Ireland and kiWW® support many nonprofits, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. kiWW® recently partnered with Ascension Recovery Services (Ascension RS) to open substance use disorder (SUD) recovery centers around the country, with the first treatment center opening up next month in New Hampshire. Beginning this year, the kathy ireland® Recovery Centers operated by Ascension RS will utilize LTI’s secure, cloud-based platform to provide access to quality healthcare to those recovering from SUD. “We are honored and humbled by Kathy’s tireless work and activism in improving the quality of life for those who don’t have access to quality healthcare. It is a mission each one of us at kiWW® feels so deeply and passionately about. We thank Kathy for leading us in powerful ways,” said Jon Carrasco and Stephen Roseberry, Worldwide Creative Director and President/CMO of kathy ireland® Worldwide. Tommy Meharey, Executive Vice President and youngest member of kiWW’s Board of Directors brings his unique history of military service in the Marines to the advisory board of LTI. Mr. Meharey, who co-founded the MIVI (pron.My Six) brand with Ms. Ireland said, “Tragically, we lose our veteran brothers and sisters every day from crisis of physical and mental health and our current tragedy in Afghanistan means that many warriors who aren’t home will return home without the help they need. LTI and Kathy are here to say ‘Welcome home. We’ve got your six.’”

Ms. Ireland’s commitment to life at every stage is a platform of her personal philanthropy, and includes the opening of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) throughout America, providing disaster relief to people devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and the opening of treatment facilities in Haiti and Honduras. Ms. Ireland brings awareness to state-of-the-art medical care in Israel at Sheba Medical Center, for both Jews and Arabs alike, and initiated a mentoring program for teenage single mothers, which includes prenatal care and has enjoyed support from numerous celebrities, including Tyra Banks, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who said “Kathy Ireland not only possesses unique and personal gifts which help and empower others… Kathy guides by example. Follow her leadership, you who are pioneers for change.”

To learn more about Let’s Talk Interactive, Inc., visit https://letstalkinteractive.com/. If you are interested in partnering or utilizing Let’s Talk Interactive, Inc, please reach out to hello@letstalkinteractive.com or call 844-936-0637 to get a custom recommendation on what services you should move forward with for your telehealth infrastructure.

by Kathy Ireland

Learning from a Master: How Kathy Ireland® would decorate your house for the holidays. by Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane

Holidays offer countless entertaining possibilities and a chance to bring family and friends into our homes. We want them to look their best. But such gatherings also present challenges. Do we have enough comfortable seating, have we made the house look joyous and festive, are we on-trend with colors, materials, textures and other trends? We talked with kathy ireland®, one of the 50 most influential people in fashion who has graced the cover of Forbes Magazine twice—in 2012 and 2016, to share some of her favorite decorating ideas. kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), is listed among the most powerful brands in the world by License Global Magazine.

is probably where your Christmas tree is! Add in some folding chairs, which you can find at any home improvement store, along with pillows and throws. The result: Everybody will be comfortable. What are great ways to decorate a home to make it welcoming and give it some holiday pizzazz, as well as set it apart from the typical decorations that everybody else has?

The typical decorations are, of course, red and green (blue and white for Hanukkah), monochromatic white, and green with gold. Those are traditional and beautiful. If you want something different, pair lavender and silver in a mixed assortment of decorations, on a white flocked tree. A friend of Holidays often mean more people showing up—and staying, so would you provide tips on more seating, more com- ours did an Art Deco tree in black and white. Or consider a green tree covered in fairy lights. What are your favorite colfort, more warmth for both furnishings and accessories? ors? What ornaments mean the most to you and your family? Frame a picture and turn that into an ornament. Every year, The answer depends on whether you planned your home to we take a family photograph which becomes our Christmas accommodate large groups. In our kathy ireland® Worldwide | Michael Amini Home Designs collection, we have ottomans, card. It’s always emotional, in a good way, to watch how our babies have grown… and to miss the loved ones who are now which serve the multi-purpose of seating, storage, and relaxation. Overstuffed pillows are helpful for sitting on or leaning in heaven. back. We utilize loveseats for smaller spaces, and oversized How should someone not go overboard; or when is there sofas where there’s room. Always remember that when furniture was invented, it was owned only by the richest people, in too much tinsel, wreaths, candles and so on? some cases only royalty, and it was always moved, except for Start with your budget. It shocks me to see how extreme the bed, from room to room. Pull those chairs away from the dining table. Make your dining room work for a buffet gather- people become, over decorations and gift giving, which they ing, and share prayers and your meal in the living room, which know is not affordable. Please don’t go into debt. Also, keep 52

the design personal to you and your family. When more is just more… it’s hard to see anything individual. If your family can afford it, and it’s something you want to do, multiple trees with specific themes, is a fun idea. Why not consider tree celebrating family vacations… a Disney tree… a tree done in your favorite colors… a Twelve Days of Christmas tree. Wreaths and garlands are wonderful accessories when they’re done in a tasteful way, that doesn’t make guests feel they’re lost in a Christmas forest. Whatever your décor choice, make sure your heart is behind the art of what you’ve done. Encourage your children to be part of the design-scape team. Save every drawing… every scribble… every ornament made from popsicle sticks and glitter… they will all be treasures in the years ahead. But you don’t need to use all at the same time! Get everyone who can participate inWhat about the debate regarding real or artificial trees, volved, from the oldest member of your family, to your young- plus ornaments? est child. Does every room need some decorations? It’s back to affordability and taste. If you decorate with candles, be very careful that they’re not in a room where putting out the flame could be forgotten. In our family, we’ve had serious incidents with candles. We use them… beautifully and carefully. Poinsettias and Phalaenopsis orchids can be wrapped in Christmas paper with oversize bows. When you use these orchids in multiples, consider placing a Christmas ornament in the space between each pair of orchids. Four orchids and two ornaments make a statement of six objects and a stunning display. Add two candles, and we now have eight, which can be generous for a mantle or a centerpiece on a dining room table that can be removed before the buffet is set out. Never be afraid to rotate flowers and objects d’art. Then you don’t have to buy as much! Invest in lighting that makes everyone look great—and don’t forget dimmers. Area rugs that are gorgeous and clean easily are another must have. Winter can be a messy season, from rain to snow, so be prepared to clean up.

It’s a personal decision. You cannot make a mistake. Even Martha Stewart, who is the epitome of good housekeeping and style, has been known to use artificial trees. The scent of a real tree… the touch and the feel… are all extraordinary, if you’re up to the task. If you decide on a real tree, please consider a living one, which you can water and have planted after the holiday season is over. What are some trends in holiday decorating, such as colors, materials, smells? The good and the bad? I’m not going to choose “bad” because there’s something for everyone. I love color, so mixing it up, from vintage to just now, is the way our family designs Christmas. The silver and lavender story is very chill and chic. The traditional winter fragrances, from roasted chestnuts to pine cones, have been translated into potpourri and candles and more. There are more scents that appeal such as pumpkin, apple spice and cranberry. Personally, some inspirations should stay in the dessert realm. I’m not a girl who’s wild about ham, turkey, and prime rib candles! We’ve spoken in the paragraphs above about color stories. Fragrant candles, mirrored placemats, oversized sea shells all can be reminders of trips to the beach. Or consider putting ribbons on chairs and slipcovers to give a tidy upholstered look. You can do this even with a rental chair. The point is to have fun! How can décor help—and hurt—the sale of a home since this can be a time when folks are off from work to look at listings? If you’re hoping to sell your house, as an investor and owner of multiple properties, please take this advice. Keep it neutral. Consider a traditional tree, some wrapped presents–even if they’re empty, some candles, a pan of water with cinnamon in the oven–all will suggest the holiday spirit but not be overkill. Homes have better appraised value when the kitchen is painted a pale yellow. If you have a fireplace, turn it on. During open houses, put out appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. These are all techniques that we’ve used to move properties forward.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Here’s to a great 2020! 53

kathy ireland® Worldwide partners with leading Italian leather upholstery furniture brand Di Giò for leather sofas. The announcement was made by Giovanni Sforza, General Manager and Stylist of Matera, Italy-based Di Giò. The k athy ireland® Home by Di Giò and Kathleen Marie® Italia by Di Giò made their debut this week at the High Point Pre-Market. “We are thrilled to partner with Kathy Ireland and her superb kathy ireland® Worldwide team,” says Mr. Sforza. “Kathy and her team’s talent and success in the Home and Furniture industry are renowned all over the world. We honestly could not have hoped for a better partner. This is a new and truly exciting chapter for our company,” adds Mr. Sforza. “We are delighted about this new collaboration with Di Giò,” says Ms. Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kiWW®, who is named one of the most Influential Leaders in the furniture industry by Furniture Today. “Di Giò leather sofas are all hand-crafted in Italy of the highest quality leather and offer beautiful European styling, with modern lines to add elegance to any home. Giovanni, Silvio and the entire Di Giò team build incredible furniture. We look forward to presenting this exquisite new leather furniture collection to our customers at the High Point Pre-Market,” adds Ms. Ireland. kathy ireland® Worldwide is committed to social

responsibility with every partner, client and licensee supporting its Millennium Development Goals. As part of the partnership, Di Giò is supporting two nonprofit organizations: the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the leading national nonprofit organization whose groundbreaking research in childhood cancer is affecting treatment protocols nationwide; and Soleterre, an Italy-based nonprofit committed to the protection and promotion of psycho-physical well-being for everyone, both individually and collectively, at any age across the world.

Kathy Ireland Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco 55

KATHLEEN MARIE® ITALIA by L U X U R Y L E AT H E R F U R N I T U R E H A N D C R A F T E D & M A D E E X C L U S I V E LY I N I TA LY

STONEfacade by CertainTeed

by Steve Kleber CERTAINTEED’S STONEFACADE™ PROVIDES THE LOOK AND PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL STONE The new STONEfaçade™ product by CertainTeed is a screw-in, mortar-free, stone veneer product with a dedicated, built-in rainscreen. The construction experts at CertainTeed have combined material performance with leading design qualities and have developed an easy-to-install product that replicates the look and feel of real stone. The engineering of CertainTeed STONEfaçade™ includes molding the product from natural, hand-picked stones, and blends the rugged beauty of popular ledgestone styles with modern performance features to ensure long-lasting beauty. STONEfaçade™ offers and integrated rainscreen suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, and features the industry’s first fully-integrated 3/8” rainscreen, for outstanding moisture management and home protection. STONE façade features beveled perimeter edges for a more attractive appearance and comes in a variety of low-maintenance, nature-inspired colors. The product comes in 8”x10”, 8”x14”, and 8”x24” panels for a wide variety of configurations and features a 20-year limited warranty. 58

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Destress in luxury with the kath outdoor seating set feature high-density resin material to en armrests coupled with extra thick aluminum fr 60

hy ireland® Homes & Gardens River Brook collection by Twin Star Home. This es a custom hand-woven, two-tone walnut colored wicker, which is crafted using nsure your seating set is built to withstand the elements. Gently sloped backs and k cushions provide both elegance and optimal comfort, while commercial grade rames ensure maximum durability. Available at Wayfair and other fine retailers. twinstarhome.com | kathyireland.com61

Thanksgiving with Vanessa W

Williams and Family

by: Barbara Ireland

A key to a happy home is maximizing the impact of our physical environment. For most moms, even if we work outside the home, our house or apartment is our primary “office.” For better and worse, it is the space that communicates how we’re feeling about ourselves and our lives. Never underestimate the power of place to either lift your spirits or take a toll on your emotional well-being. I urge you to step back and consider how your home is making you feel. Years of living in the same spot can have a numbing effect on your senses. You may not even realize that the atmosphere of your living space is making you tense, anxious, and depressed when it should be leaving you relaxed, at peace, encouraged, and happy. You may sense that your physical surroundings are draining your energy but aren’t sure why. It could be that your furniture feels hemmed in and out of balance. It’s possible that the colors on the walls, which once felt exciting and enlivened your decor, now appear outof-date, stuck in the past. If your life has changed, why haven’t your colors? Or are you overwhelmed by one of the most common culprits of all—clutter? With tons of clutter, you may not be able to even see the colors of your walls. Is your home filled with things you no longer want or need? Are you hoarding to compensate for or cover up some emotion? Are your tables and floors covered with toys, clothes, dishes, and unread

magazines? These are signs that clutter is taking over your life. It’s easy to get weighed down by possessions. In some cases, the desire to acquire becomes a disease. People have closets and rooms full of things that weigh them down. If that’s your situation, don’t hesitate—it’s time to act. Attack your home one room at a time. As you come to each item, either put it to use or get rid of it. If it’s a ticket from a movie with your kids that evokes a special memory, put it in a “scrapbook to preserve the memory, design a Christmas craft with it, or throw it away. Learn to let go. As you do, you’ll rediscover the inviting home you once knew and loved. I don’t mean that every item and scrap of paper in your home has to be out of sight. That’s certainly not the case in our home. My desk, which used to be my kitchen table, is covered with paperwork. You might call it a mess. Yet I know what each piece of paper is and where it goes. It’s an organized mess! So I’m not suggesting that your home has to pass a white-glove inspection. On the other hand, if your bedroom doorway is blocked by boxes of Christmas cards from people you haven’t talked to in ten years, it’s time to step in and “clutter bust.”

Clutter Bust!

Becca Childers

samsaraluggage.com

Tommy Meharey MIVI Father, Millennial, Marine, Model VP & Board Member kathy ireland® Worldwide Image by Dixie Dixon 72

donmorphy.com 73

Kathy Ireland Wearing Vintage Valentino Gifted to Kathy by Elizabeth Taylor and Jewelry from Personal Collection and Gifts from Elizabeth Taylor Photo by Nikon Ambassador Dixie Dixon Courtesy of Jon Carrasco

Click HERE for Pretty Big Deal with Ashley Graham Episode with Kathy and Ireland and more. www.prettybigdealpodcast.com

Images Ashley Graham and Kathy Ireland @Pretty Big Deal Podcast

S u rp r ise!

Kathy Ireland Surprises Ashley Graham at her “A New Model” book signing in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Jon Carrasco 77

Emily Ratajkowski and Kathy Ireland at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards. Image: Daily Front Row

Kathy Ireland Presents Emily Ratajkowski with the Entreprenuer Award for her brand, Inamorata at Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards .

Kathy Ireland and Emily Ratajkowski: Image: The Daily Front Row

Did you know that Emily Ratajkowski aspires to be and is inspired by Kathy? Emily Ratajkowsi @emrata on IGTV

Kathy Ireland introducing Emily Ratajskowsi as Entreprenuer of the year for Inamorata Woman, at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards. Image courtesy of Jon Carrasco

The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards. From left to right: Emily Ratajkowski, Kathy Ireland, Raissa Gerona, Halima Aden , Candace Swanepoel, Ashley Graham, and Indya Moore. Photo courtesy of Jon Carrasco

Kathy Ireland Photo by Nikon Ambassador Dixie Dixon Courtesy of Jon Carrasco

KATHLEEN MARIE PAUL RAPS NEW YORK Diamonds are luxury gems at their finest in: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat. Please contact paul@talydiamonds.com for more information.

Kathy in New York wearing sapphire blue silk and pearlsfashionable in every season, including Fall & Winter.

pearl

/perl/ noun 1. a hard, lustrous spherical mass, typically white or bluish-gray, formed within the shell of a pearl oyster or other bivalve mollusk and highly prized as a gem. 85

ELIZABETH TAYLOR An Eternal Inspiration

Image from the collection of the Kathleen Marie Ireland Trust.

One of these models will be murdered? Which one? find out in Fashion Jungle 89

Into the Jungle

Fashion Jungle Prequel Novella by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken

Chapter One- Brittany

I tried to keep the tears in as the plane landed in New York, a city I’d only ever read about and seen on TV during the infamous New Years Eve ball drop. And now it was going to be a temporary home for the summer. Goodbye horses. Friends. Skateboarding. The beach. Our small farm in Southern California. My Family. Part of me understood why my mom had entered me into the modeling contest—I mean, I can’t totally blame her. I did spend the last sixteen years like a barefoot bohemian circus performer, pre-ferring ocean sand to humans, and only doing my hair on Sundays when she didn’t want to have to spend twenty minutes picking straw out of it while the pastor spoke about being respectful of your parents. I swear every single time the sermon leaned that way he would shoot me a linger-ing hopeless glance and continue. Then again I think every teen probably felt that way in church, a bit squirmy in the hard pew like they were caught doing something wrong when they’d done nothing but right their entire lives. And maybe that’s what had upset me the most. I was a good kid—some might even say too good. And there I was, New York. My punishment. A punishment every single friend I had would kill for. My mom honestly believed it would give me some much needed polishing while still

safely exposing me to a world bigger than the one I grew up in. When I’d told her I didn’t need any polishing, she’d tugged at my swimsuit only to see bits of sand fall to the ground so my argu-ment wasn’t necessarily sound. I’d washed my hair, done the contest, and forgot all about it until we were con-tacted by one of New York’s premiere agencies.’ Weeks later they wired us money for airfare and the rest was history. It was my first plane ride. My first trip away from home. And I couldn’t help the nerves that crashed over me as I grabbed my backpack and waited to get off the plane. Someone from the agency was supposed to be waiting for me—otherwise my mom wouldn’t have let me get on the plane, and since it was a direct flight she trust-ed I’d be okay. I had my pink razor cell in my hand as I walked off the plane and to-wards the direction of baggage claim. My first reaction? Everything was bigger. And everyone looked like they were in a hurry. I bumped into about a thousand people before finally getting to baggage claim and seeing my name typed out on a piece of paper. A chic woman with dark hair smiled bright in my direction and waved me over. “Brittany! I’m Marnie, from the JC agency. We’re so happy to have you this summer!” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Later on I would realize it was my first clue that things weren’t always what they seemed to be, but the manners bred into me had me holding out my hand and shak-ing hers. After all, she was an adult, and all my life it had been beat into me to find an adult if I needed help—so I just assumed they were all trustworthy. Her hands felt cold and frail against my warm tan skin. She released my hand quickly and then pulled out a small container of anti bacte-rial gel and rubbed it generously up past her wrists. Okay? “Now,” The scary smile was back as she dumped the gel back into her giant black handbag and turned towards the luggage. “Let’s get your things and I’ll explain how the works on the way to the apartments.” “Apartments?” I found my voice. Marnie’s right eye twitched as she tucked her straight black hair away from her face. I couldn’t tell how old she was, but she looked old enough to at least be an older sister figure? A mom? I frowned, she had no wrinkles. Her brown skin was absolutely flawless to the naked eye. “Yes, dear,” She scrunched up her nose. “Where did you think you’d be staying? A hotel?” “Well the brochure never really said…” Something lodged in my throat, a mixture of fear, disappointment, and nerves. “I guess I just assumed.” “Never assume, not in New York.” She laughed like what she said was funny. A loud beeping had me colliding with her. Marnies laugh instantly had my cheeks heating. “Oh you small town ones are al-ways so funny. It’s supposed to do that. Now, find which one’s yours and lets get out of here.” Ten minutes later my noticed my simple black suitcase, grabbed it, and took a deep breath. “Alright, ready.” Marnie looked behind me and then directly at me. “Is that it?” “Should I have brought more?” I asked confused. “No?” She gave her head a shake and put on dark glasses that were in direct con-trast to her red nails. “Nevermind, let’s go, I have a few meetings I need to get to, but your special so I wanted to be the one to meet you at the airport, after all I promised your mom.” She sounded terse. “A bit overprotective is she?” I felt tears well in my eyes. “Yeah, a bit, but she just wants the best for me and she said this was a great opportunity—“ “—it is.” Marnie interrupted as I fought to keep up with her crazy high heeled place, she waved her hand in the air as we crossed the heavy traffic. “A lot of models don’t make it until the end of the summer, so you’ll need to work hard, keep your complaining to yourself

looked over goes towards the money the agency spent to get you here and to provide food and lodging, once you earn out the agency will take fifteen percent. Got it?” “Yeah,” I was already exhausted. “Are the model apartments stocked with food? Or do I need to go out and—“ She burst out laughing. What did I say? “Oh honey, people in New York don’t cook, we eat out, and models, they don’t eat at all,” She eyed me up and down. “Actually, I think it would do you some good to lose a few pounds, if you need to take Chapter Two- Brittany up smoking so you don’t crave chicken nug-gets I’d get right on that, Traffic was crazy. theres always going to be a girl that’s skinnier, prettier, bet-ter—you And it seemed everyone was angry. don’t want them to have a leg up on you when you can easily change I saw a lot of middle fingers, shouting, and several times I closed my eyes imagin-ing a horrifying situation where I made the evening news what’s wrong in the first place.” less than two hours after ar-riving in New York all because our driver Did my own agent just call me fat? How was I going to eat? ran another red light. Mom had packed a few protein bars and I guess I still had my half Did people actually live in this chaos? I shivered as the car pulled onto the freeway, I’d landed Newark since eaten sandwich from the plane that she’d sent with me so I didn’t have to buy any airport food. the flight was cheaper and I’d always been frugal, besides, the agency “Some girls measure what they eat, others just grab a dixie cup and fill fronted the money but that didn’t mean I actually did anything other it up five times a day with fruit or vegetables and that keeps them thin, than smile to earn it. just whatever works for you. I mean other than cocaine,” She laughed And something about that felt, weird. again, and then whispered under her breath. “Seriously though, if you Marnie was on the phone the instant we were in the car, and most of really want to start landing jobs, it wouldn’t be the worst thing that the time she talked in hushed tones until a yelling match erupted becould happen, am I right?” tween her and whatever un-fortunate person was on the other end. I jumped a foot when she hung up the phone and swung her attention I gaped. Was this real life? over to me. “Alright, so I’m sure you have loads of questions. I have your first test shoot scheduled for the morning, you need to show up in “Alright, almost there,” And then she was on the phone again. For the next fifteen minutes. no makeup, clean skin, clean nails, a white t-shirt and jeans, no name The town car pulled up to a large brick building that had a small conbrands, solid colors, can you do that?” venience looking store on the bottom and a Chinese restaurant nextI nodded. door. “Good,” She pulled out a mirror and started reapplying her red lipThe smell alone was making my stomach rumble and I wasn’t even stick while talk-ing. “You’ll go to several cattle calls throughout the out of the car yet. next few weeks, everything you earn according to the contract you We parked. I waited for Marnie to get off the phone, but she only dug into her purse fished out a silver key and handed it to me, then covered the phone and whis-pered. “Third floor, room thirty-seven, find a bed and claim it before the rest of the girls get there and be ready by eight.” She went back to talking. Guess I was being dismissed? I got out of the car, grabbed my backpack and suitcase from the trunk then tried not to look lost as I took the stairs one at a time, and shoved the key inside the door ignoring the way the building looked like it was going to fall down on itself any mi-nute. The door creaked open. I hadn’t even turned my key yet. Great. I made a mental note to buy mace as I faced the old brown stairs with green car-pet, and slowly took them to the third floor. Lights flickered overhead. It felt like a horror movie—the one where the sixteen year old dies a horrible death. Fantastic. I hurried down the hall and found the door that said thirty-seven. It was cracked open, the smell of smoke had me coughing as I pushed into the room. And nearly died on the spot. At least fifteen girls huddled around the kitchen, most of them wearing nothing but tank tops and short jean shorts, and even then they looked like they were standing in a sauna. I was hit with a wall of heat that told me air conditioning wasn’t going to be something we were given. “You must be new.” A girl snorted shoving away from the cheap white formica countertop. “Dessy moved back a few weeks ago, so you can take her bunk. There’s two rooms and a bathroom schedule. And if you bring anything carb related into this apartment, we’ll murder you and hide the body.” I gasped. A few girls chuckled. and for the love of God just do what you’re asked, photographers don’t have time for questions. They want action, you’re to be seen and not heard, and your opinion doesn’t matter, follow those simple rules and you should be fine,” She stopped walking and winked. “After all, such a pretty face should be easy to sell, you’ll be America’s sweetheart in no time.” But as we loaded my bag into the black waiting town car, a sinking feeling had me wondering if that was what I wanted to be.

The girl speaking however didn’t. She looked like she would prefer prison over bread. What sort of world had I just walked into? “Don’t mind, Justine,” A peppy blonde haired girl rolled her eyes. “She’s just hungry and today she did a shoot for snickers.” The rest of the girls burst out laughing while Justine puffed on the edge of her cigarette and ignored her. “I’m Everlee.” The blonde offered her hand. “And I’m in the same room, you can come with me and I’ll show you the ropes.” She wasn’t smoking but she did seem so rail thin that her shoulders were about ready to pop off the front of her body. I was instantly ravenous. But I followed her away from the crowd of sweaty, hungry girls. “Here you go,” She opened a door into a room that was filled with what looked like army barracks. “Did you bring sheets?” “I didn’t know I had to.” I felt like I was going to cry, could I be any less prepared? “Don’t worry.” She waved me off. “I have a spare, I was given from set the other day, they were going to get thrown away anyways, so why not take them? Plus nobody noticed the teenage girl in the corner, not when movie stars are in the room.” “Move stars? Real movie stars?” I asked in a voice I hoped didn’t sound star struck, I mean I lived in California, not LA. She nodded her head excitedly. “Totally, I bumped into Arnold Schwarzenegger and almost died on the spot.” I burst out laughing. “What did you say?” “What else could I say, but I’m a huge fan, and like an idiot I just stood there smil-ing before one of his assistants kindly asked me to move out of the shot.” I giggled. “What were you on set for?” “Promo for his new movie, I was one of the extra’s. My name was teen number two and I was forced to stand under a tree for seven hours.” She paused dramatically and rolled her eyes. “I’m clearly going places.” Everlee clasped her hands together “Al-right, here’s the sheets sorry they’re Terminator themed, but at least you get to fall asleep on

his face every night and not embarrass yourself publicly and have to relive it over and over again.” I snorted out a laugh and took the sheets placing them on the empty bunk along with my duffel. “Thank you, I really appreciate this.” She waved me off. “No problem, the nice ones gotta stick together, we’re the ones that actually consume food that doesn’t come out of a small box labeled side ef-fect: Cancer.” “We?” I asked looking around the empty yet messy room, clothing was strewn everywhere, you could barely see the floor. “Oh the rest are on the fire escape, come on.” She took my other bag and dropped it on the floor then drug me towards an open window where two other girls were sitting with their knees pulled to their chests. All of them were gorgeous in their own way. It made me wonder if I was good enough. Good enough to stay. Was I insane to even do this? I suddenly very much wanted to call my mom but I didn’t want to dis-appoint her, after all, what we’d been shown and told via pictures and over the phone showed nothing but smiling faces and stories of success. Not a most likely cockroach infested cramped apartment with enough chain smokers to make it hard to see. “Girls, we’ve got a nice one!” Everlee announced triumphantly like they’d just won the lottery. One of the girls looked up, she had gorgeous brown skin, a wide smile, deep brown eyes and was so tall I was instantly jealous. She stood, hands on hips and then tilted her head. “Chocolate or vanilla?” “Both.” I said quickly. That earned me a high five. The other girl was a bit shorter than me, she had straight dark hair, ice blue eyes, and a sharp jawline that looked like it was cut from stone. “Favorite Friends character.” “Ross,” I nodded. “But only because of the Holiday Armadillo.” “Best episode.” She sighed happily and smiled. “What’s your name?” “Brittany.” I sat next to Everlee and dangled my feet off the edge of the escape. “Well Brittany,” The girl sighed. “I’m Danica, that’s Zoe, and this is what we call liv-ing the dream.” The sound of sirens filled the air while the crippling summer heat smacked me in the face along with the smell of trash. “Right…” I looked around, the feeling of emptiness was so overwhelming it al-most hurt to breathe. “Tell me it gets better after day one.” Everyone fell silent. And then Danica piped, up. “If you make it, all your dreams will come true.” “Do you really believe that?” I asked. The girls were quiet. Zoe didn’t look at me, she stared down at the city below us. “I think as long as you have good friends, and work hard, you can accomplish anything.” “I like that.” I breathed my first sigh of relief all day. “It’s a concrete jungle out there isn’t it?” The sound of sirens and traffic filled the silence. “Thats why theres strength in numbers.” Everlee finally said in a soft voice. “Be-cause the jungle can very easily eat you alive.” It sounded like a bad omen. A prophecy. I half expected a crack of lightning followed by a boom of thunder. We sat in silence for another few minutes after a warm breeze picked up, remind-ing me that I was in a strange place. I could do this. Because the last thing I wanted to do was go home with nothing to show for it. If mom wanted me to get polished and experience the world—I was going to prove to her that I was mature enough to handle it. And prove to everyone I wasn’t just a beach bum hippie from California.

If they wanted a model. I’d give them the best model the world has ever seen. And I’d do it on my own terms.

Chapter Three- Brittany

I slept horrible, too many girls arguing over stupid things like whose shirt was bor-rowed and why did it have a hole in it filled the air making it almost impossible to sleep. The summer heat didn’t help. And apparently nobody had told me there was a shower schedule, so when I woke up in a small pool of my own sweat, I had to suck it up, get dressed and just put on fresh deodorant and use makeup wipes all over my skin like a spit bath. Marnie said she’d be by at eight, and I had this intense need to prove to her that I could be punctual and ready for whatever she was going to throw at me. I checked my cell. I had ten minutes. “Hey,” Everlee called out and jogged over to me, she was wearing a white crop top that fell over her shoulder and jeans that looked two sizes too big that slung low on her bony hips. “Wanna meet up later?” I frowned. “What do you mean?” She grinned. “Like for lunch or something, coffee…” By ourselves? In the City? Could we do that? “Give me your phone.” She grabbed it out of my hands and quickly typed in her number then gave it back. “There, now you have my number, be safe and have fun!” She skipped off while the rest of the grumpy girls around the kitchen stared me down like I had a disease. I mumbled a goodbye and flew out of the apartment with my purse and enough money to hopefully buy me something to eat at some point during the day. The smell of Chinese food assaulted me and I had a sudden vision of digging through the trash near the alleyway just so I could have a fried egg roll. My stomach clenched with hunger as I walked to stand in the middle of the side-walk than nearly got trampled by a billion people as they

shoved past me in a hurry. No sorry’s were muttered. But a lot of watch where you’re going and cursing was directed at me. I got out of the way so I was near the busy street and looked left and right. It was nearing eight. Where was she? I wasn’t necessarily afraid but I was anxious that I’d somehow misunderstood what she’d told me and I didn’t want to fail on my first day. “Brittany!” A male voice yelled to my left. “Brittany over here!” I glanced up and saw a nice looking man in an expensive suit. He was standing outside a black limo next to what I assumed was the driver, who held the door open. A thrill shot through me followed by speculation. “Thats me.” “Well?” He was dressed in a nice dark blue suit that seemed to fit him perfectly, his smile was friendly, he had nice dark hair that was slicked back, and he was in front of a limo for goodness sakes, he had to be important, right. “Are you coming?” “Um…” I almost said my mom told me never to get in the car with strangers but didn’t want to look like an idiot. “I’m actually waiting for someone.” He raised his hand. “Thats me, I’m someone.” Another ear splitting grin. “I’m the the owner, Jon Casati.” I recognized the name and exhaled in relief as I made it over to him and took his outstretched hand. His grip was tight and then he pulled me against him and kissed both cheeks. I jerked away horrified than raised my right hand to slap him when it was held back by the driver. “Whoa-whoa,” He chuckled. “Adorable, where did you come from again?” “Don’t touch me.” I glared while my cheeks heated with embarrassment. “Relax,” He held out his hands. “It’s a simple misunderstanding, it’s a way of greet-ing people…I’m Italian.” “And we’re in New York.” I countered with a shaky breath, hoping I wasn’t screw-ing up royally. “I’m aware.” He shook his head with a chuckle. “Alright, in you go, and I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself, I truly meant no offense.” I hesitated. He noticed. And then he moved and pointed to the waiting limo. “After you, we don’t want to be late for your first day.” I hated disappointing people. And he was the owner of the agency. Everyone talked about him like he was some sort of modeling god who single handedly built the industry from the ground up. But he seemed a bit young for that. All I really knew was that he discovered Linda Evangalista. Even I knew who she was because the man standing in front of me, asking me to get into his limo—had in-vented the word supermodel. And he’d just kissed me. But he said it was a greeting. And he wouldn’t lie. Right? I prayed I wasn’t wrong as I finally nodded my head and scooted myself across the plush leather seats. “Champagne?” He offered once I was safely inside and the door was shut. I gaped at him. “I’m underage.” “Most of my models are.” He shrugged. “Half a glass, it will help the nerves.” I knew my own mind. I wanted to say no. But I also knew who was offering. The need to please would either be my greatest strength or greatest downfall. I tried to swallow the doubts in my mind and decided that if he needed me to have half a glass of champagne-I would do it. It wasn’t like he was giving me drugs like Marnie had joked about. 93

“Good girl,” His voice was suddenly gruff as he eyed me up and down with a look I’d been on the receiving end of since I hit puberty. Throat suddenly dry I tried looking anywhere but his face, and noticed he had a wedding ring. Thank goodness. He was married! He really didn’t mean it then, the kissing. Ugh, I was an idiot. I took my first sip of champagne as the Limo pulled into traffic. Jay was already on his second glass. Was that a New York thing? “Do you pick up every model from the apartments?” I wondered as the car pulled to a stop at the light. “Only the ones that I think have potential.” I couldn’t tel if he was being honest or if there was something there I wasn’t seeing. I decided to take him at face value until he did something that broke my trust, af-ter all, he’d made so many peoples careers, if he was bad. They would say something. Adults around him would speak up. I was positive. After all, that’s how I’d been raised, to always go to an adult if I felt unsafe, so why would the very adult that’s supposed to keep me safe hurt me? It made no sense, and on top of that, his models worked for him, made him money, so it didn’t make sense that he would be anything but friendly and protective. I relaxed a bit with the chilled champagne in my hand. “Do we have a schedule for today?” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Actually yes, after taking you to the agency I had a bit of a surprise for you, that is, if you’re up for it?” Warmth spread through my chest and I found myself smiling back. “What is it?” His eyes hooded as he rasped. “Well, I may have called in a favor with a photog-rapher, he had a sudden opening for your test shoot, most girls would kill to build their portfolio’s with him.” “Thats a good surprise.” I felt the champagne hit even though it was a few sips, it burned down my throat and before I knew what I was doing I finished the glass. “More?” He asked. “No,” My hand touched my stomach, his eyes followed the motion. “I didn’t get a chance to eat this morning so, yeah.” “Mmm,” He licked his lips slowly. “First day and already a pro. Good work.” Was he applauding my no eating? It was on the tip of my tongue to say it wasn’t on purpose, but the car pulled to a stop and his door was already opening. “Come on.” He walked with authority into the terrifyingly tall building, it was hard to even see the sky with all the buildings. “I’ll take you to your first meeting with Marnie, you have a long day ahead of you.” I had no idea what that meant until two hours later. When I was pinched within an inch of my life. When I was weighed. When measurements were taken, when I was privy to looks of disappointment as numbers were scribbled down on a piece of paper. Marnie introduced me to a few people around the agency and then I was back in her corner office sitting in a chair wishing for a burrito— hot dog, at this point I’d eat the paper from her printer. Everlee had called twice. She was probably eating a burger. Ugh. “So,” Marnie hung up the phone. “It looks like Jay was able to secure Frederick for the test shoot, not sure how he did it.” Her brown eyes sparkled. “Lucky girl.” This was happening. I took a deep breath and smiled back. “There you are,” Jay knocked on the door. “I have an errand to run downstairs, care to take a tour of Trend?” “Me?” I asked. “You want me to see Trend?” I went weak in the knees. I bought Trend magazine every single month, my goal was to be on 94

Trend. “Don’t look so excited, you’ll give yourself away.” He winked. “Let’s go, and thanks Marnie I’ll take it from here.” “Don’t forget about her test shoot later.” Marnie’s face twisted into a knowing grin. “I know how you get Jay.” “We won’t be late.” He gave her a salute and then nodded his head towards me. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Four- Brittany

“Ronan Campbell Jr!” His mom was furious by the sound of the tremble in her voice, she may well shrieked with how purple her face was turning. “What possessed you to think this was a good idea?” He held my grin in, barely and shrugged. Ronan didn’t care that the media dubbed them American royalty—he was still a guy, and still had a sense of humor, he just hid it from the tyrant sitting next to me in the town car. And often. “Well?” She was clutching her Hermes bag like she was trying to shield herself from my bad behavior. What he wouldn’t give to see his own mother just…relax, laugh a little and enjoy the privileged life they’d been given. “Mom,” He shrugged. “I was bored. It’s the last day of school and I have three months before Brown.” She still wouldn’t look at him as the car pulled up to the curb. “You were standing in front of half the school with no shirt on dancing an Irish Jig! There were pictures!” “At least I wasn’t naked.” Her head shot in his direction. He grinned. “Too soon?” She put a hand to her chest and bit down on her bottom lip. “It’s not just the sing-ing and dancing—it’s everything—it’s this feeling—“ “—Mom,” I took her hands in mine. “Nothing’s going to happen to me, alright? You’re just having a hard time because I’m leaving for college.” A tear slid down her cheek.

security opened the door for him. “Anything else?” “No.” He thanked the guy and went to the front desk. The secretary had blonde hair. She was probably twice his age by the looks of it, but still beautiful, after all he didn’t discriminate. “Hi.” He said smoothly. The blonde looked up. Then pen fell from her hand onto the desk as she drank him in. He waited for her to finish her perusal. “Hi,” She recovered. “You’re early.” He grinned. “So you know who I am? I was afraid I’d need a name tag or that we’d have to do one of those awful ice breaker they make you do on the first day of camp.” She grinned. “No ice breakers, and I think everyone knows who you are Ronan Campbell.” “You forgot the junior part.” He winked. “And you said you knew me…” He couldn’t help but tease her. Her cheeks pinked. “You’re funny I’ll give you that.” She stood and walked around the desk. “Follow me, Grace is in her office.” He slid his cell phone out of his back pocket to check the time and nearly collided with another body. She went tumbling to the ground. He immediately felt like an idiot. The girl had gorgeous golden brown hair. “Are you okay?” He reached for her and picked up her dropped cell phone, thank God it wasn’t cracked he would have felt like a complete jerk. She put her hand in his. And something like an electric jolt hit him square in the chest. She was beautiful. Young. But beautiful. Maybe he should keep the phone and it’s owner. “I’m fine.” Her smile was nearly blinding. A rare show of emotion for the former first lady. He wanted that smile for himself, selfishly he didn’t want anyone else “I’ve been worried ever since the secret service detail stopped following seeing it but him. you.” A man stood off to the side on his phone, he looked all business and He almost snorted. He’d been overjoyed that he didn’t have two men vaguely familiar. in suits con-stantly shadowing his every move. She looked over at the man, then back at Ronan. Including dates. “He your dad?” Ronan asked twirling her cell phone in his hands. A shudder wracked through him at the memory of trying to hide in The girl gave him a funny look and laughed. “No he owns the agency the dark mov-ie theaters, stolen kisses, wistful moments—laughter. I’m with, we’re a few floors down but he wanted to show me around.” More secrets his mom didnt’ know about. Ronan snapped his fingers. “Jay? Right? I thought he looked familiar.” Along with the bomb he still hadn’t dropped on her. The man was notorious for discovering new models. “So that must His aim at Hollywood. mean you’re here with the agency?” Maybe he’d save that for another day. “Yup.” That smile was dangerous, it made him want to do more than And make sure he had flowers in hand when he announced he wanted dance and sing in front of his classmates, it made him want to be reckto try to act before he sold his soul to the family—to the life his mom less. wanted him to have—what she’d fought for him to become. And that alone was enough for him to want to ask for her number. Expectations settled like a weight on his chest as the car door opened. “Here.” He handed her his cell. “Put your number in there.” He moved to get out, his mom put her hand on his arm. “I’ll be back She hesitated only briefly before grabbing his phone and putting her in an hour, be careful, and have fun, and if I hear you were dancing number in. again I’m going to ground you, I don’t care that you’re eighteen.” “Now press call.” He rocked back on his heels with a smirk. I leaned in and kissed her flawless skin. “Love you, mom.” She shyly ducked her head and hit call. Her face softened. “I love you too.” The phone in his hand went off, he looked down at it. “Sorry just Freedom smacked him in the face as he walked towards the glass making sure that the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen in real life isn’t building, he was used to the stares, the pictures, the constant press, but giving me the number to Sub-way.” at least now he was doing things on his terms. She burst out laughing. “Clever, I should have thought of it, or at least It was his first photo shoot since graduation. put in the number to Dominos.” His first time being on the cover of a fashion magazine of all things He pressed a hand to his chest. “Girl after my own heart, a model who talking about his dreams and aspirations. eats pizza? Who are you?” He’d agreed because it sounded fun and also, models. Before she could answer, Jay was walking over and wrapping an arm Not that he gave his mom that answer. around her protectively. No he told her that he wanted to be an inspiration which he did, but So maybe he was a little like her dad. The thought had Ronan mentalit helped when you had gorgeous women hanging on your body and ly rolling his eyes, it wasn’t like he was going to deflower the girl in the your every word. middle of Trend. With a smirk he waved at security. Then again the thought had crossed his mind about a dozen times Within minutes he was getting escorted to the fiftieth floor where before he could stop himself. Trend maga-zine had it’s headquarters. “Sorry about that, Brittany.” Jay smiled at Ronan. “I hear you have a The elevators opened to a tall glass door with Trend printed across it,

“I know you will, Brittany, now let’s get going, your photo shoot’s going to take at least an hour possibly more to get to especially in traffic.” “Oh,” When I checked my phone it was already five. I didn’t argue though. He seemed irritated enough with me exchanging numbers with Ronan, so when we got back into the limo. And he got on his phone. I laid my head down against the soft leather and accidentally fell asleep. Loud cursing startled me awake, it was just starting to get dark and we were parked in a hotel parking lot. Panicked I looked around, my eyes landing on Jay. He was yelling at Chapter Five- Brittany someone on the phone. I was still recovering from meeting Ronan Campbell Jr. Every single I’d never heard anyone curse so much in my entire life. He hung up his friend back home had a crush on him, me included, he just seemed phone and stared me down. “Something came up, Frederick can’t do so…ridiculously good looking and confident. the shoot until morning.” I tried not to look like a crazy fan girl but my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard so I probably failed on that front, I couldn’t wait to tell my “As in tomorrow morning?” Unease trickled down my spine as Jay pinched the bridge of his nose like he was fighting a migraine. mom. “Yes typically that’s what morning means.” He snapped and then his “Starstruck?” Jay asked looking up from his phone with a weird look face sof-tened. “I’m sorry Brittany it’s been a long day, let’s get some on his face. “Remember you’re going to meet a lot of people in this dinner and we’ll take a room for the night.” industry, try not to fawn all over them and you’ll be fine, and just beI stiffened. “A room?” cause a boy asks for your number doesn’t mean you need to give it.” He shrugged. “If they even have one, you don’t want to sleep in the My smile faded. “Technically I didn’t fawn, he ran into me then limo do you, might get cramped with you me and the driver…” helped me up.” I said nothing about exchanging numbers because it “No,” I swallowed the lump of panic in my throat. “But why can’t we wasn’t any of his business and because I was flattered. just drive back and then come back in the morning.” “I know.” Jay said slowly. “Just be careful, especially with guys who probably have more one night stands at eighteen than more thirty year He narrowed his eyes. “You’re young, you don’t understand, it costs money to go back and forth, time is money, and it’s a waste of my time olds.” to head back into the city then wake up at six in the morning and get I frowned at that. “Seriously?” Jay snorted out a disgusted laugh. “Oh you’d be surprised how often Jr you to your shoot, don’t you realize who I am? What I do? This is rare, Brittany, what I’m doing for you, and I’d like gets around these parts, he could charm the pants off a nun.” “Oh.” I deflated a bit. “I guess I just assumed since he was still a teen- you to start being more thankful and less questioning.” “You’re right.” Tears filled my eyes. “I’m sorry, this is just so new…” ager…” “And that’s your first lesson of the day,” Jay turned his thunderous ex- He reached across the seat and put his warm hand on mine. A sick pression to-wards me. “In this industry assuming does nothing but get feeling swirled in my stomach. “Hey, it’s okay,” Something in his eyes flickered. “You’re even pretty when you start to cry. Incredible.” you in trouble.” Slowly I pulled my hand away and swiped under my eyes as if I had “Got it.” I nodded. “I’ll try harder.” more tears when really I just needed an excuse to pull away. “Now,” He cleared his throat and smiled. “Let’s get some food in you and we’ll see about that room.” I gripped my cell in my hand and followed him out the door towards the hotel lobby. I had no idea where we were, the Hotel was large and it wasn’t name I recog-nized, The Viana Hotel and Spa, at least it was clean and looked nice. I walked close to Jay as we made our way inside the lobby. “Stay here,” He guided me to a blue leather chair. I was still in shock. I sat down and waited while he went to the receptionist, handed over a black AMEX card and then got two room keys. My gut kept churning. This wasn’t right. He laughed and chatted with her. I quickly looked down at my phone, I was losing battery fast, typically I would have brought my charger but I didn’t plan for any of this to happen. I shot a quick look at Jay to make sure he was still talking, and quickly dialed Mar-nies’ number. “Brittany?” Her voice was clipped. “What is it?” “Um, hi, I just kinda freaked out and wanted to make sure that this was normal.” “What’s this?” She sighed in irritation. “Well Frederick canceled last minute but we’re already—“ I looked around. “Out-side the city and Jay said we needed to stay at a hotel so we could shoot in the morn-ing—“ “—I’m going to stop you right there. Are you calling me to complain about being put up in a fancy hotel?” “No!” I gasped horrified. “No, I just, don’t feel comfortable, I mean Jay said we had to get a room.” “Same.” She whispered with another longing smile. He said his goodbye and walked away even though he wanted to sprint back to-wards her general direction, when he looked over his shoulder she was looking curi-ously back at him. And when their eyes locked he knew. This wouldn’t be the last time he saw Brittany. Not if he could help it. And since he was a Campbell, he could do whatever the heck he wanted. And he decided in that moment, he wanted, her.

I nearly dropped my phone. “Yeah, it was Marnie.” He frowned but said nothing and then. “Food?” I wasn’t sure I could eat but I nodded anyways. We walked in silence over to the restaurant that overlooked the water, it was beau-tiful, romantic even. He ordered a bottle of champagne and once again tried to encourage me to drink it so I would relax. I sipped at my glass curious why nobody had said something about underage drinking, but nobody seemed to even care, the waiter included. Then again, I saw Jay slide him a crisp hundred dollar bill the minute we sat down. I managed to make small talk and eat my chicken and rice-the cheapest thing on the menu at thirty dollars, while Jay ordered clams, more bread, salad for both of us, and another bottle of champagne. “Everything okay?” Jay said over my shoulder scaring the crap out of me. You’re with an adult, he’s taking care of you, and he’s the owner of the most prestigious ageny in the world. If anything you should be on your hands and knees thanking him for even look-ing your way. Gotta go.” She hung up. The line was quiet and then. “Why wouldn’t you be comfortable? You’re with an adult, he’s taking care of you, and he’s the owner of the most prestig-ious agency in the world. If anything you should be on your hands and knees thanking him for even looking your way. Gotta go.” She hung up. “Everything okay?” Jay said over my shoulder scaring the crap out of me. I nearly dropped my phone. “Yeah, it was Marnie.” He frowned but said nothing and then. “Food?” I wasn’t sure I could eat but I nodded anyways. We walked in silence over to the restaurant that overlooked the water, it was beau-tiful, romantic even. He ordered a bottle of champagne and once again tried to encourage me to drink it so I would relax. I sipped at my glass curious why nobody had said something about underage drinking, but nobody seemed to even care, the waiter included. Then again, I saw Jay slide him a crisp hundred dollar bill the minute we sat down. I managed to make small talk and eat my chicken and rice-the cheapest thing on the menu at thirty dollars, while Jay ordered clams, more bread, salad for both of us, and another bottle of champagne. Had he drank most of that himself ? He’d had to of, I hadn’t even finished my glass. Though he did refill it to the brim in that moment. I took it and drank a few sips to be polite then put it back down. “So,” Jay grinned over the candlit dinner. “Let’s talk about your career, where do you see yourself in five years?” I sucked in a reassuring breath, this I could talk about. “I’m not sure, I want to be successful and I want to make my family proud. I like being in front of the camera and,” I shrugged. “I think I could be a supermodel one day.” His smile was warm. “I agree.” “Really?” I perked up. He reached across the table and grasped my right hand, the same hand that had just held the champagne flute. “I see a lot in your future, in our future—“ I froze. “—As the owner of the agency that discovered you.” I exhaled in relief. He winked and asked for the check when the waiter came back and I was sudden-ly exhausted as he led me towards the elevator and down the hall to our room. I yawned when we got to the room, when he slid the card over the door and opened it, I expected to see two beds, a desk, a small bathroom, possibly a bible in the drawer. Not a massive king sized bed. A bathroom I could fit the model apartment in. And plush white bathrobes laying across the bed ready for a naked body to wrap around. There was another tub of champagne sitting on the table, and Jay was

already tugging at his tie. “Why don’t we have two beds?” I asked dumbly. Jay gave me a funny look. “They only had one suite left.” I mentally searched for a couch but all I kept seeing were nice looking chairs. “You’re being ridiculous you know.” Jay snorted out a laugh and stumbled a bit towards the table with the champagne. He was drinking more? His eyes were already glassy. His demeanor sloppy. He popped the cork with a laugh, poured two flutes and brought one over to me, then lowered his head and kissed me on the cheek. I gasped. “Sorry, did I offend you again?” He whispered, the smell of his champagne in-fused breath hit my neck in a wave of nauseating heat that had me ready to hurl all over his expensive shoes. “Come on, we’re both adults here…” He trailed a finger down my bare shoulder. “You’re married.” My voice was barely above a whisper. “So?” He snorted. “So you shouldn’t touch me like that.” I took a step away. His eyes hooded. “I can do whatever the hell I want.” I backed away slowly, cell clutched in my hand, and when he didn’t stop ap-proaching, I sprinted towards the door jerked it open and ran down the hall like I was being chased. Which in hindsight, wasn’t so far from the truth.

Chapter six- Brittany

I was suffering through another boring charity dinner when my phone started buzzing in my pocket. With a frown I pulled it out and looked at it under the table so my mom wouldn’t disown me. Brittany? I grinned and excused myself to go use the restroom, then made a beeline around all the circular dinner tables and ran outside. “Hey there,” I answered with a giant smile. The sticky summer heat was almost as inescapable as the smell of traffic. 97

Crying sounded on the other end hitting me straight in the gut. “Ronan?” “What’s wrong?” Panic flared in my chest. “Are you okay?” “I’m so sorry I know this is stupid, you don’t know me.” “It’s not stupid. What’s wrong?” I was starting to think about all the horrible things that could happen to a beautiful girl alone in the City and immediately felt my skin crawl. “Brittany?” “I don’t know where I am and the photoshoot was rescheduled for the morning, and Jay said we should stay at a hotel and I knew it was wrong and then there was only one bed and I think he came onto me, no I know he came on to me and I have no money, no way to get back to the city, I don’t even know how far I am!” She sounded like she was about to start hyperventilating. “Okay Brittany, I need you to breathe, alright?” “K-kay.” Her teeth started chattering over the line. A million curses ran through my head. “Alright, now go to the receptionist at the front desk and ask what city you’re in.” “Okay.” I could hear her talking, and then she was back on the phone. “I’m at the Viana Hotel and Spa in Westbury.” About an hour drive if I had good traffic. “Alright, stay with people, in the lobby, where you’re safe, alright? If Jay comes back downstairs stay firm, and keep your phone on you.” I swallowed the knot in my throat. “I’m coming.” “Thank you.” I could tell she was fighting not to burst into tears again. “My phone doesn’t have much battery left.” “Ask the front desk if you can charge it, it’s a nice hotel they’’ll have extra’s al-right?” “Kay.” “Stay safe.” “Thank you, Ronan.” “Anytime.” And I meant it. I hadn’t woken up that morning thinking I was going to play hero, but for that beautiful girl who had already gotten under my skin—I was ready to do anything. I quickly looked up the hotel number on my new phone and dialed. “Viana Hotel and Spa, how can I direct your call?” “The girl who’s crying, is she still there?” I asked as I sprinted towards Valet and grabbed the keys to my new Benz. “Yes, sir.” “Good. This is Ronan Campbell Jr, I need you to make sure she’s safe, if you see an older man come near her, call the police, keep her by reception and give her whatever she needs, I’ll pay for it all, just keep her safe.” “Yes sir.” She said quickly. I hung up just as Valet tossed me my keys, jumped into my car and prayed I wouldn’t be too late. It was the first time in my teenage life I just left my mom without saying anything, she’d be worried, but I’d call her later, right now I had a girl to save. The traffic wasn’t that bad, I was thanking God for small favors as I weaved in and out, honking my horn like a madman. I made it to the hotel in for-ty minutes breaking every single speed law known to mankind. I didn’t even turn off my car as I pulled to a stop in front of checkin and sprinted inside the hotel lobby. Brittany was standing by Reception and Jay was glaring at her from the restaurant bar. Brittany’s body slammed into my chest as she hugged me tight crying her eyes out. “I’m so sorry!” “You did nothing wrong.” I whispered, my voice thick as I shot a death glare over her head towards the man tossing back whiskey. “Stay here,”I whispered in her ear. “I’m going to go deal with him.” “No, you can’t,” She pulled back, fresh tears spilled over her cheeks. “He’s angry, I probably won’t even have a career after this.” “Oh you will,” I promised. “I mean why else have the family name if I can’t toss it around and play your knight in shining armor?” The first real smile since I arrived spread across her beautiful features. I cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Stay.”

She nodded and then I was stomping in his direction with rage in my soul. “If you ever,” I said in a deathly low voice. “Ever touch her again, I’ll have so many lawsuits shoved down your throat you’ll be bankrupt before your next birthday.” “Oh?” He smiled at me mockingly. “Says who?” “Every single political connection I have,” I snapped. “And the fact that I have a testimony from one of your models that you came on to her, wonder how many other canceled photo shoots have happened over the years, and lets not forget about the last girl you were seen with, what was she? The new face of Calvin Klein? Then she just up and quit, and went overseas, I think they found her dead from a heroine overdose, then again you already knew that, the man who found her runs the agency in London.” He paled a bit. “You can’t prove any of that.” “But I can prove enough to make life very painful.” I said with a grin. “I’m taking her to the city, then Im bringing her back here for her shoot in the morning and if you as much as breathe this to anyone I’ll destroy you, are we clear?” “You’re eighteen.” “I’m a Campbell.” I gripped him by the shirt then shoved him away, he was just drunk enough to tumble out off the barstool onto the floor. I turned back towards Brittany. A look of wonder crossed her features as I made my way over to her, grabbed her hand and whispered. “Let’s go home.” “You’re shaking.” I whispered, my voice trembled a bit as the moonlight cast a blow across Ronan’s aristocratic face. Boys like Ronan didn’t belong in cars with girls like me—then again I was having trouble even processing what sort of girl I was. What if Ronan and I hadn’t exchanged numbers? I sucked in sharp breath then felt Ronans warm hand as it covered mine and squeezed. He didn’t look away from the road but finally responded. “Looks like both of us are shaking.”

I squeezed his hand harder. “I’m sorry—“ “—if you say sorry one more time.” His jaw tightened as the lights from the City came into a more clear view. “It’s not you’re fault he’s a complete jerk with a God complex.” His body shuddered. “I wish I could tell you that it’s rare, that most men aren’t like that, but I’m a bit too jaded.” “Jaded at eighteen?” I guessed his age. “Yeah, well.” He licked his full lips. “It’s kind of hard to forget when you’re dad wasn’t just a president.” I didn’t ask. Because it wasn’t my business to pry, but I knew, in that moment, he wasn’t just a few years older than me, he may as well be decades older, forced to grow up while the world watched. Forced to mourn publicly. Forced to become a pillar for a family that seemed constantly surrounded by both fame and tragedy. “Are you hungry?” Ronan shot me a look and then smiled. I could tell he was try-ing to put me at ease. “I know a place.” I returned his confident smile, I didn’t feel. If anything I was lonely, blindly grasp-ing at whatever he could give me so I didn’t shut down and hop on the first plane home. I took a deep breath and said. “I could eat.” “A model that eats, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” He winked. “Maybe I’m already there.” I scrunched up my nose, glad he was distracting me from the hollowness I felt in my chest. “I was doing so well until that comment too.” He teased. “Alright, let’s get you fed, beautiful, and then I’m going to be the perfect gentleman, drop you off at your apartment, and pick you up in the morning.” A lump formed in my throat. “If I still have a job.” What would my parents say? My friends? I had to make this work. “Lesson number one,” He magically found parking in front of a building with bright signs and at least half a dozen people outside eating with chopsticks, the restaurant was open to the city and I immediately wanted to ex-perience it. Needed the distraction more than he would ever know. Guilt gnawed. He said it wasn’t my fault. But was it? Had I sent the wrong signs? Should I have seen it? “Brittany, look at me,” He unbuckled my seatbelt for me and gripped my hands again. “As I was saying, lesson number one, this place,” He shook his head. “It’s a con-crete jungle with enough predators ready to pounce the minute you smile in their di-rection.” “Was that your idea of a pep talk?” I gaped at his amused expression. “Because you really suck at it.” “No.” He chuckled. “Sorry I was distracted by your hair—I like it.” “My hair?” “It’s pretty, I’m a guy, I get distracted, most teens are like raccoons when it comes to girls, they see something shiny and want to take.” “Is that lesson number two? All guys are racoons?” “Ah you think you’re ready for lesson number two when I haven’t even finished lesson number one?” “I’m an over achiever.” I flashed a smile at him. Ronan said something under his breath and shook his head at me. “You’re going to be trouble aren’t you?” My face fell. He leaned in and cupped my chin. “The good kind of trouble, the best kind, the kind you know would be worth the work, worth the fall.” “Are you saying you’re falling for me?” I whispered. His eyes darted to my mouth then away. “Lesson one, never run away from what scares you the most. Own the city, stare down your enemies, make them take notice. The minute you look away from the path— you lose all sense of direction and then you’re lost, scared, willing to do anything to be found again and thats when you lose the most important thing you have—your self and your self worth.” I gasped. “And lesson number two?”

“No.” “What?” “No.” He nodded. “That’s lesson number two. You hold the keys to the kingdom in the palm of your hand, and in the jungle, no is a full sentence. You don’t owe any-one an explanation.” “I like that.” I whispered. “A lot.” “Oh yeah? Care to practice?” “Yes?” He groaned. “That was a test, you failed.” I let out a burst of laughter. “It was a trick question.” “One day, Brittany, when you aren’t traumatized beyond belief, when you don’t look at me like I’m a hero, when you realize that everyone is part villain, it’s just that nobody’s brave enough to admit it—I’m going to kiss you.” He dropped his hands and opened the door to his car leaving me gaping after him. I wanted to ask him to kiss me then. It would be my first. I was young. Not stupid. Okay maybe a little bit naive since I knew he wasn’t the sort of guy who would just steal a kiss then send me on my way with a high five and thank you note. I still wanted. For the first time in my life I was tempted, and the phrase kept bouncing around in my head, teasing, tempting, beckoning. Would it be so bad? Wanting someone like him? Having him? And as Ronan helped me out of the car and entertained me with stories of his childhood over fried rice, I failed my first test. I imagined a path where my worth came from the way his words made me feel, from the way his hand felt against mine. And I blindly, very slowly, stepped off my path into the thick of the Jungle with my eyes wide open. And smiled. 99

Chapter Seven- Brittany

I didn’t want to drop her off at the model apartments anymore than I wanted to look at my fortune cookie and see yet another prediction that great things were ahead! I never admitted it to my mom or anyone in my family—but I always felt an im-pending sense of doom when I thought about the future, my therapist would say it was paranoia. He’d probably be right. I put too much pressure on myself to be too many things and even though I was leaving for college soon, I really wanted the freedom I knew I’d have in someone like Brittany’s arms. “Thanks for tonight.” Brittany was watching me, I knew it without having to look to my right to see it, it’s like I could feel her stare, she was more than a pretty face. She had a presence. And to someone like me, someone starving for something more—it was addicting. “You’re welcome.” It came out gruffer than I would have liked. I pulled up the address and scowled. The building was old, trash was piled near the stairway and I knew for a fact the Chinese restaurant across the way had been shut down a dozen times for health code violations. “Are you sure you’re safe?” I didn’t like it. I wanted to take her with me back to my Penthouse apartment in the City, better yet, our house in Connecticut far, far away from my mom. “Brittany?” The sound of her unbuckling her seatbelt gained my attention. Without saying a word she leaned across the consul gripped the sides of my head and kissed me on the cheek. “I’m fine. Thank you.” I gulped. “I’ll pick you up in the morning.” She winced. “You won’t get into trouble?” “Did you forget who I was for a second there? I don’t get into trouble.” I was teas-ing but I wanted to see her smile again. And she did. That bright smile one day, would break my heart wouldn’t it? “Thanks, Ro.” She opened the door. “I”ll see you tomorrow.” “Tomorrow.” I promised. I watched her walk up the stairs into the building, and I waited for a few minutes just in case she changed her mind. She didn’t come back down. I drummed my fingertips against the steering wheel and knew I had to make a choice and kind of hated myself for doing the mature thing, and making the right choice. “Britt.” I tested her name again on my tongue. “Trouble, so much trouble.” I shot one last look back at the building. “But you’d be worth it.” I drove off with a smile on my face. And something like hope in my soul.

possible to my getting dropped off by someone like Ronan. That lasted for about five steps into the apartment. Everlee burst out of her room, her eyes wide. “Was that Ronan Campbell?” “What?” One of the other girls shrieked. Complete silence followed. I squeezed my hands closed at my sides and tried to come up with a good ex-cuse, but I was honest to a fault, something i’d always treasured until this moment, where I needed a good lie to just magically create itself. “Um,” I gulped and stared straight ahead at Everlee. She was wearing ripped jeans and a black tank top that showed a bit of skin and was barefoot. She made casu-al look better than I ever would. “Yes.” Chapter Eight- Brittany It was late by the time I snuck back into the apartment. My phone was She shrieked, grabbed me by the hand and jerked me into the bedroom and then out to the fire escape where the rest of my new friends nearly dead again and I had a missed call from Marnie. were giving me sly looks. I was afraid to listen to the voicemail but waited out in the hall and I looked down. pressed play, my heart hammering in my chest the entire time. Perfect, they saw everything. “Brittany,” She sounded calm. “I understand that you became ill They saw him drop me off. before the shoot and they needed to reschedule, if you need a car to take you in the morning please call me as soon as you get this, Jay said And they saw me leave his car. something about Ronan Kampbell bringing you in the morning and I “If I didn’t love you so much,” Zoe grinned. “I’d slap you.” I took a deep breath and sat cross legged next to Danica, she handed must say, I’m proud. One day in and you’ve already landed the attention of the cities most notorious teen heartthrob. Keep him close, learn me an ap-ple but I refused, I’d already eaten. Because. Ronan. his secrets, who knows, you could be in a white house one day.” She “It’s not what you think.” I said in a small voice earning a snort from laughed and then. “This stays between us, after all, it’s business. This is just how the industry is, I trust you understand.” She sighed. “Okay, Danica. “What?” I searched her face for a hint of anger but she was smiling. bye, bye, sweetheart!” “What? Real-ly?” Disgusted I wanted to throw my phone against the ground. Instead, “Ronan Campbell doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to. I’ve met with shaking hands I slipped it back into my jeans and unlocked the him once and he ignored me the entire time, swear that boy can text door to the apartment. like the best of them. When he left he called me Dory.” It smelled like smoke. Again. I burst out laughing. “Sorry.” I kept my head down and tried to bring the least amount of attention 100

“He could have easily arranged a car service.” Zoe pointed out. “But you’re telling me the former presidents son is waking up at the crack of dawn to personally escort you to a photo shoot so he can sit there and what? Watch?” I winced. “Well, I think he’s just worried.” “Worried means texting and checking in. Obsession is picking you up.” Zoe grinned. “I’m happy for you. Maybe this will be big things for you?” A shrug. “I mean lets be honest, it can only help your career.” Everlee shoved her. “What?” Zoe shrugged. “I would kill to have that kind of attention from him, eve-ryone will want you in a heartbeat.” I scrunched up my nose. “That makes it feel…wrong.” “Girl, sometimes wrong is right.” Danica piped up. “Just see where it goes, whats the worst that could happen?” The wind picked up like a warning as we all sat and stared at each other in silence, then finally I held out my hand in the middle of the circle. “Let’s make a pact right here right now, that we dont’ sacrifice who we are for this job. Stay true to ourselves and hopefully we survive.” One by one the girls put their hands on mine and then Danica whispered. “Is this the part where we say go team?” We fell into fits of laughter earning a shut up from one of the girls inside and I thought of Ronan’s face, of seeing him again, and of a future that suddenly felt like it was enertwind with his. “So, now that we know you’re okay, we have something serious to go over.” Zoe said in a serious voice. “What are you going to wear tomorrow?” I grinned. “No idea.” “I’m not, I got to stare at him for a solid hour.” The girls fell into fits of laughter while I remembered the way he looked at me, the way he held my hand, not to mention the knowledge that he wanted to kiss me. I thought he would too. But somehow the timing felt wrong, or may be just off. He’d sighed like he was disappointed and I hated that I was too. I mean I was here to work, not kiss guys I barely knew in the backseat of their car. “So spill.” Everlee hugged her knees. “I’ve only seen him on TV and he’s gor-geous, I mean mouth watering.” I shivered. He really was. “Look at her face, she’s thinking about him.” Zoe whispered and then burst out laughing when I felt myself start to blush. “Tell us everything. Leave nothing out!” “Well,” I swallowed against the ball in my throat, and then a tear fell followed by a few more, and before I knew what was happening I was full on sobbing in Everlee’s arms while Danica and Zoe rubbed my back. “Whoa, whoa,” Everlee held me tight. “What’s wrong? Did Ronan…” “No.” Wiped under my eyes. “Actually he saved me tonight, we bumped into one another exchanged numbers and I didn’t have your guys cell numbers and my agent basically threw me to the wolves.” “Saved you?” Danica’s voice shook a bit. “From what?” “Jay.” I sniffed and then I told them everything, about the limo, champagne, pho-to shoot, and finally the hotel room. “That bastard!” Danica screeched almost scaring me. “I’m going to kill him!” “You can’t go to prison.” Zoe said softly. “You’re too pretty.” “I’m scrappy.” Danica pointed out. “And it would be worth it!” I smiled through my tears. “Thanks, but Ronan actually threatened him and when Marni called again she said we’d just put it behind us, I still have to go to the shoot tomorrow—Ronan’s picking me up.” All three girls gaped at me like I had two heads. “What?” I sniffled. “Let’s go,” Everlee stood and we followed back into the room and my new friends picked out my clothes for the morning, then made sure I had all of their numbers so I felt safe. I fell asleep that night with a smile on my face. My sole focus, Ronan Campbell. “Let’s go,” Everlee stood and we followed back into the room and my new friends picked out my clothes for the morning, then made sure I had all of their numbers so I felt safe.

I fell asleep that night with a smile on my face. My sole focus, Ronan Campbell.

Chapter Nine- Brittany

I had two coffees in hand and a bag of bagels as I waited for Brittany to come out of the apartment, she’d texted sending she was ready. And I felt like a jerk because I knew that I had to end whatever this was, I was leav-ing for school, and on top of that, she was young. Technically underage. As much as I hated it. I wanted her too much. More than I’d ever wanted another girl in my entire life and I wasn’t used to not getting what I wanted. Which made it even worse. I swear I had the devil on one shoulder telling me, just one kiss, while an angel on the other said, it would be your downfall. And as she came jogging out of the apartment wearing a white crop top that fell over her tan shoulder with all that gorgeous hair bouncing around her gorgeous body—I knew the angel was right. I wouldn’t stop with just a kiss. I wouldn’t stop with a simple date. It would consume me, I would want it all. She grinned and held out her hand a I handed her a coffee. “For you.” “Thanks.” Her blush was so beautiful. I wanted to kiss her pink cheeks so bad I nearly spilled may own coffee. Giggling sounded from somewhere, I looked up and saw three beautiful girls around her age wave down at me. “Friends?” I pointed up. She laughed. “They saw you drop me off last night.” “Ah,” I nodded, that wasn’t good. If they saw, did anyone else? “Should we get going?” “Yeah.” Standing next to her was complete torture. I held open her door handed her the bag of bagels, blew a kiss to the girls still watching our every move then quickly got into the car. “So I have some news.”

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“Good news or bad news?” She dug into the bagel like I knew she would. I grinned when a crumb lodged itself against the corner of her mouth, never been jealous of food before but there it was, taunting me, showing me exactly where I could kiss like a map with arrows. “It’s not the best news, at least to me, maybe you’ll be happy with it though, I guess our future depends on it.” I teased causing her to choke on her bagel. “Our future?” She croaked. “You’re adorable you know that right?” I grinned and weaved through traffic. “You’re young. I keep forgetting that.” “And you’re old?” She countered. “Ancient.” I teased. “Hips even acting up.” She rolled her eyes. “Says the guy who isn’t even a freshman in college yet.” “Give me two months.” I hated even saying it. She was quiet. “That feels soon.” “It does doesn’t it?” I shook my head. “Funny thing is, I was actually looking for-ward to escaping all of this, and wouldn’t you know? The universe dropped you into my lap and now I kind of want to drag my feet.” She reached across tentatively placing her hand on my thigh. I felt that all the way down to my toes, that touch, the comfort. “What’s so different about you?” Her smile was brilliant. “I don’t know.” “You do, it’s okay to say it.” I waited. She pulled her hand back, chewed her lower lip and then turned towards me again. “I grew up in the church, in a home where my parents let me know my worth, I know who’s I am, who I belong to, I think because of that, I’m not the same as some of the girls that you’ve been around.” “I grew up catholic.” I whispered. “I figured.” She smiled. “So, back to my news…” I needed a subject change and quick, I already felt guilty enough for wanting her, now I was thinking about ruining her just because of it? I would die before taking some of that light from her eyes. A day in and I was a mess. “I’m not going to see you after today.” I said it quietly and then gauged her reac-tion. She didn’t move for a minute and then. “Okay, did I do something wrong?” “No,” I let out a humorless laugh, “Thats the problem, you’re doing everything right and I was never good at keeping my hands to myself. This is just me…protecting you as much as I can.” “From what?” She wondered out loud. “Me.” It hurt to say. “You?” She repeated. “Yeah.” I stole a glance at her. “I like you, but Britt, you’re young, this is your first time in the City, your first everything and even though I’m selfish enough to want all the firsts, I know I don’t deserve them.” I sighed. “So I’m going to play body guard at your first real shoot, then I’m going to take you back home, and then I’m going to sit on my hands so I don’t text you like crazy, and then maybe next year when you’re a bit older…” She sighed. “I get it, I do. I’m…a bit surprised but…” She shot me another smile. “Thank you, Ronan, the fact that you would even do that means I can trust you.” I gulped. “Yeah well you aren’t in my head right now.” “Is it dangerous in there?” I barked out a laugh. “Yeah you don’t know how bad I want to kiss you, how bad I want to turn this car around or pull over just so I can see what you taste like, but I won’t, because, gentleman.” I pointed at myself. “And now I need a subject change.” “Hey,” Brittany reached for my hand. “I won’t be young forever.” “Wait for me.” I asked knowing I didn’t deserve to. Her smile brightened. “Deal.” “Wow that was easy.” “I’m not allowed to date until I’m eighteen anyways.”

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“And when would that be?” “Few years.” She answered. “Now, about that subject change,” And just like that we fell into an easy friendship. It was a day I would never forget. Watching her at her photo shoot, making sure Jay kept this paws to himself which he did. And knowing, during that entire shoot, that this woman was going to take the world by storm and I hoped to God that she would do it with me by her side. Wait for me. I whispered into the universe. And when I dropped her off that night, and she hugged me tight, I whispered it again for good measure. Maybe God would listen. Maybe because she had to be one of his favorites since she was already mine—he’d listen. “Bye, Britt.” I whispered. “Bye, Ro.” She left. And my heart cracked a bit in my chest as I did the right thing, got into the car, and drove away without looking back.

Chapter Ten- Brittany

3 years later “Happy Birthday!” Zoe shouted then started dancing in front of me while I tried to relax against the hot sand. “We have to celebrate!” “You celebrate.” I grumbled. “I’m going to sleep.” She stuck her tongue out at me. “The photographer brought drinks.” “Of course he did.” I yawned. “You go, I’m just gonna lay here in the sun.” “Finneee.” She did a little twirl. “Can you believe we’re shooting for Sports Illus-trated?” “No.” I laughed then. “I can’t actually.” I shook my head. “It’s crazy.” “It is.” She did a little twirl again. “Okay I’m off to go hang with all the people who aren’t lame enough to turn down some party time. We should be celebrating!” “This is me celebrating.” I grabbed my Bible. “You’re weird, but I love you anyways.” Zoe blew me a kiss and ran off. The truth was, even though it was my birthday and it felt like everything was com-ing together career wise. I missed him. He texted often. But it didn’t take a genius to know he’d been casually dating for the last three years, models, actresses, girls with trust funds the size of a house. It didn’t necessarily hurt it just made me wonder if I made everything up, if it was little bit of hero worship with a side of being blown away by his good looks and cha-risma. I grabbed my Bible and sat cross legged. I needed to find my center. I needed something to make the sadness go away and I didn’t want to hang with the other girls, not when I knew how that would end, plus I was working. I didn’t judge them, I just didn’t want to lose focus and I didn’t want my parents to be disappointed in me. Disappointment was a huge motivator, even now. The laugher got louder along with the music, I smiled down at my Bible when I heard Zoe start shouting about a crab that nearly killed her. And then a shadow cast over me. “Ugh Zoe, the crab isn’t going to kill you!” She said nothing. And then. “I’m Ronan Campbell,” My heart stopped in my chest. “And I could really use some saving.” I looked up into the eyes of the man who made me promise to wait and whis-pered. “You’re here.” “I’m here.” He dropped to his knees next to me and before I could get another word out, he pulled me against his chest and then kissed me softly across the lips. “Happy Birthday, Britt.”

Top: Kathy Ireland With Mobile Version of Fashion Jungle. Image courtesy of Jon Carrasco. Left: Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken. Image courtesy of Jon Carrasco.

“Ro,” I touched my fingers to my mouth. “Is this real?” He smiled and pulled me against him again, digging his hands into my hair. “It’s real. And just so you know, you’re leaving with me today and I’m not taking you back to your apartment.” I knew I should say no. It was on the tip of my tongue. But I was in love wasn’t I? With this man who was back in my life.

So I clung to him like a lifeline, grabbed his hand and skipped off the path, and whispered. “Okay.” Keep reading to find out what happens in Fashion Jungle! Avilable on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Nook and Barn & Nobel kathyireland.com/fashionjungle

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Nigel Roddis/EPA, via Shutterstock

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Meet Kathy’s New Neighbors! Have we enticed you? We hope so. Check back here for more details, soon.

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ghan Markle

& Prince Harry

BY CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES.

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On Hanukkah, may all who observe be embraced by the special love of G-d and His love for those who are the “apple” of His eye. The chosen. There is no replacement. G-d never breaks a promise. Happy Hanukkah Love, Kathy Please read this prayer. By Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA Adonai, You are with me in the gentle flickering light of the Hannukah candles. I close my eyes and feel the presence of my grandparents, my great aunts and uncles, those no longer in this world, my parents, family and friends far and near. I open my eyes and I am alone, even with people around me, I feel my oneness in the world. For a moment I am outside looking up at a light in the window, reaching toward the warm glow and not knowing how to return. And then I am carried back inside the light by the many voices singing blessings, voices raised in song, Jewish voices across the country, around the world, held together by community, and holding me as I add my voice, and we praise Your name. 110

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May the joy and truth of Christmas be yours now and always. Have beautiful memories of this unusual and admittedly challenging year, no matter the circumstances. Our hearts and prayers are with you, your family and friends for a bright and peaceful 2022. Happy Holidays. Love, Kathy

“... the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy’...” -Luke 2:10

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Fall “…Enter Kathy Ireland. The model/ businesswoman took a vested interest in Jackson’s career through Sterling/Winters, Jackson’s management company, which is owned by kathy ireland® Worldwide and run by president/COO Stephen Roseberry…” , “…negotiated with BMG to lock down a recording budget for Jackson (to the tune of at least $500,000, according to an insider) along with a sizable marketing spend…” 124

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‘The Waltons’ Homecoming’: Ben Lawson To Star As John Walton Sr. In The CW Movie; 9 More Cast

-Deadline

The CW has rounded out the cast for its original made-for-TV movie The Waltons’ Homecoming. Ben Lawson (Firefly Lane) stars as patriarch John Walton Sr., joining previously announced Bellamy Young (Scandal) who stars as his wife Olivia, Logan Shroyer (This is Us) as John Boy and Richard Thomas, who originally starred as John Boy Walton in The Waltons series, as “The Narrator.”

spend Christmas Eve with his family, but it’s a tortuous journey, thanks to a winter storm and a bus crash.

Rounding out the cast are Marcelle Le Blanc (PEN 15) as Mary Ellen Walton; Christian Finlayson (Ozark) as Jason Walton; Tatum Matthews (The Artifice Girl) as Erin Walton; Samuel Goergen (Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan) as Jim Bob Walton; Callaway Corrick as Elizabeth Walton; The Waltons’ Homecoming marks the 50th Rebecca Koon (Sharp Objects) as Grandma anniversary of The Homecoming: A Christmas Walton; Alpha Trivette (Tyler Perry’s Too Close Story television movie, which aired December To Home) as Grandpa Walton; Marilyn McCoo 19, 1971, and launched the long-running series as Sister Harriet and Billy Davis Jr. as Brother The Waltons, created by Earl Hamner. William. McCoo and Davis are the original stars and lead singers of the legendary group The The Waltons: Homecoming is set in the 1933 5th Dimension and whose first studio album in Depression Era and told through the eyes of 45 years, Blackbird, recently hit #1. They will John Boy, the 17-year-old eldest child of John be seen this summer in Questlove’s directorial and Olivia Walton. His mother expects John debut Summer of Soul (…Or, When the RevoBoy to help her raise his sisters and brothers, lution Could Not Be Televised) for Searchlight and his father expects him to follow in his foot- Pictures/Hulu. steps to help support the family, but secretly, John Boy wants to be a writer. Times are hard The Waltons’ Homecoming is produced by enough in 1933, but to make matters worse, it Magnolia Hill Productions in association with looked to be the Waltons’ first Christmas with- Warner Bros. Television, with executive producout John Sr. When Olivia receives a letter that er Sam Haskell and writer/co-executive producJohn Sr. is planning to make it home for Christ- er Jim Strain. Lev L. Spiro is the director. mas after all, the family is thrilled and races to prepare for his homecoming. But when a storm “The Waltons’ Homecoming marks threatens his arrival on Christmas Eve, and the 50th anniversary of The John Sr. is nowhere to be found, Olivia sends John Boy out into the night to find his daddy – Homecoming: A Christmas Story a journey that will change John Boy’s life forev- television movie, which aired er. December 19, 1971, and launched Lawson’s John Walton Sr. is 42 years old, and as rugged as his horsehide flannel-lined jacket. He is Olivia’s (Bellamy Young) husband, and the father of their six children. He married Olivia when he was 21, and much against her family’s wishes, because John is not much of a practicing Christian. John has left the family farm to work at a mill in Charlottesville – but he’s thinking long and hard about going back to the land, like his father. He heads home on a bus to

the long-running series The Waltons” The Walton’s Homecoming premieres on the CW November 28th, 2021

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360 Cookware Announces Partnership with kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) 360 Cookware is designed with technology that allows for healthy vapor cooking, heating food faster and at lower temps. It locks in flavor and nutrients, eliminating the need for added oils or fats. 360 Cookware aims to provide customers with a unique cooking experience by manufacturing heirloom quality cookware and bakeware made in one of the country’s leading sustainable cookware factories. What we eat is only half the story. It’s important to search for the right tools when preparing food for our families, that do not contain harmful toxins. 360 Cookware offers products that are free of toxic coatings such as PTFE. “We are beyond excited to work with a company we believe has the same high standards, values and quality expectations as we do. We believe kathy ireland® Worldwide, Kathy personally, with the awesome support of culinary leader, Chef André Carthen, will bring excitement, innovation and extraordinary talent to our products and customers. kiWW® is the best partner we could have for the heirloom quality products we so proudly make in the USA,” said Bryan and Beth Hurley in a joint statement. “This new partnership will allow 360 Cookware to continue its growth momentum by allowing us to focus on ultra-modern marketing and branding, as well as the opportunity to break into new markets and industries.” “We are delighted to partner with Chef André Carthen, who is America’s favorite Fit Chef, as we bring 360 Cookware to a larger number of customers than ever before …” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kiWW®, named the 26th most powerful brand in the world by License Global magazine. “Our company was founded on the mission of finding solutions, especially for busy moms and families. 360 Cookware is not only energy-efficient – it enables for healthier and more nutritious cooking. We look forward to introducing our customers to this top of the line, revolutionary cookware.” 360 Cookware has been making waves since its launch, making appearances on The Doctors, Martha Stewart’s American Made Awards, and even twice on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. 360 Cookware is available at 360cookware.com.

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Come home to a warm, welcoming environment that blends the best of contemporary and traditional styling. The Woodland Collection offers an array of customizable entryway storage solutions in three attractive finishes for a look you're sure to love.

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• Customizable entryway storage solutions fit virtually any space and taste • 24W and 40W Shoe Bench options with Hall Trees and a Wall-Mounted Coat Rack • Available in three attractive finishes: Cape Cod Gray, White Ash and Ash Brown • New collection video • Backed by the Bush Furniture 3 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

White Ash

Ash Brown

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kathy ireland® Worldwide And Pacific Coast Lighting Extend And Expand Licensing Partnership Of America’s Most Successful Designer Lighting Program “The kathy ireland® Home brand is America’s most successful designer lightning program in the home furnishings industry. This renewal, after 15 years of partnership, extends our agreement well into the next decade,” says Mr. Linstone. “In our industry, most other brands have not been successful, and kathy ireland® Home continues to be, because Kathy continually battles beside us creatively and with great strength to resonate at retail. Design, Media, Values, that truly mean something to our retail customers, make a tremendous difference.Kathy works closely with our design team and drives the inspiration, personally and sales professionally. She leads a great team and the vision Kathy sets is recognized in the market. Customers understand what this brand is all about and customers embrace it. Fashion, quality, value and safety are hallmarks that make the kathy ireland® brand successful and finally, because of all of these reasons, customers search for the brand and after all these years, our sales continue to grow,” adds Mr. Linstone. “Lighting is essential jewelry for the home, office and garden spaces. Our team at Pacific Coast Lighting makes beautiful, chic lamps and lighting fixtures that are functional and fabulous. We’ve worked togeth-

er for 15 years and it feels as though, we’re just getting started. Clark Linstone, Dennis Swanson, Manja Swanson and each of their team members are extraordinary people,” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide. “This renewal is thrilling for everyone at kathy ireland® Worldwide. They have led us to an incredible success in the lighting sector of the home industry. Many have attempted to imitate our accomplishments and while we respect competition, staying in the role of leadership is possible because of the genius, integrity and creativity of these industry leaders. We simply love our PCL team and thank them beyond measure for believing in us, when very few did. They are the definition of partnership. We have great plans for expansion in 2017,” adds Kathy, who recently graced the cover of Forbes Magazine for the second time in four years as one of America’s most successful self-made women. This week, Forbes Magazine also listed Kathy as one of the country’s 20 most successful celebrities. This latest issue also features Casa Elizabeth, a kiWW® Weddings & Resorts property designed and curated by Kathy, as one of the top vacation destinations for the world’s rich and famous. 141

Nourison has entered into a licensing agreement with kathy ireland® Worldwide for a floor covering partnership. This licensing agreement includes the brands kathy ireland Home as well as kathy ireland® Designs Jardin by Nicholas Walker, kathy ireland® Designs ACafe Society by Chef Andre, and Kathleen Marie. In addition, Nourison will be creating decorative accessories under this agreement. “It is exciting for everyone at kathy ireland Worldwide to join Alex and the incredible team at Nourison, to develop beautiful flooring and accents for homes, offices and the hospitality communities. We considered no other company for this category. Under Alex’s keen vision and direction, Nourison is a world leader in fashion. As our brand continues to grow, we are actively seeking the finest global partners in each category. Nourison enjoys an unequaled level of respect and appreciation from designers and the people who chart the course of fashion. We want the home 142

furnishings industry to know, that our pursuit of this partnership is very important to our strategic plan, of building equity in fashion and growing from good, to better and best at retail. Our collaboration of kathy ireland Home by Nourison, is an expression of great confidence in the integrity and leadership offered by the great house of Nourison and their extraordinary taste, at price points that address various retail partners,” said Kathy Ireland, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide. “Nourison is thrilled to be partnering with such an exciting leader in the home furnishings industry,” said Alex Peykar, Principal of Nourison. “An award-winning designer, Kathy Ireland heads up the 25th most powerfully licensed brand globally and is one of the 50 most influential women in the United States. She is a true expert in this field. We are confident that together Nourison and Kathy Ireland will create a dynamic, fashion forward and highly successful duo of home design.”

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kathy ireland® Worldwide And PPI Apparel Group Celebrate The $100 Million Sales Milestone With An Extension And Expansion of Partnership The kathy ireland® Intimates & Sleepwear collection includes functional, sophisticated, fashion-forward and on-trend bras, panties, shapewear and sleepwear. The new upcoming collections will see expansion in girls and the launch of underwear for men. “We were thrilled to be awarded with the exclusive license for kathy ireland® Intimates & Sleepwear several years ago,” “We knew then that a partnership with kiWW®, one of the most successful brands in the world, presented a tremendous and unique opportunity for our company. Our sales projections were doubled and we are now celebrating a major milestone. We are even more thrilled to be able to share this success with Kathy and her exceptionally talented team at kiWW®” - Abe Hanan

Joey Hanan, Kathy Ireland and Abe Hanan at the PPI offices in New York, NY. Image Courtesy of Jon Carrasco 144

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kathy ireland® Worldwide And Bush Furniture Exceed The $100 Million Mark With An Extension And Expansion Of Partnership kathy ireland® Worldwide and Bush Furniture are extending their partnership yet again for kathy ireland® Office furniture through 2023, it was announced by Mike Evans, CMO and Principal and Jim Garde, CEO and Principal, Bush Furniture. The two companies are celebrating the $100 million sales benchmark. “We were thrilled to be awarded with the exclusive license for kathy ireland® Office, Quick To Assemble (QTA) several years ago,” says Mr. Evans. “We knew then that a partnership with kiWW®, one of the most successful brands in the world, presented a tremendous and unique opportunity for our company. Our sales projections were doubled and we are now celebrating a major milestone. We are even more thrilled to be able to share this success with Kathy and her exceptionally talented team at kiWW®,” he adds. “The Bush team and their QTA Technology are extraordinary,” says 146

Kathy, kiWW’s CEO & Chief Designer, who this year graced the cover of Forbes Magazine for the second time as one of America’s 50 most successful self-made women. “Many, many years ago we tried and failed in the direct to business channel. With Bush, we’re winning. In concert with our Global Creative Director, Jon Carrasco, we’re making miraculous things happen. We are outselling so many leading brands. Our on-trend design work, in-stock positioning and customer connection has powerful results,” adds Kathy. “Our sales and margins are excellent... and sales and margin are the bottom lines. Aren’t they? We started as a business, and became a business family,” said Stephen Roseberry, President and CMO who brokered the original deal and extension. “Bush is the future of QTA. In business furniture, Bush Rocks! kathy ireland Office by Bush best sellers include Ironworks, Volcano Dusk, New York Skyline, and staggering presales for our Connecticut, Metro and Echo collections. Jon Carrasco, the Bush Team and I have many plans to delight our clients. New upcoming offerings will see designs with the launch of our I’M1 collection. This is a focus for Millennial men and the women who love them. We’re making glorious progress,” says Ms. Ireland.

Image by Nikon Ambassador Dixie Dixon Courtesy of Jon Carrasco 147

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Continues Expansion of Health Advocacy Through Partnership with Pioneering Global Biotechnology Company We-Fresh “We are thrilled to work with Kathy Ireland and her exceptionally talented and super creative executive team, to bring this revolutionary technology to manufacturers looking to enhance the quality of their products, as well as give their customers the added comfort of a product which is tough on harmful bacteria,” says Ms. Williams. “kathy ireland® Worldwide is one of the most powerful brands in the world, with Kathy named one of the most powerful women in the categories of furniture and fashion, our main target business-to-business customers. Kathy’s business acumen is renowned throughout the world, and her team’s talent for developing and executing creative and strategic growth plans, is second to none. This partnership is an incredible opportunity for our brand.” “We are delighted to partner with WeFresh,” says Kathy Ireland, who is named one of the top ten women’s health advocates by UCLA. “During this COVID-19 crisis, we’re all forced to be more aware of harmful bacteria, even our new normal will require us to be as clean as we can be. Imagine destroying germs at the site of your clothing, furniture, your shoes, the pillows our kids sleep on...even the dog beds our beloved four-legged family members lounge in. WeFresh kathy ireland® is a brand like no other. Incorporating this revolutionary technology by manufacturers can help keep us and our loved ones safer and healthier, as well bring an ‘added-value’ to a product, especially during such times.” WeFresh kathy ireland® is exclusively distributed in North America for a product sold worldwide as Micro- Fresh®. The technology was originally developed and crafted in 2006 in the U.K. to prevent the growth of mold on products in transit from the far corners of the world. It also has additional properties that prevent odor causing and 148

pathogenic bacteria. Today, the brand is used as an ‘added value’ by over 50 retailers and manufacturers, including Marks and Spencer, Emirates Airlines, and Avon. It now serves as the ‘go to’ brand for innovation-conscious retailers that want to promote the freshness of their products. In addition to preventing the growth of odor causing microorganisms, WeFresh kathy ireland® products can be washed at low temperatures, decreasing the need for frequent washing which prolongs the life of the product, as well as reduces energy costs and carbon footprint. WeFresh kathy ireland® is free from restricted substances and SVHCs, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved in all 4 classes I-IV, and Certified DMF free. The result is a Nano-free technology that is tough on harmful bacteria but kind to the human skin. WeFresh kathy ireland® has been tested and approved for safety in baby bedding and has been featured in children’s footwear for nine years. The technology behind WeFresh kathy ireland® has been honored with a number of awards including the Cisco Systems National Innovation Award 2010, Ernst & Young Sustainable Business Growth Finalist 2014, Cummins Entrepreneur of the Year 2014, Goldman Sachs Business Growth Award 2015 and more.

“WeFresh kathy ireland® now serves as the ‘go to’ brand for innovation-conscious retailers that want to promote the freshness of their products.”

“We had the opportunity to meet Kathy and her team and within a very short time in our conversation, we both knew there was a real chemistry developing. There was a mutual passion to share ideas and develop something truly special for the home furnishings industry,” says Mr. Amini. “I have been thinking about entering a whole new style category that addresses a broader and younger market. Kathy Ireland and the Brand she and her company have built, enjoy an extraordinary relationship with this customer. Kathy and her creative team’s unique ability to truly understand their loyal customers’ needs, and translate those needs to luxurious, on-trend and yet affordable designs, is nothing short of remarkable. It is the reason Kathy and the kathy ireland® Brand are leaders in many industries, including the Home category. We have already started the design process on a fabulous and highly affordable major product introduction for the typical mid- America lifestyle, based on Kathy’s and her creative team’s vision and concepts. We feel that these new eclectic and casual designs at great price points will reflect Kathy’s very successful Brand and wide consumer appeal. We are truly excited to make an entrance into a new style category in partnership with one of the most powerful lifestyle design firms globally.” “Michael Amini may well be the most exquisite design house in the world of furniture. When our Brand began, we disrupted this industry in powerful, positive ways. We led the path in licensing in the home industry. It is our intention and strategy with Michael to disrupt and lead again. We must ‘Teach. Inspire. Empower. Make Our World Better.’ TM... by explaining to retailers and our customers that approval is not design,” notes Kathy. “I’ve asked Michael to bring authenticity, truth, passion, and beauty to our concepts. He and I are working diligently with kiWW®’s Global Creative Director, Jon Carrasco, to realize this difference between our partnership and celebrity licenses. Our infrastructure of over 160 people in offices and design studios all over America, and the world, makes our collaboration delightfully unique and singular. Our departments of media, brand management, retail, marketing, and design infuse the reality that “Something Wonderful is About To Happen.” 149

“We are thrilled with our partnership as we continue to co-develop high-quality children’s activity products at a good value,” said Ben Ferguson, CEO of Bendon, Inc. “Bendon’s kathy ireland® line of products represents classic play patterns as well as new, innovative formats that capture the essence of the kiWW® mission statement ‘...solutions for families, especially busy moms.™” Our two companies are partnered closely in developing this premium line of products for children ages 3+ and are committed to continuing this successful relationship.” kathy ireland® and Bendon Publishing International have given a huge boost to the US Marine Corps-sponsored Toys For Tots campaign, making a donation of $10 million in children’s books to supplement the Marines’ annual gathering and distribution of Christmas gifts for millions of at-risk children and youths. 150

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kathy ireland® Worldwide Expands Into Sustainable Pet Products Through Brand Partnership with The Green Pet Shop kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) has forged a brand partnership with The Green Pet Shop, a top-of-the-line eco-friendly pet product manufacturer based in Deerfield, IL. This announcement was made by CEO Larry Wright and Vice President Brian Frazier Wright of The Green Pet Shop.

“We are thrilled and humbled to welcome Kathy Ireland and her team to our Green Pet Shop family.kathy ireland® Worldwide is the most powerful woman-owned licensing company in the world and we could not be happier with this partnership as we are gearing up for the expansion of our Cool Care Technologies line. Our mission of sustainability, philanthropy, passion for pets, and a family atmosphere fits perfectly with the philosophy at kathy ireland® Worldwide. We look forward to collaborating with Kathy and her incredible team to bring our eco-friendly products to many more pets and their parents nationally and internationally for years to come!”

“We are delighted to welcome Larry and Brian and the entire The Green Pet Shop family to kiWW®,” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kiWW®, who will enter the Licensing Hall of Fame this year as the youngest inductee in history. “We are privileged and blessed to care for our pets. We are their guardians and they are our loved ones. Since our company’s inception, kiWW’s mission is to bring our customers the best quality, safest and affordable products for all our family members, including our beloved four-legged ones. This collaboration brings our customers the best in eco-friendly pet products, which helps us to continue fulfilling one of our company’s Millennium Development Goals of ensuring environmental sustainability,” adds Ms. Ireland, who is named one of the 19 Most Influential Women in licensing by License Global magazine.

“We congratulate The Green Pet Shop on their success and desire to work with Kathy and our team as we go forward to serve loved ones and their guardian families,” say Jon Carrasco and Stephen Roseberry, Worldwide Creative Director and President/CMO of kathy ireland® Worldwide. Brian Nguyen, kiWW’s Director of Marketing negotiated the relationship.

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This new strategic partnership specifically encompasses The Green Pet Shop’s patented Cool Pet Pad – a pressure-activated, cooling pet bed – and the option to license The Green Pet Shop’s full line of eco-friendly products, including: eco-waste bags, warming mats, bamboo training pads, bamboo bowls, and more. This also opens the door to grow and expand the Cool Care Technologies line — a sister company owned by The Green Pet Shop that incorporates the same patented cooling gel technology for human use. The CCT product line includes: the Cool Flash Pillow and the Cool Flash Body Pad. All products will be marketed as kathy ireland®: Loved Ones™. For more information, please log onto www. thegreenpetshop.com

About The Green Pet Shop: A father-son company, The Green Pet Shop was founded by Larry Wright in 2010 with a vision to develop a company that manufactures the highest quality, unique, eco-friendly pet products available on the market today. Larry brought his son Brian into the business in 2012 and together they have grown the brand name and increased sales/revenue significantly on a year-to-year basis. The Green Pet Shop’s signature product - the Cool Pet Pad - has received numerous awards in the pet industry and is currently sold in big box stores such as PetSmart, Bed Bath as well as on online platforms such as Amazon, Walmart.com and more. They’ve continued to innovate by creating new products such as CBD Petcare and Bamboo/Charcoal Warming pads with an eye toward maintaining a safer planet for pets and people.

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kathy ireland Recovery Centers ®

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kathy ireland® Worldwide Expands Health Advocacy Through Partnership with Ascension Recovery Services To Develop Treatment Centers Serving Those Experiencing Substance Use Disorder Across The United States Ascension Recovery Services (Ascension RS) has announced their recent partnership with kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) for the development of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers across the country. The kathy ireland® recovery centers will be operated by Ascension RS, and the first treatment center will be located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The first program will open mid-2021 followed by the opening of programs in 5 additional states this year. The partnership’s mission is to expand access to care by opening these comprehensive, person-centered SUD treatment centers across the country providing for all who need treatment, regardless of insurance type or ability to pay, advancing Behavioral Health Equity. “Our partnership with Kathy and all of the wonderful folks at kiWW® will allow us to expand access to equitable, affordable, and quality care more rapidly and on a much larger scale, as we leverage our unique resources and capabilities in this synergistic collaboration. Kathy is named one of the top 10 women’s health advocates by UCLA and her work as the International Youth Chair for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, along with being an Ambassador and major donor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, clearly demonstrates Kathy’s commitment to the health and wellness of all people,” said Douglas M. Leech, Founder and CEO of Ascension RS. “We began working with kiWW® in 2020 to develop a comprehensive solution for expanding access to care for SUD and co-occurring physical and mental health disorders on a national scale. This partnership will play a critical role in addressing the converging crises of SUD and COVID-19, which have exacerbated the negative strain on the healthcare industry, economy, and the population struggling with SUD and co-occurring disorders,” continued Mr. Leech.

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“Each of us has, will, or is engaged in the war on addiction. It is not a health crisis that anyone can avoid confronting in some form. Whether that confrontation is the addiction of ourselves, or people in our lives, the nightmare is present. Expanding our company’s health advocacy into the area of mental health and substance use disorder has been a long-held top priority goal for our company and each of us individually,” says Ms. Ireland, Chair and CEO of kathy ireland® Worldwide. “Substance Use Disorder does not discriminate, and unfortunately, access to quality treatment isn’t available to everyone equally. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a surge in alcohol and drug-related use with the virus also eroding social support systems that are critical for an individual in recovery. Doug and the incredible professionals at Ascension share our vision of providing quality and effective treatment for SUD and mental health disorders to all who need it, especially people in underserved areas who do not have access to treatment. This partnership will truly help save and change lives. This relationship is of critical importance to our country, our family, our colleagues, and friends,” adds Ms. Ireland. New Hampshire ranks 3rd in the nation for opioid-related overdose deaths and has limited treatment options for this most vulnerable segment of the population. The primary objective of the centers is to provide innovative, high-quality SUD treatment services in areas that are currently underserved. The center’s services will honor multiple pathways to recovery and provide an individualized approach to each client’s plan of care. “We are beyond grateful to live Kathy’s passion for recovery in the mental and physical battle of addiction. This crisis has impacted both of our families and lives in the most personal ways. For Kathy to step forward and embrace Ascension and its mission will, we believe, heal many families and save countless lives. We congratulate Ascension, Kathy and everyone at kathy ireland® Worldwide, including Tommy Meharey, who negotiated the relationship, and Steve Glick, who together, will report to Kathy and support the powerful co-management of this venture. kathy ireland® Recovery Centers are dedicated to providing the needed treatment options and support to promote sustained personal recovery, enabling individuals to lead independent and self-sufficient lives,” said Jon Carrasco and Stephen Roseberry, Worldwide Creative Director and President/CMO of kathy ireland® Worldwide. If you or someone you know needs help for a substance use disorder, contact SAMHSA.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357) to find a treatment center near you.

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kathy ireland® Worldwide Expands into Sports Media and Marketing Through Partnership with The Insider Network, an innovative new digital content and direct-to-consumer marketing company in sports The Insider Network, LLC, a leading digital first sports media company has partnered with kathy ireland® Worldwide for global brand marketing, vertical expansion and business growth. The announcement was made by Merrill Squires and John von Stade, Co-Founders of the Insider Network, LLC. Ms. Ireland will also join The Insider Network team as the company’s Chief Strategy Advisor (see video announcement). Merrill Squires, The Insider Network Co-Founder, said “We are very excited to be teaming up with Kathy and the kathy ireland® Worldwide team on strategy, our vertical expansion and general growth of our company. It is a tremendous boost to an early-stage company like The Insider Network as we expand into new verticals like horse racing, women’s sports, motor sports, outdoor and adventure, music and entertainment. In addition to amazing insider content, we will establish a new way of engaging fans through direct to consumer shoppable experiences, interactive virtual events, fantasy sports and traditional television and podcast mediums.” The Insider Network, an industry leader in new digital content and direct-to-consumer marketing companies in sports and entertainment, provides a fresh new voice to sports and entertainment fans who are seeking enhanced insight and perspective on their favorite subjects from true insiders. As part of its expansion, the company recently added The Caddie Network, which launched in late 2018 to its portfolio. The Caddie Network has become recognized as the “fresh new voice” in golf and delivers never before heard content and access from professional tour caddies across all the major tours. The caddies (APTC) are equity owners in the business and provide much of the content on a first-person basis with meaningful story-telling and video through TCN. “We are delighted to welcome Merrill, John and their creative team to kathy ireland® Worldwide,” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide. “I have known Merrill as a leader in sports media and marketing since his days at Sports Illustrated. He was a visionary then, and continues to be a visionary with this incredible new venture. What Merrill and John are building is the future of

sports media. The Insider Network ingeniously delivers what brands need to engage with consumers specifically based on their sports passions,” says Ms. Ireland, a board member of the NFL Players Association’s NFLPI and a member of the WNBA Players Association’s Board of Advocates. John von Stade, The Insider Network Co-Founder, stated, “Our vision is to build one of the most innovative and unique content offerings in sports and entertainment. Our company’s mission is to provide fans with access they can’t traditionally get from current media businesses, and we truly believe this new partnership with kiWW® can help us grow.” “From the first conversation with Merrill and John, all of us were incredibly impressed with their vision and knowledge of sports media and marketing. We are truly excited to be working with them and welcome them to kiWW’s unique business unit, which is particularly helpful to emerging entrepreneurs and their outstanding companies in the licensing and marketing industries,” says Steve Glick, a William Morris Agency and ICM veteran, who currently serves as EVP of Content and Broadcasting. Rick Lambrick, who leads audience development and enterprise value for The Insider Network, added, “Our insiders content carries some of the most authentic and refreshing sports content available in the industry. Expanding into new sports and entertainment sectors is a natural evolution of our business. We are excited to welcome Kathy, her audience and her insider’s perspective as part of our story and team.” The Insider Network plans to announce expansion into the next verticals in the first quarter of 2021 with the launch of The Jockey Network at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Additional vertical discussions include motor sports, women’s sports, Olympic sports, team sports, the music industry and modeling.

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kathy ireland® Worldwide and Molecular Testing Labs Enter Into a Licensing Agreement “Our development of My Home Tests began roughly four years ago. This project began based on the opinion that the World needs more people taking a proactive approach to their sexual health. STI testing deserves to be a higher priority for sexually active people and we are making it more accessible via online purchase. Our partnership with Kathy Ireland is the exclamation point to this project! Together, we will make greater strides towards creating awareness and access to self-collect testing. James York, Managing Director of Business Development.” “Our company’s Millennium Development Goals strategy was formulated with the sole purpose of improving the lives of people in our country and around the world,” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide. “Easier access to health testing is such an important need for our society, as early diagnosis leads to early treatment which can save one’s life and the lives of the people they love. Part of living a healthy and responsible lifestyle, includes routine testing for STI’s. Through this partnership, we will be able to bring affordable testing to people’s homes, forgoing the sometimes long wait period of a doctor’s office visit. Routine testing is imperative in reducing the spread of STI’s and My Home Tests gives people easier access and a more comfortable way of doing it. All of us at kiWW® are looking forward to working with James and the incredible team at Molecular Testing Labs in bettering the lives of men and women in a powerful way.” Ms. Ireland is a health advocate for early screening tests, including detection of breast cancer and colon cancer. Continuing the tireless work and activism of her close friend and mentor, Elizabeth Taylor, Kathy is Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. kiWW® recently donated $100,000 to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 158

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kathy ireland® Worldwide Expands Health & Wellness Advocacy Through Partnership with Vertical Wellness™ for New Line of Innovative CBD Products Vertical Wellness™, an industry leader in the Hemp cannabinoid health and wellness space, has partnered with kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) for CBD products. The announcement was made by Smoke Wallin, Chairman and CEO of the California-based company. The new strategic relationship encompasses all CBD product categories, including beauty, health and wellness, pets, edibles and more. The products will be marketed under the kiWW® brands. kathy ireland® Health and Wellness, kathy ireland® Better Living, kathy ireland® Loved Ones, kathy ireland® Gracie & Delilah, Kathleen Marietm New York, MIVI Co- Founded by Tommy Meharey, Friday Nights, and Sunday Dinner. As part of the strategic collaboration, Ms. Ireland will be joining Vertical Wellness’ Advisory Board “We are ecstatic to work with Kathy Ireland and her incredibly creative executive team, to bring the benefits of Hemp CBD to a diverse customer base from all walks of life,” says Smoke Wallin, Chairman and CEO of Vertical Wellness, Inc™. “kathy ireland®Worldwide is one of the most pow-

erful brands in the world, and adding Kathy to our advisory board and leadership brings Vertical Wellness™ a leader recognized as one of the most influential women in business globally. I look forward to learning from Kathy as she brings us her unique perspective and insights.” Wallin adds, “Building innovative brands to help consumers improve their access to natural health and wellness solutions is our mission. Kathy and the organization she built, kiWW®, epitomizes the values-based leadership I believe in and have aspired to my entire business career. It is ingrained in our company’s culture. Aligning both of our organizations enables Vertical Wellness™ to achieve this mission on an even greater level. I can’t think of a better time to invest in the future and look forward to working with Kathy and the whole team at kiWW® on this incredibly great endeavor.” The new kathy ireland® CBD products will be available for purchase in late 2020 through various online stores and local and national retail locations.

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Stars Repping Stars Vanessa Williams has signed with artist management firm Sterling Winters Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of kathy ireland® Worldwide. SWC will manage the actress and singer in all areas, including theatrical, music, licensing and .branding Vanessa is a global pop culture icon and" an artistic treasure," said Ireland, who will be part of Williams' management team alongside SWC/kiWW® president and CMO Stephen Roseberry, Executive VP and global creative director Jon Carrasco, Executive VP concerts and artist administration Steve Rosenblum and Executive VP content and broadcasting Steven Glick, who will serve as point. "All of us at Sterling Winters Company and kiWW® have admired her limitless talent, inspiring beauty and incredible career accomplishments for years, as well as her unwavering dedication to making the world place through her advocacy and ".philanthropic endeavors Williams recently starred in the ABC pilot The Happy Accident and will soon be heard in Disney Junior's upcoming .animated series T.O.T.S I am thrilled to join the stellar team" /of Sterling Winters Company kathy ireland® Worldwide," Williams said in a statement. "Their excellence, knowledge and bravery in every facet of multiple businesses make me so excited about my future endeavors and very secure with my diverse ".career opportunities

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Other icons for whom SWC/kiWW® has managed and worked on marketing and licensing campaigns include Janet Jackson .and the late Elizabeth Taylor Williams continues to be represented by UTA for theatrical, ICM Partners for music and by attorneys P.J. Shapiro and Julian Zajfen at Ziffren Brittenham

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kathy ireland® Worldwide Expands Health Advocacy Through Partnership With Bright Innovations, Inc. For Revolutionary and Effortless At- HOme Fine Jewelry Cleaning and Sanitizing System kathy ireland® Worldwide and Bright Innovations, Inc. have entered into a partnership for a revolutionary at-home fine jewelry cleaning and sanitizing system – GemSpa by kathy ireland®. The announcement was made by GemSpa inventor, jewelry expert and GIA Graduate Gemologist, David Bellman, Founder of Bright Innovations, Inc.

and consider prized possessions, and not only do we want to keep them clean and sparkling at all times, we want to make sure that they are not the source of harmful bacteria for us and our loved ones. The GemSpa by kathy ireland® system is effortless, convenient and an easy at-home solution for jewelry “We are very excited to partner with kathy ireland® hygiene, with professional cleaning results that keep Worldwide, the best brand in the world to bring this your family safe and healthy, by removing the harmrevolutionary product to the global marketplace, and ful bacteria that builds up on rings, bracelets, and earrings from everyday wear.” to bring the importance of jewelry hygiene to the forefront,” says Mr. Bellman. “Most of us, includOver 90% of all fine gold, silver, diamond and ing the public health community, understand and stress the importance of hand washing as a defense gemstone jewelry can be safely cleaned in the Gemagainst food-borne illnesses. But most people don’t Spa by kathy ireland® . The device’s patented surgical-grade, stainless steel mesh design defuses the realize that washing your hands is not enough, and at times, counter-productive. Bacteria colonies dwell water and steam in the dishwasher, into a fine spray that gently and safely cleans fine jewelry. This and thrive on our jewelry. It’s a fact that the avermulti-patented device with its locking mechanism seage ring or bracelet carries more than three to five times the bacteria found on a public restroom toilet cures the complete front cover of the device, which seat. Now, more than ever, preventing the transmis- includes a jewelry bar that holds up to three stud/ sion of harmful pathogens has garnered worldwide hoop earrings, and a large jewelry bay to place neckattention. The GemSpa by kathy ireland® is the only laces, bracelets and pendants, which will remain in safe, convenient and affordable at-home option that place during the cleaning process. leaves your jewelry not only sparkling, but removes 99.9% of the bacteria residing on it.”

“We are delighted to partner with David and his incredibly innovative team,” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide, who is named one of the top ten women’s health advocates by UCLA. “As I learned from my beloved hero and mentor, Elizabeth Taylor, who taught me almost everything I know about exquisite gems, jewelry is something most of us cherish 166

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kathy ireland® Worldwide partners with AERAS AERAS, a U.S.-based technology company specializing in innovative sanitization products and services, has joined a select group of emerging entrepreneurs to partner with kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®). The new AERAS-Micro by kathy ireland offers consumers a hand-held peace of mind against germs and grime on the go. The newest product in AERAS’ integrated offerings, the AERAS-Micro by kathy ireland, is perfect for sanitizing grocery cart handles, gas station pumps and door handles. Safe to use on papers, legal documents, cash, electronics and touch screens, the Micro is convenient and effective. Its compact design allows for a 30 mL tank of sanitizer and its micro-USB charger allows for convenient charging capabilities and more than two hours of uninterrupted usage. “AERAS is about using out-of-this-world technology to give peace of mind to consumers, whether that’s using our patent-pending drone technology to sanitize stadiums and arenas or developing products like the AERAS-Micro by kathy ireland to help protect parents and shoppers from viruses and germs,” said Eric Lloyd, CEO and co-founder of AERAS. “We’re excited to partner with kathy ireland® Worldwide and their massive business network on such a sleek and savvy item that lets customers have sanitization at their fingertips.” “We are delighted to collaborate with AERAS, because they are such an innovative company,” says

Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide. “Both of our firms share vision and commitments to bettering the human condition. Eric and Justin’s mission to help safely reconnect people with the activities and events they’ve always enjoyed is also very important to everyone at kiWW®. We look forward to introducing our customers to the AERAS-Micro, which gives them the ability to carry peace of mind in their purse, large pocket, backpack, luggage and more.” This past week, Kathy Ireland shattered glass ceilings when kiWW® was named as the 15th most powerful brand in the world by License Global magazine. This is the highest ranking for a woman-owned and for an individually-owned business in the licensing industry. Kathy will enter the Licensing Hall of Fame this year as the youngest inductee in history. “The opportunity to work with kiWW® is particularly helpful to AERAS as an emerging industry leader. It means a great deal for our growing company to be able to integrate and benefit from the global respect of the kathy ireland® Worldwide brand and its Chair, Kathy, personally,” said Jim Abel, global director of business development for AERAS. “Very few entrepreneurs in emerging companies are able to strategically and successfully manage through their selective process, and have the unique access of working with and benefitting from specialized industry experience.” AERASfog.com 167

Kathy Ireland’s new partnership with NPCF will help impact children battling cancer nationwide as she works to raise awareness and funds for critical life-saving pediatric research. “National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is an incredible organization,” says Kathy Ireland, a renowned humanitarian and philanthropist. “NPCF’s tireless work in seeking cure and treatment for pediatric cancer, saves the lives of so many children and it is an honor for all of us at kiWW® to join David, and each and every person at NPCF and its incredible and generous partners, in our mission to destroy pediatric cancer.” Ms. Ireland will help the NPCF launch several upcoming initiatives and will also participate in events to call attention to the fight against pediatric cancer by engaging communities nationwide and globally through current and future relationships. Only four percent of the billions of dollars annually spent on cancer research is directed towards treating childhood cancer, and fewer than 10 drugs have been developed for use in children with cancer since 1980, compared with the hundreds of drugs that have been created exclusively for adults. Cancer remains

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the number one cause of death by disease among children, and this year, 43 kids each day are expected to be diagnosed. NPCF, a Tampa- based nonprofit, funds research to eliminate childhood cancer with a focus on fast-tracking less toxic, more targeted treatments by partnering with 24 leading hospitals nationwide. “We take a truly collaborative approach to finding cures for all types of pediatric cancer,” said David Frazer, CEO of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. “We are energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Kathy Ireland – an icon and tireless advocate for so many causes – on new ways to engage the global community to have the greatest possible impact for the children and families fighting cancer each day.” NPCF has donated more than $23 million to pediatric cancer research since its inception in 1991. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar donated funds research, and Charity Navigator has awarded NPCF a perfect score of 100 percent – the highest rating a nonprofit can receive — for financial health and transparency.

kathy ireland® Worldwide Partners with Baratelli Properties for Affordable Residential Housing and Commercial Properties unique skill sets are extraordinary in finance and real estate. Phil is an executive in the truest sense. He is an entrepreneur with great dreams and the strength to realize those dreams in an accelerated timetable,” says Ms. Ireland. “We developed kathy ireland® American Home several years ago and waited patiently for the correct partner. Phil Baratelli is indeed this partner. We welcome Phil, his companies and team to the kathy ireland® Small Business Network. Our goal and strategy is to bring kathy ireland® American Home managed Baratelli Properties acquires, refurbishes, develops, and leases by Baratelli Properties to all fifty states. Where appropriate, affordable housing in communities throughout the Southeast- our residences which are furnished will offer product from kathy ireland® Home partners, including Pacific Coast Lightern and Midwestern United States. The new venture, kathy ireland® American Home, launches with a real estate ing, Nourison, Michael Amini kathy ireland® home designs, portfolio of 138 properties in various stages of development Bush Furniture, Blue Ridge Home Fashions, Fame hardwood ® in thirty-one cities in six states. kathy ireland American Floors, and Global Kitchen Concepts | Home is funded kathy ireland® will be the through Baratelli planned installation resource for kitchens going Capital Management, LLC and is forward. So many people are affected by the managed by BaratelCOVID-19 pandemic with li Properties. many families worried about being able to afford kathy ireland® rent. We look forward to American Home is working with Phil to grow one of the inauguthis venture and expand it ral partners of the ® to the rest of our country. kathy ireland Small The housing units manuBusiness Network factured and built will be which also includes places families can proudly Kahwa Coffee call home. They will be (www.kahwacoffee. fully renovated and priscom) and My Medtine. This is a great day.” ical Images (www. mymedicalimages. “Special thanks to Kathy, Stephen, Jon and our Board of com). The partnership will see Mr. Baratelli become the ® Directors for allowing me the opportunity to co-chair the first member of the Board of Advisors for the kathy ireland kathy ireland® Small Business Network,” says Mr. Meharey. Small Business Network, which is co-chaired by Ms. Ireland and Tommy Meharey, Board Member, Vice President, “My journey with kiWW® began as a residential contractor kathy ireland® Worldwide. and veteran of the Marines fifteen years ago. From day one, Kathy said ‘we must find a way to give people lovely homes “I believe the concept of speed and urgency is important. It within their budget.’ Today, Kathy’s dream becomes a realiis time to build. People need affordable housing now, to help ty.” them realize their hopes and dreams for them and their families,” says Mr. Baratelli. “We created our model, executed our As part of kiWW’s philanthropic initiatives, every brand partplans, and developed many of our properties in just twelve ner that joins kathy ireland® Small Business Network supmonths. Kathy and I connected, and with her leadership ports National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF), a nonand passion this partnership was accomplished in one week. profit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate In thirty years of business, I have never seen anything come childhood cancer. As part of the agreement, Mr. Baratelli together so quickly, powerfully and respectfully. To Kathy and and his company are supporting NPCF on an annual basis everyone on the kiWW® team, I say Thank You,” adds Mr. through the organization’s Team43 Campaign, in support Baratelli who initially met Ms. Ireland after making contact of the 43 children who are diagnosed with childhood cancer with her through business social network, LinkedIn. each day. “Phil Baratelli is an inspiring, passionate entrepreneur whose Baratelli Properties has partnered with kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®) to bring affordable housing to people and families including those facing financial difficulties, essentially anyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made by entrepreneur/investor Phil Baratelli, President and Chief Investment Officer of Baratelli Capital Management, LLC, and Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide.

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IN MEMORIAM Gianna Bryant May 1, 2006 January 26, 2020

Bryant Family via Vanessa Bryant Instagram @VanessaBryant

Kobe Bryant August 26, 1978January 26, 2020

Gianna and Kobe Bryant Jerseys via Vanessa Bryant Instagram @VanessaBryant

“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever. Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality. To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by We are also devastated for the fami- this tragedy. To donate, please go to lies who lost their loved ones on Sun- MambaOnThree.org. day, and we share in their grief inti- To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy mately. in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in Thank you so much for lifting us up in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, that they were so deeply loved. We were Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba so incredibly blessed to have them in #Mambacita #GirlsDad #DaddysGirls our lives. I wish they were here with #Family us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond - Vanessa Bryant today, and it’s impossible to imagine life via instagram @VanessaBryant without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them MambaSportsFoundation.org.

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Gianna and Kobe Bryant Allen Berezovsky/Getty

5. Kobe Bryant and Kathy Ireland Serving Children at the Athelets for Entertainers Event - via Twitter @kathyireland

Kobe Bryant and Rick Fox via A.List

Allen Berezovsky/ Getty Images

Gianna and Kobe Bryant via Twitter @shaq

Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan via WallPapperAccess 178

Kobe Bryant, Shaq and Rick Fox via @vanessawilliamsofficial

1. “Heartbreak. Praying for the Bryant family, friends and fans. Today, we lost a father, husband, genius and icon. #kobebryant” - Kathy Ireland via Twitter @kathyireland

4. “Kobe and Gianna may your souls and the souls of the others who were with you Rest In Peace. My condolences and prayers go out to Kobe’s wife Vanessa, his daughters and the Bryant Family. I Love You Kobe and will miss you dearly.” 2. “I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I - Rick Fox via twitter @rickfox sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I be5. “Kobe was so much more than an athgin crying again just thinking about lete, he was a family man. That was you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/ what we had most in common. I would brotherhood we had! I literally just hug his children like they were my own heard your voice Sunday morning beand he would embrace my kids like they fore I left Philly to head back to LA. were his. His baby girl Gigi was born Didn’t think for one bit in a million on the same day as my youngest daughyears that would be the last converter Me’Arah.” sation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbro- Shaq ken and devastated my brother!! Man I via twitter @shaq love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll 6. “Having been a part of the Laker continue your legacy man! You mean so Family for World 3 Championships, we much to us all here especially #Lakerwatched Kobe Bryant excel as a pheNation and it’s my responsibility to put nomenal player, motivated man, lovthis shit on my back and keep it going!! ing husband and devoted father. Kobe Please give me the strength from the spoke fluent Italian, had deep faith heavens above and watch over me! I got but it was his curiosity that was unUS here! There’s so much more I want ending. My then husband @imrickafox to say but just can’t right now because was not only a teammate but mentor I can’t get through it! Until we meet to Kobe and my favorite memories were again my brother!! #Mamba4Life #Gighow generous and loving he was to my i4Life” son @devin_christian who was a ball - LeBron James boy at the games. My heart breaks for via Instagram @kingjames his wife Vanessa who has lost not only a husband but her precious daughter 3. “When Kobe died a piece of me died...” Gianna. May we all surround the Bry- Michael Jordan ant family with love and support.” Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial - Vanessa Williams via Instagram @vanessawilliamsofficial

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