Jan 2018 digital issue

MAGAZINE

BRONZE JANUARY 2018

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Ezie

SWV’s Lelee Lyons from regret to self-love & forgiveness

fashion editorial featuring The Spotted Collection by designer Esther Ihezie

Dr. Sheron Brown on a new year, new you and new food

KurlyKinkyYaki CEO/Founder

Vivian kaye on the success of her natural hair extension line

ACTRESS & LIFESTYLE INFLUNENCER

TEALA DUNN JANUARY 2018

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Bronze Magazine presents

Herstory:

Celebrating Women's History Month "A Woman is full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform."

- Diane Mariechild

A NETWORKING SOCIAL COCKTAILS + CONVERSATIONS FEATURING A LIVE PHYLLIS HYMAN TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE BY QUEEN DIVA DESSERTS SOLD BY JOYCE ANN'S CREATIONS

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BRONZE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2018 Editor’s Note

COVER CREDITS: Photographer: Leo Deveney @leodeveney Stylist: Simona Sacchitella @simonamalibu Hair: Bradley Leake @hairbybradleyleake Makeup: Leibi Carias @leibi_carias

CO-OWNER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sheena Tadifa WRITERS (This Issue) Dr. Sheron Brown Florence Edwards Aaliyah Ransome Whitney Sylvain

Look out for the BronzeMag App

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Happy New Year Bronze Beauties! I love looking at a new year as an opportunity to jumpstart fresh experiences on both a personal and professional level. I no longer make resolutions because I tend to never stick to them, so instead, I create measurable challenges for myself that are reasonable and realistic, and can be tweaked as needed. I find this to be a much better way for me to work towards my goals instead of setting unrealistic expectations that I know I will not follow through on. What’s your new years commitment to yourself? What tools do you plan to use for following through?

In this month’s issue, our cover star is the talented actress and lifestyle influencer, Teala Dunn, whom most of you would probably remember from the hit comedy TV show Are We There Yet where she played the role of Lindsey Kingston-Persons. Teala has since go on to work on various television projects including her latest in Fullscreen’s “Guilty Party” and Hulu’s “All Night” premiering this year. Teala has also become known as one of the most influential social stars on YouTube.

Also featured inside this issue are interviews with two other amazing women including an up close and personal interview with singer–songwriter and television personality Lelee Lyons of the of the R&B vocal trio SWV, one of my favorite girl groups of all time; and Vivian Kaye, Founder/ CEO of natural hair extension brand KurlyKinkyYaki.

There’s also a dash of inspiration featuring a beautiful visual fashion editorial by clothing brand Ezie, and two New Years articles. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Feel free to email me at editor@bronzemagonline.com for a chance at having your feedback featured in our next issue Happy reading!

xoxo, Shawn nt a v i d l Stu

CONTENT 6. SWV’S Lelee Lyons Opens Up About Her Journey From Regret to Self-Love, Forgiveness, and Achieving Self-Empowerment 12. KINKYCURLYYAKI FOUNDER/ CEO VIVIAN KAYE 28. TO HELL WITH RESOLUTIONS ...DO THIS INSTEAD

30. EZIE- The Spotted Collection FASHION EDITORIAL

featuring

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42. NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW FOOD

CONTENT PAGE PHOTO CREDITS: Photographer: Leo Deveney @leodeveney Stylist: Simona Sacchitella @simonamalibu Hair: Bradley Leake @hairbybradleyleake Makeup: Leibi Carias @leibi_carias

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SWV’s Lelee Lyons Opens Up About Her Journey From Regret to Self-Love, Forgiveness, and Achieving Self-Empowerment Interview by Florence Edwards SWV (Sisters With Voices), is one of the most successful, best-selling girl-groups of all time.

Exploding on the music scene in 1991, their chart-topping hits include “Weak,” “Right Here/ Human Nature,” “I’m So into You,” and “You’re the One.” Selling more than 25 million records and counting, SWV is still captivating crowds and receiving worldwide acclaim after 25 years of making their mark in the music industry. In November 2017, SWV won The Lady of Soul Award for their continued work in R&B. Although the iconic group has achieved national/international notoriety and made musical history, fame and success could not protect them from personal tragedy and heartbreak.

Lelee Lyons, the group’s founding member, has been vocal over the years about some of her most painful experiences, including how she survived sexual abuse as a child by a trusted female family member, her struggles as a single parent at 17, toxic romantic relationships, and loss.

Determined to share her breakthrough story to inspire other women to wake up, love themselves and stop caring about what others think, Lelee is living proof that you are bigger than your pain and that there’s nothing that can keep a strong woman down.

In this captivating, raw, and inspiring interview, Lelee gets candid about her past relationships, how she overcame her personal struggles, her new tell-all memoir, I Regret the Day I lost My Virginity, to be released sometime this year, as well as her secrets to surviving and thriving as a single parent, breaking the pattern of abuse and achieving self-empowerment.

Florence: You are a success story for millions of women around the world because you’ve been able to overcome so many challenges that have destroyed people’s lives. What do you credit as being the secret to rising above everything that was holding you back?

Lelee: I come from a strong mother. I’ve seen my mom overcome so many adversities that when it was my turn, I knew I had the willpower to push through. Also, acceptance and accountability.

Many of us go on for years blaming others for their downward spiral. Yes, in my case there were many contributors, and there were many things I didn’t know, but at the end of the day it’s up to you to ask questions and not be afraid of what you don’t know. Ignorance can ruin your very being.

Florence: What would be the first thing you would tell someone struggling with the same

issues you’ve been able to overcome?

Lelee: I can honestly say, stand alone and figure it out. Sometimes getting yourself out of a rut may not be as hard as it seems. You just have to ask yourself, “How did this happen?” and start piecing everything together. This is the perfect time to tap into the “independent you.” It’s ok to ask for some assistance or even accept when help is offered, but always understand that people will help once or twice, but your neediness will eventually become a burden. At this point, they just may not have any more to give — in the event this does happen, you’ll be back to square one—and you have to continue to stand. Will it be fun? Hell no, but when things start slowly but surely coming together, you can look in the mirror and be proud of “YOU.” That’s enough to motivate and inspire anyone— including you!

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Florence: Many people are familiar with your past story about being a single mother and your almost suicide attempt. Do you feel that revealing that vulnerable time of your life helped you heal? How do you deal with people’s criticism of your past?

Lelee: Absolutely, I’m still healing every time I talk about it because I can’t believe I’m still here.

I remember that night like it was yesterday. I would’ve committed suicide had my sister not answered the phone. It was a very scary and lonely place. I allowed the pressures of my circumstances to cloud my vision. In my head, if I couldn’t be the star everyone knew, I didn’t want to be anything. Because I was in the industry for so long, “life’s changes” caught me off guard.

As far as people’s criticisms, I’m delivered from people and their opinions. That’s what got me to that point in the first place. Worrying about not being who people felt I should be almost took me outta here. I found out that there are more people who look up to me for being bold about my truth. I get emails ‘til this day about it.

I also will say that I believe my truth has cost me several relationships because people don’t wanna be associated with the girl who has been molested, suicidal, broke and homeless. In our community, we cover those things up. They look at my past as my now. They wish they had the guts to say some of the things I’ve put out there.

People spend years hiding, lying, deceiving others to the point they believe themselves. A private failure and a public success—a mess. I have no time for immature adults. If I’m for you, I’m for you. If not, go on to someone you like.

Florence: People know your ‘old’ story, but is there something new that you want your fans to know about who you are now?

Lelee: I want my fans to know that I am free! I am in the best headspace I’ve ever been in.

I know who I am, I know what I want and what I deserve—and I’m gonna get it! I’m 44, I feel good and I’m still a dreamer. I’m gonna do at my age what the world says you can only do in your early twenties. Don’t ever allow people to keep you in a space that you’ve graduated from.

Don’t give them any power over you and your life. Go and get yours!!!

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Florence: In recent interviews, you’ve stated that you are a lot smarter now. What two lessons about life have you learned that you wish you knew before?

Lelee: Friends are temporary. They get married, get a new job, relocate and forget all about you. Not meaning they don’t love you, but we become dependent on their presence, their phone calls, etc. Stop feeling like you need to be around a bunch of people to feel validated.

In other words, keep your circle small and stop telling everybody your business (those friends).

It’s all good until you say something they don’t like and they allll have tea about you and expose you. Don’t rely on the next man to feed you, especially in business. No one fills your stomach when it’s hungry, no one can see that your bills are behind, etc. You may need help through your process, but take that information and continue on. The right people with the right heart will connect with your spirit and help you make it happen. You won’t even have to go for help sometimes. Help will find you.

Florence: What caused you to write your book, I Regret The Day I Lost My Virginity? at this time in your life?

Lelee: I was having a conversation with my guy friend and he asked me, “Do you have any regrets?” I said, “Yes, I regret the day I lost my virginity.” He said, “Write about it.” It was that simple. Now, don’t get me wrong. For some, sex for the first time was a special time in their lives.

For me, it wasn’t special at all. I just put myself in the wrong company and ended up at the wrong place. I just wish I was in the right space with the right person, and was mature enough to know what all of that stuff meant.

I was a thirteen year-old teenager believing that sex was all I had to offer because I refused to be the girl that wasn’t giving it up. She wasn’t popular at all. The boys in my environment made me believe that, and as I got older—so did men. But I soon found out that it’s good to be unpopular than popular for all the wrong reasons. So, basically, the book is my journey of trials, tribulations, hurt, love, regret and survival.

How to overcome living with a past that people just won’t let you forget—and win. We women have to be comfortable with who we are/were.

Florence: Knowing what you know now, do you think girls should wait before having sex? If you had to do it over again, would you have waited to have sex? Do you think men really respect women more if they wait? What are a couple of lessons you share in the book that you want readers to know?

Lelee: I definitely feel young girls should wait before having sex. I sure wish I would’ve for many reasons. There’s so much life to explore before that. We become a product of peer pressure and then certain behaviors seem like the right thing to do. We want to fit in. I was so immature that I lied to the guy who took my innocence. I told him I wasn’t a virgin, not knowing that he’d find out. I wasn’t ready. In today’s age with all the STDs running around, it’s definitely a great conversation piece for a man to say he’s landed a virgin. There’s not many out here at all. I wish I could’ve been that gift to my future husband,

anything from anyone that’s not mine. With no expectation, there is no hurt.

Florence: I’ve read that you were engaged at least 3 times. What were two of the biggest mistakes you’ve made in past relationships, and how are you different in your relationships today?

Lelee: They just weren’t the right people for me.

Many think it was all me—Nott! The biggest mistake I’ve made is being too nice. I should’ve been a *itch. Instead, I was the girl who loved too hard, which became a problem. I put my all into him and really made him a vital part of my life. The lies, the cheating, etc., I couldn’t handle it. In one case, let’s just say I was busting out windows way before Jazmine Sullivan, lol.

It didn’t change what happened, but it made him realize how much of a jerk and cheater he was. I’d rather hurt a truck than hurt someone

“I am in the best headspace I’ve ever been in. I know who I am, I know what I want and what I deserve.” but that’s not my reality. But I’m sure I can still put a smile on his face.

physically. Today, I’m not about that life because I don’t look for his love. I have my own.

Florence: In previous interviews, you stated that the darkness gave you light. Do you think it was necessary for you to go through the darkness to become the woman you are now? What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since coming out of the darkness?

Florence: Is there a new love in your life? If so, how did you know he was the man for you?

Lelee: Absolutely. You have to have different experiences so you can have something to compare it to. Everyone loves you when you’re on top of the world. But it was meant for me to fall and ask someone I thought was close to me to loan me $200 so I can get a room to get some sleep. I was ignored. That was supposed to happen because it revealed who that person was and the lack of compassion they had for me and my situation. Today, I don’t expect

Lelee: I’m dating a younger gentleman. I’m not sure what the future holds, but today, he keeps a smile on my face. He’s so driven and motivated.

What did it for me was when he embraced my past. It drew him closer to me. That’s what did it for me. On top of that, he’s a gorgeous something.

Florence: You discuss dealing with feelings of unworthiness in your book. What do you think contributed to your feelings? Do you feel worthy now? What did you do to allow yourself to start to feel worthy?

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Lelee: Well, throughout my life people always made me feel I wasn’t good enough for anything.

Not only did they downplay everything I did-they never showed me how to make what was wrong, right. In my professional entertainment world, it was worse. I allowed people to make me believe I was unworthy. Usually, it’s the people closest to you. People who wanted me to fail and give up on life for whatever reason. I had to learn to love myself and not be paralyzed by people’s opinions of me. I had to learn to love “me,” and know that God kept me going and alive because I had a lot to contribute. That was my peace.

Florence: What is one thing you did to forgive yourself, forgive others, and learn to love yourself?

Lelee: I went to a gospel concert to see Dorinda Clark Cole live. At this time, I was working a regular job and not really where I wanted to be in life. She sang a song called, “I’m still here” (It’s By the Grace of God). I was in tears during that moment. I felt like that song was saying what I needed to hear. She almost took her own life too, but she was still here. I knew then my faith had to come into action. I apologized to myself and told myself I wasn’t a failure, I wasn’t a bad mother, I wasn’t the person that people believed me to be—I wasn’t my PAST! When you know who and what you are, it’s easy to ignore people who pray against you. I’m big on energy. I can almost feel the warmth of someone’s throat when they speak evil of me.

Florence: Motherhood has helped you become an even stronger woman. What is the best advice you’ve given to Khiry and Margaret in regards to love and life?

Lelee: The best advice I’ve given them is, “Nobody has to love you, but you have to love yourself.” Love is a choice. When we love people and it’s not reciprocated, we get hurt. Hurt brings about sadness, laziness, depression and sometimes, suicidal thoughts and sometimes death. Life is too beautiful for that. When you really love yourself, it doesn’t matter if your phone rings or not, it doesn’t matter if anyone

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says ‘Happy Birthday,’ etc. Sometimes, you have to get dolled up and date yourself. It’s the best feeling in the world.

Florence: Supporting single moms is something close to your heart. What advice would you give to single moms who are struggling with raising their children alone? What are two mistakes you think most single moms make when raising their kids?

Lelee: Most single mothers don’t choose to be single mothers. I don’t know one woman who believed the father of their child would just disappear. One mistake single mothers make is dating too fast and not knowing much about the guy she’s dating. We have to be careful who we bring around our young children. Most of these men are never who we think they are. When they’re supposed to be loving on you, they’re plotting on how to molest your daughter or son.

They’re living double lives in these streets.

I believe when looking for a mate, we need to do exactly what corporations do: background checks, drug tests, credit checks, medical records checks, etc. Look at his birth certificate, see how many places he lived, get references from family and exes and check and see if he’s a registered sex offender. It sounds like a lot, but it can save your family. These boyfriends are raping our toddlers and destroying our young people. I hate thinking about it.

Florence: What is one secret your fans don’t know about you, that you’d be willing to share?

Lelee: Lelee: Do you really think I’d tell? Lol. Well, it’s not really a secret, but I have an obsession with the deceased and I love to scratch the hell out of somebody’s hair. I love scratching dandruff. So if you see me coming with a comb, beware!

Get more information about Lelee’s upcoming book and new projects by following her on the following social media channels: https://twitter.com/LeleeLyons https://instagram.com/therealleleeswv/?hl=en

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VIVIAN

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KAYE

Written by Whitney Sylvain From my interview with Vivian Kaye, the founder and CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki, (KCY) which is a Toronto based successful natural hair extension brand, it was apparent that back in 2010 she was a business woman who was determined to deliver what many black women with natural hair wanted.

Natural hair extensions. When KinkyCurlyYaki first emerged, many options for hair extensions had been made in other hair textures, but not for women with more kinky, textured hair, such as black women.

After seeing her success and her responses to the interview questions, it was clear that she was the woman we should be looking to for any sort of inspiration and guidance on starting and maintaining a business. She has built a very effective company from the ground up with no experience in the hair industry or in entrepreneurship. In addition to this, Vivian says setting a positive example for her son everyday is what makes her the proudest.

Kaye says she can attribute her success to her perseverance and always being an enduring student.

She says, “It’s important to never stop learning and discovering ways to be better and to stay on top of what’s going on in your industry so that you can build a business for the future and not just the present moment.” We see this statistic so often, according to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 new businesses fail within the first 18 months for reasons just like this.

Though this wasn’t the case for KinkyCurlyYaki, Vivian provided some excellent advice to new entrepreneurs in the early stages of the business industry. She says novice business women & men should really think ahead as it regards to how they’ll take care of themselves and invest in themselves throughout the stages of beginning their business. Vivian says she’s learned from experience that selfcare and personal needs can often be put on a back burner when it comes to running a business. Burning out is a result of this, and that doesn’t benefit anyone, especially the business. She also advises new business owners to understand that they’re never too big or too small to do a task. She says, “If you’re not willing to do the work of a janitor then you’re not ready to be in business.” (We’ll just let that sink in for a bit.)

As it relates to the business industry in general, I was curious about some of the misconceptions it holds, especially for those on the outside looking in. She says while it can seem “all glitz and glam,” entrepreneurship takes real work, commitment, and sacrifice to build a successful business.

It isn’t an overnight thing nor does this success come without hard work.

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On top of this, it’s very important to love what you do and truly want to make a difference in your industry. There is always a distinct difference between those who go into business for money and those who go into business for the need to satisfy an audience by sincerely producing product that is necessary. Vivian says she created KinkyCurlyYaki as an accidental business that was initially created based on her own needs. She says “Prior to starting KCY, I ran a wedding décor business and was constantly on the hunt for protective styling options that matched my natural hair texture; this was about 6-7 years ago, when there just weren’t any options on the market for naturals. I did my research and started testing different looks on myself and when I kept getting stopped on the street by women who wanted to compliment me on my hair or ask me questions about it; I knew I was on to something.”

We went on to talk about how the beauty industry is portrayed in the media. Although we have made small departures from seeing European features as the ultimate beauty preference, we still have a long way to go to reach beauty parity. Vivian believes the beauty industry should be looking to create spaces where all hair textures and skin tones are celebrated equally. This has always been a huge part of the mission of KinkyCurlyYaki from day one. The company wants all women to be able to take pride in their tresses and they choose to do this by ensuring they provide products for those customers from the silkiest hair to the tightest coils. She also says that authenticity, interaction, and engagement with the community on social media are some tips her company applied to gain and maintain their over 70 thousand (and growing) Instagram followers.

Vivian says that if she had to trust someone to take over her company for week, they’d have to first, love black women because that’s her primary audience, secondly, they’d have to be someone who understands the many hair textures that black women have and lastly, they’d have to know how to have fun. Vivian says, “We work long hours and some days are pretty tough, so having someone who can find some joy in each day is key; personally, that’s something that I definitely pride myself on” I finally asked with so much success, there’s bound to be some tribulations, and with tribulations comes triumph. So, I couldn’t help but wonder, what does she do, or what words does she choose to live by when things get tough, before they get better. In all parts of her life, Vivian lives by the saying “Big Little Steps” She believes that “A bunch of the little things that you do on your journey, life, entrepreneurship, love, all help to make the big things happen.”

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How did you become interested in the hair Industry? /What inspired you to start your own business?

I never had a direct interest in the hair business, but of course I wanted to look good.

So, KinkyCurlyYaki was an accidental business that was initially created based on my own needs.

Prior to starting KCY, I ran a wedding décor business and was constantly on the hunt for protective styling options that matched my natural hair texture; this was about 6-7 years ago, when there just weren’t any options on the market for naturals.

I did my research and started testing different looks on myself and when I kept getting stopped on the street by women who wanted to compliment me on my hair or ask me questions about it; I knew I was on to something.

Have you always had natural hair? If not, how long have you been natural? and what made you transition?

No. I went through the whole jerri curl, relaxer, back to natural, back to relaxer and then I went back to natural for good in 2011.

What’s your stance on how the beauty industry is presented in the media? And what effect does it have on how you choose to market or

“

present your brand?

If we’re talking about the beauty industry as a whole, then I think we still have a long way to go with combating the notion that a European aesthetic should be the standard of beauty.

Instead, the industry should be looking to create spaces where all hair textures and skin tones are celebrated.

At KinkyCurlyYaki, that’s been our mission from day one; especially as it relates to kinkier hair textures. We want all women to be able to take pride in their tresses and one way we do that is by making sure that we have products for them from the silkiest straight hair to the tightest coils.

If you had to trust one person to take over your company for one week, what three qualities would that person have?

Great question. First, they’d have to love Black women, because that is who we are and who we speak to every single day. Second, they’d have to love and understand our many hair textures and the ins/outs of protective styling. And lastly, they’d have to be someone who knows how to have fun.

We work long hours and some days are pretty tough, so having someone who can find some joy in each day is key; personally, that’s something that I definitely pride myself on.

“

We want all women to be able to take pride in their tresses and one way we do that is by making sure that we have products for them...

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What is your proudest moment of your career as a business owner thus far?

There have been so many amazing milestones, but I think I’m most proud to say that I’ve built a successful (and growing!) business from scratch with no experience and that I get to set a great example for my son every day.

To what do you attribute your success?

Perseverance, because one thing you will never ever see me do is give up on myself.

I would also attribute my success to being a life-long student. It’s important to never stop learning and discovering ways to be better and to stay on top of what’s going on in your industry so that you can built a business for the future and not just the present moment.

What is one of the largest misconceptions about being a business owner or starting your own business?

That it’s all glitz and glam. Right now, entrepreneurship is having its ‘sexy’ moment, but people need to understand that it takes real work, commitment and sacrifice to build and/or run a successful business.

What advice would you give to new business

owners or entrepreneurs just starting?

Think about how you will take care of and invest in yourself throughout every stage of your business.

When you’re in the trenches building and running a business the first thing that gets put on the backburner are your own personal needs, which is why the average entrepreneur has poor physical and mental health. I’ve learned from experience that it’s important that we make ourselves the top priority because burning out doesn’t benefit anyone.

Another piece of advice I’d give new business owners is to remember that you’re never too big or too good to do a task. I always say, that if you’re not willing to do the work of a janitor then you’re not ready to be in business.

What are the biggest differences between when you first started out & now having so much success?

The biggest difference is my knowledge of who our customers are and what she wants and expects from us. I came into this business with zero experience and knowledge about this industry and now I feel much more confident in being able to deliver high quality products that make our customers happy.

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Social media seems to be a very important aspect of branding and marketing today. With over 70 thousand followers, what tips can you give on how to capture your audience & keep them engaged in your media content?

The biggest tip is to be authentic and engage and interact with your community. They didn’t follow you to be lied to and they certainly aren’t

business owner? What things do you do to maintain work/life balance?

I don’t know if there’s a real balance between being a mom and a business owner because both roles require that you do what needs to be done at all times. I do love that having my own business allows me to set a great example for my son and show him that success is something

“A bunch of little things that you do on your journey, life, entrepreneurship, love all help to make big things happen.” following you to be ignored.

What do you see next for your company? Are there any new products or collaborations your customers can look forward to?

You’ll have to stay tuned for this!

How do you balance being a mother and a

that each individual person gets to define for themselves.

What is your daily mantra? /Words to live by?

“Big Little Steps.” A bunch of the little things that you do on your journey, life, entrepreneurship, love all help to make the big things happen.

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T E A L A TE A L A DDUNN UNN Photographer: Leo Deveney @leodeveney Stylist: Simona Sacchitella @simonamalibu Hair: Bradley Leake @hairbybradleyleake Makeup: Leibi Carias @leibi_carias

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Getting to Know Actress and Lifestyle Influencer — Teala Dunn Written by Aaliyah Ransome Best known for her role as Lindsey on the TBS sitcom, Are We There Yet? Teala Dunn has grown up before our eyes. The NJ native now resides in L.A. and is taking Hollywood by storm. In an exclusive interview with our lovely January cover star, we talk to Teala about her early acting years, what she’s been up to lately in terms of her recent television projects, and how she became one of the most influential social stars of our generation as a viral YouTuber.

Where are you from. Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in New Jersey, but I currently live in L.A. How did you get into acting?

I started acting at the tender age of 6 years old, when I booked a Sears Commercial.

I then went on to do TV- “Law & O r d e r, ” “ L a w & O r d e r SVU,” “The Naked Brothers Band,” “The Wonder Pets.”

After I landed my first sitcom, “Are We There Yet,” I learned a great deal with regard to comedic timing, range, and understanding my range.

Yo u ’ v e b e e n a c t i n g s i n c e

you were very young! I can’t believe you were the voice of ‘Tuck’ on the “Wonder Pets!”

How was that?

is based around bullying, lies, trust and loyalty. I myself have been bullied online and in person.

Yes, I played ‘Tuck’ on “The Wonder Pets,” it was a tremendous experience, and I believe it prepared me for future roles as a young adult.

What are your personal thoughts on bullying, and w h a t m e s s a g e w o u l d y o u send to young teens who are being bullied?

Yo u r n e w s e r i e s “ G u i l t y Party,” recently premiered.

Can you tell us more about that and about your character ‘Tatiana?’

I can totally relate and I believe this show is a perfect platform to start open discussions.

I enjoy the fact we get to interact with viewers as our characters, which has not been done before. I believe there is a strong message - karma is real, so be nice.

I enjoyed playing ‘Tatiana.’ It was one of my favorite roles, as it is very different from myself. I was able to play a more dramatic character (a queen bee/bully). The premise

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“I try to use my influence to spread positivity, love, and change.”

What can you tell us about your new Hulu show, “All Night?”

channel and vlog channel), subscribers combined! What inspired you to start?

I can’t discuss much about my character, ‘Alexis,’ however, you will be very surprised, as I take on a role very different from all my roles to date.

I was inspired by fellow YouTubers during the trendy ‘Jump Cut Music’ videos. I then realized there were other topics besides music videos, so I decided to go shopping and do a clothing haul. A year later my channel grew to more than 2 million subscribers. As for my vlog channel, I took a chance on Vlogmas as a challenge to see how long I could shoot daily vlogs. I believe I went as far as 21 days straight, and after Christmas I stayed with it. I realized my fans loved the real and raw Teala. Almost 1 million subscribers later I’m still vlogging. I enjoy keeping my viewers up to date with my daily life.

When did you become a prominent “lifestyle” influencer? How do you use your influence to inspire your fans?

I would say I became a prominent influencer within the last year. I try to use my influence to spread positivity, love and change. I believe we all have a uniqueness, and if we embrace our flaws we can create a strong level of confidence. I always do DM sprees, sometimes I give personal advice. I really enjoy my sit down videos, where I keep it real and talk about if I’m having a bad day and how I would approach things.

I believe it helps my viewers better relate to their every day life.

Between your two YouTube channels you have more than three million (main

Who are some of your favorite beauty vloggers and Youtubers?

I enjoy watching GG Gorgeous, Patrick Starr, Shane Dawson, and Trisha Paytas.

What is currently your favorite beauty brand? Why? My current fave is Too Faced &

Benefit Gimme Brow. Gimme Brow is perfect for keeping your brows on fleek, and Too Faced has been coming through with so many great eyeshadow palettes.

What are your go-to beauty products/makeup looks?

My go to would have to be lip balm, mascara, and hand sanitizer. It is very important to keep you hands clean on the go with a hint of scent. Bath and Body Works has the best hand sanitizers.

What are your favorite fashion trends?

At the moment my favorite trends are Fall hats, leggings, and a cool sweater. You might notice I’ve been rocking them lately.

What has been the highlight of your career?

I w o u l d h a v e t o s a y, m y highlights consist of booking roles on “Guilty Party” and “All Night.” I’m moving more towards drama. I still love comedy, but as I’m getting older, I want more roles that I personally can relate to.

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To Hell With Resolutions...

Do This Instead Written by Whitney Sylvain

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Become More Self Aware

Every year around this time many of us recognize our faults from the previous year, and vow to correct these flaws to make a change for the upcoming new year. Yes, I’m referring to the already-forgotten-by-April promises we make to change our ways and “turn over a new leaf,” the concept known all too well to many optimists at the start of every year. Yes, New Year’s resolutions.

But just as often as we make these resolutions, we habitually give up on them.

So to this I say, to hell with resolutions.

Here’s an important A to-do list for the new year, to lead you on the path of true self exploration and internal & external growth!

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Revaluate Some of Your Relationships That friend that constantly ditches the night-of?

Or barely bothers to answer the phone or text back? Maybe they shouldn’t be cut off just yet, but she/he may need to be placed at arm’s length… always remember, you can love & enjoy someone from a distance. Some friendships may need to deescalate down the hierarchy of friendship in order for you to maintain your mental peace.

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Do this for yourself, but also, do this for the people around you. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been around those who didn’t know themselves and they say or do cringe inducing things that just make people annoyed, or even worse, uncomfortable.

People who are self-aware know themselves, and people who know themselves are aware of the energy they put out in the world and are constantly trying to maintain or improve that energy. They are not comfortable or complacent, thus believe that growth is the goal. These people ultimately make overall better people, and better leaders.

Let Go of the “One Day I Will” Clothing We all own at least one of these. The clothing that has been inevitably sitting in your closet, as we wait for that one day that we’ll lose enough weight to wear it, or use it for a fun DIY to remix the aesthetic.

Opening our closets, recognizing that one item, and reminding ourselves to keep it because of the “one day I will” plea needs to stop. Three years after the plea and you still haven’t touched the item nor lost weight to fit into it? It’s time. Get rid of it..

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Go shopping New clothes, new attitude. I’m not sure if this is true for everyone, but for me, new clothes really do boost my mood and give me life in a whole new way. Even if I only buy one staple item that I’ve had my eye on for a while, it all makes the difference.

I love building my wardrobe, but for those of you who’d rather treat themselves in other ways, definitely do that! Pamper yourself or even invest in that new gadget you’ve been wanting for a while.

Declutter This is like the winter version of spring cleaning. You’ll be surprised what cleaning up your physical surroundings can do for your mood and mental sanity. Grab the garbage bags and queue the old school hits because a thorough cleaning is a must! Get rid of the items of no use and the ones that have empty, and sometimes not-sonice memories associated with them.

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ezie

The Spotted Collection

Featuring an eight piece arrangement of high energy and sultry ready to wear polka dots and stripes from high slit dresses, textured midi coats, to stylish crop tops and high waisted pants, the Spotted collection truly embodies style and grace in uniquely defined silhouettes using timeless and bold fabrics.

Inspired by a visit to a local trade show and seeking counsel from celebrity fashion stylist and Kach Me If You Can Showroom founder Kanayo Ebi, Esther Ihezie began to work on her third collection.

Photographer - Oluwaseye Styling/Creative Direction - Kanayo Ebi Make Up Artist - Richard Lomax Models - Meisha Brooks Monika St Maria

“Spotted, be it literal or used figuratively is to be seen whenever, wherever” – Esther Ihezie …is the latest fall-winter collection by New York fashion label Ezie.

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“I was completely mesmerized upon encountering a beautiful polka dot fabric at a local trade show in New York and was immediately inspired to create my next collection using polka dots and stripes. I had named the collection something completely different until I showed Ms Ebi the designs and right away she came up with the name “Spotted” and I couldn’t agree more. Aside from the concept of polka dots being visually striking, it had evoked a fun and playful emotion which is exactly what I want every woman to feel when wearing this collection.

It’s for the fearless woman who isn’t afraid to be seen or should I say spotted,” said Esther Ihezie.

Shot by celebrity photographer Oluwaseye and styled by celebrity fashion stylist Kanayo Ebi, the Ezie line is a popular favorite amongst celebrities Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Claire Sulmers, DJ Cuppy and Sana Kibz.

The Spotted collection is available at www.eziedesigns. com and is now housed by the Kach Me If You Can Showroom.

For more information including loans/styling requests please contact Francesca Adjei at the Kach Me If You Can Showroom on pr@kachmeifyoucan.com.

spotted crop & trousers

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spotted shirtdress

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spotted high slit dress

New Year, New You, New Food A 90-Day Blueprint to Feel Lighter, Have More Energy, and Live Healthier!

Written by Dr. Sheron Brown

“I can’t give up my meat!”

You Won’t Miss It

That’s the most used line I hear when someone is advised to go meatless, or are playing with the idea. Maybe you need to eat more like a vegetarian because you found out that you have health issues that require it of you. Or perhaps you want to try the lifestyle because you want to know how much better you’ll feel.

Better still, you want a more natural way to lose weight without counting calories or relying on prepacked foods that are filled with harmful chemicals. Either way, giving up meat doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think.

If you think you’ll miss the flavor, use savory seasonings to take care of that. You won’t have to miss the texture because it can be replaced—and quite honestly, when the food is delicious, you won’t be thinking about the texture. And don’t believe the hype about not getting enough protein. Plant-based foods have protein, after all, where do you think the plant-eating animals are getting their protein from? The plants! So, backing off of the meat doesn’t have as many obstacles as you may think—maybe except for one: how?

Eating less meat should not be about punishing yourself and taking away, but instead expanding your options and adding more variety.

Some people can go hard and drop everything in one day, but that’s not everyone. The rest of us may need to ease in. If that’s you, I’ve got you!

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Eating less meat should not be about punishing yourself and taking away, but instead expanding your options.

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Your ‘New You’ Blueprint Use this 90-day blueprint to help you on your journey to reduce your meat intake. You can stop along the way at either eliminating red meat, eating as a pescatarian (no meat, but fish), being a vegetarian, or going all the way to eat like a vegan (no eggs or dairy). Here’s how.

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MONTH

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If you eat pork, release it from your diet during the first week.

If you eat red meat, reduce your intake in half every week until you have released it

by Week 4.

REPLACEMENT Make your foods more flavorful by trying new herbs like thyme, sage and rosemary. You will love them!

ADDITION Increase your water intake by 16 ounces.

If you don’t eat fruit, add one serving per day.

If you are not allergic to gluten, try seitan as a meat substitute.

By the end of the first 30 days, you should be feeling lighter. You are one-third of the way there.

Keep going!

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Start the month by eating grass-fed chicken. This way, if you stay here, at least your meat will be healthier.

Continue to pescatarianism.

Reduce your intake of chicken and turkey by half every week until you fully release it in Week 8.

REPLACEMENT

ADDITION

Make your foods more flavorful by trying new seasonings like pimento, curry and Jamaican jerk paste.

Again, you will love them!

Increase your water intake to about half of your body weight in ounces.

As you ween off the chicken and turkey, try replacing them with young organic jackfruit.

Add brown rice to your meals instead of white rice or potatoes.

Increase your fruit intake to two servings per day.

By the end of Day 60, you are eating a like a pescatarian—fish only and no meat! You should definitely have more energy.

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MONTH

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RELEASE In the first two weeks of this month, reduce your weekly fish intake until it is gone in Week 10. Now you’re eating like a vegetarian!

In the second half of the month, reduce dairy and eggs in half until they gone by Week 12.

REPLACEMENT Continue cooking with flavorful spices.

Try one new vegetable you’ve never tried before every week. The possibilities are abundant!

ADDITION Continue with your water, fruit and quinoa additions.

Add nutritional yeast to your food for Vitamin B12. It’s recommended for vegetarians and vegans.

Replace with a plant-based milk like almond, coconut or cashew milk.

By Day 90, you are eating like a vegan. Your skin should look brighter and you should feel healthier.

Yay, you did it!

It’s possible that this plan can also help you reduce your medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Check with your doctor though before making any major changes.

Follow the blueprint to eat less meat or eat like a vegan. It’s your journey, it’s your health, so it’s up to you how far you go. But know this, wherever you choose to go on this journey, you’ll be well on your way to a newer, healthier you!

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Photo courtesy of Dr. Sheron Brown

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Sidebar Recipe Here’s something new to try along the way: curried jackfruit.

Prep Time 15 Minutes Prep Notes Prepare brown rice or quinoa and salad ahead of time in preparation for serving.

Drain the jackfruit, rinse under warm water, then break the pieces apart. It will resemble pulled chicken.

To save on time, you can purchase onion, bell pepper and carrot already diced. Chopped will also work. If you choose to have a heightened mindful session in the kitchen, choose to chop the vegetables yourself.

Cooking Time 10 Minutes Yields 4 servings Ingredients 1 14 oz can of organic young jackfruit 1 carrot (diced) 1/2 bell pepper (diced) 1/2 onion (diced) 2 tbsp curry powder 4 tbsp organic coconut oil 1 tbsp garlic (minced) 2 tsp thyme powder 1/2 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt Directions 1. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet.

2. Add carrots once the oil is heated and allow them to soften for three minutes.

3. Add all other ingredients, except jackfruit, to the pot and mix in all of the flavors for two minutes.

4. Add the jackfruit, mix everything together then simmer on medium for 5 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Sheron Brown, Ph.D. is the owner of Sweet Eden by Sheron, a wellness education company. She is also the author of The WellnessPurpose Connection™: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Life Experience. As a certified integrative nutrition health coach and yoga instructor, Sheron teaches mindful practices that helps you heal your physical, mental, and emotional well-being so you can fully live your purpose with joy and vitality. Connect with her online on Facebook and Twitter @sheronbrownphd or Instagram @iamagirlfrombrooklyn. You can also email Sheron for help with your organization’s or individual wellness goals at info@ sweetedenbysheron.com.

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