Summer 2013 Issue

magazine

Summer Hair Tips from Celebrity Stylist

Diane Da Costa Madison Chase is Fit For Life!

JULY 2013

Swimsuits that flatter Every Shape

VISIT BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

bronze magazine

CEO/Editor-in-Chief Shawn Chavis COO

Barry Stuldivant Publisher

Bronze Media, LLC

MarketingDirector Trisha Stukes

Writers (This Issue) Davisha Davis Lynn Jackson Tanya Manning-Yarde

Stay Inspired!

Visit our website http://bronzemagonline.com Like us on facebook https://facebook.com/bronzemag Follow us on twitter @bronzemagazine Follow us on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/bronzemagazine Follow us on Instagram http://instagram.com/bronzemagazine Search our job board http://jobs.bronzemagonline.com Advertise in our next issue! sales@bronzemagonline.com

Graphic Design/Layout Dionne Brown Alexandria Taylor

Photography Brianna Ek Retouch/Editing Alexis Morgan

Research

Elisa Martin

Contributing Photography Editorials Jose Pagan Amina Touray

4 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

On the Cover: Madison Chase Photography: HEADSPIN STUDIO

Contents Beauty & Hair 24 | Summer Hair Care Tips from Celebrity Stylist and Curly Textured Expert Diane Da Costa 26 | Hot Summer Hair Street Style

Fashion 08 | Swimsuits to Flatter Every Figure 10 | Summer Fashion for the 20's Woman 12 | Summer Fashion for the 30's Woman 13 | Summer Fashion for the 40+ Woman

16

Madison Chase Jane Fonda Style

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

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Contents 14 FEATURES

Loni Love

14 | Loni Love New Book and New Talk Show 16 | Madison Chase A Lifestyle of Fitness 30 | Hunks4Hope 2014 Calendar 46 | Jermaine "Everyday" Smith A Piece of Me

Editorials 18 | Summer Fun- Amina Touray 38 | Summer Symphony- Jose Pagan

Entertainment 28 | Girls Day/Night out on Broadway

Events & Social Media 7 | Ladies Night Out

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Broadway

EVENTS | SOCIAL MEDIA

Ladies Night Out Events 4/18/13

Our Facebook Friends facebook.com/bronzemag

It was a great night out. So inspiring to talk with so many remarkable women. And it was great to have time to fellowship, share great stories and ideas, gain advice, and LAUGH. I feel reinvigorated after a great night out! Looking forward to July!

Tanya Manning Yarde

I had such a nice time last night. What a nice way to kick of my birthday weekend! Shawn I'm so proud of you for creating such a powerful and positive platform for women.

5/17/13

Tweets

@bronzemagazine Bronze Magazine, thanks for helping us celebrate #NWHW!

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Our Ladies Night Out #mindbodyspirit event is now sold out! Thank u to our swag bag sponsors @EatChiBars @yogaman108 @NewYorkYoga @bronzemagazine

Natasha Boyd

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THE STYLE LAB | FASHION

Swimwear Styles that Flatter Every Figure www.BronzeMagOnline.com

Small Bust

Mossimo® Women’s Twist Bandeau Swim Top

Summer is in full swing and if you still haven’t found that perfect swimsuit yet don’t worry!

Every woman dreams of finding the perfect swimsuit- the one that fits her in all the right places.

Fortunately this season offers classic and trendy styles that flatter every figure.

Small Bust

Petite

VPL Insertion Swim Top + Symphisis Swim Undi

Mossimo® Women's Mix and Match Dot Tankini Swim Top -Kelly Green

Curvy

Tara Matthews Reverie

cutout halter neck swimsuit

Long Torso

J Crew long torso

ruched swimsuit Full Bust- Betsey Johnson Shortcake String Bikini Top Size D-DD $59.98 www.betseyjohnson.com Betsey Johnson Shortcake String Bikini Bottom $49.98, ADRIANA DEGREAS draped swimsuit $385 www.farfetch.com Small Bust- Mossimo® Women's Mix and Match Twist Bandeau Swim Top – Mandarin $17.99 www.target.com Mossimo® Women's Mix and Match Dot Tankini Swim Top -Kelly Green $19.99 Curvy- WISH galaxy print string bikini $80 www.farfetch.com

se

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ar er P m Sum

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Curvy WISH galaxy print

Tummy Control

string bikini

Norma Kamali Bill bikini halter top

high waisted

bikini bottom

Full Bust

ADRIANA DEGREAS

draped swimsuit

Plus Size

Retro Chic By Torrid

Red White Hearts One-Piece Swimsuit

Petite

VPL Harness one piece swimsuit

Full Bust

Betsey Johnson Shortcake String Bikini Top Size D-DD

Shortcake String Bikini Bottom

Plus Size

Target Women's Plus Size XBack Tankini 2pc Swimsuit in PinkBrown-Purple

Long Torso

Delia’s Long Torso Ruched Bandeau

Tummy Control

Clube Bossa Couture asymmetric ruched swimsuit

Tara Matthews Reverie cutout halter neck swimsuit $61 www.theoutnet.com Long Torso- Delia's Long Torso Ruched Bandeau $22.50 http://store.delias.com J Crew long torso ruched swimsuit $92 www.jcrew.com Petite- VPL Insertion Swim Top $120, VPL Symphisis Swim Undi $105 VPL Harness one piece swimsuit $185 www.lagarconne.com Plus Size- Retro Chic By Torrid - Red White Hearts One-Piece Swimsuit $69 www.torrid.com Target Women's Plus Size XBack Tankini 2pc Swimsuit in Pink-Brown-Purple $53 www.target.com Tummy Control- Clube Bossa Couture asymmetric ruched swimsuit $210 www.theoutnet.com Norma Kamali Bill high waisted bikini bottom $175 and top-$175 www.net-a-porter.com

THE STYLE LAB | FASHION

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1. Dorothy Perkins-striped jersey dress $69 http://us.dorothyperkins. com 2. Jolie neon- skinny jeans by 2nd day $140 www.boutique1.com 3. ALDO -Graziana sneaker wedge $110 www.aldoshoes.com

2.

4. Cabochon- Bangle $40 http://bananarepublic.gap. com

20s Woman Summer Fashion Inspiration

5. Tremor Black Stella by Dolce Vita $80 www.heels.com

From bold graphic prints to minimalism, this summer is definitely the time for must try-trends for the 20 something woman.

5.

6. Dorothy Perkins- animal print jumpsuit $69 http://us.dorothyperkins. com 7. Neon yellow basic clutch bag $19.90 www.zara.com 8. Claire Graffiti print mini skirt $20 www.boohoo.com 9. Roll Back Crop Tee $20 http://us.topshop.com 10. Brigmond necklace $20, Aldo www.aldo.com

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Photography: Chad Andreo

www.sarahifashion.com

THE STYLE LAB | FASHION 1. Black Stripe Maxi Dress $84 www.wallisfashion.com

4.

2. Cap Sleeve Tees by Tina $40 Cornflower blue www.designsbystephene.com

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3. Orange and blue layered statement necklace by David Aubrey $120 www.charmandchain.com 4. Two Tone Combination Dress $59.90 www.zara.com 5. Pixel Floral Blazer $136 www.topshop.com 6. Lemon Stud Wrap Cuff $32 www.baublebar.com

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30s Woman Summer Fashion Inspiration 5.

The stylish woman in her 30s is all about minimalism this summer, the ultimate sophistication. Two-tone combinations and color blocking set the tone for this simplistic trend. Add a splash of a floral print or stipes to set off her wardrobe with a slightly bolder look.

7. Emma Platform Wedge $49.95 www.solesociety.com 8. H&M metal framed sunglasses with tinted lenses $7.95 www.hm.com/us 9. ALDO Reva Wedge $59.98 www.aldo.com 10. High waist trousers in tangerine $89.90 www.zara.com

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THE STYLE LAB | FASHION

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1. Black and white contrast dress $89 www.us.dorothyperkins.com

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2. Rancher sheer top in Caviar $158 www.joie.com 3. Beaded Cluster Stretch Bracelet by Pim + Larkin $34 http://piperlime.gap.com 4. Bronze Geometric Chain Cluster Necklace $15 www.target.com 5. Lipsey Knot Front Peplum Top $46 www.lipsy.co.uk/ 6. Chinese Laundry Kristin Cavallari Leale$120 www.zappos.com 7. Metallic Pencil Skirt $110 www.us.allsaints.com 8. True Fair Trade Slim Print Trousers in Green - $98 www.fashion-conscience.com

40+ Woman Summer Fashion Inspiration

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Still following the minimalistic trend, the 40+ woman’s style is classy and subtle. From the ever so popular black and white, beautiful greens, to world culture prints and subtle sheers, there are plenty of great fashions to choose from for this stylish woman.

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FEATURE | INTERVIEW

L

oni Love has finally arrived. Not only has she succeeded as an Actress and as the number one female comedienne in America, you can now add book author to the list.This summer, Loni Love will be giving us advice on relationships and dating in her new book, “Love Him or Leave Him… But Don’t Get Stuck With The Tab”.

Being the funny woman she is known to be, it would only be right that she would add a comedic flair to her book. In every chapter Loni gives us personal anecdotes from her life and past relationships. She gives us tips on how to deal with situations we all have experienced at some point in our lives. Most of the stories were inspired by her fans, who always wanted advice from the comedienne on how to deal with their men.

Loni believes that most women already know what they want to do in their relationships; they just need a listening ear. The most important point one should take away from this book is that love should not be hard. We should not take it so seriously because it is something we should enjoy and not deal with nonsense and drama, especially if we do not want it!

From stories about her wig flying off on a date to her boyfriend’s mother degrading her, to making life changing decisions on whether to leave a relationship and the most outrageous questions from her fans—Loni hands it to us, in a funny way of course. This book is a must read for the summer. You will gain a new insight on relationships and there will be lots of laughs to follow.

Loni attributes her mom and her own personal experiences for the wisdom she has acquired over the years. It is safe to say that many of the concepts Loni discusses are dead-on and moreover, you will learn that you have two choices, love him

or leave… just don’t get stuck with the bill!

The latest news from the newly book author, is that she will be embarking on a journey as a daytime TV host. Loni Love, alongside Actress Tamera Mowry Housley, Singer/ Reality TV star Tamar Braxton, Personality Jenny Mai and Actress/Singer Adrienne Baillon will be hosting a new daytime talk show entitled, “The Real”. The show is set to Premiere July 15th on FOX and should mimic the success of the show, “The View.” Here’s what Loni had to say,“This is a show that features women of different ethnicities dishing on all the latest entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle stories.

I am very excited to work with these ladies and get real!”

Please Support this wonderful woman in all her endeavors and make sure you purchase her book, “Love Him Or Leave Him: But Don’t Get Stuck With The Tab,” available online and in stores, July 16, 2013.

About Loni Love: After quitting her job as an electrical engineer, Loni decided to pursue a career as a stand up comedienne. Loni is a regular panelists on E! “Chelsea Lately” and TruTV “The World’s Dumbest.” Loni’s first love is performing for live audiences. She puts it quite simply, “I love to make people laugh!”

By Venus Amani

14 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

FEATURE | INTERVIEW

A Lifestyle of Fitness

By Tanya Manning-Yarde

M

adison Chase is a renowned dancer and fitness guru. Trainer to the stars, she has made a successful and lucrative business pursuing her passions. With experiences in hosting television programs on physical fitness and entertainment, writing for several online and print publications, and modeling for several fitness publications, Madison has established herself as a credible and formidable presence in the fields of health and wellness. Here she shares how she got her start in the business, and provides helpful suggestions for living a fit life.

Although a shy child, dance empowered Madison to “speak loud without words.” Encouraged by her mother, Madison set out to pursue her newly found passion. With her mother’s help and encouragement, Madison danced from ages 5-18, and started receiving professional classical ballet training at age 10. She first enrolled in Fort Worth Ballet in Texas, receiving a six-year scholarship. She continued her growth and development in several training academies, enrolling in Houston Ballet, Interlochen School of the Performing Arts, Arts Magnet High School, as well as the famous Julliard and Alvin Ailey.

Madison took a short break from dance during her college years, but its draw never left her. Instead, she redirected her attention, participating in numerous pageants and even competing at one time for the Miss Texas title. These years proved formative in Madison exploring different passions and possible career paths. Her involvement in pageantry resulted in her becoming more and more involved in physical fitness. As she began competing in fitness pageants, she found a space and place to potentially build a career.

Now she has found a comfortable intersection of her passions for dance and physical fitness. What she likes about working in the fitness industry is that it positions her as an advocate for better health. She educates and motivates people to take care of themselves, supporting them to achieve fitness.

While physical fitness has become a billion-dollar industry that is incredibly competitive, Madison has 16 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

found and sustained a niche. Her client list includes several famous actors, including Robert Pattinson of the Twilight Saga, Amber Riley of Glee, Lamman Rucker from Why Did I Get Married, and actor/comedian Chris Tucker. Her clientele also includes several NBA and NFL athletes. Her motto is to keep it simple by staying active, eating an array of fruits and vegetables, and reducing intake of fast foods. Together, these small changes can help one transform their life emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Over time, a healthier body will unfold.

She credits her mother and sister as being her primary fountains of inspiration. She also credits several entertainers, famed dancers and fitness gurus as well. They include Judith Jamison, Tina Turner, Josephine Baker, and Jack LaLanne.

As summer is upon us, Madison suggests three summer fitness tips for busy women. One is finding activities that beneficially increase your heart rate but are also ones that you enjoy doing. They can be indoors or outdoors, with friends or solitary. Walking, running with girlfriends, riding a bike, swimming, rock climbing, roller skating, hiking, or Zumba classes are just a few examples. In finding activities that you enjoy, you are more likely to stay committed to doing them on a regular basis. Second, eat raw fruits and/ or vegetables with every meal. Finally, follow the tried-and-true adage of drinking a minimum of 8-12 glasses of water daily, and limit consuming artificially sweetened drinks to less than 3 per week.

New York Yoga Mind .

Body .

Spirit .

New York Yoga 1629 York Ave.|NY NY 212.717.9642

www. newyorkyoga.com

New York Yoga HOT 132 E. 85th St.|NY NY 212.439.9642

sUMMER fUN!

Photographer Amina Touray Make up Artist Hary Villarreal Model Keziah Okonkwo 18 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

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BEAUTILICIOUS | HAIR

Summer Hair Care Tips from 1

During the summer months our locks can experience dryness and breakage. What are some of hair products women should include in their hair care regimen?

During the warmer months, moisture in the air is the best hydration for hair and skin. When paired with super hydrating and repairing products, your hair is protected against dryness and damage that results from the sun, pool chlorine, and salt water. You should definitely include a pre-shampoo oil treatment once a month to your hair care regimen. The oil treatments should contain hydrating properties like, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba and lavender. Follow your hot oil treatment with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner like, Carol’s Daughter Monoi shampoo, and condition with a hydrating leave-in conditioner that contain Tiare Gardenia flowers, Coprah Coconuts, and Bamboo Water which will strengthen your hair leaving it extremely hydrated.

What are some protective hairstyles women should try during warmer temps?

Summer time is a very active season for all women. Protecting the hair against sun damage, chlorine pool water and sea salt water is a must. Protective hairstyles are wonderful for summer fun, and are a great way to try glamorous hairstyles.

Hair extensions are available in an array of techniques ranging from traditional full-head and half-head, braid/sew-in weaves, Brazilian extensions or fusion extensions. Purchasing humanremi hair in body wave, curly or Afro/curly textures will give you the best results. Individual box braids are sexy when worn down to the mid-back. They can be braided with human afrostraight textures for extra long glamorous looks or wet & wavy and afro/curly hair for voluminous looks. Senegalese twists can also be worn long to the mid-back and Extension Twists can be designed and cut into a bob or blunt style for a fresh clean look.

It’s an adventure in itself when shopping for the right products that will both protect and give you luminous hair.

What products are worth trying for women with natural hair (wavy/curly/kinky), relaxed hair, and dreads?

There are many great products on the market today for wavy/ curly, coily and highly textured coily hair (we no longer call hair kinky…it’s highly textured). Some products worth purchasing are: Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Collection (pictured on left) for super hydration, and Monoi Repair Collection to prevent and repair breakage, and bring life back to over-processed and dried tresses. The Rosemary Mint Collection and Lisa’s Hair Elixir Restoring Hair Oil and Scalp Collection work wonders on Locs!

Jane Carter Solution New Hydrate & Restore was created especially for Naturalistas. Paul Mitchell also has a new line for curly girls; Curls.

Biolage Exquisite Oil Collection;

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Pureology Super Smooth Collection for color treated hair.

PhytoLisse Smoothing Collection and CHI Infra Collection offers relaxed and chemically treated hair hydration, moisture, frizz-control and repair.

Hitting the beach and going swimming is what summer is all about, so for ladies who like to lighten their hair color, how can they prevent fading due to sun exposure or chlorine in water?

Summer is definitely about having fun in the sun, but don’t forget to pamper your tresses before you head outdoors. The ocean’s sea salt and chlorine used in pools both play a major role in fading color, while the sun naturally lightens and dries out the hair. The most important thing is remember is to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners and color enhancing shampoo and conditioners that deposit color and will keep your hair shiny and healthy. Always use a leave in conditioner with UV protection when you’re in the sun. Pureology, Biolage & Ted Gibson hair care products are great color enhancing collections that protect, nourish and provide shine for color treated tresses. Biolage Color Care Shine Shake offers UV protection against the sun.

When seasons change women usually want to switch up their looks. What are a few hair styles/cuts that are perfect for the summer?

Fun and fresh styles this summer season will include lots of texture and height (volume). Playing with texture is what’s new and now, and many of the looks seen during Mercedes Benz NYC Fashion Week 2013 played with texture and height . If you want to switch up your style try highly textured updo’s that are messy, whimsical and have a lot of body. If your hair is short or in a TWA (Teenie Weenie Afro), then try hair accessories that have bold colors like, silk scarfs, flowers and color clip -in pieces . For transitioning girls the big chop is a great idea! You won’t have to fuss anymore with dry, tangled relaxed hair or damage and split-ends. A precision cut with a great shape like, disconnect-bobs, loob (long bob), cropped cuts and tapered or big-layered Afro’s will allow for versatility for all hair textures to create volume or silky and smooth styles. Just keep it messy, voluminous and fun!

For more summer hot hair tips and more join Diane Da Costa and her team of SimpleeBEAUTIFUL Curly Textured Specialists on Facebook SimpleeBEAUTIFUL Boutique & Salon.

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Celebrity Stylist and Curly Textured Expert Diane Da Costa

1. Biolage Color Care Shine Shake 2. Monoi Shampoo/Conditioner/Split End Sealer 3. Jane Carter Solution New Hydrate and Restore 4. Biolage Exquisite Oil Collection 5. Pureology Super Smooth Collection 6. LHE Restoring Hair Oil and Scalp Collection 7. Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Collection 8. Paul Mitchell Curls Collection 9. Phytolisse Smoothing Collection 10. CHI Infra Collection

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BEAUTILICIOUS | STREET HAIRSTYLES

Hot Summer Hair From the Head of a Relaxed Woman..

By Stephanie Enarusai

I

think it started when I was about seven. My mom had the hot comb on the stove and the blue magic open. I held my breath as I felt the heat approach the back of my neck. Forty minutes and two burns later I had arrived. I couldn’t wait to get outside and show Suzie from up the block how my hair could blow in the wind too. Within a few short years I had outgrown the hot comb and graduated to the Just for Me relaxer kit and you could not tell me my hair wasn’t flowing. Needless to say the obsession with straight Suzie-esque hair started early for me.

Today, women are exploring those kinky roots and natural products. They are becoming aware of ingredients in their former products. I’ve seen rapid hair reconstruction, longer hair, amazing curls, versatility, and a new sense of pride in these natural haired divas. Despite how harsh it may sound, I am

I have been the African girl with the micro braids, Senegalese twists, box braids, yarn braids, and 24 inch Indian-hair sew in. I have never been the African girl that could simply walk out the door as herself, kinky roots exposed to the world. Who really feels like doing all of the extra hair care work of natural hair? Slap in that relaxer, wrap it at night, and BAM! Easy up and down, and you’re out to work in the morning.

As far as relaxers go, with my Bachelor’s degree in Biology, I have spent many hours in assorted chemistry labs. So, I would never willingly dunk my hand into a beaker of sodium hydroxide and let it process for 15 minutes, but I more than willingly attacked my roots every 2 months with it. Whether the relaxer contains lye or not, its purpose and function of stripping proteins from the hair follicle, breaking down the hair cuticle, and forcing it to lose life is scary. In fact, the pH 13 relaxer is the same strength as Drano— consider that the next time you relax your hair or unclog your drain ladies.

not here to bash women that are choosing to remain relaxed. Having relaxed hair does not mean a woman lacks self-love or self-respect, or that she does not have healthy hair. It is hair—we all have it and we all have the right to do whatever it is we want with our hair. Just keep it healthy.

Find more hair stories on www.BronzeMagOnline.com 26 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT | BROADWAY

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Looking for a fun day or night out with the girls?

Try a Broadway show! Here are 3 we suggest you might not want to miss this summer...

The Trip to Bountiful

With an all-star cast of Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tom Wopat, along with many others, it would be a mistake not to see this hit show. Written by Horton Foote, The Trip to Bountiful tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman whose last request before she dies is to return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas. Although Carrie’s overprotective son Ludie, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., and daughter-in-law Jessie Mae, played by Vanessa Williams, forbid her to leave Houston, she sneaks away, meets up with a young woman named Thelma and together, the two travel to Bountiful, which does not turn out to be as “bountiful” as they had originally remembered. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.broadway.com/shows/trip-bountiful.

28 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

Pippin Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, this new “circus inspired� production of Pippin is a treat for all ages. Experience the tale of a young prince named Pippin who is desperate to find excitement in the world, while also proving his loyalty to his father, King Charles. Led by the charming Leading Player, this thrilling and acrobatic cast is certain to keep you entertained from beginning to end. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.broadway.com/shows/pippin.

Motown The Musical Do you like artists such as Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes? How about Michael Jackson and Diana Ross? Ever wonder who started their careers? Well, in the Broadway show Motown The Musical you learn not only who discovered these legends, but also the inspiring story of music tycoon Berry Gordy. Written by Gordy himself, this energetic Broadway production is surely to have the whole audience dancing in their seats. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.broadway.com/shows/motown.

Article & Photography by Brianna Ek Photo Retouching/Editing by Alexis Morgan

FEATURE | CAUSES

hunks for hope

2014 Men’s Calendar Initiative

As

a collaboration between models, designers and photographers, Hunks For Hope is a men’s calendar initiative that provides awareness and charity to victims of domestic abuse. CEO of the fashion based company Caribbean Lilac, Lila Green created the calendar initiative as a unique way to support domestic violence awareness and to stimulate and uplift self-esteem while fostering positivity and strength in every woman who comes across this venture.

As a survivor of domestic violence, Lila knows how hard it is to break away from an abusive relationship.

When it comes to the models Lila had this to say, “Our hunks are not just hard bodies, they are up lifters of the soul; all of them polite, talented, intelligent, and deeply insightful.They were all personally handpicked with the intent to command our audience’s attention, and cultivate a movement of women that will never let anyone suppress them or make them feel unworthy of what/who they are meant to be."

To find out more about the Hunks For Hope mission visit www.Hunks4Hope.com and www.facebook.com/Hunks4Hope

30 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

jahdal nangwaya houston

Photographer: Jose Pagan Stylist: Caribbean Lilac

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Jason Dobson

Photographer: Jose Pagan Stylist: Caribbean Lilac

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liem harper

Photographer: Jose Pagan Stylist: Caribbean Lilac

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monty "makes moves" lans

Photographer: Frederick V. Nielsen II Stylist: Caribbean Lilac

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pedro j martinez

Photographer: Jose Pagan Stylist: Caribbean Lilac

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Xavier williams

Photographer: Jose Pagan Stylist: Caribbean Lilac

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Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renström Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Swimwear: Ximena Valero

38 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renström Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Swimwear: Ximena Valero

40 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renström Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Swimwear: Ximena Valero

42 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renstrรถm Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Sweater: Calvin Klein Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renström Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Dress: Ximena Valero Shoes: Jessica Simpson

44 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renström Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Jumpsuit: Oasap Belt: Stylist Own Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent Necklece: Stylist Own

Photographer: Michael Angel Photography Photo Assistant: Erika Renstrรถm Fashion Stylist: Styles By Swain Makeup & Hair: Janelle Black Makeup & Hair Assistant: Stephanos Courey Creative Director: Jordan Anthony Swain Model, Singer & Songwriter: Symphony Green Dress: Ximena Valero Shoes:Yves Saint Laurent

FEATURE | INTERVIEW

46 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM JULY 2013

A Piece of Me: Jay “Everyday” Brand Finds Healing and Redemption through Writing -By Lynn Jackson

“

You have to get started to be great. Go forward, chase your dreams, we are all on earth for a reason.”- Jermaine “Jay Everyday” Smith

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ever have few words ringed more true; and for Jermaine “Jay Everyday” Smith, he portrays what he speaks. Known for his notable stage plays A Piece of Me and Cooking in Yesterday’s Grease, this NYC native is homegrown. Born in Queens and raised in Brooklyn, the playwright, director and producer also holds court on radio and is building Everyday Publishing Group along with partner, Two-Time WNBA Champion Yolanda Moore. Smith is a real life example of someone who has come from working his way through family dysfunction to living a contributive life filled with purpose and community.

I had the pleasure of reading Jay’s recently released book, A Piece of Me (also a stage play) and I personally felt that it was a heartwarming read. The book reflects Jay’s own personal testimony as told through the story of Bryce King and the King family. It addresses real issues such as alcoholism, abuse, infidelity, forgiveness and homelessness to name a few. The story is very touching and compellingly relatable as the introduction of various characters aid Bryce in his decision making whether he likes it or not; a real page turner to say the least.

Seeing that Jay’s book is so encouraging and life affirming, I asked what his own favorite book is and he replied, The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren. This is how Jay lives his life, with purpose. It hasn’t been an easy journey getting to this point though. Having lost his father to cancer at a very young age, which left him to be raised by his drug addicted mother, Jay was forced to use his love of writing as an outlet to stay focused on believing in his own self. The tragic loss of his nephew served as a turning point for Jay’s mother, who gave her life to God and in return found sobriety and healing. Ironically, Jay’s book and stage play A Piece of Me was birthed out of his hesitancy to forgive his mother for her many years of addiction. The two have since reconciled and have a renewed closeness through spiritual healing.

Since Jay has seen and experienced so much at such a young age, he understands the importance of children needing to have a strong support system. His own youthful struggles only serve to validate that our youth need someone they can talk to, whether it may be a family member, a close friend, well respected community member or a mentor. They also need to practice their crafts and stay around the right people in order to thrive. As we closed out our interview I asked Jay, “What vision do you have for the world?” and he replied, “Healing in every way. There are unresolved issues in all of us, but you have to get started to be great.”

Signed copies of A Piece of Me are available on www.thejayeveryday.com

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