Issue # 1 Everyday Melanin Magazine A cultural and lifestyle magazine for the melanin community

ALetter fromtheeditor inchief

photo by @beautiful_khaos_images

They say to have the job you want, you have to create it.

Never did I think I'd be the Editor in Chief of my very own magazine, but that just goes to show that anything can happen.

As a freelance Photographer, I have found that publications were a big thing. I have many friends and more that are doing such amazing things and I just wanted to recreate a platform for us all.

Everyday Melanin Magazine will touch on many different worldly topics within the black communities, but making it relate to every lifestyle.

This will be a showcase for everyone working hard towards the common goal.

Everyday Melanin Magazine will be the Voice to those who may not have the words to say and the stage for those ready for the spotlight because here, we all deserve the chance to shine.

Sincerely, E bony J ohnson Editor In Chief / Photos by: @Leesiphotograpy

CO NTENTS Letter From The Editor In Chief

2

Cover Story- Drummer Boy B,

4

Blazing Blazer

12

Melanin Love

15

End of Summer "Glo Up"

18

Spiritual Wellness

20

Ode To Black Businesses

24

Melanin Love

DRUMMER BOY B.

4

15 Article Title Goes Here

END OF Summer "Glo Up"

18

39

Blazing Blazer

12

Music/Entertainment

dRUMMERBO YB. Interview with Professional Drummer Brandon Mullen

Mullen,

founder of BDM Brand is a New Jersey Native.

When it comes to his professionalism as a drummer, he has surpassed many but still reaches back to motivate and encourage others around him that it is not too late to follow your dreams. Everyday Melanin Magazine had the pleasure of picking his brain before his travels back in July.

Music/Entertainment

Everyday Melanin Magazine: Brandon Mullen!

Welcome!

Brandon Mullen: What?s going on EM MAG? EMM: Thank you for being with us to share some of what has been going on with you. Before we start, some background on you, we know you were born and raised in Trenton, a professional musician.,and to add, you performed with and played for Roberta Flack, right? Was that your first big gig?

Mullen: Actually it was my 2nd. The first was Russell Thompson of the Stylistics, the Old School R&B group. *This was around 2012.

EMM: Aside from that you have played with Common, Jazmine Sullivan, and Musiq Soulchild, tell us about those experiences.

Mullen: Well, the experiences are amazing. You know, just having the opportunity to be on the stage with those incredible people is amazing. That?s the things you work hard for. Like every artist is different. So it is like I can experience something different with Roberta, Jazmine, Musiq Common whoever. It?s been a blessing. Great Experiences!

EMM:With those experiences did you have to change who you were to fit that mode.

Mullen: Not at all!!!

EMM: Awesome, that?s what we wanted to hear Mullen: That?s one thing I wanted to really let people know. There?s nothing wrong with being yourself. I never want to jeopardize who I am just to fit another situation. I find that the Artists and people around you respect you even more.

EMM: So, just to take it back a little bit to when you Mullen: There were just certain people that I saw that did it and It was just in my heart. I love music started, how old were you playing the drums? so much, it was kind of like, I just wanted to do it all Mullen: 4 yrs. old and I had it down packed by 10 yrs. day EVERYDAY lol. I tried to do whatever it took to old as far as really playing. get me to that next level so with all the schooling EMM: Where have you played? I don?t want to sound and everything I had to try to really focus in, work on clichĂŠ, but was it church? my craft and stay focused on the task. I knew that one day, I would be traveling and getting out of our Mullen Church city. I just wanted to be an inspiration to others who EMM: Which church? were watching my journey.

Mullen: Grace Cathedral Fellowship Ministries, S/O Bishop Wilcox

EMM: Do you have any regrets?

Mullen: Not at all, to be honest with you. I?m living EMM: What was it that helped motivate you to get out my dream. This is my passion ya know. God of the Trenton, NJ area to pursue your dream? You blessed me with a gift and I didn?t want to sleep on it. found that gift at 10 yrs. old, but what pushed you?

" Tr eat Ever yt hing like t he Big Thing"

EMM: So your next trip, where is that and who ?Treat Everything Like the Big Thing." As a younger are you performing for? musician, I imagined myself playing on the big stages and arenas around the world, but I knew to be able to Mullen: (In excitement) Going to Paris!!! get there, I had to treat my current situation such as Common, I?m excited and we leave on the 19th. playing in church, or locally. I wanted to be ready EMM: Wow that?s great, congratulations!! How and prepared for the BIG stage! It?s a mindset thing are the crowds in Europe compared to here? and I want the younger and older generation to get Mullen:AMAZING!

that because we ALL can apply it to our lives.

EMM: Is the feeling the same when you are here EMM: Did you have that support? then it is there?

Mullen: Definitely, my family supported me, my Mullen: It?s even better. They appreciate music so fiancĂŠe, and friends. Everybody that sees me show much overseas. Like my favorite for me was me love with some type of encouraging words and going to China and Japan. The people over there that makes me feel good and inspires me to keep love it. I actually have a video of me walking pushing! I?m the type of person that always wants to through the crowd and recording appreciating make people proud, inspired, and encouraged. Even everybody. with whatever I?m doing, I always want to be an EMM: If you could play for any artist living or dead example. I want to see other people do this and who would it be or have been. Who could you see more! It doesn?t have to be my craft in particular but It yourself playing for? could be anything. If you work hard and stay Mullen:Wow, oh my goodness, man that is an focused at it, you?re gonna get there. I want people to amazing question. I definitely wish I had the get better with whatever they do, just like with this opportunity to play for Michael Jackson. He is an magazine for example. I know it will be up there with ICON and had incredible musicians on his team. I other magazines such as Essence, the Ebony?s and knew one of his drummers Ricky Lawson( who everything else. So if you keep that mindset then passed away some years back). Also s/o to Jonathan ?Sugarfoot? Moffett who was his other incredible drummer. Honesty I love working with artists in the industry but who I can really see myself working with is my OWN band which I?m in two! S/o to Vertical Current and ReddPanda! I dream to make it to the Top and be an impact on the music industry with my team!

nothing is impossible. God got us yo!

Mullen: You're Absolutely Right! You never know!

The same energy and drive that I have put into working hard to get to this level in the industry as a drummer, is the same energy I put into my own band's to help reach to our next level! We will get there!

EMM: And again, I appreciate you I thank you, and continue going man, I know you?re not stopping here, but keep going!

EMM: Absolutely! I want to thank you Brandon and I appreciate you for just taking the time out to talk with EM Mag today.

Mullen: EM MAG! I?m thankful for EM Mag talking with me!

EMM: You are part of our first Issue Because it is EMM: There?s no reason, you should and you?re Dropping in September! Welcome to the family! going to get there!!

Mullen: Let?s Go, I?m excited!

Mullen: I?m Thankful and Grateful!

EMM: Would that be words of advice for the younger crowd?

Mullen: My advice to them would be just to stay with it, really work at it, stay focused, consistent and be HUMBLE! I had the love for it at a young age and I knew I wanted to take it to the next level. I have a big imagination and just like my BDMBrand says

Be Su r e t o f ollow Br an don M u llen f or m or e u pcom in g per f or m an ces via h is Facebook : Br an don D.A. M u llen In st agr am at : @bdm dr u m s

/ photo by @beautiful_khaos_images

BLAZING BLAZERS WITH SHANNON RAYNIECE

E

Everyday Melanin: Hi Shannon! Thanks for taking the

In the last five years, high fashion has become more accessible. With the rise and popularity of Project Runway, fashion designers have been popping out of the woodworks!

time out to meet with us. Your work is stunning!

SHANNON RAYNIECE: Aww thanks, you?re too kind! It?s a pleasure being here!

Everyday Melanin: Can you briefly explain your business and what you offer to our readers?

Is it me, or are we living in the New Age Roaring 20s? We may not be flappers, but the

SHANNON RAYNIECE: I am a fashion designer in NJ. My main focus is women?s evening wear and plus size. I also

desire to be glamorous has increased

do children?s wear.

tremendously. And do you want to know what is the biggest embodiment of the expensive

" I am a f ash i on desi gner i n NJ. M y mai n f ocus i s w omen?s ev eni ng w ear and pl us si ze."

taste in clothing? Prom Season! So many young ladies are scavenging Instagram for fashion designers to make the best prom gown to steal the night away. And the guys are following suit.

All over the internet guys are getting their blazers custom made for Prom 2018.

Everyday Melanin: I have seen the blazer you made recently. What was your inspiration?

SHANNON RAYNIECE: I can?t take all of the credit on this one. My client was celebrating her birthday with a Harlem Nights theme. She did not want to do the typical gown. It was a challenge, but I am happy I was able to give her something she l oved. And she looked Although we love to scroll through our phones to

absolutely stunning wearing it.

see these great creations, what does it mean for us that feel left out reminiscing of our mediocre prom attire? Well, we can always capture that feeling by throwing extravagant weddings, baby

Everyday Melanin: Yes, your client looks like she was having a blast! Can you tell us what fabrics were used?

The details are so intricate.

showers and birthday parties. I had the great opportunity to sit down with SHANNON RAYNIECE to discuss her latest work.

/ PHOTOS BY: D. GOTCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

Fashion/Style SHANNON RAYNIECE: I was able to find this beautiful sequins mesh fabric that had a detailed swirl design. I used it as an overlay to a white satin. I also used black satin fabric for the lapel, pockets and lining. Can I just say, my favorite part is the lining. I know it?s not the most visible, but there?s something about black satin that is sexy. It?s also important for a garment to feel nice on the skin and comfortable.

Everyday Melanin: Nice! What can our readers expect from you in the near future?

Shannon Rayniece: This blazer has inspired me to do men?s wear. I will be launching a collection late Fall/Winter 2018.

Everyday Melanin: Awesome, look forward to seeing your men?s wear!

" Th i s bl azer h as i nspi red me to do men?s w ear."

Ch eck ou t m or e of SHANNON RAYNIECE w or k via h er w ebsit e w w w.sr ayn iece.com an d f ollow h er on In st agr am at : @sr ayn iece

M elanin L ove A Dif f er en t Wor ld

In t er view w it h Sh ajia

photo by @beautiful_khaos_images

Love/Relationships

I

must say that we don?t quite come into direct contact with the stigmas associated with biracial

couples in our daily lives, we?re sure, however, that it exists around us. I personally have witnessed the prejudice that comes, shockingly enough from my own parents. Being from the Middle East I, and many of those around me, who come from immigrant mothers and fathers have to deal with knowing how restricted their parents are due to outdated cultural beliefs. His immediate family on the other hand was very welcoming and accepting of me and who I was as a person. They sincerely and unconsciously made me feel comfortable and I felt their kindness all throughout. Which I think is something beautiful, but it also hurts to know that there is a possibility that my own parents may not be able to do the same. For a person to mean so much to me that I want to share the happiness he brings into my life with everyone in my family is bitter sweet. I know how much my siblings and close friends already love him for his character and personality, and although I haven?t come to that point yet when I do I?m sure if my parents put down their cultural ideas they will feel the same way. Regardless of how that meeting goes however, we know that it will not be something that will distract us from what?s most important, each other.

A

lthough it may (understandably) be awkward for others, the type of relationship we have without

being labeled as a couple was something that made a lot of sense to us. We have both had some negative experiences in the past and we are both very understanding of that and each other?s feelings in general. It is important to mention that this way is not healthy for everyone and it really depends on the type of people you are.

He, from the very beginning created a very open and comfortable environment for me where we could talk about everything that needed to be spoken about. We are two people who don?t like unnecessary tension, drama, or negativity so we consistently made sure that we were on the same page. I know that one?s past heavily shapes their future and there is nothing wrong with taking your time with something, and there is nothing wrong with not wanting to be hurt again. In today?s world it is very easy for something like that to happen. I think that the most important thing for us is that we work as a team and we make sure to move forward together. Communication, is a fundamental part of that. We make sure to discuss any feelings, positive or negative, any worries, any fears, any expectations, anything. There most definitely have been times though,where fear had gotten the best of me and I found myself expressing my emotions in a way that was difficult. I was upset and afraid because I was uncertain if I was wasting my time and energy with everything I was doing with him and for him. This feeling, I later noticed had very little to do with him and so much more to do with my own fears. ?What if after all this time something I would get hurt and after all this time all I would be left with nothing but memories and a broken heart?? Those questions ran relentlessly through my mind and it showed on my face and in my actions; he noticed it almost immediately and we spoke about it and I came to the realization that there is nothing wrong with being upset at times and he is putting in as much dedication as I am which opens him up to having the same fears and concerns as me;speaking about it alleviates the fears.

I think that it is completely normal to have disagreements, differences in opinions or just unhappy feelings in general; but it is we who decide whether those will impose a negative or positive outcome on our lives. We need to do what's best for us because the best of us is our greatest goal!

Beauty

Brook i i Shay's End of Summer "Glo" up!

Hey! I'm Brookii Shay Mua coming to you with a couple of my summer favorites. Two major keys for the summer. . .glowing and popping! I'm pretty sure no one really wants to put on a full face of makeup, especially with this heat! So for me, as long as my lip gloss is popping to perfection and my skin is glowing, I AM SATISFIED! To keep my lips glistening and shining, I use Ruby Kiss' Hydrating Lip Oil, which has a cooling feeling to it and gives my lips a nice shine. Sometimes I put this gloss on top of my lipstick. Definitely a good product to have in your makeup bag.

Now to keep me glowing like a lightbulb, I use one of my favorite highlighters by @Fairydustxjaiwesley. I found this product on Instagram and have not used anything else since then. The color I use is "Griselda Blancglow" a light shimmery pigment perfect for the finish of any look.

There is also a bronze color "Aye! Where You Glowin?" for my ladies and gents who prefer a pigment more on the gold side.

Well those are 2 of my summer go to products. Try them out and let me know what you think. Talk to you later loves! / PHOTO BY: D. GOTCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

Healthy/Wellness

Sp i r i t u al W el l n ess Cr eat e Bal an ce i n You r L i f e How I Cope

by Tal aya Haw k

I have become spiritually fed by attending church and fellowshipping with others within my church.

However, I had to learn that being spiritually whole comes with balance.

Not everything you see or hear in church is God approved, however one must learn to remain focused on their true purpose on becoming spiritual well; developing a relationship with Christ. I had to learn to move passed the naysayers and stick to Gods word.

Is it hard to do so? Let?s be real some people just want to be accepted in their new place of worship. What we all must remember is we only need acceptance from Christ and what we do and say should be to please him and only him. Can I get an AMEN?!!?!!?

Taking time off from the everyday hustle and bustle of life is also a source of recharging. At my job we call it, a time to reset! Reading the bible and having daily bible scriptures come up on my phone is a great way to regroup, and reconnect with God on a spiritual level. I?ve also learned the beauty in praying and journaling, especially when I am feeling lost, or as I call it a void! I write and talk to Christ about what I?m experiencing, whether it be good or bad. In praying, I did have to learn that it is pertinent to pray for others as well.

Sometimes I cry out to God and ask him for spiritual healing. This has developed raw and intimate conversations with him; which leaves me feeling renewed and refreshed.

photo by @beautiful_khaos_images

Healthy/Wellness

More impor tantly, after thinking of what people around me do for spir itual wellness, my mother comes to mind fir st. She receives her wellness from tr aveling, music and dancing. I now have taken on the love of tr aveling and like my mom it feels good to get a chance to reset and enjoy new sur roundings. Other ?s close to me use meditation/yoga, community ser vice, working out, spending time with people that br ing them joy, watching a favor ite tv show or movie, and more. They assured this br ings the ultimate peace. When I think of what my preferences for spir itual wellness are, I too feel the same thing from God. There is always a renewed sense of peace and feeling that he is still present and working things out for our good!

Spir it u al Welln ess is a personal matter involving values and beliefs that provide a purpose in our lives (https://wellness.ucr.edu/spiritual_wellness.html).

Whatever your version of spiritual wellness may be, please do yourself a favor and remember it is just as important as someone attending church. Spiritual Wellness comes in all different forms and whatever you might choose, be encouraged. We all must start to speak positivity into our lives and know that with faith anything is possible. As Drake said its, ?God?s Plan? and whatever he has for us, will be for us!!

photo by @beautiful_khaos_images

ODE TO BLACK BUSINESSES

WWW.QUEENSOFSUCCESS..COM

ODE TO BLACK BUSINESSES

Ch arn ette Ph elps

book can be purch ased at Am azon .com

N A G O L H A L I AK Amazon Barnes and Nobles Kobo Kindle Ibook IG: @monologuecollection

ODE TO BLACK BUSINESSES

THE I K E LA W GROUP Immigration Law, Family Law, Criminal Law , Traffic Violations, Corporate Law, International Business Law, and more.

Call: 929.600.1099

Graphic designer whose services range from branding and identity to social media/marketing.

Freelance Services: www.elisamichelle.com Online Shop: http://society6.com/elisamichelle fb: elisamichelledesigns

ODE TO BLACK BUSINESSES

Mosconi Clothing was founded in November 2017 by two female entrepreneurs from Trenton, New Jersey. Jazmin is the creator and Tanyall is the CEO. They Sell men and women clothing such as custom sandals, yoga sets, T-shirts, tracksuits and more.

The name originated from an I talian surname with the meaning: Fly. We agreed on a simple but elegant font and let our imaginations run free.

IG: @mosconi.clothing

ODE TO BLACK BUSINESSES

Dan ie M ar ie Even t s 732.470.9939 -of f ice in f o@Dan ieM ar ieEven t s.com w w w.Dan ieM ar ieEven t s.com

ODE TO BLACK BUSINESSES

F.A.M. is a Non-Profit organizat ion t hat encourages and support s families going t hrough t he ups and downs of raising children t hat may have been born wit h a disabilit y or gone t hrough pregnancy complicat ions.

For More informat ion cont act : famnonprofit @gmail.com

+

www.website.com @twittername@email.com

Featured Model

AKIKO

Featured Model

Featured Model

photo by @beautiful_khaos_images Bathing Suit: @mattecollection Model IG: @akikoberryy

BACK 2 SCH OOL

SPECIAL EDITION

Makeup IG @br ook ii_sh ay_m u a Designer/Stylist IG @sr ayn iece

I f Sk y ' s t he Li mi t , Go Hi gher anything is possible...

EV ER YD A Y M ELA NIN M A GA ZINE

@ever yday_m elan in _m agazin e