ohfivev, Charles McNeill
Photography
FAYNC MAGAZINE
tv
This cinematographic extension of FAYNC Magazine aims to get a closer look at the FAYNC community as we talk to people at events and sports games, along with interviews, small segment shows, series and more!
Zairis
Interview
Interview
Onikia
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
FAYNC MAGAZINE IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
More than a magazine, FAYNC MAG is a revolutionary media platform that uplifts the community change-makers within Fayetteville NC and beyond through the publishing of immersive and empowering multi-modal content.
MISSION
To revolutionize traditional media platforms by providing a platform for the voices in our community that have yet to be heard. We strive to highlight positive, community-focused initiatives, organizations, businesses, and creatives in Fayetteville and North Carolina. We aim to create engaging and immersive content that integrates art, music, and culture to inform, educate, inspire, and empower our subscribers and followers to become community change-makers in Fayetteville, NC.
VISION
To lead the way in creating and sharing innovative, cutting-edge content that sheds light on the history and evolution of Fayetteville and North Carolina. We aim to capture and reveal authentic narratives from our community and become the unifying entity for community-driven content through skillful and accurate articles, social posts, and storytelling. We envision a future where Fayetteville is known regionally and nationally for its continuously growing and evolving community of change-makers, with our media platform serving as the hub for this positive movement.
HISTORY
FAYNC Magazine was founded September 9, 2020 by Zairis T. Miles.
CONTACT
FAYNC Magazine
fayncmag@gmail.com fayncmagazine.com
102 Person St. D Fayetteville, North Carolina
THE FREEDOM TO MOVE
Tajsah Armstrong (Taco), Fitness
Instructor
Article by Christina Miles
by @zairstejion, Zairis T. Miles
In a city full of gyms, routines, and “new year, new me” energy that fades by March, Tajsah Armstrong, better known as Taco, is doing something different. Through Taco'Bout Wellness she is not just offering workouts, she is creating experiences.
Think music up, energy high, community locked in, and absolutely no pressure to fit into anybody’s box.
Because for Taco, fitness is not about perfection. It is about freedom.
Photography
Freedom to Move
From the Band to the Breakthrough
Before Taco'Bout Wellness, before the classes, before the community, there was dance.
“I’ve always loved music and movement,”
Taco shares. From praise dancing in church to performing with the band at E.E. Smith, her rhythm was always there. That passion followed her to Winston-Salem State, where she danced with the band, but the experience quickly shifted.
“I fit every requirement except size,” she says. “And that was enough for them to treat me differently.”
What should have been a dream became discouraging. Between the lack of inclusion and constant pressure to fit a certain image, Taco slowly stepped away, not just from dance, but from movement altogether.
Back in Fayetteville, in the middle of a difficult season marked by depression, she found herself disconnected from everything she once loved. And then life shifted. A simple invitation from a customer at her job to attend a Zumba class changed everything.
“She didn’t even know I liked to dance,” Taco says. “But I went, and that was it for me.”
That one yes turned into a lifestyle, and eventually, a calling.
Fitness, But Make It Freedom
Taco'Bout Wellness does not follow rules, and that is exactly the point.
“Dance is one of the only spaces where there are no rules,” Taco explains. “So I bring that same energy into fitness.”
Where traditional fitness spaces can feel rigid and intimidating, Taco flips the script. No strict formulas. No one size fits all routines. Just movement, however that looks for you.
“People think fitness has to be lifting weights or running,” she says. “But if you are moving your body, that is fitness. Period.”
And beyond movement, she is challenging the visuals we have all been conditioned to accept.
“People think the smallest person is the healthiest, and that is not true,” she says. “You cannot look at someone’s body and determine their health or their ability.”
In Taco’s world, bodies are not judged. They are celebrated.
“Dance is one of the only spaces where there are no rules, so I bring that same energy into fitness.
–tajsah armstrong
The Real Glow Up
Safe Spaces and Real Energy
Let’s be honest, working out can feel uncomfortable.
You are sweating, out of breath, trying to keep up, and sometimes questioning why you even came. Taco understands that and is intentional about shifting that experience.
“I focus on building relationships,” she says. “I want people to feel comfortable being vulnerable in that space.”
And then there is the vibe.
With her husband Q, also known as Producer X, controlling the music and energy, Taco'Bout Wellness feels less like a class and more like a function.
“It is a party,” Taco says. “Not something you have to do, something you want to do.”
The Creative Duo Behind the Movement
If you have experienced Taco'Bout Wellness, you have already seen the synergy.
Q is not just behind the scenes, he is part of the experience.
A creative in every sense, DJ, videographer, photographer, designer, music producer, and drumline coach, he brings structure to Taco’s high energy vision.
“He is the order and I am the chaos,” she laughs. “Everything I do, he is a part of it.”
From spinning live during workouts to designing flyers and pushing promotions, Q helps shape Taco'Bout Wellness into a full brand experience.
“It is really a partnership,” Taco says. “He is the other half of everything.”
Part of what makes Taco’s impact so real is her transparency. She has lived it.
“I used to be around 300 pounds, and now I am around 160,” she shares. “I have lost over 100 pounds and kept it off.”
But for her, the transformation goes deeper than numbers.
Her story creates a bridge for others, especially those who feel like fitness spaces were never built for them.
“When people see me, it removes that intimidation,” she says. “They are like, okay, she did it. I can do it too.”
And that belief is where the real work begins.
Shifting the Culture in Fayetteville
Taco’s vision goes beyond her classes.
“I want to bring more fun into fitness here,” she says. “Other cities have these big fitness experiences, and I want that for Fayetteville.”
But as her platform grows, so does her purpose. Recently, Taco has been focusing more on wellness education, especially nutrition.
“We have the workout part,” she says. “But it is the food. That is where people are struggling.”
With rising health concerns in the community, especially among youth, she is working to shift habits at the root.
“If you focus on what is happening in the kitchen, everything else follows.”
What’s Next for Taco'Bout Wellness
Taco is not slowing down. She is currently working on launching a full fitness weekend, bringing together classes, guest speakers, and a full wellness experience for the city.
And with warmer weather on the way, she is taking things outside, expanding her class offerings and creating more ways for the community to tap in.
“It is about getting people active, outside, and connected,” she says.
Love, Gratitude and Let’s Keep Moving
Through it all, Taco stays grounded.
“I never imagined I would be here,” she says. “Doing fitness, leading people, being a part of this in Fayetteville.”
Her message to the community is simple: “Thank
THE FAYNCMAG TAKE
Taco'Bout Wellness is not just a class. It is a shift. It is where fitness meets freedom, where healing meets community, and where people are invited to show up exactly as they are. And Fayetteville is starting to move with it.
YELLOW DESK: 002: PME YELLOW DESK: 002: PME
"My creative process really is just get in and make. I try not to over complicate it too much. I really just go in and make whatever comes to mind. Whether that be sample chop, create a melody or I decide to make a dance track, or R&B."
JOHNATHAN BROWN, MUSICIAN
by @ohfivev, Charles McNeill
Photography
BUYING BACK MORE THAN BLOCKS: THE NEW BLUEPRINT FOR FAYETTEVILLE
Interview with Tyler Simpson, Real Estate and Community Leader, Buy DaVille - Buy Back The Block
Article and Photography by Zairis T Miles @zairistejion, Zairis T Miles
There’s a new kind of conversation happening in Fayetteville and it’s bigger than real estate. It’s about reclamation.
And at the center of it is Tyler, a name that’s starting to carry weight not just because of what he’s doing, but how he’s thinking.
Because for him, “Buying The Block Back” was never just about flipping houses. It was about flipping the system.
The Moment It Clicked
Tyler didn’t just wake up with this mindset. It hit him. Watching developers online celebrate big profits—$30K, $50K, $60K flips, he started asking a different question:
Who is this actually helping? Not the families who’ve been there for decades. Not the people getting priced out. Not the ones trying to survive rising costs in their own neighborhoods. That realization changed everything.
Because at that point, real estate stopped being just a hustle and became a responsibility.
Tyler began to see the bigger picture: if only one family benefits from a deal, that’s not “Buying Back The Block.” That’s just business as usual. So he flipped the mindset.
What if ownership could impact multiple families? What if development could actually serve the people already there? That’s where his vision started to expand—from properties to ecosystems.
More Than Real Estate, It’s Infrastructure
Tyler’s approach moves different.
He’s not just thinking about homes, he’s thinking about community infrastructure. Schools. Daycares. Grocery access. Local food systems Spaces where ownership circulates instead of being extracted. It’s a mindset rooted in building something that lasts. Something that doesn’t just look good but works for the people
Because the reality is, Fayetteville has seen development —but not always development that benefits its residents.
New chains, new plazas, new jobs but wages that don’t always sustain real life.
Tyler’s mission challenges that. He’s pushing for a model where the community isn’t just present but participating.
Still Learning, Still Building
And here’s what makes Tyler’s story so real: He’s not positioning himself as someone who has all the answers. He’s still learning. Still figuring it out. Still in the field wholesaling, flipping, studying development, building relationships.
But instead of gatekeeping the process, he’s documenting it. Sharing it. Creating spaces where others can learn alongside him.
Because for him, the goal isn’t to be the only one winning. It’s to open the door. Teaching people about seller financing. Showing them ways to access land. Helping them understand that ownership isn’t out of reach, it’s just not always explained.
From Complaining to Committing
Tyler’s story is also a reflection of something a lot of people in Fayetteville can relate to. Growing up, the narrative was simple: “There’s nothing here.” No opportunities. No options. No reason to stay. So like many, he left.
But when life brought him back—family, timing, purpose—he saw the city differently. At first, it was the same complaints. Same frustrations. Until he got tired of hearing it. That was the shift.
Because there’s a difference between living somewhere and pouring into it.
And once he made that decision, everything changed. Now it’s about creating the kind of Fayetteville he once felt didn’t exist.
The Mindset: Risk Everything,
Fear Nothing
If there’s one thing Tyler stands on It’s this: Fail. And then fail again. Not the polished version. Not the aesthetic “bounce back.” Real failure. Dropping out. Starting broke. Trying things without guarantees.
But that’s where the freedom comes in. Because when you realize you have nothing to lose, you start moving differently. Asking bigger. Trying more. Taking risks that most people avoid. And eventually, one “yes” changes everything.
That’s the mindset he’s pushing to the next generation in Fayetteville— creatives, entrepreneurs, builders:
Stop waiting.
Start moving.
Figure it out on the way.
What’s Next: Building the Future, Literally
Tyler’s vision doesn’t stop at flips. That’s just the entry point. The longterm goal? Development but not the traditional kind. He’s thinking about sustainable living. Self-sufficient communities. Alternative housing models like earth-based homes that challenge the way America typically builds.
It’s about creating spaces where people don’t just live but thrive independently.
And at the same time, he’s focused on scaling knowledge—teaching others how to get into the game, how to build, how to own. Because the future he sees isn’t one developer. It’s a network.
Buy Back The Ville: Community in Motion
That vision is already taking shape through Buy Back The Ville, a growing initiative built around connection, education, and access.
Community meetups. Financial literacy. Tax game. Business structure. Real conversations. Real information. The kind of knowledge people don’t
always get but need. Even when life pulls him into projects and pauses the momentum, the mission doesn’t stop. It evolves.
With plans to return stronger, tapping into schools, rec centers, and local programs, the next phase is about going deeper into the community and making the impact more tangible.
The Bigger Picture
Tyler represents a new type of builder in Fayetteville. Not just focused on profit. Not just focused on aesthetics. But focused on legacy.
Because “buying the block back” was never just about property. It’s about power, who has it, who shares it, and who it actually benefits.
And right now, Fayetteville is in a moment. A shift. A reset. An opportunity. And Tyler?
He’s one of the ones helping lead that change, brick by brick, lesson by lesson, block by block.
Contact
Tyler Simpson
@ethereal_tyty
"In today's society Jazz is not as popular. We went to school for Jazz so when it came to mind, we knew this is what we're going to do. This is our mission. So no matter what the rest of the world is saying about Jazz, like that Jazz is dead, we're still letting people know that it is still alive. From what we play to the way that we play. We don't just play traditional jazz but we always put our own little spin on it. That's what expression is all about, which is what Jazz is all about."
NOAH BANKS
PERCUSSIONIST, FOUNDER + LEADER
REWRITING THE NARRATIVE: JAZZ IS STILL ALIVE
Video Interview with Black Note Collective
Interview by Zairis T. Miles
and Videography by @zairistejion, Zairis T. Miles
Photography
BREATHE. FLIP. REPEAT.
ARTIST PROFILE: ARTIST PROFILE:
ONIKIA MOORE
FAYNC Magazine SPR 2026
Interview with Onikia Moore, Owner of Scattered Arts + Featured
T-Shirt Designer
Article by Christina Miles
Photography by @zairistejion, Zairis T Miles
Artist Profile: Onikia Moore
Fayetteville has its own rhythm, its own story—how does the city show up in your work, and in what ways has it shaped you as a visual artist and painter?
Visually, Fayetteville influences my palette and composition. The earthy tones, humid light, and worn architecture often translate into textured surfaces and muted but warm color schemes. At the same time, the energy of the community, barbershops, street corners, local murals brings in moments of vibrancy and life that I try to capture through bold strokes or unexpected color contrasts.
As an artist, Fayetteville has also taught me resourcefulness and authenticity. It’s not always seen as a major art hub, so creating here requires intention. you’re building your own space, your own voice. That challenge has grounded me and made my work feel more personal, more honest.
Your work with Scattered Arts feels both intentional and expressive. How would you define your artistic voice, and what do you want people to feel the moment they experience your art?
My work with Scattered Arts sits at the intersection of intention and emotion. I’m always balancing structure with freedom. I’d define my artistic voice as honest, layered, and expressive. It’s rooted in storytelling, but not always in a literal way; I’m more interested in capturing feelings, tension, and moments that don’t always have clear words. There’s a sense of fragmentation and reconstruction in my work, pieces coming together to form something whole, even if it still feels a little unresolved.
When people experience my art, I want them to feel something before they try to understand it. Whether it’s curiosity, discomfort, nostalgia, or recognition. I want there to be an emotional pause. Ideally, the work invites them in, makes them reflect, and maybe even see a part of themselves or their own experiences in it. Even if they walk away with more questions than answers, that connection, that moment of feeling seen or moved, is what matters most to me.
Artist Profile: Onikia Moore
This SPR26 collaboration with FAYNC Magazine is a major moment—what drew you to this partnership, and how does this design reflect both your artistry and the culture we’re celebrating?
This SPR26 collaboration with FAYNC Magazine felt like a natural alignment from the start. What drew me in was the shared intention, both my work and the magazine center storytelling, culture, and the voices that shape Fayetteville in real, nuanced ways. It didn’t feel like just a feature or a design opportunity, it felt like a chance to contribute to a larger narrative about the city and its creative identity.
For me, this design is a reflection of both my artistic language and the culture we’re celebrating because it holds that same sense of duality Fayetteville carries. There’s a balance of rawness and intention, layered textures, expressive movement, and grounded tones that speak to the city’s history and resilience, paired with moments of boldness that represent growth, pride, and creative energy.
You’re building something powerful—what’s next for you? Give us a glimpse into the upcoming projects or ventures you’re stepping into and how you’re pushing your creativity even further.
I’ve been building momentum with a few exciting projects. I was part of the mural at 226 Warehouse, which will be revealed on March 21st, and I have a couple of pop-ups lined up for this summer. But my main focus right now is preparing for my solo exhibition this October at Regional 6. That show is really where I’m pushing my creativity further— developing a deeper body of work and creating a more immersive experience that reflects where I am as an artist right now.
Artist Profile: Onikia Moore
"Keep Living" Photo Series
by @dyanis88 D'yanis Reed
og fest. annual trail ride to educate and inspire equestrians of color and enthusiasts
Photography
"Keep Living" by D'yanis Reed
donette shows students how to tell if posion ivy is near. if you see a tree with hairy vines growing on the trunk
dana cotman and her horse poncho rest at the og trailride wendell, n c
"Keep Living Series" by D'yanis Reed
mrs. johnson, workshop attendee enjoys learning to ride a tractor
mr ricky jackson , pine knot farms farm manager teaches a workshop
FAYNC
"Keep Living Series" by D'yanis Reed
douglas samuel speaks on generational gardening blythewood, s.c.
"Keep Living" by D'yanis Reed
mr. clark sr. & jr. of clarks produce farm. tar heel, n.c
students learning to spot herbal plants
"Keep Living Series" by D'yanis Reed
Interview with Band Members of Militia
2 Six
Article and Photography by Zairis T Miles @zairistejion, Zairis T. Miles
At its core, Militia 2 Six isn’t just about music, it’s about freedom. Freedom to create. Freedom to exist. Freedom to be fully yourself, no matter where you come from or what lane you’re in.
The group represents a space where artists, athletes, creatives, and everyday culture-shapers can all coexist. No gatekeeping. No pressure to fit a mold. Just pure, unapologetic self-expression.
And that’s what makes them feel bigger than just a band. They’re building a culture in The Ville and beyond.
The Meaning Behind The Name
The name itself tells a story.
Inspired by Metallica’s track “Metal Militia,” the group flipped the influence into something that felt like their own, cutting it down to “Militia” and adding a hometown stamp: 2 Six.
Because 2-6 isn’t just a number. It’s Fayetteville. It’s Murchison Road. It’s storage unit sessions. It’s starting from nothing and still finding a way to create something.
Before the shows, before the crowds, before the momentum, they were grinding in small spaces, building sound and identity from the ground up.
The Moment It Became Real
Every movement has a turning point. For Militia 2 Six, it hit during an early show at Rowan Skate Park back in 2023. What started as just another performance turned into something bigger, skaters, artists, rappers, and music lovers all pulling up, all tapped in.
It wasn’t just about performing anymore. It was about bringing people together.
That moment proved something important: people weren’t just listening, they were showing up. And once that happens, the energy shifts. Now it’s not just music. It’s experience. It’s community.
And once your name becomes associated with a certain type of vibe, people move differently.
They pull up.
Building in a City That Doesn’t Always Understand You
Fayetteville has always had a strong music identity, but stepping outside of what’s expected isn’t easy.
Coming into a city heavily dominated by hip-hop, Militia 2 Six had to carve out their own lane. That meant building relationships from scratch, connecting with photographers, venues, and creatives who understood the vision. This wasn’t instant. This was earned.
And that’s what makes their foundation solid. Because if you can get a city like Fayetteville to believe in something different, something alternative, you’ve already done the hard part. Everything after that? Expansion.
Inspired by Life, Not Just Music
The Militia 2 Six aesthetic feels familiar, but in a nostalgic, almost cinematic way.
Their visuals pull from the culture they grew up on: video games, TV shows, everyday life moments. Nothing overly polished. Nothing forced. Just real life elevated.
Whether it’s shooting in an apartment or turning a regular setting into something visually striking, their approach is simple: make the ordinary feel powerful.
And when it comes to the music, the same rule applies. Everything is personal.
From navigating financial struggles to dealing with uncertainty, their records reflect real situations, things people don’t always talk about, but definitely feel.
The Ville in Their DNA
If you’re hearing Militia 2 Six for the first time outside of North Carolina, just know this: They carry Fayetteville with them. The hunger. The toughness. The “we got it out the mud” mentality. There’s no pretending. No industry polish trying to water it down. Just real.
And that’s exactly how they want the city to be seen.
What’s Next: Pressure, Shows, and Expansion
Right now, Militia 2 Six is stepping into their next phase.
A new tape is on the way, one that’s meant to solidify everything they’ve been building. Not just for the city, but for anyone still unfamiliar with their sound.
Because this next drop? It’s the statement. Alongside the music, they’re doubling down on live experiences, more shows, more cities, more opportunities to connect with people in real time. From local stages to out-of-town runs, the goal is simple:
Go everywhere. Touch everything. Build momentum.
Because for them, every performance is more than just a set, it’s a chance to convert new listeners into real supporters.
The Bigger Picture
Militia 2 Six represents a new chapter for Fayetteville. One where genre doesn’t limit you. One where creativity isn’t boxed in. One where community and expression sit at the center of everything. They’re not waiting for validation. They’re building their own lane, and inviting the city with them.
And if you’re not tapped in yet… this is your moment.
Contact
Militia 2 Six
@militia2six
officialmilitiabooking@gmail.com
Joshua Stephenson Vocals
Rhythm Guitar
Isaiah Stephenson Bass
Michael Abraham Lead Guitar
CREDITS +THANKS
THANK YOU
For our Layers of the Ville SPRING 2026 Issue of FAYNC Magazine, gratitude sits at the center of it all.
First and foremost, thank you to our subscribers and our social media community. Your support, your shares, your comments, and your presence keep this movement alive. Because of you, we’re able to continue telling stories that reflect the depth, creativity, and culture that make the Ville what it is. You don’t just support FAYNC… you help build it.
This issue is a reflection of trust, and that starts with the creatives and visionaries who allowed us into their world. Special thanks to Tajsah Armstrong, Tyler Simpson, Onikia Moore, the members of Black Note Collective, Members of Militia 2 Six, PME, and D'yanis Reed for bringing your stories, your artistry, and your purpose to these pages.
Each of you represents a layer of the Ville. Different paths. Different processes. One shared impact. You didn’t just contribute to this issue… you helped construct it. And that’s what this Spring is about.
Building with intention. Creating with purpose. Leaving something that lasts.
Zairis T. Miles + Christina Miles FAYNC Magazine
Zairis
T. Miles
Founder + Editor In Chief
Photography
Videography
Creative Direction
FAYNC Magazine
Christina N. Miles
Art Director + Admin Lead
Graphic Design
Writing
Creative Direction
FAYNC Magazine
