Contents 06
BEHIND THE ODAINGEROUS BRAND WITH ODAIN WATSON
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HAIR CHAT WITH RASHEEDA HERN & CHAUNDRA TURNER
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TREY BROWN BRINGS US SPERGO CLOTHING
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CLASSIC & TIMELESS DEFINES STEPHEN GOUDEAU
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BEHIND THE LIFE OF COSTUME DESIGNER, DAJIA MILAN
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EXPERIENCE FASHION DESIGNER, PREP CURRY
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FALL FASHION TRENDS TO GET INTO!
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JASMINE SANDERS TALKS ABOUT THE D.L. HUGHLEY SHOW & MENTAL HEALTH
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CREE CAMPBELL ON CREATING HER OWN LANE
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GET THESE LOOKS FOR THE FALL!
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: OUR FINAL TALK WITH CHYRELL DAVIS-MYERS
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THE NKAMA SISTER’S IMPACT THE FASHION WORLD!
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LATRINA CALDWELL SPEAKS ON SURVIVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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SUZETTE SAMUELS OF BLACK INK CREW NEW YORK
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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: LUNATIC MALIK
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FASHION DESIGNER RHOWAN JAMES
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COVER STORY: CYNTHIA MEADOWS A WOMAN OF FAITH AND BEAUTY TANISHA D. DAVIS Publisher EDITORIAL Latrice Strong, Managing Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andrew Joseph Amanda Miller Chaiquan Wingfield Kiwanna Harshaw Jatelia Lewis Jazmyne Byrd Monique Nixon Michael Fanning Pamela Smith Sabrina Carrington Valerie Jones Victoria Moulterie ART/ DESIGN Harold Knight Graphic Designer Khan Kalmati Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Booth Photography MGimages Studios FOUNDER Tanisha D. Davis EMAIL info@femimagazine.org
Cover Image: Cynthia Meadows Photography By: Chris Jon MUA: Katilen Francis
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ublisher’s Note
TANISHA DAVIS This month we take the time to shine the light on all things beautiful in black culture. We enter the world of Beauty & Fashion, giving shine to those who help to make individuals all over the world smile and look absolutely fabulous! It’s the eye-catchy attire, and the most creative looks in hair trends that manage to turn heads and raise the bar, making this the runway that only a few can walk! In this issue, you will get to know the many faces behind the scenes from fashion and design, to make-up and even hair! Our cover Queen is Beauty Mogul, Cynthia Meadows! As we all know, beauty often holds scars, which is why we will also take a look into the lives of two women, one overcoming Domestic Violence and the other Breast Cancer! We hope that you embrace each beautiful page of this publication and discover your own inner beauty! FEMI embraces the raw and natural beauty of you!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CALVIN HOWARD, MGIMAGES STUDIOS MUA: TATIANNA ALEXANDER
CONNECT WITH ME Tanisha D Davis
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@TanishaDDavis
@TanishaDDavis
Tanisha D. Davis
Tanisha D. Davis, Publisher
FEMI MAGAZINE
Photography By: Ciara Cloud MUA: Katilen Francis
The Bold, The Beautiful, and The Fearless Odaingerous Brand
WRITTEN BY LATRICE STRONG
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Fashion means culture. Fashion means shock & awe; more importantly, fashion means expression!
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Odain Watson is the man behind the Odaingerous brand. A staple in the Hollywood fashion scene known for its exclusivity and custom outwear worn amongst celebrities, socialites, and fashion glitterati such as Lindsay Lohan, Remy Ma, Cameron Boyce, Soulja Boy, Carly Rae Jepsen, Christina Milian, Rico Nasty, and his latest collaboration with the Tiger King himself Joe Exotic. Odaingerous is edgy, bold, unapologetic, and an overall fearless brand that screams attitude and originality.
the hope that it will be appreciated by everyone. ‘Fast Fashion’ companies are on the rise, and black designers are often the target of mimicked designs.
What inspired your journey into the fashion industry?
Fashion means culture. Fashion means shock & awe; more importantly, fashion means expression! When I’m picking out clothing, I think, “How will this outfit add to my story today” and then I bring all these elements into the design technique.
My quest for overall creativity inspired my journey into the fashion industry. I wanted to create more than just a fashion brand. Do you feel black fashion designers get enough attention and appreciation in this industry? Black designers need more attention & appreciation! The goal is always to do the work in
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What has been the most challenging part of your journey? I’d say negative, discouraging thoughts. Sometimes, you can be your biggest supporter or your own worst enemy. What does fashion mean to you, and how do you define it in your work ethic?
Who have you had the pleasure to create for? Odaingerous has had the pleasure of working with Lindsay Lohan, Remy Ma, Cameron Boyce, Soulja Boy, Carly Rae Jepsen, FEMI MAGAZINE
How do you create unique designs for every client? What’s the brainstorming process for that to make sure you create something that represents their persona? It depends. Everyone has a way they like to work; some clients are hands-on, and some are more administrative. I like to feel it out and let them lead, but ultimately it has to fit the Odaingerous brand! www.Odaingerous.com
Stylist: Odain Watson Outfit: Yves Saint Laurent Photography By: Jonathan LaVallee
Christina Milian, Rico Nasty, “Tiger King” Joe Exotic, and more! What’s your creative process, and what sparks your creativity? People spark my creativity! Everyone has a story that translates into fashion. It’s the highs & lows, the good & the bad, and the triumphs that start my creative process. What upcoming peeks can we expect from your brand for the Fall? FEMI MAGAZINE
You can expect ‘Drama’ ...I’m pulling from my mania this collection! There’s been a lot of drama, so you’ll see pieces that reflect very particular moments of my daily life. What was the experience of collaborating with Tiger King? Amazing! Joe is a great guy. Collaborating in the middle of a pandemic was all the creative juice we needed. It was cool to interpret the crazy world he lives in.
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HAIR CHAT WITH THE FOUNDERS OF DUODIVA! WRITTEN BY LATRICE STRONG
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asheeda Hern and Chaundra Turner are the epitome of black girl magic, the definition of friendship goals, and the founders of DuoDiva, which is a Black-owned beauty salon located in Dallas, TX. Having formed a deep connection since the 8th grade, these ladies know exactly what it takes to win and secure the bag together by combining their strengths and talents to kick down the doors to the hair and beauty industry. Together they built their own table which is something I love to see. The limitless depth of female empowerment that Rasheeda and Chaundra represent, makes it only natural that we pull up and have a chat to discuss hair care with the ladies of DuoDiva! What are some ways black women can maintain healthy hair in the Fall as cool temperatures arrive? Some strategies that black women can implement while protecting their hair are (sleep regimen silk/satin bonnets, scarfs, or pillowcases) 2-week shampoo/condition regimen, length check, and trim (every 6-8 weeks) Back to the protective style such as wig installs or sew-ins. Speaking of hair trims, how important is it to keep your ends clipped, and is it true that clipped ends help your hair grow faster? It’s very important because having split ends can cause continuous breakage up the hair shaft if not trimmed regularly. Your hair will not be able to reach its fullest potential, trimming the hair definitely helps the hair grow.
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FEMI MAGAZINE
How do you feel about all of the trending oils being promoted to help hair grow? Can hair oils stimulate faster growth, or do you think there are other methods that work best? In our personal, professional experience we are not fans of too many growth oils. We believe that hair is best when oil is only used when having braids or braid down for a wig/sew-in. Hair growth comes mostly from a great shampoo regimen, deep conditioning treatments, and ends being trimmed on time. We all know that after the trip to the salon, a woman leaves feeling like a Queen and full of confidence. What do you enjoy most about helping women to feel beautiful?’ When working with our clients, we’ve found that building their confidence and boosting their self-esteem has been the most rewarding. It’s a great feeling knowing that our work can make someone feel special for a special outing, event, or just because. Getting your hair done and maintaining healthy hair is a major key to self-care. Chaundra, you recently had the opportunity to go to the Bahamas to style 5x Emmy-winning host of Entertainment Tonight, Nischelle Turner, and her fellow broadcasters, what was that experience like? Chaundra: Absolutely amazing! It only motivated me to be more intentional and keep going for her dreams!
FEMI MAGAZINE
You both met in the 8th grade and since have launched a salon and haircare brand, DuoDivas. Tell us about some of the services offered and what it’s been like working together all these years? We provide healthy hair, sew-ins and wig installs. We are making custom units and selling hair extensions. It’s been extremely excellent working next to each other! Being best friends, we’re so lucky to have a trustworthy, fun friendship. It makes it easy to be in business together. Along with being on the same page, it’s a blessing! What’s next for you both in the beauty world? DuoDiva: What’s next for you both in the beauty world? Opening at least two more DuoDiva Salon Suites, and traveling the world, and telling our story. Motivating, inspiring, and empowering black women across the world! #blackgirlmajic @duodivas Website: duodiva.com Photography By: alexjhudsonphoto
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