SUMMER 2014 /////////// The Empowerment Issue
TABLE OF CONTENTS-summer ‘14
MUSIC MUSTS Top 10 Albums 42
IN EVERY ISSUE
Top 10 Concerts 43
Editors Letter
Ghosts Album Review
4
Meet the Team
44
6
LOCAL OPTIONS
Alpha Girls 30
Crossfit Regionals 37
John Hanlim Interview 46
THE SPOTLIGHT Enrou 56
Roots of Peace 58
Culture Spotlight: Article 22 65
GROOMING Hammer & Nail 174
Summer Beauty Roundups
FASHION & LIFESTYLE
176
Enter your 30s with Grace
Firearms and Fashion Show
182
Tre Luxe
70
186
WTF
THOUGHTS & OPINIONS
74
Rising Stars: Nickle and Lace
Sin & Sexuality
78
190
N’Spired Thoughts
Looks for Less 80
Interview with Bungalow
Girls Rock! Camp
96
Top 10 Men’s Boutiques 102
Top 10 Women’s Boutiques 120
Summer Festival Must Haves 126
FEATURES
50
Against All Odds 130
360 Youth Services 158
Cheri Lindsay Interview 166
Nature’s Choice Farm 200
192
Gun Rights in Illinois 194
EDITORS LAST LOOK Summer Lovin’ 208
Welcome to the summer issue of Halfstack readers! As always, I must extend my thanks to all of you readers out there for your continued support! I also want to send a special shout-out to the amazing team working alongside me to bring you all each of these issues. There has been a lot of evolution for Halfstack this year! If you have not had the opportunity to visit our redesigned blog – please check it out: www.halfstackmag.
letter from the editor
com. It will be your daily go-to supplement in between each issue! We have a great team of bloggers and editors bringing you amazing content every week. We also added a new element to our content, a podcast, this past spring! Halfstack Highlights is a blogcast dedicated to showcasing the latest in indie talent, business and creative opportunities for the dreamer in you. We bring you intimate conversations with up and comers, entrepreneurs and fellow dreamers alike. You can listen on itunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/ us/podcast/halfstack-media/id859012057?mt=2 Now, this issue is filled to the brim with great interviews, commentary and inspiration to get you in the right direction. The focus of our summer 2014 editorial is “Empowerment”. This is an idea that I have explored in
JENNIFER M. LEZAN-VEGUILLA EDITOR IN CHIEF & HER DAUGHTERS SOPHIA & BELLA
depth over the last 10 years of my life and one that I am so honored to share with you through the pages in this issue. Each of our writers has put in so much energy and heart to bring you people, businesses and organizations that truly embody this theme. Sophia took some time to speak with the team at Enrou an online store that allows customers to Shop socially conscious fashion and lifestyle goods that empower developing communities worldwide. Blogger Cheyenne
highlights how Roots of Peace is working to replace
Regulo has round up some of Chicago’s top
minefields with bountiful vineyards and orchards
places to shop for the guys and Teresa brings
worldwide. Beauty Editor, Danielle, brings you an
you some great places for the ladies both in
inspiring and uplifting interview with Cheri Lindsay
the burbs and city.
most known for her revealing Dermablend confession video about living with Vitiligo. I share my per-
Last, but surely not least, we recently began
sonal journey with depression, attempted suicide,
to include opinion and commentary pieces.
growing up in a home of poverty and violence and
A place where some of our writers and past
how 360 Youth Services helped me and continues
readers can express their honest thoughts
to help at-risk youth 10 years later.
and opinions through our outlet. These are here to evoke thought, honest conversation
In addition to all these empowering stories, I had
and respectful debate. Jen Pontrelli brings
the opportunity to complete our editorial feature
you details on the changes Chicago can fore-
this issue alongside our talented staff photog-
see now that the conceal and carry gun law
rapher: Perry Fish. We visited and interviewed 4
has passed. Matthew Santos adds some rivet-
empowered personalities, entrepreneurs and orga-
ing thoughts on sin and sexuality and Reyni-
nizations who are making a difference right here in
sha Lindsay truly inspires with her “N’spired
Chicago. Over the last few months Perry and I vis-
Thoughts” column.
ited their offices to give all of you readers a behind the scenes look into what they do and to share
I hope that the ideas expressed and the peo-
their stories. It is my honor to share the journeys of
ple highlighted in this issue, bring you com-
Tamika Price, founder of Standout Style Boutique,
fort and inspiration. I hope that the journeys
Nick Wernimont, co-founder of Factor75.com, Jess
showcased allow you to forge on into your
Lively of Jesslively.com, and Michael Kimpan of The
own. Most importantly, I hope this issue helps
Marin Foundation.
you realize that anything in life is possible. I wish you all the best dear readers.
This issue also has some enticing fashion and music
-
features. Definitely check out the top albums for
Jennifer M. Lezan-Veguilla
summer editorial which features a great roundup
Editor-in-Chief
of what are sure to be major hits all summer long. Teresa also had the opportunity to interview one of the stylists behind acclaimed online shopping destination: http://www.bungalowclothing.com/. JENNIFER M. LEZAN - EDITOR IN CHIEF
jennifer veguilla
kate roth
mariana quaranta
eic & creative dir.
fashion director
co-founder
@ chicLezan
@ halfstackmag
@ missmarc40
DIGITAL TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
sophia sanchez
dwight bejec
director & editor
& social media strategy
digital content
director of comm.
P erry F ish lead photographer
alluringchicago.com/
PROMOTIONS
meet the
jennifer pontrelli
sales & promotions director
teresa espinoza
fashion editor
& promotions asst
team WEBSITE
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blogger & writer
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bloggr & online digital editor
KALI KOLLER Graphic Designer & Creative business owner
SAMMY SITHIPONG Creative visionary and Graphic Designer
JAMIE L. BREEDEN Momma, talented photographer & graphic designer
REGULO ALVARAD
Style enthusiast & talented fashion designer
DANIELLE PULAK Beauty know it all, fashion diva to the max.
STELLA QUIMBY Beauty queen, mommy, fashionista & blogger.
REYNISHA LINDSAY Inspirational Fashionista
RAVEN FISHER Staff Blogger& Social Media Asst.
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AlphaGirls Power Up Chicago Women L
ooking at Karen Bartuch’s tall, slender frame, flowing blond hair and striking features, one might be more inclined to think supermodel than firearms specialist. However, the second she speaks, it becomes rather apparent that words like “delicate” and “pretty” are not too common in her arsenal. “I may be a buck thirty-five, but believe me, I can take down a threat,” she laughs. “My motto is be prepared for anything.” And take down threats she
By Jen Pontrelli
has. After a decade-long career as a Chicago Police Officer, Bartuch has taken firearm and self-defense education for women to a whole new level in the formation of her organization AlphaGirls. AlphaGirls is a company that promotes female empowerment through physical, emotional and mental education in the event of an attack. It teaches its students how to operate in situations where bodily harm is a real threat, not only preparing them with physical skill in self-de-
fense, but also in mental training as well. “It may sound crazy, but being attacked can get close, ugly and slippery,” Bartuch says. “We educate people on the visceral stuff like ‘Can I pull a trigger?’ or ‘Can I stab someone’s flesh?’” It may sound violent and morbid, but this is the world that we live in. Growing up in Chicago, Bartuch knows this better than anyone and is opting to be an advocate instead of a victim. At a young age, Bartuch recalls
“I may be a buck thirty-five, but believe me, I can take down a threat.�
seeing men masturbating on the CTA trains and being followed by shady characters around stores. Instead of being threatened by these predators, Bartuch decided to make herself the threat and enrolled in the police academy. After working in law enforcement for 10 years, she amassed an education in firearms, self-defense and awareness that was unparalleled, and soon decided that it was her mission to spread this knowledge to her fellow woman. In 2009, Bartuch founded the Women’s Tactical Organization, a charity that helped to teach more tactical combat training to women in law enforcement. The training programs took off tremendously, but Bartuch noticed that this was just the tip of the iceberg. “Everyone loved it, but we had husbands, dads and brothers who wanted even more training for their women,” Bartuch
recalls. “They were worried, so we decided to keep things moving forward.” A few years later, Bartuch established AlphaGirls, which aimed education, not just at law enforcement, but at women of all walks of life. Bartuch wanted her students to be, like her, prepared for anything. Today AlphaGirls offers a variety of training programs for women, to prepare them for every aspect of an attack. Beginning with mental leadership training, the AlphaGirls tackle every subject from hand-to-hand combat, firearm handling, conceal and carry training as well as one-on-one training in any facet of self-defense. As a former police officer, Bartuch knows first-hand how physical and uncomfortable attack situations are and as a result, AlphaGirls promotes education for painfully, realistic attack scenarios.
“ We try to get people
comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Bartuch says. “We encourage students to come in every-day clothing, not athletic clothes, because what are the chances that you get attacked in your Nikes and flexible yoga pants? Pretty slim. We give women a chance to test their own skills in as realistic a situation as we can.
”
“My motto is be prepared for anything.�
Trainings are specifically centered on disciplines that are ideal for women. The group promotes a Kung Fu discipline called Wing Chung, which is a form of fighting that is optimal for women because it does not require a tremendous amount of strength. The form relies on skeletal manipulation, a universally effective form of combat. Despite its gritty subject matter, Bartuch and her fellow AlphaGirls always work to make training and education programs as positive and beneficial as they can. Firearm training is one aspect of self-defense that has come under scrutiny lately as various
promotes the best type of activist groups are struggling control: yourself. In an unto wrap their collective heads predictable, and sometimes around a history of violent violent world, Karen Bartuch mass shootings in the country. and her AlphaGirls are running In such a murky time folheadlong into a forward-thinklowing a string of shootings this year, Bartuch emphasizes ing future and working to make tomorrow’s woman even stronthat now is a better time than ever to promote education and ger than today. awareness about firearms. The purpose of these classes are not to attack and harm, but to “now is a better time defend, survive and thrive. “We promote responsible, than ever to promote edsafe gun ownership 100 per- ucation and awareness cent,” Bartuch affirms. Despite doubters and nay- about firearms.” sayers of certain aspects of gun, Bartuch proudly stands behind an organization that
“We promote responsible, safe gun ownership 100 percent” “Bartuch proudly stands behind an organization that promotes the best type of control: yourself.”
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Crossfit Regional North Central 2014 By: Stella Quimby Layout: Kali Koller Photos courtesy of Brittany Lohmann of Crossfit AMRAP
This past Mother’s day weekend, instead of lounging around and pampering mama (like she deserves…daily), a group of the roughest, toughest athletes were competing at Navy Pier at the Crossfit Regional’s North Central Games. Athletes from all around the Midwest region flocked into Chicago to try to make it to the ‘elite’ Crossfit Games that are set to run on July 25.
in which my box, Crossfit AMRAP competed. This 3 day event, which started Friday May 9th , was filled WOD (workouts) challenges from morning to early evening. The individual workouts and the team workouts differentiated from one another. Both WODs were incredibly hard and difficult for the everyday Joe, not to mention an average crossfitter such as myself.
From Regional newbie’s to the established competitor such as Stacie Tovar, they competed all out to make it to the Games. There were individual competitors, men and women, Master’s men and women and lastly a team competition,
So, what did these workouts consist of? Hard and more hard….actually below is an example (taken from game.crossfit.com) which shows what the individual workouts were for those competitors.
So what were the results you may be thinking? Here are the top 5 for Individual Men, Women and Teams. (SEE RIGHT)
TEAMS
WOMENS
M E NS
The top 9 from each category will move on to the Elite Games! Top athletes from across the Midwest, crazy WODs, tons of vendors and even some Paleo foods made it to the Regional’s! It was an awesome experience!!! Also good luck to all the athletes from the North Central region that will compete at the Games in Carson! We will be watching and cheering you on!!! “May the WOD be ever in your favor”, clever huh?
ALBUMS
t o p
Written by: Dwight Bejec If you have not downloaded Sam Smith’s album, titled In The Lonely Hour, which was released June 17th, then do it. This UK Born soulful singer songwriter is released his album just in time for memories of summer love and heartbreak. Get ready to experience his expression of love. Australian Pop Star, co-writer of songs by songs by Beyonce, Rihanna and Katy Perry, will be releasing her solo album “1000 Forms of Fear” July 8th. The debut single “Chandeliers” was released as the first single from the album with Dance Moms Star Maddie Ziegler standing in for the shy Sia in the brilliant music video. A little bonus, Elastic Heart from the movie Catch a fire Soundtrack will be included with her album release! Ed Sheeran, who has written hits for a list of who’s who will be dropping his sophomore album June 23rd simply labeled ‘x’ (pronounced “multiply”). It has been a few years since we last heard from him, so expect something new original and amazing from this guy! Steve Aoki will be releasing part 1 of his 2 part album Neon Future August 12th. Neon Future I is said to feature Fall Out Boy, Empire of the Sun, will.i.am, Flux Pavilion, Bonnie McKee, and Machine Gun Kelly, as well as WakaFlocka. If you’ve ever heard of Steve Aoki, please remove yourself from the cave you live in and allow your ears to experience the EDM beats of Steve Aoki! If you’re a Jack White fan, then June 10th was a big day for you, if not, then definitely take time to download his new album Lazaretto. The driving blues of his gift will propel you through that long run, or that monotonous spreadsheet in no time at all. 50 Cent’s new album has been released a little at a time leading up to the full album release June 3rd. Titled Animal Ambition, this will be his 5th album. So why get it if you’ve heard almost every song on there? It’s a fresh perspective of ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and success, as 50 described it’s an untamed desire to win. It has taken 4 years to create Extinction Level Event 2, which will be released July 4th. What makes this so special? It’s a legacy album, one which speaks for itself. June 17th marks an important date for Jennifer Lopez, as she will be dropping her 10th album. She collaborated with many people on this one, from Iggy Azalea, Nas, T.I., Rick Ross, and Pitbull, plus contributions from Chris Brown, Diplo, Detail, Harmony, Roccstarr, Max Martin, and more.
2014 Summer Concerts Written by: Dwight Bejec layout Design by: Kate Roth Bruno Mars June 20 First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre (formerly Tweeter Center-il) Pompadoured singer-songwriter Bruno Mars will be on hand June 20th at the First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre to deliver soulful ballads of love lost and new memories. Don’t miss it!
Sara Bareilles July 10 Chicago Theatre If inspiration from a silky smooth singer songwriter is what you are looking for Sara Bareilles will be at the Chicago theatre July 10th to inspire you to be an inspiration to everyone around you.
Pitchfork Music Festival july 20
Union Park Starting at $148 This is one Chicago festival to not miss, a show of shows... Although the 3 day passes have sold out, fret not as the individual day tickets are still available!
Jay-Z & Beyonce July 24
Soldier Field Stadium, Jay-Z & Beyonce will be coming to soldier field July 24th for their, “On The Run” Summer Stadium Tour. With expectations high, they released a short video as a foreshadowing of all of the action, drama and excitement to come!
Katy Perry August 7
United Center Katy Perry will be dropping her turbocharged love-bomb to Chicago on Aug7th at the United Center. Don’t miss out on this show experience.
O.A.R. June 21
FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (formerly Charter One Pavilion) O.A.R. hits Chicago early at the FirstMerit Bank Pavilion June 21st to give us the music backdrop to midsummer memories.
Lady Gaga July 11
United Center Lady Gaga will be at the United Center on July 11th to make you one of her, Little Monsters. Be ready for a grandiose show of ostentatious costumes as well as her awesome piano chops - don’t miss it!
Jack White July 23
The Chicago Theatre Jack White, former White Stripes front man will be brining his classic rock bluesy edged sound to the Chicago Theatre on July 23rd. Look forward to hearing new cuts from his 2nd solo album Lazaretto!
Lollapalooza 2014 August 2 Grant Park, A great list of hip hop, some rock and a bit of EDM, There is something about Lollapalooza that brings the people out! It takes place in Gran Park starting August 2nd.
Arcade Fire Aug 26-27 United Center Arcade Fire’s Reflektor tour will be hitting Chicago up on Aug 26-27. Prepare for a thoughtful, insightful and intuitive spectacle careening between 80’s electropop, 70’s glamrock a touch of pop and dash of EDM.
“Caught a ghost, human nature”
Witten by Dwight Bejec
H
uman Nature, the debut album from Caught A Ghost, was released April 1st of this year, Helmed by singer/songwriter/producer Jesse Nolan, Caught A Ghost also features drummer Stephen Edelstein and singer/ percussionist Tessa Thompson, who has won acclaim for her acting roles in such TV series as “Veronica Mars,” “Copper,” and the upcoming Dear White People, which won The Jury Prize at Sundance this year. For its live show, the band morphs into an eightpiece outfit that includes a full horn section and much dancing. Caught A Ghost recently completed a US run supporting He’s
“Sleeping At Night” was heard in Taco Bell’s SXSW recap video, “Connected” is featured in a BlackPeopleMeet.com television ad and the band’s cover of the classic Sam Cooke tune “You Send Me” was tapped for the new Victoria’s Secret TV/online campaign. “Caught A Ghost pulls from different genres, creating a unique pastiche of ambient, psychedelic, and electronic sounds,” observed Interview, which recently premiered the album’s title track.”There’s an updated sound to the production, but a warm vintage feel runs through it all,” said Pigeons and Planes.
My Brother She’s My Sister and a tour of Chilé. This album brings thoughts and feelings both of being triumphant as well as the hopelessTracks from Human Nature have been promi- ness of the human nature. It seems like it is all nently featured in such high profile TV shows encompassing, but this neo-soul gem manages to fuse genres, instruments, and emotions to as ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Mistresses,” create an exciting, moving sound. HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” USA Network’s “Suits,” The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals” and Fox’s “Rake.” The song Layout design by Kate Roth