The Power of Magical Women

The Power of Magical Women

CONNIE BOYD

Vanish Press Las Vegas, Nevada

Vanish Press Las Vegas, Nevada Copyright © 2025 Connie Boyd No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—including to train artificial intelligence technologies or systems—without prior written permission from the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

2550 E Desert Inn Road, 17, Las Vegas, NV 89121, U.S.A. 912 Evergreen Place, North Vancouver, BC, V7R1R6, Canada.

First Vanish Press hardcover edition November 2025 Updated Profiles Originally Published in VANISH International Magic Magazine For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact editor@vanishmagazine.com Vanish Magic Magazine can bring the author and other artists to your live event. For more information or to book an event, contact editor@vanishmagazine.com Interior & cover design by Paul Romhany Cover front Photo: Josephine Lee (photo credit Nick Pate Photography) Cover back photo: Ari Rose (photo credit Airam Dato-on Photo) Edited by Marianne Ward https://thepowerofmagicalwomen.com/ Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication-Data Identifiers: LCCN: 202591792 ISBN: 979-8-9999359-4-6 (soft cover color) ISBN: 9798265627636 (6x9 hard cover) ISBN: 979-8-9999359-2-2 (soft cover B/W) ISBN: 979-8-9999359-9-1 (collector's large edition) ISBN: 979-8-9999359-3-9 (ebook) LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2025917926

This book is dedicated to the powerful magical magiciennes upon whose shoulders we so proudly stand.

Photo Léa Kyle

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison

Contents

Foreword

11

I. Magic Mavericks: Making History and Breaking Records

14

Alana: Fashioning Magic in Her Hands—In Style

16

Alexandra Burgio: Dangerously Deceiving

21

Anastasia Synn: Biohacking Magic

25

April Jennifer Choi: Scientifically Engineering Magic Formulas to Break Records

29

Carisa Hendrix, aka Lucy Darling: Creating Magic with Character

33

Ding Yang: Revolutionizing Dove Stage Magic

38

Dorothy Dietrich: Escaping Her Past in Wondrous Ways

42

Helen Coghlan: Record-Breaking Serial Fooler

45

Jen Kramer: Beating the Odds in Las Vegas

50

Joan Dukore: The Youngest Las Vegas Veteran

55

Juliana Chen: Becoming a World Champion & the First Lady of Magic

59

Laura London: Cheating Her Way to the Top

64

Léa Kyle: Transforming Magic, One Stitch at a Time

69

Megan Swann: Breaking Barriers & Performing Environmental Magic

74

Solange Kardinaly: Born to be Magical

79

- 6-

II. Magic with Purpose: Transforming Lives for the Better

84

Part 1: A Matter of Life and Death 87 Anchal: Using her Magic Voice to Protest Dowry Deaths in India

88

Chanelle Munroe: Métis Magician Uses Magic for Social Transformation

93

Lisa Menna: Creating Cause to Wonder

96

Part 2: Building and Sharing Opportunities within Magic

105

Alexandra Duvivier: Legacy-Building Through Magic Education

106

Connie Boyd: Creating Content & Platforms for Women in Magic

112

Diana S. Zimmerman: Founder of the Magic Castle Junior Program

117

Ekaterina: Using YouTube to Document, Teach & Review

122

Fay Presto: The Queen of Close-Up, Creating Magic Her Way

128

Julie Eng: Executing and Directing Magic

134

Kayla Drescher: SHEZAM Podcast – Magic Inclusivity Quest

138

III. The Storytellers: Prestidigitation Prose

142

Aurélia Thierrée: Avant-garde, Storied Theatrical Magic

144

Belinda Sinclair: Magical Woman, Curator & Creator

149

Caroline Ravn: The Magic Book Club Superwoman

153

Dania Diaz: A Storyteller’s Spellbinding Journey

157

Gloria Dea & AnnaRose Einarsen: Discovering Magic Treasure and a Las Vegas First

162

Grace Chang: Third-Generation Chang Dynasty Legacy – Magician, Actress, Director & Author

173

Jeanette Andrews: Sensory, Interactive Magic & Art

177

Krystyn Lambert: Finding the Courage to Script her Own Future

181

Margaret Steele: Adelaide Herrmann & The Great Boomsky – The Untold Stories

187

Nikola Arkane: Scripting Her Own Way to Become a Champion of Magic 192 Ning Cai: Magic Babe Ning – Life After Magic - 7-

199

Romany Romany: Diva of Magic – Dream Big

205

Tina Lenert: Miming Spellbinding Magic

209

IV. The Future of Magic: Talent Trends & Rising Stars

212

Abby Segal: Communicating Magic’s Future

214

Amanda Nepo: Inventing Magic’s Future

218

Anja Steyn: Wielding her Wand from South Africa

223

Ari Rose: Being Authentically Herself

227

Emily Robinson-Hardy: Using Her Mentalism to Overcome Her Mindset

231

Gabriella Lester: Shining Brightly as a Young Magical Rising Star

236

LeRoya Sanford: “Every Minute Spent Angry is Sixty Seconds of Wasted Happiness”

240

Magica Gilly: Winning People’s Hearts with Magic

246

Rachel Ling Gordon: Using Magic to Overcome Obstacles

251

The Van Hargen Twins: Using Magic as a Tool for Success

254

V. Movers & Shakers: Changing Magic’s Playing Field

258

Alyx Hilshey: Engineer Turned Street & Corporate Magician

260

Billy Kidd: Renegade Magician Actress

267

Chloé Crawford: Femme Fatale of Magic

271

Erica Vanlee: Waking Dreamer

274

Hollie England: Evolving as an Authentic Magician

276

Jaana Felicitas: Dancing Her Way into Contemporary Magic

280

Jade: Daring to "Just Try" and Winning

283

Jessica Jane Peterson: Living a Magical Life

287

Josephine Lee: Elegance in Illusion

289

Katherine Rhodes: Piloting The Magic Circle

293

Luna Shimada: Breaking Free from Her Father's Shadow

296

- 8-

Meadow Perry: Bursting Magic’s Bubble

300

Mistie Knight: The Intellect and Beauty of Magic

303

Paige Thompson: Hitting Home Runs with Magic

308

Rachel Wax: Fashioning Magic with Comedy

312

Tessa Evason: Mastering and Minding Her Future

316

VI. Mystifying Changes for the Future

320

Mystify Magic Festival: Leah Orleans Dared to Embrace Different

322

FISM 2022: How Women Influence Magic

326

Female Magicians Through the Centuries: Free Special Edition

332

In Conclusion: The Closing Act

334

Acknowledgments 336 Image Credits

338

Appendix:Original Publication Information

342

The Contributors

346

Index 349

- 9-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN

Gay Blackstone & Connie Boyd - 10-

Foreword Where Are the Women in Magic? Surprise!

They’ve Always Been Here.

For much of magic’s storied past, the spotlight has too often missed the women who’ve graced its stage. Their artistry was underappreciated, their names left out of the narrative. But the truth is, women have always been here—performing with brilliance, innovating with passion, captivating audiences, and shaping the very essence of the art. Thanks to Connie Boyd, these vital stories are finally stepping into the light where they belong.

This book is a rich, inspiring collection of Connie’s compelling articles and cover features, originally published over the course of five years in VANISH International Magazine. With meticulous research and heartfelt dedication, Connie brings together the voices, achievements, and histories of more than seventy extraordinary women in magic.

Within these pages, readers will discover a dazzling spectrum of talent. You’ll encounter masterful sleight-of-hand artists whose precision is breathtaking and performers who astound with quick-change feats, ethereal dove productions, and daring escapes. You’ll meet illusionists who own the grand stage, mentalists who stir wonder with a whisper, comedians who conjure laughter, and storytellers who weave mystery and emotion into unforgettable performances.

But this collection goes even further. Connie introduces us to women redefining what magic can be—those using their craft for education, empowerment, and creative expression. Some push the boundaries of magic through unexpected mediums, from bubbles to biohacking. Others are tireless researchers, podcasters, writers, and historians, preserving magic’s rich legacy for future generations.

There are surprising revelations, too, like the true identity of the first - 11-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN magician to perform on the Las Vegas Strip. For decades, the credit was given to a man. In truth, it was Gloria Dea, a gifted young magician who stepped onto that historic stage in 1941. Thanks to Connie’s work, stories like Gloria’s—once forgotten or misattributed—are finally being honored and reclaimed.

And the magic isn’t just a thing of the past. Today’s generation of women in magic is rising with boldness, creativity, and courage. They’re global, fearless, and boundary-breaking, reshaping the art with every performance. As this book beautifully illustrates, the future of magic is already here, and women are at the heart of it.

Connie Boyd’s work is more than a celebration—it’s a revelation. It’s a long-overdue recognition, a powerful reframing, and an open invitation to see magic in a more inclusive, more vibrant, and far more accurate light. Whether you’re a lifelong magician, a curious newcomer, or someone who simply loves wonder, this collection will captivate you—and leave you seeing magic in a whole new way.

Gay Blackstone, executive producer of Masters of Illusion (television and stage) for over twenty-five years, magic historian, and a forever magician’s assistant July 2025

Harry Blackstone Jr., Gay Blackstone & assistant - 12-

Photo: Connie Boyd

- 13-

I. Magic Mavericks: Making History and Breaking Records

“I don’t want to distinguish myself just because I am the only female conjurer to perform today. I will not be satisfied until the public recognizes me as one of the leaders in my profession, quite regardless of my gender.”

– Adelaide Herrmann

- 14-

H

aving myself been a professional magician for more than thirty-five years (you can read my own profile in these pages), I understand firsthand both the challenges and the opportunities women face in this male-dominated profession. I created the YouTube channel Magical Women in 2020 as a pandemic project. My first objective was to document through video interviews, as well as in print, the amazing women who have chosen careers in the magical arts, thereby creating a first-of-its-kind and in-depth resource. The project has developed in unimaginable ways, and today hundreds of women are a documented part of entertainment history.

The following trending magical women are unrivaled, world-class, record-breaking, visionary entertainment artists. Their audacious spirit has propelled them beyond boundaries, disrupting expectations and redefining “impossible” as “I-m-possible.”

As you dive into the opening section of this book, you’ll quickly spot a powerful pattern: mentorship fuels success. Whether it’s a devoted family member or a world-class champion, the guiding hands behind these wonder women have shaped, sharpened, and elevated their rise. Skilled mentorship isn’t just helpful—it’s their secret weapon.

These women aren’t simply breaking records; they are demonstrating what’s achievable, setting the stage for a future that transcends traditional performance.

- 15-

Alana: Fashioning Magic in Her Hands —In Style

Alana’s magic is an authentic expression and dazzling reflection of her passions and interests. Her balancing act of femininity and an edgy allure offers jaw-dropping stage-magic performances that are sassy and visually fun.

In 2011, Alana’s dreams became a reality with the debut of her “In Her Hands” act at the German Grand Prix of Magic.

Her groundbreaking performance there made history when she became the first solo female artist to clinch a first-place victory and the revered title of German Champion of Magic.

With delightful dexterity that includes superb stage-magic skills, Alana executed some astonishing magic. Her own hands impossibly seemed to multiply, materialize, penetrate, and vanish, all at her command. Her finale was truly head-spinning.

- 16-

MAGIC MAVERICKS Alana’s act also included innovative manipulation involving feminine accessories such as the disc-shaped earrings she was wearing. Those earrings vanished then shockingly reappeared back on her ears - but in a different color.

No one had ever seen this combination of magic before; it was completely original. The technical foundation of that part of her performance mimicked the deft use of complex magic techniques often found in coin manipulation, but Alana had packaged her magic in a novel way, creating an act that was a distinctive fit for her fashion-forward style and brand.

Overnight, contracts and offers poured in from across the globe. Alana was invited to present her act at prestigious theaters, magic conventions, festivals, and television broadcasts. France’s Patrick Sébastien, who hosted performances of the world’s most esteemed artists on the Cabaret Du Monde television broadcast from Paris (1998–2019), called Alana’s performance on the show “a triumph.”

Fast-forward to 2022, when she was invited to return to the German Championships of Magic spotlight over ten years since her “first first,” this time as the host of the event. Alana shared, “That year the German Championships of Magic included an all-female gala show, which I was very excited about.”

The show was a testament to the positive evolution within the world of magic following her groundbreaking victory. Alana’s achievements had opened doors and paved the way for many women to follow in her magical footsteps.

Standing tall at five-footten, with the elegance and allure of an haute couture model, Alana infuses her magic with her love of fashion. Within Alana’s unique repertoire, magic predictions integrate clothing and shoe choices, with unexpected final twists that delight audiences. At the Magic Castle she jauntily removed her sleeves to produce a full champagne flute, followed by a large pearl necklace,

- 17-

MAGIC MAVERICKS THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN

- 18-

MAGIC MAVERICKS setting the tone for a performance like no other.

Alana confided: “Fashion is a part of culture, a part of our personality and identity; it’s a form of expression. What you choose to wear and how is constantly evolving. For me it’s a natural progression to perform magic that includes fashion. I am very passionate and inspired about style, and the audience can see and feel that expression and love.”

Alana’s magical journey has blossomed and matured with each contract and accomplishment. Since 2021 she has mesmerized audiences with her own one-woman show, a ninety-minute showcase that encapsulates an extensive repertoire. From the fashion and jewelry acts in her captivating show Magic In Style to the award-winning “In Her Hands” act, Alana’s performances are a fusion of beauty, charm, humor, and masterful manipulation, captivating audiences that span generations.

During her childhood in Germany, Alana performed alongside her father in magic shows. Alana cherishes that foundation, acknowledging the solid magical groundwork laid by her father, which not only shaped her skills, but also forged a deep, loving bond between them.

Alana attributes much of her success to the support of her dedicated team. She enthusiastically acknowledges the world-class, FISM-winning German magician Topas as her mentor and close confidant. Topas’s creative insights and unwavering patience played a pivotal role in the inception and refinement of Alana’s signature magic acts. She emphasizes that the fusion of Topas’s creativity alongside the foundational skills instilled by her father have formed the bedrock of her magic success.

In addition to Topas, costume designer Merle Cordsen was a crucial contributor to her career. Wardrobe plays a vital role in her acts, and Merle’s innovations and techniques are integral to executing the seemingly impossible magic feats.

Among Alana’s cherished memories is a standout moment in 2018 when she secured a contract in her hometown of Hamburg at the renowned Hansa-Theater. For six months, she graced the stage, eight shows a week, sharing the limelight with a phenomenal cast. That theater, steeped in charm and history, held special significance for Alana, as her parents had been regular magic performers there in the 1970s. For Alana, performing on that stage, continuing her family’s magic legacy, was the realization of a long-cherished dream.

- 19-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN Alana’s magical career provides her with the privilege of traversing the globe and immersing herself in diverse cultures. She relishes the opportunities to embrace new experiences and to feel the vibrancy of live audiences responding to her magic in various corners of the world.

Alana’s performances are not just magical; they’re a canvas where fashion and enchantment beautifully intertwine, captivating hearts and exemplifying the incredible possibilities that await those who dare to dream and pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

Secrets Revealed v I cannot perform a single card trick. v Magic was my job first and my hobby second. v I have real secrets that I would never reveal.

Favorite Saying Life is short. Buy the shoes.

- 20-

Alexandra Burgio: Dangerously Deceiving

Alexandra Burgio exploded onto the entertainment scene in November 2023, when she appeared on the second episode of season 10 of Penn & Teller: Fool Us and fooled the hosts. She followed that milestone achievement with an electrifying grand illusion stunt escape on Canada’s Got Talent in April 2024 that received four yes votes from the panel of celebrity judges and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The not-so-hidden secret behind her magic success is her foundation. She’s been an active participant in magic since she was a young teen and has sixteen years of experience as a choreographer, dancer, and lead assistant to magic star Greg Frewin, firstplace winner in Stage Magic at FISM – The World Championships of Magic in 1994.

- 21-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN

At thirty-three, the Canadian beauty completed a successful tour in the United States and Canada as the closing act in the Masters of Illusion tour.

She had come a long way from the sixteen-year-old who assisted Greg when he was booked by executive producer Gay Blackstone on the Masters of Illusion show so many years ago.

She called this opportunity an “honor” and said, “I performed the Jaws of Death, which is a visually terrifying, deadly dangerous, upside-down straightjacket escape. It was introduced into the show as a tribute to a Houdini classic. The updated elements of fire and the daunting metal jaws of the death contraption, ready to snap closed upon me at any time, created great suspense and drama for the audience within my escape performance. It was a true career highlight, to be the final grand illusion act, particularly among such a talented cast, whom I respect and admire so much.

“I’m proud to state that a woman performed the final act in the show, and I’d like to think my performance contributed to the consistent standing ovations the show received night after night.”

Gay Blackstone stated, “Alexandra is the face of the future of magic.

She exudes warmth, strength, and sexy charm that make her a powerful star magician and entertainer.”

Alexandra admits she’s learned a lot from her mistakes, and those errors have helped her become stronger technically and artistically. She knows that she is fortunate; she’s had consistent live performance experiences that - 22-

MAGIC MAVERICKS have provided invaluable lessons in coping with issues, performing magic, and keeping it fresh. She also cites her exposure to other magicians and shows while touring with Greg as helping her to identify and focus on the genre and artistic style she favors for her own performances.

Alexandra told me that she is very grateful for her dance training, which she considers a huge asset that has added finesse and a personalized style to her manipulation performances. She emphasized that her choreographic skills are essential to her acts to fuse elements of deception and misdirection.

She has created technical aspects and methods of executing her magic that are distinctly feminine. She quipped, “I don’t know many men that could pull those moves off !”

Here’s a little secret: Due to tight production scheduling, Alexandra had only three weeks to prepare for her Penn & Teller: Fool Us taping in front of the “Bad Boys of Magic.” The pressure was on as she workshopped her act nightly at the Greg Frewin Theater in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in front of live audiences. Her courageous act included a brand-new magic technique. She used those fifteen performances to hone and perfect the act’s elements, which in turn led to her baffling Fooler performance. Having Greg’s creative brain and insight was key, as he guided and worked with her to develop the new material that catapulted her into entertainment history.

The magic she performed for Fool Us was a perplexing card prediction. The card appeared encased in plastic, inside her mouth, which she had willingly allowed to be duct-taped closed in front of the entire audience. With

- 23-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN mimed directions and fun audience participation, the act was unique, memorable, and highly successful. The disturbing visual of a beautiful woman with a taped mouth triggered an uncomfortable curiosity and riveted the attention of those watching.

The non-speaking performance resonated with the duo who have enjoyed an illustrious career focused on Teller’s non-verbal character. Alexandra managed to navigate her performance with finesse, and successful Fooler results ensued.

In contrast, on Canada’s Got Talent she performed a dramatic grand stunt illusion escape with captivating production value, including a cast of assistants. The act concluded with a triumphant transposition, with Alexandra appearing in the midst of the audience.

She told VANISH, “I’m very proud to have achieved such an edgy piece of visual promotion with my Canada’s Got Talent act. I’m not the type of girl to go out in pink ruffles and prance around the stage. I like to pack a punch with my illusions and come out with a raw edge that fuels my persona. I feel that act captured the strong essence of me. It felt like a great depiction that is not only true to who I am as a performer, but also as a woman.”

In 2025, Alexandra electrified Britain’s Got Talent, season 18, captivating millions with her viral audition and securing a place in the semifinals.

Simon Cowell raved about her ingenious “Kiss Card Act,” declaring, “Seriously, seriously good. You’ve got charisma, it was original, you’ve just got this glow.”

Now thriving in the magic spotlight that she was born to claim, Alexandra commands the stage with the confidence of a trained dancer and the boldness of a world-class illusionist. Her spellbinding blend of stage magic, illusion, and daring escapes continues to capture global attention—leaving audiences breathless and wanting more.

Secrets Revealed v I love dance; it’s my first love and I love to teach it. v My first professional performance in Las Vegas, I was underage! Shh… Favorite Quote “In wrestling, we do the same physically as the men, but we gotta look good doing it! I love seeing females doing things that usually we see males doing.”

– Trish Stratus on Canada’s Got Talent 2024, commenting on Alexandra’s performance - 24-

Anastasia Synn: Biohacking Magic

Anastasia Synn dances on a razor’s edge between scientific innovation and ethical dilemmas.

Synn is an enthusiastic advocate of elective human augmentation, a trend that has created controversy and skepticism as well as acceptance within both the scientific and the entertainment communities. Among her groundbreaking achievements: integrating human augmentation technology using her own body. According to her website, “She has been working on innovative uses of biohacking in magic and stunt performance for the purpose of advancing her transhumanist goals.” Synn told ABC News, “A transhumanist is someone who has decided that they want to transcend what humanity is capable of at this time. So whether that be with installing electronics under your skin so that you can unlock your front door, or taking nootropics to live longer and stronger, they all

- 25-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN sort of fall underneath the umbrella of transhumanism.”1 On December 13, 2022, Anastasia appeared on Dr. Phil’s popular daytime talk show. She provided an in-studio demonstration, displaying her arsenal of implanted microchips and magnets. Anastasia explained that she sees herself as a cyborg magician, a transhumanist, and a biohacker who hopes for a future where flesh and circuitry merge seamlessly and where wearables aren’t just accessories, but an extension of one’s self.

Anastasia was literally born into the spotlight as the first baby of 1975 in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Her father was a magic hobbyist, and it was her discovery of his conjuring secrets that prompted a fascination with magic workings and trick gimmicks, of which she has amassed a massive collection.

In 2010, she met the enigmatic star magician and comedian The Amazing Johnathan ( John Edward Szeles, 1958–2022), and from 2013 she was his sidekick and road manager. In 2014, the couple were married by none other than popular comedian Gallagher. As the widow of The Amazing Johnathan, Anastasia remains a paradox, a leading light of innovation and a lightning rod for controversy.

Her 2023 Guinness World Record commendation states: “The most technological implants in the body (female) is 52 and was achieved by Anastasia Synn from Canada on the set of Lo Show dei Record in Milan, Italy.” That record was not just a triumph, it was also a challenge to conventional thought and traditional magic.

Anastasia’s Guinness World Record was in a newly created category, acknowledging the emerging biohacking implant trend. The media attention that ensued caused intense debate and 1. Nathan Rousseau Smith, “DIY biohacker community gathers to compare implants as they seek cybernetic reality,” abc.news.go.com, March 27, 2025

- 26-

MAGIC MAVERICKS heated discussion on talk shows and online platforms. Some hailed her as a pioneer, a techno-magician ushering humanity into a new age of integrated technology and sustainable interactions. Others condemned her as a reckless maverick toying with unresearched forces and questioned the implications of altering human biology with technology.

Anastasia states on her website that she “uses her implants for magic, experimentation, extended sensory perception, instant access to performance content and precious personal memories.” She is a self-proclaimed “wearables addict who tracks many aspects of her life through technology.” In addition to magic applications, some of her implants record memories, such as her wedding to Johnathan. Using her phone, she can scan a microchip above her heart to instantly access the event. She is working toward a future “when we become one with our wearables and create new senses through implants.”

In 2023, the Guinness World Record news desk reported that Anastasia’s implants include the largest magnet ever implanted into a person, as well as a sound-transmitting magnet implanted into the tragus of her ear. The New York Post in a “Weird but True” column joked, “she’s magnetic.”

About half of Anastasia’s implants are microchips, which she programs to give herself heightened senses and abilities, such as revealing objects in a performance, opening locks, and acting as a secondary security key to unlock electronic devices.

- 27-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN She shared that the insertion of her technological implants can cause discomfort and that some are painful companions for months afterward as her body adjusts to the pressure of a newly added device.

Anastasia is a professional geek and a freak magic and stunt performer; she has an appetite for toeing the line between awe and horror, and her shock entertainment acts are often a macabre ballet of magic and suffering.

In 2018, her infamous “Body Floss Act” on Penn & Teller: Fool Us (season 5, episode 10) clearly sent terrifying shivers through the show’s host, Alyson Hannigan, along with the spectators in the audience.

The evolution of biohacking, which emerged in the late 1980s, represents a daring intersection between human curiosity and scientific exploration. The rise of biohacking from a fringe concept to a mainstream trend owes much to the allure woven by spy thrillers, sci-fi epics, and futuristic television series. Those imaginative portrayals of body implants have seeped into the collective consciousness, sparking fascination and nurturing a budding acceptance of the field of biohacking. Fueling that ascent is the march of scientific progress and engineering. Breakthroughs have showcased the scores of uses for implants across various medical disciplines. Those technological marvels aren’t confined to the sphere of fiction but are functional tools enhancing human lives today.

Despite mounting challenges and opposition, Anastasia remains unwavering in her vision, passionately advocating for the integration of technology and human augmentation. She proudly proclaims, “I can officially announce that I’m the world’s most technologically implanted human.”

Secrets Revealed v I have more individual scars on my body than anyone I know, and I love them. There are scars on my mind too...but I like them less. v My brother was a third-round draft pick to the NHL for St Louis. He played exhibitions and was a goon-defenseman. I grew up in hockey arenas. v My father sparred with Muhammad Ali and trained world title fighters.

He also had ties to the Canadian mob and bad people.

Favorite Saying Life is short.

- 28-

April Jennifer Choi: Scientifically Engineering Magic Formulas to Break Records

April Jennifer Choi's fascination with magic sprouted from her innate curiosity. She was seduced by the mystique of playing cards during her college years and intrigued by the profound impact such small objects could wield. Her interest soon morphed into a passion that pushed her to unimaginable achievements. In a daring display of determination, April Jennifer has shattered the norms, becoming a Guinness World Record serial record-breaker. In December 2022, she smashed six different records in a single day. Her most amazing magic feat? A mind-boggling thirty-four consecutive card riffle shuffles executed in just one minute.

While training for that accomplishment and working through the limitations and - 29-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN flaws in traditional methods to improve her speed, April Jennifer developed a new technique. Through rigorous rehearsal, video analysis, and innovative, team-workshop problem-solving, she crafted a more time-efficient approach, which she has shared with fellow magicians and card enthusiasts.

April Jennifer's magic extends beyond card tricks; she's a manager of mechanical analysis at the Kennedy Space Center. Her focus at NASA is in engineering analysis, driven by a profound desire to develop lunar habitation designs and technologies that will propel future space exploration. Her visionary hope mirrors the original Artemis Mission's objective: to land the first woman and person of color on the moon.

April Jennifer's enthusiasm for unraveling the intricacies of how things work fuels her thirst for knowledge and discovery where the dance of science and magic converge. She attributes her engineering background as a significant advantage in her magic pursuits; it helps her foster a sharp, analytical mind. Her fascination with the understanding of mechanics in various systems -- be it mechanical, mathematical, or psychological -- fuels her passion for unraveling puzzles.

- 30-

MAGIC MAVERICKS Initially drawn to patent law with a dream of inventing stage illusions, April Jennifer's love for engineering diagrams persisted, guiding her current career path. Her mechanical comprehension provides a robust foundation for mastering the fundamentals of magic and for improving existing execution methods.

She also has a keen fondness for street magic, card gambling, and close-up magic. Those art forms are compatible with intimate group settings; this allows her to integrate magic into the work events she attends.

Her adeptness with cards not only entertains, but has also provided an invaluable advantage in the competitive engineering profession. She credits her magical skills for bolstering her confidence and networking skills, particularly in client interactions. April Jennifer firmly believes that integrating her engineering presentations with her magic performance skills has significantly enhanced her ability to captivate audiences and forge enduring connections in the professional sphere.

April Jennifer considers herself a performance artist. Her repertoire extends beyond magic, encompassing diverse danger stunt skills like whip-cracking, fire performances, arrow catching, and aerial chain acts. Her inclination to explore the unconventional and the daring points to an attraction to the uncomfortable and peculiar, prompting the question: Is April Jennifer Choi an adrenaline junkie?

Surprisingly, she admits that her greatest obstacle has been her fear: the fear of failure, of making mistakes or appearing inept. Her bravery lies not in seeking adrenaline rushes but in conquering those fears with courage and honesty.

April Jennifer believes that her various talents complement each other. She acknowledges magic’s profound influence on her other acts, into which she integrates magic elements like timing, pacing, reactions, and flow.

April Jennifer’s interest in record-breaking was prompted by her friends’ reactions to her skills. Their enthusiasm often triggered inquiries about world records and methods. Driven by challenges, she decided to investigate and pursue world records as an exciting personal goal. Confronting obstacles with like-minded peers, pushing the boundaries of what’s deemed impossible in magic, and attempting daring stunt feats held great appeal. She honed her skills collectively with friends until she felt adequately prepared to pursue and attempt to break each world record. As of January 2024, April Jennifer holds

- 31-

THE POWER OF MAGICAL WOMEN an astonishing nineteen world records and more than twenty others through different record-keeping organizations.

April Jennifer fosters connections with fellow magicians amid her scientific pursuits and is often astonished by “the presence of hidden magicians” within her professional domain. She’s thrilled when her passions overlap and she connects with others within science and illusion.

April Jennifer’s ambitions soar beyond her magic. She passionately dreams of a world where the unwavering dedication of entertainers isn’t merely recognized but is justly rewarded, nurturing a society that reveres imagination and artistic expression. She dreams of the intersection of the arts and science and envisions a collaborative journey into the uncharted frontiers of space. Until that occurs, April Jennifer Choi will continue to break world records and engineer her own magical destiny, with science up her sleeve.

Serial Record-Breaker Breakdown April Jennifer Choi managed to set six Guinness World Records in one day on November 7, 2022: 1. Most riffle shuffles of a deck of playing cards in one minute: 34 2. Most fire hoops spun simultaneously: 6 3. Highest throw and catch of a spinning fire knife: 3.14 m (10 ft 3.6 in) 4. Most shoot-the-moon (fire-eating) transfers in one minute: 30 5. Fastest time to hit ten targets with a whip (Tasmanian cutback): 5.56 seconds 6. Most flowers crack-whipped from the hands in one minute: 50 7.

Secrets Revealed v I build my own motorcycles. v I created one of the largest fire-eating resources available: The Fire Eating Tricktionary (Volumes 1–6). See https://youtu.be/JHI0G9qbrmQ. Favorite Quote “Fall seven, rise eight,” an ancient Chinese/Japanese proverb that April Jennifer has tattooed on her right shoulder.

- 32-

Carisa Hendrix, aka Lucy Darling: Creating Magic with Character

With wit and spontaneity, Carisa Hendrix weaves together impeccable characters and comedic timing with improvisational finesse to create her unique performance style. She embodies magic versatility; she is an adept inventor, a captivating stage magician, a skilled illusionist, and a sleight-of-hand artist.

Hendrix’s name is synonymous with superb show-hosting abilities within the magic community, but it’s her enthralling portrayal of the beloved Lucy Darling character that has etched an indelible mark in the hearts of all who witness her act. It is Lucy who has become a star drag artist, known for

- 33-

- 34-

her enchanting crowd work and magical presence, and who had attracted over twenty-one million views on TikTok as of May 25, 2025.

Lucy Darling was born onstage in Melbourne, Australia, in July 2017, and from the start she embodied a zesty, spirited persona. Carisa openly acknowledges that Lucy frequently says and does things that catch her off guard, sometimes even startling her. Lucy isn't merely an alter-ego; she’s a distinct and genuine entity, possessing her own perspectives and firm opinions. She delights in sharing these viewpoints with her adoring audiences who laugh at her outlandish, alcohol-themed antics.

Lucy’s surname originates from Carisa’s earlier performance roots, when she was billed as "The Sideshow Darling." Hendrix opted to keep "Darling" as it resonated with her past. Choosing a first name was a bit more challenging.

Carisa gave it a lot of thought, wanting to find the perfect name befitting a powerful magical character. She shared a short version of her process: - I want her to be a real magician, not someone playing the character of a magician.

- Witches—NO, that’s played out.

- Lucifer (masculine) = Lucy (feminine): a bit evil, a temptress; I like the name.

Carisa realized that success in magic didn’t necessitate portraying herself and that she could embrace characters akin to her best work in bubble art, fire-holding, stilt-walking, balloon-twisting, and other circus entertainment acts. Diving into the field of character-driven performances, she dedicated her studies to admired personalities in magic and film, drawing inspiration from their approach and artistic choices within their crafts. Guided by these influences, Lucy’s narrative and persona underwent a transformative evolution, manifesting the essence of a glamorous, otherworldly visitor observing and playfully interacting with mere mortals.

Dialect coach David Lerigny, whose credits include the TV series Fargo, worked with Carisa to create an intona- 35-