Editor’s Note
Leche Magazine. Volume 4. It feels great to finally be here typing my first editor’s note. Now, let me speak about 2023. 2023 has been a shift to say the least, but it’s been a good one. It gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about myself as an individual and a creator. I met many people that have presented me the doors and windows for me to break through. Boundaries were surrounding me, but I never let those confine me. This was a year filled with success and failure, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Everything I have been learning so far has been the catalyst for me building the baby I gave birth to: the magazine that you are reading right now. I have applied all my skills into a product that I once thought would never grow. I am officially leaving that mentality behind in my past life because I know that this has potential to reach the moon. Leche Magazine Volume 4 is something that I am very proud of and I know that you will all be too. I worked with so many talented creators that I never knew existed, and the whole time, they have been in my backyard. This volume is very sentimental to me because of the amount of work and stress put into it. My team and I can testify to that. This volume emphasized the fact that nothing in life comes easily. If you want something so badly, you will have to do everything necessary to see it come to fruition. You know you have it in you, so the next time that voice in your head tells you otherwise, tell it to shut the hell up!
Now, enough of me talking, go enjoy Leche Magazine Volume 4 and appreciate the creatives that work day n’ nite to make their dreams, their reality.
Francisco Ochoa Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Release Date April 2, 2021
Release Date August 22, 2021
Release Date September 9, 2022
The Main Squeeze
Mawi
The Tattoo Career that Saved Him
Tatiana Picado
A Journey in Nails and Beyond
Bucky Malone
The Leader of Virginia’s New School
Don Sebas Taqueria
Woodbridge, Virginia
Irvin “Draco” Arias
Fully Loaded
Parlor Express
From Rags to Richmond
Hypefoodies
The Iconic Duo Behind It All
Stay Dangerous A Showcase
Jvlee
Like Fine Wine
Cody Zanowick
The Man Behind The Ink
Simple to Society Timeless
Tony Anthony Snakks Ervin
Photographer
Y’ours
You Are Here
Jency Turcios
The Dark Art Nail Tech Keeps It Real <3
Submissions by the People
Inside Volume 4
Hey everyone, it feels good to be typing one of these again. If you’re new, welcome to Leche Magazine. If you’re returning, then you know the drill. Leche Mag Volume 4 is bigger and better than ever. To your left, you will see The Main Squeeze which consists of one of our favorite set lists to this day. In Volume 4, you will be getting to know a variety of creatives all over the DMV area. Some may seem familiar, or some may be completely new to your eyes. This new installment houses two new niches: Tattoos and Nail work. This was an exciting leap for us at Leche since we have always wanted to tap into this. It was simply about finding the right ones. Moving ahead, you will read about Mawi and Cody Zanowick who take their tattoo craft serious, but also have fun with it. There are also four dedicated clothing/ culture brands: Stay Dangerous, Parlor Express, Simple to Society, and Y’ours that find passion in giving people the necessary garments to staying stylish. We also can’t ever forget about the essential: Music. Bucky Malone, Irvin “Draco” Arias, and Jvlee are musicians that eat music for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This was something that Leche wanted to highlight for the community. You will also see two, food-related stories about a local taqueria called Don Sebas and the dynamic duo, Hypefoodies. Additionally, you will get to know why Tatiana Picado and Jency Turcios have been selected by Leche Mag to jump start its dive into the nail industry. They are the real deal. Last, but not least, Tony Snakks gave us the run down of how he got into photography and the spicy side he is well known for.
Now we know this is a lot to digest, but it’s worth it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the new wonders that Leche Magazine has to offer.
Photography
Tony Snakks
What are the people listening to?
Gunnaa Gift & a Curse
Travis ScottUtopia
Rauw AlejandroPlaya Saturno
Lil Uzi VertPink Tape
Kali UchisRed Moon In Venus
QuevedoDonde Quiero Estar
Alex Giron
Alexis McCaffrey
Ashley Amaro
Ruddy P.
Julio Navarro
Julio Barahona
The People Writers
Alexis McCaffrey
Marcela Monet
Melina Vicente
Trey Alston
Monica Alarcon-Najarro
Francisco Ochoa
Coveted is a culture where we strive to improve and be the best version of ourselves. We come from nothing and we want to show the world that with hard work and devotion, against all odds, anything is possible. Nowadays everyone knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing. Coveted is loyalty to your dreams, goals, and desires. My colleague and I only print by hand. This makes slight variation from one piece to another. Guaranteeing uniqueness of each item we make. These are made by two humans, not machines. We are not a brand. We are a culture.
photography
Alex Giron
words
Alexis McCaffrey
THE TATTOO CAREER THAT SAVED HIM
Jack Mawi is a tattoo artist and is originally from Ethiopia. He and his family moved when he was just 15 years old. Mawi aimed to make a lifestyle change, and in doing so, he made himself known in the Ethiopian community. Mawi started off with humble beginnings, just purchasing a tattoo kit from Amazon and then later transitioning into an apprenticeship. “I ended up at a place called Art of War and ended up being an apprentice there for like two months, and I ended up with this woman named Tasha, and she apprenticed me for a year,” said Mawi.
Mawi’s inspiration for starting tattooing was out of boredom and simply because he wanted to try. So he went for it and never looked back. “It [tattooing] brought a lot of stability prior to what I was doing. I wasn’t doing a bunch of good for anyone besides myself. It brought a lot of good stability and goodwill. It allowed me to help people out and teach people something that I have learned. Insistent income and patience changed me for the better,” said Mawi.
Mawi further explained how it brought him “out of some dark things” and overall helped him improve his life. Tattooing has acted as a safe space for Mawi. It takes him into a meditative-like trance as he does his work. “It does bring calm over me. I get to sit down and focus on something, and I have a little bit of ADHD, so it helps me focus on one thing. It shuts out the rest of the world while I focus on tattoos” said Mawi.
In preparation for this meditative-like state, Mawi will sit and stare at the piece for 15-20 minutes before the client comes in so he can grasp all the finer details and be fully prepared. One of Mawi’s favorite tattoos he has done was a “Kevin Gate portrait, it set my work apart as far as portrait work goes when I did this one. It was done in 2021 and took eight hours. She [the client] loved it. She was calm and very excited about it. She wears the piece very proudly,” said Mawi.
“i plan on doing this until i die”
Mawi’s tattoo work has now become a lifelong journey, “I plan on doing this until I die.” With his six years of professional experience, Mawi is now a shop owner and has even bigger plans for the future. Mawi plans on moving into the commercial side of tattooing and working towards getting suppliers or warehousing to have as another source of revenue. Currently, Mawi’s shop, Obsidian Ink Studio, is doing well and has five amazing artists who are his homies: Yves Pailma, Jonathan Escalona, Jason Nunley, Eric Kuldell, and Sicktaco. All artists have different styles and processes to cater to anyone’s interests. Mawi shared, “We pick up on each other. They all have the insight I can learn from and even life insight. We all learn from each other. It’s good to have artists that are veterans of the game and have been tattooing for several years. We all have something to learn from each other.” As Mawi has reflected on being a tattoo artist, he sees how important it is to him outside of it just being his career. “It’s my identity in the sense that it definitely saved me, and I hold it in high regard. It means everything to me. Nothing in my life would work without it,” said Mawi. Part of helping Mawi build this concrete identity in tattooing was the support from his close circle. “My family, my brother, my sister, and everybody supports. At first, they didn’t, but it worked itself out. The whole Ethiopian community is proud of me and knows me,” said Mawi.
In part of building his true identity, Mawi stressed the importance of betting on himself and being there for himself. “Not many people are gonna trust you at first, you just have to work at it and chip away at it. There is always small work to build up blocks,” said Mawi. Mawi continued to explain his reasoning with the allusion, “You can build a house off of pebbles.” This emphasizes that things can be possible, and you must be willing to go for it and not give up on the first try. It’s a continuous process and hard work that has gotten Mawi to where he is today. “I am that nigga. I also think that I am a regular dude, and I think a lot of artists are trying to be somebody and be Instagram flashy. I am just a regular guy. I go home and play 2K. I keep it as real as possible,” said Mawi. Mawi shares how this is just the beginning of his journey. “I am working towards the goals financially, mentally, and manifesting all these things. Big shout out to everyone at the shop. They haven’t seen the best of me yet. Stay tuned.”
“i am that nigga ...
i keep it as real as possible”
A Journey in Nails and Beyond
Tatiana Picado is a Woodbridge-based nail technician with Salvadoran and Nicaraguan heritage whose creativity and passion have led her to carve her unique path. This young entrepreneur’s journey is a testament to determination, sisterly support, and the pursuit of dreams. Picado’s primary field is the ever-evolving world of nail artistry. She entered this industry two years ago, driven by her passion for creativity and the desire to express herself through her craft. Her journey began when her sister, Jacky, proposed starting their businesses together. Originally interested in the hair industry, Picado gravitated towards nails due to the prohibitive cost of venturing into hairstyling. Embracing her love for nail art, she embarked on self-discovery, ordering the basics from Amazon and commencing her artistic odyssey.
“I just said screw it; I went on Amazon, ordered the basics, started from there, and never looked back. Two years now, we have a consistent clientele,” said Picado. Jacky was a key figure in Picado’s life, considering she was her sister and confidante. Their shared entrepreneurial aspirations and mutual support created a close friendship beyond their work. Every night, the sisters check in with one another to make sure they support one another as caring siblings and business partners. “Just having my sister as support, knowing that we’re going through the same things, is also so nice.” Tatiana also spoke about her younger sister Bianca, “She has always been very supportive through just being a model, and even if they looked ugly at first, she would say, “you’re doing good, just keep going.”
words
Melina Vicente photography
Ashley Amaro
When asked about her support system, Picado highlighted another important family member: her mother. She states, “She’s definitely the first person I go to for anything. If I need any advice, whether businesswise or just anything, she’d be the first person that comes to mind.” Beyond her mom, Tatiana’s entire family offers support in any way they can. This genuine love and encouragement have played a significant role in her journey, nurturing her confidence and ambition. There were several growing pains in the nail industry for the young tech. A learning curve for Picado and most new small business owners was keeping herself on a consistent posting schedule to extend her outreach on various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. “No one promotes you like you,” she states.
Picado had to deal with the usual hesitation of potential customers to trust a newcomer in the early stages of her nail business. Still, her accomplishment was made possible by a family friend who served as her first-ever client and offered unfailing support.
The client said, “I want something to define me,” which gave the young artist a chance to show off her abilities. Her constructive feedback acted as a platform for development, motivating Tatiana to hone her skills and produce outstanding outcomes. Picado reflects, “I think what did it was the honest criticism,” recognizing the significant value of candid criticism. When it comes to her nails, Picado takes pride in her unrelenting dedication to client satisfaction. She goes above and above for each visit to guarantee that she completely fulfills her clients’ needs. Her outstanding interpersonal abilities shine online and in person, allowing her to forge close relationships with her clients. She ensures the success of her clients’ projects and her satisfaction with her job by ensuring everyone is on the same page. Recently, Picado has found a new specialty in nail art in “Frenchies,” a classic manicure design that features classy white tips against a pink or nude base, which shows her dedication to her craft hasn’t slowed down one bit.
“I really would like to open a salon,” Picado says. Her vision is to establish an environment where community and artistry can coexist, where she can mentor young nail technicians through classes and offer excellent nail services. However, nail art is more than just Picado’s job; it’s her passion and goal. Her motivation comes from the idea of making nail art her full-time career. She shares, exhibiting her dedication to her chosen profession, “I see the change; it’s slow, but it’s happening.” Picado gives heartfelt advice to others hoping to follow in her footsteps: “Be patient with yourself and growing your business. It doesn’t happen overnight. There’s no manual saying ‘Here’s the perfect way to do it’ because you have to customize it to you, it’s what works for you, what budget you’re in… a lot of factors play into that.” Making an appointment with Picado ensures gorgeous nails and a unique experience for each client. Every connection demonstrates her commitment to candid communication and fostering an excellent client environment.
“I just want people to see how I am. I’m me. I will try to make you the happiest, and if you’re happy, I’m happy. We’re in this together,” exclaims Tatiana.
Tatiana Picado’s ability, dedication, and enthusiasm for her roots shine through as she continues to climb. She leaves a lasting mark on everything she touches, thanks to her artistic talent and unyielding determination. When you enter Tatiana’s world, you’ll find more than delicious food and gorgeous nails—you’ll also find a journey filled with family love, personal development, and unwavering ambitions.
The Leader of Virginia’s New School
BUCKY MALONE
words Trey Alston interview Chandler Ashton photography Ruddy P.
Bucky Malone, also known as Little Tokyo’, got into music for a serious reason. After the death of his grandmother in 2010, Malone fell into a deep depression as a teenager — something that would go on to define his early years. After looking for a way out, he decided to start recording music and use it as his outlet to grieve and recover. It led to the release of his “L.I.F.E.” project that spurred him to continue telling his story — partly because of how cathartic it felt to get everything on wax, but also because of the reception from his growing local audience. Through steadily building with each release, Malone found himself reaching massive new heights early on, and he kept things rolling by hitting fans over the head with a multitude of releases. His success led to him opening up for Juicy J in 2013 at Norfolk State University, and he also performed at fashion designer 40 Oz Van’s 40 Oz Bounce in Virginia Beach on two occasions. Additionally, he’s collaborated with the popular urban showcase Traptastic and has opened up for many leading rap acts such as Goldlink, Key!, Yung Gleesh, and A$AP Ant.
Projects like, “The Pink Album” and “Futuristic Pimp $hit II” have been the bodies of work that fans have gravitated to most in recent years. Their successes led to him performing at the A3C music festival in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2019. Additionally, hiphop publications such as The Source, ELEVATOR, Daily Chiefers, Earmilk, and producer Boi1da’s personal website have become avid followers of his every move, breaking his new music because of their genuine fascination with his recording process. Malone’s success can be tied to his mission in this industry. No longer is he trying to heal from trauma — now, he’s trying to have some fun. “My main objective is to bring the fun and creativity back into the art form,” he says.
“I am different from other artists, and I plan on remaining that way. I am never settling for less.”
Chandler: What is the meaning behind
Bucky: Bucky is derived from my nickname “Buck”. The Malone came into made, like a shot caller or mobster instead with music.
Chandler: What do you hope people take
Bucky: I hope people simply enjoy it, a lot of people are used to digesting most microwave made. No anticipation, no build up just throwing it out was going through for the last two years and put it in the work. Wether
Chandler: How does your music reflect your
Bucky: My music is a page out of my life, I touch on situations i’ve play in my music, I share them without pressuring people to automatically while being optimistic. I know there isn’t just one type of personality
Chandler: How do you stay motivated and
Bucky: I’ve been recording and writing music for over half my life. So is when i’m the most comfortable yet the most vulnerable.
Chandler: What was your favorite memory
Bucky: The whole tour was a satisfying experience because I had full was probably my New York date & when I closed the tour in my hometown. good to have the crowd engaging and it always feels good to gain new
Chandler: Why is the color purple important the theme of the album?
Bucky: For this particular project the color “purple” was a consistent ing colors and tones. Synesthesia is the main reason for this. I often veloping the theme early in recording, I decided to run with the purple and how they sounded sonically.
your stage name?
into play because I wanted it to represent the hits I
take away from your Purple Album?
digesting music really fast these days because it’s alout like “here”. With this project I took everything I Wether it was personal or not.
your personal experiences and beliefs?
been in or currently in. As for my beliefs that I disautomatically side with my views. I like to provide my truth personality or type of people listening.
and inspired to make music?
So besides it being natural instinct, working on music
memory on the Purple tour?
control, from marketing to bookings. My fondest memory hometown. The energy was genuine and unmatched. It felt real fans.
important to you and why is that
consistent theme. A lot of the music I make, I describe by usoften see colors when hearing certain sounds. So after depurple vibes based off the characteristics of the songs
In the heart of Woodbridge, Virginia, there was a small but vibrant Mexican Taqueria called Don Sebas. It was a place that drew people in with the tantalizing aroma of authentic Mexican cuisine and kept them coming back for more. The story behind Don Sebas was a tale of two brothers, Jairo Monteflores, and Gelber Montesflores, whose journey from their family farm in Guatemala to the bustling food scene of the United States was a testament to hard work, family bonds, and the pursuit of a dream. Don Jairo, 56, had spent his early years on a farm in Guatemala, working alongside his father tending to the land. It was a life of hard labor and strong family ties. Don Jairo’s younger brother, Gelber, 37, shared those memories, and as they grew older, they shared a dream. The dream was born during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many businesses were struggling to survive.
BirriaQuesataco TresLeches
Together, the brothers decided to start their own taqueria, but choosing the right name was crucial. After much deliberation, they settled on “Don Sebas” as a way to honor their father, the man who had taught them the value of hard work and family. Don Sebas started as a food truck, a modest beginning for what would become a beloved family-owned business. While Don Jairo had always worked in the American restaurant industry, Gelber had a wealth of experience in Mexican cuisine. It was Gelber who convinced Don Jairo to venture into the taco industry, a decision that would change their lives.
Esquite
Don Jairo emphasized the challenges of starting their own business, saying, “It is difficult to start your own business. It requires a lot of attention and responsibility. There is a lot of pressure and mistakes, but when things go well, you feel very proud.” He also reflected on his journey to the United States, highlighting the difficulties of being undocumented but never letting opportunities slip away. Don Sebas faced its share of ups and downs, but Don Jairo remained optimistic. He understood that not every day would be perfect, but he believed in the power of perseverance and hard work. The success of Don Sebas was built on its tasty menu. Their birria tacos had become a staple dish, loved by locals and visitors alike. But they didn’t stop there. Don Sebas offered a mouthwatering array of dishes, from asada tacos to al pastor tacos, chorizo tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and even Cali-style asada fries. Their esquite, a Mexican street corn dish, was a crowd favorite, as were their famous desserts: tres leches and pay de mango.
As Don Sebas continued to gain traffic and attention, the brothers harbored dreams of expansion. Don Jairo revealed, “We’ve had conversations about franchising Don Sebas one day, and if the opportunity ever presents itself, we’re taking it.” Their ambition knew no bounds, and they looked forward to experimenting with new dishes and even opening different types of restaurants. The story of Don Sebas Taqueria was a testament to the power of family, hard work, and embracing opportunities. It was a journey from a humble farm in Guatemala to a thriving taqueria in the United States, all wrapped up in the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine. Don Sebas had become more than just a restaurant; it was a symbol of the Monteflores brothers’ determination and love for food, family, and the American dream.
Asada,Chancho,BajaCalifornia , Pastor
words Leche Magazine
photography Alex giron
FEPYH O O DIES:TRAVEL,
Totaste, to experience, and to love is something that comes naturally to the Hypefoodies owners. From their Instragramable photos to their informative travel guide videos, Cham Keat (CK) and Diana Nguyen know everything there is when it comes to traveling and food. The iconic couple has been together for nine and a half years and has experienced it all! Nguyen (Vietnamese & Cambodian) and Keat (Cambodian) both come from Southeast Asian roots and look to not only share that food through the Hypefoodies platform but also as a way to educate their audience about parts of themselves. To taste, to experience, and to love are feelings very common to the owners of Hypefoodies. The dynamic duo and Hypefoodies owners, Diana Nguyen and Cham Keat (CK), have been together for nine and half years. The two have built a social media empire, Hypefoodies, which has incorporated both of their Southeast Asian backgrounds (Cambodian & Vietnamese). The Hypefoodies platform has been used as a tool for the couple to communicate with their viewers about their passions in life. “It happened a year after we met (Hypefoodies) we got a desire to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia. This was around 2015 and initially, we wanted to do some travel vlog content, so we visited Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. We learned how to use camera equipment and that was our start,” said CK. After traveling, the couple realized they wanted to switch to content that could be used daily. All of Hypefoodies’ innovative content was produced and created by Nguyen and Keat alone. They are a very hardworking team of two that can effectively and creatively do the work of multiple people.
“As time progressed, traveling became more expensive and we weren’t ballin’ like that, so we had to pivot where we could have something to post every day. People vibed with our food content, so we decided to make Hypefoodies in 2017. It was much more sustainable since we eat content-wise daily,” said Nguyen. The name for Hypefoodies stemmed from the street culture and lifestyle company Hypebeast, and also from the couple’s desire to show the most “hype food.” Although they enjoy posting content about food, the ultimate goal is to have more traveling be included in the long run. “For us, we want to go back to traveling. That is probably our ultimate goal. To travel more and build on that and talk more about what we do with Hypefoodies, social media marketing, and managing. But for that, we do want to expand Hypefoodies and have people help us make content,” Nguyen explained. The couple aims to have a full circle moment where traveling can become more prominent in their work. “We both never traveled internationally before, so we kind of did that for the first time together. It blossomed into this wanderlust and finding ourselves and that we love to travel, we love food, and we did it together,” expressed CK. The passion for traveling comes from the couples’ desire to connect, interact, and learn about other cultures. One of the future spots for Hypefoodies is Japan. “We have always wanted to visit Japan. It looks like an amazing technological world with all this culture. We would need a whole month to do that. The food, the culture, and the nature of it. Everything is just amazing, “ excitedly explained CK. From traveling to their everyday feed, the couple looks to incorporate important Southeast Asian Holidays into their social platforms.
“We stick towards the holidays we grew up with. On her Vietnamese side (Diana), they celebrate the Lunar New Year. Cambodians, Thai, and many other Southeast Asians celebrate Solar New Year, which is in April”, further explained CK, “We tend to go to the temple and go to lot of night markets. We just tend to highlight what people do during that time and highlight the customs.” Hypefoodies is located in the DMV but they do make content for other areas such as LA, NYC, and many other places located within the United States. “I think it’s still valuable to focus on other areas because people do end up traveling, and then they might bookmark it, write it down, or put it in their notes. It’s still a helpful resource,” mentioned Nguyen. The impact Hypefoodies has had on the community and, more specifically, the reach has been profound. “We did a travel guide for Hawaii and still get DMs from people saying how they love it. It was like two years ago but people still use them. We even forget we have guides, and people remember we have been there,” said CK. The difference between Hypefoodies’ content and other influencers’ content is their realness and dedication to extensive research on places they travel to. They genuinely want to give their viewers the best. “I think there’s the relatability that we travel for fun. People know that and can see that through our videos. I am glad they trust us enough to follow our guides and resources,” said Nguyen.
This drive to create impactful and helpful content can be seen from the early influences in Keat and Nguyen’s childhood at the Eden Center in Fall Church, VA. “The Eden Center ties to both of us because she (Diana) is Vietnamese and grew up eating there. I grew up a couple blocks away, so I grew up around that area and ate there as well,” explained CK. Keat continued to explain how the Eden Center was a safe haven for many refugees and highlighted the issues with immigration policy. “Our parents are refugees that came here and there’s not a lot of rights for refugees. We have some friends that got deported. Some minor offenses and they get shipped back to their home country. But some of them grew up here (The United States), so they don’t know the other country at all. It’s very messed up. We want to highlight some ways to fight for refugees and support them,” explained CK. Although Hypefoodies has looked to do good in not only repaying their communities but also smaller mom-pop places, they still receive some pushback for being labeled as “influencers.” “The term influencer has been watered down a bit and seen in a negative way. People don’t like influencers anymore and for us, we are always trying to fight that stereotype. We are videographers and photographers, we rep for our communities and help people. Boiling us down to influencers rubs us the wrong way. So we fight that stereotype,” said CK. An example of the good Hypefoodies has done for smaller Mom and Pop places is spreading the word through short videos or posts on social media.
“Like a lot of businesses, they don’t get the shine that they deserve. Kind of like how we feel, not many people pay attention to us. So these restaurants have amazing food but no one knows about them. They are not in the newspaper and are not getting publicized. They highlight these five-star upper-class restaurants and there is no one to help these mom-and-pop businesses. So we found that every time we highlighted these types of businesses, the business sees the same customers every day. The business ends up knowing when customers come from our page. The gratitude they show has touched our hearts. It changed the path of Hypefoodies. At first, we showcased cool food, but now we are helping these businesses out,” said CK. After Hypefoodies made a short video about a place called Taco Chinoz located in an international grocery store in Manassas, VA. The restaurant began to reach out to share the amount of people who had come out to try their business. They were overwhelmed by the love and support they received from the community. “The owner was thanking us but was having a hard time because he was running out of food. It was a good problem to have, “ stated Nguyen and CK. Hypefoodies encourage all those with a dream or long-term goal to continually work hard to achieve it. “Never give up on your dreams. I know that’s typical to hear sometimes but don’t give up,” said Nguyen. CK further explained, “Sometimes people are looking for a quick way to achieve their dreams, but we have been doing this for five years and finally know we are gaining some recognition and fulfillment. So definitely don’t give up on your dreams, it’s not going to take a year, it might take 10 years but you have to be in it for the long haul.”
PYH E F OODIES ’
5 FOODSPOTS
Oegadgib - “(All you can eat option) go to meat is the brisket. Amazing spicy salad and kbbq sauce. We wouldn’t say it is the best Korean bbq in the DMV in terms of meat quality, but we are a sauce kind of people, and they have the best sauce!!!”
7331 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Spice Kitchen - “This place is in the cut of DC, nestled inside a food hall called MiXt. They’re whipping up what they call “Urban West African food,” and we feel they are heavily slept on. They use an African dryspiced rub and put it on their fried chicken, lamb chops, and more. TORCH!!”
3809 Rhode island ave. Brentwood, MD 20722
El Pollo Rico - “Half Chicken Pollo A La Brasa. Our go-to spot for Peruvian Chicken. Featured by Anthony Bourdain a decade ago. Real OGtype spot. RIP Tony Bourdain!”
932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
DCG aka District Chicken & Gyro
- “The best chicken, gyro, and rice in the DMV. We used to drive to Georgetown, DC, just to have this chicken rice drenched in creamy white & red sauce. They moved to Vienna right by Tysons Corner and open until 3 am so it’s the perfect latenight move.”
1927 Old Gallows Rd, Vienna, VA 22182
Thanh Son Tofu - “Best Vietnamese deli & bakery at Eden Center. Avocado Bubble Tea, Rice Paper Egg Rolls, Banh Bao (flufy bun with a meatball in the middle), Che (tofu pudding), Fried Lemon grass tofu (what they are known for), everything here is good to be honest, and that’s why they always have a long line.”
Eden Center, 6793 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044
Photography:
Cody Zanowick THE MAN BEHIND THE INK
words & photography
Alexis McCaffrey
Laying down on the black tattoo chair for another time, a level of comfort begins to set in as Cody dips his needle in the ink while simultaneously catching up with me. Cody keeps it real and goes the extra mile to ensure his clients feel comfortable. From watching anime to playing your favorite music or, heck taking a break to make sure your body is handling the process well. Cody doesn’t rush the art. It just flows naturally, as does the conversation. Cody Zanowick first started tattooing when he was 24, but began taking things more seriously when he was 28. He has been tattooing professionally for four and a half years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. “I plan on staying in it as long as I can keep my hand moving,” joked Zanowick.
“I like that there’s no room, there’s no ceiling in my career as an artist. So I think that’s what has transformed my life, and it gives me more money, more freedom, and allowed me to travel and meet cool people,” explained Zanowick. A good support system has always been important in helping Zanowick achieve his goals as an artist. His wife, Jen, has helped. “She has always supported my art as best as a wife can. She is always the one critiquing me and trying to push me forward. She will look at my work with me when I finish each night, and she supports it. She motivates me to want to be better so I can get us to our goals in life,” added Zanowick. Being a tattoo artist requires a certain grit and motivation.
“You can either chase the people you idolize or try to find yourself”
Cody’s dad called it when he told him, “You are going to do something with art.” while he was a kid doodling. Now a fullblown tattoo artist with incredible line work and designing anime tattoos, his experience has come full circle. “I think all of the experiences in our lives form what we are doing. Art is just things that inspire us, motivate us, or things we have already experienced. When I was working on my grad degree, my professor always said all great screenwriters take from their life. So I think that consists of all types of art and our life experiences.” said Zanowick. Tattooing instilled purpose into Zanowick’s life and helped him continually chase his passion for art in his day-to-day grind. Giving him access to avenues and freedom like never before. “It gave me a purpose when I didn’t have one. For me, it felt like I was drifting through my life with no purpose, and then I found art. I found tattooing, and it’s the one thing you can always improve. So when there’s a cap on something, I hate it.”
It is certainly not for everyone and requires a unique person driven by art and the evolving creative process. “I think this job makes you grow up quicker than most people do. It’s a job you have to show up right, it’s not like a nine-to-five. If you’re not motivated, you’re not really going to push yourself. It teaches you how to be responsible and how to deal with people on a whole different level.
We spend so much time with our clients that you have to really learn how to cope with interesting situations that normally wouldn’t happen in normal day-to-day life,” said Zanowick. Zanowick continued to further explain the importance of being passionate about a career and that there will always be challenges. It is the passion that helps you overcome them. “If you’re passionate about your career, you will keep growing. It’s super easy to get stuck in a career and your own mind. It’s so easy to be trapped. I think if you’re passionate, there are times you are going to have that roadblock or that artist block. Whatever career you’re in, you’re going to get stuck, and I think the passion and the reinventing and revolving is where I am growing every day,” said Zanowick. As an artist, Zanowick has always stayed true to himself and his own process. Zanowick closed with, “I have always followed my own process. I have never tried to be anyone else. That is something that I learned in music school. You can either chase the people you idolize or try to find yourself. I have always tried to chase my vision.”
“It gave me a purpose when I didn’t have one”
LESS TIME
He started his brand in 2012, 2 designs, 60 tee shirts...He sold out his first event. The year is now 2023, and a decade later, his brand remains timeless. He doesn’t seem to stop and he won’t. The founder of Simple to Society: Andy Vo.
words Francisco Ochoa photography Tony Snakks
“Simple.” That’s what I saw printed on a grey Champion crew neck in the middle of a Nordstrom. I was most likely 15 or 16 at the time, and with the $50 to my name, I bought that grey “Simple” crew neck from the brand, Simple to Society. To this day, I would still consider it my biggest purchase at the time. I wore that crew neck so much that I cut it to give it a new look; this only made it better and much more wearable. Through the years, I would see mutuals repost the brand, but in the summer of 2020, my local buy, sell, trade store, The Peoples Place, collaborated with them. The collection consisted of 4 tee shirts. The entire marketing campaign for the collaboration hooked me onto the brand even more. In 2021, Leche Magazine went public. From that day, I knew I wanted to work with Simple to Society in whatever way I could. Fast forward to 2023, I am 22 years old, putting the founder of Simple to Society, Andy Vo, on the front cover of the 4th volume of Leche Magazine.
35-year-old, Andy Vo, was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Vo was always into the clothing industry, and in 2012, he decided to start Simple to Society. By now, you can assume that Simple to Society is a clothing brand, but what is the ethos that lifts it up? “Simple to Society is a brand, but also more than a brand. We’re a community. There was no direction of that when I first started, but it ended up working out perfectly.” In 2012, Vo organized the brand’s first-ever pop-up event, bringing 60 tee shirts. All 60 shirts sold out. This simply
foreshadowed what Simple to Society was meant to be: a brand for la familia.
Vo and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk more about his past, present, and future.
“Growing
up with such a small family, my friends and community that were built from the brand, became family. It’s more than just a brand—it’s become a close-knit familia.”
Francisco: Vo, let’s start the conversation off by talking about what 2012 was like for “Simple 2 Society Clothing.”
Vo: 2012 was crazy. I was working retail, doing the whole 9 to 5 thing, realizing this wasn’t for me. I always wanted to create a brand growing up, but I never had the resources to do so. Over the years, the internet was becoming more reliable, and I researched a lot. I started the brand with two designs, I had my first pop-up in Virginia at a sneaker event with a basic setup. We were able to sell out 60 Simple to Society tee shirts.
Francisco: Let’s go, Congrats on that.
Vo: Thank you, man.
Francisco: That’s when you knew you had to pick it up.
Vo: Exactly. I knew I couldn’t give her the life that I was living. I wanted better for her.
Francisco: I won’t hold you back, you can go back however far you want, but what was your upbringing like?
Vo: I grew up in Maryland, and the lifestyle was very different. Everyone and everything was different compared to VA. The influences were the people I was around and the school I attended. Things back then were trendy, and I was always taught to be fresh and to stay on my toes. If you weren’t fresh, you were getting clowned on. I got a lot of my street game from Maryland. Francisco: At the time, what was happening in your life other than Simple to Society Clothing?
Vo: Oh man, it was a rollercoaster. I was down badly, I got into a lot of trouble, and I was in the wrong places at the wrong times. I was a knucklehead and never learned. But everything I got through taught me to be a better person, I wanted to change my life around. Everything changed when my daughter came into the picture.
Francisco: Shoutout Maryland and shoutout the DMV for life.
Vo: Shoutout Maryland.
Francisco: How did you maneuver as an Asian American?
Vo: At the time, I didn’t have many Asian friends in the Silver Spring area. I grew up with a lot of Black and Spanish folks. Moving to VA, I connected with a diverse group, and this gave me appreciation for our shared identity.
Francisco: Sometimes it’s hard not to think about the things we could have done better in the past, but we’re human after all. What would you have done differently as a business owner and a younger version of yourself?
Vo: I don’t think I would have done anything differently. As you get older, you learn about fixing different situations. Different things are supposed to happen, and you can’t stop it. If it’s meant for you, it will be meant for you, if it isn’t, then it isn’t. When you go through enough problems, you’ll learn that it’s something you’ll be used to, and soon, certain situations won’t be so heavy.
Francisco: What was your first problem with Simple to Society?
Vo: Finding a manufacturer. I did endless research. Another problem was going through various defects after production. As a perfectionist, it was tough investing money and getting defective prints. Now, I was stuck with a product I didn’t want to sell.
Francisco: If the product doesn’t meet your standards, what do you do with it?
Vo: I typically offer it to close friends and family, or alternatively donate it.
Francisco: That’s a great way of handling it.
Francisco: What is the significance of the “local” concept to you?
Vo: I’ve always seen potential in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia creative scenes, each offering a unique flair. I believe this area has the capacity to outshine many larger cities. Local always meant community to me, and community was something I’ve always wanted to bring together to our “locals.”
Francisco: That’s love, thank you Vo.
Francisco: What or who were your major influences while working on Simple to Society?
Vo: My grandmother, for sure, she was my heart, my soul, my everything. She made me the man I am today and her heart was so pure that it bled onto me. If you give more, you’ll get it back and that was something she practiced. A piece of her lives on in me forever.
Francisco: How has the DMV shaped your outlook on fashion and design?
Vo: The DMV started many unique styles, and since we haven’t been put on the map that much, we don’t get the credit we deserve. The DMV has always had its own wave.
Francisco: What are your expectations for the young creators in the DMV area?
Vo: That’s a good one… To keep pushing. There are a lot of young creators that I know personally, like Frank with Leche Mag and Fabricio and Joe with the People’s Place. A lot of young creatives push and inspire me to keep going. Being able to see the hunger in y’all is crazy. Y’all are killing it and I couldn’t be more grateful to be around this shit.
Francisco: Vo, I appreciate you speaking to all of us.
Francisco: Talk to us about getting into cutting hair.
Vo: My mom was a barber and always told me to get into it. I started giving the homies the “even steven” haircuts in high school, and eventually, I graduated to doing tapers. I never saw myself pursuing barbering until I found out my daughter was on the way. I knew I had to make something happen then. It was a seed I wanted to continue to water.
Francisco: How do you feel about having your own space for cutting hair?
Vo: Having my own space allowed me to create my own vibe. This was one of the best decisions i’ve made. I knew I had to recalibrate when I decided to get back into barbering. I’m excited for what’s to come. This is just the beginning.
Francisco: What excites you about the future of Simple to Society and your future endeavors?
Vo: I just want the community to keep growing, and I’m excited to see what the future brings with everything I have planned.
Francisco: Are there any last words or messages you want to give the people reading this today?
Vo: Spread that love and good energy. Remain positive. Keep working at it and love it.
Francisco: To close off, what do you want to be remembered for other than Simple to Society?
Vo: I just want to be remembered for inspiring positive change and leaving a lasting impact on communities through my creativity.
Vo: I’m also grateful for the endless support I receive. Thank you to Frank and Leche for having me on the front cover. Volume 4 baby!
Francisco: Let’s get it!
T
ony A nthony S nakks E
rvin
words Francisco Ochoa photography Tony Snakks & Andy Vo
Tony Anthony “Snakks” Ervin, originally from Philadelphia, found his passion for photography while using a small zip camera his mother gave him during a cruise. One notable photo came out of that roll of film which was enough to keep Snakks hooked on to the world of photography, and everything else that came along with it. Later in his life, Snakks stayed local to Northern Virginia. He attended Northern Virginia Community College and did what any other college student would do: experiment with different subjects to see what fit right.
Snakks dipped his toes in computer programming, graphic design, physical paint, and then the most important one landed on his schedule: film class. “My professor lit me up and told me I had to continue with photography since I understood the basics. She said I could get into portraits and get them hung up for people to see.” After taking photography much more seriously, Snakks started experimenting with different photography styles, which eventually gave him the skill of versatility. From here, Snakks knew he had the opportunity to be the type of individual who could capture whatever type of moment.
Fast forward to today, Snakks has been recognized for his dense resume but is notably known for his Rated R photography. Rated R photography is content that is much more “spicy,” explicit, and niche. Although Rated R photography is seen as taboo, it’s been Snakks’ mission to cast a light on his craft while capturing something normally frowned upon.
Leche Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Snakks while he was getting his haircut by Leche Mag Vol. 4 front cover star, Andy Vo. We got Snakks’ perspective on his photography, clientele, and personal life.
F: Snakks, were you always into the Rated R photography? If not, what were you into?
S: I fell into the Rated R. I’m a product of the golden era, the 70s to the early 2000s. I was always a fan of the old magazines, vintage Playboy and Hustler. So I used that and put my own style into it. My photography is like texture for your eyes.
F: How do you make the ladies feel comfortable when it comes to shooting Rated R content?
S: I’m just upfront and transparent. I make sure that everything I say is actually executed and that everyone is feeling as comfortable as possible. At the end of the day, it’s my name and my profession and I live off this. I don’t want to throw dirt on that. My rep is everything.
F: How do your friends and family feel about you shooting Rated R photography?
S: If anything, my mom is with it. I feel like people from my family don’t really get it, but they see I’m really happy and getting results with it. At first, some friends didn’t see an outcome, but then there were steps forward that showed otherwise.
F: How long do you plan to stay in the photography business?
S: As long as I can, man. As long as I have eyes and hands to use a camera.
F: What’s your mindset when entering a room with a female?
S: To stay objectively solid and go in with a plan. When I walk into the room, I clear up every question that anyone has, and I show all my concepts. I just want to stay very creative and in my own realm of open-mindedness.
F: What are your major goals with photography?
S: My major goal is to get my face out there. I want to get to a point where I can show people how to do this, but push people to learn their own styles. I also want to have my own studio with big ass lights and all that one day.
F: What or who inspires you when it comes to photography?
S: This is probably a bad rap, but my biggest inspiration is Terry Richardson. If you look at his previous work, you can see the heavy tones of Terry Richardson in my work.
F: If you could shoot with any female dead or alive, who would it be?
S: Pam Anderson, for sure.
F: Tell us some more about what “Tase” means.
S: All four letters are me. Tony Anthony Snakks Ervin. I drew the “TASE” logo to represent me. Every detail about it went hand in hand. Akira inspired it, California inspired it, and I inspired it.
F: Tell us more about the name “Snakks.”
S: Oh, Snakks, the origins of that name is crazy. When I was younger, I went to a camp in Jersey and bunked with this one Puerto Rican homie. They called him Goya Bean and he’d introduce himself as Goya. I was young so I didn’t think much of it, but I used to call him Beanie. He started calling me Oreo since I’m half white, half black. Fast forward many years, and I met my stepbrother Rick. He added Snakks at the end of my nickname and everyone started calling me Oreo Snakks. Eventually, it just became Snakks. Shoutout to my brother Richard Womack.
F: I see that you’re a free spirit and open-minded person when it comes to photography, why is that?
S: I think it’s just natural. Some people take life way too seriously. Life can end tonight or tomorrow. I have my Mom, Mo, to thank because she has an “I don’t give a shit attitude. If you don’t like it then it is what it is.” If a door closes, another door is guaranteed to open.
F: Any last words you want to give to the audience?
S: I just want to shout out Frank and Leche Mag. Shoutout Vo for putting me on to y’all last year. So I appreciate y’all for featuring me. I want to shout out to Spice Channel and hit me up @snakks2x on Instagram. Shoutout to my Mom and Philadelphia. Yeah, man, it is what it is!
F: Big thank you Snakks!
The Dark Art Nail Tech Keeps It Real <3
Studying her clients’ nails for just a few seconds and then drawing up a design within moments, Jency Turcios, better known as Jencs, is unlike any other nail tech you have had before. Clients can come to her for a wide variety of things, “I guess you could say I am very versatile. I do have a special hand in special patterns. I could just look at a nail and study it for a few seconds and know what to do even if I’ve never tried it before,” shared Jencs. Jencs has been doing nails since she was 7 years old. She explained, “When I was 7 years old, I hung out with the neighborhood heads. I remember when Laura bought her nail basket. She asked me if I wanted to paint her fingernails, and from there on out, I would make designs on her nails ever so often,” said Jencs. She got her inspiration from the Youtuber “cutepolish”, “she would make really cute designs and I remember I would copy off that and start doing my own kind of retro designs. It gave me inspiration to the point where I started going all out and since as a kid, I have always been drawing. I decided to combine two things and start my career,” said Jencs. Jencs first began practicing with family and friends, and as her work grew, so did her clientele. She said, “It slowly started coming out to people recognizing my work on their nails. My clientele came from word of mouth, but recently, some people reposted my work, which led to me getting recognized in Maryland and Florida. I have people in New York who follow me and I have no idea who they are, but they still support my work.”
words
Alexis McCaffrey
photography
Ashley Amaro
Jencs is thrilled to have a lot of support for her artwork, but she stated that she does not travel to do nails because so many things could go wrong in the process. Overall, many people enjoy her work and believe in what she is doing, not only as a nail tech but as an artist. “I like to give myself the title nail artist, not nail technician. For the most part, I specialize in nail art. I generally do the creepy goth (cyberpunk) stuff and even cute nail art like anime manga,” explained Jencs. An example of this was the vibrant Sailor Moon nails Jencs did with excellent pops of color in just the right spots. Jencs goes the extra mile to ensure her clients are happy and comfortable by being herself. “I’m a chill person, I’m open and understanding. I don’t judge people for who they are, their appearance, or their background. If you’re a good person, I will treat you the same.”
Jencs continued to explain how “a lot of people come to me because I simply keep it real. My personality you see while sitting down in my chair versus when I am outside having to meet new people, are all the same. I don’t put on a fake front to get service or have people recognize me.” Her authenticity and realness isn’t the only thing that keeps her clients coming back. “One thing I am proud of is that my nails last a really long time. Three to four weeks, or even a month. I even had a client who was cleaning a house and doing manual work and she didn’t return to me for two months. She had absolutely no lifting on her nails whatsoever,” said Jencs. Jencs mentioned that part of her ability to get the clients’ nails to last is by paying attention to what her clients are telling her and the type of work they do. By listening to her clients, she can better meet their needs and open up to them. “One of the positive sides of this job is I could open up and meet new personalities. Every day, I meet someone with a different taste than the person sitting before them,” said Jencs.
Jencs explains how being a nail tech requires much self-support and self-love. It re-emphasizes the importance of mentally surviving at your lowest and being there for yourself no matter what. Jencs stated, “To be quite honest, it’s more of my own self-support. Many people can relate to what I say, but sometimes your family is not the best you can go to, so you have to pedestal yourself and tell yourself you are doing good.”
Jencs concluded by giving some wise life advice that has helped get her to where she is now in her career. “The best I can say is don’t give a shit or two rats ass about what other people have to say. Do what makes you happy. Have patience with yourself. You may not be happy in the beginning, but have patience with yourself to grow.”
SUBMISSIONS BY THE PEOPLE
“This photo gives the slightest glimpse into the night life of the people in Saigon. The city is constantly moving and the people have places to be, whether that is going home from a long day, or just heading out for the night. This photo holds a special meaning to me because this was my first trip to Vietnam that I was able to remember. Being able to reconnect with my culture has made me more appreciative of those who came before me. It also encourages me to capture more moments that I could later on share with others.”
Hannah Nguyen
“This picture represents how valuable time is and we only have one life. Even when no one is watching or listening, someone still cares to make time. Delonte Williams AKA- BlueDinero is a kid born in the streets of DC. A kid that only wanted to be seen and heard. This photo is the story of a kid that saw time, as a gift, that even in the unseen he still mattered.”
Paola
R. Flores
“This photo means a lot to me because I feel like it’s a great representation of my city, although hard and gritty, but artistic and beautiful. My home. The city of brotherly love. 215 & forever. No one likes us & we don’t care.”
Tony Snakks
“This shows what it feels like to build a car in the garage. Old tools, no fancy lifts, and no money. We lay on the floor and work with what we have to achieve the things that we want and it brings the ultimate pleasure, a raw form of pleasure. Get dirty, get irritated, get frustrated, and the best things come of it.”
Samuel W.
“I took this picture on my 18th birthday. I feel like this picture shows that feeling of growing up and becoming an adult. Showing the feeling oflooking forward to the freedom and independence, but also the uncertainty of the future and leaving your childhood behind.”
Aadya Modugumudi
“A self portrait but i’m blocking my vision”
Marcus Hawkins
“As a 15 year old photographer this picture means so much to me because it’s of my friend Ethan Bauman who plays in a band, Homesick Locations, with my brother. The two of them mean a lot to me and have helped me a lot with all aspects of my life. This photo is also able to combine two of the biggest aspects of my life: music and photography.”
Micah Bierman
“When I took this picture I was on a fishing trip with my uncle I don’t get to spend very much time with him, at the time I was feeling a bit what I call “colorless” and bland. Later in the day I had the opportunity to take this picture and I felt it completely lift me up. That’s when I really began to think about how “colors make the world as vibrant as it should be” and without color everyone would be living a boring life.”
Oby Pocasangre
I like to think that our eyes are the best cameras we’ve got. They are so intricately and wonderfully created that they allow us to see the wonders and even simple things of this world. Unfortunately, we can’t capture those precious moments with our eyes, but cameras give us the opportunity to encapsulate them. We get the chance to freeze time and capture beautiful, simple, and even unique moments which we can keep and treasure for a long time. I think we are so lucky to have cameras in our daily lives and I’m grateful for that. I’m glad I can share what I see through my photography.
Cata Muñoz
“This is one of my fav pics just because of raw it is. I seen a guy sitting on the street and asked for a pic and he said sure and now he’s in a magazine. It just goes to show that we’re all human no matter what are current circumstances are. Spread some love today.”
Dontrey Tyler
Growth and comfort cannot coexist. The way you adapt to change is what makes you, you. This is why this photo holds so much significance to me. During this Hawaii trip, I discovered some qualities beneath the surface. Going through one of my lowest moments in my life I knew I had to experience change. I learned in this specific moment that in order to be at your best, you’re going to come across some difficulties. And that’s perfectly okay. It’s normal to feel like you’re drifting away, but the way you approach your solutions is what makes you stronger as an individual. Just like these palm trees standing strong against strong winds. It’s imperative to create goals and surround yourself with people who will grow and seek success with you. Life is tough, but the people who surround you within your life and the way you choose to spend your time is what makes it beautiful. All love.
Luke Baumgartner
