Click to add text
By: Laurel Sanchez
I remember the moment dis tinctly when my parents sat me down and told me tha t Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy weren’t real. I cried for an ungodly amount of time, tried to figure out how my 4-year-old self would cope with this horrifying news, and felt as though my parents had lied to me throughout my whole 4 years of life. What I didn’t know was that when I “grew up” I would have a much glitterier and more unique version of the Tooth Fairy that is very mu ch real. Instead of taking my teeth and giving me a singular dollar bill (such old news). This Tooth Fairy would leave my teeth intact and would add gold and crystals to them, a mu ch better deal if you ask me. This is where Chloe, the Austin-based Tooth Fairy comes in. The amazing thing about women in business is that often they start from the ground up and can make something even better than what it originally was. This is exa ctly what Chloe, the Tooth fairy did. When asked about what inspired her to s tart her own business she replied “it kind of happened by accident, it’s funny” she goes on to say that when she went and got her very first tooth gem, she didn’t have the greatest experience, in the sense that her gem only lasted one week before falling off. When she went back in to see if they would put it back on for her, the business wanted to charge for the replacement. So, she decided to find a better way to serve the customers in the Austin area and created her business as the Tooth Fairy, with gems (and gold) that come with a one-month warranty and if they fall off, she will replace them for free. “I want to accommodate everyone and be as positive as possible to make everyone as happy as I can” is the framework she says her small business is based on. Chloe has a s mall background in fashion design before deciding to branch out and become an entrepreneur, but it seems as though art and design run through her veins as she also sows clothing and does many DIY projects she says ‘If I can make it myself, you definitely know tha t I will” which is the reason her tooth gems are so artfully crafted and detailed. As a person who
is very independent and self-motivated, Chloe says she does a lot of things for herself and that being able to run a business is perfect as she ultimately has the control to make all the decisions tied to her business and the clients she serves. This is something so important when it comes to a woman who starts from the ground up and ma kes a na me for herself, but it does not come withou t the risks. She says that she mostly has more of a female clientele, but it is always a bit ner ve-racking when taking on a new customer as she has them come to her studio where she works. When asked how it has been so far being a woman in business, she says that it has been great as Austin has a very “girl power” vibe to it and how it has been an awesome experience “meeting all of these amazing businesswomen and the whole community of small businesses”. Many things play into having and running a successful business, and the Tooth Fairy seems to have them all. She is one of the ver y first people to open a business based around tooth gems and gold for the “aesthetic” and says that it is what really “set her business off”. She not only offers a variety of styles and designs, but she says she sources most of her gold and crystals from other small businesses as a way to support those on the same journey as her. She also offers one of the most affordable tooth gem services around with her gems running $45 with deals for those who want to get designs or multiple gems at once, as well as her gold only ranging from $120-$135. She says that she wants “to make sure everyone can get what they want” b y keeping the prices affordable and the customer service immaculate. Her brand carries a lot of na me recognition which is not only because it is the first of its kind but also because her products and services are the best to come by. Chloe is an inspiration for anyone who has a business idea and wants to see it take off because she shows that it is possible, especially in an area that has a huge support system for small businesses. She says that “the best thing about all of this is that I am the Tooth Fairy”.
8
Co-Editors in Chief Amaya Aztec and Gabriella Garcia Vice President/ Modeling Director Sydney Bynes
Editors Assistant Braden Barrett Executive Editor Marina Garcia Executive Assistant Laurel Sanchez
Fact Checker McKenna Bailey Reporter Grace Sullivan Creative Director Evelyn Deal
Art Director Danielle Henson Video Editor Jada Johnson Photo Editor Genavive Petrie
Graphic Designer Lou Wharton Event Committee Manager Vianni Dudley Event Committee Assistant Max Aguilar
Social Media Manager Catalina Dumesnil Treasurer Kellyn Martinez Historian Sadie Potter
Models Michael Ybarra Alexis Williams Tara Davis
Blanche Beohon LaClea Miles Olivia Coddou
Sydney Harris Megan Lyons Maddie Bratton
Anthony Ezell Sebastian Escamilla Abraham Sackor
Videographer Mya Leffler Photography Micah Shaw Joseph Serrata
Jason Lovejoy Cody Moreno Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez
Stylist Ashley Zuercher Nathan Tuiasosopo Audrey Kimball
13
Concept image
Zeitgeist (zeit-geist) (n) The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
Ads 1. Tooth Fairy ATX 9. Axis San Marcos 11. Kivi Rings
15
Articles 17. From the Editors 19. Enlightenment 29. Zeneration 33. Down to Earth 37. Tragedy 53. Uvalde, Tx and Pride Month 54. In This Issue 16
Going into this issue with a mindset of expressing to the reader the significant and drastic things that have taken place over the past three years. It was important for us to visually express those emotions through art and imagery. We often look back on what the nineties or even 2000’s looked and felt like, but we do not know what our current era will look like. How will someone describe our current state 10 years from now? It is up to us to decide what that looks like. This issue was important to us to focus on what our specific zeitgeist or genre is... how will its story be told? This issue took many sleepless nights and emotion put into it. I hope readers feel & understand the stories told within issue two. - Gabriella Garcia
The past three years have been life changing in many ways. Ever-changing fashion trends, life constantly being a different story everyday, and a period to look within ourselves. Issue No.2 incapsulates what the 2020s zeitgeist would look like. For me, I hope when I’m looking at this issue with my grandchildren, I will know that we got our zeitgeist exactly right. This issue took a lot of time, dedication, and passion. Thank you so much to all our new partners and their friendship too. - Sydney Bynes
Watching and Creating something for the students and people of our generation was super important to us throughout this issue. Conceptually, it was important to me that we captured a story through the lens. I think our photographers and artist all did a fantastic job of making these ideas come to life with each of their personal touches. I am so proud of the product and expansion that we have made. Seeing issue 2 coming to fruition has been such a fantastic journey. I am ecstatic to see the next issue come to life as well. I hope you enjoy "Zeitgeist" as much as we have. - Braden Barrett
The Oxford dictionary defines Zeitgeist as, the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. In this Issue we wanted to do our best to show our specific zeitgeist through our own eyes. Since the beginning of 2020 a lot has change within our world, socially, environmentally, and most importantly fashion has changed before our eyes. Fashion continues to change within in this zeitgeist and has become very expressive and more appreciated as our zeitgeist continues. Being students during this period of time we have experienced a lot emotionally, mentally, and academically. This issue will take you through the ins and outs of how this experience has affected us and how we want the world to remember us. - Amaya Aztecatl 17
19
20
2 9
Written by Laurel Sanchez
30
What defines the New Generation? Well, I guess that depends on who you ask. To me, it means a generation collectively pushing for a change in our environment, policies, and societal norms. The shaking down of the very framework from the past. It means people who express themselves with no hesitation, stand up for the things that move them to their very core, and are wholeheartedly and with their whole being themselves. Muse, the founder and creative director of MusesKloset, exemplifies just this, a self-starting fashion enthusiast who built his business from the ground up. It is not every day that you see a designer that is inclusive in every aspect of the word, from the sizes of the clothing to the models that wear them. Muse continuously and gracefully shows that the industry does not have a singular look but can come in all colors, shapes, styles, and sizes. Muse’s background is not the story that we hear time and time again with other designers, that they start at a school of fashion or design, make their connections, and with those began to create their brand.
No, Muse is a Houston-based creative that went to Texas Southern University (a school that does not even offer a fashion program), and he taught himself through his experiences. He says, “I was thrown into this; I had a client who needed a stylist, who needed a manager, who needed everything… so I became that everything; in this industry, you are going to learn how to do every bit of everyone’s job” he goes on, “there is no class that can teach me how to handle a client or how to get the right client, you can’t teach that in a classroom. All of that comes from experience and networking. You can teach the business side, but to really get your business going, you must have the life experiences… you have to literally go through hell and high water before you get the hang of it”. It was that very first client that needed Muse to be her “everything” that got him thinking about the idea for the Kloset, “once you
take a picture in something you are never going to wear that thing again and POST it to social media” so he decided to come up with a business that provided his clientele with glamorous, ready to wear styles that they can either rent or buy depending on the particular need. Every aspect of his brand directly correlates to the customers he serves “a Muse is an inspiration to the artist, so my clients represent my muses, which is where the idea of MusesKloset comes from. Because the Kloset is where we get our inspiration from, that’s where you are picking out the pieces that speak for you”. He says that “MusesKloset is a world of imagination” his brand offers his customers the freedom to be imaginative in their style with the comfortability of being affordable. The fashion industry is not known for being the most inclusive or one that adventures past the structure of the past, but MusesKloset offers that breath of fresh air as the industry’s current state is not lost on him. “Especially being a black gay male in this industry, you need to make noise before they even see you, so let your clothes speak for you.” The
clothes he designs and the ones found in his showroom are all small reflections of his own personal style and personality “if I were to wear women’s clothing, these are the pieces I would wear… My style is comfortable, colorful, and bright. Pieces that when they catch the wind, they will draw the eye.” He explains that he “would love to expand (to menswear), but men don’t always give you the freedom to experiment.”. He goes on, “fashion is a flare… A woman comes in as a blank canvas, and you can turn her into a leather-wearing dominatrix, you can turn her into an over-the-top princess, you can turn her into so many things”. This idea of seeing the potential in all of his clients plays into the fact that when these women put on his clothes, he wants them to feel like their most confident selves that they are “serving looks, serving attitude, I want them to feel as though this is the best decision they ever made.” Muse goes above, and beyond the standard for high fashion, his customers are not just numbers on a screen or money in the bank “MusesKloset is different because I am still accessible to people, I don’t believe I am above anybody. If people message me,
I’m going to respond. I am different because I still see beauty and value in the newcomers and the independent. I see that we all have room to grow, so I want to work with those coming up and growing. Stuff changes in a blink of an eye”. What makes this brand separate from others in the scene is that there is not a sense of superiority in Muse or the idea that what he has accomplished makes him above others. He says, “The best part of being involved in the industry is speaking with the young people, new creatives, and the new generation because I am learning stuff I didn’t know about artists and style. We all can get so stuck in what we think we know that we become unwilling to learn new things. There are so many new designers, so many new looks, so many things out there”. He goes into the downside of the industry, “my worst experience is the feeling that I need to compete in this industry; people make you feel like you have to, but you don’t.” Since being active in the industry since 2017, Muse has been able to get a firsthand glimpse behind the façade that the industry is becoming more inclusive. “The industry is changing at the pace it wants to change; we’ve gotten so comfortable; people think why shake it?”
He aims to be that inclusive brand; in his upcoming September fashion week shows his goal is to find fifteen African American models to showcase his designs. He says, “there are so many dope African American models out there that are still fighting for a seat at the table. Naomi (Campbell) will forever be a staple, but there has to be other references. She can’t be the only one when it comes to black models. There are so many young new Black models, but we are so stuck in the past that we aren’t giving these other girls a chance”. Muse says that besides Andre Leon Tally being one of his most significant influences, he also draws from his own culture and says that traditional African clothing has inspired him recently, from the meaning behind the prints to the fabrics used. “I want everyone to know about my culture; it is so beautiful.” Muse has truly created something so beautiful from the ground up. MusesKloset offers the representation that the fashion industry needs and a safe space for everyone to feel seen. He is an example for other designers to aspire to be and is a step in the right direction for the new generation of the fashion industry.
Written by: Marina Garcia
33
34
During the lockdown many forgotten projects started up again, teens learned new skills like; playing an instrument, skateboarding, sewing, knitting or crocheting. As well as many new small businesses started up, due to the increase of unemployment and the time spent at home increased because of the lockdown, many started to work on their small business dream. One student from Amarillo, Texas started his dream of running his own small business. Mikel Rome is a 17-year-old business owner, his brand is known as Down to Earth (DTE). DTE started 2 years ago, at the peak of the pandemic. It was very hard for him at the beginning considering that he couldn't really promote his brand at school or in town. But him and his friends started doing photoshoots and skating around town with DTE posters to get their name out. Rome named his brand DTE because he wants his brand to represent what he stands for and what he wants to accomplish with his brand; realism, no filter, important issues and expressing emotions to the fullest extent. But Romes brand is not just about apparel, on DTE website you may find a variety of resources; hotlines, charities, and members profiles. Rome thought adding charities and hotlines would not only show that he is different from other small business but also that just like his brand he wants to be ‘down to earth’ with his customers. Rome firsthand has struggled with mental health, and he wants to help people that are going through the same struggles. The latest collection of DTE will be coming out this summer. The theme of this collection is “Grounded”; grounded is a very personal collection which will be all about being honest/truthful. This collection will incorporate what his brand is all about. If asked Rome would describe himself as an “anti business businessman”. He wants DTE to grow more and more and become popular within the years. With his future success he would like to donate large sums of DTE profits to charities and nonprofits to better his community. The end goal of DTE is to allow people to be able to express themselves and be in touch with their emotions by making clothing that is inexpensive and comfortable.
Written by Marina Garcia
37
38
The COVID 19 pandemic did not just take away loved ones too early, but rather it took away a part of us that we will never gain back. The outbreak started the spring of 2020 and is still a continuous battle, two years later. For many an extended spring break seemed like fun, until we were a month in without really knowing the seriousness of the pandemic. This pandemic left us isolated, afraid and unmotivated. Schooling was moved to remote learning; news of the outbreak was on every news platform and boredom was at an all time high. But online learning wasn’t only tough on students, this was the first time that many teachers have ever taught remotely, and it was equal hardship. Students were left unmotivated to do work, which affected us greatly. According to an article done by McKinsey and Company, ”K-12… le[ft] students on average 5 months behind”. It seemed that every time we turned on the TV or looked on our phone, news of the pandemic would show. Whether it was how to stay safe or showing the new death rate, it was heart shattering to think this is what the world is coming too. As a Gen Z myself, I believe that it was so damaging because this is the time where we are supposed to be “living”, not: finishing senior year in a drive thru graduation, prom being cancelled and having to start out our first semester of college remote. Like many of us we all saw this as a way of not being able to grow up. Whether it was not being able to move out, experiencing college from a screen, or being isolated for months it all left us afraid. Although things have gotten “back to normal”, there will forever be lingering effects of the pandemic that may never leave some of us. As tragic as this pandemic has been, we can not go back in time. All we can do now is try to make everyday count and stay healthy.
W r itten by Laurel Sanchez
The hearts at Lewk magazine broke yet another time with the announcement made on May 24th that another tragic event has happened, this one in Uvalde, Texas. This tragedy hit the students of Texas State and the staff of Lewk close to home as Robb Elementary School is less than three hours away from San Marcos. This marks one of the deadliest events in Texas history with 21 lives lost and many more injured by the suspect. It takes a certain type of person to go after innocent children, children with their whole lives and plans ahead of them. This type of violence must be stopped. We as a nation have become almost immune to violence, as these events seem to happen with a shocking frequency. Once it happens, the nation is shocked and mourns the loss of life, groups will push for reform and weapon control laws to bring change to the political table, and these changes will be denied and overlooked until the process repeats itself, time and time again. America treats this repetitive loss of life with disturbing normalcy, and the innocent children of Uvalde are the ones to pay the price. The staff at Lewk magazine mourn the loss of these children and send our condolences to the family members and write this in hope of change. For more information, please see the link in the Lewk magazine Instagram bio.
W r itten by Braden Barrett
As former President Barack Obama said, “when all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free,” and that is precisely what the month of June aims to commemorate. A month that is dedicated to the change and culture that queer people have brought to the world and to taking pride in a community that spreads so much acceptance and love in an environment that often does not reciprocate. While we as a country have made advancements in becoming more accepting, it is still a daily fight for those in the LGBTQ+ community to be seen and feel as though they have an equal seat at the table. Dating back to the Stonewall Uprisings in late June of 1969 is when this struggle for this freedom reached its peak, or rather when the media decided to document the occurrence. This uprising was not the first time the queer community had faced police violence, but it was the defining moment where they fought back. The events and riots that took place the following six days would mark a headway for the queer community and transform us into a new era for the gay liberation movement. In 1999 the Clinton administration acknowledged the struggle for freedom that occurred in June of 1969 and started the tradition of holding this month to celebrate and uphold pride. Here at Lewk magazine, we are a safe space for any and all minorities, and our priority is to promote equality in fashion throughout everything we do. We would not be upholding our beliefs as a magazine if we ignored to mention that the fight for equality is not over, especially for those who live in Texas. With the newly proposed repressive laws on the horizon, we must look up to those brave individuals during the summer of 1969 and go against this oppression. It is now more important than ever to join forces with those striving to be treated equally and fairly. With roughly 125,000 trans adults and over 1,000,000 queer people residing in Texas, organizations such as “TxTransKids” and “Out and Equal” work daily to push back against workplace discrimination and the right to privacy. Please visit the link in our bio to show your support and learn more about the Texas LGBTQ+ community. In the Lewk magazine Instagram bio. 53
ARTICLES Enlightenment
COVER Models Jada Johnson, Braden Barrett Photography Jason Lovejoy Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Ashley Zuercher
Models Megan Lyons, Maddie Bratton, Braden Barrett, LaClea Miles Photography Evelyn Deal Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Ashley Zuercher
ADS
Tooth Fairy ATX
Models Anthony Ezell, Lexi Chavez, Maddie Bratton, Megan Lyons, Braden Barrett Photography Evelyn Deal, Micah Shaw Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Ashley Zuercher, Audrey Kimball
Axis San Marcos
Down to Earth Models Sydney Harris, Michael Ybarra, Tara Davis, Genavive Petrie, Blanche Beohon, Abraham Sackor Photography Micah Shaw Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Ashley Zuercher, Nathan Tuiasosopo
Models Blanche Beohon, Sebastian Escamilla, Braden Barrett, Maddie Bratton, Sydney Harris, Olivia Coddou, Chloey Baker Photography Mya Leffler, Micah Shaw, Joseph Serrata Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Ashley Zuercher, Nathan Tuiasosopo
Zeneration Models Maddie Bratton, Braden Barrett, Michael Ybarra, Jada Johnson, Alexis Williams, Megan Lyons, Sydney Harris Photography Jason Lovejoy Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Ashley Zuercher, Nathan Tuiasosopo
Kivi Rings
Tragedy
Models Michael Ybarra, Blanche Beohon, Anthony Ezell Photography Joseph Serrata Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Nathan Tuiasosopo
Models Jada Johnson, Braden Barrett, Abraham Sackor, Blanche Beohon Photography Jason Lovejoy Makeup Artist Lexi Chavez Stylist Audrey Kimball , Nathan Tuiasosopo
Layout and Design Danielle Henson Genavive Petrie Gabriella Garcia Braden Barrett
54