May Issue Free Mackeline International Fashion Magazine

may 2023

issue 1 volume 1

fashion has always inspired me. When I was in middle school, I had a classmate who would sketch beautiful faces & outfits in her notebook. I was fascinated with her drawings. One day I asked her to teach me, and to my surprise she was excited to pass down her talent. She gave me the basics of profiles & contours, shapes, and shades. I continued drawing for a few years before and after high school. I even attempted to take an art course at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport Connecticut back in the late 80’s. However, after only 2 weeks I quit the class. My brain would not allow me to be taught by someone else.

In my junior year 0f high school I started to teach myself to sew. I had watched my grandmother and stepmother make beautiful pieces. In the early 90’s I decided to focus on developing my talent. I began to create stylish attire to sell. I joined another aspiring fashion designer named Feydette. Feydette and I hosted our first fashion show in 1993. The show was well attended but we made very little money from it.

In 2003 I started a magazine company called Edjoline Publishing. The publication was called Liberian American Magazine (LAM). I published the first issue in January of 2005. It was well received by Liberians from around the world. However, I ended up publishing only 2 issues of the magazine. I decided to shut down the company in 2007 due to lack of financial resources. I always knew I would revive the publication one day.

In February I decided to restart the magazine and this time I’m ready to go at it with full force. Since the print industry has changed dramatically since the early 2000’s, I realize that to succeed this time around I must consider the digital world of social media. My primary goal for the publication is to promote Black and minority businesses. The world of fashion has been dominated by main streams for centuries. I believe it’s time to shine the light on the black race, and all races can promote black owned businesses. Nevertheless, the content of the magazine will be geared towards anyone who’s interested in fashion, entertainment and business. I hope that people of all races will feel comfortable purchasing and reading our publication. We will Enlighten, Entertain, and Educate our readers.

Mackleine Wilson Gibbs

“The Times Reports 11% Increase in Revenue as Digital Subscriptions Climb. The company said it added more than a million digital subscribers in 2022, bringing its total number of paying subscribers to 9.6 million.”

-By Katie Robertson Feb 8, 2023

The magazine industry has changed over the years however, people still love to read magazine articles.

Mackeline International Fashion Magazine’s primary focus is to connect with the Africa youth.

“Youth equals dynamism”

Africa is beautiful and rich; however, Africa’s most bountiful natural resource is its growing population of influential young people.

Today, more than 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25.

-World Economic Forum Sep 19, 2022

Our goal is to capture the attention of African youth.

Advertise your Brand with Mackeline International Fashion Magazine and increase your growth potential.

For a limited time only! Advertising Special

• Full page monthly Advertising — $100

• Half Page Monthly Adverting— $75

• Quarter Page $50

• Inside Cover Page $200

• Back Cover $400

• Line Advertising $10 per line

2023

• Back page line Advertising $120 per year

Promoting Black owned Businesses The Jones Family Values

Smart Learning Center

We chose to highlight HAMS Incorporated this month because of their family values. Mr. Jones is a Biochemist and Trinida Jones is a Family Nurse Practitioner. The family is also the majority owner of a Science Company called Smart Learning Incorporated in Liberia. Smart Learning provides Teacher training and after school programs that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Art to students from elementary to high school. Read more about Smart Learning at: https//www.smartlearninglib.com

The Jones. Himien and Trinida Jones are the majority shareholders of HAMS Incorporated Liberia and HAMS North America Incorporated. Himien is currently the COO of HAMS Incorporated Liberia and CEO of HAMS North America Incorporated. Since 2019, HAMS Incorporated Liberia has been contributing to Liberia’s economy. The company currently has six full-time employees, several independent farmers, and other contractual workers.

HAM’S Vodka is the company’s first, and only brand of vodka released on the Liberian Market in 2019. The vodka has three flavors: HAM’S Honey, HAM’S Bitter and HAM’S Original Vodka. HAM’S vodka is sold in all supermarkets, small local shops, and entertainment centers in Monrovia and surrounding cities. All three HAM’S Vodka flavors has been approved to be sold in the United States. HAMS North America Incorporated is currently working on shipping the vodka from Liberia to the USA. It’s goal is for the vodka to be recognized and sold on the International market starting with the city of Philadelphia and other cities that have larger Liberian populations. Read more about HAMS Incorporated at www.hamsvodka.com

HAM’S Vodka

The Mackeline International Fashion Magazine applauded the Jones Family for their contribution to Liberia’s economy. There are many challenges that Liberia and other African Countries are facing in the world today. But education, innovation, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit, are tools which will help lift the African Continent to compete equally with the rest of the world.

Beauty Tips

The world we live in today has a whole new meaning for beauty. We have evolved from a world where beauty meant white skin, long hair, thin nose & lips, and non-curvy physique. However, today’s women are receiving surgical implants in their breast, butt, and even in their lips. For many, cosmetic surgery or heavy layers of make-up is what define beauty. However, at Mackeline International Fashion Magazine, we believe that cosmetic surgery and heavy layers of make-up are temporary fix for internal problems. If your beauty does not come from within, the confidence you gain from external fix will be temporaty.

Here are our tips to feeling confident.

Exercise – According to the National Library of Medicine, Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a widening variety of other chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cancer (colon and breast), obesity, hypertension, bone, and joint diseases (osteoporosis and osteoarthritis), and depression. (Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2006)Canadian Medical Association Journal are provided here courtesy of Canadian.

J Wils

Johantz Wilson AKA, “J Wils” is an American rapper-songwriter, actor, and record producer. Born in Africa and raised in Connecticut. Wils has worked and shared the stage with mega-stars such as Nikki D, McLyte, Cypress Hill, and Naughty by Nature just to name a few, a true product of his lyrical and instrumental talents, his career has taken him from being a well-known DJ to producing for nationally recognized acts such as Fat Joe, Tony Sunshine, and Cuban Link.

JWils’ family moved from Africa in the early 1980s to the New York metro area; now living in the US, the land of diversity and opportunity, it provided Johantz “J Wils” Wilson with a wide perspective on music genres and styles, with Hip Hop being its most influential, thus leading to the start of his professional musical career as DJ LaSmouve, a moniker given to him by his audiences as they recognized his ability to blend mixes smoothly. As a DJ LaSmouve worked at clubs and private parties, and through these appearances he eventually collaborated with his peers to form a Rap group known as Smooth Concepts in 1986.

Meet This Month’s Designer

Adolphus Queniatie Boure

If you want to look good and feel good about looking good, AQB FASHION HOUSE is the place.”

Adolphus Queniatie Boure is our May designer. Mr. Boure is a Liberian and have lived in Liberia his entire life. He has been in the fashion industry for more than eighteen years and has created fabulous attires for his customers. As a child, Adolphus dreamed of one day starting his own fashion business and that dream became a reality in 2005.

“When I started in 2005, it was all just a dream, a dream of creating, a dream expanding into something phenomenal. Fast forward to today, the dream I once had is no longer a dream, but it is a reality. A reality that we must expand beyond.”

Today he owns one of the biggest Fashion houses in Liberia. AQB Fashion. Boure is a husband, a father and an entrepreneur. AQB Fashion House is located opposite City Hope Church, by Nigeria House in Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.

by AQB Fashion

International Magazine Will

Synthetic vs Natural Fabrics

About a month ago I went into a fabric warehouse to find a piece of fabric that was made from 100% natural material and to my dismay, the selection was very limited. I was not able to find a single piece of cloth made from 100% silk. I have been sewing since my teenage years and over the years I have noticed a spike in the price of natural fabrics like silk, wool, cotton, and leather. I also noticed a decline in the quality of fabrics that are used in the clothes we wear today. I have suffered from night sweat since my mid-thirties and a few years ago I learned that my nightgown and bedsheet were contributing factors to my nightly perspiration problem. So, I wanted to share the following article to inform others who may suffer from the same condition as me. Hopefully, I can inspire our young people to pay attention to the clothes they wear since it may be a contributor to some of their health issues.

Mackeline Wilson Gibbs Editor & Chief

By: Michael Lam, MD, MPH; Carrie Lam, MD; Jeremy Lam, MD

An assortment of healthy fabrics in different patterns and colorsEven though you make sure to choose the best body butter, massage oil, and healthy foods for your skin, there is one more important factor that you might have been overlooking. Guess what always remains in contact with your skin? Fabrics. There are various types of fabrics on the market. However, selecting healthy fabrics ensures your skin and body is

in optimal health. Glowing skin says a lot about your health. Skin is the largest organ of your body, and it performs a vital role in various crucial bodily functions. Therefore, it is important to take good care of it.

What Is In a Fabric?

Your skin can look simple from the outside. However, it is a very complex multitasking organ playing a multitude of crucial roles such as protecting your body against the external environment, regulating body temperature, minimizing water loss, excreting waste from the body in the form of sweat, and helping to detect sensations such as cold, heat, pressure, and pain. With such various functions to perform, the health of your skin is extremely important.

Scientifically, the skin can be classified into three different layers – the dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous layer. Each of these layers is responsible for performing important functions in keeping your body healthy. The surface of your skin contains thousands of tiny pores and hair follicles. It is through these tiny pores that your skin breathes, absorbs moisture from the air, and releases sweat, which helps maintain an ideal body temperature. The fine hair follicles protect your skin against dust.

As your skin is always in direct contact with fabrics, the type and structure of fabrics can significantly influence the health of your skin. What you wear determines the health of your skin. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the type of fabric. From clothes, undergarments, socks, and towels to bed sheets, switching to healthy fabrics allows your skin to breathe freely, preventing rashes, allergies, and other skin issues that can damage your overall health. On the other hand, using synthetic fabrics restricts your skin from breathing, clogs skin pores, and causes

Healthy Fabrics To Keep Your Skin Happy.

rashes. Further, the chemicals from synthetic fabrics can seep through tiny skin pores and settle into your tissue, thus increasing the toxic load on your body.

The Underlying Link Between Your Fabrics and Stress

Healthy fabrics hanging outdoors did you know that fabrics and stress are interrelated? Using certain fabrics on your skin can trigger stress. For instance, synthetic fabrics can restrict the natural breathing of your skin and cause skin rashes, triggering sensitivity which, in turn, can exert stress on your body.

This is why people who already have sensitivities need to pay closer attention to their fabrics. Those with allergies to wool, latex, or with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis need to select their fabric with extra care to prevent any triggers and stress. Chemicals from fabrics can enter the skin pores and reach the internal parts of your body, increasing the toxic load, and thereby triggering stress.

Your body responds to stress through the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response system, which is an intricate network of organs and six circuits including the detoxification circuit. A pair of walnut-shaped adrenal glands present on the top of your kidneys is also an important part of the response system. When a stressful situation arises, the NEM stress response signals your adrenals to secrete the anti-stress hormone cortisol.

However, when stress is persistent, the adrenals soon become overburdened and are no longer able to secrete adequate cortisol. This reduces your body’s natural stress-fighting ability, thus causing adrenal fatigue. Experiencing extreme fatigue along with symptoms of low energy levels, brain fog, reduced concentration levels, insomnia, anxiety, constipation, stubborn weight gain, or craving for fatty and salty foods could be an indicator of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS).

Avoiding stressors is a vital part of the adrenal recovery process. Wearing uncomfortable fabrics such as synthetic products can restrict your skin from breathing and also cause rashes. Skin irritation from synthetic fabrics can trigger your stress response system, thus worsening the symptoms of AFS.

Healthy fabrics take care of your skin by reducing the chances of any skin irritation. Further, in advanced stages of adrenal fatigue, the body tends to have temperature regulation issues. Synthetic fabrics covering your skin can restrict air inflow and the natural breathing of your skin, which in turn can interfere with your body’s natural temperature regulation process.

The detoxification circuit of the stress response system is composed of the liver, lymphatic system, and kidneys. Any imbalance in it can cause chemical and environmental sensitivity, supplement and medication intolerance, and a compromised immune system. It is interesting to note that your skin is the largest waste removal mechanism of your body. It helps to detox your body by secreting sweat through the skin pores and sweat glands. Using healthy fabrics ensures your skin can perform the way it needs to for optimal health. Healthy Fabrics To Choose

Meet Our Models

Ms. Irene D Wonola

IQueen! Our Cover model for this month is Ms. Irene D Wonola and she goes by the stage name “Iqueen.” Iqueen, is a Liberian actress, dancer, music artist, and model. This young lady embodies the strength of a true fighter. Her story is meant to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.

From a very early age, Irene endured hardship. Her parents were very poor and could not adequately provide for her. She was sent to live with her grandmother who then sent her to live with a friend. This friend was financialy stable and could provide better care for Irene. As many other young children experiences when placed in foster care in Liberia, Irene said her foster parents mistreated her. She became a domestic slave and was deprived of proper schooling, and other normal childhood experiences. However, when the opportunity for freedom presented itself at age sixteen, Irene ran away from her foster home.

Irene had dreamed of becoming an entertainer, and when her high school hosted a teen pageant, she was ecstatic to prove to herself and her peers that she had what it takes to be a queen. Irene’s teachers and peers also recognized her beauty and talent, which won her the shool pageant. At this time Irene joined the underground musician’s group in Liberia and began to perform for large street audiences which became her main source of survival.

According to Irene, after learning about the hardship and neglect by her foster parents, her mother took Irene back in and apologized for neglecting her as a child. However, the reunion with her mother short lived when Irene became pregnant at age nineteen. Her mother rejected Irene once more and told Irene that the boy would have to take care of both her and the unborn child. The Young was a few years older than Irene, he took her in, and became abusive to her.

When the child was born, Irene managed to secure a job at a hotel owned by a Lebanese business man. She worked tirelessly at the hotel for a short while and was able to put aside a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately for Irene, the hotel owner propositioned her to become a sexual toy for his son. Fearing for her and her son’s life, she fled her employer and with the money she saved, she was able to rent a room for she and the child.

Irene, Iqueen is now twenty-six years old and have gained a certain level of fame amongst young Liberians from her acting and musical peformance. Her goal is to further her career in acting and music.

Mackeline International Fashion Magazine is honored to have this brave and courageous young woman as a member of our team. Congratulations Iqueen for being our cover model for May. We wish you success and prosperity.

mom apologized for giving me up as a child.

Clothes that Makes you Feel Confident.

F ashion just F or you

J Wils

Story continues from Page 7 & 8

The group’s essence dwelled in the smooth production created by LaSmouve, an experience which eventually led him to launch his own production company: LaSmouve Productions. Shortly after and with production demand increasing he found himself working alongside some of the best in the industry, both independent and major label artists such as Warner Brothers’ Phajja and Atlantic Records’ Terror Squad.

In 1998 LaSmouve was commissioned to work as part of Fat Joe’s label on what would become one of the classics of HipHop’s world culture: Terror Squad - The Album. The product of a team of talented producers, LaSmouve being one of them, it also featured credits by Juju of the Beatnuts, Buckwild, The Alchemist, Arkatech Beatz and others; in addition it featured vocals/lyrics by luminaries such as Fat Joe, Big Pun, Armageddon, Cuban Link, Tony Sunshine, Prospect, and Triple Seis; LaSmouve’s contribution to the album on track 14 “My Kinda Girls.” Learn more about Jwils @ https://jwilslive.com/

Magazine editor: What inspired you to write the new song?

Jwils: My 53rd birth will be on May 2nd, and I have never had a big birthday party before. I had plans to celebrate my 50th birthday which was in 2020 but Covid F-that up for melol. So, this year I’m going all out and I started by writing a song to myself. I know the rest of the world will also enjoy the song because everyone can relate. The one thing all of us have in common is, everyone has a birthday.

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/j-wils/660514279

“

The One Thing All Of Us Have In Common Is, Everyone Has A Birthday.”

Click here to View

Press Release for the Birthday Single

Synthetic verses Natural Fabrics

a selection of materials to create healthy fabrics.

When it comes to picking healthy fabrics, nothing can beat plant-based products. Once you consider factors such as the type of skin you have, local climate conditions, and any allergies or sensitivities you may have, you can choose from a range of natural fabrics that are great for your skin. They are gentle on your skin and help you avoid rashes.

These skin-friendly fabrics top the list:

Cotton

Soft, light, and highly absorbent, cotton makes comfortable, classy, healthy fabrics for all ages. This natural, hypoallergenic, soft fabric is considered best for a new baby’s smooth skin. Cotton clothing is great for those with hot flashes as the fabric helps with temperature regulation. These fabrics also make an affordable solution for your bed sheets, towels, T-shirts, and trousers.

Untreated organic cotton is best for your skin. If you are a fan of printed fabrics, check for the ones that contain natural dyes. The high-breathability of cotton makes it the best fabric for your skin, especially if you are living in hot, humid conditions.

However, conventional cotton is heavily sprayed with insecticides, which pose a great threat to the environment. Furthermore, making the fabric involves a high level of resources and intensive labor. The textile finishing process also involves heavy chemicals which can include carcinogenic dyes. The harmful chemicals from these fabrics can penetrate into the pores of your skin and settle down in your body leading to various health issues. Thus, it’s best

to look for organic and naturally-dyed cotton fabrics.

Flax

Flax is more sustainable than cotton as it can thrive on minimal irrigation and is naturally insect repellant, thus eliminating the need for pesticides. Made from the flax plant, linen fabrics are healthy fabrics for your skin and make a great style statement as well. Linen is naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and anti-static, and regulates temperature. Further, the fabric is capable of absorbing moisture to help keep your skin from feeling damp.

Hemp

The hemp plant contains sustainable fiber and grows rapidly with less water than cotton requires. Fabrics from hemp are highly durable, making them last longer than other natural fibers. Further, the natural coloring in hemp fabrics reduces the need for dyes, making them even more skin-friendly. Another great thing about this durable fabric is it softens with every wash. Further, the dense foliage of hemp plants is excellent for counteracting harmful greenhouse gases.

Silk

woman in a silk shawl is one of many healthy fabricsStrongest of all fabrics and breathable in nature, silk fabric is a natural temperature regulator which retains your body’s heat during cold weather and repels excess heat in warm weather. The fabric is hypoallergenic, thus keeping away dust mites and fungus. People with AFS should consider wearing light silk clothing as they tend to have weak immunity and can develop sensitivity to dust mites. The extremely smooth finish of silk fabric is gentle on your skin thus making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or with skin problems such as eczema or rashes. Peo-

ple who have received chemotherapy find relief in silk clothing as the fabric is light, soft, and does not cause friction on the skin.

People supporting animal rights tend to avoid wearing silk garments, however. This is because several silkworm farms engage in killing the pupae prior to harvesting silk from the cocoon. Ahimsa silk, also referred to as peace silk, is preferred as the silk is harvested after larvae emerge from the cocoon.

Merino Wool

Soft and gentle on skin, merino wool keeps you warm without causing any irritation. Clothing made of this wool helps retain your skin’s moisture. The incredible breathability of merino wool sets it apart from other wool, making it one of the best healthy fabrics. Merino wool is capable of releasing any excess warmth to prevent overheating, thus regulating your body temperature. This can prove especially helpful for people in the advanced stages of adrenal fatigue having issues in regulating body temperature.

Further, research shows that merino wool has therapeutic properties. The unique moisture content management of the soft wool could prove beneficial for eczema sufferers. A twelve-week clinical trial with eczema sufferers showed that wearing superfine merino wool clothing with a mean diameter equal to or less than 17.5 microns helped reduce symptoms.

Fabrics To Stay Away From

Synthetic fabrics restrict your skin from breathing. Further, they also contain chemical dyes harmful to your health. Other, natural fabrics are not so good for your health or the environment. Here is a list of some fabrics you need to stay away from:

Wool

Being a natural material produced from sheep, wool breathes easily. However, the downside of wool is that it can trigger eczema flareups and can cause irritation even on normal skin. Further, sheep emit dangerous methane gases that are harmful to the environment. They are also often dipped in an insecticide bath for parasite control. Artificial dyes and bleaching agents are used to get the finished product which can irritate the skin. Merino wool is superior as it keeps you warm without irritating the skin.

Polyester

If you have issues with your body temperature regulation, then you need to stay away from polyester clothing. Clinical trials show that wearing polyester reduces the hydration of your skin making it dry and causing skin irritation.

Satin

Produced from polyester and nylon, satin does not allow your skin to breathe. Though it might feel smooth on your skin, wearing satin clothes for longer hours especially during summer is not a wise idea. The fabric does not allow moisture and air to pass through it. The result - sweat - does not easily evaporate from your body, thus leaving behind body odor and clogged skin pores.

Conclusion

Fabrics play a significant role in the health of your skin. Your skin is always in contact with clothing, so selecting the right fabrics is important. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, satin, nylon, and rayon can restrict your skin from breathing, cause rashes and clog skin pores. Further, the chemicals from synthetic fabrics can enter your skin pores and settle into your system, increasing the toxic load on your

Synthetic verses Natural Fabrics

body and triggering stress.

Soft, light, and gentle on skin, breathable, highly absorbent, and hypoallergenic in nature, healthy fabrics are skin-friendly and environmentally safe. Some skin-friendly fabrics include cotton, silk, merino wool, flax, and hemp. They are the ultimate natural products to keep your skin happy and healthy. Allowing your skin to breathe naturally, prevents skin pores from clogging and helps maintain your ideal body temperature, helping to ensure your optimal health and well-being. Switching to healthy fabrics, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good lifestyle choices are vital to keeping your skin vibrant.

Promote your brand with a half page Ad here

Here are our tips to feeling confident.

Nutrition – Harvard Medical School publishes an article about the importance of nutrition. According to the article, “Proper nutrition helps keep energy levels up and protects against many age-related illnesses and diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.” Eating the right food and drinking enough water helps to flush our system and keep our skin clear and healthy. With clear and healthy skin, we can use less makeup. (Harvard Health Publishing , 2023)

Meditation – “Meditation can wipe away the day’s stress, bringing with it inner peace.” When you have inner peace, you will be more confident. Other people’s opinions of you will matter less. (Mayo Clinic Staff , 2023)

Love & Friendship – First and foremost, learn to love and care for yourself in a healthy way. Always surround yourself with people who encourage, inspire, and motivate you to do and be your best. Surround yourself with people who make good decisions in their lives. Aways do your best. Finally, as far as we know, we did not create ourselves. There is a higher power so be grateful for the body that you were given. If for any reason you do not like what you see in the mirror, talk to those people who you think look better than you. Find out how they truly view themselves. When we listen to the stories of many physically attractive people, we find that many of them view themselves differently than how others see them. Learn to love who you are. You should be your first BFF.

Family Values

Fashion is about self-expression and the self has a connection to the family. Growing up in the 1970’s, in Liberia West Africa, we were questioned about our family ties when ever we met a friend’s parents for the first time. The friend’s parents would ask, “who are your parents.” Back then, people judged you by your family ties. My grandmother would say, “you are a Wilson, so hold your head up and stand proud like a Wilson.” We represented our family and every negative or positive image we presented would impact our family’s reputation. This made you think carefully about how you presented yourself in public.

Today, Mackeline International Fashion Magazine still believes in family values. We believe in integrity, honesty, dedication, respect, commitment, and a positive self-image. We expect our team members to adhere to those values. As humans we do act out of character from time to time. However, when this happens, we work quickly to correct our mistakes and strive to improve our actions. As the saying goes, “to Err is human, to forgive divine.”

Our model is, “we strive to improve the lives of those we do business with.” We want to leave the world better than we found it.

It’s our hope to inspire our readers to also strive and achieve their best. Together we can leave our world better than we found it.