VULKAN November 2020 Volume 1

November 2020 | VOLUME 01

draya michele Photography ABE BERMUNDEZ

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04 DRAYA MICHELE 18 Hotel Alone 28 Believe in What You See 34 Cica 40 Fall into El Mirage: Hot Days & Cool Night

48 Garden of Friendship 54 Obverse

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DRAYA MICHELE:

Teaching Us What It Means To Be a Boss...In Every Way

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Dress NICOLE + FELICIA Earrings IRIS TRENDS Rings PRAKSHI SHARMA Bracelet SYDNEY EVAN

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Dress EZGI CINAR Earrings SYDNEY EVAN Rings SAPPHIRE STUDIOS Shoes ALEVI MILANO

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Dress DULCE BESTIA Earrings SYDNEY EVAN Rings SAPPHIRE STUDIOS

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Dress NICOLE + FELICIA Earrings UNCOMMON JAMES Rings PRAKSHI SHARMA Shoes MISTRESS ROCKS

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Dress STEVEN KHALIL Earrings IRIS TRENDS Rings PRAKSHI SHARMA Bracelet SYDNEY EVAN Shoes SAM EDELMAN

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Dress EZGI CINAR Earrings SYDNEY EVAN Rings SAPPHIRE STUDIOS

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E

mpowered. Beautiful. Smart.

Dedicated.

Passionate.

Caring. These are just a few adjectives that describe Draya Michele, the actress, digital personality, and Founder of the global swimwear brand, Mint Swim. Bringing to you what it means to be a boss lady in all areas of her life, here at VULKAN we had the pleasure of getting to know more about this multi-faceted diamond. Having believed she would always become a singer or movie star with her outgoing personality, she shared, “eventually my love for fashion kind of overshadowed it a little bit and I got into fashion more into my adulthood, which then led to me actually becoming a designer.” From there, she followed her dreams of diving into the world of Hollywood...but we will get to that.

Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, Michele knew she had to think bigger in order to build her swimwear brand, Mint Swim. When the opportunity presented itself, she moved to California and that is where the building began.

As she shared with an open heart, “I’m inspired by everything that is California; I’m inspired by the beaches, the rooftops, the hotels, the swimming pools, just the weather in general, the palm trees, girls, women---mainly just how everything is very effortless and carefree out here.”

From a small town to the big city, Michele is now celebrating Mint Swim’s 10th year anniversary!

For the talented designer, it was important for her to ensure her brand was a direct reflection of who she is. “ I always kept it true to me and to my style and the styles that I love to wear because I am a person that enjoys things of high quality,” expressed Michele. Making sure her customers get the best quality product that could even last them years, it’s safe to say that she pours her body, mind, and

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soul into the company and its products.

“My customers are women who are just like me: ambitious but still want to feel sexy at the same time,” she stated with a smile. When you purchase a piece from Mint Swim, you are not only buying quality products, you become part of a strong and empowering community.

Throughout the last ten years of Mint Swim’s lifespan, Michele had made the executive decision to not go into retail as she was unsure about it. Furthermore, she felt that it “could possibly take away from what I had going on as far as the traffic with my own website.” But, as she continued to grow and learn new information, whe Pacsun came to her for a collaboration, she was “ecstatic to be able to work with such an iconic brand.”

A partnership she is truly excited and happy to have as they continue to create amazing lines!

From drawing sketches to documenting her everyday life in front of the camera, Michele is finally getting back into acting.

Having been featured in a few projects, she is currently filming her 10 part docuseries.

The actress is finally giving her followers, who are mainly young entrepreneurs, exactly what they ask for most, “What does a day in the life look like and what does it take to start a business?” It’s important for her to share what it means to build not one but multiples businesses, from start to finish. Throughout the series, her audience will get to see the behind the scenes and as she put candidly, “it's not just the successes of these businesses, it’s also the failures and the trials and tribulations; the obstacles that I faced as well. So they'll be able to see it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Opening herself completely, what better way to help others than by being honest and truthful about yourself? These are qualities in a person that our world lacks

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at times, especially with the different sides social media has. Bringing true authenticity to the table, alongside her failures and successes, Michele will also be talking about her life as an influencer, designer, and of course, entrepreneur. After all, she does own a nail shop, “another clothing brand called Fine Ass Girls that is currently in development,” and of course, Mint Swim. There is no stopping her now!

Inspired by movies and TV shows her entire life, it was during a conversation with Philadelphia actress/singer, Jill Scott, that Michele discovered her desire to act. She asked her if acting classes were necessary and Scott responded instantly, “Oh absolutely, everyone takes acting classes. Everyone takes acting classes, no one is a natural like you would think.” You see, it had never occurred to the young dreamer that this was the case so when given this piece of advice, she held onto it dearly. She continued on by taking acting classes and a beautiful love for the arts was setting its course.

Also a mother, Michele has been able to chase her dreams thanks to the love and support of those around her, especially her mom. As she continues on her path of success, she opened up about her true purpose

that is “to create a legacy for my children to be proud of and that can be passed down to them and that I can create something that’ll live within my family and generations to come.” Using her platform to not only build this legacy but also spread positivity, the inspiring influencer believes that “we get further ahead with fact based information rather than biased opinions.” In stating facts, messages can be put out there, allowing us to play our part in a step closer to true change.

So, to all you young entrepreneurs out there make sure to remember that there will be successes and downfalls along the way but never give up! It’s important to “follow your dreams, manifest them into existence and prepare yourselves for it,” said Michele. Your business could pop off when you least expect it and when it does, you want to be ready to ride that roller coaster!

Combining her talents in business, fashion, and acting, Draya Michele is a true inspiration to those around her. Seeing herself, ten years from now, “doing the same thing but just at a higher level,” there is nothing stopping her. Make sure to keep an eye out for her docuseries and get ready to take notes!

Talent DRAYA MICHELE @drayamichele Photographer ABE BERMUDEZ @abe.bermudez Creative Direction ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph Styling PHILIPPE UTER @philippeuter Hair ALEX THAO @alexthaohair Makeup SAISHA BEECHAM @saishabeecham Interview ALEXANDRA BONNET @alexbonnetwrites Production @bellomediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la x @alexbonnetwrites

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Dress MICHAEL COSTELLO Earrings UNCOMMON JAMES Rings PRAKSHI SHARMA Shoes JUST FAB

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Dress STEVEN KHALIL

Earrings IRIS TRENDS Rings PRAKSHI SHARMA

Bracelet SYDNEY EVAN

Dress DULCE BESTIA Earrings SYDNEY EVAN Rings SAPPHIRE STUDIOS Shoes CARVELA

Dress NICOLE + FELICIA Earrings UNCOMMON JAMES Rings PRAKSHI SHARMA Shoes MISTRESS ROCKS

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Hotel Alon Photography MARIA GRINCHUK @mariagrinchuk_

Model LIVI PACKARD @livpackard @State Management

Makeup LUISA SOLER @thisisluisasoler

Suit BAR III Turtleneck PLANET GOLD

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Jewelry ALFANI Suit CALVIN KLEIN Shoes MARC FISHER

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Jewelry ALFANI

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Suit CALVIN KLEIN Shoes MARC FISHER

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Blouse INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Pants INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Shoes MICHAEL KORS

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Suit BAR III Turtleneck PLANET GOLD

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Blouse INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Pants INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Shoes MICHAEL KORS

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24 Dress BETSY ADAM Coat AVEC LESS FILLES Shoes GUESS

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Suit BAR III Turtleneck PLANET GOLD

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Believe in what you see

Photography ADRIAN LOPEZ @adrianlopezphoto

Model PRESLEY COLLINS @presley.collinsflores @The DragonFly Agency Stylist DEXTER JAMES @littlefashionguy

Coat ZARA Dress URBAN OUTFITTERS Bag BRAHMIN

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Wardrobe H&M Sunglasses WILD FABLE Bag BRAHMIN

Coat FOREVER 21 Dress H&M Sweater BANANA REPUBLIC Shoes SUEDEAL

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Wardrobe ZARA Bag BRAHMIN Shoes SHUEDEAL

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Coat FOREVER 21 Dress H&M Sweater BANANA REPUBLIC Shoes SUEDEAL

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Wardrobe H&M Sunglasses WILD FABLE Bag BRAHMIN

Cica Photography + Art Director LI GAOÂ @ligaophotography

Model CICA PIMENTA @cicabloom @Major Model Management Makeup + Hair CHARIVARI & CO @charivariandco

Dress DRESS THE POPULATION Earrings BLOOMINGDALE'S Bracelet STYLIST'S OWN Rings: MODEL'S OWN

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Jumpsuit FRENCH CONNECTION Accessories STYLIST'S OWN Rings MODEL'S OWN

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Romper ALICE + OLIVIA Earrings KENDRA SCOTT Watch MARC JACOBS Rings MODEL'S OWN

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Dress ADELYNN RAE Shoes VINCE CAMUTO Accessories STYLIST'S OWN

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Dress DRESS THE POPULATION Earrings BLOOMINGDALE'S Bracelet STYLIST'S OWN Rings: MODEL'S OWN

Dress ADELYNN RAE Shoes VINCE CAMUTO Accessories STYLIST'S OWN

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Volume 01

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Fall into El Mirage: Hot Days & Cool Night Photography + Creative Director WALTER TABAYOYONG @waltertabphoto Model JAKE JENSEN @jacobjensenmedia @Taylor Kelsaw Management

Shirt KNUTE Pants AMERICAN STITCH Scarf NEW YORK MODERN

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Scarf BADGE Pants LEVIS Aviators RAY BAN

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Shirt MICHAEL KORS Pants THEORY Jacket H&M Shoes PHAT FARM Hat KANGOL Bag AMERICAN OUTFITTERS

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Shirt DOCKERS Jeans SALSA Vest RING OF FIRE Boots BILTRITE

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Jacket LEVIS Tank CALVIN KLEIN Jeans AEROPOSTALE Hat STETSON Belt BILTRITE

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Yellow dress with attached belt FOREVER 21 Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

Garden of

Friendship Photographer + Creative Director MADDISON WOOLLARDÂ @maddisonwoollard Model ALEEZA WIJAYA @bbbonsoy

Stylist SUKHAM SAINI @stylebysukham

Makeup + Hair TEGAN TURNBULL @tegan_turnbull

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White Dress VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA Umbrella VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA

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Shoes LIPSTIK Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

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Black set VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

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Black set VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA Fan VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

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Yellow dress with attached belt FO Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

Black set VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

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OREVER 21

White Dress VINTAGE FIND FROM CHINA Jewellery VINTAGE FIND

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Photography KAVAK AGIR @kavakagir

Makeup EMMA VIGNE @emmakeup_2311

Stylist JULIETTE BIZEL @vendomepersonalshopper

Hair BARTHÉLÉMY JORIS @barthair

Model MELINA ROBER @melina_rober @Mademoiselle Agency Model + Makeup CHIARA BALLANO @chiara_ballano

Obverse Assistant HESSAM DASHTI @hessam_dashti

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Jumpsuit ASOS Shoes MANGO

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Jumpsuit ERES Shoes MANGO Shirt ZARA Tight CALZEDONIA

Trench RECLAIMED VINTAGE Short ZARA Shoes ASOS Body PRIMARK

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Jumpsuit ASOS

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VULKAN PRINT Available around the world Order at www.vulkanmagazine.com/print DIGITAL www.issuu.com/outnext WEBSITE www.VulkanMagazine.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Eleanor Holmes | Chase J. Elliott Kevin Sikorski | Nikita Denisov Lester Villarama | Kyungil Park SUBMISSIONS www.kavyar.com/vulkan-magazine LAYOUT Stephane Marquet | Ana Krbanjevic PUBLISHER @BelloMediaGroup 8285 Sunset Blvd. Suite #1 / West Hollywood, CA 90046 Image Nation Studio L.L.C. California, USA Alexandra Tuil | Aleksandar Tomovic Stephane Marquet

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Volume 01

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VULKAN November 2020 | VOLUME 01

draya michele Photography ABE BERMUNDEZ