Quiet On The Set Magazine, Winter 2024

Quiet On The Set

MAGAZINE WINTER 2024

Celebrating the Legend

Dionne Warwick

book of hov

An inside look in exhibit celebrating the achivements of Jay-Z

the carlyle room re - opens in d . c .

Highlights from the Grand Re-Opening Event

healthy tips for the new year from dr . yolanda ragland - lewis

pristine:

highlands

healty

Letter from the Publisher

Erik Aleph Humphrey

As we embark on a new year, we also reflect on the years behind us. Quiet On The Set Magazine entered the digital arena 10 years ago and it was a whirlwind of high and lows. However, we forged on and created beautiful friendships with every one we came in contact with.

We started this venture to highlight grass roots artists who didn't have a platform and it emerged into something bigger. The staff and I were privileged to cover an array of entertainment industry icons and emerging new artists, from the local scene to abroad.

We are internally grateful for our viewers who give us their eyes and ears when they click on quietonthesetmagazine.com

As we continue to grow, we have a lot in store for you this year and we are looking forward to the next 10 years.

We feel your love and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Book of HOV: A Captivating Journey Through the Life and Acvhiements of Jay-Z

written by Theo Pough

It was 2003 when Shawn Corey Carter, known throughout the world as Jay-Z, released his eighth studio album, “The Black Album,” and announced his retirement. I quickly ran to the nearest WalMart to purchase say album. “Dirt Off Your Shoulders” was on constant repeat and I had what I thought would be his final project as a recording artist.

Well, 20 years, five studio albums, and three collaborative albums later, we are celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop. And one can’t talk about Hip-Hop without celebrating the accomplishments of Jay-Z and his influence on the culture.

How fitting in the bustling city of New York, a groundbreaking exhibition, “The Book of HOV” would take the art world by storm. This captivating showcase dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has become a must-visit destination for fans and art enthusiasts alike. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the

multifaceted career of one of music's most influential figures.

Debuted on July 14, the compilation includes never-before-seen photos, musical instruments, a life-sized replica of the recording studio where the “Can’t Knock The Hustle” singer recorded some of his first hits, and a mural made of hand-cut and scanned news clippings illustrating the path through Jay-Z’s 13 albums and the companies he founded like Rocawear.

This multi-media exhibition is curated and executive-produced by Roc Nation. “The Book of HOV” is one of the largest in-house exhibitions the 350,000 square-foot space has presented. Production designer

Arts & Entertainment

Bruce Rodgers told the New York Times the exhibit is “probably the most intense installation I’ve ever been involved in.”

It was a nice summer day when colleagues and I made our way to Brooklyn Public Library – Central Library. We were greeted by a cube covered in LED screens that flashed scenes from Jay-Z’s music videos in the library’s plaza, and behind it, a massive facade covered by a display of song lyrics.

Once inside, The Book of HOV is not just a static exhibition but a fully immersive experience. Through cutting-edge technology and innovative design, we were transported into the world of Jay-Z.

The exhibition features an impressive collection of rare photographs, personal artifacts, and memorabilia, providing an intimate look into the artist's personal and professional life. One area of the library features playable turntables and vinyl with samples used across Jay-Z’s catalog, surrounded by tape reels, floppy disks and CDs of his original music

One of the highlights of the exhibit is the exploration of Jay-Z's artistic evolution. From his early days as a rapper to his groundbreaking albums and collaborations, visitors can delve into the creative process behind some of his most iconic works. Through interactive displays and audiovisual installations, the exhibition brings to life the energy and passion that have made Jay-Z a cultural icon.

The Book of HOV also showcases his ventures in fashion, sports management, and philanthropy, highlighting his commitment to empowering communities and fostering social change.

The Book of HOV stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jay-Z. Through its immersive storytelling and comprehensive exploration of his life and career, the exhibition offers a profound appreciation for the artist's impact on music, entrepreneurship, and social activism. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual admirer, this extraordinary exhibition is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the indelible mark Jay-Z has left on the world.

At the time of this publishing, the exhibition had been extended for viewing through December 2023.

For more info visit

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/exhibitions/book-hov

Celebration: One Word to Describe the Black Hair Opening Reception

video by Fuseme Mengistu

“I started my journey to create BlackHair nine months ago. I’ve been blessed to work with amazing people and took over 3,000 images. From that content treasure trove, I carefully selected 41 images that provide my point of view on black hair and by extension, Black culture. The collection talks about black joy, love, beauty, strength, resilience, expression, and fantasy. BlackHair creates an environment where visitors reconnect with a favorite place, experience, person, or memory by engaging with positive images of Black people and our glorious hair," says photographer, Marvin Bowser.

Click below to view the highlights of his collection.

D.C.'s Go-Go Museum Breaks Ground

video by Erik Aleph Humphrey

On November 15, DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and city officials joined Ronald L. Moten and members of the D.C. Go-Go comminty at the Ground-Breaking of the GO-GO Museum in Historic Anacostia.

The museum is set to open in the Spring of 2024.

This occasion also marks the unveiling of the Mobile GO-GO Museum, the first of its kind in the United States.

“Fifteen years ago, in front of 4,000 people at the 2009 GO-GO Awards, I announced plans to build a GO-GO Museum in Washington, DC…that was our dream; and, in 2019, we kicked-off our first fundraiser with DC’s 95.5 WPGC-FM, to realize our dream. Here we are in 2023, at our

ground-breaking, and look forward to opening the GO-GO Museum in Historic Anacostia in the Spring of 2024," said Ron Moten at the unveiling.

Checkout highlights from the groundbreaking ceremony below.

MJ the Musical: A Smash Hit

written by Michelle D. Hurst

Growing up, I was a Michael Jackson fanatic. Like most little brown girls, I was enamored with everything MJ. He, and the Jackson 5 were OUR Osmond brothers. I was skeptical when I first heard about, " MJ The Musical." Thinking it would highlight the bad, and gloss over his many awards and charity efforts.

After months of contemplating, I finally decided to go. Primarily because DMV born and raised Miles Frost, the youngest actor to win a Tony Award, was cast as MJ. I wanted to see how he embodied the only man who made wearing a glittered glove cool and stylish.

The musical wasn't what I expected, and I was pleasantly surprised. It centered around MJs 1993 Dangerous Tour, and highlighted his obsession with perfection, humorous side, and a penchant for getting what he wanted.

The audience learns of his often-tumultuous relationship with his father, Joe Jackson and how his mother was the conduit between them. She was the driving force behind why he did the Pepsi commercial and subsequent tour. Despite the unfortunate incident during the Pepsi commercial, we learned MJ still carried out his obligation to tour. It is at this point we get our first glimpse into how his addiction to pain killers began.

Michael Jackson could not play any instruments, but he had an uncanny ability to imitate the sound of instruments, thus creating most of the music for his albums. The musical also reflects upon his collaboration with legendary producer Quincy Jones, for albums, "Off the Wall," and "Thriller."

The musical does a fantastic job of cohesively weaving the intricacies of the Jackson 5, going solo, and pivotal moments of his career.

I won't share how it ends. I would prefer people see it for themselves.

Personally, I feel despite his popularity, charity work and awards, Michael Jackson was simply a man who loved to entertain and heal the world. I believe he wanted to be healed as well. From a world who loved him, but also tried to destroy him.

This musical will not disappoint. You will sing, laugh, and dance in your seat.

Please visit https://mjthemusical.com for ticketing information and shows near you.

Artists Recognize at 38th Annual D.C. Mayor Arts Award

interview by Erik Aleph Humphrey & Michelle Hurst video by Theodore G. Pough

Checkout red carpet highlights below

The Influencers Brunch 2023

written by Erik Aleph Humphrey & Raymone Bain

video by Nabiu Hailemariam

To influence, is to be impactful, impressionable, inspirational, motivational, and stimulating. This is what the Influencers Brunch does. This year, Quiet on the set Magazine had an opportunity to chat with some of the initial organizers of the event, on the red carpet. A plethora of Black Hollywood and DMV excellence came to support the cause including Ronnie Devoe and Lorenz Tate.

The 9th annual Influencers Red Carpet Brunch was held in conjunction with The Congressional Black Caucus.

The lavish, star-studded, invitation only event, was spearheaded by award-winning TV, and film producer, Terk Stevens, founder and CEO of Terk Entertainment. Joining him was award-winning comedian and actor, Chris Spencer.

Background history on the founders:

Terk Stevens, entrepreneur, began as a vocal artist in the R&B and Hip-Hop singing group," Whistle". Mr. Stevens is a recent award-winning producer for the film, “Best Man: Final Chapter”.

The premiere networking event was back in DC where it originated, after a 5-year stint at the Oscars in Beverly Hills, where the brunch became a popular hit amongst the film and recording industry community.

The Influencers Brunch was created in 2014 to honor those who received 2014 BET Honor Awards. Key influencers, decision-makers, and creative leaders Mr. Stevens describes as “thought leaders who are usually seen, but not heard”.

“Our purpose for creating the influencer brunch was to create a black experience to mirror the Sun Valley conference. We took an annual breakfast amongst three friends… Anthony Anderson, Chris Spencer, Donald Woodard, and me, and developed it into the premiere black experience in Beverly Hills during Oscars weekend. After being in Los Angeles for five years, we wanted to come back home to DC and relaunch something meaningful for the DMV during the Congressional Black Caucus weekend," said Stevens.

The honorable Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore was the keynote speaker and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman, Steven Horsford (D-NV) was one of the special guest.

Grand Re-Opening of the Carlyle Room

written by Erik Aleph Humphrey

video by Nabiu Hailemariam

Mid Fall 2023, Owner, Jeremy Allen opens the Carlyle Room and brings back a sophisticated French decorative style interior that creates an intimate cozy setting for his guests, while enjoying live entertainment and fine dining. Allen wanted to create a diverse and upscale establishment that can be transformed into a space for private events, receptions, or just a night on the town.

verse with: Award-winning Journalist, Fox Channel 5, Marissa Mitchell, Owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, Virgina Ali, Industrial Bank Owner, Doyle Mitchell, Raymone Bain of The Raymone K. Baine Companies LLC, Fashion Designer, Ron Cook, Makeup Extraordinaire, Derrick Rutledge, and many other DC area influencers.

“The set up is amazing! Kind of like the 1920s Art Deco. The colors are natural muted colors and when you walk into the space, it’s very inviting and open” says Ronald Woodard, the magazine’s Art Director.

In keeping with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s “DC is Open for Business" invitation, Mr. Allen had an exclusive grand opening ribbon cutting reception with a special performance, and a Q&A session, by grammy Award-winning Recording Artists, Take 6. On the red carpet, we had the opportunity to con-

Allen’s fulcrum is to treat people from all walks of life, mimicking how he wants to be treated. Love is love. “Diversity is important. You can be an owner, but you still have to be diverse. I built my business model on love. If you love people, they’ll love you back.” said Allen.

He wants to feature not only national acts, but local acts as well because a platform for upcoming artists is needed and the Carlyle will provide just that.

The Carlyle Room is in the heart of downtown Washington D.C., 1350 I (eye) Street, N.W. Parking is available underground on 14th Street N.W., next to The Hilton Hotel.

Arts & Entertainment

Video Highlights

January 20, 2023

November 3, 2023

A Wesley Christmas Wedding Red Carpet Event

QOTS Exclusive with Upcoming Music Artist, Brandi

Arts & Entertainment

Highlights 0f 2023

Octotber 20, 2023

Bo Sampson's Birthday Celebration Highlights

Dionne

The Legacy of Dionne Warrwick

written by Sherri Thompson photography & video by Fuseme Mengistu

It was November 18, 2013, when we were preparing the studio set up for taping at Arlington Independent Media in Arlington, VA. I had the bright idea to tape 3 shows in one night. Everything was on a tight schedule since the studio closed promptly at 10PM. I had just started producing my show ‘beyond the lyrics’, and had the idea of surprising Washington, DC, musical artist Kenny Wesley, with an unexpected telephone call from Ms. Warwick. I contacted her manager, Henry Carr, and explained that I would like to surprise Kenny with a phone call from Ms. Warwick because Kenny had just returned from competing at the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition. Kenny was the only selected U.S. finalist chosen to compete and finished in 3rd place. Ms. Warwick’s publicist at the time, Kevin Sasaki, responded to my email, and we made arrangements. I gave him the number and the time we needed her to call in, and it was all set. The day of the tapings, I was especially nervous because I really had not thought about our arrangement once I confirmed everything with her publicist, and it had been about 4 days since we last communicated.

Feature

Her elegant stature and signature voice had her trailblazing the charts with her ballads for decades. Hailing from a family of illustrious singers including pop legend Whitney Houston (maternal cousin), classic opera soprano Leontyne Price (cousin) and session and gospel singer Cissy Houston (aunt), we all thought ‘what took them so long’ when it was announced that she would finally be recognized for her lifetime artistic achievements at this year’s 46th Kennedy Center Honors.

Marie Dionne Warrick was born on December 12, 1940 in East Orange, NJ to Mancel L. Warrick (father), a retired Pullman porter, and Lee Drinkard Warrick (mother), who worked at an electrical plant and managed The Drinkard Jubilaires. (Their name was later changed to The Drinkard Singers), a group composed of Dionne’s aunts and uncles. Mancel and Lee Warwick had three

children: Marie Dionne (oldest) and her sister Delia (“Dee Dee”) and brother Mancel, Jr., (“Pookie”) and the family lived in a two family home at 46 Sterling Street in East Orange, NJ. After his retirement, her father Mancel became an accountant, author and gospel record promoter; eventually he became Dionne’s accountant and road manager.

At 6 years old, Dionne Warwick made her singing debut in church at the request of her grandfather, the Reverend Elzae Warrick. Sensing her nervousness, he whispered to her “if you can think it, you can do it.” With those words of wisdom, he gathered a stack of books for her to stand on. She closed her eyes, said a prayer and sang “Jesus Loves Me” at the St. Luke’s AME Church in Newark, NJ.

In 1957, at the age of 14, Dionne and her sister Dee Dee formed their own group, the Gospel Jubilaires. It was expected of them to continue the legacy given to them by the Drinkard Singers to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through music. And they did just that. They sang in churches all through New Jersey and the East Coast. They felt confident enough to audition for amateur night at the Apollo and won. After this win, they became the leading female voices for background session work in New York. The sessions had to be done on the weekends because their parents would not allow anything to interfere with their schoolwork.

Around 1960, Dionne received a scholarship to study music at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music.

While in school, Warwick still had sessions on the weekends. During one of those sessions she met

DionneWarwickwithReggieVanLee,KennedyCenterBoardofTrustees

DionneWarwickwithErikAlephHumphrey,QOTSMagazine

conductor/arranger Burt Bacharach. He asked if she would be interested in working some demonstration records (demos) with him and his songwriting partner, Hal David. This was the beginning of the trio’s extensive “work marriage,” and admittedly heralded Warwick as ‘The Golden Muse’ for the writers.

“Immediately when you saw her, you knew she was a star. Dionne had the goods”, stated Burt Bacharach.

At some point during a session, Ms.Warwick became annoyed and said “Don’t make me over, man.” Hence, that line resulted in Ms. Warwick’s first solo hit single being played on both pop and R&B stations, “Don’t Make Me Over.” (1962)

When Scepter

Records released “Don’t Make Me Over”, “Warrick” was misspelled “Warwick” on the single; however, she continued to use the name.

“She seems to know what I was trying to say, maybe better than I knew myself. She knew how to interpret a lyric,” stated Hal David.

Hartford’s Hartt School of Music. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree in 1986.

By 1968, she became the first African American solo female artist of her generation to receive a Grammy for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” - Ella Fitzgerald was the only African American female to win that prestigious award for that song prior to Ms. Warwick.

By the age 25, Dionne Warwick had become America’s top-selling female artist, and the first black female artist to record 12 consecutive Top 100 singles.

In 1963, after three years of college, she left school to begin her burgeoning career. She managed to find time within her busy touring schedule to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of

Her discography includes a trove of hits that includes “I Say a Little Prayer,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again”, “Déjá Vu” and “That’s What Friends Are For.” She became the first female artist to win Grammys for Best Pop Vocal (“I’ll Never Love This Way Again”) and Best R&B Vocal ( “Déjá Vu”) in the same year (1980). Her album ‘Dionne’ stayed on top of the charts for a year.

On September 17, 1969, CBS Television aired Warwick's first television special, entitled The Dionne Warwick Chevy Special. Her gurest include George Kirby, and Glen Campbell.

In the 1970s, Warwick formed her own label, Sonday Records, of which she was president. Sonday was distributed by Scepter.

Unfortunately, the magical threesome of Warwick, Bacharach and David were no more after the Bacharach/David team was dismantled after the score they

wrote for the movie Lost Horizon(1973) bombed at the box office. Warwick said she found out through the newspapers about the breakup, too. At that point, lawsuits ensued and all relationships between the three colleagues were damaged.

After a tough 10 year period of tragedy, loss and not recording, it was Warwick’s faith, family and tenacity that kept her going. Even while on the road, she raised her two sons Damon and David Elliott to have as balanced a childhood as they could. Her sons said somehow she was always home. Their father was William Elliott, an actor and musician she married twice - in 1966 & 1967- they divorced the second time in 1975.

By 1985, Bacharach and Ms. Warwick rekindled their relationship. Bacharach had a new writing partner in Carole Bayer Sager.

From that collaboration Ms. Warwick had one of the biggest hits of her career, “That’s What Friends Are For”, featuring Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Elton John lending their vocals.

Proceeds went to AIDS research. Ms. Warwick was

one of the first artists to heighten public awareness of the AIDS epidemic. She also served as the U.S. ambassador of health, a post she held through both the Ronald Reagan and George Bush administrations.

Warwick has won 6 Grammys, is an author and has hosted several television shows including The Psychic Friends Network, Solid Gold, The Soul Train Awards and her own show, Dionne and Friends.

Warwick has sold over 100 million records (over 75 million singles and 25 million albums) worldwide. She has charted 18 songs in the top 20 of the US Hot 100 and charted several more hits inside the top 40. She has charted 69 times on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart; after Aretha Franklin, she is the second-most charted female vocalist during the rock era (1955–2010).

According to AfroNews, legend Gladys Knight and vocalist Chlöe Bailey captured the hearts of the crowd as they sang Warwick’s quintessential hits “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Walk on By”.

“Dionne, you’ve shown us how to take every challenge

FetedatCafeMilanoinWashingtonD.C.byFirstLadyofMaryland,DawnMoore

with a smile on our face,” said Bailey, adding that the song is “timeless like Dionne Warwick herself.”

Who knew things would come full circle, and I would get the opportunity to write about the iconic Ms. Dionne Warwick. She and I have never met in person, but we have communicated on different occasions. She has always been generous, elegant and giving of her time. Kevin told us we would have 5 minutes of her time after she had just returned to the States from South America, probably jet lagged for sure, but now when I think about it, she gave us double that amount. She took time to congratulate Kenny on his accomplishment. The qualities of which legends and icons are made.

I look forward to our next collaboration.

The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony broadcasted on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 8PM ET on CBS.

BIOGRAPHY:

Dionne Warwick: Life and Career | Complete (youtube. com)

Black artistry highlighted at 46th Kennedy Center Honors ceremony | AFRO American Newspapers

https://variety.com/2011/music/news/dionne-warwickthe-golden-muse-1118035593/

Dionne Warwick recalls her first time on stage (today. com)

My Life, as I See It: An Autobiography: Warwick, Dionne, Wooley, David F: Amazon.com: Books

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_Warwick

Business

BLK Sunflower Creates a Luxury Sensory Experiences and Teaches the Importances of Self-Care

interview by Erik Aleph Humphrey video by Theodore Pough

Checkout interview with Jasmin Richards below from 2021

Get Bodied!

written by Michelle D. Hurst

video by Nabiu Hailemariam

Stephani Hollis is a variety of things; mom, businesswoman, physical trainer and serious advocate for women who want to improve their bodies, but don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for invasive procedures. Stephani is a body contourist/ wood therapy queen! Some have referred to her as the G.O.A.T of wood therapy.

I’ve known Stephani for approximately 12 years. During that time, I’ve witnessed her entrepreneurial prowess. On an Instagram post, I saw where she was using wooden tools to “sculpt” someone’s body. Intrigued, I went to her page and began reviewing her posts. I sent her a direct message, and she called. Stephani is super-hyper, exciting, and motivating. She shared her technique and how wood therapy was soon going to become the “thing” to do. The fact is that it’s non-invasive and the recovery time is anywhere from 36 to 72 hours, I was sold!

Wood therapy is a massage technique that utilizes wooden, handheld tools, such as rolling pins and vacuum-suction cups. Wood therapy is centuries old and originated in Asia.

Stephanie takes her craft seriously. To date, she's trained over 100 women in the United States, and abroad. She started training online during COVID and once the world opened, she began traveling to various cities to conduct one- and two-day, onsite training sessions. Her training sessions typically last

12 to 18 hours and her wood therapy sessions typically last four to six hours. The length of each session is based information provided on your health assessment form. Vital to a successful session, is communication. The client must follow her instructions for pre and post treatment. If the client does their part, it makes for an awesome experience.

I’ve had four sessions with Stephanie, my first two were in June (I traveled to Arizona) and the second in September when she traveled to the DMV. Each time, I felt wonderful, and the results were amazing. It is a confidence booster, and what I needed to jumpstart my fitness journey and improve my overall health. While in the DMV, she had a session with QOTS Magazine Publisher, Erik Aleph Humphrey. "The entire session was physically exhilarating, emotionally calming, and spiritually uplifting," said Humphrey.

Rumor has it, she’ll be returning to the DMV in the New Year!

Stay tuned!

Click the link below to hear my Q&A session with Stephani, during her visit to the DMV. If you’re interested in her services as a client or student, please contact her via Instagram @gotbodiedbystephanihollis

Highlands Cafe Infuses Soulful Cuisines

written by Erik Aleph Humphrey

video by Nabiu Hailemariam

From El Salvador to Southeast Washington D.C., Highlands Cafe and Grill continues to flourish. For over four decades, the Garay family has been in the restaurant business.

It began when Juanita Garay came to America in the 1970s.

In 1979 she opened a small restaurant named “Los Planes de Renderos," located at 11th & I N.W., near the Greyhound Bus station on New York Avenue.

The restaurant gained immediate credentials for "Best Margaritas," as headlined in the Washington Post.

What Juanita started, segued into her son, Moe’s heart.

He'd always had a passion for cooking and enjoyed good Salvadorian soulful meals. This soon became a family business when a couple of decades later Moe and his wife, Berty, opened the first Highlands Café, uptown on 14th street N.W. near the Metro Bus Depot.

They wanted to infuse African American cuisines and other ethnic dishes with their menu. This collaboration was welcomed and well received in the diverse community and neighborhood. Years later, Moe and Berty's son Walter, learned how to mix drinks from his Abuela (Grandma), Juanita. Walter's eclectic style brought personality and flavor to the restaurant, and soon, he became best known for his signature Expresso Martini, and perfect Old Fashion.

Some of the mouthwatering favorites that appear on the menu, are scrumptious Shrimp and Grits, hearty Oxtails, and savory Blackened Salmon. These delectable entrees are dangerously addictive and pleasing to the pallet. One bite, and you'll be back.

The Garay’s and staff are all very humble and gracious hosts. Upon entering the venue, the warm energy greets you, and the savory scents have your palate salivating.

To view the interview, click below.

Pristine: A Natural Choice

written by Erik Aleph Humphrey

video by Theodore Pough

In 2009, Aaron Johnson and his wife, LaQuanda, had a vision. They wanted to develop all-natural skin and hair care products, without harmful chemicals like paraben, sulfates, alcohol, and others. Today, their products are all natural, and aren’t harmful to skin or the body. They manufacture hair, skin, and wellness care products.

Aaron Johnson quotes “We started making natural products in 2009, when we noticed many products had more fragrance and chemicals, than aiding elements. Family and friends would tell me how certain products on the market became unusable because of what it did to

their skin and hair." With that inspiration, I began to research and study the effects of certain ingredients. Based upon my findings, I created products with similar fragrances (essential oils),and beneficial ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, extracts, organic oils, and butters, that promote healing. Aaron says, "I create products with the customer in mind. I ask questions to get more familiarized with the issue, catering to their need or concern. I love to make products that will help aid, heal, condition, moisturize and strengthen the hair and skin cells. Too many times I've seen hair breakage, overly dry skin, and irritations with no known root cause. I wanted to make products that people could depend on. Products that will reverse any negative affect of many products in the past."

A Conscious Eye

Many of today's "Health and Wellness" products (known household names and favorites) contain chemicals such as, sulfates, which causes hair loss, paraben,s that cause allergic reactions, and cancer-causing nitrates. Most of the ingredients are for-

eign to the general consumer, and nearly impossible to pronounce.

If you are in the DMV area and want to check out Pristinecare products, they can be found at Pentagon City Mall, Arlington Virgina, on the first level. The company also has a store located at 3971 St. Charles Parkway, in Waldorf, MD.

Helping Hands

After years of research, which included studying plant life and its processes, we created natural, anti-ailment, skin, and hair creams. These products nourish the hair and body. When I saw that my grandmother's arthritis was getting worse, and that her prescribed medication had barely any positive effect, I started to research oils that would relieve this pain. In doing so, I made a muscle relief cream that included all natural oils and extracts. My grandmother used the cream and told me how it eased the pain and left a cooling, calming sensation to the area. Many clients report how it has helped with carpal tunnel, sprains, gout, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, spasms, sciatic nerve pain and back aches. One client told me that it helped ease the pain due to a chipped bone that he didn't know was there. My daughter suffered from eczema, and many of the products available only relieved her for a short while. I soon created a cream that she could use on her skin, and wasn't too harsh on her face. Since using this product, she hasn't had any itchy or achy skin. Her skin is moisturized, and healing.

The Pristinecare team prides itself on bringing the best natural ingredients to provide alternatives for the immaculate care, deserving of us all. Client testimonials provide us the

necessary feedback on how our variety of creams have been beneficial for them friends, and family members.

Unless your product says naturally or organic, it is not. After losing family and friends to cancer, we hand mix and pour every cream adhering to safety standards and guidelines. Our health notice section offers more information. The prestigious Pristinecare staff will continue to research safe and natural ingredients that provide our clients with a superior product.

Pristinecare is based out of Charles County, Maryland.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products aren't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease.

Feel free to contact us Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm EST @ 301-653-4638 or email us @ pristinecare@ hotmail.com

Some content is courtesy of Pristinecare.

Click link below to view the interview.

Start the New Year with Healthy Habits and SMART Goals

written by Dr. Yolanda Ragland-Lewis

The holidays have past and most of us will be busy declaring resolutions that will likely usher us into the new year with a renewed desire to live better, eat healthier, exercise regularly, get more rest, dream bigger, and simply do more to embrace life. Truth is…

THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!

But what are some of the practical steps to help you make these resolutions stick? In other words, how do we unplug from bad habits and create good habits that are sustainable? Here are a few tips.

To unplug from bad habits and establish sustainable habits for wellness, start by setting realistic goals, gradually introducing healthier choices, and incorporating regular exercise.

Realistic goals as it pertains to weight loss can also be referred to as SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and TimeBound. First, when setting realistic goals for weight loss, make them specific. For example, after consulting with your physician, you should be able to be very clear about your goal. Maybe you are going by your height and can determine what weight you should be to obtain a BMI (body mass index) of somewhere between 18 and 24.9 (which is considered normal). Or maybe you simply want to fit comfortably into your clothes again. Either way, you should have a specific goal in mind like to lose 25 pounds or to fit comfort-

ably into your size 10/12 pants.

Next, a SMART goal should be measurable so you can track your progress. Whether you use a scale or tape measurer, you should be able to determine if you are moving in the right direction. SMART goals should also be achievable with effort but not overly ambitious. For most people, 20-25 pounds is easy attainable with a proper meal plan and increased physical activity. However, it may not be relevant to your overall wellness or easily achievable in say a short time, like within one week. Therefore, setting a realistic timeframe is also essential to SMART goals.

The next practical tip is to create sustainable healthy habits is to gradually introduce healthier choices. This includes starting small with minor changes like incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet and learning to replace unhealthy options with

healthier alternatives like opting for whole grain bread for refined white bread or quinoa or brown rice over white rice. Another tip here is to replace fast foods with homecooked healthier meals when possible and aim for balancing your meals with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Lastly, a SMART goal should be time-bound. In the context of nutrition wellness and weight loss, making a goal time-bound means setting a specific timeframe for achieving the goal. This adds a sense of urgency and helps create a clear deadline. For example, instead of saying “I will eat more vegetables,” a time-bound SMART goal would be “I will include a serving of vegetables in my dinner everyday for the next four weeks.” This timeframe provides a concrete period for working towards and assessing the goal, enhancing motivation and accountability.

Ultimately, success toward creating and sustaining a healthier lifestyle in the coming year begins and ends with PREPARATION and DISCIPLINE. In other words, having a plan and sticking to it. First find a meal plan that you think will work for you, then consider consulting a fitness professional AND your healthcare provider, especially if you have health concerns or haven’t exercised in a while. Given that exercise is very important in creating and sustaining your new healthy, let’s be sure to be smart and safe about how we engage in physical activity especially as you begin your process.

If, in fact, you are starting from zero exercise or very little, be sure to start low by beginning with low-intensity activities such as walking or gentle stretching to build a foundation. To make activities enjoyable, and likely sustainable, opt for exercises that are fun like dancing, skating, biking, or any activity that brings pleasure and can be enjoyed with others. Begin here with achievable activity goals as well, like short walks or 10 minutes of exercise, then gradually increase as your fitness improves.

Becoming successful at being physically fit becomes a reality when you focus first on consistency rather than intensity. Regular, moderate exercise is more sustainable than sporadic intense workouts and does better at

preparing you for long-term activity. This all becomes easier when you have a friend or partner to exercise with who can motivate you and make it more enjoyable so don’t hesitate to invite your spouse, sibling, or bestie to go on this wellness journey with you.

Once you have a meal plan and learn to incorporate daily exercise into your routine, your only job is to remain CONSISTENT and trust the process. These gradual changes, over time, can lead to lasting, healthier habits and a healthier and happier you!!

Happy New Year!

Dr. Yolanda Lewis-Ragland is a double-board-certified physician in pediatrics and obesity medicine, owner and CEO of Family Fitness and Wellness for Community Health, and founder of Dr. Yolanda Cares Foundation, her nonprofit organization focusing on reducing health disparities in at-risk communities at home and abroad.

Gaby's House Created to fullfill mission of a Beloved

Daugther

written by Erik Aleph Humphey

video by Nabiu Hailemariam

Gaby’s House was created after the beloved daughter of Berty and Moe Garay transitioned. She was kind and loving to everyone she met. Gaby was amazing. She had a ginormous heart and beautiful soul. Gaby's love transcends through her family by the heartfelt and loving manner spoken by her family, whenever she is mentioned.

Gabriela Garay was not only a beloved daughter, but a sister, friend, and artist who envisioned helping and supporting the impoverished in Jamaica. Suffering from a rare medical condition called Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), she passed away on September 5, 2017. In remembrance of her light and abundant love Gabriela's family is dedicated to honoring her legacy. As a strong believer in Jesus Christ, she led both friends and family to the Gospel.

It was Gaby's vision to travel to Jamaica Summer 2018 to assist Mustard Seed Community in various outreach programs. She had extensive plans to direct and build a community center during her stay. In following her legacy, the St. Andrew Apostle Church Parrish of Silver Spring, MD will continue plans to build a community center and dedicate the building name as "Gaby's House".

Gaby's House is dedicated to fulfilling Ga-

briela Garay's mission to serve the community's forgotten. Gaby's House is currently aiding in various projects serving those in need of support and assistance. In spreading the gospel and light of Jesus Christ, members of Gaby's House help create a world where poverty is reduced, and communities become sustainable and independent. With global outreach in mind, we are committed to showing and sharing Gaby's love. Most content is the courtesy of Gaby’s House.

To view the interview, please click the link below.

Community Comes Together for No Opposition Rally in D.C.

video by Fuseme Mengistu

Checkout highlights from the groundbreaking ceremony below