In this issue, our editor explores the transformative power of unity, celebrating resilience, creativity, and the strength found in community.
THIRD ONE IS THE CHARM
can you beat me in tic tac toe find me
HENNESSY
celebrates the incredible strength and potential unleashed when women unite, sharing inspiring stories and practical advice to encourage col2 4 1
NYFW
THE EXPERIENCE
Unveiling the vibrant world of Gqom with LJay Music with by
THE BARBERSHOP
a conversation with Mr. loki himself, he wants to be the biggest sudo stylist tune in.
GAMES AND FACTS
encouraging men to take care of their mental health, it’s okay to ask for help.
Safe.
EDITOR’S LETTER
EDITOR
Kevin nishimwe
DEAR READER
WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF SAFE PLACE MAGAZINE! AS I WRITE THIS LETTER, I’M FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT FOR THE INSPIRING JOURNEY YOU’RE ABOUT TO EMBARK UPON THROUGH THESE PAGES.
IN THIS ISSUE, WE DON’T HAVE A SPECIFIC THEME. INSTEAD, WE OFFER SOMETHING MORE POWERFUL: A TAPESTRY OF STORIES THAT SHOWCASE THE INCREDIBLE RESILIENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT.
YOU’LL ENCOUNTER INDIVIDUALS WHO FACED SEEMINGLY INSURMOUNTABLE CHALLENGES AND NOT ONLY OVERCAME THEM BUT THRIVED. THESE ARE TALES OF DREAMERS WHO TURNED “IMPOSSIBLE” INTO “ACCOMPLISHED,” PROVING THAT WITH DETERMINATION, WE CAN ACHIEVE WHAT OTHERS DEEM UNATTAINABLE.
BUT REMEMBER, THESE AREN’T JUST OTHER PEOPLE’S STORIES – THEY’RE REFLECTIONS OF THE POTENTIAL WITHIN EACH OF US. AT SAFE PLACE, WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU HAS THE POWER TO BE YOUR GREATEST SELF. SOMETIMES, ALL IT TAKES IS A SPARK OF INSPIRATION TO IGNITE THAT POTENTIAL.
AS YOU EXPLORE THIS ISSUE, LET YOURSELF BE INSPIRED. DREAM BIG. BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE. THE ONLY LIMITS THAT TRULY EXIST ARE THE ONES WE PLACE ON OURSELVES.
SAFE PLACE ISN’T JUST A MAGAZINE – IT’S A COMMUNITY OF DREAMERS AND DOERS. A PLACE WHERE WE CELEBRATE EACH OTHER’S VICTORIES AND LIFT EACH OTHER UP WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH. SO, DEAR READER, CARRY THIS MESSAGE WITH YOU: YOU CAN. YOU WILL. AND WE’RE HERE CHEERING YOU ON EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
HERE’S TO BREAKING BOUNDARIES AND BEING BRILLIANTLY YOU.
WITH WARMTH AND EXCITEMENT, SAFE PLACE MAGAZINE
Q. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON?
I’m an artist, singer, songwriter, activist, jack of many trades from the southside of providence, RI. I’m currently working on myself to become a better version of Hennessy that can only exist if i put in the ground work. I also just finished my 2nd project so i’ve been taking the time to reflect on myself and artistry since i’m not in the studio right now
Q.PICTURE YOURSELF AS A LITTLE GIRL IN PROVIDENCE. WHAT’S YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF MUSIC MAKING YOUR HEART SKIP A BEAT?
my parents bought me a microphone with a speaker one time for christmas i’m sure i have other significant memories before that, but i remember being like 6 years old and singing on that mic every day because it projected my voice and it was pretty cool.
Q. IF YOUR MUSIC WAS A RECIPE, WHAT WOULD BE THE SECRET INGREDIENT THAT MAKES IT UNIQUELY HENNESSY?
my story, we all have our own story in life and that makes us 1of1. even though we can relate to each other and share similar experiences only i, you and everyone else can express themselves in the lense of what they see and go through.
WHEN I REALIZED I HAD PEOPLE WHO GENUINELY SUPPORTED ME I WAS SHOOK AND SUPER GRATEFUL.
SEEING PEOPLE WERE SINGING, TWEETING OR CAPTIONING MY LYRICS MADE ME FEEL LIKE THE PURPOSE GOD GAVE ME IS ALLOWING ME TO USE PEOPLE THROUGH MY MUSIC.
Q. THINK BACK TO THE FIRST TIME YOU REALIZED YOU HAD ACTUAL PEOPLE THAT SUPPORT YOU. WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND, AND HOW DID IT FEEL?
WHETHER IT’S TO MAKE THEM HAPPY OR HELP THEM THROUGH A ROUGH TIME BECAUSE I KNOW AFTER WRITING THE MUSIC AND RELEASING ALL THOSE EMOTIONS ON AN INSTRUMENTAL IT WAS
Q. LET’S PLAY A GAME OF “MUSICAL TIME MACHINE.” IF YOU COULD TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO ANY ERA OF R&B, WHERE WOULD YOU GO, AND WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO JAM WITH?
i’m stuck between the 90s and early 2000s I love how heartfelt the music felt in the 90s because there was two verses and like 4 hooks and a bridge. it gave enough time to deeply express your love for someone or your hurt. i also loved how in the early 2000’s male rappers would have rnb artist on their hooks. i think that’s what’s missing in music right now to make it feel timeless. i’m a big fan of hip hop. i wish rappers and singers collaborated more on cookout music
Q. LET’S SAY YOU’RE WRITING A LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SELF. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU TUCK AWAY FOR THE HENNESY OF TOMORROW?
let go, forgive, don’t judge, pray, continue to heal, move with love, don’t close your heart and kill your ego.
HENNESSY
HENNESSY
JUMBOTRON BY HENNESSY
YOU LIKE GETTING MONEY, SO DO I. YOU LIKE BLUE HUNNIDS, SO DO I. YOU ROCK CHANEL, SO DO I. TAKE A TRIP TO DUBAI, JUMBOTRON, COURT SIDE. YOU LOOK GOOD, I LOOK GOOD, WE CAN LOOK BETTER. YEAH, THEY’RE CHANGING WAY, BUT YOU KNOW I GET WETTER. SEE THE STARS. IN THE WRAITH WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER SEE THE STARS, IN THE WRAITH WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER YOU KNOW I’M ONE ON ONE, WALK OR SING THE WRONG GIVE ME WHAT I WANT, YEAH HE BE CRACKIN CARS, AND HE KEEP A GUN GRAB A FULL OF RUNS, AND HE SIPPIN ASS HE JUST HOLD UP WITH A SACK, NO FIFTH HOLD UP WITH A SACK, NO FIFTH I KNOW HE A BOSS, DON’T GOTTA ASK HE KEEP A DRIVER WAITIN AND HE DON’T PLAY ABOUT HIS LIL BABY SO THE CRIB IS GATED AND HE KNOW I’M BOUT MY PAY I’VE RETURNED THE FAVOR AND HE DON’T BE CHASING HOES CAUSE HE KNOW I’M HIS FAVORITE FUCK ME WITH HIS CHAINS ON OVERSEAS IN TURKS AND CAICOS AND THE MOVIES BY HIS SIDE THAT’S WHY HE CALL ME HIS LIL DRACO GOTTA HUG ME LIKE THE BLOCK YOU KNOW HE’LL SLIME ME IF I SAY SO AND YOU KNOW I’LL DO THE SAME I’M FROM THE TRENCHES, HE FROM CLACO
YOU LIKE GETTING MONEY, SO DO I YOU LIKE BLUE HUNNIDS, SO DO I YOU ROCK CHANEL, SO DO I TAKE A TRIP TO DUBAI, JUMBOTRON COURTSIDE YOU LOOK GOOD, I LOOK GOOD, WE CAN LOOK BETTER YEAH, YEAH, CHAIN AWAY, BUT YOU KNOW I GET WETTER SEE THE STARS, IN THE RAIN, WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER SEE THE STARS, IN THE RAIN, WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER BRIDGET MARNIE, BRAND NEW CARTI YVES SAINT LAURENT, YEAH, HE TREAT ME LIKE A BARBIE PLEASE TAKE A TRIP TO THE GALLERY, GLUE YOUR WHOLE SALARY AT THE DEPARTMENT STORE I’M ON THE FLOOR WE DON’T WANT THIS PROBLEM BOTTLES SIT BEFORE YOU TILL WE GET LIST.
HE’S LETTING ME OUT WITH DIAMONDS THAT’S WHY I NEVER GIVE ME SMOKE AT THE POUND. IT’S ALL IN THE AIR IN THE FRONT AND IN THE TOP I’M IN THE AIR. LOOK AT THESE DIAMONDS POINT. IT’S CLEAR. IT’S CLEAR. DON’T CARE THE COST IF I WANTED I’M TURNED TO A BOSS, NOW THESE OTHER BITCHES IN THE WAY PRESIDENTIAL PLAY, J, YOU GOT ME THE SAME THING SO HOW CAN WE LOSE, WHEN I’M WITH YOU?
YOU LIKE GETTING MONEY, SO DO I YOU LIKE BLUE HONEYS, SO DO I YOU ROCK CHANEL, SO DO I TAKE A TRIP TO DUBAI, JUMBO TRUNK CORSET YOU LOOK GOOD, I LOOK GOOD, WE COULD LOOK BETTER YEAH YEAH, YOU’RE CHANGING WEIGHT, BUT YOU KNOW I GET WET- TER. SIX STARS IN THE RAIN, WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER. SIX STARS IN THE RAIN, WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER.
Q. IF YOU COULD BEAM A MESSAGE TO EVERY RADIO STATION IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT LISTENERS EVERYWHERE TO HEAR?
I have project of the year and my first EP time revealed is a classic.
SAFE
IBarbering was not always a grand dream for Mike. In the beginning, it was simply an opportunity, a way to make a living. “I really stopped thinking of barbershop being an actual thing,” Mike reflects. However, as he navigated life’s unpredictable twists and turns, he realized just how quickly everything could change, and how deeply the essence of family and passion for what you do ultimately mattered. Mike’s story begins in the simplest of places. While others may have sought fancy salons or upscale shops, Mike built his empire from the ground up—literally. “I built a shed, a little low shed, and made that into a barber shop,” he recounts. From sheds to garages and eventually operating out of a truck, Mike’s determination was unwavering. His humble workspaces never deterred him from his ultimate goal: becoming a skilled and respected barber.
Childhood was a trial-and-error phase for Mike, particularly with haircuts. As a kid, he struggled to master the basics. “Mom bought this pair of clippers for me from Walmart, and they were only like 10 bucks. I couldn’t figure it out,” he shares. Inspiration struck from an unexpected source—a logging show on MTV. Observing how the logs were cut at specific angles, Mike had an epiphany. “It was like every time, every way you cut hair, you must have to cut it at a certain angle to make it be seen from a certain way.”
Life wasn’t always smooth for Mike. The loss of his mother threw him into doubt. “I second-guessed everything,” he confesses. But with prayer, family, and resilience, Mike found his way. “Once you realize that you’re not alone, you kind of push forward.”
Balancing haircuts with parenting and various odd jobs, Mike sacrificed much, but his love for barbering never waned. “I knew I had to put down the clippers in order to go change diapers,” he recalls.
More than just a barbershop
MICHAEL HOWELL
No matter the passion that burned for his craft, family always took precedence for Mike. “If it meant choosing between this and family, I would have to choose family first,” he states unequivocally. Every triumph and setback in his life reinforced his commitment to both his family and his vocation, showing that with support and love, anything is possible.
Mike’s journey is rich with lessons for aspiring barbers and dreamers alike. “By all means necessary, honestly. Everyone usually wants everything to look pretty, hard work to be easy,” Mike advises. He echoes the wisdom of Mike Tyson: “Do what you hate, do it like you love it. Do it with a smile
on your face.” Embracing challenges with passion and a positive outlook, Mike suggests, is key to finding success. And if that path doesn’t suit you? “Then, you know, you might have to choose a different way.”
Mike’s story is a heartfelt tale of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of family. Despite all life’s ups and downs, barbering remained a calling that led him to discover deeper meanings and connections. As you close this chapter on Mike’s journey, remember this: true success often lies in balancing what you love with those you love even more.
“ Do what you hate, do it like you love it. Do it with a smile on your face
SAFE PLACE
THE THIRD ONE IS THE CHARM AND MANY MORE TO COME
let’s be real, who would’ve thought we’d be doing a third issue of the magazinre. well if you’re here, we’re happy to have you here. if it’s your first time reading this i would like to take this moment
to re-introduce our community . but before we do go any farther, close your eyes name 5 things your grateful for and then add knowing safe place to that list.
Let me start by saying thank you again for being here it means alot. when you think of Safe place what comes to mind?
Picture this: You’re standing in the middle of an endless green field. A gentle breeze caresses your skin, carrying the whispers of countless stories waiting to be told. This is Safe Place a community where creatives and non-creatives alike can feel safe and inspired to share their journeys.
Safe Place started as an accident. As someone who generally exudes happiness, I found myself navigating through a particularly challenging time. Home didn’t feel like home anymore, and I wondered: What do people usually do when they’re sad or going through tough times?
As a videographer with a love for water,basketballand many more things, I began documenting my own safe places—those spaces where I felt relieved and unburdened. This personal journey sparked an idea: What if we could create a community where everyone could find and share their safe places?
CHRISTINA DONATO
WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO DISCOVER YOUR OWN SAFE PLACE—A SANCTUARY WHERE YOU CAN BREATHE FREELY, UNBURDEN YOUR SOUL, AND TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVITY. WHETHER IT’S A PHYSICAL LOCATION, A HOBBY, OR A STATE OF MIND, YOUR SAFE PLACE IS UNIQUELY YOURS.
SAFE PLACE IS MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE; IT’S A COMMUNITY. IT’S A SPACE WHERE YOUR STORY CAN BECOME THE SPARK THAT IGNITES SOMEONE ELSE’S JOURNEY. WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND THE STRENGTH WE FIND IN SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER. SO, WHETHER YOU’RE AN ARTIST, WRITER, MUSICIAN, OR SOMEONE WHO SIMPLY APPRECIATES CREATIVITY, KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A HOME HERE. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR STORY MATTERS. AND TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE CAN FEEL SAFE, INSPIRED, AND CONNECTED. WELCOME TO SAFE PLACE. WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE.
GARNON
SAFE PLACE MAGAZINE
In the deep
Sorrow in my heart
Fear in my eyes
An empty face
Pain is what I’m feeling. To laugh is a struggle
With all that’s covered up inside. In the deep stream of my blood under the flesh of my skin. To be but not to be.
To live but not to breathe.
Misery, a part of life that lasts only a moment but feels like an eternity.
Living in shadows of others
Like a deer looking over his shoulders
For a jaguar every second
Afraid to be chased and hunted down.
I live only in moments
For I fear the hours will make me vulnerable.
I treasure all the good memories
Because they could be snatched away any second. Stolen by the wind and never To be returned.
My heart desires for more
But for the sake of my survival
I must face the harsh reality. The truth that is placed upon me, My mind does not want to recognize. I try to fill myself up with what The world calls joy, but all the fear begin to well up on the inside.
I try to force a smile and all that comes out Is a drop of tear.
I am re-Born by the river, By the water of your womb
Born again just like the sun
Yesterday’s an empty tomb I have been since the beginning And I will be very soon I am just a mere reflection Of the sun, I am the moon
You are the way That God has made Through fields of thorns And skies that storm
You are the day The Lord has made For me to rejoice And celebrate I am just Light and dust
Finally in love I trust On a soft and sunny afternoon
You are the son, and love is the moon
B.
FURAHA
There I was, camera in hand, heart racing, about to dive into the whirlwind of New York Fashion Week at Runway 7. As a first-timer, the scene was nothing short of surreal.
Three booths packed with photographers, all focused on a single runway. The air crackled with excitement as I set up both my photo and video gear, feeling like a newcomer in a world of seasoned pros.
Oh shana!
MILA HOFFMAN
MONICA CASELLA
As the show began, I was swept up in a symphony of clicks and flashes. The diversity was astounding - from charming kids’ clothes to edgy streetwear, elegant evening gowns to chic swimsuits. Each designer’s vision came to life before my lens, and I had the incredible privilege of capturing it all. It was challenging, exhilarating, and utterly addictive.
And that’s the message I want to share with you: Try new things. Take that leap. Say yes to opportunities that scare you a little (or a lot). You never know how a single experience can alter your path. Before this event, fashion photography wasn’t on my radar. Now? It’s opened up a world of possibilities I never knew existed.
So, whether it’s fashion week or something entirely different, I dare you to step out of your comfort zone. You might just find yourself in the middle of a dream you never knew you had. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. What new beginning will you embrace today?
WE RISE
RUNWAY
7
IN THOSE MOMENTS, I REALIZED THIS WASN’T JUST ABOUT FASHION. IT WAS ABOUT STORYTELLINGPRESERVING DREAMS COME TRUE FOR DESIGNERS, MODELS, AND EVEN MYSELF AS A FIRST-TIME FASHION WEEK PHOTOGRAPHER.
MORE smile
A GIRL SHOULD BE TWO THINGS: WHO AND WHAT SHE WANTS
WHAT R E YOU GRATEFUL FOR?
USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE OUT THINGS YOU'RE GREATFUL FOR. IT HELP US APPRECIATE WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE.
MOHAGANY COAST
DID YOU KNOW
D
id you know your body loses up to 8 percent of water on a flight?
* Did you know the longest breath held underwater is 24:03 minutes?
* Did you know you can tell if an egg is old based on whether it floats in water?
* Did you know unless food is mixed with saliva you can’t taste it?
* Did you know you can’t tickle yourself?
* Did you know 85% of plant life is found in the ocean?
* Did you know that water might not be wet?
* Did you know You can actually die laughing?
* Did you know Snails have teeth?
Well, now you know!
EMBRACE YOUR STRENGTH, CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS
I told them about you I told the sun how you make me feel so alive in it’s absence
I told the clouds how your rain drops fill my cup when I feel empty.
I’ve told the rain how you make its wetness feel invisible like we are the only two dancing. A tango of the heart to a beat only we recognize.
I’ve told the fields of green how you make the sunflowers flowers sing my name. How their petals symbolize the eternal happiness u have given me.
How u remind me that sunshine comes in the morning and it is greater than night.
I’ve told the sky how the stars praise your valor. Of the nights spent stargazing at them and drawing a map of the future.
If the stones could speak they would also testify.
I told them all about you. Like a child with a new toy.
DIVINE INGABIRE
TAKE A MOMENT TO BREATHE.
KELYA INEZA TETA
REMEMBER, TAKE SOMETIME TO REFLECT IT’S HOW YOU GROW.
DESIGNER OF DREAMS
THE ART OF JUST SHOWING UP.
Have you ever considered that half the battle is won simply by showing up? In a world that often demands perfection, there’s immense power in consistency and presence. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, supporting a friend, or working towards a goal, the simple act of showing up – day after day, even when you don’t feel like it – can lead to extraordinary results. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. So, next time you’re tempted to skip that class, postpone that project, or rain check on a friend, remember: your presence matters. Just show up. Keep showing up. In that consistency, you’ll find strength you never knew you had, and you’ll build a foundation for success that no single grand gesture could ever match.
SOLUTIONS
SAFE. PLACE
WHAT IF IT HAPPENS EXACTLY HOW YOU IMAGINED
SAFE PLACE
WHERE INSIPIRATION MEETS IMAGINATION: UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL
