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CONTENTS 3

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT

COLORFUL CERAMICS MELD STYLE AND SASS

SOAR COUTURE MAGZ

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Soar Couture is a magazine with real-life lessons about women’s inspirational journey, adversity, challenges, revelations, and success stories soaring to new heights. The magazine introduces inspirational art, faith affirmations, and fashion products to elevate women’s beauty and strength.

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THE SCRIPTURE COLLECTION

I AM I AM COLLECTION

FIERCELY UNSTOPPABLE [cover story] A story of resilience, perseverance, and walking by faith..

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STROKE OF LOVE

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BEHIND THE SCENES

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT

ACKNOWLEDGING LOSS, FACING THE CHALLENGES AND STRIVING FOR THE FUTURE. Greetings! Let’s take a moment to look back. When our Founder, Angela Shaw, debuted her first collection in 2005, Ms. Goodie2Shoes, it inspired young women worldwide. And when 2013 brought the loss of this pillar, it also brought gloomy hearts. We did not just lose a founder; we lost an awesome sister – a sister to our customers, friends, and families.

Valerie Shaw, President www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-shaw

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me,saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)

We whole-heartedly acknowledge the heaviness and love for Angela. These emotions only show the complete impact that she made in and on our lives, as well as the Soar Couture family. And even with a loss so significant, I humbly accept the role of continuing her legacy. What she began must continue and reach generations. Usually, people would state that I have big shoes to fill; especially with a torch, such as this one, being passed on to me. But the truth is that I will never fill those shoes. They simply cannot! Many of her talents were unmatched, and she was a one-of-a-kind gem. However, I will celebrate and use her gift as a guide, as an inspiration, as a blueprint to be an authentic leader. As we embark upon the future, our organization will have new shoes to walk in. But we will follow the same powerful path that was laid out by our founder. Now, more than ever, we need to inspire each other. We need to elevate one another. We need to amplify each other with our strength. Today, I boldly declare that I am ready to do that for you, especially for Jori, my niece, who inspired us to pursue this journey. It is what Soar Couture has aimed to do every single day. And with that intent, we will continue to celebrate and honor Angela’s legacy. Our October 2020 issue showcases Soar Couture collections with the original Ms. Goodie2Shoes, I Am I Am, and Scriptures – brands focused on art, faith, and inspiration. New features will also be made of products and stories you never knew about our Founder. Angie, we thank you for gracing us with your spirit and love. Your inspiring gifts have empowered us to share with passion. Today, I encourage each of you to tag, share, and purchase Soar Couture’s October issue for a friend, family member, or someone you care about. Let’s intentionally lift spirits today! With Love,

Valerie Shaw SOAR COUTURE |

COLORFUL CERAMICS MELD STYLE AND SASS By: PAMELA SHERROD, Tribune staff reporter CHICAGO TRIBUNE DECEMBER 11, 2005

ORIGINAL MUG (not in stock)

Ms. Faith boldly reveals a shapely leg with her confident gait. Ms. Motherhood promenades her baby with style. Ms. Sisterhood struts with an “I-got-your-back” beat. These African-American women are among the 10 designs created by artist Angela Shaw. “I reflect sisterhood in the images I draw,” says Shaw, founder of the Hazel Crest-based Soaro Inc. and mother of 3-year-old Jori. “I show it in what they wear, and I reveal their attitudes in what they say.” These colorful images adorn Shaw’s Ms. Goodie2Shoes collection of mugs ($13.95), tiles ($10.95) and plates ($24.95).

ORIGINAL TILE, COASTER AND HOLDER (not in stock)

Now Shaw’s women of color and attitude (hand-drawn gouache images) and her sayings grace white ceramic designs. “Ms. Faith is a favorite for a lot of people,” says Shaw, who laid the foundation for her business two years ago and tweaked it to get it just right this year. “Everyone loves Ms. Faith. They love her look and what she has to say,” Shaw says. “She was the hardest one for me to get the way I really wanted, but I stayed with her until I did.” READ MORE https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-12-110512110449-story.html

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MISSION But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) Angela Shaw, Founder (1972-2013) Age 40

OUR FOUNDER Angela earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, May 1996. She was a licensed minister under the leadership of Apostle Richard D Henton at Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church, Chicago, IL. A member of God Squad: Outreach & Evangelistic Team at MOFEC. She renewed her membership in 2012 at New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson, IL. She began her ministry program at NFBCI while pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Founder Angela Shaw wasn’t always design and destiny. After graduation, armed with a Marketing degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, she spent time as a mortgage loan officer; in various sales positions and eventually landed her first Human Resources recruitment job through a referral from her sister. She soon mastered her recruitment skills to offer her services on a consultancy basis for such large clients as Ameritech, Allstate, Northern Trust, Aon, Ace Hardware, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Several years later, despite a successful career and a lucrative income, she still felt something was missing. Her life felt incomplete, her soul insatiable. She always made mental promises to leave the industry and to focus on her true passions. The job opportunities kept coming, the salary continued to rise, and the real commitments steadily climbed.

Soar Couture distinctly and divinely designed to offer you fashion, art, and faith in perfect harmony. We strive to elevate the spirit with inspiration and affirmation through our dynamic collections and accessories. Then, suddenly in 2001, the economic market took a turn for the worst, and Shaw found herself without a job. After spending a total of over two years spiraling in the depths of unemployment, financial ruins, and despair, she eventually regained employment with a reduced income of over 70 percent. Now, struggling to meet current financial obligations, it seemed her dreams were even farther away than ever imagined. However, in the midst of her storm, life’s ultimate answers were revealed: “Nothing in life is more important than family, friends, and an unshakable relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and His will for your life.” Unlike ever before, she felt called to pursue her purpose and determined to unravel her destiny. Undoubtedly, the question, “Why didn’t I do it before when I had the monetary resources?” crossed her mind—unquestionably believing that there are no mistakes in life and that Jesus Christ orders all steps. She realized that over seven years of Human Resources experience had heightened her human insight and broadened her command of essential business and salesmanship skills. This fact, coupled with her innate creative abilities, made her better prepared to pursue her dreams. But, it takes money to start a business. Right? So, financially the odds were against her. Nevertheless, an optimistic Shaw, passionately trusting that although her journey’s travel time would lengthen and it’s itinerary altered, the road to success was still wide open. It began with her logo, one-month business cards and letterhead another, fax, phone line, domain registration, merchant account, and so on. Until finally, she stepped out with faith. Still, one might ask, “How do you know if this is for you? How do you know you will succeed?” “Easy,” she’d breathe, “Because I feel it in my soul.”

The story that started it all, by our founder. It is not just a business, but the affirmation of words and art galvanized in an inspirational movement. SOAR COUTURE |

VOTE Tuesday, November 3

Photo courtesy: Illinois Secretary of State Office 6 |

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Republished from 2019-2020 Illinois Handbook of Government

Read More: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/handbook/1920handbook.pdf

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I believe that when you go through this world and become successful, you should give something back. I also believe that you should do something good for someone everyday.

â€“ Jesse White 12 |

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UNSTOPPABLE

A story of resilience, perseverance, and walking by faith. Written By ANGELA SHAW Reading from the NIV, our text today is Numbers 22, and we are gonna do verses 1-18. That is Numbers 22:1-18 1 Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan across from Jericho.

8 “Spend the night here,” Balaam said to them, “and I will report back to you with the answer the LORD gives me.” So the Moabite officials stayed with him. Here, just like in Job, we see, even the devil HIMSELF must answer to God.

2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,

9 God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”

3 and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.

10 Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:

4 The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time,

11 ‘A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.’”

5 sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in his native land. Balak said: “A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. 6 Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.” 7 The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said. 18 |

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12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” 13 The next morning Balaam got up and said to Balak’s officials, “Go back to your own country, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” 14 So the Moabite officials returned to Balak and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.” 15 Then Balak sent other officials, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. 16 They came to Balaam and said: “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me,

17 because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me.” 18 But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. See, Balaam knew, that as the song goes what God had ordained, He will maintain! I want you with me this morning to ponder the topic . . . Unstoppable . . . Unstoppable, Unstoppable!!! When we think of the word unstoppable, we must think on things that cannot be easily stopped, cannot be easily halted, cannot be easily hindered. . . So, what comes to mind? Hmm, let’s see . . .

How ‘bout a bullet --- unstoppable A train --- unstoppable A car – unstoppable A bus – unstoppable An airplane – somebody say it with me, unstoppable! But, there’s something else that is unstoppable, that cannot be easily prevented, impeded, hindered, obstructed or halted. And it is something that we, as Christians, don’t often recognize. But, God has sent me here today, to tell you that that thing, that someone, my friend, my brothers and sisiters, my elders . . . is YOU!!! Unstoppable, yes! How you might ask? Because there’s an anointing on your life that nobody and nothing can annihilate. There’s a calling on your life that

AND, TODAY, THE DEVIL KNOWS THE ANOINTING ON YOUR LIFE IS UNSTOPPABLE!!! OH, SOMEBODY NEEDS TO STAND UP AND TELL . . . Angela Shaw nothing can cancel. There’s a purpose for your life that nothing can prohibit. There are words that have been preached and prophesied over your life that must come to pass. There are dreams and visions that the Lord has given you that shall not die. But, yeah, yeah, yeah! You might be saying, Listen, young preacher, see you still in seminary and all and maybe you need to graduate first before you come trying to tell me a little something,

something cause you see . . . There is a sickness in my body. And sometimes I don’t know if I can even get out the bed, who am I talking to? Y’ see, Deacon so and so is sick And Elder Feel good ain’t feeling good. And Evangelist Wells, well, ain’t too well. And Minister What-sa-name, um he got the What-sa-name. But my Bible says, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified.” And my Bible says, that there’s a Balm in Gilead. And the Bible says He was wounded for our transgressions. Bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes . . . Yeah, but you are saying, young girl, young girl, that’s sound good and all . . . clap, Bravo! But see, the economy is all jacked up. And Obama good and everything but he can’t fix everything. Done lost my job, took a huge pay cut, been downsized, wrong sized and ostracized. Done retired and on a fixed income. I’m sorry, Angela, but SSI just ain’t enough. Oh, but the Word of God says . . . The wealth of the wicked, is laid up for the just. And David said, I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Oh! Somebody outta shout Glory! Oh, somebody outta shout, Hallelujah! For, Eyes haven’t seen, ears haven’t heard, Oh! Won’t you receive the Word of God today . . . neither has it entered the heart of man what God, has in store for you. Oh, but you say everybody is against me, my boss, my neighbors, my family, oh, good Lord, my family, even sometimes it seems like my friends. Amen! But, If God be for you, He’s more than the world against you. And if God be for you, who can be against you? Surely, No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that has risen against you in judgment thou shalt condemn.

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Yet, you say still, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. There are so many trials and tribulations! Honey, every time I look around something going on. If it’s not one thing, Child, it’s another. They shooting over there, killing over here. I’m Barely making ends meet. Children acting crazy Husband acting funny Wife acting up Change acting strange But, Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but, be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” Paul declared, We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, y’all but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; And Isaiah pronounced, Even the youth shall grow weary and the young men shall stumble and fall! But, they that wait upon the Lord, Pastor, has got to renew their strength, their gonna mount up on wings as eagles, their gonna run, run, on for the Glory of God and not grow weary and their gonna walk and not faint. Hallelujah! Glory to the most high God. Wonderful Jesus, Oh somebody outta glorify Him today, somebody outta praise Him, somebody outta worship Him, Hallelujah! Glory! You still say, I know, I know, Angela, but I got some Fears, jitters and apprehensions. I know I should step out on faith—but this is a big ol’ step! But, God has not given you a spirit of fear, but one of Power, Love and of Sound mind. You say but I admit, I know God told me to write that book. God told me to start that business. God told me to do that non-for-profit, to take my ministry to the next level, and to go back to school. But I got some doubts and sometimes I find it hard to believe that anything’s gonna change! But, Coppin, you gotta walk by faith and not by sight. For, the just shall live by faith. And, 20 |

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the just shall live by His faith. Cause without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He that cometh to God must believe that He is . . . Oh! How may believers we got in the house today? Anybody out there believing God? Well, I am not here to

I AM UNSTOPPABLE! BECAUSE I DON’T LET MY LOSSES DETERMINE MY DESTINY. Sydnye Doctor, Chicago, IL

just stand around and throw Scriptures at you, because you already know the scriptures, but what I am trying to say, is you can’t stop the anointing! Glory, Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Your God is too strong! Somebody say, My God is too strong! He’s too strong! So, Back to our text . . . With the Israelites approaching, King Balak sent messengers to Balaam, Pastor, to get him to put a curse on the Israelites. The Lord however appeared to Balaam and warned him not to do it. King Balak then sent other messengers to Balaam with an offer of great riches if he would curse the Israelites. This time The Lord allowed Balaam to go with them to Moab, but on the condition that he do only what The Lord told him. Then came the famous incident, we all know it, with Balaam’s talking donkey. Then, Balaam knew and warned Balak that he could only say what God allowed him. Balaam’s oracles then followed, all of which BLESSED the Israelites INSTEAD of CURSING them. By the time that he was done, the Holy Spirit had caused Balaam to speak a rich blessing upon Israel!

So, Balaam, to basically summarize, tells Balak, whatever God says to bless, I gotta bless. And whatever He says to curse, I gotta curse. See, Balaam knew that the anointing was unstoppable!!! And, TODAY, the devil knows the anointing on your life is unstoppable!!! Oh, somebody needs to STAND UP and TELL . . . Cancer – I’m Unstoppable! Arthritis – I’m Unstoppable Prostate – I’m Unstoppable Stroke – I’m Unstoppable Poverty – I’m Unstoppable! Molestation – I’m Unstoppable! Single Parenthood – I’m Unstoppable! Foreclosure – I’m Unstoppable! Fixed Income – I’m Unstoppable No Insurance, Poor Insurance, all these medical bills pilling up, don’t know how I’m gonna pay ‘em – I’m Unstoppable

Hurt Guilt Fear And, Shame – I’m Unstoppable! Depression – I’m Unstoppable! Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar – I’m Unstoppable! Unemployment – God made me Unstoppable! Somebody outta tell the devil now – You can’t stop me devil– I’m unstoppable! The anointing of God is too strong for you, Satan – I’m unstoppable! God made me a promise and He cannot lie – I’m unstoppable! For God is not a man that He should lie neither the Son of Man that He should repent -- Unstoppable. The words He spoke over my life shall come to pass – Unstoppable. The prophecies He spoke in yesteryear still stands – Unstoppable. The Word that Pastor spoke last year that rang in my spirit will manifest – C’mon, unstoppable. The calling on my life must go forth – Say it with me, Unstoppable! No devil in hell can stop it - unstoppable No person RAISING hell can stop it - unstoppable Glory! Hallelujah! When they talked about me, they couldn’t stop it When they lied on me, they couldn’t stop it When they molested me, they couldn’t stop it When they abused me they couldn’t stop it When they diagnosed me, they couldn’t stop it When they cheated on me, they couldn’t stop it When they divorced me, they couldn’t stop it When they downsized me, they couldn’t stop it When they foreclosed on me, they couldn’t stop it When they denied me, they couldn’t stop it When they rejected me, they couldn’t stop it When they hurt me, they couldn’t stop it When the children wouldn’t obey, they couldn’t stop it When some caused me delay, they couldn’t stop it That’s why, your Bible says . . . You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you – cause your unstoppable You are more than a conqueror – cause your unstoppable You are steadfast unmovable --- unstoppable Oh, somebody outta scream out today . . . Unstoppable Unstoppable (repeat) You are unstoppable! Glory, Hallelujah! KJV 1 John 4:4 “Greater is He who is in you

Coffee Wright St. Louis, MO As a teen parent and a high school dropout, Coffee Wright was a childcare worker in an orphanage until graduating from college. Her journey included being a top insurance agent and rising to the rank of “President Club,” an independent filmmaker, union actress, an accomplished poet, and author. Almost 50,000 votes placed her second in the 2018 Missouri Democratic United States Senate election. She’s the CEO of the Missing Person Task Force Headquarters, CEO of Juneteenth Holiday Parade and Celebration, and a private nurse for her mother battling Alzheimer’s disease. As a national activist, Coffee continues to thrive, speak out, and fight against injustice and support proportional political representation as a proud and prominent member of the Universal African People Organization “UAPO”.

Keya Trammell, Flossmoor, IL www.keyatrammell.com

“Interestingly, I run into people who say; I’m so sorry you have alopecia. My response is that alopecia has been a blessing to me. Well, now it is at least. It was a curse in my mind as a young girl who couldn’t get the hairstyles she wanted.”

than He who is in the world.”

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“How can you teach and teach citizenship, and you’re not a first-class citizen yourself?” - F.D.Reese

THE LEGACY OF FREDERICK DOUGLAS REESE 1929-2018

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Pictured from left: Mrs. Juanita Abernathy, Ralph Bunche, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Frederick D. Reese, Hosea Williams. Photo courtesy: F. D. Reese Foundation

THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS: FREDERICK DOUGLAS REESE Man of God, devoted husband, loving father, educator, charismatic orator, and a foot soldier for self-sacrifice, we present to some and introduce to others, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Reese. Often referenced and affectionately known as F.D. Reese, this great man was born on November 28, 1929, in Selma, Alabama. He galvanized the Civil Rights Movement as a trailblazer against injustice and encouraged the masses to â€œstandâ€? for what is right in every situation and circumstance. He led the firstever Teachers March in Selma, Alabama. He was the first to fight for maternity leave for black teachers. He organized marchers as thousands tread across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday in 1965. He coordinated and executed numerous protests against injustice. His strides catapulted the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He sang and marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Rev. C.T. Vivian, and many others. F. D. Reese was at the forefront of the movement, yet he remained a gentle giant with unrequited accolades. F.D. Reese gained his heavenly wings on April 5, 2018. His legacy is one to be studied and patterned by many, as his teachings, principles, and unapologetic servitude remain relevant. The F. D. Reese Foundation https://fdreesefoundation.org/

January 11, 1964 Telegraph from Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Artist, Angela Shaw

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Perfect apparel for everyone rooted in the legacy of F. D. Reese

HOSTS: Alan M Reese Sr. and Marvin L Reese Jr.

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LUB D UB Author: M. Rosalinda, Email: mrosalinda.media@outlook.com

BEAT ONE: INNOCENCE Movies / Thumbs / Contacts The oof of dropping books onto desks etched with love notes. Screech of tennis shoes rushing through the dorm hallway of North East 1. Big-eyed glances at endless food across dining halls. It’s all just so…alive and colorful. A scurry of students playing musical chairs, securing their lifelong relationships while it’s all so new. ‘A for apple’ – how will my first round of grades look. Choosing movie titles on hundreds of Friday nights became a test of endurance. Those who made it through would become lifelong friends. Freshman year of college came with a clean slate, smeared with the legacy of our high school years and reputation set by the upperclassmen on Facebook. Moments of signing up for clubs and submitting homework at 11:50 pm (instead of 11:59) would offset those spent on squinting into a mirror to slip on contacts for a frat party and giving unmet glances to the ones we envied. The light made it through the blinds. The check made its way on time to the Bursar’s Office. People still shared tired commitments to your future, hope in your potential. Everything was intact.

BEAT TWO: CONSUMPTION Gold / Candles / Ferris Wheel And then it happened. The intimacy of 2 am talks. Reassurance in where we belonged – and didn’t – in the world. The protectiveness of what we had built. Real friendships had been built, bonds. The first I love you happened in the fall breeze. Awkward strides and efforts followed the pursuit of beauty to create intimacy. Conflict with past demons and the illusion of mistakes being forgiven and forgotten resulted in deep, invisible scars. The beauty of love, it was (inhales) intoxicating. And then … the fear kicked in.

BEAT THREE: GRIEF Sand / Sand / Breaking Glass Wrong. It’s wrong. Me or them. My friends, they love me. But I know better. Give an inch, approve a mile. Stand your ground. Hold your own. Him. He loves me. Talk. Talk a lot. Overcommunicate – it will fill up the space to leave no room for anything else darker. Wrong. Too much. It’s sinking. God – help me. It’s slipping through my fingers. It won’t. It promised. It’s strong. Your insecurities are wrong. It promised. It’s good. We’ll see it through. It’s getting darker. It promised. I feel tension in the air. It promised. It ended. I promised.

BEAT 3: HIPS Widen / Sway / Upper Hand bear it. open your eyes. your body screams, but it’s okay. its just different… wrong? maybe not enough. no, values. thats a thing. but what is happening, its in line with them, right? just different. i dont know. i don’t know. stop. dont touch me. but do – for the ache of being wanted is undeniable. to feel…worthy. enough. Feminist voice: Silence. You are enough. You know better. Be the example you are assumed to be. SOAR COUTURE |

become everything you should have been. now. fight the resistance. dont touch me. consent given–I need to change. North star–where are you. My vision is blurry. My eyes water. But they need to see you. sway, red dress. wink to confirm those glances. you did it. you stand on top of the mountain. they want you. you have something to offer, professionally, personally. lies. silence. take a shot. feel the cooling. numbness. relief. exhale. the person you were became your destruction. youre different now so you must be better. sway, red dress, sway. you can’t lose – you have the upper hand. you have nothing. listen here. its okay. we like it.

BEAT ZERO: BLACK HOLE Numbness / Destruction / Nothing Who are you. Who ARE you. WHO. ARE. YOU. Let it all run down the river, down along the bank. Into the abyss of the ocean. For it means nothing.

BEAT FOUR: EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING Own Up / Digging Up The Past / 10,000 Hour Rule Groan. It’s been 2 years – lost track of time. A flurry of moments. What happened. College graduation wasn’t yesterday anymore. Who have I become? Was I ever someone to begin with? I thought I was… It all hurts so much. Panic. I remember having dreams. Dreams to lift the world. Create healing…a little more peace. None of it makes sense anymore. Movies…they would bring jo–…collapse. so tired. It’s time. It’s time to heal. To face the demons in the closet. To own up. Drop the victim card. Take responsibility for all the harm that I have done with my own two hands. ‘Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand.’ Let it all fall and hang around your ankles. Relax all the shame pent up in your temples. Only through honesty can you change. Not with your mother, brother, best friend – no. Just one. Yourself. You can’t love others without first truly loving yourself. And you can’t change without looking yourself in the eye.

BEAT FIVE: PRINTER Pace / Patience / Peace and blueberries “3 pm. Can you make it? I can only stay for 3 hours, and then I have to - go off with my real friends - see if we can meet for longer another time!” 6 pm never came. First, it was breakfast; then it was tacos...an aquarium, live music, Irish beer, BBQs - the list goes on. While it slyly crept its way in, it also made itself clear that it was different. The closeness. Simplicity. It was…natural. This moment was more than the taste of a new kind of love. It was the validation of real change taking place. Of it creating space for something new. The welcome of peace. The acceptance that the entire world was not on fire all the time. That you could relax, even if a little bit of fire was blazing. That having mutual respect, trust, and equity did not have to put you in a state of debt. And compassion. That self-compassion is a must. Paired with forgiveness.

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The goal behind healing and evolving can never be to leave your old self behind. Triggers will come and win. And that is okay. To equip yourself so that you can soothe those falls and continue climbing – critical. The voices. Silencing the ones that reopen wounds, slow your morale, lie to you – whispering that it is all for nothing – also critical. And asking for help. It is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you know you need to be somewhere else, and don’t know how to get there (whether for yourself or others) – the most critical. And with healing must come nurturing. For great oak trees collapse when their newly born stem is snapped. And that’s what you did. New love of mine. With your blueberries and uncomplicated conversations around installing a new printer. Nurtured Healing. And that’s what I did. Setting new boundaries and refusing to let my past consume my future while it fed on my present.

BEAT SIX: BACK TO THE BASICS Blinders / Rebirth / Full Stop Redemption. Do I really need you? Do all the hanging questions really need answers? Does it matter anymore. Put it in a box and walk away. Look up and out. Withdraw. Too much? Let’s take a step back. What is this all for? The riches you built-in school – progress at work. The big question remains too big. I don’t know what I want to do with my life. Or in 5 years. Or even in 1. But all new journeys begin with a single step. And we can start by making today a little better than yesterday. God. I see you. A rebirth is in place. To leave the past in the past, as you don’t owe it anything but a nod of gratitude. And instead, look towards who you are choosing to be today. And who you are on track to becoming tomorrow.

BEAT SEVEN: WHITE WALLS Today Every 7 years, all our cells completely replace themselves. How about the heart. Will 7 heartbeats do it? “Baptize me. Now that reconciliation is possible. If we are going to heal, let it be glorious.” – Beyoncé “I think there’s a couple of things -- there’s a million things, actually -- that have allowed SpaceX to be successful. We also didn’t have technology that we had to include in our vehicle systems. So we didn’t have to design around legacy components that maybe weren’t the most reliable or were particularly expensive, so we really were able to let physics drive the design of these systems… we got to construct the vehicle design from, really, a clean sheet of paper, and we got to make decisions that we wanted to make.” – Gwynne Shotwell

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Sol x Glitz is an online Shoes and Accessories boutique that caters to the Statement Making Woman. Our main goal is to provide statement pieces to each shopper that will make you stand out in any crowd. Sol x Glitz is an upcoming millennial brand house that was birthed during this pandemic. What once started out as a mandatory college project is now a rising boutique empire. If you want stunning shoes, eye-catching handbags, and other stylish accessories Sol x Glitz is your go to. Shop www.solxglitz.com!

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S T ROKE OF LOV E Angela’s art doesn’t just please the eyes; it uplifts the soul.

MAKAYLA SING

PRAISE 32 |

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CHEF MAKAYLA

SPIRIT YEARNS DAILY

NOAH YES I CAN

FALL IS: ANDROGYNY, AUTHENTICITY, SELF-EMPOWERMENT WORDS TRAYVION PHOTOGRAPHY NUOVA PHOTO STYLING SAL YVAT MUA TRAYVION

“NEVER BE AFRAID TO GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT. GO AFTER IT! RUN TO IT! ALWAYS GIVE IT YOUR BEST.” This year has been one of many, many, many life lessons. Figuring out “how to love yourself again?” Reminding thyself of who they are. Telling thyself, “I am GREAT!, I am ENOUGH!, and I am everything he

has given me and more.” A born and bred West Sider, TRAYVION is a freelance creative visionary, model, and actor working

predominantly in the Chicago area. They originally began singing to cleanse their artistic soul; however, discovered a fondness for acting, modeling, and all things fashion. From joining the school drum-line, chorus, improv club, photography club, and so forth. Years later, they took it a step further by obtaining their Bachelors of Arts in Theatre at Columbia College Chicago. To booking a starring role in a short film, The Choice, directed by Ksenia Ivanova; featured role in Sugarcane (Largo Film Awards Best Director Nominee Fall ‘18), directed by Ricardo Bouyett; and published photo in Voyage Chicago Magazine ‘Meet Christopher Brown of Nuova Photo in West Town’ Spr ’17.

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Maureen Moe Forte 34 |

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Nâ€™ The Know With Moe for Social Justice: Bonafide and Certified Civic Organization registered in the State of Illinois. Our primary purpose is Voter Education and Registration. The organization has close to 5,000 trained Deputy Registrars in which about 1500 are ex-felons. Here in Illinois, ex-felons have the right to vote after they have served their sentences in a state facility. Ex-felons in Illinois also can run for office except for municipal offices, which we are seeking legislation to change that. We register detainees that are held in the Cook County Jail. These detainees have not been sentenced and still maintain their rights to Vote. Cook County Jail is a holding facility. We work to fight exclusion with inclusion and to fight for the Injustices against people who are Voiceless and afraid to speak! We are the Voices of the Unheard.

MAUREEN MOE FORTE, President & Founder Nâ€™ The Know With Moe for Social Justice Email: ntheknowmoe@yahoo.com Former Chairman of National.Action Network Chicago Former Chairman of Rainbow Push Coalition South Suburban Chapter https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/maureen-forte-38

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BEHIND THE SCENES Take a glimpse at how inspiration, advocacy, and passion can transform you.

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Wearing inspirational pieces in everyday life! Products design by Angela Shaw, Artist & Founder

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PANAMA CITY, PANAMA A Journey of Hope for the Future EXPOCOMER IS MORE THAN A TRADE FAIR EVENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRIES AND AGRICULTURE OF PANAMA, IT IS AN EVENT FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY.” José Luis Ford, President of the CCIAP

Soar Couture showcase 2015 Expocomer exhibition (SC booth)

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Gutsy, persistent, creative genius Angela Shaw once wrote, “Oftentimes I’ve fallen, and just Valerie Shaw, Soar when others thought I’d never Couture President (Expocomer, 2016) get up …I stood up, opened my wings, and SOARED.” And SOAR she did! Building SOAR Couture from the ground up, creating the look, the distinctive style of her powerful, uplifting, evocative design images – and using self-taught graphic design principles to pair them with inspiring, elevating, and positive words of affirmation. It became the goal of SOAR Couture to help others overcome challenges and remember their blessings, strength, and faith. With family and friends’ support, including her daughter, Jori, and the Almighty at her side, Angela pushed forward. From 2004 into 2013, she dug deep in her soul, using lessons learned in previous career roles, and expanding into learning marketing, sales, business skills, to help SOAR Couture grow. Her hard work and artistic talent paid off, and her dynamic design line succeeding, which landing in its first Hallmark store in Chicago (2005), including other gift retailers in the US.

LIFE JOURNEY & BEYOND Sadly, in 2013, Angela became ill and passed due to leukemia. Then unexpectedly, out of the shadows and inspired by her mom, Jori, at the age of 10, stepped forward. Knowing in

her heart that she would one day become CEO, she would carry on her mother’s business – and even expand it around the world. When this young woman was six, she had presented her family with her first business idea – and pursued Valerie Shaw, Soar Couture President it, with her mom’s Esmeralda Barrios and Krystal Demera Investment Promotion Department support and Colón Free Trade Zone (Photo, 2016) nurturing. Jori is that kind of person. Photo courtesy: Investment Promotion Department Astute – Altruistic – Innovative then and now. Her strength of character and passion for creativity, harmony, and encouragement to enjoy life helped her move forward, leading SOAR Couture to its first Expocomer International Trade Exhibition in Panama City in 2015 – and subsequent participation in the years. SOAR Couture brand’s expansion began, gaining exposure to promoting new products online in countries beyond the US.

A story about a young soul that empowered her aunt to carry the torch of her mother’s legacy. SOAR COUTURE |

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Artist, Angela Shaw 40 |

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SOAR COU T U RE Issue No. 1 October, 2020

Founder ANGELA SHAW

(1972-2013) Age 40 CEO JORI A LACY President VALERIE SHAW Photographer JORI A LACY Editorial Editor E WALKER J MARTINEZ RAVINCE Digital Magazine Design HARUN AR RASHID J KANWAL Graphic Designer HIMSIN NASIR TYRONE R Photo Editor SOFTPVT786 Back Cover Model: JORI A. LACY Mailing Address Soar Couture Magz c/o Royal Rainn Corporation PO Box 192 Chicago, IL 60690 Phone: (708) 794-6551 Email: corporatesales@royalrainn.com To subscribe www.soarcouture.shop/magazine monthly publications

Jori A Lacy, CEO Photographer @instagram.com/ jlbehindthelens

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE To our customers, we’ve been together since Soar Couture’s birth in 2005 and have gained some new family members. Over the years, there have been ups and downs, rewards and challenges, wins and losses, people coming and going. Through it all and behind it all, your unwavering support of our mission has fueled us. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you. We have managed to carry on with more smiles, lighter hearts, and stronger faith. We make products that inspire and elevate. Your continued support through purchases, kind words, and social media interaction will promote inspirational products to elevate women. For that, we love you all. A promise to you from our team here at Soar Couture – we will never waver in our mission and will always stay true to the essence that started Soar Couture. That is, to give you a dose of inspiration everyday, in every way. Love, Jori A Lacy, CEO SOAR COUTURE |

SOAR

UNTIL NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE www.soarcouture.shop

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