Summer 17

CONTENT 06 Ciao Bella We celebrate Pat McGrath, obsess over our favorite fall beauty items.

08 Haute Plate Recaps of our favorite runway moments from Couture & FW 2017 & more.

12 Power Moves Celebrating individuals making powerful moves to leave their imprint on the world.

16 Enitan Bereola Now on his best selling third book The Gray, Enitan teaches us to find the light in any situation.

Xposure Magazine Summer 17

22 Savor

The most delicious news and views this Summer.

24 Wanderlust Delta’s new technology, our must see hotels and the best views in the world.

28 Heavy metal A concept, something new and the tried and true.

34 Currency Matters Finance news you could use for inspiration and everyday life.

2

Xposure Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine published on a bimonthly basis. ISSN - 2158-0421. Copyright 2009-2017.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Views expressed by writers are not necessarily the views of Xposure Magazine. We welcome and accept unsolicited materials. Materials submitted to Xposure Magazine is the person’s guarantee that submitted items are not in violation of or infringing upon the rights of others and that said materials may be reviewed and subject to critique without any third party consent.

Welcome To The Summer 17 Issue!

It’s been awhile since I’ve sat down to write to you and words can’t describe how great it feels to be back. I promise not to take an extended leave again. I decided along to take a break from producing the magazine itself to focus on dealing with things personally and professionally. A lot has happened with Xposure as a brand since the last issue. I’ll highlight a couple of things really quickly. I launched the Xposure 365 Podcast exclusively through our friends Apple. The response was overwhelmingly great and I’ve taken some time to properly plan my featured guests and will be delivering new episodes really soon!

I’ve been dedicated to creating more original video content for our audience. While Youtube has been great, I decided to go a little bigger. A few months ago, I announced Xposure 365 will be now available as a TV channel via Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Xposure 365 TV will debut this Fall so be sure to keep up with news via our Instagram & Facebook feeds @XposureMagazine .

Photo by: CJ Canon

It was extremely important to me that I create the new issue I felt you deserve. There were other drafts of this issue, we delayed the release a few days due to it not fitting the quality you expect and I require. My apologies to those who were a bit dismayed by the delay. So what’s in this issue?

I chose Enitan Bereola for this cover because I am a huge, devoted fan of his work. There are countless group texts where I have sent his quotes to my tribe. Enitan has written three best sellers (there will be millions more) that encourage us to examine ourselves and others. His book The Gray, could not have come at a better time for me personally and I’m sure others as well. You will see why I say that once you read the article. I’ve made some progress I’m sure he will be proud of . Enitan, I thank you for your patience with me, your advice and trust in my vision. I read your inscription on my poster everyday as an affirmation. I can’t wait to come back to Exhibit Gray and watch how many more lives and perspectives you change.

Of course as always, we have your Xposure dose of fashion, finance news and views, delicious news and everything else you look to Xposure for and more. There are also special spotlights on Style Architexts own Michael Andrew’s new book and a Savor spotlight on one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants the Atlanta Breakfast Club.

This issue has a tone of celebration but also motivation (my mixtape is dropping soon, completely joking lol). I put this issue together extremely carefully so that each one of you (400,000 strong worldwide) as my readership family could gain something from it. That’s always the mission even if I miss the mark sometimes, I do appreciate all the feedback so keep it coming.

In closing, I want to thank everyone especially my tribe of friends and family for supporting me through this growing pains phase. I don’t take any of you for granted, I hope you are proud. Thank you to everyone featured in this issue, special thanks to my superstar photographer/videographer CJ Canon #XposureOverEverything now where’s the champagne?

Best, Goldyn P.S. - Xposure is coming to a city near you really soon to celebrate something huge! Looking forward to meeting you out there! Next issue, we celebrate 8! (years) xoxo

3

Goldyn’s Touch

Also in this issue is a special set of Power Moves features, because I know each of them personally and have happily supported their causes and visions. To Gary, Tyree, and Kendall - the best is yet to come and I’m happy to see each of you grow and push forward with your goals.

Iconoclasts

Photo by: Alessandro Scotti

2018 Pirelli Calendar Makes History

4

The Pirelli Calendar makes headlines every year and the 2018 edition is no exception. British Vogue’s new Editor in Chief assembled an all star squad to reimagine Alice in Wonderland.

Stars include - Whoopi Goldberg, RuPaul, Naomi Campbell, Adwoa Aboah,Lupita Nyong’o, Lil Yachty, Sean “Diddy” Combs and more. “To me, the Pirelli change in direction suggests they are observing what 2017 needs, where the youth are going and what kind of imagery should be out there,” Aboah told The New York Times. “We don’t need any more pinup imagery, and this cast really does depict new ideas of what beauty is.

And it certainly doesn’t mean not wearing any clothes.” Tim Walker and his interpretation are the last example, through images, apparently far from the most famous representations, featuring 17 characters from the world of fashion, music, cinema and the underground universe. For more information and how to purchase, log on to http://pirellicalendar.pirelli. com/en/cast?_ga=2.213926615.1345993665.1500894986-

Get Your Book Published With

The most trusted all-in-one book publisher • Titles published in print & digital formats • Exciting cover & interior illustrations • International distribution • Customized publicity campaigns • Books sold at major retailers

Call today for your Free Author Submission Kit!

Call 1-866-563-3694 5

Ciao Bella

Spotlight On: Pat McGrath’s World Domination

P

at McGrath’s been the fashion and beauty industry’s secret weapon for well over a decade and now she’s making us all even more beautiful one product at a time. If you don’t know Pat, you’ve seen her work on some of the most beautiful women in the world. There was the iconic Rihanna W Magazine cover with the ruby red glitter lips, Pat’s work has been across multiple runways across the globe including Givenchy, Prada, Calvin Klein and more.

Her work was recently celebrated by the CFDA and honored with the Founder’s Award for her contributions to the industry.

She has created one of the largest cult following - the #CoutureContraband crew which we are proud members of!

Our obsession with Pat all began with her first collection, Gold 001 - a gold pigment that could be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Phantom 002 was an 8 piece kit to help us achieve her famous smokey eye with the perfect black liner to perfect

our cat eye. Pat then gave us a collection for our skin - Skin Fetish 003 which gave us that glowing, beautiful skin we all want that makes us look like we just came from the finest spa.

The ultimate game changer for lips everywhere was Lust 004 which gave us all the chance to have those Rihanna ruby red glitter lips! Metalmorphosis gave us a chance to create a metal moment (our favorite is Copper). Dark Star 006 gave us the ultimate tool eye gloss with a hint of shimmer to seal your shadow and make your eyes pop a little more!

Pat is now on her 7th release from Pat McGrath Labs - Lust: MatteTrance (pictured above) which is a collection of rich pigmented lip colors with perfect shades for Fall. We’re completely obsessed with the Venom Trio! The advanced formulation of spherical particles ensures a creamy soft texture for the smoothest film of color. It’s enmeshed in a powder film combined with saturated pigment for lightweight opaque coverage.

Pre sale for Lust: MatteTrance is sold out (as usual). Catch the shades on sale at Sephora on July 29. It may be a while considering she was just joined Edward Enninful’s team of Super Friends at British Vogue as Beauty Editor at Large! We can’t wait to see the next collection and what trends Pat will set, hopefully more skin collections! What would you like to see next?

6

MAC Girls Collection Summer 2017

Featuring eight Eye Shadows and a Highlight in fresh colours to express the power and presence of your personality. Make up, speak out.

Show the world who you really are. Whether you’re a Rockin’ Rebel, Mischief Minx, Fashion Fanatic, Basic Bitch, Prissy Princess or simply, unapologetically Power Hungry, shout it out!

Our new Personality Palettes are designed for you. We’re loving Power Hungry! This collection hits stores and online August 3rd price is $39.50.

7

Haute Plate

Virgil Abloh

There’s plenty of buzz surrounding Off White’s Virgil Abloh. The designer just released a collaboration with Warby Parker (which sold out in one day). News just broke that Abloh has been selected as one of five designers to create a custom look for New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala. n a tradition dating back to 2012, each designer is paired with a member of the Ballet to create a custom look.

Previous designers include Valentino, Carolina Herrera, Alexander McQueen and more.

Chairwoman Sarah Jessica Parker has been instrumental in pairing designers and members like last year’s collaboration between Jason Wu and Rachel Hutsell.

Off White’s Virgil Abloh has been paired with choreographer Gianna Reisen. Abloh reportedly revealed a small tidbit to Fashion Unfiltered about the costume stating it will be “traditional Off-White meets traditional ballet costume.” Can’t wait to seeing his creation which debuts September 28.

8

ERDEM x H&M

Available in stores and online November 2, one of our favorite designers will release an exclusive collaboration with H&M. ERDEM x H&M will feature a full wardrobe of his famously feminine womenswear, an accessories line and, for the first time ever, a collection for men.

Style Architext’s New Release

Erdem is one of our favorite designers to see during London Fashion Week, due to his romantic, gorgeous aesthetic. “I’ve always been fascinated by things that explore femininity,” he says, “whether it’s lace or flowers or the aesthetics of beauty.” Erdem says his collaboration is a chance for him to look back at his career since he launched his label in 2005.

Our stylish friend Michael Andrew release a new eBook Style Speaks - 10 Keys to Sex, Substance and Signature Style. Michael started Style Architexts which provides personal life –style development through style, focusing on the social and psychological aspects of style. “Every experience and interaction with Style Architexts is comfortably tailored, just like your favorite bespoke suit. We provide a relaxed experience and strive to help you express your personality and story through your style - showing people who you are through your presentation. Developing your look, while working within your desired framework.”

“It was fun to reflect on what I’ve done over the past twelve years.” About designing menswear he says “I found it a real joy,” says Erdem. “It’s really about looking at a wardrobe of pieces, and focusing on the exact design details. There has to be an easiness to menswear, and a sense of reality. I’m so happy with it, and I think so many women are going to love the men’s collection too.” Very little details of the collection are known at press time, we will keep you updated as more information comes available.

“The book will help men gain an understanding of what style means, how to develop it and how it impacts those around you. Creating more confidence, a more sustainable style, and more sex appeal. Every man has a story and that story soon becomes His-story, and it all begins with a statement in style. So every man should dress to express.” For more information on how to book your consultation with Style Architexts and to purchase the eBook, log on to http://www.stylearchitexts.com.

Coveted Couture A celebration of luxurious looks from Paris GOLDYN P. SMITH There was no shortage of luxury on the runways of Paris for the F/W 2017 cycle of Couture Week. There themes from the designers spanned a variety of historical fashion moments and gave us the beauty we expected. There were some Couture Week debuts as well for Guo Pei and Rodarte who gave it all they had and gave critics and lovers alike lots of looks to praise. Here, we highlight a few of our favorite looks from the collections.

The first collection we loved without a doubt was Elie Saab (pictured) who named the collection The Tale of Fallen Kings. It was a display of seductive, view of power, romance and luxury.

Gorgeously regal beaded gowns with adornments of fur and luxurious capes, pants and more. High fashion meets Game of Thrones - Winter is Coming.

9

RALPH & RUSSO

When luxury designs come to mind, one of the designers we think of is hands down Ralph & Russo. When you think of couture, it invokes thoughts of luxury, fantasy, richness in clothing and costs. This Couture Week show from Ralph & Russo gave all of that and more. Crystal embellishments, pearls, gold embroidery, feathers and more. Here’s a few of our favorite looks.

10

GUO PEI

This collection gave us a lot of gasp worthy moments as each look glided down the runway. “This time, it’s a lot simpler; it’s a tribute to the era of haute couture, when life was more beautiful and dresses were more beautiful.” There were looks featuring metallics, gilded embroideries and more. We are looking forward to seeing what’s next. In the meantime, we have these favorite looks.

11

Power Moves Recognizing the work of dynamic individuals making an impact.

Tyree Smith - The ARTLanta Summer Compound Mural by Travis Love

Tyree Smith is one of Atlanta’s most prominent cultural influencers, curating entertainment, food and arts events in Atlanta. He founded ARTlanta and STARTlanta galleries a few years ago and been making an impact ever since. Recently, Tyree became the Art Director for Fort McPherson and hosted What The Truck a food truck day party and pop up gallery. Based on the success, What The Truck will be a monthly event. Tyree just opened his summer ARTlanta compound at Fort McPherson which hosts the famous Jam Session Mondays - a weekly live music and art event. Tyree has plans to announce upcoming events in his Curated By Wolf series of special events. For more information on everything ARTlanta log on to artlantagallery.tumblr.com.

12

Kendall Robinson - Founder of Love Rolls Inc.

Otatinci taturessit

We first learned of Kendall by watching a local newscast here in Atlanta. Kendall is the founder of Love Rolls Inc., an initiative which provides toliet paper and personal care items to the homeless. At only 16, she has partnered with major corporations like Georgia Pacific and Chick Fil A to name a few. She’s received commendations from President Barack Obama, Governor Nathan Deal, and invited to speak to Girls Scouts of America. Kendall was also invited to attend Girls Who Rule The World - an empowerment camp ran

by Marjorie HarveyStudio for young Company : women. Kendall has won hearts all over the place with her and her family’s tireless efforts to make a difference and impact on the world. To find out more info about Love Rolls Inc. and how you can contribute, log on to loverolls.org.

monsieur Bonjour

13

Gary Jrdan amd Henry Stokes

There’s a lot to celebrate at Trilogy Atlanta, the 1 year anniversary, Yelp Atlanta’s number one rated cigar lounge, and the launch of Trilogy Clothier. Trilogy offers carefully, curated events for those seeking a stylish, upscale experience. Trilogy hosts monthly and weekly events like She Smokes Too, Art x Cigars and Sticks & Style Saturdays. For more information on Trilogy log on to trilogycigarlounge.com

14

MORE HD CHANNELS, FASTER INTERNET AND UNLIMITED VOICE. • Speeds up to 60Mbps • Unlimited data – no data caps

SPECTRUM INTERNET™

29

AS LOW AS

$

99 /per mo. for 12 mos when bundled*

Blazing fast Internet is available and can be yours with Spectrum Internet™ With speeds starting at 60 Mbps

125+ CHANNELS UP TO 60MBPS UNLIMITED CALLING

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAYTM

89

TV, INTERNET AND VOICE

$ from

97 /mo each for 12 mos when bundled*

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED RETAILER

888-650-4470 *Bundle price for TV Select, Internet and Voice is $89.97/mo. for year 1; standard rates apply after year 1. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. WiFi: Equipment, activation and installation

15

fees apply. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. All Rights Reserved. ©2017 Charter Communications.

Navigating The Gray

Best selling author Entitan Bereola shares insight on love, forgiveness, healing & more.

AS TOLD TO GOLDYN P. SMITH How did he spend the Break between Gentlewoman & The Gray I was still writing, touring, observing people. I was paying attention to things people didn’t say in our conversations.

Gathering stories in my head from friends, some celebrities and various conversations and dialogue about the gray area of relationships. We’re in this murky time where the truth is not believed and lies are watered down. Whether it’s political, within our own culture - I want to help people get on the other side of that. With Gentlewoman and Bereolaesque, those two books are very black and white, very matter of fact.

I expected you to read those books which didn’t give all the answers but damn near could approach life, maneuver and

16

How did Jidenna become involved?

He’s a classic man that represents the gentleman that Bereolaesque talks about. The Gray takes a concept of a gentleman who has read Bereolaesque and a lady who has read Gentlewoman and the two of them meet. He’s well balanced, well read, well traveled and on the market. He’s someone who had his own thing going and could relate to the subject matter of the book. He became a supporter of it, he’s shown love from the beginning. He is the ideal person I had in my mind to contribute.

Initially I didn’t want to have anyone involved due to Gentlewoman having so many features. It was my predominantly my voice and there were voice to supplement what I was saying. I wanted The Gray to be my words, as I was writing and almost had it completed - 2 people came to mind that I had to have involved.

Was it easy deciding which stories to share while exploring the highs and lows of a long term relationship?

The stories told themselves, my method of writing is if I don’t want to write it, I have to write it. With Gentlewoman, there were so many times I wanted to have a little more freedom to write the way I wanted to write. Some of it came out but, I held back because it wasn’t that type of book. I didn’t want people to have to feel like it was a puzzle. I wanted people to get the message without my art getting in the way.

What surprised you the most in writing this book?

It was incredibly taxing, it was emotional for me to write so I know it was emotional to read. I’m an emotional guy, I don’t show my emotions in the way people normally do. I’m more

of the content, I had to push through. It was incredibly difficult, draining and a real life challenge to put that content on paper. It put a strain on everything - on me, my wife, it took me a while to escape the haze. Once I was done, it took me a while to get out it.

“We’re in this murky time where the truth is not believed and lies are watered down. Whether it’s political, within our own culture - I want to help people get on the other side of that.”

With The Gray, I wanted to go deeper and in order to heal - you have to get to the root and talk about. Any time I second guessed myself I knew I had to write it.

When you go through things like that, you know how necessary it is. It was so much against me writing it, it was the encouragement I needed because I know people need it. If there were a force that strongly against me putting it out, I knew I had to get it out.

subdued, more chill..There were tears shed, recalling of memories I forgot. It was a tough process and challenge for me because it wasn’t my normal flow of writing. I was uncomfortable in that sense. I was uncomfortable with some

17

As I’m manuvering through my purpose, there’s always something attempting to getting in the way of getting the work out. With The Gray I experienced one of the greatest attempts. Through every process, it has taught me growth. There were multiple sunrises and sunsets I saw while sitting in the same place writing. In order for me to authentically write about it, I had to go through it and get through it.

People are talking to me about the book and I’m aware that what people got out of it - is what I put into it. The same kind of relief, same kind of healing.

I look forward to getting out there on tour so we can talk about things even more.

Otatis platum facim eostiis tenienimi, simet rehendipsam int.

Let’s jump into some of my favorite pages in the book. Page 55 - Good energy & dope vibes can fool you (heavy sigh) let’s get into it.

Where To Find Enitan Bereola He’s developed quite a bond with his fans and readers. He’s headed out on tour soon.

To keep up with all the news follow him on all social media @Bereolaesque.

Website - bereolaesque-online.com

It’s can be deceiving, you know it’s wrong but it feels so damn good. It’s somewhat of an escape, you go for it and end up on the horrible end of the stick. You retreat back to your cubby hole and go with the notion that all men or whoever are horrible. Your perspective is skewed because a lot of it is your own fault. When you loosen up those morals knowing you know better.

You can’t continuously blame people for all these consistent patterns you find yourself in. You have control over who you let in and what happens.

Sometimes you can’t control your excitement about meeting with somebody you have a dope vibe with.

You have to ask yourself why it excites you.

Ask yourself what is the void you think it’s filling to give you the excitement. You could be replacing or filling that void with the wrong thing. You have to ask those questions, a lot of the time have roots. You are the way you are, do what you do for a reason. Every move you make is powered by motive and powered by experience. The point of the book is to force you to have a conversation with yourself. You could go through your whole life and die with no resolve. We’ve been running our entire lives.

You have to know why you’re doing what you’re doing.

The characters in the book use sex as a pain reliever, you add a unique perspective to it. Why was this so important to explore it the way you did?

I wanted to make it real, a lot of times we do things without realizing why we do it.

18

Sometimes, you want to feel liberated and not be bound by religious dogma. A lot of times people say it’s freedom to do what they want, there are some things they are not saying. I wanted to go deeper and give real life examples of people where it may not be so clear what they are doing.

I wanted to make it clear to the reader to see they may do something similar to that as well. Sometimes, it’s not enough for me to say sex is the ultimate connection and you’re taking on everything that person has experienced. Energy is real, it’s like a happy person walking into a room of upset people and coming out upset. They gave that to you. Sex is a transfer of energy, it’s enough to create life. I put it to you in the most raw form to show you what it looks like so you can see oh I do this too and you can relate to it.

The best thing about the structure of the book was the specification after each chapter to recap and examine what you just read. You break the chapters down even further. It makes you a teacher in a way.

I didn’t want to do it at first, the I realized

To purchase his previous works and currently The Gray visit Amazon, Barnes & Noble or any other book retailer.

if I’m going to write a book like this I know people’s interpretations will be different.

I love that about my readers, they tell me what they got out of it. As long as you get something. There are things embedded that are not in the specifications.

Let’s jump to page 93 it totally resonated with me, you hold the reader accountable to tag you in our post of this page. What have the responses and the reactions been like?

It’s the same reaction you gave, stating they love that page. It’s like an aha moment. It’s on page 93 because she’s his girlfriend at this point. There are so many people in relationships and they still don’t know what’s going on. They don’t know what the intentions are. They are afraid to have that conversation. They grab books, seek advice from others and talk to everyone except the person they need answers from. A lot of things are black and white like parenting. If my son is hungry, he will communicate it very directly. In the relationships I’ve had on my behalf, I’ve been very clear about my interest with not just words also action.

my behalf, I’ve been very clear about my interest with not just words also action. You go the the bank, you withdraw twenty dollars. It’s very direct, with relationships you’re doing all this stuff so blinded by the vibes and energy you completely ignore the basics.

You ignore elements you wouldn’t in a real life situation. You wouldn’t go to the bank and say I’m kind of looking for twenty but I’ll take what you give me. If they gave you five after asking for twenty and walked away, you wouldn’t question it? You would come back and want to talk about it. People don’t have these types of conversations with their significant others. Your significant other should be the closest to you and on the same page with you more than anyone else. It’s a partnership, it has to be more than kicking it. It can start that way, but it has to be more substance. So many people have no idea what’s going on because intentions were never discussed. They went into it off of superficial things. The book makes you question why you move the way you move.

A lot of times we put ourselves in the gray area, we have to ask ourselves why.

Otatis platum facim eostiis tenienimi, simet rehendipsam int.

The flip side to that is a lot of people start off going with the flow.

But, they don’t come back to that conversation about intentions.

Going with the flow is an intention - I don’t want anything just going with it. Say that and know what you’re in and have control over your wave. If you’re control is not really having control and going with the flow that’s fine. You need to know what you’re involved in. There were times I was cool with going with the flow, I knew it would have no results getting into a relationship. I was like catch the wave, eventually you will have to get off. (Laughter) We’re not going to the same place and I’m going to pick up some more passengers on the way. I would say so thinking that was enough to get me off.

I learned later that even that was wrong.

After a while of doing that, I realized after a woman had spent time with me it would be inevitable for her to catch feelings. The type of time I spend is high quality, I was spending time like we’re together. The type of man I am, I’m paying attention to detail, you’re having the time of your life.

It wasn’t just for you, I wasn’t in a position to make that exclusively for you. I realized that was involuntary manslaughter, casually dating because feelings are going to get hurt.

We reach the point in the book where the couple gets married, I honestly did not see it coming after all that took place up to that point. There was a lot of unaddressed issues and unfinished business.

Doesn’t that sound like real life? When art imitates real life. Facebook statuses change over the years, and you say to yourself I knew it. From married single, that’s real life.

Did anyone you have relationships with feel called out by you?

Yeah, for sure. There’s some people that haven’t read it - I feel like they have they are saying they haven’t. They are not ready to discuss some of the stuff. Some friends have it, I know they are convicted even if they haven’t said anything. This is a no holds barred book, I’m talking to you when I write. Whether I know you personally, or if you are going through something. It’s the difficult conversation I have with you. The intention is to grow, take what you need, forgive and move on. Otherwise you harbor it and it can manifest into something.

The book examines dating while married in a really non judgemental way. What went into your process of deciding how to tackle it?

There’s a few things happening there, it’s left up to the reader to determine if it’s ok or not. You have to figure out if it happened that way, the breast cancer had spread to her brain. That lead to a lot of confusion, seeing things and having experiences that are not real.

People cope with illness in different ways. It could have just been her escape, she could’ve just been writing about it.

Is it a way to spice up her mundane life and marriage? There’s something wrong either a physical or a mental things.

Is it wrong or is it not? I let the reader answer and decide. It was fun for me to write because I knew I was challenging the mind of the reader in a certain way. I figured most people would take it literal.

It could’ve gone another way.

There a part where you talk about buyer’s remorse. How do we overcome it within relationships?

My foundation personally was set firmly where there was no doubt and surprises marrying my wife. I was intentional about that, spending time and investing into getting to know her. There are still no surprises. The only difference now is as we grow, you have to make sure you grow together.

It’s very important to know what you’re getting into. When you suffer from those feelings of buyers remorse you know what you have is fleeting.

19

You know those feelings will pass, you have to do self evaluation. A lot of times when you experience an issue within a marriage, first thing you want to do is evaluate that person. You have to take self inventory and evaluate and see if you can do something to improve. People don’t really do that, they blame the other person. Self inventory can improve things and take action to help things get better. When you’re really in love, flaws will challenge you. You have to figure out ways to love what you really have.

Normally people get into the wrong situation from the beginning. Buyer’s remorse is real - a lot of things unpack and reveal themselves. The more time they spend together the more they realize their mistake. We all have discernment, I see it a lot where people are seeking relationships for the wrong reasons.

You may temporarily fulfill the need, a lot of times you’re looking for something else. Instead of going, going, going, you have to sit and reflect with no distractions. With this book, I hope to encourage people to have those conversations and define what they want.

Page 174 “Life’s pivot can be found in the gray…. you will win if you keep going. There is a pivot from going through the gray to find the light on the other side. What advice would you give to someone navigating through the gray?

The whole book is about that and it shows you what happens when someone doesn’t. It also shows someone who does but every now and then finds themselves there. It happens to all of us, you will find yourself there at some point. The world is run via lightness and darkness. A lot of times, our desire is to be with the light because of the world we live in. It’s a constant battle - you could be solid one day and suddenly not be. It shows our vulnerability, we’re only in control of so much. We all want to pivot, we all want to change our situation. You have to go through the gray, run to it and face it head on and know you’re greater than it. It doesn’t define who you are, it can’t defeat nor overcome you. There is healing in facing issues, looking at it and dissecting it.

It is painful to relive, that’s where the pivot happens.

Page 224 “When it’s unbearable, you speed through it.”

What did you get from that?

It resonated with me tremendously. I honestly did not want to read this book.

Here we go…. I could understand because I didn’t want to write it. I can tell it was tough to read and it was tough to write.

The reason was because my grief counselor told me he didn’t think it was the right time. I sent him the excerpt, I explained to him it was for this interview and I simply had to. We didn’t agree but I made the commitment to you I would when we were in Miami for you event. I didn’t realize how necessary it was for me to read until after I finished it. It took me two hours to complete it and I felt better about a lot of things. I took lots of notes & folded a lot of pages.

Wow a real life situation, so let me as you - did you read it as a reader or as a work assignment?

I read it as a reader, and I came out of it understanding a lot of things about my own relationships and myself a lot better. I realized I had a lot of resentment towards past situations and I was able to confront and let go.

The book is supposed to do a lot of things, I’m glad it helped. When someone hurts you and the relationship is over - when you don’t forgive them where does it go?

Forgiving is letting go, if you don’t it’s unresolved. You could move on to new relationships, start a business etc. but

20

the hurt didn’t go anywhere. You moved the feelings further back. If something reminds you of it, like a new guy with one same characteristic you automatically hold it against him.

It took me a long time to understand what God was saying about forgiveness and why it’s so important. I wanted people to be able to relate and see themselves in it so they could forgive and move forward.

all the announcements will be through social media.

It’s going to be a great opportunity for people to come together in a space for a really dope night out. You will be entertained, educated and have an opportunity to have real conversations. A safe space where we can come together and have an honest, healing dialogue. We’re going to talk about things not in the book as well. You will leave with a different perspective.

Are there plans in the works for a film or series?

When you speed through things you miss a lot because you can’t see. God will slow you down, it’s always in a way where it intentionally slows us down. I wrote it as a reminder to people. When I wrote it, I was experiencing it, that’s why that chapter is so short. It was tough for me to write. It was at a sad point in the story, I didn’t know how to write it.

For people who haven’t read The Gray what do you want them to know about the book?

It’s guaranteed to make you feel something that will encourage you to do something. This book will convict you, you’re not going to leave this book and do nothing to improve your situation. It’s nothing to be fearful of. It will align the person you see yourself as with who you really are. This book is the answer to the refusal to go see a therapist. The book reveals what’s in the way and unlocks what you already have in you as a solution to reach your goals. It puts things in perspective, it may change some of the goals you have. It’s a reset button to get you straight and realigned.

What’s next for The Gray?

We’re taking the Exhibit Gray on a tour to select cities,

Yes. That’s my shortest answer and you will see it when it’s time to see it. It will come out at the right time. I’m listening to God and I respect His timing.

How did Estelle’s epilogue come about for this book?

She’s someone who has sustained a career in a climate where people can’t do that. If you pay attention, she’s always around. She never went anywhere - voice over work on Cartoon Network, film or television. She’s definitely around and people are interested in her though you may not know much about her. She’s a private person. She’s a brilliant writer in general. I wanted to provide her an opportunity in a book format to say conclude this story. I wanted her to say what she wanted the way she wanted. I respect her perspective so much.

Once I had the foreword I knew I needed a woman’s perspective to balance it out.

I listened to my heart even when it may not make sense to anyone else. I had to have her involved. I was excited and honored to have her involved. It was a dope look and I’m definitely happy she did it.

Uptur sim fugitat qui audit,

Last words to everyone reading?

First thanks to you for supporting me so long. This is where art met career met reality for you and life because it was a real moment in your life. I think that’s intentional, it’s incredible. It was a real life reason why I wrote this. It’s a God moment. I didn’t know you had struggled with getting into the book based on something that happened in your life.

As human beings we’re going to get dusty, we can’t walk through unscathed. The only way to get clean again is to connect.

It’s incredible you conquered that, still chose to read it and got something out of it that could be applicable to you.

That’s amazing and I’m thankful. This turned to Fix My Life real quick. (Laughter) What words do you want to leave with everyone?

There’s a lot of pressure with thinking of last words. (Laughter) Focus on today but not the troubles and problems of today. Take the beauty out and connect with God, connect with light. Every day will come with a challenge. It could take one thing for everything to go wrong. It’s God’s graced that has allowed for us to get through a lot of these days unscathed. At any given moment, things can turn around in your favor. There is a purpose in everything, the pain you may feel is intended to make you grow. Once you’ve gotten through the challenges and looked back, you realize God was there the whole time. You realize that challenge has strengthened you. The strength led you to the next opportunity. Whatever you’re enduring, push through. I’m not talking about your strength, I’m talking about relying on the strength of God. Thanking Him anyway through it all. I know it can be dark, gloomy, the climate is crazy politically and all around. It’s going to get darker before the dawn but joy comes in the morning. You have to rely and believe that because it does and it always has. Look at God’s track record and if he’s ever failed. I can say for myself He’s never failed me. I have a great life but everyone’s life comes with stuff. It’s not always great, things happen and He’s gotten me through those moments.

21

Savor Delicious News & Views

AMAZON WANTS TO HELP PREPARE DINNER

Amazon Meal Kits Will Roll Out Nationwide

It’s been quite the year for Amazon especially with their announcement of buying Whole Foods to add onto their grocery component Amazon Fresh. Now comes the news of Amazon Meal Kits, which is Amazon’s rebuttal to services like Blue Apron. Each Amazon Meal Kit includes food for two, ranging from $16 to $20 per kit (or roughly $8 to $10 per serving). According the various reports there are 17 kits to choose from ranging from fish, chicken and beef dishes. The service is not yet available nationwide and is a branch of Amazon Fresh, we’re definitely excited to try a few kits and will post results to our Instagram.

CHICK FIL A TESTING FAMILY MEAL PACKS If you’re a serious Chick Fil A fan, your wishes may very well come true!

Chick-fil-A recently has begun testing family style meals, along with new sides, at select locations in North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas.

The $29.99 meal comes with customer’s choice of 12 Chick-n-Strips, four Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Breasts, 30 Chick-fil-A Nuggets, or four Grilled Chicken Breasts. Side options include fruit cup, side salad, and the superfood side, as well as new sides of bacon baked beans and mac & cheese. Customers have the option of adding additional entrees, sides, and beverages to the meal deal for an extra charge.“Our customers told us that they wanted an even more convenient way to share meals at home or on the go, so we worked directly with a group of parents to design every part of Family Style Meals – down to the cutlery caddy that features five unique conversation starter questions to help customers connect over mealtime,” Matt Abercrombie, manager of menu development at Chick-fil-A, said in a statement.

22

Savor Spotlight ATLANTA BREAKFAST CLUB Chef Anthony Sanders and his team have changed the way Atlanta does breakfast. The Atlanta Breakfast Club (located on Ivan Allen across from the GA Aquarium) offers a menu full of satisfying comforting dishes. Here’s our picks for ABC’s menu selections: Shrimp & Grits for those who want a savory, delicious selection. ABC’s Shrimp & Grits features a flavorful Southern gravy with chicken sausage to top the creamy grits with sautéed or fried shrimp. For those who like a little sweetness in the morning we highly suggest the ABC’s Peach Cobbler French Toast - comes with warm peach compote with cinnamon sugar & crumbles. If you prefer sweet and savory try ABC’s Chicken and Waffles. ABC offers soups, sandwiches, salads and other comforting favorites. The Atlanta Breakfast Club is open daily from 7am to 3pm. For more information log on to

23

Wanderlust

Best Overwater Bungalows at Every Price Alternatives that don’t break the bank or leave you exhausted from a 20 hour flight!

GOLDYN P. SMITH We’re always daydreaming and stalking gorgeous overwater villas and bungalows on Instagram. While yes, most of the best are in the Maldives and super pricy - there are some other alternatives that don’t break the bank or leave you exhausted from a 20 hour flight! Here are a few of our favorites.

24

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort offers 9 bungalows total. In each overwater villa, a glass floor panel for viewing underwater sea life from the comfort of your chair, a private soaking tub and little extras such as the resort’s pillow menu and a refrigerator stocked with water, soda and juice selections. Low season average nightly rate $2,239.

Azul Paradise Resort - Panama -Offers 10 Bungalows - Rooms here include a private wooden deck, air conditioning, a private bathroom, a glass floor cutout, wooden floors throughout and snorkel gear to enjoy any time you please. Guests will also find a garden to roam, water sports to partake in and dolphin tours. Once you slip into relaxation mode, the on-site spa is yours to enjoy with the option of massages or facials.

Guests also get the luxury of choosing either an all inclusive stay or one that include 3 meals a day, making it so that your can further personalize your vacation. Low season averages $250 per night, high season $275.

Thatch Caye Resort - Belize - The all-inclusive resort has 5 overwater cabanas which are perched just over the water’s edge, plus one huge Family Suite comprised of 3 bedroom cabanas. The resort has only 15 rooms in total so the entire island never has more than 30 guests at any given time. Those with larger groups can rent out the entire island for US$9,950 per day all-inclusive.

Low season averages $699 per night, high season $749.

CoCo View Resort - Honduras - 16 overwater bungalows are in structures containing either 2 or 4 units. its most popular packages include a surprisingly affordable upgrade to all-inclusive diving.

Guests who sign up for that plan get two boat-diving sessions per day, plus unlimited 24/7 shore diving, all in an area famous for excellent underwater scenery.

Low season averages $412 per night, high season $480.

25

Delta’s New Way to Make Flights A Breeze

Delta begins testing fingerprints as boarding passes - After a successful test a few months ago with a select group of passengers, they can now board using only their fingerprint.

If you’re a SkyMiles Frequent Flyer and have CLEAR -you can board with just your fingers from Reagan National Airport,. The final phase includes the ability to check your baggage with only your finger. “Once we complete testing, customers throughout our domestic network could start seeing this capability in a matter of months – not years. Delta really is delivering the future now,” Delta’s senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Gil West said in a statement, using what would perhaps be a more appropriate tagline for UPS or FedEx.

26

Abode

Designer Essentials

Gucci introduces us to Gucci Decor with luxurious accent pieces for home.

The line will officially debut in September and will be available through Gucci.com, as well as select Gucci and specialty boutiques.

In addition to what is pictured, metal trays, folding tables, and a range of wallpapers in fabrics like silk, vinyl and paper. the new Gucci DÊcor collection includes favorite motifs from fauna and flora to be applied to furniture, furnishings and ceramics. Porcelain items are produced by Richard Ginori, the storied Florentine company founded in 1735, which Gucci acquired in 2013. The designer has developed four scents – for both candles and incense: Inventum, Fumus, Herbosum and Esotericum.

27

28

Aston Martin Valkyrie

Aston Martin Valkyrie - Meet the latest luxury automobile obsession. Yes it is street legal, yes it is going into production, yes within the next year. Yes it’s totally sick with a slick design and three times as fast. Now, here’s what we know - Red Bull Racing (naturally right?) aerodynamicist Adrian Newey designed it to draw as much air as possible over the shapely carbon fiber diffuser through twin venturi tunnels. Adrian and team Aston have thought of all the things that may give you concern like mirrors for instance.

The Valkyrie comes equipped with rear-view cameras and screens and offers all-weather visibility that a regular mirror can’t. The design team tells New Atlas “It’s been a tremendous challenge to make the interior packaging work,” says Matt Hill, Aston Martin Creative Director of Interiors. “In this instance, we’ve started from a position where you think something is impossible and work at it until you find a way to make it work. We’ve been fighting for millimeters everywhere, but the battle has been worth it, as it’s been fantastic seeing customers try the interior buck for size. They love the ritual of getting in and how it feels to be sat behind the wheel.” Once production gets underway, it will be interesting to see what other bells and whistles this beauty comes with. Stay tuned.

29

2018 Jaguar E Pace

A Look At The Record Setting Debut 2018 Jaguar E Pace

30

The buzz about the E Pace had been building for quite a while since before the concept stage and spy photos and videos we’ve seen. It’s no surprise Jaguar celebrated the E Pace’s release by making history in the Guinness Book of World Records’ for farthest production vehicle barrel roll no less. will be offered with two engine choices: a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 246 horsepower, or a 296-hp four-cylinder engine, Jaguar says. The smaller engine can be had in the base, S, and SE trims, while the E-Pace R-Dynamic version with the large engine comes in S, SE, or HSE trims. All versions get a nine-speed

automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. There are up to five USB outlets and four 12-volt sockets, not to mention a 2.2-gallon storage area between the two front seats. To keep the whole family connected, 4G WiFi, capable of supporting up to eight devices, comes standard on S, SE, and HSE trim levels.

Pricing for the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace starts at $39,595, including the $995 destination charge. You could also grab an E-Pace First Edition, which is available for the first year only with unique color and trim options, at a starting price of $54,495, including the $995 destination fee.

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

It’s been a few years since Porsche announced in Paris there would be more hybrid models rolling into production. The 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is not the first Panamera hybrid, but it is the first one Porsche is willing to label as the flagship version of this particular model. According to reports, the $185,450 asking price (add $10,400 for the long-wheelbase Executive version) comes equipped with a 542-hp, 567-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8 bolted to a 134-hp, 295-lb-ft electric

motor. On the 4 E-Hybrid: E-Power, the default which prioritizes electric driving and depletes the battery most freely; Hybrid Auto mode, which blends gas and electric power most efficiently; and the two Sport modes, which both keep the engine on and prioritize electric assist with the nonplus mode maintaining a constant battery level instead of maximizing battery charge.If you’re looking for speed (0-60 in 3.2 seconds) with the flexible options of a hybrid this beauty may be just for you.

31

M e rce d e s B e n z E C l a s s Al l Te r ra i n 32

Concept or Reality?

The team at Mercedes Benz sent the luxury automobile crowd into a frenzy with spy photos and videos posted earlier this month. The highly anticipated announcement was the unveiling of the E Class Terrain. Only a concept for now (we know how this goes, a slight chance for limited production) the interest in this model has been exceedingly high. Here’s what we know for now according to various reports. It took several months to build the E-Class All-Terrain, which has more than double the ride height. Fender flares are made of carbon fiber and ground clearance is now nearly 16-inches. It rolls on 20-inch, off-road-oriented wheels and the overall track is now 8-inches wider. There’s a . The 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 and its 328 horsepower. At press time, no word on any

33

Currency Matters

American, Delta, Frontier Under Fire 2017 has been quite the tumultuous year for the airline industry. It seems that Frontier, Delta and American have not been on their best behavior according to the US DOT. Frontier will pay $400,000 for violating oversales and disability rules, American $250,000 for failing to make timely refunds to passengers, and Delta will pay $200,000 for filing inaccurate baggage reports.

According the the DOT’s statement, Frontier also failed to provide passengers with give bumped passengers written notice of their rights. Frontier was also found in violation of the DOT’s overbooking rules. After getting over 200 complaints from passengers, the DOT found substantial evidence of rule violations including rules covering disabled passengers.

American Airline’s violated DOT regulations with regards to processing refunds. Airlines must provide a refund seven days after receiving all

34

Teavana’s Closing

After buying Teavana close to 5 years ago, Starbucks announced the closing of all Teavana locations. Starbucks will keep distributing Teavana drinks in grocery stores as well as selling the brand’s teas and brewed products in its cafes.

While Teavana products are now for sale in every Starbucks cafe, including fruit-infused iced teas, the company announced this week that it will be closing the remaining Teavana retail stores over the coming year.

Wells Fargo’s New Settlement The customers who were charged for car insurance had auto loans with Wells Fargo between 2012 and this year. Wells Fargo auto loans require borrowers to have comprehensive and collision insurance for their cars. The contract also allows Wells Fargo to buy insurance on customer’s behalf if they fail to buy it themselves.

As a result, a large amount of customers had their vehicles repossessed. Those customers will receive more money in the settlement than other affected customers. Wells Fargo allotted $16 million for this group, which works out to an average refund of $800.

Wells Fargo said it will work with credit bureaus to correct errors in customers’ credit records caused by the insurance scandal.

If you live in certain states like Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Tennessee and Washington - Wells Fargo may have also failed to properly notify customers about the additional insurance charges. Those 60,000 customers will get about $39 million. Over 500,000 customers were affected, look out for a letter from Wells Fargo which are going out now.

A

s part of a recent interview, Xposure Magazine’s Publisher/EIC Goldyn P. Smith shared news about expanding the Xposure brand. “I’ve been on a mission the last few months to curate exclusive video content in an effort to push Xposure forward. It’s been 7 years since I started Xposure, our audience has grown to almost half a million readers worldwide.

After launching the podcast and cultivating my relationships with so many great executives, I decided to push Xposure even further. I’m truly excited to share with you exclusively, I have taken steps to launch Xposure 365 TV which will be available on the three major OTT platforms Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. It’s important to me to ensure Xposure is always innovating and not imitating 100% of the time.. Xposure 365 TV will launch this Fall and I’m excited for everyone to subscribe.”

A O

bout Xposure Magazine

ver 7 years, Xposure has given its audience creative, curated content through its reporting in Xposure Magazine covering all things culture, lifestyle and currency.

Debuting in 2009, Xposure has grown its readership to 485,000 readers worldwide and is available in over 30 languages in over 200 countries.

A X

bout Xposure 365 TV posure 365 TV gives its audience a glimpse into the emerging people,

35