Let's Embrace Our Flaws with vanillacooldance

Amsterdam-based American cartoonist Jessica Stahl, vanillacooldance, is empowering women to to live a shame-free, unapologetic, and confident life, embrace your vanillacooldance! In a world where dating is hard and women are underappreciated vanillacooldance has our backs with humor and truth. Stahl is helping to change the way women see themselves in relationships, breaking taboos about sexuality, body appearance, romantic and even awkward situations on dates, and much more. When Stahl isn’t giving women a voice through vanillacooldance, she is the Creative Director at Dopper and is responsible for making ocean-saving campaigns. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible artist!

Kate Cosentino Can Be Our Emergency Contact

Kate Cosentino is here to sing her way into your heart and soul. This progressive Italian girl from Nashville will have you dancing and reflecting on your inner love when listening to her tunes. Having struggled with her own body image she now writes songs about it and teams up with organizations like Project HEAL and The Body Positive Alliance to help other learn to love themselves a little more. To learn more, please read our exclusive interview below.

Brooklynne Webb Wears The Crown

Brooklynne Webb is all about being your authentic self! This body positive Canadian is taking over TikTok (over 10M followers) with her fun dances and make-up looks. You can’t stop from smiling when you see her. And if that doesn’t have you curious, she has an awesome new song out now called “My Crown”, which you will want to make your new anthem. To learn more about Brooklynne and her work with Reading Across America, please read our exclusive interview below.

The Future Perfect Project: The New Generation of LGBTQ+ Storytelling

Meet the Future Perfect Project (FPP)! This New York-based Organization promotes LGBTQ+ Youth expression and their music! Founded by Celeste Lecesne and Ryan Amador, the Future Perfect Project amplifies the queer youth narrative through workshops and social media. If you wish to see their work in action, the Future Perfect Project is hosting a free immersive event at Lincoln Center's Hearst Plaza on June 4th at 12 pm EST, kicking off Pride Month nicely! Nine artists from all around the country will perform their collaborative album “Not What You Pictured” at the event. All performances are of course LIVE! Jejune is ecstatic to get to know this small collective of artists through their music, and can wait for the show! If you are interested in the Future Perfect Project’s story and want to support LGBTQ+ youth, please continue reading the interview below!

10 Ways to Spend Quality Time in Nature This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to soak up some fresh air. Being outside can boost your mood and encourage physical activity, which can be more of a challenge during colder months.

If you spend all day working in an office, commuting home and doing chores, it might seem hard to find time and energy to go outside. However, getting vitamin D and connecting with nature can help ease the stress of daily life. Working outdoor time into your schedule will be well worth it.

Whether you’re looking for weekend adventures or small activities you can fit into a busy day, there are plenty of ways to spend quality time in nature this summer.

Articles, zIssue 43Cora GoldJune 1, 2022summer, nature, Sustainability, Garden, outdoorsComment

A Little Of Everything With Revell Carpenter

LA and NYC-based actress Revell Carpenter is more than a familiar face. Without a doubt, Revell’s training in LA, NYC, and London prove her to be an asset for all her industry endeavors which include directing and writing. Amazingly she has been at work since seven years old, and now you can see Revell starring in her short film “Goodnight”, an emotional and gritty film about ending a relationship. Other than “Goodnight”, you can see Revell in “All American: Homecoming” and “The Deadly Debutante”. With so much under Revell’s belt, you are sure to love her. We urge you to get to know Revell through our interview! If you would like to learn more about Revell’s short film, her work at the New York Public Library, and the overall fabulous human being she is, please continue reading!

Remaining Constant with Tabay Atkins

Tabay Atkins, California’s very own Yoga, and Reiki prodigy is on a mission! Tabay wishes to share the significance of a healthy and positivity-filled lifestyle. Yoga has changed his life in more ways than one, and those around him prove as a success story of his fundamental values. This amazing young adult has instructed Yoga to countless individuals and has accumulated almost 1000 hours of teacher training experience. Tabay serves as a role model and mentor to adults and children alike, and Jejune is here for it! If you are interested in Tabay’s humanitarian work, his journey to becoming a NIKE athlete, or his tips for healthy living, please continue reading below!

Shimmering Indie Pop Star Mikalyn

Mikalyn is an artist of many talents, with a one-of-a-kind style and unwavering drive, this indie pop star should be on your radar! Initially, she gained unconventional traction when a Brazilian record label discovered her original piano-driven music on Soundcloud and offered to transform them into EDM hits. Following her discovery, she began collaborations with various artists including Zuffo and Evokings which became unexpected steppingstones in building her career. The Canadian songwriter creates relatable songs which touch on relationships, love, or lack thereof, and everyday experiences and emotions. One of her latest releases, “Ready to Love You”, was written about needing to backtrack on a relationship. This song has a shimmering and catchy tune while Mikalyn’s soulful voice exudes honesty. In addition to her talent and devotion as an artist, Mikalyn is dedicated to working with cancer research charities, mental health initiatives, and The LivWise Foundation. Continue reading below to learn more about Mikalyn, her creative writing process, and how she gives back!

The Moon Bears Need Your Help!

Wildlife is precious! Based in Hong Kong, Animals Asia provides sanctuary for bears and protects those loving creatures from farming in Vietnam and China. The demand for bear bile as a medical substance has put the Moon Bear species significantly at risk. This organization is adamant about preservation of the Moon Bears, especially when there are herbal alternatives to bear bile. Many celebrities including the ones featured in this article have pledged to take a stand against Moon Bear extinction. You can follow in their footsteps with the details in this very article! For more information about Moon Bears, the demand for Bear Bile, and the amazing celebrities who advocate for the Animals Asia cause, please continue reading below.

Kelsey Caesar Will Run Into Your Heart

Kelsey Caesar goes from running as an Olympic hopeful to running for his life in horror films! You can see him in the new all black horror film “Bitch Ass”, where he tells us the kill scenes are the best. But Kelsey doesn’t stop there. He is a very passionate about the environment and loves fostering dogs. To learn more about this star athlete, fun actor, and activist, please read our exclusive interview below.

The Unique McLeod Family

The McLeod Family is one unique family full of love! Mom, Eeka, always dreamed of adopting and now she has three one of a kind kids: Eli, Evan, and Ella! Can we just talk about how cute it is that everyone in this family has an E name?? Eli has Cerebral Palsy and Evan and Ella are on the Autism Spectrum. Evan is extra fabulous as he is already so self-aware that he knows he is non-binary and loves wearing dresses. To learn more about this adorable family, please read our exclusive interview below.

Joy Nash On Embracing The Skin You Are In

Joy Nash is an actress based out of Los Angeles. Fifteen years ago, while YouTube was still an infant, Nash posted “A Fat Rant.” The monologue garnered over a million reviews and inspired a lot of people to start living for today, no matter the skin they are in. As an actress you may also recognize her from Dietland (2018), Twin Peaks (2017), and The Mindy Project (2013). Nash’s resume also includes writer, voice talent, and volunteer with ‘A Place Called Home’ in Downtown LA. Their art, education, and wellness program for kids in South Los Angeles works to improve their economic conditions and lead healthy purposeful lives. Read on in our interview with Joy Nash to learn more about her career, volunteer work, and upcoming projects!

C.J. Macias's Reflection On Healing

C.J. Macias has been catching waves since he was a kid with his dad on the beaches of South Florida. Now currently located in Hawaii, Macias has been fortunate to surf some of the biggest waves in the world. In 2011 and 2012, Macias had a few setbacks when he injured his rib and disc in his lower back while surfing and playing high-level beach volleyball, respectively. Throughout his healing journey which brought him from India to Bali and Hawaii, he found that all great healing happens from the heart. Macias is involved with the "Waves of Life" project with The McNamara Foundation, which helps at-risk youth strengthen their connection with nature and themselves through the transformational power of surf therapy and community involvement. He is also featured in the latest HBO Max six-part docu-series, "100 Foot Wave," along with American surfer Garrett McNamara. Read on in our interview with Macias to learn more about his healing journey and future projects!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 43Kaylyn WenzelMay 13, 2022Healing, Healing Journey, Reflection, Surfing, Waves, Athlete, Injury, Hawaii, HBO MaxComment

Sustainability in Italian Fashion

Since the post World War II era, Italy has created a fashion empire known for its craftsmanship and elegant sense of style. Subsequently, the ‘Made in Italy’ label has gained international recognition for products of the highest quality and authenticity. To compete with other countries in the global fashion supply chain, Italian fashion brands have implemented environmental and social sustainability into its practices. The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), also known as ‘The National Chamber for Italian Fashion,’ has a Sustainability Working Group Sector that sets disciplines, coordinates and promotes the development of responsible Italian fashion. Its manifesto has guidelines for manufacturing practices, sustainable retail, and eco-toxicological requirements for articles of clothing and industrial discharges; among others. The non-profit association is located in Milan and its members include the likes of Gucci, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Discussing Inclusivity and Disability Representation With Tal Anderson

Tal Anderson is an actor and director based in Los Angeles, CA. Big into storytelling from a young age, Anderson started officially acting right before high school. You may recognize her from the Netflix series “Atypical” as ‘Sid,’ a role that was written specifically for her. Anderson describes going into the casting call for a small three-line role in Episode 2 of Season 3, but ending up getting a call for Sid after the show-runner saw her audition. Anderson also has a leading role in the national campaign for Delivering Jobs, which is in partnership with Best Buddies and Special Olympics promoting jobs for disabled people. As an autistic actor, Anderson works with organizations the work to promote inclusivity and disability representation. She is an official ambassador for Awareness Ties, a contributor to Neuroclastic, and a speaker with The Inspire Project. She also enjoys making films for the annual Disability Film Challenge. Read on to learn more about Anderson’s important work towards inclusivity and representation!

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Furniture - By James King

The undeniable manifestations of climate change have pushed many of us to look into how we live and how it affects the world we live in. Nowadays, the fast fashion industry is under fire for how it promotes excessive consumerism and its unethical practices that devastate our environment at a colossal level. Hence, more and more people are putting their best efforts to veer away from problematic fast fashion brands in hopes of living more sustainably.

But aside from your choice of clothing, how you furnish and decorate your home is another aspect where you can incorporate sustainable practices. In this guide to sustainable furniture, we discuss what sustainability truly means, its many benefits, plus practical shopping tips. Let’s get started!

Let Kiyomila Cosmetics Introduce You to Black-Owned Vegan Skincare

Inclusive, Natural, and Vegan? Sign us up! Kiyomila Cosmetics is a black-owned vegan skincare brand based out of London, UK. The cosmetics brand specializes in healthy, vegan products that are catered for individuals experiencing eczema, acne and hyperpigmentation. The inspiration for the brand comes from the founder’s own skincare journey, as she suffered from eczema and hyperpigmentation since childhood. The brand offers a range of body butters, body scrubs and body oil for eczema and body acne. For hyperpigmentation the brand introduced the Fade Away’ face and body butter which is enriched with natural Kokum butter and Buriti fruit and Kukui nut oil. Read on in our interview with the brand to hear more about their product assortment and helpful skincare tips!

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 43Kaylyn WenzelMay 4, 2022Cosmetics, Black-owned, Vegan, skincare, natural, healthy, #skincare, eczema, acne, productsComment

What's happening in Ukraine?

Following an eight year long war between Ukraine and Russia, the Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a ‘large scale invasion’ on a country of over 44 million on the 24th of February 2022. Whilst Kremlin officials themselves were surprised by Putin’s actions, thinkers associated with foreign policy realism had been predicting such conflict since as early as the 90’s.

Articles, zIssue 43Saanvi SethiMay 2, 2022ukraine, russia, war, nato, conflict, protests, nuclear, putin, zelensky, freedom, attacks, invasion, global, fightingComment

Mastering Your Mindset with Charyn Harris

Charyn Harris is a woman who does it all! This Los Angeles-based author, educator, motivational speaker, musician, and music business professional began her career touring as a keyboardist for R&B legend Barry White. She graduated from Berklee College of Music and earned an MBA from The University of Phoenix. In 2004, Charyn founded Project MuszEd, a nonprofit agency providing arts education, performance, and programming. She is also, the host of her own podcast called Musicians Guide to Grit, empowering musicians and females worldwide through her knowledge and expertise as a woman and leader in the music business. She newly released her debut book The Art of War for Creatives, which addresses mastering your mindset and learning to create a foundation for yourself to have the life and career that you deserve. In 2020, Charyn co-founded My Good with Macy Gray, to support families who lost a loved one to police brutality. To learn more about Charyn Harris and the incredible initiatives she has created, continue reading below.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Meaningful and Eco-Friendly Ideas for Mom

Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate all your mom has done for you, but it’s not always easy to come up with the perfect gift. Chances are, you have already given your mom all the typical presents, like cards, candles and trinkets that say “World’s Best Mom.”

While you want to do something to show your mom you care, giving a gift that may end up in the trash in a few years is not the most thoughtful or sustainable way to go. If you want to honor your mom without creating waste or clutter, here are some meaningful and eco-friendly ideas to try this Mother’s Day.

Articles, zIssue 43Cora GoldApril 25, 2022Motherhood, mother's day, gift ideas, eco friendly, gift guide, minimalism, sustainabilityComment