Getting Raw With Nikki Gal About Mental Health

Model Nikki Gal wants the world to see women for more than their looks. While she might be a pretty face, there is a lot more behind those eyes, and she is working hard to make a difference. As a passionate women’s mental health advocate, Nikki has started two different podcasts addressing the issue — Raw Talk and The Model Memo (both with Nikki Gal). In addition to her speaking out about mental health she has also recently become an ambassador for The Big Yellow Force, an organization that helps help raise awareness for women suffering from endometriosis. To learn more about Nikki, her modeling, art, and activism, please read on!

Ashley & Lindsey Keefe - The Magic of Sisterhood

There is a lot of pride and joy attached to the Keefe name as Ashley and Lindsey Keefe set out to make a name for themselves in their own individual way. From acting to modelling to making music, their repertoire comprises of some interesting projects undertaken by them respectively. Raised on the values of kindness and sisterhood, Lindsey and Ashley have grown into themselves, which is reflected in this interview. The sisters are also advocates for the Chiari Malformation Awareness by supporting the organisation Conquer Chiari, an endeavour close to their hearts. Let Jejune Magazine give you more insight into the lives and passions of Ashley and Lindsey Keefe. Read on to know more!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 50, Most PopularTejasvi PradeepAugust 23, 2023music artist, music production, sisters, actors, TV Series, modelComment

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change - Video

Jejune is starting this new year off right, with cover model Yves Mathieu East! To see his full cover editorial and interview, please check it out here! We have a special set of video clips of Yves from the shoot where you can learn a bit more about him, please check out the below!

Editorials, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Kira BuccaJanuary 23, 2023editorial, tattoos, blm, BLM, black lives matter, model, male model, fashion, video, sober, FashionComment

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change

Jejune has the pleasure to share with you one of the most inspiring people we have ever met — Yves Mathieu East. Yves is a born and breed New Yorker, who is one of a kind. At the young age of 13 he convinced his mother to let him get his first tattoo, he is now head to toe covered in them. What is magical about Yves is once you start speaking to him, all you see is him, the tattoos are just a part of him that completely unquestionably make sense. A lot about Yves is like this. We were on set, and this guy was nothing but waves and “have a nice day” to every single person who walked by! It is actually pretty shocking that he grew up in NYC with how friendly he is.

This beautiful openness to the world does not come from naivety, Yves has seen the dark side of life, in fact, it is more that he wants to be that person who is the change — who gives those who need it the most hope. With no questions asks he will throw on his backpack, maybe pack up a pitbull, and head off to what issue needs him next, be this LGQTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, Abortion rights, rehabilitating pitbulls, or spending time with the elderly. This guy really does it all! Please read further to learn more about his incredible guy.

COVER - Victoria Vesce - Endless Summer

Jejune is excited to announce our newest cover model Victoria Vesce! Victoria comes from a beautiful farm girl past, and quickly rose to stardom after pageantry. She has danced for the NBA and modeled all over, recently for Sports Illustrated and obviously for Jejune. In 2017, Victoria was diagnosed with multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor. But being the inspiring individual she is, she not only has made a full recovery, but she now helps promote the National Brain Tumor Society and even went to law school! To learn more about Victoria, please read our exclusive interview below.

Cover, Editor's Pick, Editorials, Most Popular, zIssue 45Kira BuccaSeptember 27, 2022cover story, cover, model, fashion, editorial, summer, swimwear, beach, survivor, brain tumor, tumor, healthComment

Regina Ting Chen - Embracing Our Screens With Her Talent

Meet the talented Regina Ting Chen! You may recognize her as Ms. Kelly, the guidance counselor at Hawkins High School in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things.” This exciting new season premiered on May 27th and is not one to be missed! If she isn't fighting in the upside-down world, you might have seen her in one of the other 30 commercials, movies, or TV shows she has appeared on, not to mention "Marvel's" The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," HBO's Emmy-winning limited series "Watchmen," and the CW's "Dynasty." In addition, when Regina is not acting, you can find her helping Vegan Meals that Heal, a nonprofit organization, teaching HIT kickboxing, or as an animal lover, painting pet portraits, or teaching her dogs tricks! Continue reading our exclusive interview below to learn more about Ms. Kelly, her time on set, Vegan Meals that Heal, and the other activities she enjoys!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Maddy MaierAugust 9, 2022actress, Actress, female actress, Vegan, Stranger Things, Kickboxing, acting, #actress, Commercials, movie, TV Series, model, dogs, animalComment

Livia De Paolis - So Much More Than a Triple Threat

Livia De Paolis is a rockstar in production. Despite the fact that her family owned De Paolis I.N.C.I.R, a Rome studio, she has built a name for herself taking on many aspects of the entertainment industry. She oversees all elements of production — including screenwriting, directing, producing, and acting. Livia has established herself in a number of locations, including Italy, New York, and, most recently, London. In New York City, she focused her work on contemporary theater and produced the feature film Emoticon and the short film Awestruck. Livia has recently returned to London, where she is promoting her new feature film, "The Lost Girls," which will be released on June 17h. If her journey couldn't get any more impressive, she has also worked with non-profit organizations such as the 52nd Street Project and hopes to work with more in the future. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Livia’s upbringing, short films, humanitarian work, and love for theater.

COVER - Haley Kalil - Smart Girl Summer

Haley Kalil is having a Smart Girl Summer, and we should all join her! As a New York City-based model and scientist, Haley Kalil is breaking barriers and building new standards that empower women in STEM. Haley does not shy away from having it all and does not let society limit her abilities. Currently, she is the CEO of The Nerd Herd, which is a brand at the intersection of beauty and science. Haley acknowledges the double standard between women and men in the STEM field. It is normalized and widely accepted for a man to flaunt their body on the internet without their work being discredited, but we can not say the same for women. However, The Nerd Herd’s mission is to create that safe space for women, educate them on STEM, and make women feel sexy in the process. This is 2022, and women no longer have to choose between being conservative and not being taken seriously in their careers, and Haley is at the forefront of that movement. If you love Haley as much as we do, and want to hear about her advocacy with Black Girls Code, and her journey from STEM to Modeling, please continue reading below!

Cover - Jenn Lyon & The Scarlet Letter

To meet Jenn Lyon for the first time is like connecting with a friend you have known for years. Not only is she completely hilarious, but she is a real person with a huge heart. You can currently see her on the the fabulous TNT show Claws, where she plays a bad ass manicurist, who is loyal to a fault. You really have to watch the show to understand how that all makes sense together. While Jenn is excited for everyone to love the last season of Claws as much as she does, she is even more passionate about making the world a better place, especially from the eyes of a woman.

Jenn is connected to a ton of activism, and when she takes on a cause, she goes elbows deep! This might mean she is manning an eating disorder hotline, rummaging through funny looking veggies at the local food pantry, or on the ground humbly drawing signs for strangers at the Women’s March. There is no denying it, Jenn Lyon is the real deal, and it is an honor for Jejune to have her as our next cover!

Raffaele Capuano Challenges Model Behavior

Defining what makes an “X” factor or “star power” is nearly impossible, but we’re pretty certain that Raffaele Cupuano definitely falls into those categories. With a palpable stage presence as a runway model and a growing career as a rapper, is there any audience that won’t be enraptured with his performances? However, there’s much more to Cupuano’s journey. Under the stage name, South RC, Cupuano challenges model behavior on two levels — first as a runway model turned rapper and second through his rap lyrics that call out unjust police harassment. His single “Fresh Zone” explores the realities of bias and injustice when it comes to who and what are policed and how. As a voice for change, South RC uses his songs to shed light on the cracks in broken systems. In our interview with Cupuano, we get to know more about the story behind his music and how he is giving back to local and global communities. Continue reading for our exclusive interview below!

SWAC: InfluencerForrest JohnsonOctober 22, 2021model, rapper, music, musician, artists, international, fashion, europe, music industry, rap, FashionComment

KG Crown Sings For Righteousness

Every day is a change for the better. KG Crown is the living proof to always embrace your own individuality and never stop fighting regardless of the challenges. Why do we say that? Because she fights against all odds to pursue her dream as a Pop singer even though she (including her family) was bullied by her peers, grown-ups, and even worse, mothers and teachers from her town. Her dedication to performing resulted in her quickly garnering over 155K+ followers and 500K+ views across her platforms. She recently released an anti-bullying anthem, Bad, standing up for herself and her loves one. KG Crown is truly admirable as she further uses her platform to bring awareness to bullying and inspires her followers to stand up for themselves. Read our interview below as KG Crown gets candid about her take on bullying and her sensational journey in pursuing her dreams.

COVER - Rising From The Ashes

Walking on a runway is glamorous but walking for injustice is empowering. Meet Kaprice Imperial! The Filipina-American model is admirable in challenging the world to do better and to dream of a future that is more inclusive and united. In our interview, Kaprice gets candid with Jejune on what happens before hitting the runway, the effects of her Asian background, and protesting hate crimes. Check out our interview below!

Lexie Stevenson Fights Fearlessly for Passion

Lexie Stevenson is inspirational and fearless. After her near-death experience suffering from endometriosis at the age of 17, she comes back stronger fighting fearlessly and positively for her passion. Stevenson made her big break as Mattie Ashby on the CBS Daytime Award-Winning drama The Young and the Restless. On top of being a wonderful actress, she also holds multiple titles (model, philanthropist, theatrical performer, competitive athlete) with a hidden talent in singing. Jejune is excited to share our exclusive interview with her on her incredible journey as an actress and advisory board for the Endometriosis Foundation of America.

EDITORIAL - Jarry Lee Is A Voice In The Silence

Jarry is a NYC-based model/actress, musician, and influencer who did something courageously out of the ordinary — she came out as bisexual on the hit Netflix show, Dating Around. With a social media following rising at astronomical rates, Jarry never chooses silence. Jarry is a bold voice with an extra aesthetic, and she is committed to lending her voice to strengthen the visibility of the LGBTQ+ and Asian community. In our interview with Jarry, we talk about her life in NYC during the pandemic, her coming out moment, and the current wave of violence against Asian Americans. You don’t want to miss this moment with Jarry! Please read our full and exclusive editorial and interview below.

Audrey Grace Marshall: A Young Star Playing Epic Roles

Audrey Grace Marshall maybe 11 years old, but she has already attracted some pretty interesting roles, playing the young version of Cassie in HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant, and also playing a young 'Trish Walker' in the amazing final season of Marvel's Jessica Jones. When she isn’t busy playing the younger versions of epic women, or running around in her New York City life, she is very passionate about helping mature dogs through Susie's Senior Dogs; a nonprofit organization working to bring awareness to the plight of homeless senior dogs. Please read further to learn more about Audrey in our exclusive interview below.

Lesa Wilson Has Gone Green!

Lesa Wilson is the definition of a triple threat. A trained pageant queen, literally, American Idol contestant, and a now reoccurring face on the new CW show Starrgirl, Wilson can be defined as more than accomplished. Having spent decades of her life focused on her work, she decided to turn her focus on working to save the planet. She uses her platform to bring awareness to climate change and educating others on the importance of keeping Mother Nature happy. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about how Lesa Wilson encourages going green!

Bellsavvy on Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance

Few recording artists can impact two vastly different cultural music scenes from the onset. Born in Brazil, now based in London, pop singer/songwriter Bellsavvy successfully infiltrated both the European and South American demographics.

She found her start on MTV Brazil's singing competition show "Studio Acesso Girls MTV", where Bellsavvy won over the hearts of over 1.8 million live viewers, who all voted for her performance. Her newfound fame thrusted her into the international spotlight through movies and music projects around Europe.

In her debut single, “Queen of my Mind”, Bellsavvy reflects on her industry experiences. She explores concepts of mental health and confronts obstacles such as body shaming and the perception of unobtainable body standards within the modeling industry. She dwells on the damaging consequences, more so, her personal afflictions, and sets an uplifting message of perseverance and acceptance. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Bellsavvy.

EDITORIAL - The New Norm?

Social distancing — the act of keeping space (six feet) between yourself and other people, and limiting trips to places where you might interact with other people.

Humans all over the world are trying to find creative ways to be close while being apart. Never have we, as a planet, ever been so easily in communication, yet not allowed to connect in a physical way. Even as an introvert, I feel the strain of going months without seeing my family and friends. However, unlike during the 1918 pandemic, we do have the luxury of the internet and video calls. I am still able to workout, have group hangouts, play charades with my mother, and even do photo shoots. We may feel there is a lot to be concerned about, but there is even more to be grateful for.

Editorials, zIssue 24Kira BuccaJuly 20, 2020social distancing, covid-19, fashion, summer fashion, model, female model, Asian, female fashion, stay home, cats, animalsComment

Video Games, Not Just A Man's World, Meet Bad A** Avori Henderson!

It is often thought that women are a minority within the video game industry — both as consumers and game developers. In 2019, 71 percent of responding game developers were men, while 24 percent were women. However, with self declared gamers, the stats differ drastically at almost equal percentages - 54% Male to 46% Female.

Gamer, model, designer, and streamer, Avori Henderson is one of the many women gaining traction in professional gaming. Avori is best known as s PUBG streamer and professional gamer. She gained notoriety as she began her streaming career on Twitch. Eventually, this led her to run the first ever all Female PUBG Tournament that was professionally broadcasted — a natural cascading of events due to her passion for female inclusion of gaming. Now, Avori streams on Facebook Gaming Live, to her 282,000+ followers. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Alvori Henderson.

Cover - New York City Has Hope

New York City has been in lockdown for 106 days. Yes, things are slowly starting to open up, but most of us are still being as careful as possible as COVID rages through the rest of our country. This editorial was shot during the peak of the New York City shelter in place order. Like many business, fashion was hit very hard. As designers were forced to close shops, they were still able to make masks, leaving masks the only new fashion available.