Ami McKay - Behind the Mind of the Designs

Ami McKay is on a roll! From crafting distinctive and healthy eco-friendly residences using sustainable materials to managing three enterprise businesses, Ami McKay effortlessly juggles her multiple endeavors. Now, viewers can witness her distinctive and innovative designs showcased on her very own show, "Vancouver Reno," which has recently made its debut on Magnolia Network. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ami commits her time to mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs and engages in various philanthropic initiatives. Read on to learn more about Ami McKay.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 53Chelsea ChanFebruary 20, 2024#interiordesign, television, television show, women, refugee, philanthropy, homes, renovationComment

Mai Khoi - Bad Activist?

I went into Mai Khoi and the Dissidents' show “Bad Activist” only knowing that she had a crazy back story, was a refugee from Vietnam, and that she was very talented (like everyone Joe’s Pub has!). What I didn’t expect to experience was an incredibly educational, cultural, and art explosion! Mai Khoi walks us through her story, and the story of many Vietnamese who criticize their government, through spoken word, music (most that was sung in Vietnamese with translations on a video above her), costume changes, and visuals.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 53Jejeune MagazineFebruary 6, 2024refugee, Refugee, singer song writer, singer, Art, vietnam, activist, Joe's Pub, review, live shows, nyc, Obama, asian artist, asianComment

Natisa Gogol - A Ray of Hope in Times of Grief

Natisa Gogol is a promising ray of hope! Hailing from war-stricken Ukraine, her music is inspired by the grief faced due to the war. She wishes for her audience to cherish their present and bring to light the casualties faced by the people of Ukraine. In support of this, she has lent a helping hand to organizations that aim to make the refugee life simpler, providing aid and assistance, which is the need of the hour. Read on to get up close and personal with Natisa Gogol!

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Tejasvi PradeepApril 3, 2023music industry, Musician, war, refugee, ImmigrationComment

Marta Hobbs’ Journey to Healing and Self-Discovery

Marta Hobbs is a success story of courage and resilience. Born in Szczecin, Poland, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 as a political refugee. After a successful career in television production in New York City, Marta co-founded a multi-billion dollar business, CheapCaribbean.com, with her husband Jim. But the true success of her life came after a personal crisis that led her to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Marta’s new memoir ‘Unraveling’ details her riveting life’s journey, from overcoming hardships as a refugee to paving her new life in the United States where she ultimately finds her spiritual path and freedom. Today, Marta's mission is to help others on their own journey of healing and self-discovery. Through her spiritual practice, SoulCare, she leads people to practice self-love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Marta's story is an example of how we can all overcome our obstacles and find fulfillment in life. Continue reading to learn more about Marta and her journey to finding lasting happiness, love, health, fulfillment, and purpose in life.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 48Jessica MoraMarch 8, 2023Author, entrepreneur, Wellness, mental wellness, refugeeComment

Mereki - The Indie-Pop Princess For Positive Change

Mereki, the Australian/English Indie-Pop princess, is spreading kindness one song at a time, literally. Mereki created Merekis Clubhouse in 2016 as a platform for creativity and a space for up-and-coming female artists. The Clubhouse motto “Be Kind” grew into a nonprofit of its own and now hosts annual benefit concerts that help raise money for charities. Music still drives the source of inspiration for Mereki with her most recent single “Presence” which dropped in December. Jejune got the chance to talk to Mereki about her work inside and outside of the studio.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 47Elizabeth ShepherdJanuary 30, 2023nonprofit, women empowerment, refugee, music, feminism, positivity, femalebonding, benefit, charity, communityComment

Into the Hidden Dangerous World with George Gittoes

You definitely don’t want to miss out on George Gittoes! No one is more daring and adventurous than him. The Australian native is not only an artist and photographer, he’s also a filmmaker. Gittoes has spent over 25 years witnessing life-changing moments in some of the most notorious places in the world. Despite the uncountable encountered dangers, he continues to strap on filming equipment and goes into battlefields to fight for justice and equality. The talented director and his lovely wife, Hellen Rose, have brought positive social change and shun light on the local community through a non-profit they founded, The Yellow House. Come with Jejune to understand more about his experience in the hidden dangerous world and the impact his artwork has brought to the world with our exclusive interview below.

Ålesund’s World of Dreams

The Bristol-based alt-pop band Ålesund is a master of fantasy. Their latest single, Lighting, delivers new age with an edge. Here at Jejune, the song is being played on repeat, and we couldn’t be more excited to learn about Ålesund’s creative vision. Led by powerhouse vocalist Alba Torriset, the band is cultivating a dreamy, Nordic-inspired image of freedom and self-expression. We sat down with Torriset to discuss their upcoming EP, A Thread in the Dark, the message behind Lighting’s eclectic music video, and how Torriset, alongside collaborator and producer Jake Bright give back to causes that matter to them - from food banks to the British Red Cross. To find out more about Ålesund, read below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 31Jejune ContributorApril 23, 2021band, indie, alternative music, Bristol, british, refugee, Immigration, charitywork, music video, music, UK, Art, artistComment

Fall in Love with Teen Singer-Songwriter Lana Chalfoun

Young love can be a dream or a nightmare and Lana Chalfoun offers both perspectives in her music. Her new single “Cut Off” (coming out Feb. 12th) is a break-up song just in time for Valentine’s Day, which to be honest, is the perfect day to let yourself mourn lost love and move on by February 15th. A fount of youthful sound and energy, Lana’s been dropping music through the pandemic (check out her other singles “Be OK” and “Get Mad”), all of which share the twists and turns of love, anxiety, and coming of age. In our interview with Lana we talk about her music and her chosen charity of choice The Red Glasses Movement. Keep reading to fall more in love with Lana in our exclusive interview below.

Samuel Jack Will Inspire The World For Change

In a time where mass art and music is repetitive and safe, Samuel Jack is a breath of fresh air. Seemingly a kinder spirit, Samuel soulfully sings about the world in a real and honest way, that I can genuinely tell you I have been hunting for for a long time. His song “Refugee” brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it, and “We Are The Future” inspires me to get out there and do good. It is a good thing that everyone in New York City is a little crazy so they don’t bat an eye while I march down the street cryingly, angrily, dancing to his bluesy rhythm. I’m ready to take on the world, and I know that I will have Samuel Jack right along side me. Please click here to learn more about this amazing artist.

SONIA On Romance, Reflection, And The Refugee Crisis

On “I Don’t Know,” a single off her eponymous debut EP, we bear witness to SONIA’s display of raw unperturbed emotion. The setting: a room inside a large daunting medieval European style castle in Belgium. SONIA destroys her room and its furnishings, smashing plates and glass, presumably in anguish from the aftermath of heartache.

The theme of romance, relationships, and the emotions associated with love are a constant in SONIA’s music. She divulges her personal journey towards maturity and adult love. SONIA also lends her voice for refugees displaced by war and poverty via Everyday Refugees Foundation. To learn more about SONIA and her work, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 18, Most PopularJejune ContributorDecember 30, 2019refugee, music, musician, singer, #singer, #song, singer song writerComment

After The Storm Ends.. - By Anaveth Vega

After physically surviving hurricane Maria, Anaveth and her family were left with nothing. They were forced to leave their completely destroyed home in Puerto Rico, and become a new version of refugee that climate change is causing, a climate refugee. Dorian just devastated the Bahamas, but these storms do not stop there. Millions of Puerto Ricans are still living with the impact of one storm.. and there are more storms to come. Please click here to read one climate refugee’s story.

Articles, Reviewed, zIssue 14Jejune ContributorSeptember 12, 2019Puerto Rico, Hurricane, climate change, refugee, family, Hope Heroes NFP, community, environment, #environmentComment