Fighting Fine Lines and Wrinkles Through Vegan Skincare

Let’s be real, all of us have mentally aged ten years throughout the past year and a half. With all the stress of the ongoing pandemic and the holidays on the horizon, Jejune understands that you need a skincare regime that is just as active as you are. That is why we have compiled a list of skincare brands with products meant to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Though this list is tailored towards anti-aging skincare products, in most of the brands listed below you can shop through a variety of products for various skin types and concerns. Most importantly, each brand included in this list is vegan and cruelty-free. We have also included how some of these skincare brands are giving back to their communities and initiatives they are particularly passionate about. Check out Jejune’s full list of vegan skincare brands below!

Lauren Bucca is The Queen of Our Hearts

Author and British Monarch enthusiast, Lauren Bucca just published her first book, titled Queens. The book highlights 250 Queens, from historical to the present day. The book is separated into five chapters, each a different chronological period, and each chapter describes the role of a queen, the challenges they faced, and how they were depicted. After reading this book, Lauren hopes readers are inspired by the determination and drive these Queens had to shape the modern world. Queens can be found through independent bookstores or wherever you order your books! Continue reading Jejune’s interview with Lauren Bucca to understand the making and inspiration of this book!

Natalie Claro On Encouraging Others to Find Joy in the Journey

Natalie Claro is a new alternative rock voice coming out of Nashville, Tennessee. Claro wrote her new single, ‘When Alcohol Tastes Like Juice’ (WATLJ), over the course of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Her overall message is to encourage young people to not lose themselves within their transformative years, and as she put it, “Finding joy is being grateful for the journey.” In Claro’s interview with Jejune, she discusses the creation process of WATLJ, her advice for those struggling with mental health in the pandemic, and her volunteer work with “Girls Rock Camp Alliance.” Read on to learn more about this Rockstar!

Empowering Women With Bigger Chest Sizes and Body Positivity

Alice Kim, founder and CEO of PerfectDD, wants all women to feel empowered in her clothing. The brand’s story started with her. As a 32DD bra size, Alice could not find comfortable and chic clothes that fit her properly. Through research she learned that the average bra size in the U.S. is a 34DD and that over 20 million women in the U.S. fall into this demographic of D+. With this in mind she set out to create her brand, PerfectDD, to empower herself and others. The brand is also socially and environmentally responsible, garments utilize natural fibers, are made in in local, family-owned factories that pay fair wages, and are produced in small batches to reduce excess inventory. Additionally, the styles are timeless and can be a staple in your closet for years to come. Read more about Alice Kim, her sustainable fashion brand, and body positive fashion below!

Finding a Soulful Connection with Robert Ball

Robert Ball, singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada, has a soulful voice with velvet tones to match. Having been inspired from everything Broadway, pop, and world music, to R&B and country, Robert has a diverse background that shows in his work. His new single, ‘I Need A Man,’ was recently released. The song emphasizes the importance of deep soulful connection with someone, not just a short term fix or casual fling. Additionally, Robert is on the steering committee for ‘BGMN’ the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, and a mentor, teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts, Vocal Coach with TIFTPA. As an LGBTQ artist, Robert explains that he finds it particularly important to ‘pay it forward’ to his mentees. Read more about Robert Ball’s music and activism in his interview with Jejune below.

SWAC: Influencer, Zissue 37Kaylyn WenzelNovember 4, 2021soul, connection, singer song writer, singer, songwriter, canada, broadway, pop, world, r&b, Country, blm, LGBTQ+, mentor, mentorship, activismComment

Remembering Stefan Pruett, aka The Guidance, for his Life, Sound, and Impact

Jejune is remembering Stefan Pruett, aka The Guidance, after he tragically passed away during the summer of 2020. To honor his life and his music, Pruett’s family and his producer Jeremy Dawson have decided to continue with the release of his upcoming album, This Is Now. With the release of the album next year, there will be a memorial and tribute show at Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, AZ on January 15th, 2022. Proceeds will go to Rosie’s House and Heal International. Read on to learn more about Stefan Pruett and the impact he leaves with his music.

Kaylyn WenzelOctober 29, 2021InMemoryOf, TheGuidance, music, musician, charity, charitywork, impact, arizona, tanzania, InMemorium, Inspiring, RosiesHouse, PhoenixComment

Cherishing Every Moment with Robert E. Blackmon

Adequately nicknamed the “The Black, Gay Martha Stewart,” Robert has in hands in almost everything; he is an Author, Fashion Designer, Producer, Branding Coach, and GIPHY/TikTok creator. His new book, Courage Behind the Mask: A Story of Life, Death and Surviving COVID-19, tells the story of his mother’s battle with COVID-19 and the stories of the healthcare workers who worked tirelessly to save her life. Robert and his mother were finally reunited in the summer of 2021 after 828 days apart. The duo took part in a series of book signings, speaking events, and TV interviews during their time together. Images of the reunion can be seen throughout the article. Read on to learn more about Robert E. Blackmon, his new book, and why he believes you should never take a single moment for granted.

No Days Off with Akeem Mair

Akeem Mair, actor and activist from Pasadena, California, has big dreams and a big personality to match. In his interview with Jejune Magazine, Akeem explains the chance instance that inspired him to become an actor, the dedication he has to his profession, and his own ten year plan. Never one to take an off day, Akeem keeps a list of goals and action points to work on throughout the day. His new film, It’s On You, will also be finished later this year. Being a black man in the film industry has never been easy, but Akeem looks to the greats like Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier to provide representation and inspiration. Additionally, Akeem gets into his charity work as a community leader with the Mysankofi Live experience and his lifelong volunteer work with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Read on to learn more about the man himself and his developed sense of community created through his work.

The Rockstar Edit: Responsible Clothing Brands for the Wild Ones

The style of a Rockstar is often synonymous with glitz and glam, but what if we told you that it could be sustainable too? That’s right, you don’t have to sacrifice any of the glamour in order to make a positive impact on the planet! In ‘The Rockstar Edit,’ Jejune has compiled a list of fashion brands with clothing that embrace the rock and roll lifestyle while also ensuring that their production process is both environmentally and socially responsible. Be sure to check out Cielo Studio or Monika the Label to fulfill all of your Stevie Nicks impersonation desires. Or look into the faux fur and leather brand Apparis to add a pop of color into your wardrobe! Not totally into the rock and roll scene? That’s okay too! Our ultimate goal with this list was to find responsible fashion brands that help our readers embody their true selves, or find something fun and edgy to wear when you need a little escapism. Check out the full list below!

Battling Mental Health Through Guitar and Song with Former Hero

Yorkshire singer/songwriter Former Hero is no stranger to suffering from mental health. In his debut album ‘footpaths,’ out now on all streaming platforms, the guitarist delves into heavy issues while pairing the lyrics with catchy and danceable tunes. In this interview with Jejune Magazine, Former Hero goes into depth about the impact growing up as a queer man in a sheltered part of the UK has had on both his life and music. Additionally, he explains how he is giving back to the LGBTQA+ community through the online festival MindOut UK, which will be livestreamed on September 25th, 2021. Read on to learn more about the details of this event and Former Hero himself!

15 Eco-Friendly Beauty Brands to Add to Your Fall Routine

The fall equinox has come and gone, and Fall is officially here. A season defined by comfy sweaters, large scarves and chai tea lattes. We are just as excited as you are to welcome the comfy season, that is why we compiled a list of 15 eco-friendly beauty products that you will want to have in your beauty arsenal as the weather gets cooler. The list includes a variety of beauty tools, skincare and beauty products. Each product is made to have both you and the environment’s best interest in mind.

Going Back to School in (Responsible) Style

Back to school shopping can either be an exciting or not so exciting time for children. With the promise of school on the horizon, kids and parents alike are holding on to the last few days of summer. Get excited and check off your back to school list with Jejune’s guide for environmentally friendly fashion and school supplies!