Sophie Reynolds was forever impacted by her best friend, Cameron Boyce. Losing a best friend at a young age is devastating, but Sophie and Cameron’s family and friends choose to remember Cameron’s legacy in a beautiful way through the Cameron Boyce Foundation. Cameron was a light in people’s lives and a passionate activist, ergo, his foundation was created to continue the positive energy he put out into the world. After all, a legacy is not what you do for yourself, but what you do for others. Sophie joins alongside the Cameron Boyce Foundation to find ways to eliminate Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), raise funds for epilepsy research, fighting gun violence, and so much more. In our interview with Sophie, we catch up on her acting career, life on set, and how she is giving back with the Cameron Boyce Foundation. Please read our exclusive interview with Sophie Reynolds below!
Read MoreVictoria Konefal brings passion to this world by dreaming of a green future. You may know Victoria from her work on Day of our Lives, where she plays the fierce and independent Ciara Brady, and Victoria’s legacy is continuing to grow off-screen with her tremendous conservation efforts with organizations like Heal the Bay and Thirst Project. Conservation has taken a backseat during the turmoil of the pandemic and it is people like Victoria who are helping to put the spotlight back onto what we can do in our everyday lives to make a real contribution to conservation. In honor of Women’s History Month, we were very excited to talk to Victoria about the impact of a woman’s voice — we discuss her experience in Hollywood as an actress, working with women directors, and being an advocate for a better and brighter future. For more on Victoria Konefal, please read our exclusive editorial interview below.
Read MoreIn just a month it already feels like a new world. We have a president who wears a mask, recognizes science, and very importantly is making steps in the right direction for our environment. In a lot of ways, I feel that the pandemic has awaken us to what is truly important to us — our loved ones, our health, and our future. While we are navigating this current situation, it is very important to not forget about the other issues on hand. Climate change is hot on our heels! I mean, Texas is frozen over, while ice caps are melting.
We talk about sustainable improvements to our lives, but one of my favorite is fashion. Fashion is notorious for being very wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be! There is an ever increasing array of designers who are eco-friendly and amazing! But while I feel people are starting to notice this, we are not talking as much about one part of fashion that can also be sustainable and vegan, shoes! So, I thought, what would be a better way to show off some amazing sustainable shoe brands than on a contortionist! Side note: Victoria Gibbs doesn’t think she is a contortionist, but if she isn’t she is certainly up there for me. If you can put your feet over your head and put them on the ground, then I’m convinced you are a contortionist!
On addition to showing off amazing shoes in a cool way, Victoria talks with us about health, wellness, being very bendy, and her work with Lupus. To learn more about Victoria, please read our exclusive interview below.
What is your favorite part of New York City? If you live here, why did you move here or why did you decide to stay? If you just love to visit, why is that? I think almost every single person who loves NYC loves it, at least partly, for the arts. I moved here 10.5 years ago, 100% for the arts. I then fell in love with the grit and the people. My people, artists who make magic happen. These are the people who are being ignored. These people are hard-working and living off their art, now they are not allowed to work at all, and they are given no alternatives. This pandemic has taught us many things about our society, and one of the loudest messages is that “the arts do not matter.” But I ask you this: How will we look back on this pandemic in history? It will be through the photography, the songs, the murals, the books, and who knows what else amazing ideas and creations come from this lockdown. We won’t be all sitting around watching videos of Trump or Cuomo’s daily briefings. We will be looking towards the art. Look back on history. How do we think about the most famous moments? From a painting, a song, or a poem. We need to be supporting the arts more than ever right now! Not only do they mark our history, but they give us the most important gift of all —hope.
Jejune had the pleasure to sit down, chat with, and photograph an amazing hard-working artist in New York City, Marcy Richardson. When the pandemic hit all her venues closed, but like most NYC artists, she is full of passion and grit. She will weather this storm and come back to the stage like a phoenix. Please read further to learn a bit about Marcy’s journey.
While TikTok certainly existed before the pandemic, the popular (and might we add addictive) video app became a beloved past time for creators, viewers, and consumers during shelter-in-place. For 16-year-old Emma Norton, TikTok is a place where she can exhibit her mad make-up skills and penchant for entertainment. Her personality is as charismatic as it is authentic, — making Emma a magnet for admiration and attracting over 5.9 million followers on TikTok (and counting!) and over 300 thousand on Instagram. Emma gives us insight on TikToker’s place in speaking out on social issues —a hot and growing topic in 2020— and the positive potential of social media to spread awareness as we move forward into another year with bigger goals for our society and the world at large. We are so excited to share our interview with Emma and we are sure that this TikTok star, actress, and influencer will dance her way into your heart. Please read our exclusive interview with Emma below.
Read MoreThe glitz and glamor of a glowing neon sign can draw one’s eye from miles away. Artist Beau Dunn is an expert in the neon medium and her tongue-in-cheek approach to art provides commentary on society in glowing and irresistible tubes of color. A well-known portion of Dunn’s repertoire is comprised of sculptures made out of intricately thin neon letters, with phrases like “NEED MORE MONEY FOR BIRKIN” or “NEED MORE MONEY FOR REAL ESTATE.” The series is the epitome of advertising, capitalism, indulgence, and luxury. Dunn’s newest series, “Next Generation” continues her work in neon sculptures. With updated phrases like “NEED MORE MONEY FOR TOILET PAPER” and “NEED MORE MONEY FOR FACE MASKS,” Dunn truly shows the irony and truth of the shift we all experienced this year when essentials turned into commodities. On top of on-point social commentary, “Next Generation” is also in collaboration with eBay for Charity, with a portion of all proceeds benefiting UNICEF USA’s COVID-relief efforts and help provide front-line responders and families in need with resources to keep children healthy and safe during the pandemic. Beau Dunn’s art shows us that art not only inspires, art heals.
Outside of the studio and gallery, Dunn tends to spend most of her time with animals. She was recently named Global Ambassador of Road Dogs & Rescue a non-profit that rescues bulldog breeds, medical dogs, seniors, and special needs puppies. She has always had such a big heart for animals and now gets to help dogs who need a little extra love and attention. Beau is also on the board of The Sanctuary At Soledad, where she is pictured in our cover photos! To read more about Beau’s life as an artist and learn more about her work in animal advocacy in our exclusive interview below.
Read MoreIn a time when the country feels so divided, Corey O'Brien & Ryan Russell’s love solidifies to me how love can heal all. These two very unique men found each other during a time they didn’t think they were even interested in a relationship, but were so charming that they couldn’t get enough of each other. A year later, they are stronger than ever, supporting each other in the midst of 2020 chaos, celebrating sobriety, going to Black Lives Matter protests, and creating a YouTube Channel to celebrate their love and individuality. To learn about one of 2020’s cutest couples, please read further.
Read MoreThis week marks two months of straight Black Lives Matter protests in New York City, and in many other places across the United States. In the midsts of a pandemic, people from all over the world have come together to support the black community and fight against police brutality. People are waking up and learning about systemic racism and what it actually means to defund the police. But there is always more to be done. Please check out our BLM Resource Book for more information.
This has been a unique time in history because everything has been closed and boarded up and artists are without work. So, the streets of SoHo have had more empty canvases for the incredible and relevant art sprouting up everywhere. Artists are listed last on the list of essential businesses, but as history is happening around us, we are busier than ever. It is the art people will look back on to document the past, and that art is screaming to be heard, for justice, and for change.
Meagan Tandy is paving roads and opening doors for others on and off the screen. CW’s Batwoman is not just another superhero show. With one of CW’s most diverse casts, they are also exploring LGBTQ+ rights and sexual fluidity. Yes, it is a big deal that Batwoman is a lesbian, trust me we are all super excited to have a Ruby Rose Batwoman, but Sophie Moore’s character is also a first. Off the screen Meagan is also a hero, with her foundation Girl Talk and Empire Girls, which empowers young women. To learn more, click here!
Read MoreAlysia Reiner is so much more than a warden in Orange Is The New Black, as a typical New Yorker, she does it all: influential actress, activist, producer, eco-momma, sustainable designer, feminist, and so much more! To learn more about her and she our 100% sustainable glamours cover editorial, please click here!
Read MoreIn a time when the world can seem so cruel, Daniella Monet is bringing in life in more ways than one! This talented actress and singer isn’t letting motherhood slow her down when it comes to helping save the planet and animals. As a passionate vegan and animal rights activist since the age of five, she is not only a huge voice for the movement, but she will help you get there with her three vegan business ventures! To learn more, please read Jejune’s exclusive interview here.
Read MoreCynthia Bailey is a force of nature: from top model, to actress, to reality TV star, to powerhouse entrepreneur! Oh, and in her spare time she helps train women and men in self-etiquette, self confidence and self-promotion in the fashion industry. Giving them tools that can transfer anywhere else in their life. Basically, how to “Be Better”! To learn more about this strong woman, please read Jejune’s exclusive interview here.
Read MoreStephanie Corneliussen is fierce, she takes on bad ass roles, is jaw droopingly beautiful, oh, and she has a heart of gold. Certainly one that gets all mushy as soon as she is around adorable animals! To learn more about this strikingly fascinating and exquisite woman, and her experiences being plant-based, please click here.
Read MoreLove, loss, and grief are powerful emotions that we don’t like to talk about, but to heal we need to, and we are stronger if we do it together. This is what Madilyn Bailey learned after losing her grandmother, and writing Red Ribbon. Click here to learn more and see our tribute editorial for her grandmother.
Read MoreYou may have heard of Zoe Saldana, but have you met her younger sister Cis Saldana? Cis is an amazingly passionate woman who is fighting to make the world a better place. Learn about the inspiring Cis, and her thoughts on immigration, the boarder, and Trump here!
Read MorePatricia Velásquez brings kindness and love into everything she does, from being a super model, actress, mother, and through her NGO, The Wayuu Taya Foundation. The Wayuu Taya Foundation aids indigenous populations in Venezuela. However, the current political climate has just made life in Venezuela terrifying. Learn more about Patricia Velásquez, The Wayuu Taya Foundation, and what you can do to help, here!
Read MoreMarie Avgeropoulos may be a complete bad ass on CW’s 100, in her role of Octavia Blake, but in real life she is so much more! This snowboarding Canadian, in addition to being proud to play such a strong woman on TV, is working towards making strong girls and women in India through Food For Life Vrindavan (FFLV), a nonprofit devoted to educating low-income girls in India. Please click here to learn more about Marie Avgeropoulos, FFLV, and how you can get involved!
Read MoreThe Suffrage Envoys, are the women who over history have been fighting for women’s rights. We have a long past of oppression, so women have learned to brilliantly orchestrated the most beautiful and effective ways to get their messages out. And what better way is there than fashion? See full editorial and story here!
Read MoreWitty, charming, and sexy as anything, Wilson Cruz has it all. However, he is more than your typical actor. Almost every role Wilson has taken on can be described as powerful, influential, and often trailblazing for the LGBTQ community. Learn more in Jejune’s exclusive interview!
Read MoreThere are only a few people in the world who can be a fashion model. You have to have the right height, weight, and look. There is an incredible amount of pressure put on women and men to change their look, stay young, be current, and to have enough followers. Now try doing that as both sexes. Elliot Sailors is one of very few amazing talents capable of pulling this off.
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