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!

COVER: Susie Abromeit - A Force To Be Reckoned With!

A bombshell beauty with brains! Enter: Susie Abromeit. This Los Angeles-based queen is everything we've been looking for! As an accomplished actress, model, and singer, she has much to offer, and we're in love. You will be too! Before her success in the entertainment industry, she was a ranking NCAA professional tennis player. Talk about a woman who can do it all!

Without a doubt, Susie is a familiar face to many. She is the incredible Pamela (us fans call her Pammy) on the Netflix Original Hit series Marvel's Jessica Jones and Mrs. Hardin on The Forever Purge, a recently released action movie. Susie's range is unbelievable! She managed to do a total 180 in her professional world and still come out on top, as victorious as ever. In this interview. We're so glad she is open to writing a book about her experiences (fingers -crossed) because we can't get enough!

But no chance the inspiration stops there. While off-screen, Susie is hard at work to build a better world. She is heavily involved in philanthropic projects such as Represent.us and other world-altering organizations. With Represent.us, Susie and other beautiful people infiltrate the political system and educate others to reshape a corrupt institution. "We the People" will have a place at the table! Jejune is so excited to sit down with Susie and chop it up with this absolute star! In this interview, we cover Susie's love for tennis, her upcoming projects, and her selfless work as an ambassador with Not For Sale: an operation that counters modern-day slavery. Susie is truly a force to be reckoned! Please continue reading below for Susie’s cover feature.

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.

Superstar Athlete Steven Benedict Is Helping Foster Care Thrive

Want to know the secret to living your best life, bettering your daily routines, and being your own Superstar? That’s what Steven Benedict is here for! Benedict is an athlete of merit, having elite-level status as a Track and Field athlete. Now, he’s turning to coach individuals in the gym and people (like us) at home through his new book Good Morning Superstar. While we are all about self-care and self-betterment through strengthening our bodies and minds, what we love most about Steven’s work he consistently gives back through being an all-star foster care advocate. As a former foster child, Benedict wanted to provide support for the foster care system through starting his own foundation, “Fostering Success.” The organization works to restore hope, encourage growth, and oppose the abandonment mindset of foster children by providing genuine guidance, opportunities for sports and arts, and a strong voice for advocacy and systemic reform. For our exclusive interview with this superstar, please continue reading below:

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!

COVER - Welcome Tahj Mowry

Anyone looking for an actor to completely obsess over? Well ding ding ding, Tahj Mowry is your guy! Yes, you heard that right, the Tahj Mowry. Based in Los Angeles, this triple threat prodigy is nothing short of an icon. You may know him as the adorable kid from Seventeen again or TJ Henderson from Smartguy. Well not anymore. Tahj is all grown up and bringing bigger and better projects to the acting industry. One of Tahj’s recent flicks, “Welcome Matt”, further enforces this idea. “Welcome Matt” is a movie that represents how all of us have been feeling during the pandemic. He brings the important message of anxiety and mental health to the big screen and serves it with stomach crunching comedy suitable for the perfect movie night. Popcorn is a must!

Besides being a well-rounded actor making waves in the comedy and drama scene, Tahj also spends his time heavily invested in charitable organizations. You can find him sponsoring a child in the Dominican Republic through “Project Mañana”, by supplying necessities and education to those in need. Tahj often forgets he is refereed to as an influential seasoned actor, but we can’t see why. Jejune is excited to speak with Tahj about his upcoming projects, all of his awesome ways of giving back to those less fortunate, and his continued approach to exuding black excellence. Sit down, take a load off, and enjoy this powerful cover feature with Tahj Mowry.

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.

Patricia Espinosa Paints Her Mind Through Art

Art has the power to evoke emotions and allows aesthetes to ponder the meaning behind the creations. And what makes people ponder more than arts that question and challenge the perception of society’s norm? One artist that is creating art triggered by social, cultural, and political events is Patricia Espinosa. Inspired by her mother’s passion and love for the concept of simplicity, the Mexican-born artist creates artistic works that highlight neglected issues with the use of everyday objects. Espinosa further inspires the world by working with Choose Creativity and Sing for Hope to uplift people in need through the power of art and creativity. Read our interview with Patricia Espinosa below to find out more about her artistic journey and the significance behind her thought-provoking yet captivating work.

The Best Brazilian Food Goes Vegan

Brazil is a diverse country, incorporating cultures from the most varied origins in its history and creative cuisine. If we think about how Brazilian gastronomy was developed, we can see segregation in historical influences. At first indigenous, then added to Portuguese (Portugal), African, and finally a blend of all migratory waves resulting in a unique gastronomic culture.

To bring a bit of the Brazilian diversity and maybe add new tastes to your day-to-day meal routine, I've decided to share the top three recipes that most represent Brazil, according to my Brazilian family and friends who participated in a poll. However, they did not know that those recipes, including dairy and meat, as mostly all renowned Brazilian dishes, would become Vegan.

The popular dishes included here start with the Brazilian Cheese Bread, usually eaten at breakfast or in a small afternoon break, followed by coffee. We then turn to Feijoada, a rich meal for lunchtime, and finally, we end at Brigadeiro, one of the top three candies in Brazil - if not the number one.

Wellness, Editor's Pick, zIssue 35, Most PopularPrachedes Indyra GermanoAugust 18, 2021Brazilian, vegan, food, plant-based, recipe, travel, Wellness, health, eat healthyComment

Sam Louis And Coping From The Confines Of Isolation

Sam Louis is the name to know in 2021! This Canadian artist gets real about navigating his emotions during isolation. His previous hit, “Driftin,” is meant to be an emotional escape from the confines of isolation. We recommend blasting this song at max volume in your car speakers to get the full effect. This powerful yet somewhat dark song (the good kind of dark… don’t worry) is a metaphor for lonely nights where it feels as if we are actually driftin. Not only is Sam Louis a talented musician, but he is also an advocate and music teacher who specializes in music therapy. This coincided perfectly with his desire to teach the importance of using music to heal the soul, just as it continues to heal him. Jejune is thrilled to speak with Sam about his emotionally uncensored song “Driftin,” his life as a music teacher, and his newest single “Die Tonight,” which dropped August 6th! So tune in and continue reading this interview for all things Sam Louis.

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.

Cerina Vincent: Super Mom on a Mission

If you have watched the childhood classic, Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, you will know Cerina Vincent! She was none other than the yellow ranger, Maya. Besides the well-known Sci-Fi series, the actress acted in Disney Channel’s “Stuck In The Middle” and indie film “Killing Eleanor.” Most recently, she has transformed from a superhero to a super mom on a mission. Like Maya’s wild spirit and ability to understand people and everything around her, she launched a podcast series on parenthood — Raising Amazing — with her Pediatrician, Dr. Gator, which garnered over five thousand downloads in the first 24 hours! She did not stop there —she also supports two nonprofit organizations. Take a journey with Jejune to learn more about Cerina’s story as a super mom, working for decades in Hollywood, Parenting during a Pandemic, and more!

EDITORIAL: Alexandra Park - The Girl Beneath The Tiara

You may know Alexandra Park as the posh princess on The Royals, but get ready to meet the girl beneath the tiara. In her new memoir, Sugar High, Alexandra dives deep into her life, specifically her journey with Type One Diabetes and her acting career. In a personal story of life’s highs and lows, Alexandra’s book is a sweet and honest depiction of re-learning how to take care of yourself in the face of diagnosis. In our interview with Alexandra, we touch on life post-Royals, and her debut as an author, and where she’s going next.

Editorials, Editor's Pick, zIssue 34, Most PopularForrest JohnsonJuly 16, 2021actress, health, healthy, health care, diabetes, sick kids, kids, royals, author, The RoyalsComment

COVER - Pride House LA Is Here To Stay!

Happy Pride Month! June is, without a doubt, the most colorful and unapologetic time of the year. Pride amplifies the LGBTQIA + community’s voice and uplifts the message of “loud and proud” queerness. Why cant it be pride every month?

Speaking of amplifying voices, TikTok has become an important vehicle for the LGBTQIA + community to express themselves. Many gay, non-binary, and gender varying influencers have built meaningful platforms on TikTok; proving it remains a safe place for LGBTQIA + youth and allies.

Alexa Nisenson Inspires Through Actions

While many teens dream of making a presence in Hollywood, Alexa Nisenson is living it! Aside from voicing a character for Cartoon Network and landed a starring role in AMC’s hit series - Fear The Walking Dead - she is also challenging herself with writing books and music at the age of 15. The rising star is also a passionate humanitarian. She is a mental health activist and cancer research advocate. Alexa is truly an inspiring role model for young teens everywhere. Jejune is excited to share our interview with Alexa to learn more about her remarkable journey as a teen actress.

#MeTooMpls —The Music of the #MeToo Movement

The power of a single story becomes stronger when that story becomes a movement for change. That is what the #MeToo Movement is about: survivors sharing their stories of harassment, assault, and violence in order to promote awareness, change, and empathy. In using music as a catalyst for storytelling, Mischa Suemnig organized the #MeTooMpls project, a songwriting collective of Minnesota Women/Femmes/Trans/Non-Binary Folk. The mission of #MeTooMpls is straight forward: It is aimed at creating songs to raise Minneapolis Women/Femmes/Trans/Non-Binary Folk voices; Supporting sexual assault survivors; And raising funds for Planned Parenthood. All the songwriters involved were asked to write and record an original song on the subject of #MeToo. Without any further guidelines, the artists delivered songs ranging from heartbreaking songs about surviving sexual assault to inspiring songs about feminist icons and their influence on their lives. The album that they created is at once polyvocal and unified —it is a a mixture of lamentation, hope, and demand for change. It is the music of #MeToo.

Sir Daniel Winn, Sculpting The History of The Arts

Not many, in fact, only a few in the world, are honored with the prestigious title of ‘Sir.’ Sir Daniel Winn is one of them! On top of raising funds for non-profit aid in the US and Asia, he has created an art empire on his own where his work has been featured at esteemed exhibitions worldwide and even founded one of the most prestigious art galleries in Beverly Hills, Winn Slavin Fine Art. Now, despite the harsh times caused by the pandemic, his passion and determination are leading him to open another art gallery on Rodeo Drive. Sir Daniel has quite a career, and, we think, his story will inspire you to chase after your own dreams. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Sir Daniel on his journey in conquering both the world of arts and business.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 33, Most PopularRachel LaiJune 9, 2021artist, sculptor, philanthropy, Art, curator, career, doctor, advocacy, advocate, positivity, anti-hate, EnglandComment

Pockets Warhol Will Paint His Way Into Your Heart

Ok, to say I’m obsessed with Pockets Warhol might be a little bit of an understatement, but you don’t meet a monkey who does paintings for charity everyday! His style is a bit more Pollock than Warhol, but his abstract pieces of art are colorful and raw. Pockets, who lives in Canada, was once a therapy animal eventually handed over to his current home, the Story Book Primate Sanctuary. Story Book is a beautiful space created to give primates a second chance after being research animals or victims of the exotic animal trade. It is also the only primate sanctuary in Canada. When Pockets came to Story Book they were quick to notice how smart he is. He would constantly be playing with toys to entertain himself, and since his handler was a big fan of primate art, it seemed worth a try on Pockets. It was love at first paint stroke! Now Pockets’s pieces are being used at charity auctions and sold to help support the sanctuary. To learn more about this adorable artist and Story Book Primate Sanctuary, please read our exclusive interview below.