Jeremy Ray Taylor is not new to the spotlight, having starred in several blockbusters such as the ‘It’ films, ‘Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween,’ ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark,’ and the CBS television series ‘Big Sky.’ In his interview with Jejune Magazine, Jeremy recounts his roles in these horror/fantasy films and shows, along with a sneak peek on some future projects. Before the pandemic, he had made his directorial debut in “Unarmed Divide,” a film about a military veteran struggling with PTSD. This is an issue close to Jeremy and his family’s heart. and he hopes upon viewing the film that there will be an increase in conversation around the topic of PTSD. He stresses that PTSD can affect a number of individuals, and it is time to break the fear and stigma around the disorder. On top of acting and directing, Jeremy is also involved with the Salvation Army, Free The Girls, Isaiah 117 House, and Feed My Lambs. Read on to learn more about Jeremy Ray Taylor, his acting and directing roles, and his volunteer work.

Celina Smith Becomes Annie This Holiday

From musicals to TV series, Celina Smith has shown she is ready to be a star. And coming out today, she will be Annie for NBC's upcoming holiday production of "Annie Live!". Annie has been a long term hit in Broadway's history since its debut in 1977, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Smith may be young, but she is building a prolific career, and at the same time is also working to make the world a better place, through her work with the non-profit organization called Saving Our Daughters. To learn more about Smith, please continue reading our interview below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 38Prachedes Indyra GermanoDecember 2, 2021singer, kids, broadway, actress, Holidays, christmas, christmas time, musical, empowering girlsComment

Hollis Morrissette, Formerly Mr. Michigan United States, is Now Mr. Self Love

Actor, singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and a former Mr. United States pageant title holder Hollis Morrissette is a man of many talents. In his interview with Jejune, we asked him if he had a favorite passion, and his answer was self love. If you read farther into the interview you will truly understand this answer, as Hollis truly believes in giving back in any way that he can. He is a charity partner with Save the Children and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where he helps raise funds and donates both his time and talents to each organization. As COVID restrictions begin to ease up, Hollis is hopeful to begin volunteering in person again. Right now he helps out with the LA Mission by serving food and packaging hygiene care packages for men and women, and will be volunteering with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during the holidays. Read on in our interview with Hollis to read more about his volunteer work, the recent release of his new single “Your Love Is,” and more projects that he has in the works!

Swagg R'Celious Has Us on Cloud 19

Swagg R’Celious is a Grammy Award winning music producer, having earned that honor for his work on the album H.E.R. by H.E.R., but his influence doesn’t stop there. Swagg also helped produce Kehlani’s debut mixtape Cloud 19, which had a huge impact on R&B today. He ultimately works as a visionary, helping artists define their sound and songwriting. In his conversation with Jejune, we learn that Swagg R’Celious is also a mentor and advocate for Black Youth in the music industry. He is a a professor at both Berklee College of Music and NYU, where he has set out to become the professor that he has always wanted growing up, a conduct between real life experience and the classroom. Swagg R’Celious recently became an ambassador for the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective, which aims to build trust and empower Black artists, creatives and music executives. Through his work as an ambassador, he is able to provide insight and input on how Black artists are represented at the Recording Academy. Continue reading our interview with Swagg R’Celious to learn more about his background, his work on H.E.R. and Cloud 19, and some upcoming projects that he has coming up!

Why We’re Crushing on #WomxnCrushMusic

Call it infatuation, charming captivation, or perhaps even a crush. Can you blame our obsession with WomxnCrushMusic? Started by Ashley Kervabon-Stoyanov, this non-profit is making bold moves in the music industry. Ashely started her music career as a singer & songwriter (previously going by Ashley Xtina) in NYC where she was born and raised, but it wasn't until moving to Portland in 2015 that she realized what her real mission was: helping artists advance their careers through education and collaboration. She turned her dream into reality by starting #WomxnCrushMusic, a non-profit aimed at closing the gender gap in music. By providing educational workshops, scholarships, and collaborative opportunities, #WCM is sending womxn and non-binary artists to the top of the charts. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Ashely Kervabon-Stoyanov with our readers and show just how much amazing work WomxnCrushMusic is doing in the music industry. Continue reading below!

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!

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

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.

Emma Malouff: Leading With Love And Kindness

Introducing Emma Malouff! This Los Angeles based actress is a star on the rise. She developed a love for being on stage at an early age when she began dancing Ballet at the age of three. After seeing the “Nutcracker”, she knew immediately that she wanted to be a performer and continued her passion for dance until she was 15 years old. She left dance to pursue her love of acting and move to Los Angeles. With a passion for acting from a young age, at only 18 years old, she is taking on her first recurring co-star role is “Impeachment: American Crime Story”. Beyond her passion for acting, Emma is an advocate for human trafficking awareness. Please continue reading below to learn more about Emma Malouff, and how she is helping to make the world a better place!

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

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.

Celebrating Life on National Coming Out Day With Ann Thomas, Emmett Preciado, and Zoey Luna

Today, October 11th is National Coming Out Day. It is a day of freedom and light for many LGBTQ+ individuals, encouraging them to talk with family and friends about their sexuality, which is life-changing. Many people also celebrate the liberation spirit through flags and pins, not just in the United States, but also in Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK, where the day is recognized. To tell you a little more about this huge moment in people's lives, how it can change and save a life, Jejune had the pleasure to interview a team of talented and inspiring transgender actors. Starting from Ann Thomas, founder of the first transgender-owned and operated talent management company based in Orange County, followed by Emmett Preciado and Zoey Luna. Please check our interviews below.

Meredith Bull Can Make Anything Go Viral!

You’ve heard the idiom “the cat’s meow” but did you know it could make you go viral? That’s the charm of Meredith Bull! Inspired by the mundane sounds around her, Meredith uses her musical talents to create memorable and even viral sounds for TikTok. Have you heard the relatable “meowing cat” sound? Or maybe the popular “Hank Green Explaining Candle Wax” sound? That’s Meredith at work! Aside from creating content for TikTok, Meredith is also a musical artist and she has built her unique indie sound from her TikTok experimentation. In our interview with Meredith, we talk about her creativity and inspiration for music (spoiler alert: there are cute cats involved!). We also discuss her journey with sobriety and how being sober has changed her life for the better. She is now an advocate for sobriety, and works to help others recover from substance abuse. Please continue reading for our exclusive interview with Meredith Bull.

Welcome to L'FREAQ's Dark Syth-Pop Kingdom

Welcome to L’Freaq’s Dark Synth-Pop Kingdom —where darker lyrics, inclusivity, and the power of poetry reign. As if that doesn’t sound bad-ass enough, wait until you hear L’Freaq’s new single “Showgirl”, which is a real demonstration of powerful lyrics backed by intentional artistry of sound. As a master of metaphors, L’Freaq uses her music as a mode of critique of the facades of the music industry and society at large, and that’s exactly what you get in “Showgirl.” As an ally of everyone on the spectrum of gender and sexuality, bullies, racists, and sexists are not allowed in L’Freaq's kingdom. She is a supporter of the Ally Coalition and frequently advocates for mental health awareness. We got to sit down with L’Freaq to dive into her songwriting process, her advocacy work, and what keeps her inspired. Continue reading for our exclusive interview with L’Freaq below!

Following Your Calling With Henri Esteve

Say hello to Henri Esteve! Based in Los Angeles, this Cuban-American talent is making big waves in the acting industry. You can spot him in Revenge playing the black sheep bad-boy hacker “Javier”. He can also be seen playing “Abel” in the Amazon award-winning series Homecoming, and the questionable but lovable “Javi” in Grown-ish, streamable on Freeform. This actor is always at work, whether he's pushing his limits on a motorcycle or using his platform to advocate against Cuba's brutality against its citizens. Henri is a brilliant actor, as well as being an avid supporter of mental health in teens and young adults. He implements this passion through the JED Foundation: a non-profit organization that prioritizes mental health for all! Learning from his past experiences, Henri is a true believer in community and support. Jejune is excited to talk to this compassionate human being about his experiences with acting, his thoughts on the crisis in Cuba, and how he deals with stress and anxiety in such a demanding industry. Please continue reading below for the full interview with Henri Esteve!

Truth Be Told with Tash Leath-Hamilton

More often than not, people don’t believe in intuitive life coaches. But what if I told you that “everyday people” like Joan from Fresh Market or Bob from Pep Boys to Hollywood’s most notable celebrities believe and consult with Natasha Leath-Hamilton? Since discovering her gift at the age of seven, after making her therapist cry by asking intimate details that no one else knew about her life, she now is attracting the attention of OWN Network for a series! The intuitive life coach has used her God-given gift to help people win and live their best lives. Her readings are so special and accurate that she is usually booked out on average for four months straight. Aside from her natural-born gift, Tash has honed in on her learned gift, the skill of entrepreneurship – building her intuitive life coaching business single-handedly, from the ground up. She is truly a positive light. Come check out our interview with Tash as Jejune goes in-depth into her empowering journey to becoming an intuitive life coach, her entrepreneurship, and much more!

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!

Bringing POC Stories To The Big Screen With Adrian Favela

Based in Los Angeles, Adrian Favela is an actor that should be on everyone's radar. Adrian's evolution is more than apparent when discussing his newest project, "Under The Stadium Lights." This sports/drama film highlights a severe issue for minorities: People of color have to work 10x harder to make their dreams come true. However, as an Asian American actor, Adrian proves as long as you put your everything into your goals, you are sure to achieve them! "Under The Stadium Lights" exhibits black and brown teens pushing themselves and succeeding. This portrayal is critical in today's political and social climate, and Adrian did an excellent job representing our youth. Not only is Adrian a great actor, but he is also devoted to environmental protection and cleanup. Adrian's childhood in Hawaii and Santa Barbra has heavily impacted his perspective on the importance of kindness and consideration to the earth. These very values prompt him to be in cahoots with "The Surfrider Foundation" for occasional beach cleanups. Adrian's goal is to educate others, whether it's through acting or service to our planet. Jejune is excited to speak with Adrian about "Under The Stadium Lights, his goals for humanity, and how he was affected by the pandemic. For more on Adrian Favela, please continue reading below!

Christian Vit: Multilingual, Multitalented, And Everything In-between

Christian Vit is a London-based actor who is not afraid to go hunting for new opportunities. He shoots for the stars with all endeavors and proves to be an industry chameleon while taking on each role. You may know him from the accredited and highly praised series "Game of Thrones." Best known as "GOT" for die-hard fans. Not only is Christian exceedingly talented in the acting department, but he is also a master of 4 languages, which demonstrates his proficiency on and off-screen. As a mere child growing up in Italy, Christian knew that acting was for him. As he got older, his path to stardom became clearer during one of his first official acting gigs in the Italian show named "Sotto Casa." Christian continues to be moving in the right direction today and hopes to become a more established actor soon. We do not doubt that! Christian is a well-versed man and has many hobbies such as food, wine, and exercise. Unquestionably, Christian is a beacon of motivation and hard work, especially with his heavy engagement in domestic abuse campaigns and assuming his role as ambassador for "Children with Cancer UK." Jejune had the honor of speaking with this articulate and passionate actor. In this interview, we discuss Christians' latest project “I’m Not In Love”, his numerous ways of giving back, and his journey as an actor. If you love Christian as much as we do, please continue reading below!

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: