Ananya - Harmonizing Hearts

In a world where the spotlight often blinds us to the struggles beneath the surface, one artist stands out not just for her fascinating melodies, but for her unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy. In her debut EP, “I Woke Up One Night,” Ananya takes her dreams and creates lyrics that have listeners mesmerized. Her music and wellness app, The Nani Wellness Project, serves as a refuge for those grappling with their inner demons, offering solace and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Continue reading to learn more about Ananya.

6 Reasons Why You Should Take Your Mental Health Seriously By Stan Popovich

Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be challenging to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation.

Rachel Slawson - Breaking Barriers with Grace, Grit, and a Crown

Rachel Slawson has made history by becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ contestant to participate in Miss USA. Her journey has been filled with challenges, including autoimmune thyroid issues and endometriosis. Despite these hurdles, Rachel has emerged as a resilient advocate and inspirational figure. She has not only made her mark in the pageant world but also created Feelings Are Human, an initiative aimed at supporting individuals who struggle with confidence issues, grappling with their sexuality, and facing chronic mental wellness challenges. To learn more about Rachel's journey, continue reading.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 50Jessica MoraAugust 25, 2023LGBTQ+, mental health, mental wellness, pageant, Miss Grand New YorkComment

Adolyn H. Dar - Spotlighting Mental Health In Communities

As an actor, Adolyn H. Dar has captivated audiences with his compelling performances on screen. Transitioning from a scientific pursuit to the art of acting, Adolyn has consistently mesmerized viewers with his talent, now taking the spotlight in the recently launched film Desi Standard Time Travel. Beyond the spotlight, Dar has created wellness and mental health programs for the community. His work as an actor and mental health advocate is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of storytelling and inclusivity. Keep reading to learn more about Adolyn!

Two Tasty Nonprofits That Support Sex Workers - by Aaron Brame

We love our favorite sex workers and adult film stars because they are uninhibited, playful, and just so, so hot. But they’re also people. And they have bad days, just like you and I do. And they have traumas they’re trying to process, as we all do, and they sometimes have to work in uncomfortable conditions with people they may not particularly like on days that they just aren’t feeling it.

Articles, zIssue 48Jejune ContributorApril 12, 2023mental health, mental wellness, sex work, sex traffickingComment

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

Sammy Jaye - Get Ready To Be Real

Sammy Jaye, the change-making host of Let’s Be Real, is all about having powerful and candid conversations with celebrities, activists, athletes, and influencers while discussing real-life issues – from mental health and political activism to pop culture. This highly acclaimed podcast has been recognized by some fantastic people & publications, from the Ryan Seacrest show and 17 Magazine to Variety, Refinery 29 and so many more. Sammy Jaye, at 19, is the youngest to host her own podcast on iHeartRadio and was recently named to PopSugar’s 20-under-20 list. Season 4 will be exciting, revealing, and empowering and hopefully make you feel good when we’re all going through so many changes in the world today. Continue reading to find out more about this exciting time in Sammy’s career, future projects, and her passion for mental health and political activism.

9 Ways On Staying Positive During The Winter - By Stan Popovich

It can be challenging to be upbeat and remain positive during the winter. Many people get depressed and find themselves struggling with their mental health which can make things in your life more challenging. As a result, here are nine easy steps a person can follow to remain optimistic during the winter.

Wellness, zIssue 47Jejune ContributorFebruary 3, 2023winter weather, winter, mental wellness, positivity, wellnessComment

Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health As Seasons Change

As the seasons change, you may start to feel your mood shift. You could begin to feel down when the days get shorter and there are fewer hours of sunlight. Many people experience the same thing, which is why taking extra care of your mental health during this time is essential.

Wellness, zIssue 45Cora GoldOctober 11, 2022mental health, self care, Wellness, mental wellness, seasonal affective disorder, #fallComment

COVER - Meg Donnelly - Born To Stand Out

Meg Donnelly was born to stand out. From the sweet Taylor Otto in “American Housewife” to the aspiring Addison in “ZOMBIES”, Meg will act and sing her way into your heart. This Disney star is just getting started! We are excited to see the third installment of “ZOMBIES” coming out this year and, for those who can’t get enough of her beautiful voice, she will be in the new Disney “High School Musical” show! Finally, clearly Meg has a soft spot for the celestial, because she is joining the “Supernatural” world in the new prequel “The Winchesters”. While she will still be hanging out with interesting creatures, this role will be a whole new side for her. When Meg isn’t off fighting vampires and whatnot, she is tackling a whole other demon in our society — mental health. She has been very open about her own struggles with anxiety and hopes to be a positive role model for all her young fans. To learn more about Meg, please read our exclusive cover interview below.

Xavi de Guzman Trains His Mental Fitness

Xavi de Guzman is a power house! His aptitude for sports fueled an athleticism that led him to a professional career in boxing. This beast of a man went as far as to win the 2008 lightweight championship title in Canada. Unlike most actors, Xavi received his first on-camera role without any acting experience – ABC’s “Rookie Blue” as a boxer. Since “Rookie Blue”, Xavi has appeared in numerous productions including The CW’s ‘The 100’ and ABC’s ‘Take Two’. Now you can check out his most recent project on Netflix, where he takes on the role of Ethan in the miniseries "Maid". In addition, Xavi is a huge advocate for mental health! Through his experience as a professional boxer, he learned the importance of taking care of one's mental health. He founded of the Play On foundation and created a talk titled "You Can't Be Out of Shape to Chase Your Dreams". Read on to learn more about Xavi de Guzman journey as an actor and advocate for mental health.

Deep: The Art of Self-surrender

If someone hasn't told you already, meditation and yoga are cheat codes for life. Accruing internal balance and calmness from yoga will make your day-to-day peaceful and whole. Don't know where to start? Start with Deep! Based in Virginia and Washington D.C, Deep, AKA DeepElevation LLC, will take you to new heights. Deep is a Yogi, life coach, and author ready to guide the masses to tranquility. His Punjabi ancestry further helps him achieve spirituality on a deeper level, and he is prepared to share his gifts with the world. Deep is well versed in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Yoga Nidra, and his talents have opened him up to teaching in prisons and war zones. Not only is he the go-to guy for learning self harmony, but he is also a published author! His recently released book innocence, which is a collection of stories and poems that delves into vulnerability and embraces the concept of shedding social norms and influence. 50% of this book's profits go to the Khalsa Aid & Islamic Relief, which is providing necessities for those affected by poverty. Jejune is delighted to talk to the wise Deep about his insights on the world. This interview covers his incredible pro-Bono work, his book innocence, and how to self-surrender at will. Please continue reading 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!

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.

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.

Courtney Starks: The Real Life Iron Man

Courtney Starks is making impactful changes with words! We mean literally. Starks is a millennial motivational speaker who shares his testimony of overcoming and inspires his audience through topics that affect millennials today. He is the real-life Iron Man, rising as a kidney failure survivor and using his own strength to help his community. His power is a cause of celebration from recently giving his 100th lunch during his "Lunch on Me" initiative for Women's History Month to hosting a holiday giveaway for kids in need. Check out our exclusive interview with Starks on his incredible journey in giving back to his community and changing lives through words.

There's Healing in Art - Laura Sharpe's Non-Profit Helps Trauma Survivors Thrive

A CEO behind a non-profit is often the driving force behind the business. As the CEO of Artists for Trauma, Laura Sharpe is more than the driving force —she is the living mission statement. Laura started the foundation after a personal tragedy and came to see a need for attuned rehabilitation efforts for survivors. She started AFT with the aim to expedite recovery through artistic expression and human connection by pairing civilian and military trauma survivors with established artists. Her non-profit specifically targeted loneliness during the pandemic, and now with vaccines rolling out and restrictions lessening, AFT’s calendar is back in full swing. We are so excited to share our interview with Laura Sharpe. Her story is inspirational and her cause is steeped in passionate purpose. For more on Laura Sharpe, AFT and how to get involved, please continue reading our exclusive interview below!

Jessii Vee on Breaking The Cycle of Toxicity

Move over Jake Paul, here comes Jessii Vee! A Youtube sensation and TikTok influencer who has garnered over a whopping 2.5 million subscribers and 3.5 million followers respectively by bringing awareness to social issues. The content creator’s mission is to create safe spaces for youth online through her social platforms and most recently, YANA (You Are Not Alone) to encourage isolated and struggling individuals to connect with others. Her impressive experience doesn’t end there as she is also an actress and an advocate for Lyme Disease. Check our exclusive interview with Jessii Vee on her path to break the cycle of toxicity.

Expanding Creativity with Dakota Gorman

Best known for her roles in Teen Wolf and Criminal Minds, Dakota Gorman is attaining more attention in Hollywood with her new creative endeavors as a director. She recently made her directional debut, All About Sex, in the Gravitas Ventures film. The movie takes us on a journey illuminating the flaws of the human condition and the inevitable mistakes we make in life as we forever grow into ourselves. What’s more than creating an influential movie is that Dakota is inspirational as she is an active volunteer with Water Drop LA helping her local community. Take a journey with Jejune to learn more about the up-and-rising director in the interview below.

Tsu Nami: A Party You Just Don't Want To Be In

You are at a party. The music is loud and you are surrounded by many strangers. The anxiety wave is coming to your body. With Covid-19, we forget this feeling with the craving of socializing, but this feeling of anxiety has always been there. Producer Tsu Nami makes us feel this emotion with her recent song 'Party'. It is not like any other song about partying; it reflects the social anxiety of not wanting to be at a party, and even the energy of the song holds the anxiety. In addition to her music, Tsu Nami inspires other women, especially women of color, who want to pursue a career in electronic music, which is a male-dominated industry. She has some very illuminating ideas on the topic. Currently, Tsu Nami is sharing her music to thousands with the emergence of virtual festivals. We talked to Tsu Nami about her music career, anxiety, sexism, and being normal again. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Tsu Nami.