Blogs — Jejune Magazine

Posts in Editor's Pick

Nadine Gagne Sings for a Better World

Nadine Gagne Sings for a Better World

There are many things wrong happening in the world, but there are also outstanding ones. And one of them is Nadine Gagne and her work with Indigenous children in British Colombia. In the past months, hundreds of children were found in unmarked graves at former residential schools across North America, and still, many people are unaware of when and why this happened to them. Socio-economic marginalization is a vast topic, but it needs to be discussed. Gagne recently launched a song with The Star Collective Nations, called "All Nations" to bring awareness to their community and to call for love for a better and more united world. Jejune had the opportunity to interview Gagne and learn more about this beautiful project, how the Indigenous community has been dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, and much more. Please, keep reading to inspire your soul.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 36Prachedes Indyra GermanoSeptember 7, 2021indigenous, music artist, music video, bebetter, unity, #foreverfamilyrescue, world, pandemic living, covidComment

Creativity Never Stops for Lara Mamoun

Creativity Never Stops for Lara Mamoun

What’s the best thing about creativity? You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Despite being a multi-Award Winning screenwriter, this artist continues seeking creative challenges to become the best version of herself. The artist is Lara Mamoun! Aside from her directed film — My World — screened at Plaza Theater recently, the driven Atlanta screenwriter is simultaneously working with Netflix, directing her first feature film and assistant directing a dramatic all-Black production. Above and beyond, she expanded her horizons and dove into the Comedy and Music world, where she is a cast member of a live-sketch comedy show and is currently on the move to launch her first EP — Purple Skies. There is no stopping when it comes to Lara Mamoun and Jejune is here for it. Come check out our interview with Mamoun to learn more about her exciting creative journey as she pushes boundaries to become the best version of herself.

COVER - Welcome Tahj Mowry

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.

What does the future look like for Afghan women?

What does the future look like for Afghan women?

Under the new Taliban rule, Afghan women now face a harsh new reality which may erase two decades of hard work seemingly overnight. To truly understand the extent of this issue, we need to be educated on their progress and the people who are threatening it.

Climb New Heights Barefoot

Climb New Heights Barefoot

Shoes are an integral part of our daily outfits. They bring us to new heights and help us to explore the beauty that nature brings. One type of shoe that is making waves around the world at the moment is Barefoot shoes. Besides the countless health benefit from improving posture to naturally strengthening muscles, Barefoot shoes offer maximum sensory with their thin soles as if you are walking barefoot. It has been said that producing a pair of shoes can emit as much as 30 pounds of carbon dioxide and damage the environment from the use of eco-unfriendly materials. Perhaps, it is not too late to make a positive impact on the environment from our end by supporting shoes good for your feet and the future. Check out Jejune’s approved guide to stylish and eco-friendly barefoot shoes to explore new heights in your next adventure.

The Best Brazilian Food Goes Vegan

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

Smash Your Fitness Goals With Earth-Friendly Activewear

It seems like only recently that the fitness movement has become popular. In fact, it actually hit its full “craze” status in the 1980s. Compare to back then, there are now more options to keep good physical and mental health such as mountain climbing, SoulCycle, and dance workouts. To keep up with the ever changing world of fitness, a good athletic outfit is a must! So much so, that athletic wear is also becoming more of a staple for daily wear. As everyone is starting to incorporate athletic wear into their daily wear, there are a ton of options and possibilities to shop for, but only a handful of them is creating stylish and high-performance athletic wear whilst protecting people and the planet. Below, find Jejune’s guide to stylish and Earth-friendly athleisure to sport for your next workout.

Into the Hidden Dangerous World with George Gittoes

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.

Welcome Summer and Embrace Sustainability

It is everyone’s favorite and most popular season of the year — Summer! Enjoying the warm sunlight with an airy breeze grazing your skin softly or chilling in the outdoors with friends and lemonade in hand is most definitely something everyone has missed after almost two years of being homebound. As the environment is recovering after two years of stillness, why not continue this trend to make our Earth better by supporting some socially aware businesses? Jejune is more than excited to share with everyone a list of some lovely and stylish sustainable brands that we have put together to get you ready for the delightful warm season. Check them out below!

SWAC: Fashion, SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 35, Editor's PickRachel LaiAugust 6, 2021sustainable, sustainability, sustainable fashion, Sustainable, sustainable denim, sustainable shoes, #sustainablefashion, #sustainable, ecofriendly, eco friendly, eco fashion, #eco-friendly, fashion, Fashion, fashion brand, summer, summer fashion, skincare, skin care, #skincare, ethical skincare, ethical, ethicalfashion, ethical brands, #ethical, save the planet, #savetheplanet, #saveatree, beauty, beauty products, #beauty, clean beauty, natural, natural haircare, #natural, organic, #organic, shoes, Shoes, #shoes, bags, travel, #Travel, #travel, #traveling, traveling vegan, vegan, #vegan, b corp, advocate, #cause, #Cause, #farmersmarket, fair trade, #fairtrade, animal, #crueltyfree, plastic-free, recycle, handmade, carbon footprint, certified, socially aware, trees, donate, Donate, support, #supportComment

Erika Severyns: Raising A Voice Through Music

Erika Severyns: Raising A Voice Through Music

As we grow, we start to realize the truth about being a woman in this society — we face pain, assault, unjust gender roles, voices of judgments, and discrimination. But despite this, there are so many incredible women who fight to be strong everyday. Berlin-based songwriter Erika Severyns reminds us every woman has to be the strongest woman she knows with her single Strongest Woman. She gives courage to all women, writing a song about a traumatic event in her life and opening the door to discuss sexual assault. All the proceeds from her Bandcamp album are being donated to Good Night Out, a non-profit that’s creating a safer nightlife by training spaces, event organizers, and communities to respond to and prevent sexual violence. We talked to Erika Severyns about her music career, latest album, and the MeToo movement. Check out our exclusive interview with Erika Severyns to learn more about her.

COVER - Rising From The Ashes

COVER - Rising From The Ashes

Walking on a runway is glamorous but walking for injustice is empowering. Meet Kaprice Imperial! The Filipina-American model is admirable in challenging the world to do better and to dream of a future that is more inclusive and united. In our interview, Kaprice gets candid with Jejune on what happens before hitting the runway, the effects of her Asian background, and protesting hate crimes. Check out our interview below!

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

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!

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 34Forrest JohnsonJuly 27, 2021art, artist, therapy, nonprofit, california, trauma, survivor, health, mental wellness, advocate, jejune magazine, #nonprofitComment

Crys Matthews Makes Us Believe America Again

Crys Matthews Makes Us Believe America Again

Due to recent political events, we cannot stop asking ourselves these questions these days: What kind of country do we want to live in, work in? What kind of America do we believe in? There are many social justice issues in the country, but social-justice singer-songwriter Crys Matthews feels like all of these issues are human issues. Even with all that happened in the country, she is hopeful for this country, which is why she made ‘Changemakers’ which is her latest, hope-fueled, love-filled, social justice album. "Call Them In" the second single off of the album and a very powerful song, is meant to honor John Lewis. Crys Matthews reminds us America is going to get a chance to be America again no matter what happened in the past and she makes us believe in a brighter future. We talked to Crys Matthews about her music, politics, and personal life. Check our exclusive interview with Crys Matthews to learn more about her.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 34Başak YirmibeşogluJuly 19, 2021#music, #folkmusic, #politics, #blm, #lgbti, #crysmatthews, #johnlewis, #homage, music, blm, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, lgbtqComment

EDITORIAL: Alexandra Park - The Girl Beneath The Tiara

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!

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.

zissue34, Cover, zIssue 34, Editor's Pick, Editorials, Most PopularSAMANTHA COLÓNJune 30, 2021pride, Pride Month, tiktok, jejune magazine, change, incl, radical change, cover, comedy, famous, Actor, actress, dance, dancer, proud, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ rights, safety, june, hope, gay, queer, photoshoot, photography, style, fashion, hair, makeup, influencer, mentor, mentorship, Wellness, mental health, community, youthComment

Celebrating Pride: Support the Courageous LGBTQ+ Community

Let’s release the rainbow flags and douse ourselves in glitter, it is Pride! One of our favorite times of the year! While we are super excited to see so many big companies selling merchandise to commemorate it, we worry that not all of it is coming from the right place. Instead of going to one of the big companies (who will remain nameless), how about you show your support and influence a positive change to the community by supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses!? Don’t know any LGBTQ+-owned brands? Jejune has you covered. We have compiled a list of some amazing stylish ethical LGBTQ+-owned businesses to to go full pride with. Check them out below!

The 2021 New York Mayoral Race

The race for the office of Mayor of New York City, in the wake of the Trump presidency and the ongoing pandemic, is a litmus test for both the will for meaningful progress and the resiliency of old ideas. New York is a traditionally blue state, and its namesake city is the largest in the United States, with a population of over eight million people, of which three million of which are of foreign birth.

The primaries will be held on June 22nd, followed by an election on November 2nd. For the first time, the primaries will employ a ranked-choice system rather than the traditional plurality vote.

This article is intended to provide a thumbnail guide to the personalities and issues, with quick links to further information, along with some of our opinions.

#MeTooMpls —The Music of the #MeToo Movement

#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.

Pockets Warhol Will Paint His Way Into Your Heart

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.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 33, Most PopularKira BuccaMay 31, 2021animals, animal rights, animalshelter, animal rescue, research animals, animal sanctuary, monkey, primate, animal equalityComment

COVER - Sophie Reynolds Honors A Legacy

COVER - Sophie Reynolds Honors A Legacy

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!