The Fantastical Mind of Benjamin Von Wong

Bringing an idea to life takes innovation, passion and a whole lot of patience. What's more powerful is if the creation brings people to another world for just a moment and sparks a new notion in the viewers. None other than Benjamin Von Wong is doing it as we speak. The Canadian-born artist is a big advocate for Ocean Plastics and has been creating art pieces to bring awareness to the most critical issue faced today — Pollution. Known for his environmental art installations and hyper-realist art style, he recently launched a new campaign, Turn Off The Plastic Tap. Jejune got the opportunity to converse with Von Wong to learn more about his creative endeavors and mission to make positive impacts unforgettable.

Art, Zissue 37, Editor's PickRachel LaiNovember 2, 2021Art, asian artist, save the planet, recycle, plastic-free, environment, earth, trash, artist, save green spaceComment

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month All Year Round!

We might be a little late for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates cultures, achievements, and contributions made by Latin Americans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate them! In this feature, we are excited to share ten incredible Hispanic brands to add to your list of brands to know about. Each one is in a different location, sharing different stories, but what do they all have in common? Sustainability! Check out more below!

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!

The Brutal Reality For Those On The Front Line

The news of the current pandemic has been plastered all over the world for the past year, shocking figures of death tolls, new variants and lockdowns that have put all our lives to a halt. As the world begins to regain some sense of normalcy, the hidden consequences of the pandemic are just beginning to show. For healthcare workers on the front line the consequences of the pandemic are far from over, and emerging research shows that the psychological impacts on those fighting the pandemic may be just beginning.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Scott Magnus: Nothing Is Bigger Than Loving Yourself

Sometimes people need to hear that no mistake is bigger than us. Sometimes a song can remind us to love ourselves. Manchester-based actor and musician Scott Magnus's debut single “Diamond In The Rough” is the first in a series of singles being released from his six-track EP Comeback Stronger. It teaches us to accept ourselves and our mistakes, loving ourselves without thinking about what others say about us. Scott Magnus has amassed an ever-growing fanbase who not only enjoys his covers and original songs, but also the sketch comedy he creates and performs prolifically. He is an outspoken supporter of people with disabilities, particularly those with learning difficulties because he has ADHD, Autism, and Dyspraxia. Scott turns the experiences he encounters as someone with disabilities into music that can heal, and inspire anyone facing difficult obstacles. Check out our interview below to find out more about Scott Magnus.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 36Başak YirmibeşogluSeptember 21, 2021#music, #scottmagnus, #autism, #ADHD, #actor, disability, disability rights, learning disabilities, ADHD, musicComment

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!

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.

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

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?

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

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

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

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!

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.