How The Horror Genre is Growing on Tristian Eggerling

Tristian Eggerling is a young actor based out of Los Angeles, California. You may recognize him from his most recent film, Halloween Kills, where he starred opposite of Jamie Lee Curtis. In his interview with Jejune Magazine Eggerling describes what it was like working on a horror movie, the lessons he took from set, and how this experience made him a horror fan. A man of many talents, Eggerling also opens up about his parkour training and how he is giving back to the community through Caterina’s Club, a non-profit organization that works to feed, house, and educate at risk youth. For those looking to help out in their own community, he encourages others to find what they are best at and look for ways to share it with someone less fortunate. Read more on our interview below!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 40Kaylyn WenzelFebruary 2, 2022Horror, Movie, Film, Actor, Genre, Los Angeles, Halloween, Parkour, community, non-profit, youthComment

Majoring in Mom Sense With Kanika Chadda-Gupta

Kanika Chadda-Gupta is a mom of three (twins plus one!), journalist, and entrepreneur with a knack for storytelling. All of these aspects were recently brought together to create her podcast, That’s Total Mom Sense. In her interview with Jejune, Kanika defines ‘Mom Sense’ and ‘Dad Sense’ as a parent’s built in sixth sense, or, “…our very own superpower of intuition.” The podcast invites some influential guests to share their own stories and parenting advice, as Kanika has found that storytelling is the best way to connect and grow with her audience. Kanika was born in Bombay, India and is a founding member of RISE100 by Sundara, which is a program that works towards providing mentorship and resources to female entrepreneurs in low to middle income countries. Read on in our interview with Kanika to learn more about That’s Total Mom Sense, her parenting advice, and how she is giving back.

Niki Koss: The Future Of Film

Niki Koss is the future of the film industry. This accredited producer, director, and actress is not new to the game. You can spot Niki on Freeform's "Famous In Love," and now, she has more to offer under her production company K Factor Films. Niki has produced numerous movies, and one of her latest films,
Night Night, directed by the one and only Koss, dropped last November. Jejune is super excited to gain insight into her productions and experience behind the camera. Niki's talents are undeniable. She has also been featured in 2021's Forbes 30 Under 30 for acting, directing, and producing. In addition to her achievements in the film industry, she is a diligent spokesperson for "Open Door Media," a non-profit education program centered around global culture and issues. Niki's brilliance does not stop there, and Jejune is eager to share! Please continue reading for Niki's origin story, her work at K Factor films, and her efforts to assist the homeless.

Jennifer Lauren Is Spreading Kindness Everywhere She Goes

Jennifer Lauren is as much of a dichotomy as her band Diamonds and Whiskey. She can be a bit rough around the edges, coming from of life of “hard knocks”, but has a beautiful heart of gold, which spreads love of kindness everywhere it goes. Diamonds and Whiskey recently released their fierce new single “Walk Hard”. In her interview with Jejune Magazine, Jennifer discusses the development of Diamonds and Whiskey, and the support she hopes to provide through music. She and the band are very passionate about playing at benefits, and most recently played at ‘Vet Fest’ and ‘Jessie’s Rally of Hope’. Read on to learn more about Jennifer Lauren and her devotion to giving back!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 39Sophie LaSalaJanuary 19, 2022Music, Musican, Singer, artist, Kindness, giveback, Give back, lyme disease, health, health care, Country, country pop, countryComment

Dreaming Big with Tara Moayedi

Tara Moayedi is definitely one to watch! This 8-year-old is a natural performer which lead her to working in commercials and modeling. Recently she has made her debut on television, where she stars as Sarah Malik in the Apple TV+ sci-fi drama series, Invasion. In addition to her devotion to acting, she is committed to philanthropic work. Tara is involved with the Child Foundation, helping underprivileged kids succeed. Continue reading below to learn more about incredible young actress.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 39Sophie LaSalaJanuary 18, 2022actress, Apple TV+, TV Series, philanthropyComment

Shaun Johnson + Big Band Experience on the Big Band Sound

Shaun Johnson, front man of Shaun Johnson + Big Band Experience, is mixing the passionate sound of the big band era with his charity work to give fans an experience they won’t forget. Shaun Johnson + Big Band Experience is compiled of some of the best instrumentalists and arrangers in the Midwest. When asked about the band’s sound, Johnson described it as standing on the shoulders of greats while adding the genres of today. Their new album ‘Made for Her,’ recently came out, and is dedicated to all the strong women in Johnson’s life, including his wife, sister, and three daughters. On their tour stops, The Big Band Experience raises money for local charities. Some of the charities they have worked with include: Children's hospitals, Wishes & More, Lunch is Served, Little Kids Rock, Susan G Komen, and community building in Rwanda. Read on in our interview to learn more about his musical career, the band’s mission, and how they are giving back.

Zarna Garg is Whipping Up Some Laughs

Comedian Zarna Garg, affectionally known as ‘Auntie Z,’ is a TikTok sensation. Encouraged by her son, Zarna downloaded TikTok early in the pandemic and uploaded some of her jokes to the platform. Within the first week, her jokes had garnered 3 million views. Before TikTok fame and stand-up, Zarna had passed the bar and became a lawyer before trying her hand in comedy. She encourages everyone, especially young Indians, to veer off the beaten path and try comedy, if that is where their heart is. Zarna also currently helps out with Comedy Cures and fundraises for Children's Hope India. Both are organizations near and dear to her heart where she can share her comedy to help out those in need. Continue reading our interview with Zarna Garg to learn (and laugh) some more!

The Re-Debut of the Multi-Talented Elisa Nicolas

Elisa Nicolas is a Canadian-born, Ohio-based Asian-American songwriter. For three decades, she has been observing, experimenting, and translating the human experience into song. Elisa’s musical talents extend beyond songwriting, as she is a multi-instrumentalist and singer. Since writing and recording across numerous styles including rock, jazz, country, pop, and R&B, this critically acclaimed Asian-American LGBTQ alternative artist makes her re-debut after a 12 Year hiatus. Her latest song “No Answers” is the leading single of her new album, Year of The Locust, which was released early November. In addition to her musical devotion, she is committed to giving back in her community. Elisa spends time at her local foodbank, MidOhio Foodbank, and dedicates time each year to building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Continue reading below to learn more about the multi-talented woman, Elisa Nicolas!

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.

Emiliana Guereca on Women's Reproductive Rights and Equality for All

Emiliana Guereca is the President of the Women’s March LA Foundation, which was founded in 2016. In her interview with Jejune Magazine, Emiliana explains that the Foundation was established due to the 2016 election and the amounting threats towards Women’s Rights from both parties. Even today, their work is more prevalent then ever. Recently, the states of Texas and Mississippi have created legislation to ban abortion well before fetal viability. In response, the Women’s March Foundation is putting together a direct mail postcard campaign aimed at big brass Texas businesses asking them to support women’s reproductive rights. Over 250k postcards have already been sent to CEO’S of Texas organizations that supposedly support women. Readers can get involved by visiting their website, listed down below. Read on to learn more about the important work Emiliana Guereca and the Women’s March Foundation of LA is doing to advocate for equality.

Focus On The Good Things With Elizabeth Alderfer

Los Angeles-based actress Elizabeth Alderfer is the comic relief we have been waiting for. As a master in the comedy genre and an undying passion for entertaining she is sure to brighten your spirits. Elizabeth constantly adds emphasis to the good things in life and uses her acting skills to step into roles a such. Starting as a young dancer and introduced to acting, she quickly fell in love with the craft. Today you can see her in incredible shows like “Orange Is The New Black” and “The Good Wife”. Currently, she stars in “A.P. Bio”, a hit Peacock comedy series playing Lynette, an adorably hilarious payroll woman. So be sure to check those titles out and so much more Elizabeth has to offer. Apart from being an astounding actress who learns something different from each role she takes on, she also educates herself and aids various humanitarian organizations like No One Left Behind: an organization that fights for Afghan interpreters who have worked with our soldiers. Please continue reading below to learn more about this amazing human being, her love for acting, her fight against world hunger, and her quarantine pass time!

Jeremy Ray Taylor Shows No Fear

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!