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.

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.

Honoring Juneteenth: Celebrating Black-Owned Sustainable and Ethical Businesses

Juneteenth is in the works to become a national holiday in the USA! And, we at Jejune, couldn’t be more thrilled! Juneteenth is a day dedicated to celebrating the end of slavery in the United States, and we want to celebrate by supporting some amazing socially aware Black-owned businesses! You can impact a community and redistribute economic empowerment in choosing to shop and support Black-owned businesses on Juneteenth and every day. In honor of Juneteenth we have compiled a list of vegan, cruelty-free, ethical, and sustainable brands for you to check out!

Kyle Matthew: Progress with Impact

Keep an eye out for Kyle Matthew! With multiple talents up his sleeves - actor, writer, and producer - Kyle is definitely making his name known. Why do I say that? Because he starred in two films which were premiered successfully in Burbank International Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival straight after finishing USC’s B.A. Acting Program. Now, more opportunities are on the horizon for him such as landing a guest star role in Disney's Bunk'd and taking the comedy world by storm. Let’s dive into our exclusive interview with Kyle on the footprints he is imprinting in the entertainment industry and working with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Rachel LaiJune 15, 2021actor, Jewish, big brother, big sister, giveback, comedy, film industry, filmComment

#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.

Sir Daniel Winn, Sculpting The History of The Arts

Not many, in fact, only a few in the world, are honored with the prestigious title of ‘Sir.’ Sir Daniel Winn is one of them! On top of raising funds for non-profit aid in the US and Asia, he has created an art empire on his own where his work has been featured at esteemed exhibitions worldwide and even founded one of the most prestigious art galleries in Beverly Hills, Winn Slavin Fine Art. Now, despite the harsh times caused by the pandemic, his passion and determination are leading him to open another art gallery on Rodeo Drive. Sir Daniel has quite a career, and, we think, his story will inspire you to chase after your own dreams. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Sir Daniel on his journey in conquering both the world of arts and business.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 33, Most PopularRachel LaiJune 9, 2021artist, sculptor, philanthropy, Art, curator, career, doctor, advocacy, advocate, positivity, anti-hate, EnglandComment

Lalalow- The Electro-pop Duo Taking the World Of Musical Expression By Storm

Music has proven to be a cathartic outlet for many. But Lalalow takes that notion to the next level. Finland-based group Lalalow has integrated electric pop sounds with psychedelic aesthetics that will liberate your mind. The group consists of two members. Nina Jackson, vocalist and keyboard player, and Tommi Laivama, guitarist. Lalalow’s mission is simple: They let the sounds, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies do the talking. In a world where words often fail to capture the true essence of meaning, music serves as a direct form of expression. On the topic of expression, Lalalow’s latest single “Sensory Deprivation” will certainly get you into your feels. Most importantly, it reminds us we are all in this together. In our interview we cover all things “Sensory Deprivation,” the collective struggle of mental health, and Nina’s course, Generations ‘Lab, which is suited for creative thinkers who value inclusivity and wish to dedicate their time solving societal problems with modern solutions. Please read our exclusive interview with Lalalow below!

The Emoji Story: Emojis As The Voice Of The People

Have you ever spent hours thinking about an emoji that was sent to you? Trying to make sense of it and/or attaching new meaning to it? Trying to see symbols within symbols or personal meaning of you who are in character form. Maybe it is about who you are and sometimes who you aren't. In the current digital age, emojis are the voices of people. These little visual symbols have a big world which consists of infinite meanings. They aren't just for communicating, they’ve become an accessible symbol of activism, sexual identity, and politics.

Art, zIssue 33Başak YirmibeşogluJune 4, 2021#theemojistory, #documentaries, #film, #jennifer8lee, #emojis, representation, Art, generation, gen-z, emojis, emojiComment

Becky CJ: Losing Your Perspective, Finding Yourself

A loss of perspective makes us feel many different emotions, but, sometimes, we can learn that it is ok to lose something to help us discover new doors in our lives. South London-based Queer artist Becky CJ reminds us with her song Losing Your Perspective that we should lose our perspective to finding ourselves. The song is about falling in love with your best friend because when she and her current partner lost their perspective, they started to explore their relationship again. The song shows Becky CJ’s velvety vocals and her music that blends glitchy electronics and soft hues. We also knew her from hilarious Tinder Nightmares TikToks that she created from the awful tinder messages of people. We talked to Becky CJ about her music, TikTok videos, and queer representation in the music industry. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her.

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.

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!

Fashinnovation - A Global Network for Sustainable Change in Fashion

While there is a lot to be said about the ethos of instant gratification when it comes to shopping for the latest trends, we are also living in a time when consumers also want to shop guilt-free and responsibly. Many people are on the search for brands that are fashionable, sustainable, ethical, and of great quality. Consumers want companies and brands that align with their values. The only problem —How do you find these brands? The process takes time, research, as well as a little more patience than adding something to your Amazon cart. Enter Fashinnovation. Founded by Jordana and Marcelo Guimaraes, Fashinnovation is a platform created to help consumers find the sustainable brands of the future. As a growing and global network, Fashinnovation is paving the way for making positive changes to the world of fashion and technology.

Beyond helping you shop more responsibly and create the guilt-free closet of your dreams, Fashinnovation is (as you probably guessed from its name) a platform for innovation. Fashion, like all other businesses, is experiencing an immediate and urgent demand for innovation in all business models. Jordana and Marcelo bring together community voices to challenge the industry to do better and to dream of future that is more viable, inclusive, and sustainable. Through panels, conferences, and content creation, Fashinnovation is able build a diverse community of like-minded individuals in intersecting industries, allowing for industry professionals and the public to see exciting new ideas and trends in innovating production and creating more transparent supply chains. Ready to join the conversation? We were too! In our exclusive interview with co-founder Jordana Guimaraes, she explains her goals for Fashinnovation, tells us all about new brands they are partnering with, and how to become a more responsible fashion consumer. Continue reading our interview with Jordana below!

Judy Whitmore Is Keeping The American Songbook Alive

Renowned vocalist, pilot, best-selling author, psychologist and theater producer — what a career! Judy Whitmore has an inspiring story that will remind you to chase your dreams. After putting her music career on hold to raise a family, Judy finally took the leap into singing in 2014 when she co-founded the cabaret group, ACT THREE. The trio brought timeless standards to life at legendary venues including Carnegie Hall and the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Their journey to Carnegie Hall was chronicled in the award-winning documentary film, Once Upon a Dream. Through all of those accomplishments, Judy always felt that something was missing. She knew it was time to get that magical box of dreams she had stored away all those years ago, embrace that music career she’d always dreamed of and soar on her own. In 2018, Judy ventured onto the stage alone with her show-stopping, cabaret-style vocal act. Judy just released her enchanting cover of Great American Songbook classic “Moonlight in Vermont,” which is a part of her mission to keep the songs of the Great American Songbook alive. We also love that Judy continually gives back to her music community by serving on the Board of Directors of Pacific Symphony. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Judy Whitmore below.

New Directions with Paula DeAnda

Paula DeAnda is glamorous and grateful. The Texas native and 2000s' icon comes back stronger and sexier with her latest single, “Freaky.” With her new song, DeAnda shows her maturity as an artist and a woman, encouraging listeners that they can find a source of empowerment within themselves. DeAnda is always looking ahead, finding ways to give back through her music. Jejune had the opportunity to talk with DeAnda about her amazing music career, all things “Freaky”, and what she’s hopeful as we progress into a post-pandemic reality. To learn more about Paula DeAnda, continue reading below.

Avianna Mynhier: Don't Wait For Inspiration To Come

While some people wait for their inspiration, actress Avianna Mynhier creates it. She landed her first gig on the hit series The Walking Dead as Rachel Ward in season 10. Then, more recently, she finished filming, during the middle of the pandemic, the Amazon Prime drama series 'Panic' where she can be seen starring as Abby. But this is far from the only thing she has done during the lockdown. Feeling dishearten by covid she decided to create a place for people to connect, her podcast 'Uprising.' In every episode, she aims to speak with a different kind of inspirational person. She is passionate about women empowerment and frequently participates in conventions including the Women Deliver and Professional Businesswomen of California conventions. We talked to Avianna Mynhier about her career, podcast, and women empowerment. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her.

Marcelo Deiss Moves Through Music

Brazilian Londoner Marcelo Deiss is a citizen of the world, and he shows this through his music. Embedded with politically and socially conscious messages, his music is a testament of Deiss’ commitment to making the world a more just one. The singer-songwriter latest EP, Hurl, is the story of an artist disenchanted with the status quo, yet hopeful about the future and art’s place in it. Jejune sat down with Deiss to learn more about his vision for Hurl, how he makes music from the melody to the lyrics, and how he uses his multicultural background to uplift others. To find out more about Marcelo Deiss, continue reading below.

Sarah Podemski - Celebrating Indigenous Content & Perspectives

As an actress, media entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Sarah Podemski is making her mark in Hollywood and in her local community. Most recently, Sarah has a recurring role in the new sci-fi mystery comedy-drama series Resident Alien airing now on Syfy. She also brings her passion making room for Indigenous perspectives with her new project, Shine Network, which is the first-ever digital platform celebrating Indigenous content from a female perspective. Outside of acting, through her business Totem Designs, she designs unique dreamcatchers which give back to her Indigenous communities. This past year, she was able to donate over 100 dreamcatchers to raise funds for charities including, Black Food Toronto, The Regis Korchinsky Paquet family, Six Nations Child and Family Services, and the Navajo nation. Sarah is truly a shining star as a professional and as a person. We’re so excited to share our interview with Sarah with you. Continue reading below!

EDITORIAL - Oliver Trevena Is Making Moves

Say hello to Oliver Trevena —the man who is known for his interview and hosting skills. We’re flipping the script and sitting down with this famous British host turned actor (alongside his adorable pup Georgie) to catch up on his latest projects. Here’s what you need to know: Oliver making moves and is working to make the world a better place. Between shooting several movies (Rising Hawk, Embattled, The Reckoning, Out of Death) in the past couple of years and growing his new business Caliwater with his partner Vanessa Hudgens, Oliver is using his talents to help spread awareness of forced child marriage in India. Serving as producer for a docuseries entitled Unmuted, Oliver hopes to produce content to unmute the voices of girls and young women in India who were forced into marriage too young. He also works closely with the Not For Sale Campaign, which provides resources to end human slavery and trafficking. Inspired? We are too. For more on Oliver Trevena, please read our exclusive editorial 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.

Springtime With Izzy Frances

Singer-songwriter Izzy Frances reintroduces us to the wonders of nature. The indie-folk artist is nothing short of sophistication, finding inspiration from the natural world and her own life experiences. A trained neuroscientist, Frances gracefully intersects science with art, and we couldn't be more excited to talk with her about how she does it. Frances discussed the story behind her latest songs, her ode to Earth with Beautiful World, her fascination with the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and her partnership with the Sacred Nature Initiative. To learn more about Izzy Frances, continue reading below.

Art, zIssue 32Jejune ContributorMay 13, 2021environment, climate change, nature, singer, songwriter, activism, UK, indie, women in scienceComment