Blogs — Jejune Magazine

Melissa Lamm: Finding Happiness Right Where You Are

Melissa Lamm: Finding Happiness Right Where You Are

When pandemic pessimism is back on the rise more than ever, it makes some of us more productive. Toronto-based musician Melissa Lamm is one of them. She spent last summer's lockdown on her balcony. While the pandemic upset her honeymoon plans, she wrote a song about it. Her latest single ‘Balcony’ is about appreciating every moment wherever you are. Other than her chill pop melodies, she does a lot of live-stream fundraisers on her Twitch channel. She has been raising money for different organizations such as Alzheimer's Research UK, Australian Brushfire Disaster, and NAACP Legal Defense And Education Fund with her live streams. We talked to Melissa Lamm about her music and lockdown days. Check out our interview below to find out more about Melissa Lamm.

Art, zIssue 36Başak YirmibeşogluSeptember 8, 2021#melissalam, #music, #popmusic, #pandemic, #covid19, #balcony, music artist, female artists, covid, lockdown, melissalammComment

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.

Hailey Nicole Ralston: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Hailey Nicole Ralston: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

To all the people that say teens are too young to know their passion, Hailey Nicole Ralston is here to prove you wrong. She knew her goals since just over two years old and is currently embarking on an exciting journey to get there, with no plans to slow down. At just the age of 17, Ralston has been in numerous films and TV series with Nickelodeon, HBO, and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Not only that, she is presently producing her own short film, The Creature, on top of her existing lineup of several creative projects. When she’s off-screen, she spends her time doing humanitarian work. A star not only with talents but with a huge heart. Check out our interview with Ralston as we go in-depth to find out more about her talents, as well as, the inspiration behind her creative and humanitarian endeavors.

Ava Breeze Bustling to Make Worthy Changes

Ava Breeze Bustling to Make Worthy Changes

Ava Breeze is not your common teenager. At just the age of fourteen, she has done more impact than an average high-school student. Besides being a high honor student, she is also a singer, actress, model, influencer, and best of all, an advocate for anti-bullying because of her sister with a rare disease (DHX-30). Despite Covid turning the world upside down, it has not stopped the multitalented teen from pursuing her passion. She has been spending her time in the studio recording her first single, Girls of Summer, which was released early this summer on top of preparing to film a streaming series, Irreverand. Breeze is currently one of the youngest ambassadors for Pure Vida to raise funds to support the research on DHX-30. Check out our interview below to find out more about Breeze’s experiences as Jejune walkthrough on each of her creative realms and DHX-30.

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.

KG Crown Sings For Righteousness

KG Crown Sings For Righteousness

Every day is a change for the better. KG Crown is the living proof to always embrace your own individuality and never stop fighting regardless of the challenges. Why do we say that? Because she fights against all odds to pursue her dream as a Pop singer even though she (including her family) was bullied by her peers, grown-ups, and even worse, mothers and teachers from her town. Her dedication to performing resulted in her quickly garnering over 155K+ followers and 500K+ views across her platforms. She recently released an anti-bullying anthem, Bad, standing up for herself and her loves one. KG Crown is truly admirable as she further uses her platform to bring awareness to bullying and inspires her followers to stand up for themselves. Read our interview below as KG Crown gets candid about her take on bullying and her sensational journey in pursuing her dreams.

Patricia Espinosa Paints Her Mind Through Art

Patricia Espinosa Paints Her Mind Through Art

Art has the power to evoke emotions and allows aesthetes to ponder the meaning behind the creations. And what makes people ponder more than arts that question and challenge the perception of society’s norm? One artist that is creating art triggered by social, cultural, and political events is Patricia Espinosa. Inspired by her mother’s passion and love for the concept of simplicity, the Mexican-born artist creates artistic works that highlight neglected issues with the use of everyday objects. Espinosa further inspires the world by working with Choose Creativity and Sing for Hope to uplift people in need through the power of art and creativity. Read our interview with Patricia Espinosa below to find out more about her artistic journey and the significance behind her thought-provoking yet captivating work.

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.

Kerry K Is Changing Lives One Pair Of Shoes At A Time

Kerry K Is Changing Lives One Pair Of Shoes At A Time

Meet Kerry Korentang, an eleven-year-old non-profit owner who has donated over 900 pairs of shoes to Ghana natives. Kerry’s mission to provide comfortable shoes to children in need was born after a trip to Ghana when she noticed children in rural areas going barefoot to school. Not letting her age or experience stop her, Kerry worked alongside her family to start the Kerry K Foundation. Since its inception, the Kerry K Foundation has not only focused on Kerry’s first goal of providing shoes for children, it has also branched out to include clothing and advocacy. In her spare time, Kerry is a pageant queen who uses her platform to spread awareness for her cause. We love the work that Kerry and her team are doing and we are excited to share their story with you! Continue reading for our exclusive interview with Kerry K below

Articles, zIssue 35Forrest JohnsonAugust 20, 2021Africa, shoes, Give back, beautypageants, beauty queen, covid, Humanitarian, kids, children in need, Ghana, nonprofit, #nonprofitComment

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

Sam Louis And Coping From The Confines Of Isolation

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.

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.

PRESSOLOGY: Care for Your Skin With Biology

PRESSOLOGY: Care for Your Skin With Biology

Skincare has always been a popular topic of discussion amongst women and has extended to men and young teens in these recent years. Besides aiming to stay young, people are also starting to be more conscious about what they are putting on their skin. With many skincare options trying to achieve youth and health in the skin, PRESSOLOGY fulfills both! The founder, Sally Nasser, uses her knowledge in biology to create a modern skincare line that is clean yet effective in achieving youthful long-lasting healthy skin from a cellular level. The skincare products’ ingredients derived from a various organic indigenous herb that works with the natural harmony of the human body. How cool is that? Read on further on our interview with Nasser to learn more about her organic skincare line and the creative process in incorporating ancient Ayurvedic rituals into their products.

Experiencing Magic Through Music with Cmagic5

Experiencing Magic Through Music with Cmagic5

Cmagic5 is a phenomenal singer, songwriter, and musician based out of Toronto, Canada. She is far from a newbie in the music and recording industry. Cmagic5 has been performing in front of audiences since the age of five, continuing her articulation into an empowered, outspoken female, role model, and anti-bullying advocate. Cmagic5’s personal evolution is apparent when listening to her music. She manages to effortlessly fuse her pop niche with other genres like afrobeat, rock, and trap. The genre-bending textures shine through on her much anticipated debut album “Ready to Run,” which explores self intimacy and love, or the lack thereof. Jejune is excited to talk to Cmagic5 about her unapologetic journey in finding self-respect and her new song “Love Me If You Can,” which hones in on personal experiences of letting someone go and focusing on yourself.

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.

Cerina Vincent: Super Mom on a Mission

Cerina Vincent: Super Mom on a Mission

If you have watched the childhood classic, Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, you will know Cerina Vincent! She was none other than the yellow ranger, Maya. Besides the well-known Sci-Fi series, the actress acted in Disney Channel’s “Stuck In The Middle” and indie film “Killing Eleanor.” Most recently, she has transformed from a superhero to a super mom on a mission. Like Maya’s wild spirit and ability to understand people and everything around her, she launched a podcast series on parenthood — Raising Amazing — with her Pediatrician, Dr. Gator, which garnered over five thousand downloads in the first 24 hours! She did not stop there —she also supports two nonprofit organizations. Take a journey with Jejune to learn more about Cerina’s story as a super mom, working for decades in Hollywood, Parenting during a Pandemic, and more!