Amazing Women Issue

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Amazing Women IssueIn Honor of

Women’s History Month

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Happy Women’s History MonthA celebratory issue filled with amazing stories about amazing women

4 | BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM MARCH/APRIL 2012

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Bronze MagazineFounder and Editor In Chief

Shawn Chavis

Publisher Barry Stuldivant

Marketing AssistantTrisha Stukes

Creative Team (Cover Photo):Fashion Design

Ayo ShittuPhotography

Yasmine KatebPhotography Assistant

Neil JouHair stylist

Ashley SparksMakeup

Jason MelgarModel

Crystal Shotwell

Yasmine Kateb, a 21 year old student recently enrolled at The Art Institute of Houston this past January, always felt the passion for modern photography. She works her camera skills on different models, believing to bring out beauty from within. From the beginning she knew that there was more to photography than just taking pretty pictures. Yas-mine, being a former Neal Hamil Agency model, wanted to experience what it was to be the subject of art in front of the camera. Now that she’s the artist behind the camera, she feels it’s her goal to challenge mainstream ways of seeing beauty in public media. “Size and shape are small factors in good photography. Everyone has a special quality to share with the world… I just try to transfer that with my lenses”. In Just four months, Yasmine Kateb Photography has appeared in 3 recognized high fashion magazines, including a chosen slot in Vogue Magazine Italia’s picture of the day! Ms. Kateb having the experience as a model herself, is now a highly requested figure in Houston’s arena of high fashion.

Stemming from his extensive photography background, Neil Jou quickly made a name for himself with his sharp talents using a camera. Blessed in specific attention to detail and innovative creativity, his company grew along side with his reputation and so did the services provided.Company Bio-Here at NeilJou.com, we concentrate on individual needs of any establishment. We are your One stop shop whether you are looking for Innovative and Creative Graphics Design, Graphic Design Agency, Photography,Videography, and Printing Design Services, Print Advertising Design or Image Editing. If you are a major corporation looking for campaign work or a small business looking to create a unique brand, we treat all our clients with the same attention to detail and respect needed to make your dreams tangible. By combining professional imagination and the spice of your individuality, we create the packages that result in positive results. You work too hard in your industry to not look great. NeilJou.com believes in the quality that drives our clients to success.

Jason Melgar, a makeup artist for MAC cosmetics is a prominent Houston based professional with extensive professional experience in the various areas of the makeup industry. He is noted for working alongside high profile photographers, fashion stylists and top models in Houston's fashion industry. His work is sought after showcasing his professional technique and artistry. Jason interprets makeup application as an artistry. His brushes and palettes are his medium and his clients are his canvases. Through this approach and working closely with his clients, Jason delivers powerful looks, which resonate with an inevitable glow. With his expertise and strong profile, Jason's abilities are limitless. He has a wide spectrum of versatility that allows him to create the simple natural look, sexy seductive glam or imagine-driven Avant-garde. Jason continues to make a name for himself in the industry. He actively pursues his education and immerses himself in the current trends. Through free-lancing work, Jason is intimate with clients seeking make up applications for weddings, head-shots and special events. He also enjoys working as part of a team for high end commercial shoots, television and fashion shows.

Ashley Sparks practicing with Barbie dolls as a little girl, is a licensed beautician with over 10 years styling hair. She competes in local and international hair competitions and is the team’s most important hair resource in high fashion photo sessions. Ashley Sparks successfully runs her own salon.

Yasmine Kateb

Neil Jou

Jason Melgar

Ashley Sparks

Urban Chic by Ayo - Designs by Ayo ShittuAyo is a Nigerian American fashion (designer/ waredrobe stylist, choreographer, media networking consultant& makeup artist ). Her credits include:Former producer and CEO of "Fashion Entertainment with Ayo" MTV 3 segments airing Spring 2011Fashion Press Coordinator for Uzuri Magazine. (www.uzuri.com )Media Styling and fashion designs for musician "Niva the Soul Diva" of Brooklyn,NY Collaboration and fashion design for Trixie Gynn of Houston's Channel 55 "Trixie Gynn After Hours".Primary work is with media personalities for various t.v shows/public appearances.UrbcanChic by Ayo designs have been accredited by StyleList Magazine for NewYork Fashion Week.www.stylelist.com/.../mercedes-benz-spring-2010-fashion-week-street-style-at-lincoln-c/ http://stylelist.search.aol.com/search?q=ayo+shittu NY Couture Fashion Week Fall 2011:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdDzLAgMcFg Ayo is also the 2010 creator of "bootlings," the shoe accessory and an introducer of the high fashion urbanista.Design label: "Urban Chic" by AyoUrban Chic: This is a style composed of city style components, animal prints, furs, vintage designs and new innovations. Clothing particles are collected from various stores, shops, and markets to get the most unique appearance.

Ayo Shittu


Front Row Divas

Diana GaitiriraActor/Producer/Blogger

Belle AllenDirector/Producer/Writer

Shannon MoreauWriter/Blogger)

Sandi KayWriter/Artist/Actor)

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM MARCH/APRIL 2012 | 9

Making plans to see the next new movie blockbuster? Per-haps you might want to check in first with Front Row Di-vas. An eclectic group of 4 unique, smart and sassy women, Front Row Divas is a quirky new web series that provides

laser sharp reviews of movie features showing at a theater near you. No strangers to the entertainment scene, the talented Divas behind the show (Belle, Diana, Sandi and Shannon) are writers, actors, directors and pro-ducers, actively working in the film industry. As women in an often male dominated industry, they each bring a fresh, unique perspective to what’s being shown on the silver screen.

Front Row Divas presents a unique opportunity to delve into the future of New Media communications. As the Internet matures, so too does the availability of new platforms for content sharing. Social media sharing platforms such as Youtube.com serve up an endless deluge of mediocre viewing and even those contributors are often able to boast a huge fol-lowing. With a high sense of production value and content, the Front Row Divas web series will rise to the top, proving that quality content is still a much sought after commodity.

PhotographerQiao Qiao Jade Photography

MUAStephanie Brenan

Hair StylistSnacks Viva


Truth Unspoken: Ebony J Lewis-The Woman Behind the Web Series


Writer, director, producer and actress Ebony J Lewis is one of the hardest working upcoming young women in the independent film industry. Born and raised in the North Bronx, New York, Ms. Lewis is a Pace University Graduate, a member of the elite Writers Guild of America (WGA) and a member of New York Women in Film and

Television (NYWIFT). Ebony has produced many film projects including a 6 time award winning short film shot on the Ivory Coast in Africa and New York City in 2010 called Abidjan. She landed a principle role on Saturday Night Live along side of Tina Fay, Steve Martin and Justin Bieber as Nadine, the Nanny. She was also on the A&E series Fugitive Chronicles playing Melanie in the Larry Davis story in 2010. Ebony’s latest project, her web series Truth Unspoken, was ranked in the TOP 10 of Black WebSeries by Culture Starved Magazine. Filmed in New York City, Season 1 of “Truth Unspoken Web Series” is a thought evoking, suspense, love drama about life’s unexpected twists, turns and lessons. The much anticipated second season of the new age soap opera airs April 3rd and promises to have you at the edge of your seat wanting more.


Vino Seduction:The First Ladies of Wine

The first ladies of wine are on a mission to evolve your palet. Danielle, Maya and Maxine are Vino Seduction, a live web-based talk show that educates wine drinkers of all levels in a fun, entertaining way. Danielle, the show’s creator and a true wine enthusiast, believes wine should be fun and sexy! The ladies come together live weekly on Thursday nights to discuss wine etiquette, varietals, history, and

parings without getting lost in the snobbery that can sometimes occur in the wine world. We caught up with Danielle who talks about her passion for wine and the premise of the show.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How did you become passionate about wine?DANIELLE: I have had an affinity for wine since 2004. My first job right out of college was a sales rep for a wine & spirits distributor in Atlanta. There I learned a lot about the business and the lack of wine education in the African American community.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What is the premise of your web show Vino Seduction, and how do you go about education others about wine through the show?DANIELLE: Vino Seduction is geared towards anyone who has an interest in wine education & etiquette. Every week we introduce a different wine style, varietal, or region along with food pairings and stemware suggestions.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: How do you decide on which wine will be featured/tasted during each show? DANIELLE: It just depends on what we are in the mood to try. For example; If it is the holiday time we will try wines that are suited for Thanksgiving dinner, or if its the summertime we may review a light-bodied pinot grigio. Or sometimes we may discover that we haven’t spent anytime on Argentinian wines so we will feature a Malbec or Torrontes.

Pictured from left: Maya, Danielle & Maxine


BRONZE MAGAZINE: Have more people embraced wine because of your show? What types of feedback have you received about the show?DANIELLE: I will say that wine lovers and enthusiasts have embraced Vino Seduction. We receive positive feedback on a daily basis on how we have made wine fun, educational, and entertaining.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: If you had to pick one favorite wine, what would it be and why?DANIELLE: If I had to choose, I would have to say that Champagne is my favorite type of wine. I love what Champagne represents - luxury! Most people only drink it for a special occasion like weddings, job promo-tions, anniversaries, and holiday parties. I feel that every day is a celebration and simply enjoy the immense pleasure of drinking a fine glass of Champagne.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What are some key things to consider when selecting wine? DANIELLE: There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a wine such as; are you pairing the wine with food? Is there a particular region or style that you really like? What is your budget? But the main thing is never purchase a wine that your palate cannot appreciate. For example, if you are having a dinner party and your guests have just developed an affinity for wine it doesn’t make sense to purchase a $45 bottle of Bor-deaux. Instead stay in the $10-$15 price range and start off with a nice California Merlot or a soft German Riesling.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Can we expect a Vino Seduction Tour in the near future?DANIELLE: Hopefully in the future we will do a tour. But our first stop will be in wine country. We plan to visit Napa, California this year and do a live broadcast from several wineries.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Please tell everyone how they can tune in to your show and what the pro-cess is for submitting a wine feature request.DANIELLE: Viewers can tune into www.vinoseduction.com to see the show live and previously re-corded webcasts. We air a new show every Thursday night at 8:45pm EST directly from the site. You can submit a wine feature request on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vino-Seduc-tion/285908442817 or by tweeting us at Vino_Seduced. Our email address is [email protected]


Joyful and Amazing: Gospel Singer Alycia Levels


Alycia Levels has plenty to be joyful about. Since founding her own Christian production company called Another Level Productions in 2010, the Atlanta native and rising independent Gospel artist also released her debut album entitled P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) the same year. Alycia's hit single "Joy" off of the debut album was so well received it has been added to Atlanta's KISS 104.1 Sunday morning show (hosted by Towanda Black) and to

other stations across the country.Since her album’s release in the summer of 2010 Levels has worshiped thru song to churches and conferences in Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, Chicago and Tennessee and has sold an impres-sive 5,000 copies independently. Levels was nominated for two 2011 Gospel Choice Awards including, “Best New Artist” and “Song of the Year” for her single, “Joy.” Levels won the 2011 award for “Best New Artist.” She is also the first performer in the history of the Gospel Choice Awards to ever grace the stage as a “Best New Artist” nominee. Blessed with an amazing anoint-ing to minister through song and a voice from the heavens, Levels is destined for greatness! Alycia opened up to us about how she got her start in the music business and her mother's influence on her singing.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What was it like for you at six years old to have a gift for singing? How did your mother react once she discovered your gift?ALYCIA LEVELS: I’ve always loved performing in front of crowds-whether singing, dancing or acting. When my mother discovered my gift at choir practice one day I think she was surprised and elated all at the same time! She made me sing in the choir at our church, and would sign me up for every talent show she knew about. She was the one who really started to groom and prepare me for a career as a singer.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: When did you know that you wanted to pursue your passion for singing profession-ally and what steps did you take to make it a reality?ALYCIA LEVELS: When I was young I loved to sing. It was relatively easy for me and I was really good at it. As I grew older, I became more aware of my gift and I began to perfect my craft. I was very active in the choir from elementary school through college. Being apart of the choir helped me to develop my voice and keep me focused on music and perform-ing.During my sophomore year of college, I realized that I wanted to seriously pursue my passion for music. I decided to take a big leap of faith and leave Tuskegee University my sophomore year to attend Georgia State University, in Atlanta, Ga. I wanted to be in a more music-oriented environment. It just made sense to be in Atlanta since there was such a vibrant music scene there. There were so many musical opportunities available in Atlanta, and I just couldn’t pass that up. At first, I was doing a lot of demo work for a lot of songwriters and producers in order to really start building working relationships with people. In that whole process, I ended up meeting my current manager who was really instrumental in helping me launch my first album and my singing career.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What affect did the Italian Opera Study Abroad Program have on your life? Your sing-ing?ALYCIA LEVELS: The vocal training I received while in Europe was truly amazing! It really helped me develop my vocals and it exposed me to other singing techniques. It also opened my eyes to the beauty of different genres of music. Traveling through Europe, seeing the Roman Coliseum and the Sistine Chapel was in itself life changing. It made me realized where my voice could really take me if I focused hard enough and let God lead me. >>


BRONZE MAGAZINE: What influenced your decision to sing Christian music as opposed to secular music? How has your music influenced others?ALYCIA LEVELS: At 20-years-old, I found myself at a crossroad. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music, however I needed to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons. I knew I had been blessed with an amazing gift, and I wanted to use that gift the way God intended for me to use it. I asked myself, ‘How could I please God with this gift?’ I started to think about myself as an artist, and what I wanted to represent. I started to ask myself, ’What will people say about me at the end of my life? Will my influence be positive or negative? After sometime of seeking the Lord’s guidance on these things I felt a true responsibility to put positive things into the atmosphere. When I finally made that transition, it was difficult because I felt unworthy at first. I realize now that God intended to use me as a vessel for His glory.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Who are some of your musical influences?ALYCIA LEVELS: Yolanda Adams has been a huge influence in my singing career. She has a very powerful voice, and she’s always so graceful when she sings. She’s not just a singer, she’s a motivator –like me.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What message do you want listeners to take away from your debut album P.U.S.H.? What is one of your favorite tracks from the album and why?ALYCIA LEVELS: The acronym, P.U.S.H. stands for Pray Until Something Happens. That’s exactly what I want my listeners to do. I want to encourage people through their tests, so that they can have a testimony of triumph when the test is over. One of my favorite songs on the album is, “Go” because it speaks to what I love to do most- encourage others. I’m a dream advocate. I love to encourage others to go after their dreams and aspirations.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What one piece of valuable advice would you give to other young aspiring Christian artists?ALYCIA LEVELS: I would tell other Christian artists in the music world to never lose your integrity, be true to yourself and never ever compromise the message of the Gospel for commercial benefits.I would also like to say,since there’s not as many outlets for Christian or Gospel artists as there are for secular artists, it sometimes feels like we’re putting in all of this hard work and we’re seldom recognized for it. I would like to encourage other Christian/Gospel artists out there to keep working hard and be patient, because at the end of the day its all worth it.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: What’s next for Alycia Levels?ALYCIA LEVELS: Right now, I’m looking forward to releasing my second album which is scheduled to be finished Spring 2012. It is going to be a great body of work. I’ve definitely grown a lot in these last two years and I’m excited to take my fans along this journey with me. ◊


Avery*Sunshine: A Burst of Musical Brilliance

Bursting from an array of musical brilliance, singer/songwriter/pianist AVERY*Sunshine emerges onto the scene with her soon to be released self-titled debut album. Rooted in gospel, she reaches deep into that cornucopia of style and sound and sings a song which articulates

the complexities of life with luminous insight. Fluent in many languages from soul and house to classical and hip hop, AVERY*Sunshine expresses with a voice that speaks boldly and tells a unique-ly familiar story...a story about love and loss...healing...and finding the newness of oneself in the midst of it all. Here's Avery's story in her own words...

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Your name is as unique as your sound. How did [the name] AVERY*Sunshine come about?AVERY*SUNSHINE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, IT MEANS A LOT TO ME. Well...MY NAME. LOL. My partner Dana Johnson and I had just finished our first single called “STALK YOU” and it was subsequently being released in Japan. Dana asked me what I wanted my name to be on the album and I blurted out, “AVERYSUNSHINE!!!” I like to believe that it came from my love for characters from my two favorite movies: SHUG AVERY (The Color Purple) and SUN-SHINE (Harlem Nights) LOL! It stuck!!!

BRONZE MAGAZINE: I am such a huge fan of R&B/Soul/Jazz sound and when I heard your voice for the very first time I immediately felt drawn to what you had to sing about. Who were some of your musical influences?AVERY*SUNSHINE: Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, The Winans, The Clark Sisters...The list really goes on and on...


BRONZE MAGAZINE: Your songs evoke such familiar-ity yet passion about “real” life experiences. Two of my favorites are “All in My Head” and “Ugly.” Do you write your own material? Where do you draw upon for inspi-ration?AVERY*SUNSHINE: Thank you! I write all of my material with my writing partner and music industry vet, Dana John-son. That’s really how this thing started. Music first, then the “artist” stuff. We draw our inspiration from from everyday experiences. REAL LIFE.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Have you collaborated with any other artists on projects, and if so, with whom? Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?AVERY*SUNSHINE: I am grateful to have worked with great artists in the past. No “real” col-labs under my belt yet. I’D LOVE to work with Michael McDonald and and Marvin Winans.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: Considering the fact that R&B music is becoming a lost and ex-tinct art [I say this with great sadness], how do you feel about the state of music today?AVERY*SUNSHINE: I try not to touch this question in interviews because there is SO MUCH TO SAY...So, I’ll just say this: Music is evolving (as it and everything else has and does) and I welcome the “new” music with open arms. HOWEVER, I understand that I, as well as the other R&B soul artists/musicians /writers/listeners etc., have the responsibility to continue making, supporting and preserving R&B soul music.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: As a single mom of two, how do you manage a healthy work/life balance? AVERY*SUNSHINE: With the help of my parents and my children’s fathers, WE are able to manage it pretty well. However, I must be honest: I keep an amazing schedule in my iPhone!!! I send reminders to myself to go to the movies with my children, to exercise and so forth. It’s easy to forget to do those things when you’re working, getting homework done and paying bills. I don’t mind my pop up alerts. I’d rather get a reminder from my phone than from my kids!

BRONZE MAGAZINE: If there was something important you would like other aspiring artists to know, what would it be?AVERY*SUNSHINE: Whew, there’s so much to say!!!!!! First, be sure that you are walking and operating in your calling. Secondly, produce the best project that you possibly can by enlisting the help of experts. Don’t call a graphic designer to produce your track because she will do it for free. Be willing to spend the money to get what you need to get done. USE THE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!!! Don’t be afraid to promote yourself. Remember, you are your own commercial/advertisement. If ANY artists these days, in any medium, proclaims, “I don’t do Twit-ter. I don’t do Facebook,” they will probably be out of business before they even begin.

BRONZE MAGAZINE: So what’s next for AVERY*Sunshine?AVERY *UNSHINE: More music! Hopefully, some acting. I feel a sitcom on the horizon!!!!! (Well, I haven’t gotten any calls yet, but..ter..uhhhh....) LOL

**Update: Avery Sunshine will be performing in NYC at Drom on Thursday April 12th. Please visit http://www.averysunshine.com for upcoming shows.

Interview Opportunity with Avery*Sunshine courtesy of Fiona Bloom of The Bloom Effect

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