Impact Magazine, February 2011

Cover Story Jaesyn Jeans Couture Book of the Month “Brothers & Sisters” BeBe Moore Campbell Be Inspired The Harp Center Atlanta, GA “An IMPACTful Culture” Djenaba Figueroa Jaesyn Burke of Jaesyn Jeans Couture is marking his spot in the fashion world. Designing for Paris Hilton, Snooki, Lil Kim, and a host of others. IMPACT Magazine speaks with him on how all of this came about and where he is destined to go. Life hands us so many memories, moments, obstacles, triumphs, trials and tribulations. It hands us the world full of family, friends and all of those in between. In the midst of our everyday, life also hands us lessons! The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word lesson as such: “Something learned by study or experience!” If we are of a certain age, why are we going through some of the same lessons of old. Why does life have to teach us the same thing over and over again? Do we not get it? Or maybe we just don’t care enough about our lives to do something about it! If we cared so much, then why do we continue to let the same things happen? We blame GOD, we blame our parents...but in the end...we have to take a very hard look at our own selves to see that life has been giving us lessons through the things we have experienced. Life shows us that when things come along to give us our experience, we have to look at the entire situation. In this, we will find in most instances, we have experienced this before. Instead of it being with Jim...now the experience is with Bob! Instead of it being with Keisha...it is now with Latonya! You clear one thing and now the same thing has gone to another….it is because that “thing”...whatever life has been showing you...is about “YOU”! What I am living by right now is this: “It is 2011 baby….Now, Let’s Go!” Life has taught me too many lessons to be caught up into the cycle of defeating myself. I refuse to continue to relive the same lessons that were supposed to be learned from the experience I had over ten years ago. I have found that when I see a thing coming...I have to nip it in the bud because its head is rearing because the previous lesson was not learned. If you do not nip the thing in the bud, you will continue to be on the cycle of defeat...trying to win against life and the lesson it is going to teach!!! We have to learn from the lessons of our past because if not, we will be stuck in it. We will not be elevated to where we need to be if we continue to move in the same cycle….and you know what they call a person who continues to do the same thing looking for a different result! In this issue of IMPACT Magazine, we look at the life of celebrity designer Jaesyn Burke, of Jaesyn Jeans Couture, who speaks about the lessons he has learned as a designer. In addition, we have added a contributing writer to the IMPACT Magazine family. Djenaba Figueroa is a talented writer who will be inputting her skills in the section entitled, “An IMPACTful Culture!” Now is the time we get this thing called life in order! We have learned our lessons for a reason! We are to stop repeating them so that we can move forward to be and do what we are destined. It’s 2011 baby...Now, Let’s Go! Tunisha C. Brown Editor-In Chief Cynthia Ndelo is a photographer based in Charlotte, NC. Cynthia is passionate about photographing people in all different levels of life's moments. From newborn babies and graduations, to engagement sessions, weddings and personal portraits, she enjoys capturing the moment. A lover of music, fashion and art, Mary “Luffa” Ridley, was once part of the 1990’s R&B group Bas Noir and then later Nativ Sol. Luffa is a singer, model, make-up artist and stylist. A true jack of all trades! Djenaba Figueroa, is a Fund Development & Marketing Management Consultant and owner of Bee Sweet Desserts. Djenaba writes on issues of spirituality, health and fitness, parenting and multicultural relations. In her free time she enjoys poetry, sings and currently resides in Morrisville, Pa with her nine year old son. Innovative...Creative...Eclectic...All of these words are what I would use to describe Jaesyn Burke Couture Designs! He has worked with the likes of Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Remy Ma, Snooki, Beenie Man, Elephant Man...to name a few! His collection can be seen in 3 upscale boutiques in NYC and 1 in Spain. JJC has been featured in the New York Post, the Amsterdam News, Black Men Magazine, and XXL Magazine. Hailing from Trenton, New Jersey! Editor-In Chief, Tunisha C. Brown speaks with the dynamic Jaesyn Burke on life lessons of how he got started and on his Couture line! 2011 Baby...Let’s Go! Photography: Antonio Guerra ( Marca dae Beatz) Tunisha C. Brown: We go way back to childhood friends, and Jaesyn Burke: I started making I remember you making paper dresses. But I would like for you to explain to the people how you got started designing clothes? glasses because I've always had a sunglasses fetish, and I was giving all of my money to other designers. Then one day I woke up and said “Why am I giving these designers all of my money, when I'm as creative as they are?"So from that day forward, I started creating these glasses on a whim, and as luck would have it, people loved them. It was a total blessing. Jaesyn Burke: I got started taking lessons from my mother, who was a fabulous seamstress. I remember being fascinated with the idea of creating and making clothes every time she got on her sewing machine. I started making items by hand, including Barbie doll and Cabbage Patch clothes for my girlfriends in the neighborhood, I turned my parents' front porch into a doll boutique! I helped her do alterations, and make curtains for the dining room, and from there, she bought me patterns and I started creating prom dresses for my sisters. It took off from that point. Tunisha C. Brown: Yes!! I remember that front porch boutique! Where do you draw your inspiration from? Jaesyn Burke: I gather inspiration from several resources, but mainly the urban setting. I like to take urban wear and make it into a piece of art. Tunisha C. Brown: In this issue of IMPACT, we are discussing life lessons. obstacle? As a designer, what has been your greatest Tunisha C. Brown: Name some of your celebrity clients and what is your best moment of servicing them…because I know how fun you are as a person…I know you have a story! Jaesyn Burke: My clients include Beyonce, Paris Hilton, Nicole Snooki Polizzi, Beenie Man, Elephant Man....to name a few. My best client was Remy Ma. She is hood as hood can get, and when you first meet her, you may think she's mean....but once you get to know her, she’s a sweetheart. We hit it off really well, and she loves my designs! We had a blast together! Jaesyn Burke: My greatest obstacle as a designer has been Tunisha C. Brown: Last but not least…what advice do breaking into the industry. Believe it or not, it is still difficult as a black fashion designer to get into the industry, and if you don't know the industry, you’ll think it's easy. I’ve made several breakthroughs, but it is still harder for a black designer than it is for a designer of another race. You have to really bring something different to the table and you have to know the business. you have for an up and coming designer and what is next for you? Tunisha C. Brown: In this day and time, you would think a person of color would not have to deal with so many barriers, but, that is the world we live in right now. Explain to the readers, what is “Jaesyn Jeans Couture” and who is its customer? Jaesyn Burke: Jaesyn Jeans Couture is basically couture urban wear. It's taking hip hop clothing to the next level. My clients are a wide variety of people, so there's really no limit on who purchases my designs. Tunisha C. Brown: I know you are more than a clothier designer, how did you get involved with the blinged out Swarovski crystal glasses design? Jaesyn Burke: My advice to a new designer is to never give up. You will get a lot of doors slammed in your face, such as I did....But you must be tough and shake it off! You will also lose a lot of sleep, but it will pay off...trust me. You have to intern if possible to learn the inside of a business. You can be creative all day long, but you still have to learn the business aspect of fashion. You have to promote yourself as much as possible, because promotion can make or break you. You must also get rid of "negative influences “NOW!!! I had to sever ties with many people I thought were friends, and had my best interest at heart, but then I found out that several of them were jealous of me, and waiting for the big pay day. They talked about me, stole from me, made degrading comments to try and break my spirit, etc. Since I've removed myself from these people, my life has been 100% better, and my career flourished.......My next step is to simply become a household name on a larger scale. There are still some cities and towns I have to take by storm! It’s a long road, but I trust that with God's help, anything is possible. If you would like to find out more information on Jaesyn Jeans Couture, you may look Jaesyn up on FaceBook under the name - Jaesyn Burke! The Harp Center provides self-sufficiency programs which provide low-income women with job training, mentoring, and life skills necessary to secure a job and earn a living wage. The Executive Director of the Harp Center, Tomiko Powell, has been serving her community since the age of 17. The HARP Center has been her vision for a very long time. However, it has always seemed to be such a huge task that was unattainable due to time and financial support. Tomiko always knew that she had a special calling to help people in need whether the need was emotional or financial support. In April 2009 the first program Food for the Soul was launched in response to the hunger Tomiko witnessed among the poor and homeless of Atlanta. What initially began as the distribution of meals from the trunk of a car has grown through the dedication of its volunteers and now serves more than 300 meals every other week to homeless, disabled, elderly and low income. They provide emergency referral services to increase public awareness of other public assistance, clothing, toiletries, and daily distribution of emergency nutritious food to unfortunate children and families. The Harp Center also provide career training and general education diploma training materials, to improve their quality of life. What separates The Harp Center from the other agencies? They offer assistance while encouraging their clients to give back to the community by volunteering. Their involvement builds self-esteem, provides active support and commitment to other clients, engage with society and embrace the opportunity to feel useful by volunteering their services. Their participation enhances the lives of both the giver and the receiver, which develops cognitive and interpersonal skills and self-esteem. Monetary Contributions can be made on-line (www.theharpcenter.org) or mailed to 1226 Misty Valley Court, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Volunteers are needed and always welcomed and greatly appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Harp Center at 678-438-1742. W ha t is culture? One definition, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary says, “It is the predominating attitudes and behaviors that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.” When we identify ourselves as part of a certain group, we are considered to be a part of that culture. For instance, if you are reading this now, you are probably a member of the American culture. If you believe in the Holy Koran, pray several times a day, and keep your head covered, you may be a member of the Islamic culture. A wonderful movie, that displays the intriguing concept of culture, the differences and importance of race, class and gender in our world, is the film, “Babel”. In the film two Moroccan boys have the huge responsibility of looking after their families goats. Early in the movie, the boys Father purchases a rifle to ward off any jackal or other dangerous animals from attacking the herd. It never occurred to me, until after the movie that these children were not in school, and do not possess material objects, that children from our “individualistic” culture see as necessities. As the young boys test out the rifle, they mistakenly hit a traveling tour bus, almost killing an American citizen. The movie documents the lives of four separate groups of strangers on three different continents. In spite of the connection between the groups of people, none of them will actually meet each other. And unfortunately, due to their inability to effectively communicate the meaning of their needs, will remain isolated both physically and mentally from people who have impacted their lives. The movie shows how issues of sexuality, communication barriers, pain and loss effect collective groups of people differently on a cultural level. The film reminds us of the apparent role that culture plays in our ability to work cohesively on a local, national and global level. On the opposite spectrum the characters embody our instinctive human nature to care about the overall well-being of other people despite cultural differences or similarities. By nature, our innate desire to be loved and cared for encourages us to offer aid to anyone with no expectation of reciprocity. There are two ways in which we can view how we see culture. There is an individualistic view and a collectivist view. The individualistic view offers more opportunities for expression, freedom of speech and collaboration. The collectivist view includes discrepancies about what is being said versus what is actually meant. Individuals from a collectivist culture operate in a non-assertive or nonconfrontational manner, to avoid nuances and more importantly dishonor the group they are representing entirely. There are two ways in which we can view how we see culture. There is an individualistic view and a collectivist view. The individualistic view offers more opportunities for expression, freedom of speech and collaboration. The collectivist view includes discrepancies about what is being said versus what is actually meant. Individuals from a collectivist culture operate in a non-assertive or nonconfrontational manner, to avoid nuances and more importantly dishonor the group they are representing entirely. Persons from an individualistic culture tend to be more assertive and take more risks when speaking out on global issues. The American culture is more individualistic in that it encourages confrontation, debate, and collaboration in all walks of life. Often, when we think of culture, we think of the art, music and history of a particular race, group or nationality. Concepts rarely considered are traditions, daily ways of living or at best how individuals serve God. When we are a part of ANY group our way of thinking, living and being differs from each of our respective associates. For example, in some cultures, it is seen as disrespectful to leave your parents household before marriage. And yet, here in America, we are quickly forced into the role of living independently. We are forced to take on the financial and mental responsibility of handling bills, working, saving money and simultaneously protecting ourselves, often immediately after college. A friend of mine, lived with his parents until he was 30. Before his engagement, his car was paid in full and he had enough money in savings to purchase a new home. My so-called “American” experience, was of course, very different, and in fact, completely opposite. How do you view people from other cultures? When was the last time you searched your television for international news? When did you last donate your time or money to some group of people in desperate need? It is my belief that unification can only occur when we are directly involved in issues that affect groups of people other than ourselves. Learning of the injustices of others, arms us with a humanistic approach to dealing with conflict and managing intercultural communication. By continuing the development of a cultural “melting pot” we can form a solid defense for creating a safe and peaceful existence... together. Monique Jackson of E.Q. Styles in Trenton, NJ says, “I know for sure that obedience is better than sacrifice…” Fareeda Stokes, Owner/Realtor of SBR Realty in Trenton, NJ says, “I'm not changing myself because of the insecurities of others! I also know that grace and mercy carry me, even when faith falls short!” Prepared by MagCloud for IMPACT Magazine. Get more at impact-magazine.magcloud.com.