"Time May Heal But Your Story Is Forever"

New Alert! New Alert!

Advice 

A key piece of advice that resonates with the owner is, "Success is not final, failure is not final, it’s the courage to continue that counts."

Audience & Mission: 

The brand targets individuals who appreciate luxury streetwear with meaningful messages. Its mission is to inspire and uplift youth, showing them that they can overcome trauma and succeed.

The interviewee is an emerging fashion designer, musician, and creative from Chicago, IL. They are the CEO of Time Heals Open Trauma, a luxury streetwear brand launched in 2021. The brand promotes resilience and overcoming obstacles through fashion. 

In middle school, the passion for fashion unraveled sparking a strong confidence that he would build his success with his own line. The brand has not participated in any fashion shows yet but is currently focused on pop-up shops and organic marketing.

The challenges are what make or break any brand, so naturally there will be a few such as: delayed packages and missed deadlines. But his determination, professionalism and persistence are what creates a safe, healthy, rapport with his client base enough for them to see that he is serious about his brand. The clients not only praise the brands' message and high-quality products but also the exceptional customer experience.

The vision to be a designer in a high esteemed show requires models that are professional and who are serious about honing their craft and skills. The owner dreams of hosting a show at NYC Fashion Week, combining fashion with live music, featuring a performer like Coi Leray as a showstopper.

 We all dream of collaborating with our favorite singers, models, and actors at some point in our life. So, it is no surprise that the owner would love to style Rihanna, Coi Leray, and Teshki, as they align with the brand's aesthetic of mixing sexy and classy looks.

 The beauty of travel is exploring creativity. You could start in a rural area but end up in the city. The location variety is endless! So, Japan or Paris, would be a good start with Instagram model @TheTayJean for excellent quality photoshoots for the streetwear brand. 

• Shoutouts: Thanks are given to the owner’s mom, early supporters, and those who resonate with the brand's message: "Time May Heal But Your Story Is Forever."

• Contact Info: People can reach the brand via email at timehealsopentrauma@gmail.com or through social media @TimeHealsOpenTrauma.

KaDora Simmons: Beauty from Construction Paper

Find More of her Artwork on 

Instagram & Facebook 

@KreativeKayys 

Her advice to anyone who is pursuing a modeling or drawing career

Go for it!

Don’t allow anyone to stop you from becoming something you want to be!

Don’t be afraid to try new things even if you think you can’t do it; you can!

KaDora Simmons aka KayyNicole is a talented joyful spirited young woman who got started in art as early as 5 or 6 years old. She is use to creating any and everything from: arm casts — using construction paper and tape; wallets— using empty caprisun pouches; purses— using old skirts. But, her first artwork piece was a charcoal drawing she did in high school and she showed it to my mom.

When she started modeling it was in April 2016. Her inspiration to start was honestly her curiosity for the Art of Fashion and Modeling. She was always drawing on paper & creating things, she thought maybe she could be a Designer too or a Model. So, she started in modeling by being a makeup artist for a friend. Her family has always been supportive of her Creative talents and gifts but, when she first started modeling, they weren’t so sure about it and wanted her to be safe in picking events and agencies.

But, a designer by the name of Ashley Renee asked her to fill in for a model that did not show up and then Perry Norman saw her walk and asked her to be apart of Sheena Johnson’s Annual Mental Health Fashion Show, and her family felt better and now, they are more supportive than ever.

 

 She does all types of drawings and creates logos yet she paints most of the time. She says with confidence that she WILL BE a famous Artist in painting, drawing and modeling! She has lost count on how many people have asked and used her services. She’s sold all types of artwork from sunsets to custom pieces to black artwork and more. 

She even created a piece for the Black Lives Matter Movement. If you go to downtown Greensboro you will see two of her murals—one on the wall of Artistika Nightclub and the other across the street from Crafted Tacos! She continues to inspire many others who may be too shy to speak up for themselves, she has a giving heart and a gentle loving spirit. She shares that the best advice that she has received is: "Never let a “debbie downer” distract you from what God called you to do. You have a great talent that was specially made for you. Keep going! -Everyone." Her journey in this art world is just beginning and we are certainly excited to see her blossom and shine in the future weeks and months ahead of us! 

Find More of her Artwork on 

Instagram & Facebook 

@KreativeKayys 

Introducing MHolloway Photography

Marshall Holloway Jr. is from Dudley, NC but has resided in Durham, NC for the last 20 years.

• If he could do a shoot for a celebrity it would be Rihanna!
• If he could shoot anywhere in the world it would be Africa because of the scenery and the culture!!

Advice 

To any up and coming Photographers, he offers: "study your craft every day and invest all that you can in order to get it to prosper and of course love what you do."

He started his company after receiving his first DSLR (a nice camera) as a gift, and from there he knew that photography was his passion! The name of his company is MHolloway Photography. This name emerged in 2012 but he had little success at first, so he let it go. Yet, the fire still burned inside of him to capture images. So, from there he created a plan involving investments, skilled developments, reinvented himself, and gave it another shot.

He’s been sharing his creative eye for photography for approximately 8 years. His first photo-shoot experience was a family session at Duke Gardens. What he remembers most is how much he didn't know about how to operate his camera effectively (-he laughs at the memory-).

The style of photography that most interests him are dramatic, dramatic, and more dramatic images! He loves shooting late evening/night and in low light. The combination of both brings so much life to his photos!

The Photo Life

The most beneficial class that he has taken is with the highly skilled and talented Photographer and Videographer by the name of Chris Cheek. But, he also spent hours upon hours of watching tutorials and reading books at the library about photography.

Of course, with any passion, there can be challenges and he finds that he mostly has trouble getting models to manifest the most flattering facial expressions. Sometimes the weather, distractions and sometimes the frames. But overall he find a way to overcome any obstacles. 

Check out more of his work below:

mhollowayphotos.com

Instagram: mhollowayphotography

Zuni- The Point is Simple

Paul Christopher Marquardt Jr. (Otherwise known as Zuni) was born and raised in Albany, New York.

 Best Advice: 

"Stick to it, don't stop writing, you have so much potential to do greater and you are only so young"

Lyric Heard- Modeling With a Disability

Her Social Media links:  

Instagram is @phenixsoul 

Snapchat is @lyricmariahh

Maria Brenda: From Modeling toTV.

Maria Brenda from Chicago... 

Modeled in her early 20’s. At 5’4” she discovered that she is actually really good at modeling. she just wished that she was a little taller to be considered in the runway division.

Her most memorable fashion show was the Paul Mitchell Hair Show. During that time because of her look she was selected to do the runway show even though she wasn’t tall enough for it. That was the first time they had a shorter model doing the runway. They had to hem the outfit. But, the best part was the man himself did her hairstyle. It was an honor to her. 

She started acting when she was a little girl. She was in theater and drama in high school. She did her modeling and acting in her early 20’s but mostly modeling then she decided to have a family and from there she focused on her family and stopped acting for a while.

About 5 years ago, she started pursuing her acting again. She took some acting classes to refresh her skills. She was lucky enough to get some acting gigs to build her resume. The major role she played was as the Asian boss (Shanghi) for the series, “NO Chiraq”  on INTV. She is also the voice of the network.

In playing that part she became inspired and she started Zatori Productions and team up with some talented and creative partners. This is a new venture for her and she is ready for the challenges that come with it. So, what motivated her to start the company was for the love of the industry.  They are a media production company specializing in Film, TV, Web, Commercial, Industrial, Sports, and Special Events. She feels lucky to have such talented and creative partners.

The biggest challenge for her in the industry is that, “people judge you for your look  and what you put on social media and think that’s who you are as a person. They don’t know who you are in real life.” She has learned overtime to ignore it. It doesn’t do her any good.

Advice She Would GIVE 

to those individuals starting their own company is “to do your research first.” Ask yourself “What’s your goal in opening this business? Is  this something that you wanted to do? Is this a long term business? Is this profitable? She believes that if someone wants to open a business, that they should make sure that they will see themself being there for the longest haul. There is a lot of things to do in opening your own company. Research, research, research is the key.

I have a very supportive family. They think it’s cool that I’m following my passion and my dreams. They are my biggest fan.

Her biggest venture is the TV series is she working on is called “The Unlimited Lives of Gwen Salden” it is a story of a woman that suddenly finds herself time traveling in her sleep and living different lives in different realities. She has to figure out who she is and why certain things are happening to her.  The character has to figure out if everything she is going through: Is real or if she is just insane? Ms. Brenda loves sci-fi so she asked her talented write and good friend which is now one of the business partners’, to write her a sci-fi series.  They just got done filming the trailer for the investors. Her plan for the series is to get some funding for the pilot and build name recognition, then she will present it to reputable TV networks, nationally and or internationally.  “The Unlimited Lives of Gwen Salden” will appeal to both young and adult audiences. Fans of sci-fi, horror, suspense, comedy, drama, action will enjoy the series.

Her fans and audience can follow her through her social media:

IG, FB, Linkedin, Twitter, IMDB: Maria Brenda 

Ambition & Determination: Kayla Williams

Article Written By: Jalysa Dalmida

*Wise Advice She Received*

Always have fun with it

Don’t ever do anything you're uncomfortable with 

Model Life: "The Stoop Sessions: Part 1"

Her name is Saliyah Itoka. She was born and raised in Queens, NY but is currently living in Albany, NY.

She's been singing since she was really little. But she didn't start taking her music career seriously until January 2015 when she also started modeling.

She's been writing since she was 11 years old. Her creative passions come from working with other artists, sharing in their positive energy and learning from them. She has collaborated with other singers and rappers on her project and is very excited to hear the results. Her current project is in the works and the name that she's chosen for it is "The Stoop Sessions: Part I". She's inspired by singers from the 90's such as Aaliyah, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Toni Braxton, Anita Baker, Tank, Rihanna, Brandy, Whitney Houston, Drake, and The Weeknd. In full light she wanted to create a project that represented her on all levels. 

 One of her favorite songs on her new project is called "Loving You". It has a Tevin Campbell sample and has that feel good vibe that she loves about R&B. 

She's done 8 shows since she started her music career. But her most memorable experience as an Artist was her very first showcase because it was the first time she had ever performed her original music. She was nervous but it felt good knowing that people really liked what they heard. As a model she performed at the February 2015 Atlantic City Fashion Week. It gave her that boost of confidence that she needed to confirm that she was runway model material.

Future Events of Music and Modeling

Right now, her debut project is in the works. She is working really hard to complete it and make it perfect. In her modeling career, she just finished a show during NYFW and she's just grinding and pushing for the next show and next casting. As far as the future she just wants to continue to pursue what she loves to do and prove her doubters wrong.

For Booking and Features

For both music and modeling contact her at: saliyahitoka@gmail.com 

Facebook and Instagram: Saliyah Itoka and Instagram is: saliyah_itoka. 

Plus Size Modeling In NC

Jonice Cromartie is from Fayetteville NC. She loves her family. They are the ones that inspired her to be serious about her modeling career. She has been in numerous fashion shows. She started as a model performing in hair shows. Yet, the hair shows she enjoyed the most because they were different and exciting! The hairstylists and designers would see her on the runway and ask her to be in their shows. She doesn't just enjoy modeling but she also likes to sing and dance too. 

 

She received a lot of her professional training from John Casablanca, the modeling school in Raleigh NC. But she also believed that modeling has always been a gift that was given to her by God. So, she already knew how to walk and pose long before she went to school. But, while in school she accomplished a lot and received the award for best runway in class. 

In her free time she reflected on her experiences and if asked to share any words of wisdom the advice she would give to any other model is to "never give up on your dreams and go for what you love to do." 

As the fashion industry transforms she also shares her opinion saying that if she could change anything in the fashion world she would change how BBW Models are treated in the industry. If she were ever to be a designer she says she would use plus models more on the runway. 

She has plenty of experiene being on the runway but if she could improve on any area as a model it would be learning how to apply her own makeup for runway and fashion shows.

If she could work with any Supermodel it would be Naomi Campbell she states excitedly! When asked why that particular model she responses with "because she has class, attitude and confidence on the runway like me." 

She can be found and reached at the following: 

Facebook- Jonice Cromartie,  

Instagram- Jonice 22 jonicecromartie@yahoo.com

Handmade Fashions By Elegant Evenings

Michelle Ragland is the owner and founder of the company Elegant Evenings Boutique. She has been in business for four years. In conversation she reflects on when she was a little girl and how she use to dress her dolls up and have "fashion shows" and from there, at the age of nine she discovered fashion was her passion.  


The first design she did was a dress that her cousin wore to a formal event. She showed it to one of her seamstresses that she currently works with; she was so proud of herself, and excited because her cousin looked absolutely gorgeous.

The person who inspired her to start her brand was Monif C, and God. She always prayed and listened to what God was telling her before she took a leap into anything. Her brand caters to all types of audience from bridal, elegant events, pageants, kids, and couture clothing. Her latest fall fashion style are designs with a lot of orange and browns incorporated in her designs. She has attended 20 shows since her brand has been out.

I asked if there were any major setbacks and, yes there where some major setbacks. One of her major setbacks' was trying to get her brand out to the world and while not having enough family and close friends believe in her vision. It was only her mom and herself financing her vision and the cost of getting her brand out to the world was really expensive. But, with the help of God and the determination of herself and her mother, together they made Elegant Evenings come to life. 

During her time as a Fashion Designer, the best advice she was given was: "You must crawl before you walk. She uses that advice to inspire other models and during her selection process. She does have a method of choosing models. She loves to chose models who are passionate and serious about their career. She knows with those models they will be loyal, and will make her designs look more beautiful. She also uses models that are given to her. But, she prefers to do casting calls, and speak with the models.

If she could design for any supermodel it would be a mixture of these amazing models: Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Roshumba Williams. She sees these ladies as powerful and independent women. And to represent power If she could do a photo shoot anywhere in the world she would do the shoot in Africa.

She would love to thank everyone who has believed in her and her brand. She would love to thank her mom Josephine Brodie, her son Javon, her auntie and assistant Beatrice Gill, best friend Tracy Andrews, and Antoinne Duane Williams for the amazing networking and shoes they have done together. She would also like to thank Aly Camara, and Alvin AJR Imagery for the amazing photo shoots that they have done together over the years. She would also like to give a thank you all the beautiful and dedicated  models she has met over the years.   

So, Everyone can get in contact with her through facebook Elegant Evenings Boutique. She can also be found on instagram at: it's a couture thing, or on her website at: aelegantevenings.com.

Gospel Knowledge: Six:10 Clothing Brand

The name of her company is called Six:10 Clothing Brand. It's inspired from the book of Ephesians 6:10-20. The Armor of God. And I have been in business for about 3 years now. She discovered fashion was her passion around middle school when she couldn’t really find clothes she wanted that complemented her style.

Creative Vision: "EP Parallel Dreams"

Keiontae Alexander aka Keysoul is a versatile Artist from Benton Harbor Michigan. He considers himself to be an MC and Lyricist because he pushes himself to raise the bar but he also makes sure he still maintains the "MC" role to entertain the audience because to him that's a true artist. 

Career Woman (Red Dragon Promotions)

Her name is Ebony Tyson. She is from Nashville, NC. 

She started her promotional company called: "Red Dragon Promotions" from a place of passion and desire to help other people with gifts and talents be seen and heard. She offers promotional packages for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Welcome to HTDOGWTR: Home of Never 2 Fly 2 Pray & JeffreyLee Feather

Jeffrey Lee was very enthusiastic to interview with UPNEXTMAGAZINE. He started off with this opening statement: "Thank you so much for this opportunity to interview with you. I'm excited and appreciative of the platform to talk about my passion creative design and my company. My name is JeffreyLee Sawyer, first name is JeffreyLee and I'm from Charlotte, NC. Shout out to the 704! Htdogwtr is the house company I have two other brands under it Never 2 Fly 2 pray and JeffreyLee Feather."

For Trendsetters: Thorough Breed Apparel

Shayla Cobb is a dynamic and versatile designer. The name of her company is Thorough Breed Apparel which she started in 2006. 

#CASHPLUGRECORDS: Introducing My Plug Royalty

Being apart of a powerful movement that changes the lives of others is a blessing. I became associated with #Cashplugrecords about three months ago. I took the ball and I ran with it. I have not stopped running. I was given an opportunity to change my life and then I extended that same opportunity to the following plugs:

Saturday: (September 12, 2015): Plus Size, Swimsuit, Lingerie and Fashion Show

Ladies and Gentlemen I am proud to announce that I will be apart of this amazing opportunity to showcase some of the best fashion by the most exclusive local designers in the Raleigh Area. 

Please come out and support the beautiful women and handsome men who have dedicated their time to adding a little "spice" to the NC fashion scene for your viewing pleasure. There will also be quality performances by the best of the best in the music scene!

I look forward to seeing many of your lovely faces out in the crowd. It will be fun and it will be a success! 

Coast To Coast Fashion Show: November 1 2014

I decided to take my modeling career into my own hands. I realized that if you want to get anything done in life, that it is best to just do it yourself because if you wait for someone else to do it for you or to help you, you will never get anything done. 

I was not focused before. I was too busy trying to help everyone else "find" themselves, that I inevitably lost myself in trying to help them. 

Now, I'm focused on accomplishing my goals. It sounds selfish on one hand, but on the other hand if I don't help myself then how can I help and or be a blessing in helping other people? 

The Big Move: Virginia (Stability, Peace, Love)

 

 

I came to Virginia with one thought in mind and God opened my mind to several other options. How interesting?

I'm here because there is more opportunity here for me to make a difference. I know that being in NC was not where God needed for me to be, because every door that I tried to or was already opened slammed shut in my face.

I was working around in circles. I was wasting my life.

Those of you who know a word of prayer, pray for that God sends or blesses my life with the following:

Peace
Strength
Good health
My own good reliable transportation ( a car)
Stability (financial, mental, physical, emotional, spiritual)
LOVE

Thank you. If you have any comments to leave of encouragement please leave them. All kindness and love is always welcomed.

God bless

DC Bound: No Time For Play Play

I'm finally getting a trip out of NC. It may not be much to anyone else, but sure is a lot to me. I have been in NC for too long now. I don't necessarily look at this trip at a luxury one, because when I get there I will be looking for work and working.

If I do nothing else in my life, then I need to work to make money to help my grandmother. I'm single. No children. I have both arms and legs. I'm healthy (thank you GOD for good health). So there is no excuse why I can't, should not be working.

Its strange that the people who want to work, can't find work and those who don't care if they work or not/ don't want to work can find it the easiest.

If I end up staying there then I plan on really going for my masters degree. I have a feeling that that's what I need to do. It might not be much, but I feel like I need it. So we will see. Times are tough right now. But they are only as tough as we limit ourselves to think they are... right?

With God anything and everything is possible.