Interview With Taran Knight, Fashion and Music Professional!

Taran Knight (Also Known As DARMONE) Is a Fashion Artist, Songwriter, Producer & Co-Owner Of Upcoming New Company “Davis, Smith & Knight Music LLC” Where Their Ultimate Goal Is To Create Timeless Music That Will Unite The World, One Song At a Time. He Has Been Around The Fashion Industry For Around 3 Years & In The Music Business For 2 Years Now. A Spiritual Human Being, Taran Want To Find The True Meaning Of Life, That’s Why He Is On His Journey.

1) Describe yourself in three sentences.

I’m a Spiritual Being. I’m at Peace With Life. I’m 

2) Tell us about your childhood. How would you describe your upbringing in a few sentences? How did this affect your adulthood?

My Childhood Was Something That Brought Me Good & Bad Times. Moreso, I Was Bullied A lot & Made Fun Of For My Looks & Whatnot. It Was Something That Pushed Me To The Brink Of Suicide in 2008. But After Getting The Help I Needed, I’ve Overcame The Obstacles. Told Myself That I’ll Never Let Myself Get To That Point Ever Again.

3) What motivates you to succeed? Advice for others seeking inspiration?

One Thing I’ve Learned Is That Everyday Creates Your History. When I Get a Chance to Inspire & Motivate Others, It’s Such a Blessing Because I Never Thought In a Million Years, That I Could Inspire Many People Like I Did. So As Long As I Can Continue to do That, Then That’s The Motivation I Need. And The Advice I Would Give Others Is To Never Give Up. Follow Your Dreams, But Work Hard Towards Them. A Dream Will Only Stay a Dream, If There’s No Dedication & Hardwork Towards Your Goals.

4) Tell us your definition of a "win" and a "loss"? 

I Never Say I “Lose”. It’s Either I Win or I “Learn”. You Can Never Lose If You Never Give Up.

5) If you could change something about your past, would you?

I’ve Made Mistakes In The Past That I’m Not Proud Of. But I’ve Learn From Them & It Shaped Me Into The Person That I Am Today.

6) Sum up your career goals, life goals, personal goals in a few sentences.

Career Goals? Be Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame & Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall Of Fame. I Want to Do Something Really Special For All The Fashion Models in My City Of Detroit. Start a Beautiful Family & Become One Of The Greatest Who Have Ever Lived.

7) What is your most appreciated "failure"?

In The Words Of Dr. Eric Thomas, It Taught Me That if You Want To Succeed, As Bad As You Want to Breath, Then You’ll Be Successful. I’ve Been Rejected More Times Than I’ve Been Selected For Projects. But I Kept Pushing Because I Want to Leave a Legacy. 

8) Where will you be in 10 years?

Life Brings Surprises. I Can Tell Where I Want to Be, But I’ll Take It One Day At a Time. Want to Enjoy The Ride.

9)One word to describe your future?

“Fab” (Fabulous)”

FB: Taran Knight

Instagram: @darmonemcmxciii

COVER STORY : Why Bach to Rock Naperville Should Be Your Go-To Music School!

Our Former Editor-In-Chief, Calynn M. Lawrence, gave us the scoop on the hottest thing in arts education! It's "America's Music School." It's Bach To Rock Naperville!

Bach To Rock Naperville is a growing music school that came to the area in late 2018! They offer music education programs for a variety of instruments, genres and ages. From their early childhood classes, such as Rock City and Rock n’ Roll, that teach music and movement and give kids an exploratory curriculum, to their private lessons that give one on one hands on instruction and interactive learning, to their band programs that allow you to rock out in front of an audience, they have it all! 

With over 35 schools across the nation, they’ve been making moves and grooves since 2006! Being less than 15 years old, Bach To Rock has had wickedly rapid expansion across the U.S. and is not slowing down for anybody. They have both corporate and franchise division schools. But, they all operate under the same mantra and mentality that Music Education should be fun and informative, and that’s amazing! Bach To Rock Naperville is one of the newer schools but has been certainly applying this as well, everyone from management to instructors to students!

Some things to note about Bach To Rock Naperville: 

They value giving their students a balanced education that doesn’t just focus on learning a few songs, unlike some schools. They actually have a specialized curriculum that teaches both performance, comprehension and music theory. Things like reading music, understanding all of the details of your instruments and getting a diverse grasp on concepts are standard practice. 

They also believe in being active in the community. Some art schools can become so caught up in the operations of their academy that they lose sight of what’s going on around them. Bach To Rock Naperville takes initiative to make sure that this is not the case for them. They do weekly community events, often offering donated services like an instructor band or DJ. They reach out and engage with local organizations such as charities, book stores-libraries  home & school associations and farmers markets!

A couple of quotes from the staff:

“At Bach to Rock, there is a place for everyone! Growing up as a music student myself, it seemed I was always limited to classical music or musical theater in my private voice lessons.  What I was really interested in was music that was familiar and popular. My mom was always listening to Celine Dion and I wanted to sing just like her! At Bach to Rock, our students are encouraged to play and learn music they enjoy. We use those songs to teach music concepts that will allow students to be successful musicians; whether they decide to continue music as a hobby or if they decide to seriously pursue music as a profession.” - Tina, Director at Bach To Rock Naperville

Check Out Their Upcoming Events:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/B2RNapervilleIL/events/

Check Out Their Website:

naperville.b2rmusic.com

Meet the Multi-Talented Artist, MaNazah Chandler!

The eldest raised in a single parent home, in the small town of Muskegon, MI, MaNazah Chandler effortlessly graduated Cum Laude from Muskegon High School (MHS) in June 2010. Shortly after, she moved out of her mother’s house, moved out of her hometown, moved to Detroit, MI in addition to starting college at Wayne State University (WSU) all at the tender age of 17. The first of her generation to finish college; graduating in May 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from WSU at 22. She’s also a 3-Year AmeriCorps Alum who understands the importance of being a Servant Leader for the community.

A documentary titled, “My Girl Story”, MaNazah provided Voiceover Narration for, was selected into two 2019 Film Festivals in Detroit: I See You Awards & Trinity International Film Festival (TIFF). The short film titled, “FAMOUS the Movie”, MaNazah played a short speaking role in, was also accepted into the TIFF. She’ll be gracing the Runway, modeling for 4 designers, during the 37^th Annual African World Festival (AWF), Detroit Rocks the Runway @ 9 PM on Saturday, August 17^th 2019 outside the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

1) Describe yourself in three sentences.

MaNazah Chandler leads by example living passionately and serving her community. A true nurturer who spreads love and light to each person and place she graces. MaNazah is one dedicated, multifaceted and determined soul who works diligently to build a legacy to support a better quality of life for herself and others. 

2) Tell us about your childhood. How would you describe your upbringing in a few sentences? How did this effect your adulthood?

I’m grateful to have had a magical childhood where using my imagination and playing outside was LIFE. I was raised in a single-parent home by my strong, beautiful mother, Easter Jean Young. I’ve never been in Boot Camp, yet I’m sure my upbringing would be the perfect depiction; only with better tasting food prepared in LOVE. I thought the yelling and whooping’s would never stop. I wasn’t a horrible child. I was the quiet, straight A student with Perfect Attendance. I respected my mom, kept my room clean and my chores done. My mom did not play about those chores; if I did not get up as soon as she said, it would be a problem. I love and miss my mother dearly; she transitioned at 50 years young in Detroit, December 2018. As an adult, I have a low tolerance for others yelling at me. Through her teachings, she assured I was disciplined, knowledgeable, strong, loving and fully prepared for this world before she departed. As an adult, my mom always told me to, “Work SMARTER, not HARDER.” When I was a little girl, she told me, “You can do ANYTHING you put your mind to.” & I’m doing just that. 

3) What motivates you to succeed? Advice for others seeking inspiration?

Honestly, I find motivation to persevere regardless from every aspect of life, good or bad. In each experience, there’s something to be gained to aid us all in elevating to that next level. The fact that I’m not quite living the life I envision in my head, motivates me to keep pushing forward daily until it becomes my reality.

Advice for others: Immerse yourself in the things that fill you up with joy, stay in touch with your imagination, create, spread love, try something new, take deep breaths, travel, volunteer, laugh (your a** off), dance, spend time in nature, put your bare feet in the dirt to ground yourself and most importantly express gratitude daily for all you’ve had, have and desire to obtain. Follow and connect with others who are doing what you desire to pursue. Surround yourself with positive, inspirational people and lastly, love on you, take care of yourself and never give up on yourself or your dreams. You are your biggest supporter!

4) Tell us your definition of a "win" and a "loss"? 

My definition of a “win” is anything you accomplish, grand or minute, you’ve been toiling at diligently with no expectation of receiving recognition. The greatest wins are the ones others have no clue about.

My definition of a “loss” is a win in disguise. There’s always more to be gained and a lesson to be learned for further growth. When you “lose” something, it actually makes more room for the magical things to flow right in. #Winning

5) If you could change something about your past, would you?

I would say no, yet I would’ve learned how to drive and become comfortable with driving while I was a teenager. I currently do not drive, and I don’t have an interest in doing so. 

6) Sum up your career goals, life goals, personal goals in a few sentences.

I yearn to just LIVE, explore and thoroughly enjoy this magnificent life of mine. Being my own boss, having multiple streams of income, living a passion-filled life doing the many things I love: Acting, Singing, Voiceover, Emceeing, Volunteering, Spoken Word Poetry, Modeling, Event Organizing, etc. Simply leading by example to help guide others to their dream, purpose-filled lives.

7) What is your most appreciated "failure"?

It’s difficult for me to answer this question because again, I perceive my losses/failures as wins in disguise. I appreciate them all, big or small, because I wouldn’t be the dynamic woman I am today.

I stay winning!

Follow Her!

in: www.linkedin.com/in/msmanazah/

fb: www.facebook.com/MamaNazah6/

IG: www.instagram.com/mama_nazah/

fb: www.facebook.com/MaNazahChandler/

IG: www.instagram.com/organizedgeniusog/

fb: www.facebook.com/OrganizedGeniusOG/

IG: www.instagram.com/mama_nazah_memes/

Triple Threat, Andre Bellos Speaks Out

Born in Chicago to immigrant parents, Andre was the middle child out of five. Being brought up in a blended family, being of half Greek and half Salvadorian decent theatre was in his blood. By age thirteen he was enrolled in Barbizon modeling school and graduating 15 weeks later. He spent the next 4 years taking singing, dancing, and acting lessons and graduated from Maine West high in 2005. Once in college he formed a group quartet w/ his friend's, singing and dancing to popular music at local events. This only encouraged his passion and helped perfect his craft, but after only one year the group went their separate ways. In 2007 Andre dropped out of college to pursue his dreams full time, he had his sights set on something else, and in 2009 he signed a digital distribution deal with Nimbit music llc. 

By age 23 Andre Bellos had become a triple threat and broke through the challenge of standing out amongst the crowd as the newest Chicago singing sensation. On July 4th, of 2013 Andre Bellos released his highly anticipated official debut album "Mythology". This was the graduation to another level of artistry; the album was independently released and includes 7 original compositions and 2 unreleased tracks. Mythology produced a few hits including Explode, but by far the biggest single was "Otra Vez" (Tried again) which was the first Spanglish unreleased single from this crossover artist. The song hit the top ten w/in 7 days on local pop charts for Chicago, and in 2015 was re-released with new cover art and renamed, Mythology re-loaded. Expansion for his brand was inevitable, after some success in the local music scene Andre moved on to acting. Starting out as a background artist for 6 years and moving up from there, modeling soon followed. Print ad campaigns and magazine covers really helped grow the #TeamAndreB movement. It was initially produced by friends and family, along with social media it took on a personality of its own. There are Team Andre B. groups in almost all 50 states in the U.S. and growing internationally. 

Andre has been seen on Fox's hit show Empire, meshing music, acting, and fashion. He garnered cameos in the controversial Spike Lee joint "Chi-raq" and the Ron Howard film "The Dilemma", just to name a couple projects. His break out acting role comes as state attorney investigator Billy Coburn on Dick Wolf's NBC drama Chicago Justice. He now spends his free time volunteering on his "Do the right thing" initiative, traveling state to state shedding light on Non-For-profits organizations. Outside of his activism work he has launched an accessory line with up and coming designer Jessica De La Cruz in 2017. Things have now come full circle for this dancer turned all around entertainer. Mr. Bellos is represented by Babes'n'Beaus Model/Talent agency. (Illinois/Georgia), & Planet Earth agency.

1) Describe yourself in three sentences.

I am a people person.

I am a down to earth person.

I am a grateful person.

2) Tell us about your childhood. How would you describe your upbringing in a few sentences? How did this effect your adulthood?

My childhood was an average upbringing in the suburbs of Illinois. My family is blended and I have two brothers and two sisters, it was easy to get lost in the bunch. My escape was entertainment, music, movies, television, art, you name it, I loved it!

3) What motivates you to succeed? Advice for others seeking inspiration?

Helping and inspiring others is what motivates me to succeed. My advice for others seeking inspiration is look within yourself and fill that void in the world that we so desperately need. Find your niche, help others, work harder than anyone else, and be the best! 

4) Tell us your definition of a "win" and a "loss"?

There truly are no "losses", every single success, every single failure is a win. Whether you win or lose, you always learn. As long as you are better than the person you used to be, you know you are on the right track.

5) If you could change something about your past, would you?

No, everything I've been through in my past has made me the person I am today.

6) Sum up your career goals, life goals, personal goals in a few sentences.

My career goal is to leave a lasting impression on the film and television industry. My life goal is to leave my mark on this earth by helping as many people as I can. My personal goal is to find true happiness.

7) What is your most appreciated "failure"?

After our first season, the show I was on, Chicago Justice, was suddenly cancelled. I went into a deep depression and created an initiative called, "Do the right thing". I have been traveling the Midwest shedding light on different non for profit organizations.  http://www.andrebellos.com

http://www.facebook.com/andre.bellos

http://www.facebook.com/@teamandreb

http://www.instagram.com/andrebellos

http://www.youtube.com/andrebellos

http://www.twitter.com/@andre_b87

Plus Size Fashionista, Gigi, Is On Fire!

Giavonni Jenkins is a curvy, multi-award winning model, brand ambassador and actress. As seen on the Steve Harvey Talk Show & VH1’s reality TV show “Black Ink Crew Chicago". She has been modeling for several years now and flourishing. She is a curvaceous, petite, plus size model that advocates in erasing negative stigmas regarding curvy women while encouraging body positivity for ALL women.

She has modeled for Ashley Stewart, Sears & Roebuck and Co. & Macy’s and more. She is the proud recipient of the “Model of the Year 2017” award that she has received from the "Fashion World Grammys" right here in Chicago. Also, you can find her modeling on the website of Bella Sky and HerTreasures boutique. Currently, she is one of the Semi-finalist for the Finding Ashley Stewart 2019 promotional campaign and contest. She has graced the New York runways during New York Fashion Week for "RunWays on Fire" & “NYFW Takeover”. In addition, she has had the pleasure of being a brand ambassador for brands like Nickelodeon & Gatorade and Model Esteem etc. Likewise, she has been blessed to have walk the runway for the 2018 “Black Women’s Expo” which takes place in front of 35,000 people each year. Additionally, Giavonni has a degree in Fashion Production from The Illinois Institute of Art, which has only enhanced her knowledge in the fashion industry world. Her expertise is in runway, print, editorial, showroom, commercial, Ecomm modeling styles and more.

Giavonni also serves in ministry with her church, as a part of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry (IPM) at New Life Convent Southeast “Outreach and Special project Team”. She wears many hats such as mediator & counselor with gifts in exhortation, healing and deliverance.

1) Describe yourself in three sentences.

I am a person that sets out to inspire and empower others. I love to laugh and enjoy this one life that we have been blessed to have.

2) Tell us about your childhood. How would you describe your upbringing in a few sentences? How did this affect your adulthood?

 I grew up between two worlds. I grew up between the Northside of Chicago and the Southside. I had to learn to adapt quickly. I grew up as a latchkey in the 80’s. It taught me how to be very self-aware and responsible very early on. I had be too be creative as a child and these skills has very much helped and me now in my adult years.

3) What motivates you to succeed? Advice for others seeking inspiration.

I prayed to God to ignite my passion again. I lost it after what I call a major life changing set back. He hears and He answers! This is the most focus that I have been in a very, very long time. Therefore, I draw my strength from God he is my inspiration and motivation when I want to give up. When “others” did not believe in me, He always did and for that I Am eternal grateful.

4) Tell us your definition of a "win" and a "loss"?

A “WIN” is again that God is in (Approved by Him); a loss is anything that MY God is not a part of (meaning it was not authorized by HIM)!

5) If you could change something about your past, would you?

Yes, I have a laundry list and you don’t have enough paper! However, I am learning to trust the process even when things do not turn out the way I envisioned them.

6) Sum up your career goals, life goals, and personal goals in a few sentences.

Learning to push pass my let downs and failures with the intention to bounce back better than that last time. Learning to give myself the grace and mercy that I freely give others. Do not settle anymore ever & aim high and add tax & interest!

7) What is your most appreciated "failure"?

All of them, It taught me that I am much stronger than I ever would have known had I not experience them. Come to find out I am much more resilient that I realized!

8) Describe your feelings about plus-sized fashion, the industry and the representation? What are your critiques?

My critique about the industry is one of the reasons why I am a part of it, to bring about change and bring more attention to body positivity and what that may look like for the future.  We as women want to see “real life” models, women and men that look more like ‘US’ (FullFigured). We will eventual become the norm and I am just the women to aid in pushing this movement.

9) Why do you want to be Ms. Ashley Stewart and what sets you apart?

I pride myself in bringing love, passion, fierceness and a raw sense of confidence and truth that I have found within, this sets me apart. Also, I have a story to tell that includes restoration & second chances. In addition, I want women to know that there is a new level of body acceptance that is taking place in world and that our time is now.

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