LEVEL21 THE LAUNCH EDITORIAL OVERVIEW LEVEL21MAGAZINEis a National Fashion publication with a twist. For years, we have witnessed the unreliable and forever misleading headlines from news sources we have all grown to love. But now it is our time to deliver to you honest, and unbiased cutting edge information on Fashion, Beauty, Community, Spirituality, World news, and Entertainment. We give our readers all the information they need and want-from their perspective,and in their own voice. LEVEL 21 is more than a magazine. Our mission is to save the Media/ Entertainment Industry one issue at a time. Look to us to help enhance and transform lives. The information that LEVEL21 provides is life-changing: WE are empowered, and in the process we are taking back the media and entertainment industry from those who want to degrade, misinform and harm others through manipulation of the masses. For all these reasons, LEVEL21 will evolve into an institution that embodies the hopes and aspirations of people everywhere. A MAP OF THE MAGAZINE Feat ures Quarterly, LEVEL21 provides a diverse array of articles that offer an in-depth look at issues of particular importance to the lovers of Fashion, Faith and Community. Our features cover love and family relationships, fashion, beauty, entertainment, personal growth, spiritually, and healthy living as well as investigative journalism covering stories that highlight community issues and news events. Depart ment s The BEAUTY section offers the latest in hairstyles, hair care, skin care, makeup and fragrances-and provides tips that enhance and simplify the lives of LEVEL21 readers. We want to helpwomen and menfeel as beautiful as they are. The FASHION pages celebrate and support the world of fashion for men andwoman,that are uplifting and less degrading then what current mainstream media has to offer. We report on trends in clothing and accessories, offer news about designers,makeovers,and solutions to style questions. The ENTERTAINMENT section covers the latest and hottest in music, movies, television, theater, dance and art. It includes intimate conversations with notable entertainers and artists. Although we pull from various news sources, we make sure we focus on the news that is most empowering, entertaining, and uplifting for our readers. The COMMUNITY section is a favorite among our readers. This section showcases the latest community news in our Nation.As well as spotlighting local charities and non-profits in the Charlotte, as well as, the surrounding DC, Maryland, and VirginiaArea. CONTRIBUTORS Anitra Scott~(Operations)Stephanie Majewski~(Marketing)~Sharteira Wilkerson~Journalist/ Event Coordinator)~Intern-Matt Lovett~(Journalist)~Intern-Lacey-Bree Watchford~(Editor)~Desiree Helm(Writer)~Monica Jones(NYC Contributor)~Captured by Kevin( One Five O Studio)~Events by Viv.- Fashion DLUX~Photography-Isil Dohnke~Sergio Apaez Velasco(MUA-DLUX)~Hair(PAC Public Relations-DLUX)3BBM(Model Management)~Todd Young Blood(Photographer-Jacinda)~ Monique Simone(MUA-Jacinda)~ Yolonda Simms~(Hair Stylist-Jacinda)~Tygerian Lace(Wordrobe-Jacinda Shoot)~ Derria Underwood( Stylist-Jacinda)~Candice Rushing(Model Coordinator)~Faith&family Career for Flowers family(DFitz Photography)~Mary Kate & Ashley( Photographer~Inez and Vinoodh)~The House of LeMond(LeMond Modeling) Meet The Owners Tempestt Harris(CEO/Cheif) was born and raised in the Metropolitan area of Charlotte, NC. She graduated from Garinger High School in 2005. She is currently studying Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Charlotte. Her creative mind and talents have led her to fall in love with publication and media. Growing up in an underprivileged neighborhood herself, and suffering from abuse and bullying throughout her childhood helped to motivate her to start The Level-Up Foundation. Her goal is to guide and teach young girls that being self-confident and successful are possible, despite where they come from. Tempestt has a love for Christ and Fashion. These passions help to shape the Level 21 Magazine motto -?Where Faith, Fashion, and Community Collide.?She has an expertise in product launches for business-to-business, consumer and not-for-profit arenas. Tempestt has a proven ability to build strong relationships and achieve results by implementing tactical and strategic sales initiatives based on customer needs analysis.Maresa Scott (VP/Editor)was born and raised in the Washington, DCMetropolitan area. She graduated from Suitland High School located in District Heights, MD in 2005. She currently has a Bachelor?s Degree in Business Management from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and is currently pursuing a Master?s Degree in Business Management-Entrepreneurship, as well as, a Bachelor?s Degree in Information Technology-Cyber Security. Her artistic mind and business savvy mindset has led her to go into the field of Project Management and Marketing. Coming up in underprivileged neighborhoods and being exposed to the lack of culture, abuse, lack of educational resources and low aspirations has led her towant to create an outlet or program that teaches young girls that they can break the cycle. Being subjected to this type of environment has helped to motivate her to partner-up with Tempestt to pursue a dream where young girls are educated on their possibilities, and told their dreams are withinreach. Maresa?s goal is to provide cultural and community awareness, provide educational opportunities, and provide positive mentors to the younggirls within the community. Maresa offers an award-winning track record of customer care excellence in high volume environments, and has a talent for mastering technology.
PHOTOGRAPHER: LUCIJANA JYOTIRETOUCHER: ISADORA B. PHOTOGRAPHYMODEL: SHAYNE LAOMUA: DESSA CARROLLFUSCHIA DRESS: LightInTheBox
#RI TAVS.EV H ave you noticed anything about Charlotte lately? The people here are getting a whole lot trendier. Gone are the days of jeans and Walmart, are here are the days of boutiques and haberdasheries. The once cute little southern town in North Carolina now boast a population of nearly 1 million people, and according to recent report done by the University of North Carolina, more than 2000 of the people moving here a year are from the Big Apple. It?s no wonder the fashion industry in Charlotte is growing. But wait, you didn?t know Charlotte had a fashion industry? You aren?t alone. A recent blog post submitted anonymously to CLT models blog site titled ?What?s Wrong with the Fashion Industry in Charlotte? has everyone around town talking about the state of fashion in the QC. Below, one exert from the blog, reflects just what a lot of individuals in Charlotte feel W hat They Said... ?Fashion Industry.? WAIT?!?? Charlotte has a FASHION INDUSTRY?!??!? All the time I hear people say ?the Fashion Industry in Charlotte is growing,? but I have to strongly disagree. What I have observed is a bunch of People/ Companies/ Organizations taking advantage of Models, HMUAs, Photographers and Community support to further their own personal financial gain. By definition an industry is defined as the production of goods or services within an economy. The major source of revenue of a group or company is the indicator of its relevant industry. When Level 21 Magazine was first introduced to the Charlotte fashion scene we were surprised and elated to find out just how talented and gifted the models, artist, photographers and designers here were. However, underneath the excitement, we were troubled to discover that many people in the area didn?t know there was even a fashion scene and or that the fashion scene here was working hard to help local charities prosper. In fact, the real ?pink elephant? on the runway is that hardly anyone in this growing industry is actually earning any money. By definition, an industry cannot survive in an economy that is not growing. We set out to understand why such a thriving trade was failing despite its popularity. What we uncovered was a disconnected community. At the heart of the division lies an industry separated as either for or against one company in particular ?Charlotte Seen? and its owner Rita Mills.
RI TA EV
Cont inued.. Rita Miles dinero, funds, ends, etc. Yet, these individuals/Fashion Show Producers can go on luxury vacations and publicize it all over social media about what a good time they?re having. It is downright shameful and disgusting. These Models, Volunteers, Hair/Makeup Artists put in so much time and effort to make your shows a success, and you can?t even pay them A DIME!!!! Here?s a thought for all of you so-called Fashion Show Producers & Companies/Organizations that claim to want to bring a bigger Fashion presence to the Charlotte area & make it another East Coast Fashion Capital. Instead of fighting amongst yourselves, burning bridges & disappointing people in the hopes of gross personal financial gain, how about working together & actually doing what you tell people you are trying to do. In the long run, WHEN the Charlotte area does reach that Fashion Capital status, EVERYONE will benefit from it. The anonymous blogger was not alone in their thought process, as some of the readers responding to the blog weighed in with their concerns on social media. Rita Miles Then Facebook Said.. LaVonndra Johnson: \"Oh wow! I could go on and on about this post, but simply put, I agree with the article. As for the Charlotte fashion scene . . . . . what fashion scene???There isn't a fashion scene if we're candidly honest about this topic. There is a social scene in which fashion events are created under the guise of being fashion/runway shows.\" Daniel Worthington Smith: \"Wow these points are eye openers. Sadly there seems to be unprofessionalism on both sides, including the models, there has been a lot of cases where the actions, drama, and words from \"certain people\" have left a really bad impression on me. We need to get it together as a whole before its to late.\"Model: Alexis jones Antoinne Duane JonesCompany: Splash Magazine CharlottePhotographer:Kendrick Best \"From an outsider looking in its amazing how blatant the disregard for fashion professionals has been in a market with such potential.Stop bickering and squash all the feuding. With that being said, I personally wouldn?t EVERwork with theCharlotte Seen folks EVERAGAIN!! But to end in a good note. Talent is all around in Charlotte! I have hadthe opportunity to encounter so many gifted people. Do what I do, travel more. See what the rest of theSoutheast has to offer then return to Charlotte and help implement change!! \"Anna via Twitter:\"I ask Rita to model in this years show for Charlotte Seen and She said I had to pay a 45.00 fee!! Oh no gonetoo far!\"
Rit a M iles Vs. Everybody Cont inued Rita: Yes absolutely! I won?t make promises but we have some things in the works. What do you t hink is act ual l y needed t o make Charl ot t e an act ual f ashion Indust ry? Rita: We need to stop the bickering and the fighting and come together. Once again we may not be New York or Paris. But we are Charlotte. We can have our own Fashion Industry. At The End of The Day... Now that the ?Pink Elephant? has left the runway, we wondered what could be done to mend the relationships within the fashion scene in the Queen City to form one united fashion industry that is functional and prosperous for all. What is the Solution? Is it too much to ask for us to come together? As of right now we have Charlotte Seen fashion week, Charlotte International Style Week, NC Fashion Week, and Charlotte Lingerie Week. The weeks go on and on. We just don?t have time to mention them all. Wouldn?t you think it would create massive revenue for Charlotte to build one reputable integrated fashion industry where all the individual elements within the whole worked together cohesively to benefit all? Wouldn?t it make sense for all 45 (excuse me) 7 fashion weeks to come together for the ultimate CHARLOTTE FASHION week housing all the different runway show productions all in one great week of fashion? The money that could be made would be phenomenal! One Unforgettable fashion week each year. Not only for the fashion scene but for Charlotte period. There is only one CIAA, only one Race week. So it is possible. Maybe it?s a dream. But it doesn?t have to be. If everyone involved in all the hullabaloo, put their pride and past hurt aside, learned to forgive and move forward we could accomplish something great to shift the commerce here in Charlotte. We could give Atlanta a run for its money as the new fashion capital of the South. Proverbs16:18 says. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Bet t er it is t o be of an humbl e spirit wit h t he l owl y, t han t o divide t he spoil wit h t he proud. All it takes is that one phone call, that one apology, that one step forward. So everyone could do what they love and get paid at the same time. Now, these are just our thoughts. While it won?t cure world peace, it may help heal a city divided against itself. And while we were unable to cover every single problem the QC faces in rising to the top of the fashion game, we could not cover every single topic in the blog post in just one story. Rather you are on Rita's side or just..well with everyone else , we know you have a lot to say about this and we want to hear it! Follow us on social media and use the hashtag # ritavseverybody.Tell us your thoughts pertaining to this article. You never know what topic we will choose to confront next! Twitter: level 21 magazine,Fb: Level 21 Magazine, Instagram:@level21mag You can read more of the anonymous blog here:https:/ / cltmodels.wordpress.com/ 2016/ 01/ 24/ whats-wrong-with-the-fashion -industry-in-charlotte/ resources: https:/ / ui.uncc.edu/ story/ charlotte-mecklenburg-migration-dashboard By:Tempestt Harris&Desiree Helm
THE ROW was established in 2006 by Ashley Olsenand Mary-Kate Olsen. Since its launch, the brandhas expanded to include a range of ready-to-wear,eyewear, and handbags. THE ROW reflects a senseof relaxed and timeless elegance, focusing on finefabrics and the perfect fit. In 2012, The Council ofFashion Designers of America named Ashley andMary-Kate as Womenswear Designers of The Year.Part of THE ROW?s mission is to support high-endfashion manufacturing in the US. Enjoy the Spring2016 collection.
have fun. My family has always been \"It was by far the best experience I've eversupportive of whatever career decisions I had.?make. They try to make it out to everyshow I do and have even danced on stage Neiko and Janisse have big plans for theirwith me before! little family. Behind their personal goals of opening a dance studio for Janisse, orFrom childhood both Janisse and Neiko having a ?guy? talk show for Neiko, is ahad early aspirations for a life center larger vision to change the way youngstage. ?As a kid I knew I wanted to do African Americans are portrayed in thesomething in entertainment. I LOVEmusic entertainment industry. Turn on the TV atbut wasn?t quite sure what I wanted to do. any given time and you can see countlessMy wife actually tricked me into perusing images of scantily clad women, cheatingradio. One day she told me she had a husbands or bickering couples. Thedentist appointment that she wanted me Flower?s hope to change that image byto attend with her. In actuality she had presenting a young couple that is asarranged for a shadow opportunity at my stylish as they are loving towards eachfavorite radio station that morning. I was other and their children. Driven by 3so excited. I remember thinking about how simple priorities; God, Family andmany times I had listened to them and Purpose, they are inspired by theirnow here I was sitting beside them. It was children and a purpose to encouragean instant high. He smiled so much while young adults to be themselves, loveexplaining his experience that his joy themselves and reach for their dreams.could be felt in the room. From that ?When most people think of Christianity,moment on, Neiko knew he wanted to be they envision uptight conservative peoplein radio. Since then he has interviewed that are judgmental and have no idea howmany celebrities and even traveled to to have fun. We want people to think ofLos Angeles last year to cover the red God differently. Worshipping God is cool.carpet at the BET awards. Janisse was Our goal is to show people what it is like tonext in sharing her love of all things be a modern believer. By being real anddance. ?I knew by 8th grade that I wanted relevant we want to inspire others to live aDance to be a part of my profession I just life that is centered in Christ?. Neikodidn't know how. I would say \"maybe I'll wants to show young men that it isbe a choreographer, or a professional possible to love God, love your wife anddancer, or a dance teacher.\" I didn't know I still be considered a modernwould do all 3!\" Janisse received a great contemporary man. Janisse has a heartopportunity in 2012 to dance and sing for the women in her generation. Shebackground in a show called \"This is the wants to promote positive self-images60's\". It was a rock concert documentary among today?s young ladies. ?Someonethat toured the USfor 2 months. has to show these ladies that you don?t have to show everything you got to be fly, you don?t have to follow the status quo?. Janisse commented as both her and Neiko looked towards each other and l aughed. IMAGE ?Yeah?says Neiko, ?Our style and our image are very important to us.?The couple is known in their community for being fashion forward. ?My style is based on the day or event on which I'm attending. I can go from cool and comfortable with a v-neck and ripped jeans to a full button down suit. Truly I'm a free spirit and base my attire on how I feel that day. I really don't have a favorite designer. I just go what makes me feel good. From Good Will to Gucci it's all good with me!? Janisse joins in. ?My fashion and style are about being comfortable and able to move. Being a choreographer/teacher and mother, I spend a lot of time in leggings! I have more of a rocker vibe. I don't really have a favorite designer either. I just like to find deals on what looks expensive for a
THEHOUSE OFLEMOND \"STAY DAPPER MY FRIENDS\"The House of LeMond Men's Boutique is a blast from the past, with all of the Modernappeal and flair. It's a one stop shop for all things dapper.Voted \"Best Men's Boutique\",The House of LeMond is owned and operated by LeMondCrayton-Hart. In addition to being a trendsetting Entrepreneur, he is also a Veteran,International Model, Celebrity Stylist, Designer, Photographer, Creative Director, ShowProducer, and Fashion Consultant with more than 20 years of experience.Having a Love for Vintage Clothing and the details displayed in their presentation, TheHouse of LeMond decided to design a new line of Men's Custom Suits. These StaplePieces would have many of the same details that one would see in a high qualityvintage suit. These details could be functional sleeve buttons, peaked lapels,banded-backs, quarter custom linings, custom name badges, elbow patches, andbuttoned collars. There will be 12 different fabric selections, and 7 styles. There arealso custom shirts, shoes, bow ties, pocket-squares, lapel-flowers/ pins/ buttons andbel t s.Since we are already all about preserving and appreciating the old. It's only natural thatthe next thing would be to repurpose garments. We are doing just that through our\"House Renovation Collection\". It's a line of One-of-a-kind Master TailoredReconstructed Denim Jackets and Vest. These too, are staple pieces that are guaranteedto help you capitalize on your individuality and stand out from the Cookie Cutter MallHoppers!Please feel free to learn more about the House of LeMond and Join our journey andmission to ensure that everyone has the opportunity and knowledge to be able to# staydappermyfriends!IG-@t hehouseof l emondwww.http:/ / www.thehouseoflemond.bigcartel.com/
Phot ographer:Jamar Bl uesol
Tiffany Michael PhotographyCandiceThe M odel SHE DOES M ORE THAN SLAY THE RUNWAY Recently, Level21 Magazine had the pleasure to interview a very brilliant, and influential person of the Charlotte Fashion Industry, Candice Rushing. Candice is such an intricate and important part of the Fashion Industry for so many reasons. She does more than just modeling, literally. She is also a model coach, mentor, model liaison, spokes model, promoter, an actress, a business woman, a community leader and has an amazing spirit. Candice started her modeling career at the age of fourteen with a well-known beauty school in the Charlotte, NC. She was trained by ?Inspiring Model Company?and International Model Coach, Renee Knorr with My Beauti Network. Modeling has always been a passion of Candice. Nothing in her life was easy, nor was anything handed to her. Candice had to work extremely hard, and diligently to get to where she is. Candice also had battles with something that too many teenagers have been exposed to, bullying. Runway was a way for her to escape the harsh realities of the environment she lived, and was exposed to daily. But overall, all of these milestones in her life helped mold and shape her into the powerful woman she is today. Tell the readersa little bit about you. Where are you from, your family life and do you have any siblings? I'm just a little country girl from Monroe, NC but I graduated from Lancaster, SC. I have three beautiful children. I have two girls, ages 14 and 11-years old, and one son that just turned five years old. I have an amazing husband, which we are going on 15-years this coming July. I love my family they are the reason I go hard in the industry. I have seven siblings, four sistersand three brothers. I am the 3rd oldest in my family. For those that do not know, what do you currently do in the industry? I assist with the casting and coordination of models, runway coaching and I also model. I love working with new face models, but I do also work with experienced models as well. I try to provide tips and tactics with industry exposure, and placing them in atmosphere?s where they can be discovered and network. I?ve had the opportunity and honor of working with corporations at their luxury events, such as Belk?s in South Park Mall, Haute Exclusive and Fashion D?LUX We know your name to be \"Candice The Model\" but you do much more. What isdrivesyou?What inspiresyou to you to go so hard? I am motivated when I think about all the individuals who teased me in school, and those who said I could never be where I am today. I go hard, not only for me, but for my family as well. I can't allow my past to interfere with my future. I know I am in control of my future. I also know God allowed me to be tested, and that allowed me to be the person I am today. I know the feeling of been bullied, being considered an outcast, or feeling alone in this world. I use my testimony to keep me pushing and helping these young ladies find their way in this industry. Everyone use to give me the cold shoulder when I started,so now I help others and want to inspire other independent models through the same struggles.
Tiffany Michael PhotographyCandiceThe M odel
Events By Viv
Fantasia, Kevin and Guest at the opening Daneille Trotta ,Amber Freeze
Daneille Trotta ,Amber Freeze
DANIELLETROTTATALKSSTYLEAnative of Westchester, N.Y., Danielle Trotta and her family have called Charlotte and Indianapolis home. She attended Carmel High School in Carmel, Ind., where she was part of three consecutive state championships in swimming and diving, and excelled as a springboard diver. Trotta attended four colleges in Indiana, Vermont, Boston and Charlotte. She is a graduate of University of North Carolina-Charlotte with a degree in Mass Communications and currently resides in Charlotte. She has made her way into the Fox Sports family and has narrowed her focus as a broadcaster, she has primarily covered all forms of racing as well as ACC sports while in the Charlotte area. She hosted The ACC Blitz, the ACC Network?s pregame and halftime show, with Coach Tommy Bowden in 2011. In addition, Trotta spent five years with WBTV in Charlotte, where she anchored six live sports shows each weekend, serving as the host of Sports Saturday Night and co-host of Football Friday Night and Point After with D & D. She also has written football columns for Charlotte Weekly and contributes weekly segments on NASCAR and ACC Football on ESPN Radio 730 AM in Charlotte.The versatile broadcaster joined the FOX Sports family in July 2010 as a reporter for NASCAR RACE HUB and progressed into a co-hosting role in 2012. The same year, Trotta was tabbed to host SPEED coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Awards Ceremony from Las Vegas, in addition to her duties co-hosting NASCAR PERFORMANCE with Larry McReynolds, Chad Knaus and Jeff Hammond. In 2015, she ventured into the NFL as a sideline reporter for NFL on FOX. Danielle Trotta returns in 2016 as co-host of NASCAR RACE HUB, FS1?s popular daily NASCAR news and information program, alongside co-host Adam Alexander. Trotta also returns to host Xfinity Raceday on FOX & FS1 from the racetrack each Saturday and joins NASCAR on FOX for the Sprint Cup Series in 2016. Trotta also hosts various NASCAR specials and events throughout the year, and has anchored multiple Supercross and MotoGP races on FS1. Trotta recently exercising her talents during one of the most viewed races in American Motorsports, The Daytona 500 Pre-Race show on FOX February, 21st 2016.
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