WITH THE QUEENS OF STEAM NEW ORLEANS 51
Atlanta52
Work Hard. Play Harder 53
GARRETTKLINEFULL 'STEAM AHEAD.....WRITTEN BY: After attending a fashion/glamour workshop in the Smokey Mountains,KRISTY ARANTES Garrett became very interested in Steampunk photography. In one of theGarrett Kline of Franklin, Pennsylvania modeling forums, he came across some great images by photographer Chuckbegan his career in the photography Coleman. Garrett became a fan andindustry in the 1980's with 35 mm film. started to follow Steampunk Chuck'sAt that time, he was shooting mostly work on Facebook. He became more andlandscape and nature photography. more interested in the Steampunk genre.Unfortunately, his camera was stolenfrom his home, and he completely Then in October of 2014, he learned thatstopped shooting. Chuck would be traveling to Akron, Ohio, which is only an hour from Garrett'sThen in 2006, his wife was working home. He sent Chuck a message andtowards her master's degree, and received an immediate reply with hisGarrett decided to do something while phone number. Garrett was shocked byshe studied. So, he picked up his first the immediate response and gave him adigital SLR camera and began to pursue call.his passion once again. He now shootsfor the local theater in Franklin, and he They engaged in a great 45 minutehas taken over 40 cast photos for them. telephone conversation. At this point,He also shoots events for the city of Garrett was very interested in meetingFranklin. But recently, his career has Chuck. But due to a scheduling conflict,taken off in an exciting new direction! they were unable to make it happen. 54
Garrett continued to follow Steampunk That evening, They discussed doing businessChuck via social media. He continued together. Garrett booked Steampunk Chuckreading his page and watching his videos, to come to Franklin, PA for two events. Theyalmost becoming a student of his craft. just wrapped up their third event earlier thisAfter a while, Garrett decided to try a month.Steampunk shoot of his own. He refers tothis time as \"BC\" or \"before Chuck\". He The events in Franklin have been verygathered his own wardrobe and successful. Garrett and Chuck have a fantasticaccessories and did the shoot. It was very working relationship. \"Hesuccessful, and Garrett was hooked! ( Chuck) knows what will compliment someone's physical appearance. He can bringIn March of 2015, he learned that Chuck out their inner and outer beauty through hiswas going to be in Ohio again. This time, images. That is what I am striving for, and Ihe was going to be in Cincinnati, which is a have a good teacher.\"six hour drive for Garrett. Initially, he didnot plan on driving that distance. Garrett was also able to travel to Boston toHowever, he received a message from meet Chuck's team! \" I got to see firsthand theChuck asking, \"Are you ready?\" to which 'whole picture' of what this is all about. It'she replied, \"For what??\" not just a photo shoot. The transformation is phenomenal. One of the main reasons that IChuck had remembered Garrett from their like to do this is the expression on theprevious conversation and wanted to see if person's face when they see the first image ofhe would be interested in his workshop. themselves. It is priceless!\"Garrett decided to take the opportunity!He arrived early Saturday morning to meet Garrett and Steampunk Chuck continue towith Chuck. They sat and chatted about build their friendship and workingphotography and business. relationship. You can catch them in Franklin, PA at the end of this month! If you areGarrett found that Chuck was very laid interested in a shoot, please contact :back and easy to talk with. \"I felt that I had [email protected]!known him for a long time, and we workedvery well together! I got to shoot three 55models that day, and it was veryinvigorating!\"
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Pete Peterson.It's incredible how one moment, one chance encounter, can completely change the course of one's life. Such was the case whenChuck Coleman and Pete Peterson crossed paths one evening in Germany.Most people don't realize that Steampunk Chuck was raised in the midwest city of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Needless to say, this wasnot a \"race friendly\" place to grow up. The civil rights movement was being fought, and segregation still existed. Chuck'sgrandfather had experienced far greater discrimination than one could imagine. For this reason, he frequently spoke with hisyoung grandson about how difficult his life would be. \"You will have to work 10 times harder than a white man to make it in thisworld.\" In Chuck's mind, having to work 10 times harder meant that he was t0 times less valuable. These words left a lastingimpression in the subconscious mind of Chuck. It often replayed throughout his childhood and into his teenage years.Ultimately, it turned into a belief that somewhat defined him.After high school, Chuck decided that he wanted to see the world. And the best way to accomplish this was to join the military.So he did, and before long he found himself in Germany, a long way from Guthrie! A whole new world was about to emerge forChuck.One evening, this young soldier was on the streets of Germany chatting with a group of girls. Suddenly, a beautiful BMW withnice rims appeared. Behind the wheel was a tall, dark and handsome African American male. He was well dressed and veryattractive. So, needless to say, the girls rushed over to his car and left Chuck behind. \"What if the possibilities were possible for him too?\"To some this may sound like a sad story,. However, this chance encounterwould forever alter everything Chuck had believed about being an AfricanAmerican male. The man in the car was none other than Pete Peterson....ayoung, successful African male who had it ALL! For Chuck, it kind of suckedthat he lost the attention of the girls, but he couldn't help but admire Pete.And from that encounter, a new friendship was formed. For the first time inhis life, Chuck questioned the beliefs that had been ingrained in him as ayoung boy. What if he didn't have to work 10 times as hard as a white manto succeed, what if he could achieve what Pete had achieved, what if thepossibilities were possible for him too?Fast forward many years later, Chuck and Pete have maintained a closefriendship and bond. Chuck refers to Pete as his \"guru\"! Pete is a verysuccessful business man who still lives in Germany. He continues to impactChuck's life in a profound way as business strategist and web developerfor Steampunk Chuck.Chuck credits Pete for changing his life. And now Chuck pays it forward bycatalyzing change in the lives of women. You never know what an impacta single moment can have on the life of another. It is for this reason thatthe Steampunk Chuck team strives to always plant seeds of hope andpositive change. Thank YOU Pete for all you have done and continue to doto make the world a better place!\"You will have to work 10 times harder than a white man to make it in this world.\" 57
WRITTEN BY: Deiah V.Deiah V. The experience revealed... In her own words...\"Queen58 for a Day.\"
\"We've all been hurt, left, betrayed, smothered by grief and tragedy, broken and confused.\"I cannot explain how incredible this experience has been,and continues to be....A domino effect started early Friday morning in the home of a former coworker, who also happensto be one of the strongest women I know. Oh, and not to mention, she has an absolute gift atmakeup design and execution, as well as in styling. I like that all of the women Chuck photographsshare a common bond. We've all been hurt, left, betrayed, smothered by grief and tragedy, brokenand confused. And yet, we all wake up each morning and do what has to be done... .because that'swhat \"we\" do. Society plays its part in shaping how women live their lives, and in so many wayswe've made progress. Likewise there is still a lot of work to be done. When will we realize that thegirl sitting next to you on the bus is likely hurting in a way that you too have hurt before? When willwe stop judging each other based on traditional beauty norms and start looking at each other asthe beautiful unique creations we each are? It's not easy, and as an almost'Society plays its part in shaping 59how women live their lives, andin so many ways we've madeprogress.\"
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30 year old female I STILL struggle with it places on our shoulders, and we carry forward, hunched backs and high heelsjudging and comparing myself to others. with a smile.My story takes its first hard road off center This experience with Chuck Coleman is an attempt to give women just like YOUwhen I was 14 and told I had Leukemia. an opportunity to throw your inhibitions and preconceptions out the window.The realization, understanding and It's an opportunity to see yourselves through another lens. The baggage youacceptance that my body attempted to carry will always be there waiting for you to pick it up again when you need todestroy me came much, much later. But feel the weight of it. This experience is about leaving all of your bags at thethe foundation was there. two and a half door. Come inside and relax. Meet some absolutely amazingly strong womenyears of 14 different chemotherapy who share in your own experiences a common thread that binds us all togetheragents and I finally took a deep breath, as a sisterhood. Oh, and Chuck? His ability to capture true, raw beauty isconfident my troubles were over. Silly unbelievable. He respects and loves women for the unique creations that weme! are!Four years ago, on July 2, 2011, my only I walked away from my Queen for a Day experience feeling incredible, strong,sibling, a brother named Josh, died as a powerful, attractive (even though I'm fully masked in some pictures!!!) Thisresult of a rock climbing accident. It was feeling is rekindled each time I pull up one of the images Chuck captured. Iso fast, how it happened. One moment encourage you, male of female, to really look at the images. Look beyond themy world was all in place, and the next props and see the message underneath. We are beautiful. We are strong. WeI'm told a vital piece of my life and my are fierce and mighty. We are delicate and deserving of affection. We arefuture has been removed. I felt powerless hurting. We are thriving. We are healing, and we are growing. What a gift toonce again. have a tangible document of my own journey. I encourage you to reflect on the images, provide any feedback or questions if so inclined. And if you want toFinally,, in August of 2014, I made the know more, just ask!!very difficult decision to leave myhusband. I had done everything I couldthink of or even imagine to make it work,to make it just a little better. But, it was invain. I finally realized that leaving wasthe only way I would ever live my lifeagain. I'm lucky that my ex and I arefriendly and amicable about our situation.But, it's still hard. Another dreamshattered into a million pieces.I share this not for anyone to feel badlyfor me, or even for the empathy. I share itbecause if you really look in the mirrorand examine your own life, you'll seemuch of the same pain, guilt, and griefthat I do. It is not measured by who hasthe most tragic story, but rather by thefact that you experienced it.As women, we really sell ourselves short.We conform to society and the norms 62
\"We are beautiful. We are strong. We are 63 fierce and mighty. We are delicate and deserving of affection. We are hurting.We are thriving. We are healing, and we are growing.\"
'THE WORLD OF KAYAFANTASY IS FOR HENDERSON EVERYONE.' THE NEWBIE & AUTHOR 64 WRITTEN BY: KAILEAKES Newest member of the team Kaya Henderson has a secret. When she’s not crafting the Steampunk style throughout the pages of Steampunk Chuck Magazine, she is busy writing as her alter ego, Kai Leakes. Born in Iowa, her family relocated , and she was raised in Alton, IL and St. Louis, MO. Kai Leakes was a multifaceted Midwestern child, who gained an addiction to books at an early age. The art of imagination was the beginning of Kai’s path of writing.
Meeting Chuck: “I became a part of Steampunk Chuck Magazine by accident. While searching for a photographer who has a unique style in bringing fantasy into life, I stumbled upon a beautiful image created by Chuck. It was of a young African American girl, in Steampunk attire, black & white striped leggings and with cute goggles. She was dressed incredibly and her image resonated with me because you don’t see too many African American models bringing Steampunk images to life. I loved it and reached out to Chuck immediately. I shared with him that I was looking for a cover for my multi- cultural Steampunk novel in the works. It lead me on a path I had no idea it would lead me to, which was working with Chuck in designing the magazine.” \"I aim to reach the children,teens,women and men who look like me that want to see themselves in the vast world of fantasy, including Steampunk.\"Although she shared impromptu, vibrant romance stories and fairy tales with her cousins as a teen, writing books didn't seem likesomething she would pursue. until one day in college. Storytelling continues to be a major part of her very DNA, with the goal of sharingtales that entertain and add color to a gray literary world. \"I have to say that my literary development and view of the world is a uniqueone. I grew up reading all types of fantasy novels and romance novels. I grew up imagining myself a superhero or explorer. I wished that Icould travel to imaginary lands, only to read the pages of the books or watch cartoons and shows that didn't reflect me. I find itdisheartening for children, teens, young adults and me as an adult. I cannot easily find my people, meaning African Americans, asprimary heroes, love interests, and more. This is why Chuck's picture resonated with me. I saw a young girl embracing the power of 65fantasy. She reflected everything I aimed to create in my writings for young girls and women. \"
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\"In her face I saw a role model for African American girls who love fantasyand one day my own daughter. Young black girls today don't get the chanceto see themselves loved, wanted, or as the hero. We, I say we because it's thesame as an adult, are made invisible., from the CW to ABC Family to HBOand more. Black women are never allowed to be chased or be the savior, andwe always have to love the default and never our own. Chuck's image gaveme a lens of hope for young black girls and boys everywhere and added tothe inspiration of my Steampunk story. Look at that image, she's gorgeousand deserves to be elevated too. Diversity is needed in Steampunk andfantasy.\" “My background in photography and being a self taught graphic designer didn’t deter Chuck at all. He immediately believed in me and my ability to create something great for him and I trusted in him. I’m learning as I’m going and hoping to continue to grow in my art with this and my writing.” 67
Kai - The Author:Since emerging as an author, Kai Leakes has released action-based Pararomancenovels about love, dedication, family, friendship, legacy, and survival. Sin Eaters:Devotion Book Series, begins with Sin Eaters: Devotion Book One, and ends withthe exciting tale with Sin Eaters: Retribution – Devotion Book Two. She’s currentlyin the process off submitting a new story, which has her stepping into thecontemporary romance genre with the novel, ‘The Rules of Pleasure: A Brother ofKemet Novel’. This steamy tale will hopefully come to bookstores nationwide by2015 or 2016. As well as its prequel, ‘Love, Lies, and Pleasure: A Brothers ofKemet Story’ and ‘Love, Lies, and Pleasure 2: A Brothers of Kemet Story’ which willbe featured in an the \"Body Heat: Romance & Erotica anthology \"with severalawesome authors: Brenda Hampton, Nikki Michelle, and more this September. \"I'm a sap for love!\"Also in the fall, she will be a part of a cyberfunk anthology ‘The City’ in which she has her very first cyberfunk short entitled ‘Free Your Mind’.“I love my secret. Creating romance, fantasy, vampires, dragons, Steampunk mages and more is something that I have been doing sincechildhood. I never thought that I’d take this path in my live but here I am. I aim to reach out to imaginative people just like myself, includingthe children, teens and young adults who need and have been asking to see themselves represented in books, TV, and movies.”“I love my secret. Creating romance, fantasy, vampires, dragons, Steampunk images and more is something that I have been doing sincechildhood. I never thought that I’d take this path in my live but here I am. I aim to reach out to imaginative people just like myself, includingthe children, teens and young adults who need and have been asking to see themselves represented in books, TV, and movie.” 6688 68
When not procrastinating something fiercely, Kai Leakes continues her love for fantasy with her current work titled, ‘Pulse' which is a fantasy (Steampunk) romance novel. But, not to leave her paranormal fan base lingering, via their energetic requests, she has released a short novel based on the Sin Eaters world which will feature the Guardians – ‘Rebel Guardians: Sin Eaters Chronicles Book One.’ She is also in the process of outlining, ‘Sin Eaters: Rebirth – Devotion Book Three” which will continue in sharing the adventures of Khamun and Sanna as they fight for humanity and Nephilims. “If it is my destiny to be a contributor to the dream, then I aim to bring it. Step into my world and take this journey with me.” As is her personal goal with writing, Kai Leakes will continue to work to bring a multi-faceted and diverse world to Fantasy and Romance.You can find her at her website: kwhp5f.wix.com/kai-leakes / Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaileakesbooksTwitter: @kaileakesBlogger: http://kaileakes.blogspot.com/Tumblr: http://kaileakes.tumblr.com/All books on sale at Amazon, BN, Walmart & more “the light always prevails.” –kai leakes 69
WRITTEN BY: KRISTY ARANTES Nestled in the small town of SilvertonELLESPA just outside Portland, Oregon is a dream WORLD CLASS HOPSITALITY getaway called ElleSpa. Recently, Steampunk Chuck and his team were 70 invited to do a shoot at the Willamette Valley's premier boutique spa retreat owned by Corey Geffken and Raechelle Brown. From the moment you enter the drive, you are swept away by the beauty and elegance of this six thousand square foot, turn of the century mansion built in 1890 and decorated in French Provincial. As you enter the front door, there is an ambiance of peace and tranquility. This beautiful home is decorated with breathtaking Victorian era furnishings. We were warmly greeted by the owners and offered our choice of wine to begin the evening. As we were shown to our lovely rooms, we were each provided with decadence, from Pelligrino water to luxurious bath robes and the most comfortable beds one could imagine. Each room had its private bathroom, some with a whirlpool tub. After a beautiful night of sleep, we were served breakfast, including mimosas and a delicious fruit and yogurt parfait. The day was off to an amazing start. We began hair and makeup to prepare for our shoot. As Elle was pampered, we were kept refreshed with wine and light snacks. We spent the day enjoying ElleSpa's hospitality, as well as giving them the Steampunk Chuck experience.
The day ended with a Beauty, serenity, and opulence...shoot at Silverton Falls.And then, an incredibly 71delicious 4 course mealprepared by their houseChef using fresh gardenvegetables and localingredients.Some of the team wasgiven the SignatureMassage, which isheavenly but is by nomeans the limit of theirrepertoire which includessome amazingly uniquedevices, many of whichare ElleSpa's owninvention. Elle preparesall handmade spaproducts from all organicingredients to fit eachclient's particular needs.From facials to massagesto food and wine, ElleSpadelivers world classservice. We are excitedto announce acollaboration withElleSpa to combine theirspa offerings withSteampunk Chuck'sQueen for a Dayexperience. Thesepackages will be offeredin weekend retreats. Lookfor more information tobe announced in the nearfuture, and learn how youcan escape the crazinessof life and retreat to theserenity of ElleSpa. Formore information, pleasevisit them online atwww.ellespa.org
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