Who doesn’t want to live in a world surrounded by beauty, makeup, and photo shoots? Hands up! Well, fab makeup artist Autumn Johnson has carved out her passion in the beauty industry and we’re thrilled to have her as a Beauty Editor for C.O.R.E Mag! Autumn Johnson graduated from The Academy of NYC: A Paul Mitchell Partner School in 2010. After graduation she went on to help launch the first Brooklyn Sephora store becoming their Beauty Studio Captain and later took her talents to work with stylists at Hair Rules Salon. The talented makeup artist has freelanced for innovative beauty companies such as Hourglass, Too Faced and Laura Mercier.
She has assisted with wig designs for Fashion Underground The World of Susanne Bartsch, an exhibit at the FIT Museum. She has also been apart of New York City’s fashion Week, The 48 film project and the short film New Clear from Kickstand Productions.
Today, Autumn is building her own brand providing makeup and hair services to women & men all over New York City. Aside from her beauty career, Autumn is also starting a nonprofit to help aid children in high-risk communities to become empowered and achieve all their goals and dreams.
Let’s get to know Autumn a little better…
You graduated from The Academy of NYC: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, what attracted you to the innovative world of beauty?
Honestly, I had a whole different career path before pursuing the world of beauty. I was on track to become a fashion merchandiser. I spent a year away at Delaware State University, I came home to work and go to school. I was looking for a way to earn extra money, that’s when the idea to go to beauty school came to mind. I had always known how to do hair naturally, that plus having my aunt, who was a cosmetologist, style my hair every two weeks since the age of five became my foundation for entering and falling in love with this world.
You’ve already worked NYC’s Fashion Week + assisted with the creation of the Fashion Underground The World of Susanne Bartsch, an exhibit at the FIT Museum! If you had to choose, what would be the biggest highlight in your blossoming career so far?
I would honestly say that the biggest highlight in my career thus far has been being apart of a production company by the name of Kickstand Productions. A really great friend of mine, along with some other great people, started the company and I have had the privilege of being one of the key makeup artist in a few of the projects.
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
There are so many people who inspire me I do not know where to begin. My mother is my biggest inspiration. She, like many other single moms, is such a strong woman. Beyonce, need I say more!?
Her work ethic is really what inspires me, the woman does not stop. Path McGrawth, I call her my makeup Godmother and Sam Fine my makeup Godfather. The two of them have set the bar, to me, for
artist of color. Their work is impeccable. Also Porsche, Sir John B, and Renny Vasquez all of who work inspires me.
What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to girls who wanted to pursue their dreams but are too nervous to start?
The first is to start. Start whatever it is you want to do. Start practicing, researching, whatever your passion maybe the bottom line is to start. The second, eliminate any type of negativity around your space.Negative words, bad habits, negative people, thoughts etc. I’m learning that positivity is a full time job, you have to commit to it. Even when life brings you to those moments where you think it’s over, it’s not. Try looking at whatever positive outcome can possibly come for that moment, and let that pull you through.
“I always knew that, being 100% wholeheartedly me was going to pay off.” – Solange. That would be the third, so I share that with you. Be 100% wholehearted you.
What is your ultimate goal you would like to achieve in this lifetime?
In this lifetime one ultimate goal I would like to achieve is becoming a creative director for an international makeup brand.
We are all about empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
Empowerment has a lot of different meanings to me. Motivating, supporting, and encouraging yourself, as well as from others, to be a better you.
Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Faves Artist?
-Beyonce
Food?
– Cupcakes, and Dough Doughnuts
Movie?
-Stormy Weather, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Cinderella
Lighting the way to a brighter future for our generation is key for change + Ignite The Dream is blazing the way! Launched by Danielle Johnson + Shantinique Hendricks, ITD’s mission is to expand opportunities and enhance the lives of young dreamers. They strive to rekindle the fire and unlock the potential in young people and enable them to imagine success in their future.
Ignite The Dream is an young individual led team founded by two college students that saw a need to help youth follow their dreams. Many children are raised around poverty, violence, and illness, which may hinder their dreams of being a success. However, not every child is faced with adverse living situations but they may be hindered from reaching their full potential. Every child should be awarded the opportunity to reach their full potential and follow their dreams. These two dynamic women have been guest speakers at the ” I Am My Sisters Keeper Conference” as well as the “I Am Worth It Conference”. They also host their own events within the community and incorporate fashion in education!
Let’s get to know Ignite The Dream a little better…
Ignite The Dream is a powerful organization that inspires youth to shine bright in their future, what made you want to create a platform to encourage young people? Being from Alabama it almost seemed like everyone around us felt like they couldn’t make it or couldn’t completely follow their dreams because of their location or their limited resources. We too had dreams we wanted to achieve and places we wanted to travel to but we knew we would not achieve them if we had a negative attitude and focused on the little things. We started Ignite the Dream to help the youth get back to dreaming and get back to working towards what they really wanted in life whether it was to be a doctor, lawyer, actor, or even a talk show host. Whatever their dreams may be we wanted to be a support system and a encouraging voice to let them know its possible if they work hard and never give up.
Being a voice in the community motivates others to be great, what type of events does Ignite The Dream host? Ignite the Dream host events that we know will cater to the inner needs of the youth and how they are feeling but will never talk about. We hosted a Tea Party for a local Martial Arts Academy in hopes of helping build girls ages 5 to 18 self esteem when it comes to being around other females and how to dress and act like an young lady. ITD also hosted “ Young Black Kings Reclaiming the Throne of Manhood” in honor of Mike Brown and Trayvon Martin. We had a panel of guest speakers that were successful men in the area that spoke words of wisdom and encouragement. There were free haircuts being given and a self-defense performance by a martial academy. ITD was also guest speakers at the “ I Am My Sisters Keeper” conference and the “I Am Worth It” conference talking to young ladies about success, following their dreams, and self-esteem. We also did free tutoring during the summer.
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why? When it comes to who inspires us I think we could talk forever, but to keep it brief our grandparents, mothers, some friends and mentors inspire us because they all worked so hard to get where they are in life and it only motivates us to work hard no matter what. Our moms are truly our backbone and our support system and I don’t know where or who we would be without them.
If you had to give one piece of advice to teen girls who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be? If we had to give teen girls who were struggling with being comfortable in their own skin apiece of advice it would be that in a world where the definition of beauty is controlled by the media sometimes it feels impossible to be happy with who you are, but take back the power! Strive to love yourself just as you are because once you learn to love yourself nothing or no one can stop you, you are worth it!
Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls? One thing I can honestly say we have learned from working with girls is strength despite circumstance. We have talked to so many different girls from different backgrounds and have heard stories and situations that you would think played a huge role on who you are, but these young ladies are still striving to be better and to succeed and they don’t let money or material things define them because they know who they are and what they bring to the table if they are given a chance.
We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization? To me empowerment means to be humble enough to look to the person next to you and say I wish you best even if you are going after the same dream. Empowerment means that you do not only want to make it to top but you are willing to bring other with you. To ITD empowerment means if we can say one thing that helps a young person or anybody reconsider going after a dream then we have accomplished what we came to do. We like to encourage and show young people how to work with a spirit of excellence in all that they do.
A positive movement matched with an influential voice is exactly what Keidre Harris embodies as a woman making a difference! Keidre launched Girl Power Chat Sessions to encourage, inspire and thrust Millennial and Generation X Professional Ladies in pursuit of their dreams. This power force has expanded into a radio broadcast, community forums, and so much more!
As a Preacher’s Kid, Keidre began serving in ministry under the leadership of her mother, Reverend Cynthia H. Harris throughout her pastoral appointments in Louisiana and Mississippi within the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). At the vibrant age of 22, she successfully served on the Campaign Staff of Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, President/Publisher of the AME Publishing House during the 2000 General Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Keidre holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from Jackson State University. In addition, she is a certified Housing Counselor with Neighbor/Works of America. She has appeared on KSLA Channel 12 News, Fox 33 News, and Streaming Faith Network (an international internet broadcast). She has been a featured guest during several radio shows aired on KSYB (1300 AM) and KDKS (102.1 FM) “I AM MY FAITH” talk show.
Let’s get to know Keidre a little better…
You launched GirlPowerChatSession.com to motivate and inspire women, what made you create this wonderful outlet?
After completing a youth project entitled PUSH Magazine, I felt a strong desire to impact the lives of Young Adult Ladies across the world. I wanted to be a beacon of light to those in need of encouragement, inspiration and motivation. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Girl Power Chat Session is a sisterhood established for college students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders experiencing setbacks, rejections and adversities.
You hold a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from Jackson State University! Did you know growing up what career path you wanted to take as an adult?
Yes, working in the field of business was always my passion.
Being an young business woman can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
Great Question! I pray and talk to God about the situation. Occasionally, I share my concerns with my family to gain advice and motivation. In an effort to remain effective my strategy to regroup is simply taking a break to clear and relax my mind. Also, I remind myself not to allow negative energy, defeat or disappointment derail my mission of impacting the lives of youth and young adults around the world.
What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to girls who wanted to pursue their dreams but are too nervous to start?
Girls never allow nervousness to hinder your pursuit in achieving a dream. Remember being nervous is not an indicator to stop going after your dreams. If we could interview President Barack Obama or First Lady Michelle Obama they would probably admit to moments they experienced nervousness from time to time.
Try using the Coach and Cheerleader concept. Pray and seek a mentor. Connecting with someone who has been where you are going will help you through the process of achieving your dreams. Also, surround yourself with a great group of family and friends who will encourage you along your journey.
Be your greatest encourager! To overcome nervousness you must speak positive and uplifting affirmations while pursuing your dreams. The bible is a great tool. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If you believe, you can overcome anything!
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
My mother, Rev. Cynthia H. Harris is a great inspiration. I will forever admire her resilience demonstrated throughout my life. She is a phenomenal woman of elegance and grace. As a child, she became my favorite preacher after ministering the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. My big sister, Monica Harris Price inspires me through her creativity and words of encouragement.
My pastor, Bishop L. Lawrence Brandon allows me to enhance my giftings in the areas of Ministry and Business while serving at Praise Temple of Shreveport. As my mentor, I admire his tenacity of building people, communities, and cities to Advance God’s Kingdom Agenda. He is truly a Man of Action.
We are all about empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
I believe empowerment awakens areas in your life that may be lying dormant. The bible says in Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.” Empowerment gives knowledge to enhance one’s life for the greater good both personally and professionally.
Time for the Faves!
Artist? Tye Tribbit; Tasha Cobbs, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Bishop Paul S. Morton
Food? Love Pizza, Chicken Pasta, and Soul Food
Movie? Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls,
New Movie Favs: Furious 7 and Avengers: Age of the Ultron
Inspiration is contagious, right? Of course it is and True Belles is sprinkling it everywhere! As a community based organization, True Belles has a mission to recondition the minds of young girls teaching them to be individuals of tact, class and integrity through learning to love, respect and accept themselves! This empowering organization seeks to be productive in their lives so that they in turn become productive within their own lives and the lives of others.
True Belles is a community based youth development program that serve young girls 7-14 years of age. Their sole purpose is to enhance lives by providing the proper tools that will produce life long success. True Belles was formed under the the proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ They understand that children are faced with many negative influences and experiences and for that reason alone it takes more than a mom and (or) dad to teach a child the ways of life.
Let’s get to know True Belles a little better…
True Belles reconditions the minds of young girls teaching them to be individuals of tact, class and integrity through learning to love, respect and accept themselves. What made you launch this empowering organization?
The inspiration behind the True Belles Mentoring Program is none other than my Belle herself, Miss Tiana Reed, who noticed a very disturbing preview of an upcoming reality show that depicted black females as being less than ladylike. Understanding that television is of a great influence to young girls such as herself, she decided that together we should provide an alternative to the negativity by coming up with something positive.
Your organization offers a variety of programs for girls – Discover, Lead, Serve. How does each program shape the success for girls?
Though each individual segment serves its own purpose, only together will it truly shape success. When girls are taught how to tap in and discover all the great qualities that are innate, they become strong, confident and bold which sets them up for to become leaders that will at some point serve their communities.
If you had to give one piece of advice to girls who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be?
My advice to girls who struggle being comfortable in their own skin is this: Puzzles come with many defining pieces. In order to see the full beauty of the puzzle, each piece has its own part to play and is equally important so understand that just like that puzzle piece, you have your own shape, size and color and no matter how different you may seem to others, you have an important place in this beautiful puzzle that we call our world; embrace your position. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by so many great individuals however, my current inspiration comes from our Fist Lady, Michelle Obama!! Mrs. Obama is everything that a Belle is known for. She is beautiful, smart, innovative and classy but yet an all around, down to earth, fun girl.
Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?
Working with today’s young girls I have learned to be resilient. Young girls have it hard and they go through so much but they somehow manage to shake it off and bounce back time and time again.
We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?
What empowerment means to myself and my organization is simple, it is nothing more than unadulterated awareness. They say that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear so when you open your mind to accept all of life’s great lesson you allow those new and powerful awarenesses to be untainted.
Stylish, smart + business savvy are all of the qualities of veteran journalist + editor Tai Beauchamp! Known for her savvy sense of style and ability to deliver inspiring and aspirational insights, women of all ages recognize her as the voice of stylish living.
Hailing from NYC Beauchamp earned a B.A. in English literature from Spelman College and attended New York University’s Television Production program.
Beauchamp launched her editorial career interning at Good Housekeeping and Harper’s Bazaar magazines and went on to work as a beauty editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, Suede, and Seventeen. She later served as the deputy editor of VIBE Vixen and style contributor to www.ivillage.com.
Today, Beauchamp is Style Ambassador of InStyle, a lauded host, beauty and style authority, and CEO of Tai Life Media, LLC. Tai has partnered with some of the most reputable consumer and retail brands including Dior Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Tacori, Target, and Proctor & Gamble where she served as spokesperson of P&G’s My Black is Beautiful Movement. She appears regularly as a correspondent on network and cable television for the likes of ABC, CBS, BET, TV One and shows including “The Today Show,” “Good Day New York,” “Entertainment Tonight”, “The Talk”, “Bethenny” and the “The Wendy Williams Show.” Tai has also hosted The Grammy and Academy Awards red carpets and is a powerful public speaker.
She is also a social entrepreneur and champion for causes, most of them aimed toward youth and education and empowering women through fashion and beauty.
Let’s get to know Tai a little better…
You’re an amazing journalist and editor who has worked with a variety of top media outlets! How did you first dive into your career?
Interning is the most critical experience a young person can have when pursuing any industry or career. And not just for the obvious reasons. Sometimes you are fortunate as I was to find something and an industry I loved but sometimes interning can be about learning what you don’t want to do–it can be a process of elimination. Interning is also about building relationships and meeting people in your industry who might be future bosses, colleagues, mentors, etc. Internships also help individuals understand how to operate in a professional environment. My first internship in publishing was a full summer internship at Good Housekeeping. At the time Hearst Magazines had an organized summer internship program for about 30 young people. I worked really hard and built solid relationships during that internship that I still have today. I interned the following summer at Harper’s Bazaar. And when I graduated the following year, O, The Oprah Magazine was just launching and that’s where I began working officially in publishing as the fashion/beauty assistant.
Having an extensive background in style & beauty what is one fashion & beauty tip that you live by?
True style is individual…there is no set formula for style. Use your style to say something fabulous to the world.
Life can become stressful specially when you’re achieving your dream, how do you regroup & stay focus?
This is a tough one because I believe that no matter how perfectly wrapped things may seem on the outside, nothing is perfect! It’s certainly challenging for everyone, no matter where you are in life. Whether you are a company CEO, a manager, or an intern, there are and will be challenges. There are a few things I do to recharge and stay focused.
1) I pray and meditate daily.
2) I workout at least 4-6 x a week.
3) I surround myself with people who believe, champion, and support me and my dreams. These are my “riders”! When I don’t have the strength or vision on a day, they remind and ultimately rally me.
4.)I take inventory and stock of my goals at least quarterly. This is a good way to not only evaluate your progress but to determine if there are other avenues I should consider.
5) I get out of dodge! I love and know how to check out. I can’t do it often but I’m a big believer in taking time away from it all! And I do it as often as possible.
6) I mentor. People think that to be a mentor is all about giving. Truly, mentoring is as much about giving as it is receiving. I learn so much from the young people that I mentor. And at the end of it, however, these young people are also my inspiration to keep going.
What is your ultimate goal you would like to achieve in this lifetime?
There are so many things I want to achieve…spiritually, personally, and professionally. All my goals for the most part, center around touching as many lives as meaningfully as possible. I do look forward to being a wife and mother…it’s about that time.
Being a teen can be tough when you’re growing up, what was the most vital lesson as a teen you learned that carried into your adult life?
The most critical lesson I learned as a teen that I didn’t necessarily believe at the time but know it is true today is cliche that so many parents still stay “you are the company that you keep”. I’m still best friends with two of my childhood best friends. But even more than that, I know that the people I surround myself with are a reflection of who I am andmy style. Keep good people around you!
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
I don’t know if I “pull characteristics” from others as much as there are qualities I respect and admire in others. Some of the people who inspire me are my grandmom, Oprah, Ryan Seacrest, a dear friend who is like a little sister to me, Clementine Wamariya and so many of my friends that are truly too many to write. They all inspire me for different reasons. My grandmom inspires me because she has always been a beautiful spirit with a warm heart. She’s also the strongest and most resilient person I know! Oprah because I so admire her as a business woman, philanthropist, champion of women and brilliance. He has redefined what it means to be a super producer. Clementine is like the Buddha come to real life…she exudes peace, love and grace and makes me to want to be more peaceful, loving, and gracious. And I’d also say my godchildren because their happiness is contagious.
Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Celeb…hmmm Brad Pitt, I think. I can be a bit fickle…after “Happy” came out, it was Pharrell…I’m sure it will change again.
Favorite artist, I’m blasting Beyonce, Jay Z, Stevie Wonder, and Pharrell right now…I wish I could get them to put something out together…all four of them.Sushi, I could each sushi everyday!
Every girl should live bold, love strong and laugh loud! Girls; Live, Love, Laugh, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focusing on 6-13 year old girls living with limited resources in the inner city of Newark, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Their vision is to empower girls by building positive self-esteem, proper etiquette, self respect, and health/fitness. They aim to make a difference by removing obstacles that stand in their way, so that they can become respectable, successful, productive, and happy young ladies. This influential organization offers a variety of programs that focuses on many pressing issues that are relevant in today’s society.
Let’s get to know Girls; Live.Love.Laugh, Inc. a little better…
Girls; Live. Love. Laugh, Inc. empowers girls by building positive self-esteem, proper etiquette, self-respect, and health/fitness! What made you launch this empowering organization?
I didn’t launch this empowering organization, God had this vision and is just using me to do his work. I was the chosen one. I now know that every test, every trail and tribulation that I have been through he was preparing me for this assignment. When God blesses you with a gift or a calling, it is up to us to answer him and use our gifts. Girls; Live. Love. Laugh. Inc. in here because of Him.
How does Girls; Live. Love.Laugh, Inc. encourages positive family influence in young ladies lives?
Family is extremely important to the very foundation of Girls; Live. Love. Laugh, Inc. Losing our parents at an young age, all of my sibling and I had was each other. I do not know what would have become of us if my parents did not instill the value of family before their passing. We teach our girls that in our organization we are family. We may not always agree or get along, but as with blood relatives, we work through it together. We also encourage open communication between mentors and the parents. It’s about building a support system that let’s our girls know that they are not alone and there are people who they can turn too no matter what. At GLLLs, there is nothing more important than family, but God.
If you had to give one piece of advice to teen girls who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be?
God made no mistakes when he made you. You are beautiful just the way you are. Your uniqueness separates you from everyone else in the world; embrace it, love it and own it. There will never be another You; so live life impressing yourself, and being the best you can possible be. YOU ROCK!
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
My mom is my greatest inspiration. Growing up in the projects with 7 siblings I never knew that we were what society deemed as “poor”. My mom worked and went to school. She was not just a provider for her children, but all the children in the neighborhood. Although it wasn’t much, she shared everything she had with everyone. She raised her children on the scripture Mark 12:31 “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”. I inherited my spirit of community giving and loving from my mom.
Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?
One of the most transforming things I have learned from our girls is to DREAM BIG and FEAR NOTHING! Every year we ask the girls to fill-out profile cards where they are allowed to share anything, specifically, their dreams and goals. Over the years I’ve noticed that some of the girl’s dreams were the same dreams I had at their age. Unlike our girls, I was fearful and lacked the self-esteem to pursue my dreams. Because of their fearless spirit I was inspired to pursue my college degree and start my own business. I am now entering my final semester at Essex County College, where I will be receiving my degree in Social Work. I am also the proud owner of The Youthpreneur, LLC. a dedicated to providing events and entertainment specific to youth. As they set out to make me proud, I want to make them as equally proud.
We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?
To me, Empowerment means finding your own voice, and then helping others to find theirs. Empowerment also means investing in your community by giving back through volunteer work and community service. Girls;Live, Love, Laugh Inc. believe that Empowerment is helping your sisters; wanting for them, the same things you would want for yourself. We have an obligation to one another as sisters, and that is to pull up the next sister by providing them with the tools and resources that were afforded to us.
Fun Faves! Song? Food? Artist? Celeb Crush?
Eating Pizza, Traveling, Singing and Reading are my fun faves. My favorite song is Fantasia’s “Sometimes you have to lose to win again”. My favorite artist includes Fantasia and Pastor Shirley Caesar. My favorite celebrity crush I would have to say my husband Andre. He’s my celebrity and I have the biggest crush on him.
We love to spotlight empowering girls achieving their dreams and we’re delighted to share that one of our past featured females is on her way to the top!
Last August we featured talented songstress Karen McCormick on C.O.R.E Mag. Her beautiful voice grabbed the attention of our ears as well as her growing fan base who can’t get enough of her amazing gift she continues to share with the world!
Since we’ve featured her she’s opened up for for Terry McDermott’s of NBC’s “The Voice” as well as being invited to sing in Nashville! We’re excited to announce that her acoustic version of her original song “A Better Man” will be available TODAY exclusively through signing up for her newsletter on at KarenMccormickMusic.com. So head over and sign up, loves!
Take a peek at her beautiful covers for Meghan Trainor’s new single “Lips Are Movin'” + “The Heart Wants What It Wants” by Selena Gomez.
