Princess Ball which allowed each young girl to come in & feel like royalty while dressing in fancy gowns & meeting The first black Mrs. Louisiana, Mrs. Nomica Guillory.

I Am Gracious is a powerful organization that encourages, empowers and motivates young women, what made you want to create a platform to allow young people to shine?

I would see so many young girls who seemed so focused on getting attention based on the way that they looked and seeking to get that validation from young men or just about anywhere they thought feasible. I wanted to share with them the validation that I had received from my parents and as well as teach them that validation comes from within oneself. We live in a society where the media implants a false image of who and what a young woman should resemble, so I vowed to take a stand to teach the contrary and impart knowledge and wisdom in the young females lives.

Being a voice in the community motivates others to be great, how do you teach teen ladies to be a positive role model?

We do this by teaching them about the importance of participating in a positive way in their family, schooling, and community. Another way is by teaching them to speak positively. It may sound simple, but even we as adults have a hard time doing this. How many times in your life has someone ever said to you, “You’ll never lose weight.” & you took that and literally and didn’t lose the weight? There’s a scripture that says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”….If I speak negatively, I’ve killed a dream before it has been able to take root. So, I teach the girls to take the negatives and turn them into positives. This means to speak positively about the situations that you are handed in your life, no matter what they may be.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

I have to say that one person who inspires me is Tamron Hall. She is beautiful & well poised, down to earth and doesn’t allow her image to be defined. But I’d be remised if I didn’t say that the assignment of I Am Gracious wasn’t inspired by God. I would wake up out of a dead sleep and write down visions of things that I was given. Being the person that I am, (very shy and always a background person) I would think, “Why would God give me something like this to do?”, but I had to learn to that it’s not my will, but His.

Founder of I Am Gracious, Trista Ledet Ames

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?

My advice to teen girls struggling with being comfortable in their own skin is to really take a look at yourself & know that you are a beautiful, unique creation made from God Himself. EVERYTHING that God has made is perfect in His own image. Speak these positive things to yourself daily until you begin to believe it!

Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?

I think that I’ve learned the “Hear us out” trait lol! Why couldn’t someone figure that out when I was a teen? Lol Seriously though, they’ve taught me that they really just want to be heard. Their ideas, dreams and hopes, their side of the story, etc. If we would take a moment to pause and just listen, we would find that each girl is on a journey to find themselves and they may need you to be their “compass”, but in order for you to be that to them, you must listen to them so that you can help guide them on the right path.

The day of their completion ceremony from The W.A.I.T.S Plan – A 12 week abstinence awareness program

We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?

Empowerment means to uplift any and every individual that you may come in contact with. We never know who may need encouragement, motivation or even a smile to make it through the day!

Fun Faves! Song? Food? Artist? Celeb Crush?

Fun faves about me: I love to mud ride on 4 wheelers (It’s a country thing!), Travel and spend time with my family…We are a big bunch, so it is always a fun time. Favorite song- I love so many different songs that it would be very hard to choose just one. Favorite food – My goodness, I just love food, but I’d have to say my dad’s Jambalaya. My favorite artist – again there are so many, but I’d have to say (Male) my baby brother Joshua Ledet with his soulful sound and crazy range& (Female) Toni Braxton with her deep tone. Now, I don’t really have a celebrity crush, because my husband is one wonderful man that no one compares to him in my book (it’s ok to smile Kevin) 🙂 but if I have I just have to list one, it would probably have to be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Only because he seems like a genuine, and caring person by the way he shows such care when speaking about his mother and his life & of course I think he’s a pretty good actor in these roles that seem to show his compassionate side for people/children like The Game Plan, Walking Tall & Gridiron Gang.

Find out more here!

I Am Gracious

Writing comes from sweet spirits of the heart and teen blogger Cheyenne Jackson lets her soul flow with each piece she shares. Hailing from Ohio, the 18 year old pours herself into her blog called Vintage Ghosts. She uses this honest platform to be vulnerable and genuine which encourages her readers to do the same.  She shares her passion of cooking, activism, art, personal updates, reviews, beauty diy’s and much more. The sincerity of her blog is that she takes you on an honest journey of ups and downs as she navigates this thing called life with a curious appetite.

This young activist is unapologetic and stands for change! She is a huge supporter of #BlackLivesMatter, the LGBT community, and Color Of Change.

Cheyenne launched the Ghost Movement for anyone that has ever felt invisible or left unheard. This movement is for the people that have ever felt silenced for sharing their opinions. And to speak up about social injustices they feel that needs to be said or heard including slut-shaming, racism, bullying, homophobia, and mental illness. This movement is for those to influence change one step at a time and not feel alone.

This beautiful + brilliant blogger plans to use her art skills after High School in the study of Culinary in New York or France.

Let’s get to know Cheyenne a little better!

You’re a fly teen blogger covering all topics from tasty treats to beauty goodies to personal struggles. What made you want dive into blogging?

Thank you! I dove into blogging to express myself. I’m multi-talented so I was like why not showcase my talents and connect with other people that liked the same thing as me? I wanted to create a blog that not only covered food and beauty. But my life, sharing my journey with others. Covering a wide range of topics some teens would be uncomfortable to talk about. My goal was to make a blog for people like me feel free to visit and know there are others that can connect.

Blogging is a great outlet to share your journey, how does your site allow you to express yourself and your dreams?

Blogging has allowed me to share and express myself in many ways. On Vintage Ghosts I focus on being as open and honest as possible with my readers. It allows me to share my journey through life, whether they may be good times or bad. But it allows me to share my creativity with them and my dreams I hope to make happen someday.

You describe yourself as an introverted teen! It’s awesome that you’re discovering key personality traits about yourself already! How do you recharge as an introvert and do you get pressure from your peers to be more extroverted?

Thank you! I think having a good amount of alone time works for me. I love my friends and enjoy being around them, but I also need down time. Most of my friends are extroverted. So a great thing about our friendship is we both respect each other’s personalities. We don’t pressure each other to be a certain way. I believe that’s one of the great things about having friends that are extroverted. Although you may be different in ways you still respect each other’s differences and characteristics.

Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

I try to remind myself no matter how hard things get I’m not alone. And that’s something I try to share with my readers as well. We all feel defeated at times but we’ll move pass it eventually, and become better and stronger. I also try to remember how far I’ve come and how much more I can not only bring others, but to the world.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

I tend to get inspiration from everyone. There’s something from each person that inspires me differently. I’m a very diverse and open person. My inspirations can come from many people for many different reasons. From my art to my activism, to my writing, to my cooking.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?

Empowerment means to me reminding people that no matter what obstacles we may face in life, we can do almost anything. It begins in believing and empowering yourself to know you can go after any dream, or achieve any goal.

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?

My celebrity crush would have to be Jaden Smith. I love his music and his artistry. I enjoy many artists and their creativity, so I don’t think I can say I have a fave. I love sweets so I definitely have to say ice cream is my favorite food. As for my favorite movie; The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It helped me so much during my earlier stages as a teen, while I was still figuring myself out.

Check out more of Cheyenne here!

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Living life to the fullest is what we thrive to do and with helpful hints sprinkled along the way it  makes the journey so much sweeter! Brittney Grant is the creator of KeepingupwithBritt.com who shares her vibrant spirit of loving and creating. Her goal is to continue to inspire and help individuals in their everyday lives through her knowledge and personal experience. Healthy Lifestyle and Beauty Enthusiast with years of first hand experience, she empowers you and throws some of  her simple, easy and affordable life hacks your way too!

“Remember, no one can take care of you like you can take care of you, so please take care! A Happy, Healthy life is the best life.” – Brittney Grant, KeepingUpwithBritt.com

Let’s get to know Brittney a little better…

You’re a fly lifestyle blogger hailing from Brooklyn, NY! What made you want to blog about health and beauty?

I’ve always been passionate about Health and Beauty! Growing up, health was an important part of my childhood, my family stressed the importance of “Good Food” and the effect it had on our bodies and overall health; my parents made an effort to ensure that my diet was rich in fruits, vegetables, home-cooked meals and healthy lifestyle practices. I was probably the only kid in my junior high school who knew what a green smoothie was!

Blogging is a great outlet to share your journey, how does your site allow you to express yourself and your dreams?

KeepingupwithBritt.com has allowed me to share my love for Beauty, Fashion, Food, Photography and Graphic Design in a way that has allowed me to inspire and help others in their everyday lives.

Health is sometimes a topic that is overlooked in the black community, why was it important to blog on your healthy lifestyle?

That’s just it, health is sometimes a topic that is overlooked in the black community and I am on a mission to change that through my blog. KeepingupwithBritt.com mission is to demonstrate that you don’t have to be a specific race, age, be an expert or make a certain amount of money to make health conscious decisions. My simple, easy, and affordable tips, inspires and helps others in their everyday lives.

Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get a bit overwhelming, how do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

I am naturally an over-zealous perfectionist but in times when I need a little motivation I tell myself that “ I want to rule my destiny”…. so much so that nothing and no one should stand in my way. I accept and understand that there will be obstacles, but they are only there to make the journey more worthwhile.

We tend to pull characteristics from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

My Mom may no longer be here physically but her spirit and life has taught me the importance of Love and Dedication. Her commitment to being a Mom and a role model has helped me through the most difficult times in my life thus far.

We are all about empowerment, what does empowerment mean to you?

To empower is to encourage, inspire and motivate a group of people or a cause. Empowerment enables one to outstrip their sense of powerlessness and lack of control bringing forth self-confidence and change.

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artists? Food? Movie?

 CELEBRITY CRUSH – Trey Songz

 ARTIST – Bob Marley

 FOOD – Avocado Toast

 MOVIE – Love Jones

Check out more of Britt here!

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The key to life is to be so confident that you encourage others to be confident as well and that is exactly what She’s All That! does. This powerful organization was founded by Conchetta Jones in after hearing the young ladies she was mentoring using the term in a negative way about other girls. They would say “she thinks she’s all that” whenever another young lady aspired to be the best she could be. Conchetta wanted girls to realize that thinking ‘she’s all that’ is not a negative thing but a very positive way to think.

She’s All That! was founded on the premise that every young woman should have access to programs and activities that would inspire, empower and educate. To empower, inspire and educate girls through informative workshops, cultural outings and real world experiences. Girls learn life skills, self-esteem, integrity, relationship building, conflict resolution, health and fitness and etiquette lessons.

Let’s get to know more about She’s All That!

She’s All That! is an influential organization that encourages, empowers and motivates young ladies, what made you want to create this platform for empowerment?

For over 10 years I worked with girls from my church and in the school system. I would listen to how they interacted with each other. There was a lot of negativity. Some girls were shunned if they did not wear the “right” clothes, or if they hung out with the “wrong” person. There was a code to how a girl was supposed to act to be considered “cool” I would watch as girls would be uncomfortable, but go along with the crowd anyway. They were too afraid to go against the “in crowd”. There was a lack of values among the young women. They looked up to the women in the Reality television shows. I created She’s All That! as a way to give girls a safe space to be themselves. During our workshops we give them skills that help them to say no and to stand up for themselves. They understand that they don’t have to follow the “in crowd” to be popular.

Your organization embraces the term ‘she’s all that’ as a positive statement, how do you help make the mental shift to girls to accept their power and love who they are?

During my school stint, I found out that a girl thought she was “all that” if she did positive things, like go to class, do her homework, be respectful, not hang out or sleep around. This disturbed me. When working with our girls we challenge them to stand in their power. I urge them to think that they are all that. Because they are. They are precious, priceless. I urge them to think before they make any decisions. And to let the decision be hers. Because good or bad her decision will come with consequences, and she should be willing to accept that. We do a lot of self-esteem activities, affirmations and journaling.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

Right now I am blessed to be surrounded by women who are movers and shakers. They are everyday women who are doing big things. From them I am inspired to never give up (Caprice O’Bryant) to go after what I want (Felicia Houston) to speak boldly (La”Keisha Gray-Sewell) to love hard (Da-Nay Macklin) to make sure I have foundation before elevation (Monique Caradine) to give and to support others (Peggy Riggins, Keana Jones, Priscilla Williams) to never stop hustling (Cara Aljoe) to take time for self and breathe (Crystal Iris) to share resources freely (Tiffany Fincher). To look for the beauty in the simple things (Iris Connor) and to see God’s hand in everything (Jakki Smith). And my dream team, Angela, Roxanne and Shanta who support me in everything I do. These are just a few of the powerful women in my everyday life.

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?

The message that the media sends of what is beautiful is all smoke and mirrors. That that level of perfection is created by a team of people and photoshop. Do not compare yourself with something that is not real and is impossible or dangerous to attain. I urge them to love and to appreciate their own unique beauty.

Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?

To live in the moment and to dream big.

We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?

Empowerment means having the courage to live your own reality. To dress how you like, do the things you want to do, to have the confidence to stand up for yourself and to not feel like you have to follow the crowd.

Check out more here!

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There’s nothing stronger than a bond between sisters! Heaven Sent Sisters is proof that sisterhood empowers + lifts young women up to a higher level in life.  Beverly Hooks, Tamara Thomas and Kyinqua Wright launched the  L.A. based organization Heaven Sent Sisters in 2013. These women were brought together by a common belief that many youth in their community lacked meaningful academic and career guidance as well as many other important life skills. Determined to make a difference, the women convened a series of meetings to discuss the issues. With research, hard-work and commitment to working together for the cause, Hooks, Thomas and Wright founded Heaven Sent Sisters. It is the goal of these women to carry out the Heaven Sent Sisters’ mission and vision.

This empowering organization currently coordinates outings and workshops for girls ages 13 years-18 years old in the ‘Because it Takes a Village Program’ which brings girls together to socialize, meet new people, experience music, art, culture and many other important subject matters, all while having the opportunity to experience mentorship!

Let’s get to know Heaven  Sent Sisters a little more…

Heaven Sent Sisters is an amazing organization that builds self-esteem, develops necessary life skills & increases education + awareness, what made you ladies want to create a platform to allow teen girls to shine?

The development of Heaven Sent Sisters began when our Founder/President, Beverly Hooks, called a group of women together to discuss the vision she had of starting an organization for young girls in the community to have positive role models who they could spend time with and look up to. Considering the nature of today’s society and access young girls have to so many negative images and examples, we felt it was important to get involved with girls to help them see the positive in themselves so they don’t define themselves by what they see in the bad examples that are out there. We wanted girls to see women who are prime examples of successful women. We believed that by being the example it would allow girls to see that they have the potential to be successful in whatever they set out to become no matter what and where they come from.

Being a voice in the community motivates others to be great, how do you teach young women to be a positive role models?

We teach young women to be positive role models by being the example. We teach girls to love one another and to come together rather than tearing each other down. We show girls how important it is treat everyone with kindness. We promote a sisterhood within our organization where girls can become close and develop lifelong friendships with one another.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

There are many people who inspire us but one of our biggest inspirations is the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS). I smile as I write this because she is such an example of what a woman should be. She is many, many things but most importantly, she is such a positive example to all women and girls. She carries herself with such class, speaks so eloquently and is an educated woman. She involves herself in causes that really matter and she gives her time to give back to the causes that really mean something to her.

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?

Be you. We are all made unique and we are all beautiful just the way God made us. Don’t worry about what everyone else thinks or says about you. In the words of India Arie, “What matters most is what you think of yourself!”

Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?

I’ve learned how important it is to stop and listen. A lot of times we just need someone to listen. We all face different challenges in life and often times we are quick to want to tell people how to solve their problems or we try to analyze the problem for them but sometimes what we need is for someone to hear us and listen to us without judgement.

We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?

Empowerment means to us, helping girls reach the point of self-determination. When we empower girls, we are able to help them establish as sense of hope and power within. Empowerment means we have helped them to recognize that they have the power to have, do, be and achieve anything their heart desires.

Fun Faves!

Song? Whitney Houston- Greatest Love of All

Food? Mexican Food

Artist? Common

Celeb Crush? Tyrese

Check out more here!

Heaven Sent Sisters

It’s time to kick off 2016 with fresh energy + hot style here at  C.O.R.E mag! We’re thrilled to introduce Ryan as one of our stylish fashion bloggers for this year! She’ll be keeping you on board with the hottest trends and style secrets to keep you fresh throughout your semester.

Now, let’s get to know Ryan a little better…

Name: Ryan White

Age: 17

City: New York

Grade: 12th

What is your dream job and why?

I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer because I love art and I think it’s even better when you can wear it. Who doesn’t want to strut around in an art piece !?

Which hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy both drawing and sewing.

Who is your biggest crush? My biggest crush is Adonis Bosso. <3

What’s your fav song to vibe out to right now? My favorite song right now would be Luxury by Azealia Banks.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? I would change the way the world views young women, mostly the double standards.

What does empowerment mean to you? To me empowerment means strength, courage and wisdom because those are the important things needed to grow in life.

What are your plans after high school? I want to go to college and continue to focus on my career in the fashion industry.

How have you helped someone in your life lately? I participated in giving out canned food for the less fortunate on Thanksgiving.

Who is your role model and why? My mom because she works hard while being feminine & that’s how I want to be.

Welcome, Ryan!

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Life is all about transformation and shedding from one life phase to the next while discovering your hidden strength, beauty + power! Butterfly Dreamz has created the perfect outlet for youth to spread their wings and fly. Through their storytelling services, they inspire individuals to live their lives like BUTTERFLIES: flying fearlessly and pursuing DREAMS boldly, beautifully, and uniquely while inspiring others on the way!

Founder Joy Lindsay launched her organization in July 2013, a year after her younger sister, Kimberly Anyce Lindsay, transitioned into her life in heaven. After Kim’s passing, she had a desire to keep her story alive.

Joy began on a journey to preserve Kim’s story through the children’s book, When a Butterfly Chooses to Fly. Writing and storytelling became therapy for her, helping her to remain strong and pursue her dreams despite the unexpected setback of her sister’s passing. After seeing the impact of storytelling and literary arts had in her own life and the lives of others she shared her story with, Joy decided to explore the art forms more. She began to incorporate storytelling in her work of developing professionals and educating youth. Soon with the help of colleagues Butterfly Dreamz was created!

Through Butterfly Dreamz storytelling services and innovative curricula, they continue to build a universe of social leaders that are inspired to create, share, and use their stories to overcome life obstacles and change the status quo.

Let’s get to know Butterfly Dreamz a little better…

Butterfly Dreamz uses the art of storytelling to develop literacy and leadership skills in youth and adults, what made you launch this powerful organization?

I launched Butterfly Dreamz, Inc. after the death of my little sister, Kimberly Anyce Lindsay. Storytelling was and still is a huge part of my healing process. I found that telling stories about Kim helped keep her spirit alive; the stories were a much needed reminder of her beauty, boldness, and love for life when I needed it the most. Also, I found healing in sharing my story with others and listening to their stories. I’ve met many people who have transformed pain into purpose, and their stories inspired me to do the same. I soon realized that sharing my story was bigger than me; it empowered and encouraged so many other people to keep pushing despite life’s setbacks. This experience gave me a new purpose; a reason to live despite the death around me. With this new purpose, Butterfly Dreamz was born. At our core, we are an organization that uses stories to change lives.

Being a voice in the community motivates others to be great, what type of events and courses does Butterfly Dreamz host?

We host events and courses that help people: 1.) Build community, 2.) Discover their voice and creativity and 3.) Realize their dreams. In 2016, you can expect to see the following events and courses:

• HerStory: A monthly workshop series that seeks to convene, celebrate, and build sisterhood. Each month, women and girls of all ages and backgrounds come together to share their stories and learn to create fun DIY projects.
• Building E-books: A six-week course where students and parents learn to design and publish an e-book of their own!
• Launching Dreamz: A six-week course for adults interested in launching a youth development program or event. This course guides participants through the process of launching their idea and awards $1,000 to help fund their dream.
• Books and Burgers: Summer literacy workshops for kids and families. Participants come together to read books and write stories, while enjoying delicious burgers!

We also host online story competitions that are open to all students in NJ. Winners receive $100 and publication in our next e-book. More info about our competitions, events, and courses can be found on our website: www.butterflydreamz.org.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

My mother. She is and will always be my role model, my first teacher, my friend and my biggest cheerleader. Just by being who she is, she has taught me how to love (myself and others), how to forgive, and how to keep going, regardless of the obstacles that may get in the way. She has both deliberately and unconsciously instilled the essence of womanhood in meand my sisters. I am beyond blessed to be her daughter. <3

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?

Don’t let others define beauty and success for you; create your own definitions and be open to changing them whenever you see fit. How you define success and beauty may look different today than it looked 5 or even 2 years ago. That’s OK; we will and should evolve as women. The important thing is that as you evolve, you are in the driver’s seat. You are defining what beauty means, what success means, what your dreams are and how you will make them happen.

Working with youth both parties learn from each other, what’s one trait you have learned from working with girls?

Through my work with girls, I have learned to always be a scholar. By “scholar” I mean to always be inquisitive and interested in learning more, to always have a thirst for knowledge and growth. As I work with youth, I am constantly reminded that we do not just wear one hat (me as “teacher” and them as “scholar”), but we all wear both hats. We teach and learn from each other.

We’re all about empowerment at C.O.R.E Mag, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you + your organization?

For me personally, l would define empowerment as a discovery of the inner strength that drives someone to make his/her dream a reality. For Butterfly Dreamz, Inc. empowerment is when our participants create, share, and use their stories to change the status quo.

Fun Faves! Song? Food? Artist? Celeb Crush?

•Song- “You Bring Me Joy” by Anita Baker
•Food- anything chocolate
•Artist- Tupac
•Celeb Crush- He’s not a celeb yet but my forever MCM is my boyfriend 🙂

Find out more about Butterfly Dreamz

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Fierce Tennis champion Serena Williams continues to blaze the trail as one of the best athletes of all time! See how her greatness took time and how she mastered her craft by overcoming barriers with ‘Beats By Dre Presents: Serena Williams- Rise’. Be INSPIRED.

It’s Monday, loves! Not that you need a reminder especially since some of you are gearing up to start the new year. Well, if you’re enjoying your last days of summer or prepping to go back to school, you need a dose of motivation. Strength is beauty—–>

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Positive vibes, Positive Tribe!