We all need a little music rush in our lives. So take a dose of Jaden Smith’s three new chill tracks named “Beast Mode.” The three tracks are presented as one nine-minute song.

Vibe out…

Oh, how love is in the air! Hugs, kisses, chocolates, bears and the oh so sweet surprise gifts that Valentine’s Day brings! So it’s great if your boyfriend or girlfriend showers you with gifts but let’s be honest who doesn’t love to spoil themselves a little bit, too?  No matter if you’re boo’d up with your love or kicking it with your girlfriends, it’s all about showering love on yourself and we’re going to show you exactly how to do it.

Let’s get started…

Treat Yourself! – From classes to college applications to the parentals, you barely have time exhale.  We get it.  Being a student is exhausting…seriously. Sooo it’s time to schedule some well needed  ‘me-time’ this semester. We’re not encouraging you to blow your entire allowance BUT we are saying treat yourself to something you love. A cute top, an eye catching nail polish, or just time away from everybody without feeling guilty! It’s your world and you deserve a prize every now and then!

Playlist Party! Feeling yourself? Well, make a playlist that shows it! Create a playlist with all the songs that makes you feel like Beyonce, Michelle Obama + Naomi Campbell all in one. Crank up the volume, lock the door and have your own personal music video in your room. Yes, you’re the star of this party so you have to kill each move.

Dress to Impress- Here at C.O.R.E Mag we’re HUGE believers that it’s all about your beauty shining from the inside out! So if you don’t have a beautiful or kind soul you’ll never a have true outer beauty. Now, since that’s clear….it’s time to dress up how beautiful your personality is to the world. Have fun with your style + appreciate your creativity + beauty!  One quote will wrap this whole idea up—–> “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak’ . -Rachel Zoe

Give IT away- Ok, so this post is all about showing yourself some love but the best way to receive love is when you give it away! Yes, what you put out in the universe is what you get back in return. So share your appreciation to your besties and fam members! It’s the start button to feeling  the love.

Pucker  Up + Say It! –  You are the first person to hear your own words. That’s deep, right? Ok, so we’ve just dropped a little knowledge your way it’s time to head to the mirror, pucker up (we know you’ve perfected this with all your kissy face selfies for Instagram)  + say I LOVE YOU to yourself! Ok, now do it again, again, again and every morning that you wake up! Love every inch of yourself + let it shine bright! *KISSES*

SENDING YOU BEAUTIES TONS OF LOVE YOUR WAY!

Happy weekend, loves!

The perfect combination of talent, determination &  positive energy are the ingredients that continue to sky rocket LiYAH’s booming musical career!  Her new single “Radio”, — produced by Grammy Award winning “Huge Music” — embodies the energy and youthful spirit that LiYAH radiates as an entertainer.

Co-Headlining with LL Cool J at a packed American Airline’s Arena in Miami, Liyah never looked back after feeling the rush of performing live. She has toured internationally with Pitbull, ignited the Power 96 stage at the Calle Ocho Festival and performed alongside Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Keri Hilson, Rick Ross and more. LiYAH’s  single, “Raise Em High” has charted in over 48 countries and charted number one internationally.

Born in Durban, South Africa, LiYAH was just a year old when her family moved to South Florida. Always her biggest fans, LiYAH’s family has supported her passion for music from a young age. LiYAH has worked with numerous Grammy award-winning producers and Platinum-selling recording artists and songwriters, including J-Kwon, Mims, Hugo Diaz, Streetrunner, Drop, and Delisha Thomas. Paving the way for a new age of independent artists, Liyah and her team are poised to hit the road to promote her new single and continue to spread positivity and love to her ever growing fan base.

Let’s get to know LiYAH a little better…

You’re an incredibly talented young lady who has performed + worked with top artists such as LL Cool J , Pitbull, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Keri Hilson, Rick Ross and more, how did you dive into your amazing singing career at such an young age?
I knew from the time I could walk and talk that I was going to be a pop star. I was always different from everyone, which was a good thing. I didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing, my only goal was to be a successful artist. I always envisioned myself from the age of 4 performing in sold out arenas, and being a role model, someone my fans could relate to; I know crazy at such a young age.

Being originally from Durban, South Africa, does your music reflect your culture?
I was born in Durban South Africa, but I moved to Miami when I was a year old. So I think more than anything my music is a representation of me, Liyah.

You’ve already accomplished so much at an young age! If you had to choose, what would be the biggest highlight in your blossoming career so far?
The highlight of my career was being able to tour South Africa as the opening act for Pitbull. That was a dream come true, my first biggest tour in the country I was born in, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
This is such a tough business, so feeling a little defeated is not uncommon. But when I feel that way I usually like to spend some time alone, gather my thoughts and at the end of the day I know what my ultimate goal is.

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions?
My advice would be to never stop dreaming, make a statement, express yourself & always fight for what you believe in no matter what!

Your future is shining extremely bright! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?
I am extremely excited to announce that I am currently in the creative process as we speak, working on a new project. This project is so special to me, because it’s going to show my fans who I really am. It’s an extremely personal and vulnerable side of me. This project in particular hasn’t been easy for me, I’m really baring my soul. I believe the end result will be fulfilling and hopefully have made an impact on a few lives, and that to me is what matters most.

We are all about female empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
Female empowerment means EVERYTHING to me. I want to be able to rule the world one day! I believe females are equally as powerful as males. It’s so important to have a strong message these days and really stand for what you believe in. And most importantly be a role model, someone that girls can look up to, and relate to, in a positive way.

Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
My celeb crush would have to be Eminem, because he’s so passionate, you can hear the passion in his voice through his songs. He
means what he says. I admire the fact that he really speaks his mind regardless of whether or not people like it. My favorite artists would have to be the Queen herself Madonna, of course Michael Jackson and last but not least, someone I’ve always held close to my heart Selena Quintanilla Perez! My favorite food is avocados, I know some people think I’m a little crazy.. And my favorite movie, Selena!!!!!!!

Check out more of LiYAH here

LiYAH Music

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Ok, so over here at C.O.R.E Mag we absolutely heart our rockstar intern, Tia Banks! Yes, if you saw us we would be chanting “our intern is better than yours”…just saying. Tia is an amazingly talented female who is currently majoring in Public Relations at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA.  She recently returned to the states from her study abroad program last semester!

Take a peek at her awesome trip to Spain, Italy, and France!

Live  BOLD, BEAUTIFUL & FEARLESS!  The Black PEARL (Pretty, Educated, Aware, Refined, Ladies) Program encourages young women  to step into their destiny!  Created by Phylicia Henry of La Perle Noire LLC, the program is designed to teach & encourage teen females  on how to tap into their inner being and accept who they are instead of what they are not. They are devoted to educating young girls on self-confidence and a positive self-esteem.

PEARL’s underlying message for young women is to seek approval within, without seeking the approval of others.They moderate and encourage a series of discussions and workshops shaped by their own curriculum on self-esteem, beauty and wellness. It addresses the sensitive and difficult topics that arise during the teenage and adolescent years. Their goal is to encourage young women to know and understand that they are beautiful.

Let’s get to know  The Black Pearl Program a little better…

The Black Pearl Program teaches and encourages young women to tap into their inner being and accept who they are instead of what they are not. What made you launch this empowering organization? 

 The Black PEARL Program was started for many reasons, but what really inspired me was the story of one girl that I had to opportunity to work with.  She wrote a suicide letter and in that letter she wrote that she wished she was never Black. She wished she was born white. She hated the fact that god made her Black and for that reason she wanted to kill herself. At that point I knew that something had to be done to help young women struggling with their image. I worked on developing The Black PEARL Program curriculum to cover many of the issues young women of color face and help them develop a positive self-image and self-esteem.  

 PEARL stands for Pretty, Educated, Aware, Refined, Ladies. How does your organization encourage young ladies to embrace their individuality + personal strengths? 

 We encourage our girls first with our staff. The Black PEARL Program works with many different women with different looks, shades, sizes and ethnicities to show our participants first hand that beauty is subjective and there isn’t a “one look fits all” when it comes to a women’s beauty. Through our lessons and curriculum we showcase and incorporate different aspects of Black femininity and intelligence. We use that to strengthen young women’s self-esteem, image and individuality.

 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 for teen girls struggling with being comfortable with themselves is to research a woman who they admire. Try to mirror their confidence and traits that you find the most intriguing and attractive about them. If you are struggling with your appearance find a positive female figure who has your similar hair type, skin color, body type, whatever it is and use that person as a sort of role model for yourself.

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

 Wow, so many women inspire me! From women like you who have started this wonderful magazine to single mothers working 3 jobs to provide a great life for themselves and their children. I respect people who are going hard and mastering their craft and living life. Two of the women that have inspired me the most over the years have been Naomi Campbell, her confidence, poise and sophistication are untouchable and the amazing Angela Davis; her intellect, beauty and strength are so incredible!

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

Well when working with the “At-Risk” population where people may be very judgmental, I’ve learned that there is no such thing as a “bad kid.”

Many teens just need guidance, motivation and someone to inspire them. I have learned to be a bit more understanding and also that teens are eager to learn in a way that it’s meaningful to them from people who GENUINELY care. Teens can sense when your being authentic and when your just there to collect a paycheck.

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

Empowerment equates to motivating while encouraging and uplifting others in a meaningful and positive way. Empowering others last a lifetime.

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

2015! Can you believe it’s the end of the year already? Well, while you celebrate all of your ups, downs and the in between moments of 2014 we have your NYE playlist all geared up to welcome the n NEW year. Check out some of our fave songs from 2014 that kept us motivated while feeling fly, fresh +  ready to take over the world. I mean we’re just sayin’…

Check out our vid picks of 2014….

Janelle Monae- Electric Lady

Beyonce- Flawless

Kendrick Lamar – I

Azaelia Banks- Chasing Time

Clean Bandit- Rather Be

Lion Babe – Jump Hi

Childish Gambino -3005

Kiesza- Hideaway

Elle Varner -Don’t Wanna Dance

Pharrell – Marilyn Monroe

We’re wishing you a BEAUTIFUL Happy New Year full of love + joy, dolls!

What if  every young woman fulfills her potential? What if every young woman is set on the right path today? What if every young woman in Washington finishes high school, goes to a college or vocational school, gets a job and gives back to her community?  Well, this is exactly what Project Girl Mentoring is on the road of accomplishing with their empowering organization!

Founded by Olympia Edwards, Project Girl Mentoring Program envisions a community in which every young female is empowered to make confident decisions and be self-sufficient allowing them to develop into their full potential.

The non profit organization provides mentoring, educational and social activities to young women throughout Snohomish County and its surrounding area. The overall goal of the program is to support girls as they develop positive choices while learning new life skills and help them transition into womanhood. They focus on the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach to help girls acquire the skills and knowledge to become healthy and productive women.

Let’s get to know more about Project Girl Mentoring…

Olympia Edwards, Founder of Project Girl Mentoring

Project Girl Mentoring Program was created to encourage young women to make positive life choices and to maximize their natural potential! How + why did you feel the need to launch this empowering program?

Project Girl Mentoring Program was developed because I felt the need to take an active role in shaping the lives of young women in my community. I was tired of seeing systematic stereotypes and disparities hold back women of color in my neighborhood. So I started the Project Girl Mentoring Program, as a prevention program to prepare them to overcome these life challenges. They need a place where they could learn how to be empowered to make confident decisions, envision themselves as leaders and recognize their power and recognize their self-worth.

Project Girl Mentoring has a variety of programs! Can you tell us about the Emerge, Inspire (HER) + STEAM Connect programs?

The Emerge is our core program where we provide mentorship to schools, community centers, faith based and other nonprofit programs. We focused our curriculum around modules of developing inner strength, leadership, healthy choices and life skills. Each curriculum module is designed to be 8-10 weeks. Sometimes, we address hard issues and break down major barriers, other times we have entertaining conversation about life in general.

Inspire (Her) is about taking mentoring to the next level and exposing young women of color to the community and actively involving them in events that affect their lives. Over the past year, we participated in lectures and empowering series with Dr. Joy DeGruy and Cornell West, attended conferences such as “How to Become a Successful Student Leader” and “Building Confidence within Understanding” and “Appreciation your Identity.”

Picture of Two Mentees/Program Coordinator with Dr. Joy DeGruy

S.T.E.A.M. Connect is designed to give young women of color meaningful access to science, technology, engineering, arts and math learning opportunities. We collaborate with several organization and schools throughout Washington that specialize in exposing girls to S.T.E.A.M. and integrated our mentoring program with their community projects. In addition, we get to meet professional women of color who are involved S.T.E.A.M. careers and is passionate about the work they get to do every day.

All of our programs are modeled behind national girl-serving organizations that have pointed to the need for gender and culturally relevant programs that allow young women to voice their experience, develop positive connections and gain the necessary skills to pursue their goals in education, career and relationships.

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

One trait that I have learned from working with girls is that every girl, young woman, and woman is that we are continually develop ourselves as we understand our identity as women. Every day, like many women, I wake up wondering “Who am I as a woman of color” and “How can I make today different for me.” On the surface, we are all definitely different; we have different hair types, skin color and cultural traditions; however under everything that makes us different we are all truly seeking the same understanding “who are we.”

If you had to give one piece of advice to young ladies out there who are struggling with being comfortable in their own skin, what would it be?

The advice I would give is honestly, no one is comfortable 100% of the time with the way they look and its hard to love yourself if you don’t know how but you can learn and continue working on self-love. I would also give them this little acronym: (AEC)

A – Accepted every blemish, mark, and scar.

E – Embrace your distinctive beauty, love your complexion regardless who tells you otherwise.

C – Celebrate what makes you different from anyone else. Remember, that everyone is beautiful and true beauty lies within your own definition.

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

Currently right now, I am inspired by my niece who is such a brilliant young woman. She is very adventurous and creative. She reminds me that all young women are on the road of self-discovery and looking for support and guidance. My niece keeps me on my toes, always questioning life and looking for understanding. As I work with other young women, I ask myself “how would my niece react to the advice I am delivering to their young lives and how does it really shape their viewpoints.” This keeps me present to the experiences that young women are facing every single day.

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

To me, empowerment means to claim my voice as a leader in my community by using my talents, values and passion to influence the lives of young women of color. In Project Girl, empowerment means equipping young women of color with the necessary tools needed to succeed in life. We help them focus on the journey of self-fulfillment, learning and guidance.

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

My favorite song is Strength, Courage and Wisdom by India Arie, it talks about finding the strength inside and behind everything that you are and everything that you are not. My favorite food is French Fries with a little ketchup on the side. Since I like to paint, my favorite artist is Frida Kahlo, she is a Mexican painter who is known for her self-portraits. I am not as skilled but I do love the imagery she brings to her artwork. Here is an example of some of the artwork I do in my free time on 4*8 wood boards. (Picture of Abstract Art)

Check out more Project Girl Mentoring here…

Project Girl Mentoring

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