Angel is inspired by singers like Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and Selena Quintanilla, and performers like Prince, and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Angel wants her music to resonant with many and transcend genres. She wants the music she creates to be timeless, so right now she is developing her writing skills. Angel’s goal is to became the ultimate performer and hopefully a household name.

Check out more Angel here!

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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?

Rising performer/playwright ERIC LOCKLEY is quickly becoming a leader among a new generation of artists, bringing stories about the African-American community to the stage. Lockley starred in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s world premiere of Marcus Gardley’s new play “BLACK ODYSSEY,” which ran through January 17 through February 16, 2014.  He is now teaming up with MPAACT Theater Company in Chicago for the premiere of his original play, “WITHOUT TRACE,” at the Greenhouse Theater which launched in April.

This Randallstown, Maryland native is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA and a double major in Africana Studies. He is aperformer, playwright and producer within The Movement Theatre Company and the producing collective, Harlem 9. As a Performer his Stage credits include “CATO” (The Flea), “Holes” (Atlantic Thtr Co.), “The Winter’s Tale” (NYU), “Black Terror” (NYU), “SPUNK” (Penobscot) and “CHAINS,” performed in South Africa. Lockley also appeared on MTV’s television pilot “Failosophy,” a half-hour, studio-based panel show featuring the internet’s biggest fails.

Lockley’s talents have earned him the Theatre Hall of Fame Fellowship Grant 2012, National Theatre Conference Emerging Professional Award 2012, Harlem Stage Fund for New Work Grant 2011, Mabou Mines Resident Artist 2009-2010 and Poets & Writers Grant 2009.

Let’s get to know Eric a little better…

You’ve recently starred in the hit play “Black Odyssey” at the Denver Center Theatre, what motivated to step into the world of acting?

 Being an young actor you are constantly juggling responsibilities that can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. How do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

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

We’re excited to see you continue to achieve all your goals! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?

In April, a play I’ve written entitled “Without Trace” will have its world premiere in Chicago as a part of MPAACT Theater’s season. The
play is a conspiracy theory drama that takes place in the future and follows an inner-city family in the midst of a crumbling America. When
a lost son returns home with a case of amnesia, his family is left to wonder, “What happened to Trace?”

If any readers live in the Chicago area please check the play out. For more info visit: www.mpaact.org And, to stay up to date with what I’m
doing readers can visit my website: www.ericlockley.com

What advice would you give teens who want to follow their dreams and passions?

I’d say don’t worry about fitting in with everyone. What makes you a “nerd” or “weirdo” or “different” today, may very well be the same thing that makes you a star in years to come. Embrace the things you love regardless of whether they’re popular. There is only one YOU in this world and if you waste your time trying to be like everyone else, the world will miss out on who you really are. And finally, I’d advise teens not to give up on their dreams and to commit to working hard. Some things take time so continue to pursue your passion and work to be the best.

 We are all about teen empowerment. What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you & what advice would you give teens to be comfortable in their skin?

Empowerment means trusting yourself and your abilities. I’d advise teens to be open to learning as much as possible about what they love, and then trying it for themselves. Learning is important, but trying, failing and trying again is the MOST important. Know that you can do whatever you put your mind, heart and focus into.

Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?

I can’t pick just 1, so my 2 favorite movies are “The Matrix” and “Do the Right Thing.” In their own unique way they are
both epic journeys that speak to the human condition on physical and metaphysical level. They both moved me to wonder what I can do to open
people’s eyes. Films and stories like these are a big reason why I am an actor.

Check out more Eric here

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Brains, beauty & an undeniable talent to mesh the truth into musical lyrics describes songwriter, artist manager &  director Sydaiya Rehema.  This  renaissance woman calls New York City her home and is using it as her stage to showcase her powerful talent. Even though this ambitious young lady has the vocal chops to become a successful singer, she prefers to work behind the scenes developing thriving artists.

“I’ve never had a real desire to be in front of the camera, or even behind a microphone for that matter,” said Sydaiya. “My place is in the director’s chair. I love to be a part of the creative process.” Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Sydaiya made her way to the world-reonowned Berklee College of Music, where she decided to link both the pragmatic and the creative, as a Music Business Management major. Once she wrote her first song in 2007, she knew she’d found her calling. In 2008, Sydaiya won second place in VH1’s international song writing competition “Song of the Year”. She was awarded for her song “Clock Slow” in the Hip Hop/ R&B category. Not afraid to stay true to herself she states, “I won’t be stupid or dumbed-down,” she said. “I won’t write nonsense. There’s got to be something — some angle, some message — I’m conveying here. It can’t just be notes with mindless words.”

Since graduating from Berklee in 2008 and embarking on her professional songwriting career, Sydaiya has made some key industry connections. Among them is budding r &b/pop songstress Ja’Shayla, who recorded Sydaiya’s song “Lifted,” which was picked up by the Sinternet.com radio programming network. Sensing musical chemistry and the potential for collaborative success, Sydaiya moved to New York City and signed on to become Ja’Shayla’s manager and writing partner . Sydaiya has now expanded her brand, under the umbrella term entitled, “Creative Solutions”, which includes artist management, song writing, vocal production, video production, music publishing, project management and modeling.

Let’s get to know  Sydaiya Rehema a little better…

How did you first dive into your musical career at such a young age?

In the church of course! I was in a gospel choir at about 7 or 8, that was my first experience singing beyond my mothers house while doing saturday chores.

Music is a powerful tool to express yourself, how has it impacted your life?

Generally speaking it is an escape. Thats how Ive always felt. Its a magical vessel that can bring you into a place, out of a place, through a place and back again. Something truly special and supernatural, in terms of the affect it can have on your spirit. Its such a gift. I feel so blessed to be a part of the creation of it.

Where do you see your career in music taking you in the next 5 years?

Ideally, all around the world! We have a team hashtag of #paris & #tokyo because those are real aspirations and goals! I visualize being backstage at a concert venue in Paris watching one of my artists perform a set that I help put together, or a song that I helped write. I fully intend to see this vision through…

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

Musically, first and foremost I’d probably have to say Michael Jackson. He is the epitome of “music-magic” to me. The first time I ever felt something in my spirit ignite was watching/hearing MJ perform. He was absolutely incredible. Outside of music, Id say my parents definitely. They are both creative in their own rights, and helped cultivate my creativity. While grades and education were always a mandatory focus, they still allowed me to grow creatively and otherwise. Always supporting, always encouraging. The combination of the two is probably how I came to now tread the line of business and creative simultaneously.

What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to girls who want to pursue their dreams in music but are too nervous to start?

I would say to first do your homework. Learn your craft, learn your industry. Understand what the road entails. And if you still cant eat, sleep, breath, or be still without music, then go for it! Find people who believe in you and build a team. Once you have that, you can go anywhere…but support may be the single most important component to have. It can make or break people.

We are all about EMPOWERMENT at C.O.R.E mag, What does empowerment mean to you?

To be empowered means to know yourself, love yourself, honor yourself… Find your truth and hold on to it. Then find your purpose and follow through on it. Always be self sufficient and strive for the best YOU that you can be. Always strive. This type of power cannot be removed. This lives in the C.O.R.E of you.

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

Fav food: Anything with cheese lol

Fav song: Boy thats a loaded question! I couldnt possibly narrow it down to just one…but a few favs are MJ: Liberian Girl, Will You Be There-Lauryn Hill: Tell Him – Anita Baker: I Apologize – Cold Play – Warning Sign – Amy Winehouse: Unholy War – Bob Marley: Waiting In Vain…yes this is how crazily eclectic and obsessed I am with MUSIC!!!

Artist: Umm….Michael Jackson? lol but we knew that!

Celeb Crush: I feel like Denzel Washington is always a safe bet! That man is a fine wine!

Check out more of Sydaiya Rehema here…

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Email– Sydaiya.rehema@gmail.com

Did someone say ‘Triple Threat’? Yes! We did while talking about  actor-artist-songwriter, Carlon Jeffery! The talented young star plays the role of Cameron Parks on Disney Channel’s  hit show “A.N.T. Farm.”

Not only  is he a dynamic actor but Carlon recently showed off his musical skills when he did a remake version of Will Smith’s popular “Summertime” on the “A.N.T. Farm” soundtrack from Walt Disney Records. And it doesn’t stop there for this 19 year old celeb on the rise.  Carlon Jeffery has  recently become  the fresh face of the new, hot clothing line, Focusd Apparel.

The  teen heartthrob has been featured in publications as  Popstar, Tiger Beat, BOP, J-14 just to name a few!

So many teens look up to you as inspiration to follow their dreams! How did you dive into your acting career at such an young age?

It started when I was about twelve years old. My family and I traveled to Florida to this huge competition for music, acting, fashion, etc. I entered the acting competition and took first place in a monologue. It was my first time reading a script. The judges of the competition thought I should pursue acting by coming to California to meet casting agents. So, I went and met casting agents for ANT Farm. I landed the show and then later moved from Ohio to California.

Acting isn’t your only talent that you posses, you’ve recently did a remake version of Will Smith’s popular “Summertime” on the “A.N.T. Farm” soundtrack. What do you love about music?

I love everything about music! The inspiration from a song, the stories… everything.

Where do you ultimately see your music career in the future?

Acting will always be my first love, but I do see my music taking off in the same direction. I’ve actually been in the studio working on my album these last few months.

It’s awesome that as a teen you love giving back to the community! Why is helping others a passion of yours?

I just have this passion of wanting to help out and do more. I think it’s because so many people have helped me get to where I am today. There should be a drive in everyone to help someone else advance in life.

We’re excited to see you continue to achieve all your goals! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?

Yes, I’m working on a few projects. I’m the lead actor in a few upcoming films that I can’t talk about or give the name of the project yet, but continue to follow me for updates. Fans can follow me on Twitter @carlonjeffery. I don’t have a Facebook yet. I’ve been told that there are a few out there, but it’s not me. I will be announcing on Twitter about the launch of my website with all my official social sites.

We are all about teen empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you & what advice would you give teens to be comfortable in their skin?

To me empowerment means using tools that enhance, motivate, and improve your life that brings about human development. Be confident and stand up for what you believe in and what you want to do in life. Be comfortable being you and love who you are.

Being an young actor & musician you are constantly juggling responsibilities that can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. How do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

When I need to regroup, I stop what I’m doing and go sit in my backyard, close my eyes and reflect on positive things and not so much the negative. This help me a lot.

Fun Faves! Shoe shopping. Fave Song? Harlem Shake. Fave Food? Shrimp or Lobster. Celeb Crush?Stacey Dash. Date Spot? Crave! It’s 24 hour food spot for a lot of teens.

Check out More Carlon Jefferey here…

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You are a young lady who rocks many hats! Being a singer, actress, writer, graphic designer and spoken word artist, what made you pursue all of your talents?

Everything I do now survived the “Let’s See If She Quits” test. When I was younger, my mother allowed me to take up and quit as many extracurricular activities as I wanted. Trying this different approach proved to her the things I really cared about. I used to want to be a ballerina, a track and field star, a swimmer, a gymnast, sociologist, and a myriad of other things that don’t interest me anymore. (Although with acting, I can pretend to be all those things!)

I have never quit performing, which led to my singing and acting career, and I never gave up my love for paper, which led to a career in graphic design. I always believed that you should live to work and not work to live. I wanted to be able to establish a career out of things I genuinely loved to do.

Poetry is a powerful way to get your emotions across while also relaying a message to the audience, how did poetry become an outlet for you?

When I was a sophomore at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN, I joined a group called the Poetry Society. That was when I was introduced to poetry as a spoken word art form. I have always written poems but I had never recited a poem in front of a group of people. My first poetry reading was NERVE-WRECKING. I was scared. S-C-A-R-E-D! I didn’t bother memorizing the piece and I stood with both of my hands clutching the piece of paper that I’m sure was rustling because I was shaking. I was presenting a very personal piece and that was the first time I felt vulnerable and naked in front of a crowd. Yet, when I began talking, I was at ease. It’s easier for me to share personal information through poetry as opposed to talking about it in everyday conversation.

After encouragement from a fellow poet, Jada, I participated in my first poetry slam a few months later. During that moment, at 19, I experienced freedom sharing ideas that I wrote in solitude. People were listening to what I had to say. Ever since, I realized that poetry is an amazing platform to call attention to important issues or to speak on the behalf of the voiceless. Poetry is my way to tell someone how I feel without the awkward silence. Poetry is my way of telling someone off without getting into an argument. Poetry is my way of venting, loving, sympathizing, being funny, entertaining and educating.

You own the fantastic graphic design company, Lifted Soul Inc., what made you want to start your own business?

I wanted to eat. Lol. No, but really, when I graduated from undergrad, I had two choices: Begin working in the corporate world of Enterprise Rent-A-Car or attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, CA. I choose the latter.

I have a B.A. in Music and I knew that I wanted to pursue a professional career in the arts every since high school. After I graduated from college, I felt pressure to begin a career that I could make a lot of money in however, my desire to further train in the arts exceeded the traditional path others thought I would take. I wanted to pursue my passion. I wanted to do what I loved to do.

However, passion doesn’t pay the light bills. Love won’t put groceries in my refrigerator. I’ve always loved designing images on my computer and when I moved to Hollywood in 2009 I decided to turn that love into a business. I used some money that I should have used for tuition and invested in an MacBook and Photoshop and got to work!

Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged when pursuing your dreams, how do you stay positive to continue to conquer your goals?

It does get discouraging and sometimes LIFE has a way of distracting me from my overall objectives. My foundation and faith in God helps me to stay relaxed, positive, and confident that if I stay on the right track everything I plan to do will prosper. I talk positively to myself out loud everyday and I also have a “Faith Book.” It’s a small book that I carry with me everywhere I go that has a bunch of pictures and phrases that reminds me of all the dreams and goals I hope to reach.

I also stay positive by hanging around positive people. NO NEGATIVITY ALLOWED. That stuff is contagious.

You were nominated in the Black Theatre Alliance Awards, how has acting impacted your life?

Stepping into the world of another person that isn’t real and pretending to be somebody else is sooooo much fun! It allows me to explore other life situations that I may never experience. It stretches me to think outside of the box and think, “How would the character respond?”

Acting has also impacted my life by teaching me discipline, strengthening my work ethic, and it encourages me to stay physically fit and mentally sharp. Right now, I’m working mainly on stage. That requires a lot of rehearsals and a lot of energy. I have to make sure I am focused and alert.

I have been acting professional in Chicago for almost a year now and the relationships that I’ve built are irreplaceable and I am definitely enjoying working with some of the most talented people in the industry.

What are 2 pieces of advice you would give to girls who wanted to pursue their dreams but are nervous?

You are the only YOU created. There will never be another you. EVER. Nobody can do what YOU can do. Are there a million doctors? Yes. Are there a billion writers? Yes. A there a trillion singers? Yes. But nobody can do what YOU can do like YOU can do it! Be confident in your abilities and what you have to offer. You may not only be the missing piece to solve a puzzle, but you may also be the first piece to a puzzle the world never thought to solve.
Consider everything a learning experience. Learn from setbacks. Learn from heartbreaks. Learn from past failures and move on!

We are all about empowerment at C.O.R.E, what does empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is a women’s secret weapon. Empowerment is inspiration for others to keep going. Empowerment is the “get out of bed to change the world” kind of attitude that makes people motivated to keep going. Empowerment is giving yourself permission to be amazing and not apologizing for it!

Fun Faves- Fave Food,? Artist? Song? Celeb Crush?

Don’t judge me. 🙂

Fave Food: Macaroni and Cheese in any form. Homemade, from a box, microwaveable snack packets, or any other form I haven’t discovered that I’m sure will be amazing. Macaroni and Cheese with a ice cold Pepsi on the side.

Fave Artst: Beyonce is my homie.

Fave Song: It’s a tie between A Song For You by Donnie Hathoway and Here Without You by 3 Doors Down.

Celeb Crush: This answers changes every two minutes. Today I’m in love with Jesse Williams from Grey’s Anatomy. Yesterday, it was Mehcad Brooks.

Check out more Lisa B…

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The Lisa B Experience

Being driven, determined and focused is how Ariana Pierce  has navigated her way through life. This young  author, businesswoman, actress, full time college student and inspirational speaker has not allowed her age to define how much she can accomplish! Already perfecting the art of mastering success in different avenues, she not only launched her own Nail Polish line by 17 but also has been author to six different books as well. She hosts a National Teen Conference every year to inspire others and by  the age of 7  had already entered the acting world! Her couture polish line, Superstar Nail Lacquer, quickly gained recognition and is now established as an industry favorite among today’s hottest stars such as Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Lauren Conrad and many more have rocked the fresh colors.

Time to meet Ariana Pierce…

You are quite a mover & shaker! You have written six books, run two businesses, attend college full-time and hosts an annual teen success conference, how do you juggle such an active lifestyle?
I plan everything! I can’t live without my calendar/agenda. School is my priority at the moment, so I make   sure that I take care of my homework during the week so I can do my business and travel on the weekends. I do have to sacrifice time with friends and family sometimes, but that’s what comes with owning a business and being in college.

 Its important that we learn from our peers, what motivated you to hosts your  National Annual Teen Conferences?
I have a passion to help other young individuals become entrepreneurs and start living their dreams now and  not later. I knew that I had something to share with these individuals, so I wanted to create a fun environment where they could be inspired to succeed. From the conference, I was inspired to create a coaching product called 30 Days To Making It. With this product, I give you 30 steps to making it in any career path you want to succeed in. It can be found on my site at arianapierce.com.

Your nail polish line, Superstar Nail Lacquer simply rocks! Major celebs as Miley Cyrus, Lauren Conrad,and Selena Gomez have all wore your flavorful color line! Have you always been a beauty junkie? What made you choose nail polish out of all the other beauty products?
The older I got, the more I became a beauty junkie. I was inspired to create my nail polish line from the runways. The concept behind Superstar Nail Lacquer is couture for your hands. I wanted to create a line that was for the fashionable woman on the go!

Just at the tender age of 7 you were bitten by the acting bug and have gone on to star in movies as Blessed and Cursed, what drew you to the world of acting?
My parents always say that I was a “dramatic kid”. Not in a bad way, but I always expressed myself in a fun and entertaining way. Acting is another way for me to express myself.

Being a young entrepreneur comes with many highs and also some lows, how do you overcome difficulties in your life?
I always depend on God to help me in every situation. Also, I’m thankful to have supportive parents that push me to keep going. Even in difficult times, my family gives me wisdom on how to overcome the situation.

Even though you already achieved more than what most complete in a lifetime, What is your ultimate goal in life?
One of my goals in life is to own a sports team. That has always been a desire of mine.

You already are tons of girls role model, who has been your biggest role model in your life and how?
My mom is the biggest role model in my life. She not only inspires me to be successful, but to think big. She always says that there is always something new to accomplish. She pushes me to fulfill my dreams.

 CORE Mag is all about empowering girls, what does empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means being informed and going after your dreams now and not later. You are never too young to get started.

Fun Faves!- Food? Song? Artist? Celeb crush?
My fav food is a vietnamese dish called Pho. My fav artist is Justin Bieber.. OMG I think I’m his biggest fan.
My celeb crush would have to be Cam Newton! He’s so hot!

Check out more Ariana…

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Ariana Pierce