What do you get when you mix natural talent, a bowl full of determination and an extra side of focus? None other than the amazing singer & songwriter, Ja’shayla! Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Ja’Shayla was greatly influenced by gospel music and soulful singers which led her to tap into her own musical gift.

This skilled vocalist has already graced the stages of the Apollo Theatre, The Fox Theatre in Detroit with Anthony Hamilton and numerous venues in the New York area. She has been a finalist in talent events along the east coast including beauty pageants, talent showcases and most significantly, beating out over 10,000 contestants to perform for P. Diddy. Ja’Shayla has been praised by vocal experts such as celebrity vocal coaches Doc Holiday and Craig Derry for her range and vocal abilities. Her musical style is best described as Contemporary R&B/Hip-Hop. Ja’Shayla’s emotional and soulful lyrics/sound stems from her jazz and blues background as a trained saxophonist and soloist of a jazz band. Vocally, Ja’Shayla has a dynamic and powerful voice that is both original and expressive.

Let’s get to know Ja’Shayla a little better…

Check out more of Ja’Shayla!

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www.jashayla.com

Throughout the years, Amor Kismet have honed their performance skills, appearing at countless open mics and large festivals in Georgia.Inspired by the greats such as Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Shania Twain, and Selena, Amor Kismet aims to write and perform timeless songs that transcend genres. Amor Kismet have also built a large online following, with thousands of followers across Twitter and Facebook, and nearly half a million views on YouTube. Backed by a strong belief in God and solid family values, Amor Kismet is ready to see where fate takes them in the next step of their musical journey…

Music is a powerful tool to express yourself, how has it impacted your life?
Erika: Music has impacted my life in every aspect. It is my channel of emotional expression and my one of the only passions in my life. I live for it honestly. There is nothing else I would rather do than music.
Crystal:Music has impacted my life is a great way. Music really helps me get through certain situations. The songs we write , are basically things we have been through or want to experience
Galissa: Music has impacted my life in great measures. It impacts my life, because its a form of expression that’s bigger than me. Because music encompasses life, it’s the biggest impact in my life. Music runs parallel to the our human souls, so it impacts all of us.

What has been your favorite song the group has covered? Do you enjoy writing original material also?
Erika: My favorite song that my sisters and I have covered would have to be The Star Spangled Banner. It is acapella and shows our tones and harmonies to perfection.
Crystal: My favorite song we have is Mariah Carey feat Miguel . The reason I say that song is because the song is a very nice / sweet song. Yes, I really enjoy writing original songs because it gives you a chance to relate to other people and what they are going through.
Galissa: My favorite song we covered so far is our Miguel, I really like that song alot!

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?
Erika: 1.Always do what you love to do as a career ! That is the only way you can continue to discover yourself as you grow older.
2.Take your career in your hands. Always be involved in decision making.
3.Don’t get discouraged. Patience is definitely a virtue the key is to remember that God is always in control.

Crystal: 1. The number one advice I would give to girls is to always have dedication in the music they do.2.Secondly have passion about your music, without passion its impossible to ideally perform your job. 3.Last but not least always have determination , take on every challenge head on and do what you need to accomplish.

Galissa: 1. Drop the nervousness, fear holds all of us back, Depend on God! 2. Believe in yourself, God put music in all of us, you have to believe in yourself never doubt yourself! 3. Practice and be positive, & be open to critiques,

We are all about EMPOWERMENT at C.O.R.E mag, What does empowerment mean to you?
Erika: Empowerment to me means staying true to yourself. Doing what makes you happy without caring about people’s opinions.
Crystal:It means reaching my goals and over coming my fears in life.
Galissa: Empowerment to me means, being free from fears, doubts & anything negative.

Where do you see your music taking you in the next 5 years?
Erika: The next 5 years my music is going to be amazingly successful and known around the world.
Crystal: Being known world wide and globally & doing huge concerts.
Galissa: I see our music helping others & being people joy.

Fun Faves! Fave Food? Artist? Song? Celeb Crush?
Erika: My favorite food is pasta lol I love it ! Favorite artist is Selena Q. And I don’t have a celeb crush lol

Raise your hand if you ever used a floppy disk? Well, even though we might not currently use them for technology, doesn’t mean we can’t wear them! Talented, fresh designer Brittany Rosario used her creative juices to launch her dope jewelry line, BJ Rosa/ Latch Key collection, to showcase how floppy disks will never go out of style. Brittany is currently in college with a major in English on her way to achieving each one of her dreams & visions.

Let’s get to know Brittany Rosario a little better…

 Share with us how you started your jewelry collection BJ Rosa and Latch Key.

It all started when I signed up to do the SCAD challenge, a contest for scholarship money to attend Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. There are different categories relative to different majors and skill sets usually the theme of the challenge changes every year; when I applied for the challenge the theme was making jewelry from recyclable items. It took me a while to come up with an idea but then my mother pointed out the old floppy disk in the office. She told me to make earrings or a necklace out of them. So I put my creativity to the test and made my first pair of earrings.

I see BJ Rosa/ Latch Key going to the global market in 5 years. I currently have a Facebook page for my designs and am working on a blog as well as a website where I can sell my products. More than likely I’ll have an etsy online shop.

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

My advice to those girls would be to never give up. If there isn’t one thing that my mom, my older brother, college, and life in general has taught is to be persistent. “There is no progress without struggle.” Just keep smiling and keep striving.

Being a teen can be tough when you’re growing up, what was the most vital lesson as a teen you learned so far in life? 

The most vital lesson I learned as a teen was to focus on myself. The boys can wait and if your friends are your real friends, they’ll realize that you need to be able to find yourself and figure out who you are as an individual and if they really care then they’ll let you do your thing and support you through it all; Kind of like family.

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

Empowerment to me is being able to keep your head on straight, stay strong, be positive, and keep moving forward. Empowerment is about having support of those who love you and support in yourself, in your own ideas.

C.O.R.E Mag & Creative Dreamers hosted  the Art of War Art Battle fundraiser event to aid us to fund our on-site programs for teen girls! It was held at China Latina lounge in Manhattan, NYC and featured 4 different visual artists and 2 musical guests. The full recap vid is coming soon! Check out all the fun and support that was shown for our cause!

The quote the artists based their pieces from

Our amazing artists with C.O.R.E & Creative Dreamers

Ja’Shayla, our musical guest

Life of Riley band musical guests

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…

Twitter

Hello loves!

We told you we were going to kick off fresh events in 2013! Well, you don’t have to wait any longer!

C.O.R.E Mag & Creative Dreamers would like to invite you to our Art of War Art Battle in NYC!

‘Art of War’ Art Battle is a fundraiser that raises money for C.O.R.E Magazine and Creative Dreamer organizations. The event exhibits different genres of art in a social networking environment. This year we have 4 fine artists and 2 musical artists that will showcase their talents on Thursday, May 2^nd at Dragones Rooftop Lounge at Indigo Hotel in Chelsea (127 W. 28^th St. NY, NY 10001 between 6^th and 7^th)

Featured Artists:
Eunah Han
DERTI
Daniel Hibbert
Kamila Maslowska

Musical Guests:
G. Martin
Ja’ Shayla

When: Thursday, May 2nd

Where: Dragones Rooftop Lounge at Indigo Hotel in Chelsea (127 W. 28^th St. NY, NY 10001 between 6^th and 7^th)

Tickets: $10

Purchase tickets early or at the door –www.artofwarartbattle.eventbrite.com

Don’t Miss Out!

Bold & beautiful are the words that describe Beauty Activist, Kenatia Lee!  Passionately committed to helping women embrace their beauty, Kenetia speaks to women’s organizations all over the country encouraging them to appreciate themselves and is the author of Fearless Beauty: A Women’s Guide to Living Bold, Beautiful & Free.

Kenetia’s work as a highly sought-after Red Carpet Makeup Artist has given her the honor of working intimately with talented women at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Grammy Awards, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and Teen Vogue Fashion LIVE to name a few.  As a Public Speaker & Spokesperson, she has worked with Revlon, Covergirl, Mark Cosmetics, The Miss Universe Organization, Step Up Women’s Network, and numerous other national organizations.  Kenetia has regularly appeared on Television shows such as ABC’s “Eyewitness News Sunday Morning,” WB’s “Good Day Arizona,” WB’s “Flix & Pix Detroit,” and CW’s “Extra!”  Kenetia can also be found as a Featured Columnist in publications such as InStyle, The Las Vegas Review, and The Los Angeles Sentinel.

Kenetia presents a powerful message that is uplifting, empowering, and gives young ladies the confidence they need to be themselves and feel beautiful just the way they are.

Let’s get to know Kenetia better….

You wear many different hats as a make up artist, author & personal coach, what made you want to dive into these specific careers?

They are different but in many ways the same. As a makeup artist, author and personal coach I am able to share my passion bringing out the beauty I see in others. To me it is all the same, just different expressions with the same objective.

In your book “Fearless Beauty: A Women’s Guide to Living Bold, Beautiful & Free.” you tackle the idea beauty, why was it important for you to discuss this topic?

It is an important topic for me to discuss because everywhere around me I see how badly people crave to look and feel beautiful. Even at the expense of permanently damaging or completely losing themselves. I want women to feel empowered by their beauty. And playfully celebrate their uniqueness and freely express it in the world.

As a teen female it’s a constant battle to try to fit into what the media’s idea of “beauty” is, what piece advice would you give to teen girls to embrace their unique beauty?

I don’t know that teens care so much about what the media has to say about whether or not they are beautiful. They are more concerned about whether or not their peers (and the boys) think they are beautiful. Anyone who has ever made a difference for other people, always dared to be different (to be themselves). President Obama, Beyonce, Oprah, Tyra Banks, Bruce Lee, Bill Gates, etc. Continue trying to fit in and you will likely not stand out!

What can we expect from you in the next 5 years?

Another book or 2 is definitely in the works. I’m also working to bring my message to a larger audience so it is possible I will bring my message to a different medium like cable or network television.

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?

You can’t please everybody so you might as well be pleasing to yourself. Those who get you will stick around and those that don’t won’t.

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

Empowerment means to me, building someone up so they CAN do for themselves.

Fun Faves!!– Food? Shrimp Song? My Fun Valentine Artist? Pat McGrath ~ Celebrity Makeup ArtistCeleb Crush? President Barack Obama

Check out more Kenetia here…

Kenetia Lee

 “Whatever you do choose to win,” are the encouraging words of Ciara Elle. This empowered young lady is the founder of the Life Development Agency & author of B.A.I.T. (Believe. Affirm.Inspire.Transcend),  a book of affirmation and encouragement for teens!  She has also created several youth development programs and has successfully served hundreds of children and families since entering the mental health profession six years ago. Motivated by the negative portrayal of women in the media, Ciara went into the field of life coaching and wrote a  self-help book for young women, Go Get It! Ciara  is continuously spreading the word that self growth should be a lifelong journey for  everyone. 

Let’s get to know Ciara a little better..

You wear many different hats as an author, behavioral specialist, mentor, and life coach, what made you want to dive into these specific careers?

I began as a behavioral specialist while I was in school for counseling; I had no idea what a behavior specialist was I needed a job and I took off from there. I noticed with some kids who were receiving counseling they didn’t necessarily need it they could benefit from having a mentor, which lead me in that direction. I decided to start writing after I had multiple encounters with so many kids whom shared similar childhood experiences as I did, I wanted to share my world in hopes that it will motivate the hopeless to become a victor and not a victim. As it relates to becoming a life coach, the thought and inspiration came from watching an episode of a reality show. Overall, the many hats that I wear tie into my profession which is counseling.

 B.A.I.T. (Believe. Affirm.Inspire.Transcend) & Go Get It! are both motivational books you’ve written geared towards young women, what’s the number 1 lesson you would want girls to take away after reading each one?

B.A.I.T is a daily motivational book, I would want them to do as the title says Believe. Affirm, Inspire. and Transcend. After reading Go Get It, i would want the ladies to put the past behind them; move forward and Go after what ever they aspire to go after.

You’ve created several nonprofit organizations and youth development programs, why is it important to you to focus on empowering our youth?

Because they will someday become adults; I just want them to succeed in life oppose to settling.

What can we expect from you in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years you can definitely expect to see me on television, 2 peer centers one in Chicago and Atlanta, and a couple of top selling books.

 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?

I would have to say, the importance of working and saving my earnings.

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

Empowerment means the world to me, it is very much important to me to the extinct I would do it all for free if I had the means to do so.

Fun Faves!!- Food? Song? Artist? Celeb Crush?
My favorite foods are Tacos and seafood. Micheal Jackson is my favorite artist. (Laughs….) my celeb crush is Lance Gross.

Check out more Ciara Elle …

Ciara Elle

Twitter

Name: Kelly Hernandez

Age:  12

City: Nashville

Grade: 7th

What is your dream job and why?   

My dream job is  to be an Artist.  I really love creating!

Which hobbies do you enjoy?     

My favorite hobbies are painting & reading.

Who is your biggest crush?   

Tyler Perry

What’s your favorite song to jam to right now?   

    “Oath” by Cher Lloyd

If you could change one thing about the world, what would that be? 

  If I could change one thing in the worl

What does empowerment mean to you?     

Empowerment means believing yourself & being true to yourself.

What are your plans after high school?           

My plans are to attend Vanderbilt University!

How have your helped someone in your life lately?   

I listen and try to give solutions

Who is your role model and why?    

  I’m still in search of my role model.

Acting, singing & dancing, are just a few of the talents Jaida-Iman Benjamin has to offer to the world! This triple threat is the perfect combo of fresh talent, ultimate drive & undeniable beauty! From being featured on TNT’s hit show Southland to acting on Disney Channel’s Austin & Ally, there is nothing that this young star on the rise isn’t able to accomplish. The LA based teen actress, is on the road of accomplishing her dreams & motivating girls as she is doing it!

Let’s get to know Jaida-Iman Benjmain a little better…

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?

How I regroup and motivate myself when I’m feeling a little defeated is by remembering how blessed I am to had come so far. I believe God has a strategic plan for everyone and a lot of times just because things don’t go the way WE want it to go, we get angry. But remembering that there is a plan for me and everything happens for a reason, regroups my mentality.