Cover Stories
Stories That Inspire
Los Angeles, California
The late, great Maya Angelou said, "Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning." As humans, we need emotion and passion to convey our truths so that our messages get adequately expressed. In a time where gun violence and war constantly take center stage, we need voices to carry palpable realities. Who better to do that than people who have experienced loss. These acts of violence plague the people of the world and, most importantly, the innocent children who are stripped of life far too soon in such a devastating manner. If there was a time to use your voice to shout 'no more' from the rooftops, it is now. During these trying times, one of the most powerful tools we have is our voices. Helecia "SKG" Choyce is utilizing her voice and platform and giving back to the people who've lost loved ones.
The late, great Maya Angelou said, "Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning." As humans, we need emotion and passion to convey our truths so that our messages get adequately expressed. In a time where gun violence and war constantly take center stage, we need voices to carry palpable realities. Who better to do that than people who have experienced loss. These acts of violence plague the people of the world and, most importantly, the innocent children who are stripped of life far too soon in such a devastating manner. If there was a time to use your voice to shout 'no more' from the rooftops, it is now. During these trying times, one of the most powerful tools we have is our voices. Helecia "SKG" Choyce is utilizing her voice and platform and giving back to the people who've lost loved ones.
Los Angeles, California
Art triggers the mind and soul; it makes us feel without saying a word. True art enriches our inner lives and stays with us for a lifetime. Creation is a short film that will have a profound impact on how you view art going forward. It will capture you as revelations come to the surface long after you’ve viewed it. Creation is simply an explosion of art in all its forms. Creation is simply an explosion of art in all its forms.
Art triggers the mind and soul; it makes us feel without saying a word. True art enriches our inner lives and stays with us for a lifetime. Creation is a short film that will have a profound impact on how you view art going forward. It will capture you as revelations come to the surface long after you’ve viewed it. Creation is simply an explosion of art in all its forms. Creation is simply an explosion of art in all its forms.
Lisbon, Portugal
Music has a profound effect on humans, prompting us to call out everything from heartbreak to social injustices. It has long been a form of expression for artists to let the world know who we are, what we believe, and how to cope. In today's society, it's more than refreshing when you come across an independent artist like Dave Curl who pours his heart, soul and experiences into each verse to inspire the collective. Dave uses his music as a tool to bring social awareness to social issues. He connects with his audience deeply by basing his lyrics on personal experiences and the situations of others who need a strong ally. The music is real and raw as it relays everyday thoughts. It’s cerebral and telling, leaving the listener with a positive, unshakable message.
Music has a profound effect on humans, prompting us to call out everything from heartbreak to social injustices. It has long been a form of expression for artists to let the world know who we are, what we believe, and how to cope. In today's society, it's more than refreshing when you come across an independent artist like Dave Curl who pours his heart, soul and experiences into each verse to inspire the collective. Dave uses his music as a tool to bring social awareness to social issues. He connects with his audience deeply by basing his lyrics on personal experiences and the situations of others who need a strong ally. The music is real and raw as it relays everyday thoughts. It’s cerebral and telling, leaving the listener with a positive, unshakable message.
Florida
There is no conventional image of beauty. It comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and forms. Beauty is not only to be found in the eye of the beholder, it is whatever each individual decides it is for themselves. If those who act as gatekeepers for an industry in desperate need of change are still sadly deciding what constitutes beauty and what does not, Edward Tapia is here to change that. Edward was born with a cleft lip, cleft palate and teased because of these differences. Having these adversities hasn’t stopped Edward from living his life to the fullest. Ironically, it is the things that were destined to hold him back that he turned into his own unique star qualities. Storming the barricades of tradition and perception has allowed Edward to blaze a trail through the industry, shining like a beacon for diversity and inclusion.
There is no conventional image of beauty. It comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and forms. Beauty is not only to be found in the eye of the beholder, it is whatever each individual decides it is for themselves. If those who act as gatekeepers for an industry in desperate need of change are still sadly deciding what constitutes beauty and what does not, Edward Tapia is here to change that. Edward was born with a cleft lip, cleft palate and teased because of these differences. Having these adversities hasn’t stopped Edward from living his life to the fullest. Ironically, it is the things that were destined to hold him back that he turned into his own unique star qualities. Storming the barricades of tradition and perception has allowed Edward to blaze a trail through the industry, shining like a beacon for diversity and inclusion.
Atlanta, Georgia
Building a business is hard work, and many aspects must be considered before you see the light of success. Though it might begin with a simple idea, the evolution of your model has to go through several intricate phases. It involves extensive research, networking, blood, sweat and tears — full stop. Imagine all the work and sacrifice and multiply it by one hundred. Then, you'll begin to visualize the effort it takes for a single mother, or any mother, to become an entrepreneur. No success comes without hardships, that's true. However, it's much more than your average struggle to victory for mothers. "I believe being a teen parent alone is the aspect I credit most for my level of success and drive. I had to figure out a way to be successful very fast. I just could not allow my daughter to go without, or to look at me as anything other than a steady pillar she could always count on, especially in her moments of need."
Building a business is hard work, and many aspects must be considered before you see the light of success. Though it might begin with a simple idea, the evolution of your model has to go through several intricate phases. It involves extensive research, networking, blood, sweat and tears — full stop. Imagine all the work and sacrifice and multiply it by one hundred. Then, you'll begin to visualize the effort it takes for a single mother, or any mother, to become an entrepreneur. No success comes without hardships, that's true. However, it's much more than your average struggle to victory for mothers. "I believe being a teen parent alone is the aspect I credit most for my level of success and drive. I had to figure out a way to be successful very fast. I just could not allow my daughter to go without, or to look at me as anything other than a steady pillar she could always count on, especially in her moments of need."
Los Angeles, California
Art is about blurring lines and intermingling theories to make a statement evoking strong emotions and big ideas. Transcendent art is about finding would-be opposites and mixing them like they’re destined to unite. That’s precisely what world-renowned, modern Renaissance artist Sir Daniel Winn is most successful at doing. He exquisitely pushes the boundaries in the realm of art by merging art and science. He blends these dichotomies flawlessly together to create stunning works all in the name of helping people understand our purpose on this planet.
Art is about blurring lines and intermingling theories to make a statement evoking strong emotions and big ideas. Transcendent art is about finding would-be opposites and mixing them like they’re destined to unite. That’s precisely what world-renowned, modern Renaissance artist Sir Daniel Winn is most successful at doing. He exquisitely pushes the boundaries in the realm of art by merging art and science. He blends these dichotomies flawlessly together to create stunning works all in the name of helping people understand our purpose on this planet.
Rheinstetten, Germany
Philosopher and author Albert Camus once said, “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” In other words, break the mold, live your life as you want and seek freedom through the eyes of your own adventures. This quote embodies what Rootless is all about. It’s a rarity to encounter a brand that genuinely believes in its sacred message.
Philosopher and author Albert Camus once said, “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” In other words, break the mold, live your life as you want and seek freedom through the eyes of your own adventures. This quote embodies what Rootless is all about. It’s a rarity to encounter a brand that genuinely believes in its sacred message.
T. Denise had an inside view of gang violence and witnessed a plague that affects these poverty-stricken areas; lack of opportunity and career crime. T. Denise stands as a beacon of light for those with little hope of changing their circumstances and is living proof that the situations you are born into does not define you or decide your life. Quite obviously, she's a hard-core advocate for positive change. Given the circumstances that she was raised in, she's focused on turning the pain of the strenuous daily norm from these struggling urban environments into a hub for healing.
For her cover shoot, the idea was to take the stigma out of the more gangster-inspired look that surrounded her in her youth. What can be more gangster than getting an education and doing things your own way, of not following the rules but then using that rebellion to plant altruistic seeds in communities similar to those that you were raised in.
Los Angeles, California
If you have ever struggled with breaking free from the chains of your past, addiction, gaslighting, abuse, or any other form of bondage, you know that breaking chains can be a daunting task. Maybe you have chains of negative thinking or limiting beliefs. Perhaps they are chains of insecurity, chains holding you back from reaching your full potential. Regardless of your chains, the very word chain produces an image of something solid, heavy and impossible to break. We often assume that a chain cannot be broken; yet chains are not unbreakable. When put into these chains that shackle us, it is our choice to stay bound or free ourselves.
If you have ever struggled with breaking free from the chains of your past, addiction, gaslighting, abuse, or any other form of bondage, you know that breaking chains can be a daunting task. Maybe you have chains of negative thinking or limiting beliefs. Perhaps they are chains of insecurity, chains holding you back from reaching your full potential. Regardless of your chains, the very word chain produces an image of something solid, heavy and impossible to break. We often assume that a chain cannot be broken; yet chains are not unbreakable. When put into these chains that shackle us, it is our choice to stay bound or free ourselves.