Monday, February 25, 2013

Behind The Facade: Kim Osorio

photo-6.jpgThe lovely Ms Kim Osorio is the ultimate superwoman. Balancing the life of a wife, mother of three children and being a well known, successful Editor-In-Chief of The Source Magazine has her hands full.  She inspires the lives of many. Her humbleness is what led her to this point. Osorio's hard work and persistence is what drove her to be the well established, respectable woman she is today. Her natural ability to do what she loves is downright priceless. Kim's consistency is phenomenal in this industry. I had the honor to interview Miss Osorio and I was excited to have this opportunity. Learn more about Kim here:



Would you say that you have achieved the American Dream at this time?
 
Not yet. I'm striving to get there though, and until I fully embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that is calling me, I can't say that I have achieved it.


Balancing the life of a wife, mother of three and an editor in chief, how do you find time through the demanding stress?
 
 I don't think I ever find the time and I don't think I will anytime soon. What I've found is to be comfortable with the fact that I just don't have the time for everything and everyone, and once you accept that, you can manage everyone's expectations a lot better. That decreases the stress.


What was the most enjoyable moment in your life?
 
 The most enjoyable moments in my life were the birth of my kids. That's an easy one.


Are there any related or unrelated fields you would like to explore?
 
I am still trying to figure out when exactly I am going to take and pass the bar exam. when I do, I plan to get into the legal field and see if it's really what I want to do. 


What made you say that your interview with Drake was your favorite? Or has someone else snagged the spot?
 
Wow, I can't remember saying that Drake was my favorite interview, but I guess I could have. It was definitely one of the best. I think my favorite changes frequently because there are things about so many of them that stand out. Right now what comes to mind is an old LL Cool J interview where I was answering more questions than asking and one I did with Mase when he was first coming out of retirement. And then, you  know, I rarely say this, but I've had a few pretty compelling interviews with Foxy Brown.
  
What was the first factor that motivated you to gravitate towards this field?
 
 I would have to say my love for music, and particularly Hip-Hop, really motivated me to write about it. 
 
How important is goal setting to you?
 
 Not important enough. This interview is going to have me setting some new ones :)  
 
What would you say is the message you want your readers to leave with after finishing, "Straight From The Source?"
 
 I want people, and particularly women, to be able to see the double standard in Hip-Hop. I want people to hear my story from me, and understand the decisions I made and how they lead to the end result. But more importantly, I just want people from the outside looking in to be entertained with how funny, sad, and rewarding this industry can be--all at once.
 
Was there an epiphany that brought you back to The Source ?
 
 Not really. After my lawsuit, I never envisioned me going back. And then circumstances led
 me back there. And now I understand how it was so important to my story and who I was to be able to return. It was full circle. 
 
Do you plan on being an editor-in-chief ten years from now?
 
 Oh no. But then if you would have asked me that ten years ago, I may have said no then as well. 
 
Who is your favorite GOAT of writing?
 
 I don't really have a favorite. I tend to favor comedy writers. I love, love Tina Fey. 
 
What advice would you give an upcoming entertainment journalist?
 
 Write. As much as you can.
 
 
Connect with Kim Osorio on Twitter: @KimOsorio1
& Instagram:  @KimOsorio1

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

BTF: MUA Nikki Mo

 

Meet Miss Nikki. An amazing Make-up Artist. Her instruments of inspiration are contained in her Mac bag. The looks she create are head turning and eye gazing. It is a privilege to be seen by this amazing artist. The looks are modern and futuristic, which bring a fresh tone to her clients. Her dreams are much larger than her brushes.. Find out what more about her here!

 
 
Why did you choose to get in the business of make-up artistry?
 
I chose this business because I love the art of transformation. I also enjoy making women feel beautiful about themselves. The person that sits down in my chair is never the same when they get up! Makeup is definitely a self esteem booster and I love being able to help women achieve their dream looks.

Where do you find enough inspiration to not be repetitive in your looks?

My inspiration definitely comes every person that sits in my chair. Every face tells its own story and that's what I go on when creating makeup looks. No two persons are the same and that's what I remember when working on people.

What do you think prepared you best for this business?

Being versatile definitely prepared me for this business! In the beauty industry,  I find that the more you know how to do, the better. Photographers/designers look to hire a "one stop shop" so to speak. So being able to deliver that in terms of makeup, hair, airbrush etc has definitely kept me afloat.

How long have you been a MUA?

I have been doing makeup for years but recently decided to make a career out of it. So I would say I'm just shy of 2 years officially in the business.

What is your favorite look to create?
 
My favorite look to create hands down is the "smokey eye" ! I love this look because its so versatile. When people hear smokey eye they think of the traditional dark black smoked eye but I like to change mines up. You can create the same smokey effect with different colors. My absolute favorite smokey eye color is purple!!

What is the most important thing when creating a look?
 
The most important thing when creating a look is color theory, facial structure and of course creativity! First, I decide is the particular look warm or cool; this is where color theory comes to play. Once I have that down I have to take into consideration my clients facial structure (this includes eye shape). Last but not least, creativity is the biggest part, I love to jump outside the box and deliver dramatic looks.

How important is product knowledge and branding to you?
 
Product knowledge is very important to me. Makeup artists in a sense are women's therapists. We constantly hear all the horror stories about what product didn't work, what broke them out, what should be next etc. So you definitely have to know your products and familiarize yourself with what's on the market even if its not what you prefer to use. This way you'll easily be able to recommend products for your clients.

Could you see yourself being a platform artist in fashion/hair shows to big stars?

I could definitely see myself being a makeup artist to the stars! It has always been a dream of mine to work on movie sets, video shoots and fashion week. Everyday brings me closer to my dreams. Who knows, I might be doing Beyonce's makeup someday!
 
How different are the cosmetics sold at Walgreens versus Sephora?
 
Honestly in my opinion, I see no huge difference in drugstore cosmetics and cosmetics sold at Sephora per say. I find great products at Walgreens  just as easily as at Sephora or makeup counters. It all depends on preference and if you're shopping for a "name."

What is your favorite brand and why?

I don't think I have a favorite brand of makeup because I try to use a little bit of everything. With that being said my makeup kit is predominately Mac products! I love the pigmentation of Mac products and the overall finish they leave behind.

Would you ever want to create your own make up brand versus using what's out there?

I'm actually in the process of creating my own line which will be called Muse by Nikki Mo. The line will consist mainly of eye shadows, lipsticks and blush. Be on the lookout for its release mid 2013.
 
Instagram: @Ms_Nikkimo
 
 
YouTube channel: MusebyNikkimo
 
Great MUA come a dime a dozen. Check out one of Miss Nikki Mo's hot looks below!
 
 
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

BTF Presents: Media Goddess of Detroit



 
The Media Goddess of Detroit, also known as Tiffany has established her own company specializing in Artist Development, Public Relations, Events Marketing and Promotional services. A full blown go getter, she is an upcoming success.  When you are amazing at what you do, other notice how passionate you are about your craft. Miss Media Goddess takes care of this business like she would a child. It is beautifully evident that Detroit has a new boss ready to take it all.. Check out Media Goddess here:


Why do you consider yourself the Media Goddess? How did the name/business come about?

 

I am a Goddess in my own right. I believe that all males and females have some kind of Godliness in them being that we are made in his image. The title Media Goddess pretty much comes with the territory.  I’ve been doing this for a while.. I’m into Media and I’m a Goddess.. soo “Media Goddess”. My companies name deprives from me being a Goddess and the services that I offer.

 

What drove you into the entertainment world?

 

I’ve always loved everything about entertainment. I have a great eye for talent and I love music. I also have excellent communication skills. In college and high school I was always active in all social activities, I was kinda popular and I sort of just went a long with it.

 

 

How would you define success? Would you consider yourself a success?

 

Success can only be defined by oneself. My idea of success may not be the same as yours. I am definitely a success. I started from the bottom. I’m no where near the top.. but I’m enjoying the climb and it feels good to get your feet wet.

 

What keep your spirits high in those overwhelming/frustrating moments?

 

I love watching the effects of my work. I love the feedback. Its something satisfying about knowing that people will remember what you’ve done after its all said and done.. no matter how frustrating it may have been.

 

You've built a name and growing business; how important is entrepreneurship as a woman?

 

Entrepreneurship is extremely important period. I feel like its so much money to be made out here, why not start your own business. I believe that if you don’t work towards your dreams you’ll just spend the rest of your life working to help others achieve theirs. As a woman, I feel that its important because we deserve to be heard. A lot of times we have the best ideas but don’t have enough courage to stand up for ourselves. I represent for those women who need a little motivation.

 

How does your work ethic compare to the next person?

 

I go hard. I work harder than who works the hardest (shoutout to Big Sean). I’m always planning things, my brain is on overload.. I never run out of ideas.  I grind when I’m sick, I grind when I cant sleep. I just don’t stop. I also know how to break bread with my peers and I’m never selfish, which is important in this game.

 

If someone were to shadow you for a week, what would that person witness?

 

They would witness hidden secrets, drive, energy, chaos and most importantly a dedicated individual.

 

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

 

You know what.. I’m a free spirited person. So I can’t tell you where I’ll be 5 years from now.. Change is constant… I can however say that you’ll forever remember my name.

 

What do you love most about what you do?

 

I love the energy and the feedback that I gain from it. I love when people come up to me and tell me I inspire them or they admire me. I love the hustle.

 

Any other business ventures you plan to be a part of?

 

I’m an open book! Goddess Marketing and Promotions’ is always looking for new ventures.. but until then.. follow me and see @Mediagoddess313.
 
 
TWITTER: @MediaGoddess313

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Behind The Facade: DJ Quiana Parks

Uninhibited by anyone's restrictions, DJ Quiana Parks has created her own buzz. The young, wild and free DJ effectively perfects her craft on a regular basis whether its DJ-ing or painting, graphic designing...you name it, she's on it. The colors of the wind inspire her and determine her next move. Parks is creatively undefined and her uncategorized choices of music will lift your spirits and butt off that chair and unto the dance floor. A cancer survivor with a beautiful smile from within shining brightly to inspire those around her. Be a supporter and salute the young queen!
 
 
 
 
What inspires you?
 
Moments inspire me. You know that feeling you get when you are down, you feel like you fallen? Then suddenly you something happens and days become a little brighter. There's a moment when you realize you just got back up. That's the moment that inspires me, the Victory. The moment I realized I beat cancer was the first time I felt that. It was amazing. 
 
When did you know that you wanted to be a DJ?
 
The moment I realized I wanted to be a DJ was after I got the "You've reached your limit" notice from Pandora. I was pressing next song like a million times to find the music I wanted to hear. I love music, I love to dance and sing to music and it was about time I heard it with no commercials or interruptions. My playlist, my mix.

How important is your role as a DJ?
 
DJing is an art, and I take my role as an artist very seriously. I can use anything to create, one day it'll be a paintbrush and one day I will use some turntables, there's no difference in my eyes. Djing is an amazing craft because music is super powerful. Sometimes people will come out and hear my set and tell me how much they really needed to just dance and listen to some good music. Music can make bad day turn into a really good one. One song can change your life, and its my job to chose which ones you hear. 
 
Do you ever feel that you have to work harder to prove yourself equal as a female DJ in a male dominated profession?
 
As Lil' Kim says "Only female in my crew, and I kick sh*t like a n***a do, pull the trigga too, f**k you.."

 
Guy DJs talk ish' but it doesn't bother me because male or female I'm not here for you. As soon as I'm on the turntables they're quiet. You know that Jay-Z line "What you eat don't make me shit"? That's how I feel about other people's opinion. The only difference between me and some of the male DJs is carrying that heavy equipment. But I got my brother Joe to help me with that so I'm good, lol. 
I feel like I have that Spice Girl mentality when it comes to being one of the few women in the DJ industry. I got that Girl Power, ha. 
 
What excites you most about your career?
 
The most exciting part is that I get to talk about music and listen to music all day and its my job! Also that it makes my dad proud, he's also a DJ. He loves tell his friends and everyone about my new found talent, it makes me happy that he's so proud. I love hanging with him and learning new things or watching YouTube clips of legends doing their thing on the 1 and 2s. 
 Being a part of the Grilled Cheese events is also very exciting. The Grilled Cheese Parties are so much fun and are so positive. Scott Mckenzie, Wanyo and Alicia Gooding are all amazing people and what they've created with the GCP is inspiring! Plus they let me play whatever I want to play and that is pretty cool. 
 
Any other DJs you would like to do a project with?
 
Mademoiselle Yulia! She's amazing! I love how creative she is. Her music doesn't stop behind the turntables, she creates music. I also would love to work with DJ Sliink, his Jersey club mixes are BANANAS. Being a Jersey girl myself I can't help myself from doing my "thang" on the dance floor when listening to his set.
 
You combine many different genres, so how would you categorize your style?
 
I just mix what I feel, that's the best part about DJing. The "I don't give a $hit" attitude when it comes to what I play. I will play some old EPMD song and then throw on some Crystal Waters and finish with The xx and Chief Keef. I'll make it flow, I'm outrageous and I love it. It's uncategorized...Just like me.
 
Who has been the biggest influence/motivator in your life?
 
My Grandmother Annabelle, is my biggest influence. I was a weird kid but my grandmother would always encourage me to keep being myself. She would keep reminding me to be myself and never to follow after anyone just to fit in. One of my favorite memories of my growing up was my "Barbie World". When I was a little girl I was obsessed with Barbie dolls. I loved making clothes, cars and houses for them. I always thought the stuff from the store wasn't realistic enough, too much pink. So my grandmother emptied out a room in her house for me and we called it "Barbie World" I would go in there all day on the weekends just making new things. My grandmother would come and check out my things and gave me anything I needed to make whatever I wanted to make. That was something I will always remember, I owe it to my grandmother to always be the best at being me.

What has been your greatest accomplishments to date?
 
Waking up this morning and every morning. Everyday on earth that I get to live is another day I made it through. Ok...not really God wakes me up. Honestly, I'm not sure. I guess my default answer would be beating cancer, but that was the chemo. Soooo....wait what was the question?

 
Where do you plan that DJ-ing will take you?
 
One thing I have learned from life is not to plan. Want to know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plans. I have no plan other than staying faithful to God and working hard, those are my only plans. Whenever I plan things always go terribly wrong. Now I'm trying this new thing called "Let Go and Let God". It seems to be working out pretty well. I just hope to one day be at a level where I am able to help others achieve their dreams. 


instagram :@quianaparks
 
 
 
 
--Free<3
@InkStains

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Behind The Facade: Queen Envy



A vibrant, spicy firecracker, Queen Envy has a lot to say. She balances her overflowing plate very well. Best Internet Radio Station winner at the Philly Hip Hop Awards Show in 2012, the refined young woman was recognized for the countless talents she possesses.  Get to know more about Miss Envy McKee in this interview. A regular segment on Good Morning Philadelphia doesn't reveal this much about her. The Pennsylvania native has the capacity to change the world with her innovative skill. Behind The Façade goes in deep to discover some quite interesting facts. Read here! 



How does a typical work week go for you?

Busy!!! The Envy McKee Show airs Monday through Friday High Noon till 4,
so most every  one of my week days revolves around research and show prep.
I’m the show producer and the lead cast member of the show too, so it’s up
to me to stay current in world events and lifestyle themes so I
persistently have something fresh and relevant to talk about. I’m also on
Good Day Philly on most Tuesdays and that involves more research for
pitching interesting topics and of course defining my point of view that
will fit into a 3-5 minute segment. I try to have a fresh blog post up on
envymckee.com at some point during the week also, which is a process all
by itself. Because my brand has been developed as “reality
show-esque”—which essentially means I let my authentic life experiences
and perspective  guide my work in radio, TV, print and the web (in a
positive way)—I’m always busy finding creative ways to uplevel not only my
own bullshit, but also to help my friends and fans uplevel their bullshit
as well. Some weeks I have scheduled appearances in upwards of 5 (charity,
speaking, event hosting, etc.) which adds a level of hectic-ness to my
life with all that can be involved (fittings, hair, make-up, blah, and
blah). Luckily planning months ( January, February and some of March) are
far less hectic for me (on purpose) because I use these months to build my
plan for the rest of the year. I still have the main stuff that I do, I’m
conscious not to add much extra for sanity reasons.  Meanwhile, I’m the
mom of an awesome 7 year old. So I’ve got my stuff and Aubrei’s stuff
going on every day. I have great help, but trust, busy is actually the
understatement of the century.

What led you into the Radio business? Who inspired it all?
 
I did a little radio in college at Hampton University when I was there.
But honestly, I had zero idea or interest in doing “real” radio at the
time. I also wasn’t much good at it either. Seriously. GAWD awful. “Real”
radio happened for my by accident. At the time my claim to fame was being
an XFL Cheerleader for the New York/New Jersey Hitmen and I had a
successful “Celebrity” Event Team called Eye Candy Brand and we did
parties in AC and Philly.  So one day, my brother coerced me into going to
one of Colby Colb’s (from The Beat) Single in the City parties. I remember
not really wanting to go, but getting dolled up and going anyway. When I
met Colb, I told him I was looking for a boyfriend and  that he should
have me on his show. He asked me what I wanted in a boyfriend and I’m sure
I told him some bullshit I believed at the time. Maybe a week later he
called me in to do the show and it turned out to be one of his most
successful segments. Before I left that day, he asked me to read a
commercial because he liked my voice. A few weeks after that he asked me
to sit in with DC Todd on this slow jams show called Love Land. A few
months later a few firings happened at the station. It was DC Todd who
inspired me to call Colb and tell him I was interested in doing Middays.
Colb asked me instead to do Afternoons while he took Mornings. The rest,
as they say is history. That one party, led to that one segment that led
to 8 + years of an award winning media career. It really is amazing how it
all played out.   There’s way more to this story of course, but it’ll take
a week to tell it and you’d probably like reading it my memoirs better
anyway.


Being in radio for 8 years and counting, what do you hope it'll grow into?
 
I have this really grand master plan. My goal, my dream, my purpose is to
live my message through radio, TV, print and the web. My focus is on
authentic, fabu-conscious living, health, well-being, and wealth.  My goal
is to help people not only rule themselves, but to also reframe the
conversations they have with themselves. I’m totally saying ffff uuuu to
the whole idea of motivational speaking and positive thinking.  My purpose
in this thing is to show people through my own life journey that the best
life they can possibly live is the life they choose and hand craft
themselves. I do this through the amazing people I bring in my realm, the
real talk conversations we have on my show and my blog, and the shows I
have in play on both TV and the web. I’m like the young, hip and fly
Martha Stewart. Plus,  I’m colored. Aphroditian actually. I want people,
particularly women and men of color to break out of the common stereotypes
and get back into the business of revolutionizing the way people do
things. WE are trailblazers (wo)man!  Meanwhile, there really isn’t anyone
of color of the young and fresh variety who is talking to people of color
about what is possible if they change not only the way they view
themselves (in a really small, narrow box of the bullshit) but also the
way they interact with the world around them. There are loads of
non-colored folk having these conversations with non-colored folk, btw.
So, what this radio thing is growing into is a “Fabu-conscious” lifestyle
brand that makes it sexy to make healthy, spiritually sound and
environmentally sustainable life choices. WE do this via radio, TV, print
and the web. AND do it the way Hip Hop does it. Cleopatra Ninja style!


What are the downsides or challenges to your profession?
 
Downsides? None. Challenges? I don’t really see them. I always see
opportunity. I don’t see walls or barriers. If there happens to be a
closed door (by way of the status quo), I only see how strong my legs need
to be to kick that sucka down if I can’t go around it. It’s always a good
look to kick a door down so the folk coming up after don’t need to bother
with it later. What I can say is once you reach a certain level of
self-belief and self-assurance, you will find it harder to find people who
believe in themselves in the same way. A lot of people walk their lives
doubting their abilities and having zero idea what they came to this
planet to do.  This is challenging in a way because it takes a village to
build a dream into its fullest potential. No one does anything worthwhile
completely by themselves. You may craft the blueprint. You may build the
foundation. But eventually it takes a team of skilled artisans to help
erect that awesome building you have in mind. The really awesome thing
I’ve discovered though is  when you learn how to chill and not try to
manipulate the world to do your bidding, amazing people come to your
assistance and help your process along whether you ever meet them or not.
So I’d say the biggest challenge any of us face is recognizing what
challenges actually are—designed to make us doper. If we choose to look at
them that way. It’s always about perspective.


How different is radio now versus when you first began?
 
When I first started radio, I didn’t really know anything about it, so I
had the opportunity to be creative and explore what I wanted my voice to
be about. I figured since I had this awesome platform, I wanted to be
saying something. As I was on for a few years, that creativity wasn’t
considered a priority anymore and I found that a lot of jocks kind of fell
into the whole “I’m just here to collect a check” vibe. Believe me, I’m
guilty as charged. A lot of radio today is like that. The stations are
really there to collect checks from advertisers, so they could give a hot
holy shhhht about their listeners, to keep it 1,000. They don’t really
care about content. They could care less about creativity or “theatre of
the mind”. They just care about those 12 minutes of commercials that play
every hour and jocks really are there as paid commercial introducers. Plus
the music sucks so very dastardly on just about every station, quite
frankly. I’m lucky in that internet radio is like a boutique marketing
firm. We don’t have the same constraints terrestrial radio has. We can be
as creative as we are. We can have talk shows that feature awesome music
from all genre on one show. We build audiences based on the stuff we’re
into, not advertiser demands. So we can hand pick advertisers that fit
what we’re into.  Plus, provide more of a service to our listeners and
advertisers that “regular radio” can. Radio is most different now that we
can use technology to body blow the status quo and be the change we want
to see happen with conversation and music selection. It’s even more dope
because the people who listen to our shows are there on purpose, not
because they’re held captive in their car on their way to work.


You pride yourself on being very self-loving, how do you plan on
instilling those values into your growing young daughter? Do you believe she'll follow in your footsteps?
 
Hon-tee. I started this journey I’m on because of my daughter. Remember,
when I started in radio I was pretty fresh out of the XFL and had this
very provocative event team and in the clubs all the time working. I was
alllll about the party/socialite life at that time. To be honest, I wasn’t
all that self-loving at the time either. I was very much in superficial
hot girl mode. I was in a screwy relationship (and not in the good way,
mind you). When I got pregnant and found out I was having a daughter, a
lot of my self-concept began to change. I didn’t want to be one of those
parents that tried to preach to my daughter about self-love, meanwhile
keeping myself in situations that didn’t show exactly that. I am, for all
intents and purposes a lead by example person. I will not ask anyone to do
anything I’m not willing to do and/or have done to bring about desired
results. So my life is my testimony of what’s possible—as all of our lives
are designed to be. The greatest thing I can teach Aubrei, more than
showing her by example, is to trust her own power. To trust that there is
nothing outside of her that is safer than she is. To rule herself. To
believe in her instincts. To be authentic and to lead in love. I empower
her every day to make her own choices and I never trample on her person.
She is her own person and ultimately, her choices are her own. My job is
to help her build her foundation, but it’s her job to build her life. I do
think she’ll follow my footsteps by way of blazing her own trail. She’s
already an individual. She’s already brilliant and awesome and gorgeous.
She’s already a life explorer. I think she’ll be great at whatever she
decides and is designed to do with her purpose.


What makes this industry so motivating to you?
 
The thing I’ve always loved about entertainment is that there is so much
room to create, grow and blossom. There is so much room to be yourself and
flourish there. For every un-original copycat out there, there's always
that person who shines with authenticity, originality and sheer love for
their craft.  You can literally do and be anything you want and there’s an
audience for it. I love how technology has made it ever easier for
entrepreneurs in this thing to blaze their own trails and carve out their
own markets around the world. Plus, it’s so much easier to maneuver in
spaces that the status quo wouldn’t even bother to fit in. There is a
media revolution underway presently. There are voices being acknowledged
now that never had a shot at the mainstream “machine” before. It’s so
motivating to see that honestly, the only limits that exist are the ones
we place on ourselves.


Outside of being in radio, media hosting and blogging what are your most
joyous hobbies?
I like to make stuff. I’m such a fan of making my own holistic products, I
have this dream that I’ll have a whole line of them someday in the very
near future. I make my own deodorant, FYI-- and it works better than
anything you’ll ever try from the drugstore. My skin seems to hate
anything that is made with chemicals and artificial ingredients aka the
yuckies-- so my current side-passion has been tinkering with making my
own. (Side bar: I’ve had acne scars for yeeeears that I used to hide with
piles of make up. Meanwhile, this marigold/olive oil infusion I’m using is
making them disappear to the tune of mere weeks.)  I like DIY projects of
any sort.  I rehab furniture. Yes. This means I’ll drive by and see a
piece that someone threw away and if it resonates with me, I’ll fix it up
and make it awesome—chairs, benches, dressers, tables, whatever. I’ll even
go so far as to create my own fabrics to reupholster them with. I really
dig interior design, personal style in general and entertaining . One of
my side-dreams is to own a horse farm, so I totally look forward to having
plenty of stuff to re-hab and fabu-conscious-ivize (plus remove all traces
of hokey country living) to create the ideal place to throw THEE dopest
parties. I plan to learn crochet--there's a cloche hat and a poncho I want
to make. I like to experiment with healthy, non-boring cooking. I bake. I
come from a long line of amazing bakers. My challenge is finding a way to
make my most decadent goodies healthy too. Womp.  I like to do anything
that’s active: surfing, swimming, horse riding, paint ball, laser tag,
bowling, arcade basketball, dancing--yeeees salsa. I DO plan to be on
Dancing with the Stars, FYI.  I finished my first Tough Mudder (by myself)
last year. We’re putting together an Envy’s Star Army Tough Mudder Team
for June.  This is my signature event. I plan to be 90 finishing Tough
Mudders, if they still exist. For the most part, I live to be creative,
active and inventive, so any way that plays out, I’m always down.


What makes you and your station so unique versus another?
 
I can’t really speak for other internet radio stations because I’ve only
been to one other in NY.  But I can say that what makes The FN Radio
(which stands for The Future of Network Radio)  so awesome is not only the
utter gorgeousness of the station itself and the unique set up; it’s also
the freedom that lives there. It’s about the freedom to speak our truth,
whatever that truth may be. It’s also a true learning environment. We’re
all on this planet to learn and grow and become the best we can be.  The
environment at The FN Radio is all love and it’s designed for a grand
purpose—Media Revolution.  There is no competition in that. It’s all
creation.  Plus, it’s owned by a woman. Pow!


How much has SmarTeez grown? Why was this movement important to you?
 
I started SmarTeez in 2007 as a statement about what was happening at the
time.  Mike Vick was living his version of hell with the pet lobby. In
Philly, there was a big push by legislators to get comprehensive gun
control laws on the books—which was being thwarted by gun lobbyists.  So
there I was watching these dynamics happening and thinking:  Well hell,
pets have a lobby. Guns have a lobby. Where the ffff is the lobby for
people?! Why in the holy hot mess aren't there any people lobbies or dope
school lobbies or smart people lobbies?!  So I created “The Human Lobby”
as a way to fund organizations that already exist and are doing important
things that impact the quality of people’s lives every single day.  School
Supply Initiatives.  After school programs. Beautifying projects. Art,
Science and Music programs, Tutor Initiatives, etc. My idea was to create
some smart ass shirts like “I Read” and “My Brain Can Kick Your Brain’s
Ass” (there ended up being like 10 shirts) in an effort to not only make
it sexy to billboard smartness rather than ignorance; but also raise money
for those organizations that need funding. The SmarTeez movement is vital
now more than ever because all the things I saw happening around me in
2007 that caused me to start the brand-- are escalating. People are seeing
their quality of lives crumbling around them and the programs that are
designed to lend support, are losing funding for all sorts of reasons.
Understand, the threads that bind my brand together are about self-rule,
self-love, awakened consciousness and reframing the conversations we have
with OURSELVES. I’ve always known a t-shirt isn’t going to change the
world on its own-- or people’s minds for that matter. But a t-shirt can be
a deeper conversation starter if done effectively. I don’t really care how
people come to this conversation, I only care that they do.  There is a
grand re-launch of The Human Lobby and SmarTeez in the works that includes
new shirt designs and some really dope artist collabs.  We don’t have any
solid dates mapped out yet, but I can tell you a major photo shoot is
being planned for late Spring.



Twitter @QueenEnvy
 Instagram @EnvyousLife

www.ENVYMCKEE.com




--Free<3
@InkStains_