Afro Inspired September 2023

When artnet.com reported that Pintô Art Museum was one of the most Instagrammed museums in the world (and the most snapped in Asia), the news was received with utter jubilance, but it was hardly surprising. The many hundreds of guests that we see every day, even during weekdays, attest to Pintô’s seductive draw as it beautifully marries contemporary art, verdant ecology, and Mediterranean architecture within a more-than-two-hectare tropical sprawl. It doesn’t hurt that Pintô, while located in Antipolo, Rizal, is still pretty accessible from Metro Manila, providing a quick escape to those who want to find refuge from the gray and noise of the city. Run by El Refugio Arts and Sciences Foundation, Inc., Pintô departs from the usual template of museums in that it allows the guests to leisurely…

Creative Director: ROSALINA TRAN LYDSTER @rosalinalydster Jewelry By: DIAMANTE BY ROSALINA Rosalina’s Assistant: JASMINE NGUYEN and CHIEU ANH NGUYEN BTS Photographer: BRANDON JAMES @man.behindthecam Videographer Assistant: VANESSA HERBRUGER Copy Editor: KIEDO VILLANUEVA @kei_villanueva Art Director: NIGEL JOHN DEL MUNDO @nigeldelmundo Public Relations: RASHENA FRANKLIN Executive Producer: QIANA JAMES @qianajames Photographer: VINCENT GOTTI @vinniegotti Photographed at: CIEL Restaurant & Lounge in Houston TX @cielhtx Dr. CleRenda McGrady is a wife, mother of four, philanthropist, online private school teacher, and entrepreneur. As the founder of ReNew Coaching Center, CleRenda firmly believes that when we renew our thoughts, we transform our lives. The creator of several women’s self-development initiatives such as the full day masterclass “The Esther Experience” and the eight week course “Wise Wives Win,” she is passionate about teaching, supporting, and inspiring…

Make-Up Artist: BELAAN BEAUTY @belaanbeauty Hair Stylist: D MITCHELL SALON @dainamitchell Copy Editor: KIEDO VILLANUEVA @kei_villanueva Art Director: NIGEL JOHN DEL MUNDO @nigeldelmundo Public Relations: RASHENA FRANKLIN Photographer: JOANNA BOOTH @sanguineportraiture Qiana James is the founder of Friendly Faces Senior Care. Having aspired to be an entrepreneur since she was eight years old, she was finally able to make that dream a reality in 2010 when she formed Friendly Faces. The agency provides private pay in-home caregiver services for seniors; ensuring they can live independent, happy lives in the comfort of their own homes with dignity and grace. Qiana and Friendly Faces have been honored with several awards and acknowledgments, including Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, Top Home Care for Houston award, Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America (2021…

Make-Up: ALEX MASON @alexreigh Hair: NAY MONROE @_naymonroe Jewelry: NVSME “Fly In Love” Collection @shopnvsmejewelry Dress: CHASTITY SEREAL @chastitysereal Creative Director: ROSALINA TRAN LYDSTER @rosalinalydster BTS Photographer: BRANDON JAMES @man.behindthecam Videographer Assistant: VANESSA HERBRUGER Copy Editor: KIEDO VILLANUEVA @kei_villanueva Art Director: NIGEL JOHN DEL MUNDO @nigeldelmundo Public Relations: RASHENA FRANKLIN Photographer: VINCENT GOTTI @vinniegotti Photographed at: CIEL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE in Houston Texas Award-winning TV producer turned media personality Alexis “Fly” Jones’ name initially made airwaves when she served as a Top 10 market producer for KHOU Ch.11’s “Great Day Houston” with host Deborah Duncan, for 8 years. In 2021, she became a household name when she stepped from behind the camera to the front as a cast member and fan-favorite from Will Packer’s hit show “Ready To Love: Season…

CREDITS Muse: ALMA DELGADO @almadelgado_ Photographer: GIO ALMA @gioalmapics Make Up: ALBERTO TOVAR @you_and_i_glamorous From the runways of Cali, Colombia, to the most coveted catwalks in the United States, Latin America, and Europe, Alma Delgado has proven to be an unstoppable force in the fashion industry. With innate elegance and a charm that extends beyond the cameras, this Latina brunette has captivated hearts and gazes at every runway, reign, and competition she’s been a part of. Today, we sit down with Alma to discuss her journey, her pauses, her perspective on current fashion, and her yet-to-be-fulfilled dreams.” Alma, what motivated you to start your career as a model? I began at the age of 15 with a glamour, etiquette, and runway course at the best academy in Cali, “Top…

Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Carolyn’s fond memories include growing up with a lot of siblings. She spent thirty-two years live on the camera as a news anchor/TV reporter for ABC7 news. Although Carolyn never anticipated or foresaw this would be her career path, the universe already designated a plan for her. “I realized I could become a journalist after I saw my first Black female news anchor—Reynelda Muse on a Denver television station. After meeting her, I shifted my college major from Education to Journalism,” she shares. During her extensive career, Carolyn gained the opportunity to meet and interview people from all sectors which enabled her to learn something new daily. Adhering to the guiding principles of journalism, Carolyn knew her boundaries and remained objective at all causes.…