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#KeepMoving June 10, 2020
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Let’s talk about Ayman Safiah: Palestinians are fighting their own battle

Amidst the horrific murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, USA, our people have been reacting towards the legal injustices that have yet again made waves on our headlines. Our world has yet to open, but our current restrictions placed seem to have a polarizing effect on the voices of those involved in disclosing truths.

The echoes of those who are enraged have little chance of becoming stifled under our curtailment. It seems the feeling of universal shackles has ignited a fire within the people.

America is on fire.

On the other side of the world, the East is feeling a familiar torment. Palestinians are suffering from yet another poorly strategized, ill-documented, authoritative reaction to the death of an innocent man.

Ayman Safiah, a 29-year-old Palestinian born in Kafr Yasif of the mountainous Galilee region, lived a life of constant battle against prejudices. 


At the age of 16, he was already studying at the Rabeah Murkus Dance Studio, known for being Israel’s “first Arab dance studio.” 

“I was the only male student in the ballet class at the local cultural center in Kafr Yasif,” he told BBC in 2012. Known for being the first renowned male Palestinian ballerina, the interview touched upon his struggle on finding a school that existed in Israel where he could dance freely. 

“When Yehudit Arnon founded the Kibbutz Dance School Gaaton, where I studied, the idea was to bring Arabs and Jews together,” Safiah explains.

“But now that the founder is no longer in charge, that ethos has changed and the school is reluctant to accept Palestinians.”’


Ayman’s bright outlook and persona seemed to pay off. On Instagram, he could be found sharing his successes internationally. While taking his dance around the world, it’s apparent that Ayman spent a lot of time revolving around Israel’s main artistic hubs, spreading art throughout the country.

From the historical cities of Jaffa and Nazareth, the progressive cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, Ayman was open about sharing his passions and love.


Just weeks ago, he shared a project called “Between Two Worlds,” a contemporary dance project that focused on the process of dancing, rather than the results. Anyone who watches it can easily see just how submerged Safiah was in his work, community, and life-long goals.

Ayman was last seen on Sunday morning, May 24, 2020, on a camping trip with two friends. They entered Neve Yam Beach. Media reports mention Safiah helping his friend out of the water before being swept away by currents. 

His father expressed how surprised he was to have so many people have turned up for the search. Amongst the search, police threatened to ticket them those who remained on the shore looking. 

“The police and country were supposed to use their best equipment to find him as fast as possible. I’m not surprised. We’re Arabs.”

On May 26, 2020, writer and activist Amer Zahr wrote:

“When you talk about Israel, the first thing you have to understand is that it does not see us Palestinians as human beings. Period. Ayman Safiah is a Palestinian professional dancer. Two days ago, he disappeared while swimming in the Mediterranean. He is an Israeli citizen.”

“The Israeli authorities, however, spent almost no resources or time searching for him, simply because he is not Jewish. His life simply does not matter to them. The story of Ayman is all too common for Palestinians living in their homeland. Let us make his name and story heard. #SearchForAyman #Palestine #KeepMoving”

Communities all over Palestine have been expressing their condolences to Ayman, his family, and friends. Responses are serving as backlash towards Israel’s lax exploration for Ayman’s body.

The reaction of the Israeli government is being compared to responses towards situations where a Jewish citizen is in trouble. Backtracking to 2019, Israel is reminded of the Russia-capture of Israeli woman Naama Issachar.

The event garnered so much attention that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Vladimir Putin in Jerusalem in January of this year. Though Naama was jailed for smuggling nine grams of marijuana into Russia, following the Prime Minister and President’s meeting, Naama was released and was allowed to fly back to Israel on Jan. 30, 2020. 

There are no reservations expressing the betrayal Palestinians feel regarding Ayman’s untimely death. While the ache is raw, Ayman’s life and legacy can and will be carried forward towards new beginnings, new voices, new rules, and new receptions.

Just as George Floyd does, Ayman Safiah’s voice carries the weight of the world but also the emergence of the neo-political climate that is determined to rise. 

film May 2, 2019
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How ‘Ramy’ captures the internal struggle of the millennial Muslim

This article contains spoilers.

Ramy, Hulu’s coming-of-age comedy, follows the life of its co-creator Ramy Youssef in a fictitious character arc that carries the viewer throughout protagonist Ramy Hussein’s day-to-day life, as well as an altering rotation and extension of his grapples.

The show is a breath of fresh air, covering topics of Arabian culture that have been stifled throughout the years. The series received controversial reviews regarding its depictions of Muslims — in particular, Muslim women. Still, there’s something to be said about the show that truly encapsulates the daily lives of those practicing modern Islam.

There is a quintessential portrayal of quotidians found in the series, from feeling the pressure of marriage, instilled restrictions on the female gender, the interaction, and impressions within the community. Plus, there’s a curtailment of culture that seems to tie into every episode.

While these are seldom heard and even more seldom understood, the takeaway from Ramy is not the differences in treatment between men and women. It is not found in the disaggregation of family dynamics or disunion of a bicultural home.

Instead, the show’s natural aptitude comes from something much larger and distinct; the internal struggle that Muslim millennials face on a consistent basis, from family to friends to relationships.

 

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get your cousins @hulu password. FULL trailer in bio.

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As Ramy’s character navigates his life of a 20-something, he finds it pertinent to become heavily involved with his religion and culture. We watch as his transformation is contrasted in his decisions.

For example, his willingness to go to mosque, a development from the first episode where he fails to understand why he needed to wash between his toes before prayer is far from the final episode. In comparison to the first episode, for the last episode, Ramy joins a Sufi prayer gathering and falls into a spell of feverish devotion, finally finding peace within his company.

His transformative path is also mirrored in his attempt at failed relationships. Ramy finds himself going for women who are unavailable from a central variation, like his affinity towards Jewish women, which always seems to result in an abrupt and unexpected end. This causes him to seek a more interchangeable connection, looking for love in Muslim women, which he finds is even less agreeable.

Furthermore, within his North Jersey community of Arabs, Ramy tries his best at holding onto the little threads of culture that he has left over through the wash of American formalities he experiences growing up.

 

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a real problem

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The heart of the show is centered, like most Arabian dramas, around finding love. This love is not limited to romantic love, but love in all aspects; for his “God,” (which, in the earlier episodes seems to pose a scrap of skepticism) for a partner, and for his culture.

Throughout the series, we see a persistent underlying theme of sex. To some, this is nothing more than a veneer meant to brighten the plot with a more acceptable and relatable viewing.

However, the focus on sex isn’t only meant to serve the viewer a digestible plot-line. Instead, sex is meant to present a bona fide lesson that at the end of the day, whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish, the characters remain human with human needs.

Furthermore, the subject of sex has been taboo in Arabian culture for ages. In the seventh episode, we follow Ramy’s mother, Maysa, (Hiam Abbass) as she tries to arouse what was once hers; the feeling of being a lively and desirable woman.

Ramy’s mother mentions to his father Farouk (Amr Wakeed) that they’ve watched the same movie over and over again (another commonality in Arabian culture), and though her husband seems to be engaged, she is frustrated in the mundanity of life. The episode ends on an unanticipated note as she and Farouk end up having sex in front of the television, which continues to play an old Egyptian film in the background.

Human sexuality is also used in navigating difficult topics through humor. The subject of self-pleasure is the central focus throughout the season, but particularly in what should be the heaviest episode of the season, Ramy experiencing September 11, 2001.

 

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my show RAMY is now streaming on @hulu and this is how I feel

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Here, we watch as a young Ramy dreams that he comes face to face with Osama Bin Laden himself. Bin Laden then attempts to coerce him into accepting his natural inclination as a bad person, calling him out on lying that he was able to masturbate to his friends. While this can be taken as tawdriness, the simple engagement of such a topic shifts darker themes into more light-hearted authenticity.

The show explores the lives of other objective characters, dedicating an entire episode to the matriarch of the family, as well as Ramy’s sister Dena (May Calamawy). In her journey, we see Dena struggling to figure out her “issue” of virginity, breaking free from strictness at home, being 25 and unwed, as well as her forced inexperience.

This recurring subject is demonstrated in the very first episode, as Ramy attempts a date with “Nour” (Dina Shihabi) who turns out to be nothing that he expected from a Muslim girl. Dena and Nour share a common difficulty in breaking free of women living in a man’s culture through seemingly failed attempts at free sexuality.

Ironically, in the episode prior to Dena’s, Ramy finds a lover in the one woman no one would have expected: A wed, hijabi mother of one, whom Ramy meets walking back home from the mosque during Ramadan. After relations with his mother, her son Ali comes into the room and asks Ramy a question which is substantial to his overall confliction. “Are you a bad guy?”

And we see it again in Dena’s episode, where one of her best friends Fatima (Jade Eshete) talks about losing her virginity and the fact that it “just happened” with a guy in her program, before throwing on her hijab to grab the Chinese Food from the delivery man at the door.

At an earlier time, the idea of hijabi women engaging in lewd acts on the television would be frowned upon, but this innovative show looks beyond the prohibitions of the past. In Ramy, these scenes remind us that the characters are, at their very core, humans with human needs and wants. In traversing their lives, we arrive at questions left for interpretation, inspection and open conclusions: What makes a real Muslim “devout?”

 

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👽

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Season 1 is concluded with juxtaposing conditions, when in the second to last episode, Ramy decides to embark on a journey back to the Middle East after his friend Steve (Steve Way) seems to push him to the limit in an uncomfortable evening with two underage girls. There, Ramy hopes to cleanse himself of anything “American,” and he lands in Egypt in hopes that he can spend time with his family and lose himself in the sweep of the Middle Eastern culture.

Unfortunately (and unexpectedly) for him, he quickly comes to grips with the fact that the culture has long been marred by the American mindset. Upon arrival, his cousin Shadi (Shadi Alfons) promises him a night of everything he was trying to escape — women, nightlife, drugs, and alcohol. Ramy is caught off guard in his attempts to salvage whatever he can to immerse himself in culture but comes out empty handed as he finds himself more lost than ever before.

Finally, the last episode brings to light another, more controversial topic. The topic of cousins falling in love. While this is an open tradition in Middle Eastern cultures, there’s very little understanding of the origins of this practice or why.

We catch a brief explanation when Ramy’s American friends urge him to pursue her, but Ramy’s struggle to first accept his feelings is readily apparent. Even though it tapers off as they seal the end of the season with a kiss, opening up a new can of worms for fights of morality, righteousness and more importantly, the act of keeping the culture alive.

If anything, ​Ramy​ gets one thing right, and that’s summarizing the different capacities of millennial Muslims today into one humor-filled sitcom, brimming with lessons, clashing morals and contentious identifications left for the viewer to answer.

If you haven’t already, go watch it on Hulu.

crime london April 17, 2019
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How the Kistermann twins built Crime London, the fashion brand merging vibes

Lisa and Jessica Kistermann seemed destined to become the dynamic duo they are today.

Born and raised in Florence, Italy, the twin sisters come from multicultural roots that extend back to German and Greek ancestry. Since a young age, the girls were active in their own world, considering themselves “a handful” among their peers.

Their education was comprehensive. They attended the American School of Florence until they were 17. They described the learning environment as intensely diverse, with an oscillating student body from all around the world. There, you never saw the same face twice. 

 

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Their perceptiveness was credited to the early days of their education, which they say encouraged them to, “create a strong community embracing each other’s differences.” They recalled their school as something of a safe space, which helped them grow in areas of personal development, before the days of the world wide web takeover. 

“[IT WAS] AN ONGOING PROCESS OF RESEARCH AND SELF-EDUCATION INCLUDING MEDITATIVE, PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES, CREATIVE CLASSES AND PHYSICAL TRAINING. IT WAS REALLY FUNDAMENTAL FOR OUR FIRST EDUCATION, GROWING UP WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL KIDS AND DEVELOPING FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS GAVE US A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND GLOBALISATION.”

At the young age of 17, the sisters had already packed up and moved to Europe to take on a different era, college. They enrolled in a school near Regents Park in London and studied international business and Russian. Then they didn’t know what they wanted to do for a career but they knew that it would help them get there.

Shortly after graduation, they moved to Russia for a brief stint. They credit that move to unveiling out the harder formalities in them.

“There’s a bluntness about Russian culture that generally rubs us Westerners the wrong way. Gone are the fake niceties and verbal webs of politeness. You don’t smile at strangers or pretend to like anything you don’t. In Russia if something is stupid, you say it’s stupid, if you’re having a great time with someone, you tell them you’re having a great time. It doesn’t matter if this person is your friend, a stranger or someone you just met.”

 

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In admiring these cultural distinctions, they found their enterprise for inspiration. Upon landing back in London, they got started on their shoe line.

Exploring the underground music genre played a heavy role in what they designed, as they studied the muses of the alternative-rock scene that’s been prevalent in the country since the 60s.

The alternative and edgy rock scene of Shoreditch, Camden Town and the heady cultural clash of Brick Lane were a strong influence for the creation of the brand; a style that epitomizes the look of East London. 

In their early beginnings, the sisters noticed that there weren’t many quality sneakers that were affordable. With that new image in mind, they set out to interconnect street-wear and high-end fashion. In it, music just kind of happened. Having always been a part of their character, it makes sense that they wove into their work.

“Groove is a rhythm, a sensual pleasure, involvement, a mix of cool & funky. Groove is the sensation experienced when certain music is listened intensely. It’s the capacity to feel the past, it’s like getting the shivers upon experiencing something for the first time – Groove is the sensation of Crime London.” 

They connected with underground artists and DJs like DJ Ricardo Villalobos, who collaborated with them on a party-sneaker they’d named after him. Eventually, this led to opening up their first mono-brand store in Ibiza, the music capital of Europe.

Armed with strategic marketing plans and a chromatic ceiling to complement the colorful aura of Ibiza’s island, the sisters have put their best foot forward for their first-and surely not last- store.

“State of the art design is symbiotically combined with the groovy hippie Ibiza roots which created the most exciting store opening of the season. Ibiza has provided the backdrop for strong seasonal collaborations with the islands best world-renowned clubs, DJs and brands. Strategic marketing takes place by forging partnerships with select venues and individuals to introduce Crime London to the myriad of cultural and economic group.”

Crime London has been in many different magazines from ads to mentions. The brand has been seen on Vogue, Glamour, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Forbes. They have been part of Fashion Week for a few years now, changing up the scene anytime there’s a new event or venue to advance in.

“Fashion Week is like being on tour as a musical artist –  it’s the same people, like a big family, that move in four different cities within a month: New York, London, Milan, Paris. It’s the fun side of work, where we are all connecting and get inspired by the creations and visions from one another.”

They added,

“We exhibit at trade shows in some cities, while in other we present the collection in our showroom with appointments from clients and buyers. You get the chance to connect with so many different people also from different industries which makes it fun and exciting.”

Their e-commerce market made it easy for them their brand to go global. In 2018, the company’s conversion growth rate was 45 percent. The sisters have been utilizing data analytics and innovative technology, to keep a sleek design for their mobile-friendly store.

Focusing on their mobile market in order to keep their e-commerce base alive and rising, they have been able to generate a lot more sales, especially since most of them have been backed up by digital campaigns.

Despite their rapid growth, they maintain a very hands-on balance when it comes to Crime London product.

“We build up mailing lists, which is a direct connection to consumers, to keep in touch and get information about news, discounts, and promotions. To retarget them with the products they were visiting online and didn’t end up buying and depending on the case maybe offer a small discount code.”

Crime London is continuing to expand and more collaborations are underway including a capsule collection of small bags for party-wear to match the sneakers. In the meantime, the sisters leave us with some sage and straightforward advice.

“Coming up with something different is harder than previous generations and it won’t get any easier. Just try to make your unique interpretation and a better version of what people expect from you. Never give up, perseverance is everything. Timing is key. Luck is an attitude.”

 

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👯‍♀️ #CrimeLondon

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Cannabis February 11, 2019
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How King Kanine is blessing dogs with the health benefits of CBD

In 2019, we’re witnessing the exponential rise of cannabis products happen in real-time. The use of hemp has been making its way throughout the country for a minute now due to its natural medicinal properties.

Hemp usage has been sparking new business ideas and inventions that have been taking canna-based products to the next level. Nothing could seem more obscure, however, than the thought of hemp and pets. Except that it’s actually not obscure at all. In fact, there’s an extremely profitable line of pet products involving CBD oils.

We’ve known for a while that the hemp plant comes with an abundance of medical benefits. This marvel isn’t revolutionary by humans standards of living, but for some, it might still be odd to imagine incorporating CBD into their pet’s routine.

There have been a few studies regarding dogs with ailments such as epilepsy and arthritis. The Universities of Colorado and Miami show positive results that CBD oils have shed on suffering pets, including alleviated symptoms of these afflictions. For that reason, CBD oil can be used as a treatment method to help reduce the pain for your dogs, besides giving them an orthopedic dog bed to make them feel comfortable when sleeping at night.

KING KANINE products are anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety, derived from natural hemp plants. The CBD products will continue to improve as results from studies come about. For example, upping intake of cannabidiol to 2mg a day may improve your dog’s overall health.

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Daisy loving her King Kalm CBD!🐾⠀ Credit: aga__k___

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For humans and furry friends alike, all natural CBD products have been used to treat ailments of all variations. The great recession left us feeling so shook that between millennials and baby boomers choosing to take care of pets, the CBD market is estimated to hit $22 billion by 2022.

KING KANINE was founded by Jeff Riman back in 2015. For years, Jeff had worked within creative spaces, focusing on product and campaign development. Jeff was always known for owning several dogs, but after a two-year stint focused on work where he was unable to own pets, he was contacted about a Great Dane for sale and eagerly took the opportunity to meet his new pup.

‘Mojo’ quickly became more than Jeff’s best friend. He was infatuated with Mojo’s lucky charm. When first caring for Mojo, he noticed just how much Great Danes shed hair. Through his experience with his other dogs, he had developed a method to help stunt their falling coats.

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How to get your coat ready for the night ⭐️ #KingKomb

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From there, the birth of the KING KOMB De-Shedding Tool came about, the signature “KING” stood for king-sized since it was tailored towards a bigger breed of dogs. The De-Shedding tool started doing well on social media, so well in fact that Jeff hired an entire team to help start-up the line for KING KOMB.

“It did so well that I had to open a small factory as well as a warehouse to make and store this product. Starting out, we hired local high school students, ex-military vets, and even my sister to help make and box these KING KOMBS. It wasn’t long after that I realized having a complimentary product to the KING KOMB was a must,” said Jeff.

As with any successful product, it didn’t stop there. Jeff began working on expanding his company. The idea of combs eventually branched into what he decided would be a complementary line of products; shampoo. Jeff worked closely with the VOF Certified (Vermont Organic Farmers) to ensure that pet shampoos were organic, regularly tested and safe to use on all pets.

“As our customer base was growing and we saw how pet owners responded to natural and organic products, as well as, seeing how the industry lacked regulations and testing it was apparent — that this is what we needed to continue to chase. The industry needed safe pet products made from natural ingredients. I had always wanted to have something safe and natural for a senior dog with arthritis,” said eff.

During the time of expansion, Jeff had a meeting with former NFL player and personal friend, Oronde Gadsen. The topic of CBD came up since it had grown popularity with football players to help treat their athletic injuries. He recalled,

“Knowing a little about CBD I had further discussed the opportunities to make a great product for pets with a compound chemist/pharmacist. In two weeks, we had the first version of our KING KALM CBD. Now KING KANINE officially had a wide array of good products that were proven helpful for pet owners. The products ranged from our de-shedding tool, shampoo, CBD oils and even CBD topical oils and balms for hot spots and dry cracked noses and paws.”

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NYE can mean fireworks, loud noises and unexpected people around. To help with the anxiety that can cause Frankie and Storm both decided some CBD was in order. We have been using @kingkanineofficial CBD for high stress situations. Like walking around busy cities like Seattle and Leavenworth. To nights like tonight when I’m taking off for the evening and the puppers will be home alone. It’s important to remember that CBD is not psychoactive so there is no “high” and @kingkanineofficial uses a licensed pharmacist to create their product. Ensuring that it is the best for your pet. #sponsored #kingkanineproducts #kingkaninecbd #cbdforpets @kingkanineproducts #nye #stresstimefordoggos #fireworks

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It didn’t take long for King Kanine to grow into an established company. Production started in Oct. 2015 and by Jan. 2016, KING KANINE was patented. As business boomed, product marketing was primarily done online and took an unexpected turn when Facebook and other social media platforms became an issue instead of an advert outlet.

“There was a huge education process that we had to spend time doing in distributing to our potential customers. This was to educate pet owners on what exactly CBD was and what our mission was at KING KANINE,” said Jeff.

He continued,

“We ourselves had a ton to learn about CBD, and how critical it was to test products. This has been something that separated KING KANINE from so many other CBD pet companies – like for instance, full panel testing from the best labs. It’s so important to show transparency. This is one of the things we learned as we were expanding.”

KING KANINE continues to remain focused on its educational pursuits. What makes the brand stand out from other CBD products in the industry is that its main focus is and will always be to help rescue dogs through aiding shelters and owners. Jeff said,

“KING KANINE made a decision after we started that we would donate as much product as we can to rescue dogs in need, shelters and any pet owner who couldn’t afford our products but had a pet in need.”

Thus far, the company has worked with pet rescue initiatives like Marley’s Mutts, Gentle Giants Great Dane Rescue, New York Bully Crew, Freckles, Tomcat and more. KING KANINE even took their good work out of the state to countries Peru and Puerto Rico.

In 2018, the company won the Golden Paw Award from the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals. Now, KING KANINE’s latest project is the launched non-profit “Dogs Rock and Roll” which will help raise awareness for amputees and dogs with spinal afflictions as well as paralysis.

On the continued effort for raising money for harnesses and wheelchairs for dogs that are immobile due to their affliction and helping rescues, shelters and pet owners who can’t afford them on their own, Jeff said,

“We will continue to work with rescues, and donate what we can. So far, we have donated tens of thousands of dollars to charities that focus on pet rescue and pet rehabilitation. Further charitable contributions have also been in the form of in-kind donations; volunteer hours, as well as, working with other charities to drive their fundraising efforts.”

Everyday KING KANINE hears success stories of happier pets and pet owners. For the upcoming year, the company will continue improving it’s CBD line, taking accounts from real-life pet owners and evolving their products as feedback and studies to back up the assuaging effect against diseases and illnesses.

For pet owners everywhere, Jeff has only one bit of advice when it comes to caring for your pooch,

“When people are shopping for pet products, do your research. It’s important to buy the best products available for your four-legged best friends, they would do the same for you if they could. They love you all that much.”

20s October 31, 2018
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Your quarter-life crisis is the best thing that’ll ever happen to you

My quarter-life crisis has been going on for about two years now.

First, it started off with a slightly misguided sense of purpose, in turn translating into a depression that kept me hidden under my insecurities for entirely too long.

Somewhere between the ages of 20 and 22, I realized that I was getting older and things were changing around me, though I was steadily in place. The thought of my three younger brothers becoming stable before me was a harsh blow to the ego.

I was stuck: How could I set an example to lead when I was still figuring it out myself? Why hadn’t I balanced my life priorities yet? And at the end of the day, what’s the purpose of doing so, if any at all?

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At 25, I still don’t have every detail of my life put together. I know that sounds terrifying, even shameful, to some people. People my age are engaged, already in marriages with families, getting secondary degrees, and sporting six figure bank accounts; meanwhile, I’m still swapping minds about gym memberships and whether or not the cheese block from Whole Foods was worth it.

In 2017, my number one lesson has been focus. I’ve learned to pay closer attention. I’ve learned to unravel the way people think, move, and work.

I’ve learned of the darker realities of the real world, recognized the societal cracks that are broadening, expanding, making it more crucial now than ever for me and everyone to make our impact (another article for another time); but mostly I’ve learned about myself, the person I am, the person I’m becoming, and the person I will be.

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It seems that everyone is going through the same thing. My friends, their friends, my family, strangers on the street, celebrities in the media, the list goes on and on.

I know beautiful, successful people following the exact path they’d set for themselves in elementary school, yet are still second guessing their every move. I know passionate, starving artists losing their minds chasing their creativity, impeded only by their lack of existential fulfillment.

Point being, we’re all endlessly stressed. If not about one thing, then about the other. As author Mark Manson points out in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck: problems never stop:

“When you solve your problem of not spending enough time with your partner by designating Wednesday night ‘date night,’ you generate new problems, such as figuring out what to do every Wednesday that you both won’t hate, making sure you have enough money for nice dinners, rediscovering the chemistry and spark you two feel you’ve lost, and unraveling the logistics of fucking in a small bathtub filled with too many bubbles. Problems never stop; they merely get exchanged and/or upgraded.”

We seem to go through these tectonic realizations somewhere between the ages of 25 and 30. The Guardian reports a whopping 86% of people who relate to having symptoms of, or admitting to experiencing a quarter-life crisis.

Research found that 86% of the 1,100 young people questioned admitted feeling under pressure to succeed in their relationships, finances, and jobs before hitting 30.

The most common problems are, surprise surprise, fiscal.

https://giphy.com/gifs/broke-money-dave-chappelle-JoMzG3js8rtxC

Two in five were worried about money, saying they did not earn enough, and 32% felt under pressure to marry and have children by the age of 30. Six percent were planning to emigrate, while 21% wanted a complete career change.

The “quarter-life crisis” is another interval of time where things seem to be transitioning heavier than usual.

In my personal experience, my quarter-life (and natural-life crisis) has manifested itself financially. The largest issue I’m unable to surmount is mastering my finances.

Obviously, this is completely my fault, but rather than endlessly berate myself over the circumstances, I try and remember there’s a deeper reason for my going through it. There are lessons to be learned with every obstacle faced and a moral for every story. I’m also a writer, but ya know, that’s besides the point.

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Jules Schroeder of Forbes’ Unconventional Life sat down with Robert MacNaughton, CEO of Integral Center, an incubator centered around personal development organizations.

On the show, Robert shared what he believed to be the most important tips to help you get through this period of time.

MacNaughton calls this period the “Integral Postmodern Theory,” where you question the very reality of existence and purpose.

“MacNaughton recalls asking grand questions like, ‘What are these things that our family and culture is enrolling us into and saying we should care about? Why should we care about them and why should we just go through the motions?’ He calls these things ‘Postmodern Integral Theory,’ which reflect a healthy skepticism towards traditional world views in order to transcend limited thinking and achieve greater mindfulness.”

These questions are normal and necessary to address so that you can start organizing your priorities in life. When feeling confused, misguided, or misplaced in your life, it’s important to revert back to this student’s mindset. So long as you understand that every hardship faced is a lesson to carry with you, the changes around you filter themselves through your natural cognizance adopted throughout the universe.

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The five phases of a quarter-life crisis usually go as follows:

Phase 1 – A feeling of being trapped by your life choices. Feeling as though you are living your life on autopilot.

Phase 2 – A rising sense of “I’ve got to get out” and the feeling that you can change your life.

Phase 3 – Quitting the job or relationship or whatever else is making you feel trapped and embarking on a “time out” period where you try out new experiences to find out who you want to be.

Phase 4 – Rebuilding your life.

Phase 5 – Developing new commitments more attuned to your interests and aspirations.

Of course, these phases don’t manifest the same way for everyone. Overcoming insecurities is managed in a couple of steps. Getting to know yourself, accepting your personal journey, learning to make your own choices, learning to live for yourself, and only yourself, becomes crucial.

And this goes without saying, but don’t even think about comparing yourself to the accomplishments of others. Comparison is a huge no-no that holds you back in a loophole of insecurities which leads nowhere.

On the bright side, by adopting a pupil’s mind during this chapter of development, I can honestly I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Through experiencing the hardships most quarter-lifers face, I’ve developed a deeper connection with the universe, which has translated into ethereal guidance and sensibilities.

The past year has been centered around spiritual and emotional growth in all areas. I’ve heightened my awareness in so many places, though admittedly fallen behind in others.

Every so often, I stop and remind myself that it’s okay to make mistakes; I’m learning, I’m changing, I’m growing. My own shadow can’t keep up with the corners I’m turning. I’m on a chase, and sometimes, the run gets messy.

10K80 October 1, 2018
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4 keys to mental strength that we learned thanks to Princess Nokia

Not everyone is equal when it comes to mental strength.

For some, mental toughness is equivalent to flexing a muscle, something that needs to be built over time with reps of patience in order to get where you want to be.

The capability of handling situations depends entirely on a person’s mindset and sensitivities. We all go through hard times, but have you ever been around that one friend who shrugs casually while recalling details of the unfortunate experience they went through last week?

Or that other friend who’s been there, done that, remaining effortless in their usual tenor? Some of us just are built that way, while others still struggle with balancing the cyclical and monotonous tasks of everyday life.

https://giphy.com/gifs/netflix-season-1-episode-6-3ohzdYLmJ7Ua0giBHi

At the end of the day, there’s always someone who has it worse and is overcoming their situations quicker. It’s not a super power, they are not immune to emotions or trials, they’re just better at going about their day without allowing the past to weigh them down.

And many of these people go on to do great things? How many celebrities have you read about who have come from a background of hardships?

Rihanna sold her clothing to make ends meet on the streets of Barbados, Cardi B started stripping to escape an abusive relationship at the age of 20, and Oprah found her way out of sexual abuse and poverty.

The stories of these women are as inspirational as they are brave, united by the same common theme: they never gave up, no matter what experiences they went through. They surpassed their hardships by grinding through the struggle, eventually persevering on the other side.

Much like our leading lady figures, Princess Nokia’s childhood wasn’t a typical one. Born Destiny Nicole Frasqueri, she alternated between the LES, Harlem, and Brooklyn as a kid.

Losing her mother to AIDS at a young age, Princess Nokia grew up with her abusive foster mother who worked at the school she attended, limiting her chances of getting faculty involved with her home life.

At the age of 16, shortly after recognizing that she was being abused, she ran away from her foster family with only $3 and a cell phone in her pocket.

“I fucking ran out the house and never went back.”

These days, Princess Nokia is heading down a path that starkly contrasts her younger years.

Widely successful in the underground music scene, she has decided to remain an independent artist and work on her sound and image on her own time, without the pressure of being attached to a label.

Stand up for what you believe in

Known for her perfervid views on feminism, Princess Nokia displayed signs of heroism many times before. She punched a man in his face at a Cambridge University show after hearing him shout sexist comments like “Show me your tits!” After the show, she said,

“I’m so sorry, but when a white boy (in this particular case) disrespects you, you punch him in the fucking face.”

And who can forget that time she threw soup at a belligerent racist on the subway? She tells Tidal that she’d always been a warrior for the people.

“I forget that I’m Princess Nokia all the time.”

Now, I’m not saying square up every time something difficult comes your way, but if there’s something you deeply believe in, you should approach the situation with the pride and confidence it deserves.

If this means punching an ignorant ass hater spewing racist vitriol, so be it.

Be unapologetically you

If Princess Nokia’s artistry and success have taught us anything, it’s that it’s more than okay to be who you truly are.

Her song “Tomboy” focuses on pointing out her perceived ‘flaws’ and placing them in a sexually empowering paradigm.

With my little titties and my phat belly/ I could take your man if you finna let me/ It’s a guarantee that he won’t forget me/ My body little, my soul is heavy

“Typical” would be the last word used to describe Princess Nokia. An Afro-Latina revolutionary with a thirst for challenging the construction of gender and race, signing to a record label would only deter her of her individuality, so instead, she’s turned down five record deals. Five!

That’s a whole lot of opportunity strewn to the side in hopes of allowing your inner self to shine through and do the work for you.

Of course, we have no doubt this will happen. Embrace what you have and abandon the idea of “changing” who you are. And if you don’t fully know who you are just yet, that’s okay too — some of the most fun you’ll have on your journey is during the trial and error of becoming who you need to be.

Don’t be so hard on yourself

Practicing self-love and compassion is harder than it sounds. We are our toughest critics, our own insecurities often limit our potential if we allow them to.

Recalling the moment she recognized there was something wrong with the relationship she had with her foster mother, rather than blame herself for the events proceeding, Princess Nokia sought out to make a change.

She explained in her documentary with The Fader titled “Destiny,”

“I remember it was picture day. She beat the shit out of me. I had a black eye. And she made her sister put makeup on me. At 10-11 years old, I had to get put makeup on that morning. By 15 years old I realized it’s not okay to abuse a child. That something is being taken from me and I didn’t want to be silent anymore.”

If you’re capable of showing others compassion, let it align with your practices of self-love and care. Just because you’re going through a rough time doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the pain. If something isn’t right, it’s time for a change.

If the universe is shooting blaring hints at you and you’re doing everything in your force to ignore them, don’t.

Bart Simpson Queens GIF by Remezcla - Find & Share on GIPHY

Your intuition is your best friend. It tells you when it’s time to take a look around at the situations you’re in and what to do about them.

It tells you when you need to move, when you need to take a different approach, and to pay closer to your situations.

“Failure” is another made up construct

The only failure is not trying. When you fall, you pick yourself back up again and come back with your focus even stronger than before.

There’s no room for failure when you’re following your passions. If plans don’t turn out the way you expected them to, consider yourself being steered into a different direction.

- Find & Share on GIPHY

Princess Nokia, much like the other empowering women challenging the constructs of our media and continue to be pioneers and role models, upending the typical perceptions of women we look up to.

These women give everyone hope that forgoing all that we’ve been taught and following ourselves to the ends of our journey is all that we can do to ensure our own happiness.

black lives matter September 27, 2018
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How ‘Women of Color in Solidarity’ is starting a global movement

When Cheyenne and Florcy first met as students at Clark University, they would’ve never been able to tell you that one day they’d start something that would become a global movement for many young women just like themselves.

But after linking through ALANA, an organization that helps sculpt an easier path for first-generation students of color by providing them a safe space on campus, they found their calling and did just that.

With a common interest in community activism and a goal to educate on the issues that women of color go through, they started the group WOCIS, which provides a space for individuals just like them to find solace with each other.

WOCIS

Kulture Hub had the chance to catch up with the co-founders on their current successes with the organization, the expansive network that connects POC to communities across the globe, and their annual conference coming up this weekend.

Florcy cites the experience that propelled their institution into full gear. Shortly after the murder of Michael Brown in 2014, a march was held outside the university, located in the southside of Worchester, Massachusetts.

Participating in the march, both girls noted the separation between the white students and students of color. Florcy shares that their peers in the crowd and anyone attending  would notice the same thing saying,

“Most POC were in the back, dragging on the march, not really wanting to be there. Meanwhile, for the white population, it seemed more like an opportunity to miss class.”

Taking matters into her own hands, Florcy then led the march over onto Main Street of the neighborhood. Cheyenne stepped in, grabbed the mic and called all women of color out to link up for a meeting that focused less on the white population. According to Florcy, over 80 women showed up.

“It was intergenerational. The youngest person there was around 7, and the oldest being around 80.”

With such a positive response, it seemed only obvious that the duo would go on to fulfill their objectives through self-started organizations. While they were active on campus, they didn’t feel like they were gaining the response their community deserved. Cheyenne shares,

“Florcy and I did a lot of work, but we would see in our institution a lot of groups separated by race or ethnicity. For me, it didn’t seem like it was very collaborative amongst different organizations. The Black Student Union wouldn’t link up with the Latino Association or the Asian American Association. Especially international students of color, we were all separated.”

From there, Women of Color in Solidarity was born. The community provides support for women, femmes and gender non-conforming people of color, particularly those who come from low-income neighborhoods.

For the founders, it wasn’t a question of bringing WOC together, but a way of passing along the lessons, history, and experiences that different POC sometimes miss out on. Cheyenne says,

“A lot of times with matters like Black Lives Matter, or whatever it may be, a lot of people don’t identify with that ethnicity so they don’t feel obligated to show up — and for us that was a huge thing, because most of the work we do, we always show up with  communities that are outside of our own. That’s also a big thing abut WOCIS, we’re very adamant in making it known that me and Florcy do come from different backgrounds, we do have different racial ethnicities or whatever you want to call it, but that is a part of why we come together and the work that we do.”

The team behind WOCIS does share a similar background in one way, however, are also allowing organizers to maintain a unified coalition. Cheyenne tells us,

“The people that we work with, or the organizations that we work with, our squad right now, the core team that’s getting work done right now, all of us come from lower statuses.”

Though the project has been ongoing for over three years now, it just started getting poppin’ on social media just this year.

 

Last year, what now is considered an annual conference opened pathways for WOCIS in every sense of the word. After a successful time bringing POC together, the idea for a discussion was brought into fruition, which allowed for a more honest and open conversation between those involved.

Cheyenne explained,

“Honestly, it was important because there wasn’t a conference like that happened. Tickets were free, people were able to submit for workshops, and I think it was the first time you saw anyone being able to share their story. With conferences, I think there’s a lot of hype around the institutions bringing us together, guest speakers and things like that… We don’t have a keynote speaker. The speakers for us is introducing ourselves and WOCIS, but there’s no major keynote speaker. They’re all workshops and we’re curating floor panels. But outside of that, we have people playing music or whatever it may be.”

Florcy added,

“Usually what we do is have an artist showcase so that people can display their different forms of art, so they can be who they want to be as well, and not base it all on workshops, that helps people express themselves.

GOODMORNTING! 💜 Art by @florencegiven ✨

A post shared by Women of Color in Solidarity (@womenofcolorsolidarity) on

They feature artwork in many forms in order to highlight people of color or women of color. Since the organization is still in its intimate pages, WOCIS has a spiritually charged community which expends across the globe through word of mouth.

Cheyenne said,

“The last couple of months, a lot of work that we’ve been doing is traveling to different communities where women are doing a lot of global and local work and connecting people and the work that they’re doing throughout the world. That for us is one thing that we do most (best) is connecting people. Most of the people we’ve been collaborating with are our friends, and I think that within the next 10 years, we’ll have a global network where you are able to put someone on speed dial when they’re in need.”

And while they’ve connected with organizations on every level, so far, the most successful partnerships have been those who are their own friends, making strides from every angle all over the globe.

Florcy told me,

“It’s mostly our homegirls that are doing all that work, and they also have their own movements as well. We have friends all over… It really just depends on our friends…. We’ve traveled to other countries, and since we do global solidarity, we wanna know how we can expand beyond our block. We always make it known that WOCIS is doing work there, but it’s more like, ‘So how we gonna build now? How are we gonna keep our connection, me and my homegirl?’ Also putting each other on when there’s different opportunities that arise for us, and asking, who is needed at that table, at that moment?”

Cheyenne added,

“I think our work is built in friendship. I also wanna highlight the Women’s Space because they provided us with a lot of our space to host workshops and are still very much are supportive of us.”

Solidarity Beyond Border’s first conference was last April. The upcoming conference will focus on the practice of solidarity and the healing that comes with it. While last year was directed at healing projects, this season will touch on the subject of self-care and how to maintain it no matter what it is you’re involved in.

Cheyenne went on,

“Last year was healing head, heart, and soul for WOC by WOC. This put healing at the forefront of our conference, so we focused on healing in all different sectors; educational, actual healers, politics, whatever that may be. This year we’re thinking to put the actual practice of solidarity amongst and not just in your local community, but expanding that to other forms of healing.”

If Cheyenne and Florcy had any advice to share for those seeking to become more involved in their activism, it’d be to get started, even if it’s just a topic of discussion.

Florcy said,

“When me and Cheynne first started talking, we would have conversations in the kitchen or just chillin’, but they were always just conversations. Sometimes we’d look guidance in people, but we realised that doesn’t exist. Rather than going to conferences, we decided to just create our own. I would say if you have a vision, link up with other people who share that mission with you.”

Cheyenne agreed, saying,

“All these things, self-care, self-healing want people to know that the work is exhausting. One thing we mention is to create a self-care policy, whatever you want to call it. Me and Florcy are both educators and I think that we work with young people, and yes it’s nice to see them motivated but it worries me that they’re not understanding how detrimental it can be to their own health. I think that is something that I’d like to see more of.”

Cheyenne and Florcy have brought real change to their communities, inspiring everyone around them, and will continue to develop their mission with WOCIS.

Join WOCIS for their annual discussion and conference on April 21st and 22nd in New York for leadership education and experience, as well as lifelong sisterhood connection.

#hashtaglunchbag September 26, 2018
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Dijana Ilieva and #HashtagLunchbag are giving hope to the homeless

There are various organizations in major cities that help focus on empowering our homeless population. The idea is not a new one; in New York City alone, the number of those without a home surpassed 62,000 people as of March 2018.

Support for our homeless brothers and sisters is prevalent in many institutions, with focus on helping feed, clothe, and house those who are less fortunate. One of those movements that transcend just one community and is affecting lives all over the world is #HashtagLunchbag.

Starting out in Los Angeles back in 2012, founder Ajay Relan decided he wanted to use his entrepreneurial skills to give back to his community, with the intent of improving his own mental and emotional intelligence in the process.

Working out of an apartment, he and a group of friends managed to prepare and distribute 100 lunches to the needy. To document their experience, they jokingly used the hashtag #HashtagLunchbag and didn’t think too much of it. Little did they know that in a few years, they’d be in 150 cities affecting thousands of lives.

By the following month, the numbers of volunteers doubled, as they were being flooded with potential affiliates who also wanted in on the movement. One of those people was Dijana Ilieva who would soon start #HashtagLunchbag’s NYC chapter.

Shortly after Ajay started the original wave in Skid Row, Los Angeles, Dijana, flew out with her younger brothers for the first meeting. She got started on building out the movement in NYC and in an interview with Kulture Hub, Dijana explained,

“It was only 20 or so of us and the goal was to feed 100 people.”

After successfully reaching their first one hundred, their numbers began growing exponentially, expanding all over the United States.

“Today, we are feeding close to 1,000 every month.”

It seems as if Dijana Ilieva had been a soldier from the day she arrived. Born during the Balkan War, her family escaped from the budding nationalism of Yugoslavia to the expressive and open world of Brooklyn.

She recalls her childhood as anything but; growing up fast in order to help her family in anyway she could.

“We were 3 families living in a one bedroom. My mom was a nurse and my uncles were in the locksmith business. I pretty much raised my younger cousins. Family is so important to us, it’s not like anyone asked us to be built-in babysitters. At an age as young as 6, I had a baby on my hip. We couldn’t do anything without our little cousins. I think our parents thought this was to keep us from doing anything too crazy.”

She was raised down in Brooklyn. #tbt

A post shared by Dijana (@pulpmyfiction) on

As a child, Dijana spent a lot of time with her grandmother and watched as her mother balanced two jobs to support her family. Her grandmother took care of the household, doing everything she could to keep her grandchildren content.

“She was the most selfless person I know. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was cooked for 3 families before noon every day. She picked me up from school, played lottery, and spent all her time with us while our parents were trying to find their way in NYC. I think I got my giving back gene from her.”

Dijana’s activism is matched with her entrepreneurial skills. Her background in business consists of Brand Management and Consultation, opening up connections and sponsorships with a couple of noteworthy names; Twitter, Barneys, Beats, and Don Julio-Diageo, to name a few.

A short (red carpet) story. #30Under30 #LuckIsEarned

A post shared by Dijana (@pulpmyfiction) on

What sets #HashtagLunchbag apart from movements like it is the focus on spiritual awakening. With every lunch packed and personally prepared comes a note of encouragement, love, or both.

Partnered with her longtime friend and co-founder Kristen Andersen, the NYC chapter was soon alive and thriving under the same basis as Los Angeles; a collective of friendly activists who ventured to make a change with the only resources they had.

“Every month is a different experience, depending on the sponsors and people that come out, but the objective is the same: to make the lunch bags with a sandwich, a fruit, a cookie, water and a love note. We then distribute the lunch bags to parks, train stations, and different shelters throughout the city. One homeless man told us the other day that he saves all of our notes and glues them inside a wall at one of the shelters. That’s what we do it for. To show them that things will get better and we are here to help them get there, even if just with a meal to get them through the day or a note to show them that someone cares.”

#HashtagLunchbag originally started off as a coastal movement but has since gained traction worldwide. Joining or hosting a movement is as easy as a few clicks on your computer screen.

“We’ve had hashtags in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia. We feed and feel love worldwide.”

#HashtagLunchbag does much more than just give free meals. The activism begins in the heart of those who are involved; discussions, inspiration, giving and sharing, all of these things contribute to the core of what makes #HashtagLunchbag so different.

Anyone can become involved, regardless of whether or not they’ve been active in their community before. For those looking to start, Dijana’s advice would be to begin by simply giving what you have to offer.

Dijana explained:

“My only advice to future activists is to give if you have. You don’t need to be loud to give back, I know it looks intimidating and it definitely does take a special person to lead a movement, but everyone that shows up every month is an activist to me. Even the people that walk in, sit at the note table, never say a word and leave. I really appreciate those people, because I know they’re there for the right reason. At the same time, even the ones that come for an IG post, or parole hours, or community service hours. Whatever is bringing you there, is appreciated, both by us and the people that eat these meals.”

Activism starts in your heart. No matter how little you’re able to provide, even if just voicing your ideas, anyone can be part of or begin a movement.

If you’re looking to get involved in #HastagLunchbag, visit their website to find out what cities are hosting a meeting near you.

10K80 September 19, 2018
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Meet the women ‘CannaPreneurs’ pushing the marijuana industry forward

The multi-billion dollar marijuana industry is finally booming. As a proud supporter and advocate, I’m very happy to see the progression that weed has made in the United States.

More importantly, as more states began legalizing weed, the corporate world of cannabis is opening new doors, and it appears to be a serious lure for women.

When it comes to bud, boss b*tches are occupying more corporate seats than any other business sector in the United States. The Atlantic reports that 36 percent of women are currently taking up executive roles while top-level women in other businesses stand at only 22 percent.

Side note: Funnily enough, men are still more likely to smoke than women, even though weed has been proven to have more positive effects on females, improving everything from your mood to your sex life.

To help highlight the benefits that weed has on women, these marijuana moguls have been impactful models in the recent marijuana industry, working hard towards a friendlier cannabis culture.

Whoopi Goldberg & Maya Synergy

Vanity Fair

Talk about a team.

Award-winning actress, comedian, and author Whoopi Goldberg found her place in the marijuana industry by partnering up with with Maya Elisabeth, founder of Om Edibles, powerful “canna-businesswoman” and 7-time High Times Cannabis Cup award winner.

The View co-host shared with Vanity Fair that she started working on a line of marijuana based merch when she noticed her grown granddaughters were still complaining of menstrual cramps. With a goal to cure this atrocity, she sought out the creation of a product that would help relieve women of menstrual pain.

The line of products has been successful in helping soothe symptoms of various menstrual-related pains, including endometriosis, a little-understood disorder that affects more than 200,000 women a year.

According to Rolling Stone, their products are only available for sale in California dispensaries as of right now, but as we work towards making the USA more marijuana friendly, we can hope they soon become available everywhere.

Jazmin Hupp & Jane West

Marijuana

“Genius Entrepreneurs” Jazmin Hupp and Jane West founded Women Grow, an accelerator program that holds community building events to help women take lead in the marijuana industry.

Ms. Hupp spends 35 weeks out of the year out on the road, attending cannabis events and educating women about the potential business opportunities in the marijuana industry.

Ms. West runs her eponymous company, Jane West, where she dedicates her time developing accessories and products that encourage women to try out the cannabis lifestyle.

Dr. Lakisha Jenkins

A master herbalist, this naturopath has been involved in the marijuana industry since 2006. Dr. Jenkins is the founder and CEO of The Kiona T Jenkins Foundation of Natural Health, a nonprofit organization that focuses on holistic healing and “bridging the gap” between western and alternative medicine.

Dr. Jenkins has helped write the legalization laws in California, and even has the magic ability to select a specific strain to treat whatever ails you.

On Complex’s list, 15 Most Powerful Women in the Weed Industry, Dr. Jenkins is ranked number one, having made some serious moves in the cannabis industry.

Charlo Greene

You probably remember her from the “Fuck it, I quit.” video back in 2014, where Greene announced her resignation from her job as a news reporter for KTVA Alaska while on air.

At the time, Greene was working for the Alaska Cannabis Club in attempts to make weed more readily available for patients who needed it most.

Since then, Charlo has succeeded in doing what she wanted to do: She brought legalized marijuana to Alaska, making it more readily available for people who need it most. Alaskan government officials have charged Greene with 10 felonies and 4 misdemeanors, resulting in what could be a 54 year prison sentence.

But that hasn’t stopped Charlo from doing what she feels she needs to do. Since her resignation, she has starred in The Weed Show with Charlo Greene, launched a beauty line and continues to show her support for the cannabis community through various organizations.

According to The Guardian, the sentencing process for Greene is complicated,

“As a result of her activism and Alaska’s objections thereof, Greene must now spend a whopping amount of her working life trying to demonstrate the many benefits of cannabis reform for any potential jurors that may be watching, as well as the world at large.”

Hopefully, with the right legal representation, Greene’s team can ensure that the ganja advocate is reprieved of all ridiculous charges and sentences.

We support & love you for all you do, girl!

Cheryl Shuman

Labeled “The Cannabis Queen of Beverly Hills” by The New York Times, Ms. Shuman has worked hard to promote marijuana products, and helped launch over 1,700 cannabis businesses over the past 20 years.

Also called “The Martha Stewart of Marijuana,” Shuman has partnered with her daughter, Aimee Shuman as the CEO and Founder of the Beverly Hills Cannabis Club, first opened in 1996.

The club has since “served as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for discerning cannabis consumers,” according to their website. Showcasing the most prestigious cannabis brands, the club is said to give members, “Insight into a range of subjects, which include 420 travel, politics, women and children issues, fashion, state of the art vaporizers, and much more.”

Shuman has continued to show her support for the marijuana industry, and doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon.

If you’re a woman and considering the cannabis industry as a career path, you’re heading in the right direction.

Hopefully, we’ll continue to see wonderful changes both in the world of business and cannabis rights.

Bruh September 13, 2018
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Victoria’s Secret model Lyndsey Scott shuts down haters who say she can’t code

In typically-expected social media news, a pretty girl’s intelligence has come into question, well… because she’s a model.

Instagram and social media goblins have come out of their holes to talk down on Lyndsey Scott, a former Victoria’s Secret model and total hottie.

The comment section of Coding Engineer, an account dedicated to highlighting awareness and individuals in coding culture, is full of shocked users spouting their disbelief and disgust over a picture of Lyndsey.

The page posted a photo of her on the runway with a caption of the five computer languages she’s proficient in.

I mean, who would believe in brains and beauty? Absolutely unheard of, right?

Lyndsey’s coding days started back in college, in order to financially support her acting career. Nowadays, not only is she known for her advancement in the world of modeling, such as being the first Black model to sign a runway contract with Calvin Klein, but she has developed her coding profession to raise her career above and beyond one sector.

The comment section was so disproving that Lyndsey jumped in herself in order to quell any rising doubts, replying:

“I have 27481 points on StackOverflow; I’m on the iOS tutorial team for RayWendelich.com; I’m the Lead iOS software engineer for @RallyBound, the 841st fastest growing company in the US according to @incmagazine, I have a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst where I double majored in computer science and theater, and I’m able to live my life doing everything I love. Looking at these comments I wonder why 41% of women in technical careers drop out because of a hostile work environment 🤔 #gofigure.”

Of course, that explains the global statistic of 51% of women that leave STEM jobs for other career opportunities.

The internet has been a-bustle with a flood of support and encouragement towards Lyndsey and the bigger cause that she’d brought back into the spotlight: Men don’t like to take women in male-dominated positions seriously.

https://twitter.com/CloudBaseTwo/status/1039998036280107008

Tell ’em, Lyndsey.

Now, while I thoroughly respect Lyndsey, females in tech innovation, and the rise of women in STEM, I just have to ask… What is with that outfit, though?