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FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP AUGUST 2021 VOL 2

BRENNAH BLACK BY JASON ERSKINE

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TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ SENIOR EDITOR ALEXANDRA BONNET

FASHION STYLISTS HANNAH KERRI MICHELLE WU CARA GORDON TORI ROSS ILARIA DE PLANO JOI SALVADOR

MAKEUP ARTIST TEAL DRUDA HAIR STYLIST JENNIFER BAKER CONTRIBUTING EDITORS SHANNEN TIERNEY ELISABETH HOWER CONTENT CREATOR ALEXANDRA BONNET

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hi there, In this late August issue, we are keeping it hot and sexy with our gorgeous cover girl, Brennah Black. The mutual respect we have had for each other, all these years, made this spectacular cover possible. We adore her! As we soak in the last few moments of Summer, we are reminded to be grateful for the things life brings us! Small or big, any positive thing is a source of light that allows us to glow brightly! Here at QP, we love discovering new people and showcasing their beauty and brains. In this issue, you will learn about some incredible women who turned their dreams into careers, their passions into an everyday experience, and much more! We hope you continue to enjoy your time under the sun... Cheers! JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

Editor-in-Chief QPmag

COVER

PHOTOGRAPHER: JASON ERSKINE @studio977 MODEL: BRENNAH BLACK @brennahblack wardrobe stylist: ARI MICHAEL @arimichaelt HMUA: MICHELLE V. @beautybymichellev LOCATION: NIGHTFALL GROUP @thenightfallgroup Total Outfit ZARA 5

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BACK TO THE SIXTIES PHOTOGRAPHER: MARC EVANS @marc_evans_photography MODEL: CYNTHIA MOURY @cynthiamoury_official designer: DIANA DIEPPA COUTURE @dianadieppacouture hmua: GIULIA LIMONE @giulialimonemakeup location: MILAN, ITALY

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COVER

BRENNAH

BLACK A FREE AND CREATIVE SPIRIT Interview by SHANNEN TIERNEY @shannen.tierney

Brennah Black is a passionate and strong-willed woman that speaks her mind through unique in-depth creations and artistic photoshoots. She is a free and creative spirit who has utilized the knowledge she gained modeling for the top lingerie brands into creating her own label…Black Heart the Label. Brennah enjoys the artistry that goes into creating lingerie and is passionate about the creativity and aesthetic rooted in the feminine energy that she experiences when wearing lingerie. PHOTOGRAPHER: JASON ERSKINE @studio977 MODEL: BRENNAH BLACK @brennahblack wardrobe stylist: ARI MICHAEL @arimichaelt HMUA: MICHELLE V. @beautybymichellev LOCATION: NIGHTFALL GROUP @thenightfallgroup

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t what age did you start having a passion for performing? As a child, I was extremely shy. I loved putting on a show for friends and family. Performing allowed me to be less concerned with what other people thought of the physical Brennah and allowed me to create through my own deep artistic desires. There was always a fascination with expressing my inner self in that way. When I was about ten, something ignited in me. I just knew I wanted to create stories and disregarded negative feelings about my body. Tell us what it was like modeling at a young age. Do you think it had a positive or negative impact on you growing up?

open-minded, and completely uninhibited.

Art gives me the ultimate freeing experience and opportunity to explore the darkest and most mysterious parts of human consciousness. It’s finally no longer about society’s arbitrary beauty standards, it’s about finding what we have to offer our reality, it’s about our visions personally. I also love being involved in filmmaking in any way possible, both in front of and behind the camera. After producing my own television show, “The Brennah Black Show”, the process reached a new level, and I knew I wanted a career in the world of storytelling. I believe everyone has a story worth telling. Empathy is love. Motivated by love, I recently began working on a screenplay about a personal experience of my own, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.

“For me, being a model means being versatile, open-minded, and completely uninhibited.”

I signed with Page Parkes Modeling Agency at age 10 in the plus-size modeling division. I was always confident in front of the camera. I just loved modeling and performing so much, I was oblivious of being labeled a plus-size model until I was hired for a campaign with other models. When I look back at those campaigns, I can see the impact the image of slim versus plus had on me. Even as a little girl, my lack of confidence showed in my modeling compared to when I was hired to modeled solo. Young women can have a skewed perception of themselves regardless of their size. The funny thing is that by the time I was in 7th grade, I had lost the “baby weight” and was no longer considered big enough for plus-size modeling and stopped getting bookings.

What would your dream job be? After working with lingerie brands like Mariemur, Honey Birdette, fleur du mal, Agent Provocateur, and Yandy as well as with lingerie manufacturers Leg Avenue, Shirley of Hollywood, and Fantasy Lingerie to name a few, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the lingerie industry. My background caused the natural progression for me to seize the opportunity to build upon my personal couture corsetry line taking my career to the next level as a lingerie designer. I’m extremely proud to announce that I will be launching my own lingerie brand “Black Heart The Label”, in the next few months. This is my dream “job!”

I honestly can’t choose a favorite passion because all of these things give me freedom of expression. Through the art of different forms (modeling, acting, creative directing, and even business) I get to invite the people in and show the world through my eyes a creative vision and evoke ethos in the viewer. For example, as a model, I’m a part of someone else’s vision. When I trust their vision and they trust mine, magic happens. For me, being a model means being versatile,

Lately, I’ve been splitting my time between Texas and Los Angeles because my lingerie manufacturer is in Texas. This was making working out consistently a little more difficult. I’ve always had a love for my body and sculpting my physical form through fitness. I enjoy workouts that include tons of cardio, light weightlifting, yoga, and Pilates. Lately, the workout that has finally lifted my booty is my newfound Legree workout.

From modeling to acting to all different types of performing, what is your favorite passion?

How do you keep up with fitness while having a busy lifestyle?

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What advice would you give to aspiring models?

The entertainment field is an interesting industry to get into. Authenticity is key. Get to know yourself, explore your mind, and get specific about what you want to accomplish and why. The day-to-day is not glamorous, it’s challenging. You are required to be disciplined and you are your biggest self-advocate to get work. If you decide to make your Instagram a professional space, consider what tone and aesthetic you’d like your profile to follow. Social media platforms can become part of your selling power if used correctly. Make conscious choices every day that align your actions with your values and ambitions. Never regret anything, take all the chances and risks that come along. What are some brands you’d love to work with and why?

I’d be beyond grateful for the opportunity to style an up-and-coming female performer in my Black Heart The Label designs or create a fashion collaboration for their personal brand. Indulging in custom couture design or a one-of-a-kind piece for someone spectacular like Doja Cat or Dua Lipa would be a blissful life-changing experience.

What do you think a younger you would be most proud of you for? She would be most proud to see she’s discovered who “Brennah” is in all aspects of her existence and that she’s fulfilled through sharing it with each and every connected soul. What plans do you have for yourself for the upcoming years?

I’ve learned that there is a huge difference between being a spokesperson for someone else’s business or brand and starting your own. I’m not just the model in the ads – I’m the woman in charge and an owner of the company. I have always had an interest in the businesses behind the brands and I’ve had incredible experiences. Now, I can put this experience into my business. I highly recommend any woman who has a desire to do something for herself to find what she loves and make it happen– choose courage, it’s always ultimately rewarding. The feeling of purpose, the opportunity to work on something you are passionate about, and the drive to create a meaningful impact in the lives of yourself and others is the biggest reason for taking the next step.

“Indulging in custom couture design or a one-of-a-kind piece for someone spectacular like Doja Cat or Dua Lipa would be a blissful life-changing experience.”

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What do you like to do in your free time when you aren’t working? I enjoy educating myself through books pertaining to my niche or watching fashion documentaries. Recently, I read In Intimate Detail from intimates expert Cora Harrington, founder of The Lingerie Addict. I’m also working on custom corset pieces for each of my bridesmaids for my wedding in March 2022. Is there anything you miss about Texas living in California? My family lives in Texas, so I miss them when I’m

not there. I love my life in Los Angeles, but I have a gorgeous living space in Texas. The air feels freshest there and the landscape is lush and green. Rusko, my French Bulldog, has more space to run free in Texas. Who has been the biggest inspiration for you in life and why? Obviously, my mom, Tisha Smith. She’s taught me everything I know and is not only my mom but my creative muse and business partner. Designers like Jean-Paul Gautier, Thierry Mugler, and Alexander McQueen have been my biggest sources of inspiration for Black Heart The Label.

“My mom, Tisha Smith, has taught me everything I know and is not only my mom but my creative muse and business partner.”

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POLE POSITION & WINNER MARTA ALAMO @MARTALOPEZALAMO

INTERVIEW

LAUREN

BLAKE

WHERE BEAUTY AND BRAINS MEET Interview by ALEXANDRA BONNET @alexbonnetwrites

Biochemistry Honors graduate turned Cover girl featured in Maxim, NOW, Ellements, Style Cruze & now QP, the beautiful Lauren Blake has it all. From a young age, she has been on track to pursue a life in the medical field with the goal of helping others. One day, she found herself at a crossroads and decided to take a risk and completely change course. Now a model, Lauren is pursuing her dreams and living her best life! Hoping to include more traveling in her life, we can’t wait to see where the wind takes her next! TALENT: LAUREN BLAKE @laurenblakeee PHOTOGRAPHER: JAY RIV @jayrivphoto styliNG: NOW PR AGENCY @nowprla PR AGENCY: NOW PR AGENCY @nowprla

hare with us what you believe your purpose is. What has your journey been like up until now?

I have always believed the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Since I was young, I had been on a track to pursue a life in the medical field in order to help others. Every step I took was to get closer to that goal. Later down the road, life took an unexpected turn and I had to choose between staying on the path I had worked so long for, or following my heart into the unknown to something that was calling me. I took that risk and never looked back. Now, I feel one of my purposes is to inspire others to do what scares you if it feels right. To not take the conventional way and to find your own path, even if it goes against what you thought or what people around you say. Take risks and follow your heart.

As a model, what are some challenges you have had to overcome and how did you do so?

Why were you originally drawn to that field of study?

I was drawn to science because I was so fascinated with knowing everything that happens that the eye cant see. How many microscopic worlds and systems we have inside of us, animals, our plants. It intrigued me how similar and connected everything was once you broke it down to a molecular level. I was hooked, it still amazes me.

“When I first started modeling it was challenging that I didn’t fit the typical look.”

When I first started modeling it was challenging that I didn’t fit the typical look. I was shorter and built more curvy. Despite not even being allowed to apply for many jobs because I didn’t fit a certain requirement, I persevered and found the best fit for me. As time went on, the requirements became more lax but I’m thankful that I didn’t originally let it stop me from doing what I loved.

Any advice for those out there hoping to pursue a career in modeling as well? Do you recall your first photo shoot ever?

DO IT! If modeling is calling you, do exactly what your heart is telling you. Even if you’re nervous, try it! In my first photoshoot, I was so nervous and I felt awkward with my movements. It takes practice so I would pose in the mirror or self-shoot to critique myself. I felt like a newbie but when I got the images back I was impressed with myself and took notes on what I did that I loved and what I could have done better. You also happen to be a Biochemistry Honors Graduate. Can you expand on that? In what ways do you use it today? 85

Yes, yes, science nerd city! I chose Biochemistry because not only did I love science, but I needed that degree to get into medical school. I don’t use it much today but everything I learned is applied to everyday life. How the world works, how human bodies and minds work, how everything functions down to a molecular level is in the back of my head. It provides an entirely different perspective on life and mental processes when you think scientifically. The discipline to learn it and the knowledge I acquired have helped me tremendously. I am very thankful for that.

Share with us a story of a time you traveled and encountered something rare and unexpected.

I was hiking through the impenetrable forest in Uganda to find the gorillas. I was about 3 hours in when our tracker said they were just ahead. Gorillas can catch covid so we had to stay 10 meters back and keep our masks on. The gorillas noticed us and were interested because they walked straight up to us and grabbed our legs! Even the alpha silverback gorilla came and sat about 4 feet in front of me. I was in complete awe and it is still one of the coolest moments of my life!

What is the first thing you like to do when traveling to a new place? I like to drop my bag and run to the area I went there for! When traveling, the whole point is to immerse yourself in a new culture and see what they see. Also, I LOVE to try the cuisine. Trying fruits I’ve never heard of or dishes I had no idea existed but taste amazing..that is a fun part of traveling!

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Top 5 favorite items to pack.

My 5-minute journal to write in every morning and evening to remain mindful and grateful. Definitely, self-tanner because I love to be glowy! My laptop to be able to work on my luxury property rental business. Electrolyte powder to stay hydrated and make sure I don’t get hungover if I go dancing too hard. All my outfits are pre-planned in images so I don’t forget I have something cute I could wear scrunched at the bottom of my suitcase! What is something most people do not know about you?

Most people don’t know that I love to bake because

I have a massive sweet tooth! I have a hobby of baking desserts and trying to find healthy substitutions so that I could indulge more and have less guilt. Chickpea protein cookie dough, sweet potato brownies, etc.. I have tried it all!

Where do you see yourself going next? I see myself getting back into traveling to explore all the places I haven’t yet been to and share them with the world through my OFTV platform travel show. There I feature the most sought-after, exclusive, expensive, or instagrammable hotels all over the world. I have episodes in Maldives, Africa, Dubai, etc.. I would love to film more of those to inspire people to get back out there!

“I see myself getting back into traveling to explore all the places I haven’t yet been to and share them with the world through my OFTV platform travel show.”

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FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP AUGUST 2021 VOL 2

LAUREN BLAKE BY JAY RIV