Vaughn Lowery/President: Born and raised in Detroit with 5 siblings. He graduated from Cornell University's School of Industrial & Labor Relations. Former Vibe Intern, Saks Fifth Avenue Executive Trainee, Aetna Account Executive/Manager, Partner of WPI PR & Marketing (NYC) and also has modeled for such brands as GAP, Marc Ecko, Old Navy, Skechers and Dasani Water. Best known for his TV appearances on Top Model, Scrubs and as the "Joe Boxer Guy". His first leading role, "The Young & Evil," was an official selection of Sundance 2009. Also, he's the grandson of Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.
Jerry Clay/Fashion Editor: Born and raised in Chicago's Southside. Attended Northern State University majoring in Global Business. Jerry was inspired to be in fashion because it has no limits; and he is able to play with his imagination. His favorite designers are Helmet Lang, APC, PATRIZIA PEPE, and Dries Van Noten. As a stylist, he has worked with Eve, Keyshia Cole and Yellowcard.
Crystal Wong/Art Director: Born in the Bronx and raised in Manhattan. Graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in communications. Crystal is signed to Ford Models. Some of her clients include: Target, Nordstrom's, Clairol, Tommy Hilfiger and General Electric. She always had passion for photography and is putting it to use as staff art director.
Lisa Home/Editor-at-Large Born and raised in Philadelphia before moving to Carrollton, Texas, in jr. high school. She is the oldest of four. Graduated from Baylor University with a degree in psychology. Currently employed for the past 13 years as a Senior Editing Proofreader at Mary Kay Inc. headquartered in Addison, Texas.
Brand Publicist/Live Loyal PR: A boutique agency dedicated to providing fresh and innovative brand representation for the client. LLPR specializes in developing publicity campaigns for fashion, apparel, and accessory lines by applying marketing skills, promotional opportunities, fashion events, media relations, and web site awareness.
Lester Guidry/Graphic Designer: Yakin creates and develops print, web and interactive projects from concept to distribution. In addition, Yakin keeps the client's best interests in mind with both consistent consultation and overall design maintenance.
T'Quan Wilson/PR & Entertainment Editor: Born in Pasadena, California and raised in Washington Courthouse, Ohio. He hosts one of the hottest webcast shows, "Fashion on The Spot". This opportunity has placed him on the red carpet with celebrities and designers from Bow Wow to Christian Audigier. He also hosts a new hit radio show, "The T", where he gives you all the juicy celeb news and gossip. Soon he will launch his non-profit organization for children who suffer with terminal illnesses and in need of financial assistance.
Montre Burton/Arts & Culture Editor: Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up performing in church every Sunday. At a young age, he joined The Hurrah Players Youth & Family Theatre Company. In high school he attended the Virginia Governors School for the Arts where he graduated with honors with a concentration in theatre. He then graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.A. in Theatre Arts; and he attended the Florida State University/British American Drama Academy in London, England with renowned classical artist Norman Ayerton (former head of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and theatre faculty of The Juilliard School). He has trained with Playhouse West and the Gloria Gifford Conservatory for the Performing Arts. He continues to educate and inspire artists across the country through private coaching, and on the collegiate/secondary education levels.
Chima Simone/Staff Entertainment Writer: Born and raised in Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Communications. A charming entertainment reporter that's not afraid to flirt or even jump over the press barricades to get an interview. Recently, she was contestant on CBS Big Brother.
Nicholas Holt/Fitness Editor: Born and raised in Southern California. Graduated from Long Beach State with a degree in Marketing. Lettered in four sports in high school and went on to play Division I basketball. Had a brief stint in corporate America in Finance. He professionally modeled and started to train other talent. Nicholas has been a certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist for over 6 years. On a spiritual level, he's performs Thai Massage Therapy, focusing on Northern Style. Leeza Gibbons dubbed Nicholas Holt as "Trainer to the Stars" on Extra.
Latrice Johnson/Grooming Editor: Born and raised in Sherman Oaks, California. A veteran make-up artist who has been painting and sculpting faces for over ten years. She has worked on all mediums, including TV ads and films. Latrice is driven by a woman's inner "sex kitten", and a man's strong features. She has worked with Tasha Smith (Why did I get Married), Tanji Miller ( Actress, Director), Essence Atkins (Half and Half), Rachel True (Half and Half), Vanessa Simmons, Chingy and Malik Yoba. She will focus on helping our metro male readers properly exfoliate their skin.
Arthur Rutledge/Dir. of Promotions (NYC): Born and raised in Detroit. He studied at Wayne State University. Ran a Michigan-based modeling agency at just 20 years old. U Model's doors were open for 3 years until he decided to venture into the retail and automobile sales. Upon his departure, he modeled all over the world for 6 years, including France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Austria and South Africa. Since 2005, Arthur has been promoting some of the hottest venues within the New York City metropolitan area.
Byron G./Travel Editor Byron hales from Houston, Texas. Graduated from University of Houston, Rice in Pre-Med. He enjoys studying the history of the world and loves traveling to places that he has read about. Places of travel include the following: North America - 40 states; Europe - Italy, France, Germany, Austria, UK, Switzerland; and Asia - China, Japan, Singapore; and Saudi Arabia.
The Doc/Staff Writer: Born and raised in Detroit. He is the youngest of 3 siblings. He attended one of Detroit's most prestigious high schools, University of Detroit Jesuit. He graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Biology. Soon after, he attended Michigan State University to earn his degree as a Doctor of Medicine.
Tyren Redd/Graphic Designer: Born in Los Angeles and raised in Sacramento, California. Tyren has indulged in photography and photo editing in the last 5 years. He has shot Musiq Soulchild and reality star, Buddha (I Love New York). In addition, he has packaged several artist CDs and has created hundreds of logos for numerous corporate entities.
Terry Dexter/Music Editor: Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan with a fraternal twin sister. This singer/songwriter has the style and a sound reminiscent of Motown. Terry began her musical journey singing in her uncle's church. As a teen, this songbird was regionally performing in the band Tri-Star. She made her solo debut in 1999 with her critically acclaimed self-titled Warner Brothers album that spanned two Billboard singles "Better Than Me" and "Strayed Away". She has worked with Patti Labelle, WILL.I.AM, Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West, Wynona Judd, Paul Duke and Eric Benet.
Brian Perry/Hair Editor: Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He has both a bachelors degree in business management and a master's degree in finance from Western Michigan University. Brian has been doing both male and female hair for over 15 years. Some of his styles have been featured on CW's "Top Model", CW's "Girlfriends" and MTV's "Wildn Out". His clientele includes the following: Katt Williams, Loretta Devine, Judge Hatchett, and Keyshia Cole. Recently, He won 1st place for the Spectrum International Beauty Expo (SIBE) haircutting competition.
Cortnee Blayton/Copy Editor: Born and raised in Southern California, Cortnee has an inherent love for coastal art, fashion and entertainment which she pursues through journalism and advertising. She graduated from Oakwood University with dual degrees in Communications and English and interned with the Getty Museum on Catalina Island, the Mercedes Benz account in Huntsville, AL and the Maybelline account in New York. In addition, Cortnee was a staff writer for The Huntsville Times and a freelance writer for The Press Enterprise. Since then, Cortnee has been instrumental in creating marketing plans for several Warner Bros. films including "He's Just Not That Into You" and "Where the Wild Things Are".
Jackson Murray/Culture Reporter: A Washington, D.C. based attorney who analyzes U.S foreign policy in Africa with specific emphasis on U.S. international development strategies/programs and development finance policy. JM has implemented several international women's empowerment programs. She is a travel enthusiast and foodie. Also, she enjoys foreign and independent cinema. JM has traveled to 20 countries within the past 3 years. She enjoys cultural dance classes, gallery openings, fashion shows and live music. Currently, she is re-learning French and will soon take up Mandarin. She served as a member of the Young Professional Group of Covenant House Washington, DC and a member of Smithsonian Young Benefactors.
Tracey Smith/Talent Coordinator: Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Tracey graduated from Hampton Institute with a degree in pre-med with an emphasis in otolaryngology. Tracey worked in product management and sales management for two of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. After having dealt with the changes in the industry, she utilized her business acumen and phenomenal closing technique to form her own boutique public relations company. Her clients range from relationship experts, orators, authors, to a foreign policy diplomat. Tracey has always been an overachiever, consummate businesswoman, and fearless when methodically pursuing incremental gains. She has a passion for travel, jazz, fashion, and the sport of winning.
Glenn Murray/Brand Ambassador Born in Memphis, Tennessee Glenn is the founder of 220 Communications specializing in social media and strategic marketing . Based in Chicago, he has spearheaded marketing and promotional campaigns targeting the arts (literature, fine art, film, stage plays, music). He writes for the NBC Chicago Street Team blog. 220 Communications has held marketing and promotional events in Dallas, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee and will soon launch a media to include music distribution and publishing.
Rothstein Williams/British Brand Ambassador: TBA
Mohammed Ismail/French Brand Ambassador: TBA
Justin Tyler Joseph/360AIR: Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana with 3 other siblings. He studied Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University. He has worked for Nike and American Cancer Society. Justin has aspired to work in TV/Radio since high school. Some of his inspirations are Bryant Gumbel, Norman Robinson and Hoda Kotb.
Justus Osborne / Interior Design: Born and raised in Atlanta, GA and the oldest of three. 2010 Graduate of Savannah College of Art an Design with a BFA in Interior Design. Planning to pursue a graduate degree concentrating in fashion design and journalism. Currently working as a freelance designer, his mission is to revitalize the every community through sustainable design.
