Simply Straight by Tracia J International Style Magazine

by SALON
DIGEST
VI US $15 CAN $15
MASTER
BARBER

&
STYLIST
TIMOTHY
“BLADE”
SMITH

Interview

FEATURING
BIRMINGHAM

ATLANTA
LOS ANGELES

ASIA

Available in
Digital & Print

HAIR CARE PRODUCT DUO
TIMOTHY SMITH & TRACIA J

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Final Product Size:
8.5" x 11"
Final Document Size (incl. Bleed):
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SIMPLY STRAIGHT BY TRACIA J
FEATURE

TIMOTHY “BLADE” SMITH

“IN ACTION”

R.I.C.H. SALON

DJ Well Dunn

Tracia J

Timothy Smith has over 28 years in the industry as a Barber, Stylist, Makeup Artists, Salon & Beauty

Supply Store Owner, Instructor, as well as, a producer of industry commercials and other productions.
He started his hair care product line “Simply Straight” in 2011 and it has been gaining market share,
nationally. He is a visionary, as well as, a great speaker and motivator with a wealth of experience to
share. He believes that Salon retail is key and that branding yourself to your own products, as a Barber or
Stylist, is essential to leaving your legacy and creating an additional stream of income.

Timothy Smith

Model: Monshea Arnold
Stylist: Avian Cole
MakeUp: IB Wright

@Shearperfectionbyaviancole

Photographer:
Kryssi McClellan

J UNIQUE SCULPTURES
A
Y Model:
F Alesha Smith
U Makeup:
L Kim Summers
L Photographer:
E Kryssi McClellan
R

@Icon4eva

Model:

SIMPLY STRAIGHT BY TRACIA J COVER STORY

INTERNATIONAL STYLE 15 TRACIA J

CONTENT FEATURED SALONS & BARBERSHOPS

CELEBRITY FEATURES 38 12 30

ARTIST/ACTRESS
LOVE & HIP HOP
HOLLYWOOD

9 BROOKE
VALENTINE

MUSIC ARTIST SIMPLY STRAIGHT SPOTLIGHT

PUSSYCAT DOLL SALON: PENNY’S PRETTY PARLOR

JESSICA SUTTER 23

21 FEATURED STYLISTS

HOLLYWOOD Q & A with: LEWIS P. GARY…34
ACTOR

WILL CHRIS

25 58

CELEBRITY INTERNATIONAL FI EATURE
WARDROBE
STYLIST ASIAN
KL ALLEN HAIR
ARTIST
47
53 MARI PAK
CELEBRITY
HAIR STYLIST

43CANDY FARMER

CEO: Tracia J MAGAZINE CONTRIBITORS Photography: Kryssi McClellan
Kyle Hamlin
Editor in Chief/Design: Tracy Jay IG| FB |TW | YouTube Videography: Nick Hammett
Sales/Marketing: Timothy Smith @SimplyStraightbyTraciaJ

Advertise with us ~ Display our Magazine ~ Join our Team ~ Inquire ~ Retail our Products ~ We Model your Brand
Tracijmanagement@gmail.com or Visit: www.SimplyStraightbyTraciaJ.com

HOURS
9AM-8PM

@djwelldunn

LOVE & HIP HOP HOLLYWOOD

@4everbrooke 9

UNIQUE HAIR & BEAUTY BAR

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from your final artwork.

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Model: AFpirnial lSDaoncudmoevnatlSize (incl. Bleed):
Makeup: 8K.6e2n5t"rxec11ia.1D25o"nner
Stylist: Ms. Moonie

@Ms.moonpie1
Photographer: Kryssi McClellan

0.125"
0.0625"

Joiya Pams

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Final Product Size: MODEL: Jordan Bell
8.5" x 11" MAKEUP:
HAIR ARTIST: UNIQUE HAIR & BEAUTY BAR
Final Document Size (incl. Bleed): IG: @
8.625" x 11.125"

Stylists: Ms. Moonie & Blade

UNIQUE SCULPTURES

Model:
Charlena Henly
Makeup:
IB Wright
Stylist:
Jay Fuller

@Icon4eva
Photographer:

Kryssi McClellan

Salon: Model: Tempest Wright
Stylist:
Makeup: Stone Watts Makeup: IB Wright
Model: Tracy Stylist: Jay Fuller

12 @Icon4eva
Photographer: Kryssi McClellan

Model: Tracy

UNIQUE SCULPTURES
“BEFORE & AFTER”

Model: Eboni Crawford
Makeup: IB Wright
Stylist: Jay Fuller

@Icon4eva
Photographer:
Kryssi McClellan

WHO ISHI?

ISHI? BOUTIQUESHE IS TRACIA J STYLED BY

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Homewood | Montgomery | Mountain Brook | New Orleans | Rosemary Beach, FL
www.ISHIBOUTIQUES.com

COVERGIRL STYLE
“THINK OUT OF THE BOX”

MAKEUP BY: @Theglowapp

MASTER STYLIST & PLATFORM ARTIST: TAMMIE B @Itstammieb
Tammie Bethelmy, also known as "Tammie B,“
Brothers where she showcases her creative skills on

masterfully, created a sensational hair style for Cover stage. She was featured in the award winning

Model, Tracia J. Inspired by the work of Ann Bray, she documentary, "Good Hair," produced by Chris Rock, as

used colorful, handmade pieces, sculpted and shaped well as, BET J's "Tears, Shears, and Beauty." In 2018,

to create this “Think Out of the Box” look with endless Tammie B appeared on the reality television show,

possibilities. “The Look: All-Stars.”

Tammie B continues to blaze new trails to change She has been a member of the BabylissPro Design

the landscape of hair as we know it! She is an team for over six years and is the Lead Brand

international educator based in Birmingham, AL. She, Ambassador for KirkPro Products founded by her

quickly, gained industry recognition as one of the mentor, Kevin Kirk. Her work has also been published

nation's leading colorists and platform artists. She in a numerous magazines. She walks by faith and

also, regularly, competes in hair shows, like Bronner attributes all of her success to God. 15

EXTREME SHINE

ACTRESS | MODEL | HOST | CEO C
O
V
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R
~
I
N
T
E
R
V
I
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W

STYLED BY: @KAMISHADE
PHOTGRAPHER: @KERWINDAVISPHOTOGRAPHY

Tracia J, tell us about yourself: I am a Birmingham,

Alabama native who stumbled into the entertainment
industry as a Model. Now that I'm in entertainment, I take my
profession seriously. My career, immediately, excelled to the
heights of New York Fashion Week within eight months of
me first walking a runway. I have modeled for top designers
in Birmingham, Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. As an
aspiring actress, I am featured in “Real Husbands of
Hollywood," "Love & Hip Hop Hollywood," "Day Time
Divas," “Star,” and "Being Mary Jane," and in movies,
"Sleepless," starring Jamie Foxx and "True to the
Game" (Columbus Short/Vivica Fox). Also, I have hosted
radio shows, The Billboard Award Red Carpet in Las Vegas,
as well as, interviewed, singer, Mila J before a special
rendition of “106 & Parks” during the BET Awards. I host
many events at venues in Birmingham, Atlanta and
Hollywood.

When did you get your first break in the industry?
I got my first break in the industry as a Model when my
friends and I attended a fashion show in Atlanta hosted by
Rasheeda and Kirk Frost of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta
(December 2013). A Fashion Designer was short a model
and asked me if I would model a pair jeans from her line.
She asked if I ever modeled before, I told her “No,” but she
used me anyway.

What makes you different from other women in
the industry?
I believe what sets me apart from other women in the
industry is my grind, my support system and my versatility.
Not only have I modeled for brands such as American
Apparel and walked in major runway shows, I am also an
actress, host, CEO and co-owner of a full hair care product
line, "Simply Straight Hair Care by Tracia J." I love being
able to do a variety of things to share my talents with the
world. I have also pursued and accomplished my degree in
Sports Management at Troy University (by way of
Jacksonville State University).

How have you adjusted to branding your name to
a hair care product line and assuming the helm
as the co-owner, the face and CEO?
Due to my career in entertainment, I wear various wig units
for photo shoots, on-set, etc. so my biggest adjustment is
finding time to wear my real hair, which is extraordinarily,
healthy due to usage of my products and the professional
Stylists who take care of it. It has been a challenge
balancing travel for work while in school and overseeing a
company, but I take it one day at a time and focus on my list
of priorities, as well as, delegate responsibilities to capable
individuals. However, I must say that my products gives my
weave and wig units a luxurious shine and feel. Try it!

Have you appeared in any music videos
or other magazines? If so what were
they?
Yes, I was lead in Dae Dae's "Spend It" video
and "100 Bandz" Young Dolph and Zoey Dollaz.
I am also featured in "Good Drank"
2Chainz, Gucci Mane & Quavo, Tiffany Foxx
“War Zone,” Jay Fizzle “Catch the Box” and
others.

Magazines: I am featured on the cover of
Pressure Magazine and other nationally
published magazines: Rollingout, GGurls,
Freddy 'O, Slim Goodie, Dynasty Magazines
and now, my own,“Simply Straight by Tracia J
International Style.”

How often do you work out and are you
on a special diet to maintain your
physic?
I, normally, work out 3 times a week and I must
say that Simply Straight Hair Care Products is a
great defense against my hair sweating during
work outs. My hair remains straight, is not sweaty
and looks and feels great. I am on a meal plan
where I cut pork and beef out of my diet, plus I
drink plenty of water.

What are you, currently, working on?
I am, currently, filming a new reality TV show,
music videos, a movie, preparing for New York
Fashion Week and a few other opportunities that
that I am not at liberty to discuss. I am working to
build my Hair Care empire, to include releasing
my own Hair & Fashion Magazine! I'm so excited
and I would like to thank my supporters and all of
those who have participated in making this
dream come true. We have some awesome
talent and celebrities in this issue. I also want to
thank my management team for their continued
efforts and support.

What advice can you give to those who
are looking to model or get into
entertainment as a career?
I would like to encourage aspiring models, artists,
actors, etc. to never give up on their dreams, no
matter what. Stay true to yourself and always
stay on the grind. Educate yourself, practice,
network, seek out opportunities for your next gig
and do your best. Always know that something
big is about to happen to you!

@IamTraciaJ

@SimplyStraightbyTracica J
www.SimplyStraightbyTraciaJ.com

Model: Briona Haywood
Makeup: Joiya Pams
Stylist: Joiya Pams
IG: @Hairremediez

FILM PHOTOS FROM PUBLIC DOMAIN

IB Model: Kaylan Pullom
W
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MAKEUP

A
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Stylist/Makeup Artist

T

PUSSYCAT DOLL

@J_Sutta

21

Model: Jennifer Kent
Stylist: James Adams

Renovare Hair Salon

Model: Charlotte McKinney Makeup: Glow
Stylist: Jay Jordan
Photographer: Kyle Hamlin
@Stylesbyjaybham

SIMPLY STRAIGHT BY TRACIA J
SALON SPOTLIGHT

PENNY’S PRETTY PARLOR

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8F.i6n2a5l D" xoc1u1m.1e2n5MMt"Soaizkdeee(inul:cpl.P:BeKleneindm)y: CDoalwviknins
Stylist: Penny Dawkins
pparlor@Live.com
Photographer: Kryssi McClellan

0.125"

Hasan & J-Byrd’s
SALON

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Final Product Size:
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Final Document Size (incl. Bleed):

Model: Tina8C.6a25rt"exr11.125"
Makeup: Ravine McGowan
Photographer: Kryssi McClellan
Stylist: Sheree Pegues

205.541.6092

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WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER STEPHENS

William Christopher Stephens is a Dayton Ohio native with Birmingham roots as his parents, Bill and Jewel
Stephens, were born here. Therefore, Chris spent many summers here with family, he may have passed his
passion for acting and entertainment down to his cousin, Tracia J. He is a graduate of AMDA in New York City.
He has appeared in such hit films such as, Marvel Studios' The Avengers, Uninvited Guest, and popular TV
shows, such as FX's The Strain & House. He was most recently seen on the 2nd season of Hulu's original series
Chance, sharing screen time again with actor, Hugh Laurie. His voice can be heard, featured in various video
games for PS4, X-Box, & PC, such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Mafia 3 , & Battlefield: Hardline. August Wilson shares
a special place in Will's heart after having had the pleasure to being directed by Al Freeman, Jr. in the role of
Cory in a production of Fences, then later being selected to perform a key scene from the play for the legendary
playwright, August Wilson, at a benefit in his honor. As his career progresses, he continues to seek roles that
illuminate the humanity, humor, and intelligence within challenging characters.

@WillCMe VIEW RESUME WillChris 25

Monshea Arnold

Jessica Banks Avian Cole

Stylist: Avian Cole
Makeup: IB Wright
Photographer:
Kryssi McClellan

Dee Nation

HAIR & FASHION
STATEMENT

Model: Jimmie Richardson
Makeup: Ravin McGowan

Photographer: Kryssi McClellan

Stylist: Sheree Pegues
205.541.6092

NATURAL
LOOKING
UP-DO’S

S THE NATURAL HAIR EXPERT

M

O

O

T

H

I

E

~ Natural Hair Products Salon:
B Hair Smoothie Bar
APlease remove template lines Makeup Artist:
IB Wright
from your final artwork. Model/Stylist:
Sheri Johnson
R Photographer:
Final Product Size: Kryssi McClellan
8.5" x 11"
(205) 329-4437
Final Document Size (incl. Bleed): @HairSmoothieBar
8.625" x 11.125"
www.HairSmoothieBar.com
“Fresh Hair Smoothies”

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
MOBILE BARBERPSUBHLISOHEPD ON NEW

Mobile Barbershop:
Tonsorial Master
Mobile Barber:
George Thigpen

Tonsorial Master
Perfect Kuts

TONSORIAL MASTER
CHAMPION

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WE COME TO YOU!

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SPONSOR OF 1650 MONTGOMERY HWY HOOVER, AL 35216
SIMPLY STRAIGHT
Model:
HAIR CARE Nikki Gary
BY TRACIA J
Stylist:
Model: Lewis Gary
Jacques Minor
Stylist:
Anwar Rasheed

@Hairrider
@Acethebarber205

Model: Model:
Michelle Mike Pham
Avery Stylist:
Stylist: Lewis Gary
Kristin Avery
@HairriderMakeup:
@Paparazziperfect Glow
Photographer:
Kyle Hamlin

Model: Sydni Taylor Model: Daryl Long
Makeup: Glow Stylist: Anwar Rashed
Stylist: Kristin Avery IG: @Acethebarber205
Photographer: Kyle Hamlin
@Paparazziperfect
Photographer: Kyle Hamlin

Model: Anothony Young III Model: Miriam Ledesma
Stylist: Blade Makeup: Glow
Stylist: Mari Pak
@Stackmoney71
Photographer: Kryssi McClellan @Maarrriiii_boo
Photographer: Kyle Hamlin

LEWIS P. GARY
MASTER BARBER & STYLIST

THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND

Please remove template lines Lewis Patrick Gary is a man who always follows the inner
from your final artwork. voice which leads him. A southern gentleman from Macon, GA
who has refined his skills as a barber since age 11 to now a
Final Product Size: well-renowned international stylist, educator, and speaker.
8.5" x 11" Lewis has made Birmingham, AL. the birthplace of R.I.C.H. -
Final Document Size (incl. Bleed): Retro International Center for Hair. His mantra is rich service
8.625" x 11.125" and fair prices as he creates an environment for his clients to
feel rich - wealthy, affluent, prosperous, opulent. Lewis has
34 been able to uniquely combine his formal education as a pre
medical student with his innate creative genius as a hairstylist
to create a growing empire.

A minister of the Gospel, Lewis has always been guided by
an audible voice telling him, “Use the gifts that I gave you.” His
raw talent combined with steady discipline allowed him to work
his way up in the industry. From his 1st mentor and job at
Richard King’s Magic in Motion (a multicultural salon) where he
earned his barbering license, to a highly requested stylist at
Mastercuts, to gaining a 2nd mentor in Joseph Cunningham of
Southeastern School of Cosmetology where he became a
licensed cosmetologist, and finally attending Michael O’Rork’s
(founder of Sexy Hair products) Institute of Courage where he
learned to be courageous in the use of his God given gifts.
Using each experience as stepping stones, Lewis Gary
garnered inspiration from his local church, a childhood
nickname (“Retro”) and lessons he learned from the growth of
the Regis hair corporation to establish his vision for R.I.C.H.

Since 1995, Lewis has earned his stripes professionally and
personally surviving divorces, financial disasters, and even a
flood. These trials made him stronger, wiser, and gave him a
badge of honor as more than a conqueror. Victories of traveling
with Proctor and Gamble, becoming a colorist with Clairol and a
master technician with FHI Brands, gave him the finesse as a
wise master builder and a strategic competitor in his field.

He is now happily married to Nikki, father to 3 children, and
commanding a team of exceptional artists. Known as Lewis,
Patrick, or Mr. Gary, sitting in his stylist chair is truly a rich
experience. His hands have been gifted to speak and honor the
glory on each head he touches. His years of experience have
provided him with words of wisdom for his clients that
eventually become family. His salon is open to all walks of life
as a safe haven, a church of expression. Lewis has learned that
being rich is not about the money but the state of mind. If you
can feel beautiful on the inside, the work he does on the outside
will simply be a rich elevation.

The R.I.C.H. Mission_______

Birthed from the original Retro
International Center for Hair in 2016,
R.I.C.H. Unisex Salon adheres to
our original focus of being an
international salon servicing all
nationalities and genders with
professionalism and skill. R.I.C.H. is
a place where we believe in
providing Rich services and
charging Fair prices, while creating
an environment where our
customers feel relaxed and opulent;
a place that is a safe haven for all
walks of life.

It is our mission to become the
world’s most respected franchise
salon. To do this, we have
established a culture where we work
together as a unit, building and
supporting our team members. We
provide professional and personal
development for our employees so
that they can provide exceptional
service to our customers and
experience growth (mental, physical,
spiritual) in their own lives.

Please remove template lines With our retroactive foundation and
from your final artwork. most unique objective: To provide
R.I.C.H. services to all people, in
one location, at a fair price. We are
leading the way for a socially-
conscious and lucrative business
that will go global.

Final Product Size: www.RETROINTERNATIONAL.com
8.5" x 11"

Final Document Size (incl. Bleed):

8.625" x 11.125" 1650 Montgomery Hwy

Hoover, AL 35216

@RICHunisexSalon

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Model: Ariana Rogers
Makeup: Kim Summers
Salon: Unique Sculptures
Stylist: Elana Rogers
IG: @Mixxchic75

Model:
TY Bridges

Makeup:

PhotogrIaBpWhriegrh:t Kryssi McClellan

Stylist:
Sabrina Lilly

@007Janedoe

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from your final artwork. Model: Lekecia Hill

Makeup: Kim Summers

Stylist: Tachara Pams

Final Product Size: @UniqueSculptures
8.5" x 11"
d
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Photographer: Kryssi McClellan

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STYLIST/OWNER: JAMAL JONAS
www.ComplimentsBarbershops.com

Please remove template lines MODEL: Swint
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MODEL: Marquis

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ComplimentsBarbershops

Model: Lyssa Singer
Makeup: Joanna Jordan
Stylist: Erin Pippin

@Naturallie.Mie

Model: Johnisha Colllins
Makeup: Joanna Jordan
Stylist: Erin Pippen

@Naturallie.mie

Model: Ebony Lawrence
Makeup: Joanna Jordan
Stylist: Tony Williams

(205) 370-5281

Photographer: Kryssi McClellan 39

Model: Austyn Roshell Model: Anthony Roshel

Model: Anaya Pippin

Model: Kyle Parker Stylists:
Antonio Jones
Erin Pippin (F)
Photographer:
Kryssi McClellan

Model: Michael Parker

ARTIST:

MODEL: @IamTraciaJ

www.mtrey9.com

Mello(M39)Montana (205) 907-7287 M_Trey_9

Model:
@iamtraciaj
Stylist:
Candy for Hair
Photographer:
@Arnoldshoots
Venice Beach, CA

@Candyforhair1

43STYLING SPRITZ





M A K EUP

By

FACES &
BEYOND

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Model: Alicia Hayes
Salon: SoFlianaHl oPorovdeurctSSuizitee: 14
Stylist/MU8A.5:"Kxe11n"trecia Donner

@FaceFsinaanl dDBoceuymoenndt Size (incl. Bleed):

8.625" x 11.125"

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KL Allen, is a Celebrity

Designer with a growing

successful fashion label,

PERFECT POPULATION
By: KL Allen. With design’s

highly sought out by many

Celebrity Wardrobe

Stylists, Celebrities and

Industry Insiders, the label

has been featured on

notable celebrities such as

American Idol and Grammy

Award Winning Singer

Fantasia Barrino, Reality

Star and Supermodel

Cynthia Bailey from RHOA

along with Kenya Moore as

well as Grammy Award

Winning Singer Mya

Harrison, Gospel Award

Winning Group Mary Mary,

Que from Diddy's Making

The Band Day 26, Love &

Hip Hop Stars Erica Dixon

and Karlie Redd and Kari

Wells from Bravo's new hit

series Married to Medicine

along with being featured in

countless Magazines along

with being on National

Television networks BET,

VH1, MTV, BRAVO and

OXYGEN. The brand has

went on to be showcased

in New York Fashion Week

(with Model Tracia J) while

being accepted into London

Fashion Week. He was

also featured on Oxygen's

Popular Reality Show Bad

Girls Club Atlanta, Season

10 Episode 5 and more

recently seen in clips of

Episode 1 of last season of

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta

due to his friendship with

Castmate Erica Dixon. He

is also a film director with

several projects on the

horizon.

@KLxtraordinaire

47



KL Allen

Model: Tan Dunning Model: Ariyana Brown
Salon: Gale Style & Barber Salon: Hansan & J-Byrd’s
Makeup: Kentrecia Donner Makeup: Ravin McGowan
Stylist: Gale Singleton Stylist: Sheree Pegues

@Gale_do_hair 205.541.6092
Photographer: Kyrssi McCellan Photographer: Kryssi McClellan