45
Interview with Elise Neal
NikatNite:
You have had an amazing career in film and television... what would you say was your most challenging role
and why?
Elise Neal:
My most challenging role so far was the film " Rosewood " not only was it based on
true events in the 20's - it was a very
true
important and heavy subject matter. It was important to everyone to tell the story
perfectly and honor the fallen African American
families of that tragedy.
NikatNite: If you could work alongside any leading man...who would that man be and why?
Elise: If I could work alongside any leading man its a toss up between BRAD PITT and
MICHAEL B JORDAN
NikatNite:
NikatNite:
What advice would you give a young lady who desires to be an actress?
Elise:
The advice I would give to any young lady wanting to be an actress is to be sure to enroll
to any theater or acting class in
your area...Building your confidence. And the better you feel about yourself and your skills,
all the "No's you receive on the
journey to all the YES! You will always know u have the skills, and its just a matter of time. )
journ
NikatNite:
You are a really big advocate for living a healthy lifestyle...what does your exercise regiment consist of?
Elise:
My exercise routine is honestly my best way to self care. All the way around...if I'm doing yoga: its
helping my flexibility and
centering my mood. If I'm lifting weight : I'm burning fat and getting stronger. It really does help
people. MIND , BODY AND SOUL
people. MIND , BO
NikatNite:
Giving back seems to be a big part of who you are...what are some of the charities that you are affiliated with?
Elise:
Giving back and supporting charity is very important to me and I have been a supporter of St Jude children's
research hospital for about
10 years but also I like to give support and advice to the new talent. When I started in the business out here
f from Memphis, TN.. I
didn't have a support system or anything..but I try to advise some and any speaking engagement toss in a few
words to encourage the young..
NikatNite:
Do you feel pressure to keep up with the trends of social media?
Elise: I definitely feel like social media can be a pressure but the reality is it's not going anywhere! Lol! I
do think it can be amazing.
Bring a cause to the attention of millions instantly. Connect with friends. But I do feel bad for the children
Bring a cause to the attention of millions instantl
of this generation..
Everything they do is under a microscope.
NikatNite:
In this entertainment business...what is the one thing you want to be remembered for?
Elise:
When I decide to tap out , I'd want people to always think of my work and feel like it touched them in
some way. Made them
some w
happy or feel something...But I'm not done yet. An Oscar ain't out of the question..
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us and give our readers a look
inside, at the woman who
captured our hearts many years ago on tv and in film!
NikatNite
46
Interview with Elise Neal
NikatNite:
You have had an amazing career in film and television... what would you say was your most challenging role
and why?
Elise Neal:
My most challenging role so far was the film " Rosewood " not only was it based on
true events in the 20's - it was a very
true
important and heavy subject matter. It was important to everyone to tell the story
perfectly and honor the fallen African American
families of that tragedy.
NikatNite: If you could work alongside any leading man...who would that man be and why?
Elise: If I could work alongside any leading man its a toss up between BRAD PITT and
MICHAEL B JORDAN
NikatNite:
NikatNite:
What advice would you give a young lady who desires to be an actress?
Elise:
The advice I would give to any young lady wanting to be an actress is to be sure to enroll
to any theater or acting class in
your area...Building your confidence. And the better you feel about yourself and your skills,
all the "No's you receive on the
journey to all the YES! You will always know u have the skills, and its just a matter of time. )
journ
NikatNite:
You are a really big advocate for living a healthy lifestyle...what does your exercise regiment consist of?
Elise:
My exercise routine is honestly my best way to self care. All the way around...if I'm doing yoga: its
helping my flexibility and
centering my mood. If I'm lifting weight : I'm burning fat and getting stronger. It really does help
people. MIND , BODY AND SOUL
people. MIND , BO
NikatNite:
Giving back seems to be a big part of who you are...what are some of the charities that you are affiliated with?
Elise:
Giving back and supporting charity is very important to me and I have been a supporter of St Jude children's
research hospital for about
10 years but also I like to give support and advice to the new talent. When I started in the business out here
f from Memphis, TN.. I
didn't have a support system or anything..but I try to advise some and any speaking engagement toss in a few
words to encourage the young..
NikatNite:
Do you feel pressure to keep up with the trends of social media?
Elise: I definitely feel like social media can be a pressure but the reality is it's not going anywhere! Lol! I
do think it can be amazing.
Bring a cause to the attention of millions instantly. Connect with friends. But I do feel bad for the children
Bring a cause to the attention of millions instantl
of this generation..
Everything they do is under a microscope.
NikatNite:
In this entertainment business...what is the one thing you want to be remembered for?
Elise:
When I decide to tap out , I'd want people to always think of my work and feel like it touched them in
some way. Made them
some w
happy or feel something...But I'm not done yet. An Oscar ain't out of the question..
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us and give our readers a look
inside, at the woman who
captured our hearts many years ago on tv and in film!
NikatNite
47
Model - SENTRIK -@sentrik_
Photographer- @joyannepanton
Makeup @stephaniefaiirah
46
Model @doraowusu
MUA - @andreasamuels__
Photographer- @joyannepanton
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Model @mayasworld
Hair - @kenyaonhair
MUA - @kevinwadebeauty
Photographer- @joyannepanton
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Model @londonknight_
Agency - @photogenicsla
Makeup - @stephaniefaiirah
Photographer- @joyannepanton
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Model @ciaralebamoff
Makeup - @stephaniefaiirah
Photographer- @joyannepanton
51
IT’S A
WOMAN’S
WORLD
“This is a Man’s World…this is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing
without a woman or a girl”.
James Brown had it right from the start! The birthing and raising children, caring for others
world would be nothing and even non-existent and furthering our education. How amazing is
and impossible to exist without us women, the strength of a woman to have the ability to
therefore: it’s a woman’s world, right? Let’s think be what is needed, when it is needed, multiple
about the mere versatility of a woman. How times at multiple moments when it is needed.
we transition with ease through the multitude This takes determination, resiliency, critical
of roles we play throughout the day. We are thinking, multitasking, creativity, negotiating
mothers to our children; worker’s (whether for skills, foresight, insight, self-awareness, faith
ourselves or a business); leaders among family/ and grace. These are all characteristics that are
friends/coworkers; chauffeurs; a sister/aunt/ traditionally assigned to men who are in or who
grandmother; a wife; a nurse; a financial advisor seek to be in positions of power such as CEO’s,
in our homes; a caregiver for our parents and politicians, corporate managers, contractors
children; a chef; a housekeeper; a mediator; a and farmers. But these characteristics are no
nurturer; and a lover most of the time…and all respecter of gender and are also what is needed,
in the same day! We do it without complaint in order to equip a woman to run the world. …so
and society never really gave us a choice why not begin to recognize and equip women for
did it? In the 21st century, we do it all while the release of the innate greatness that is within
maintaining full time jobs, running businesses, them? Remember how phenomenal you are.
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Model :@iam_queenroe
Style: @melvinstyles
Hair: @deestyling
Photography: @tiahollingsworthphotography
Makeup: @miik3y_starr
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Alpha Mother : Kimberly Elise | @ikimberlyelise
Alpha Daughter: Aja Bleu | @ajableubird
Photographer: @anderson_brennan_
Makeup: @jerliciadotcom
Hair/Styed By:@iamajjohnson
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Model - Masika Kalysha - @masikakalysha
Photographer - @kincordell
Creative Director/ Stylist- @otheezystyledit
@otheezycreatedit
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Model - Tori Hughes @toribrixx
Photographer- @Rubenstunner
Hair/Makeup - @toribrixx
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Model - Lamiyia Good | @lamyiagood
Stylist/ Creative Director - @hollylarry_
Photographer - @shannonlaurine
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Model - Taylor Hing
@_chinesekitty
Photographer: @rubenstunner
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Model :Diana Vazquez
@ms_dianavazquez
Photography: @rubenstunner
61
THE FUTURE
IS
FEMALE
We are only in the beginning of 2019 and women have already been making history in extremely
high profile ways! This year was the first time in history that more than one black woman won
an Oscar: production designer Hannah Beachler and costume designer Ruth Carter became only
the second and third African American women to win non-acting Oscars for their work on Black
Panther. Additionally, Regina King won best supporting actress in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’.
Beyond Hollywood, history continued to be made in politics when Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar who
are the first Muslim-American women to ever be elected to congress, began their terms. Sharice
Davids and Deb Haaland were the first Native-American women elected to congress and have also
begun to live their history making terms. In 2019, more women of color than ever before have been
elected into the 116th Congress.
As women have been making history, it is letting young girls know—up close and personally—the
many opportunities that await them and the endless possibilities of possibility. The future is definitely
and decidedly FEMALE! So what does this mean for young women? These monumental moments
remind us that anything is possible and calls upon us all to embrace those in our communities and
on our paths of life who are making history, and to hold them accountable to continue to lead, with
integrity. The breaking of these barriers creates hope and fuels determination for those women
watching but beyond the planting of seeds of hope, the call for accountability will result in a harvest
of even more history making outcomes.
Whether it is in sports, entertainment, politics or the medical field, women are making a statement
that anything is possible. According to Business Insider, in the last 20 years, the number of women
owned businesses has increased 114% with autonomy being a key motivating factor. Societal
“norms” are no longer dictating the jobs women have or the roles they play within their household.
Women are facing adversities head on, and are refusing to allow racism, sexism, ageism or life’s
challenges to impede upon their dreams and goals. “I can and I will” has become our line of thinking.
Alpha females are refusing to allow “no” to be an option. We are smart, determined and fearlessly
taking strides to be better, so we may leave behind a legacy of grace, strength and confidence.
62
Model - Lamiyia Good | @lamyiagood
Stylist/ Creative Director - @hollylarry_
Photographer - @shannonlaurine
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Alpha Female - @jaihumbleofficial
Photographer : @3rdeyevisionx
Hair @_damndaddy
Makeup @lyricalexia
65
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Model @aubriebony
Makeup @thenatalieblackexperience
Photographer- @joyannepanton
68
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70
Alpha female: Draya Michele
@drayamichele
Photographer: @demarcusadams
71
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Executive Producer of Survival Of R.Kelly
Alpha Female: Tamra Simons
@thetamrasimmons
Photographer: @aarondsmallsphoto
Makeup: @beatfacechels
73
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Model : Esscene Atkins
@essence_says
Photographer: @aarondsmallsphoto
Stylist / Designer : @vjstyles
Hair by - @jorgearmando_02 x @hairbywankay
Makeup by @paintedbyjeremy
Creative director @paintedbyjeremy x @iamlucianolayne
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Model - India Love @indialove
Photographer - @artcrazyphotog
Makeup- @carranzaglam
Hair - @salonchristol
Designer @carlaciddediego_official x @bysukii
78
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Model - Jcass
@jcasscassidy
Photographer: @rubenstunner
80
Model - Hoopz
@therealhoopz
Photographer: @rubenstunner
81
Model - Aubrina Skye | @aubrinaskye
Photographer - @meech213
82
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Model - Adri Grace
@who_is_adrigrace
Makeup: @who_is_adrigrace
Photographer: @aarondsmallsphoto
84
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Alpha Female: Renee Robinson
@hafsa.nads
Hair/Makeup: @hafsa.nads
Styled by: @hafsa.nads
Photographer: @cassidyboi
88
Model - Dream Doll
Photographer: @aarondsmallsphoto
Styled: @visionary.bash
Hair by : @kalief_w
Creative Director: @thedealmakerz
Cc: @bigheffmidwestfresh
Makeup:@sarah_linns
Heels : @jessicarich
Videographer @sebastianmoral
89
Alpha Female :Jocelyn McElvane
@thejoyousmarketingteam
Styled by: Shon Dreashyn Gardner
Photographer: Antwoin Gilbert
Makeup: Morrissa Reid
90
Never did I imagine this would happen to Me,
I sit and think, could this really be.
I don’t deserve this, questions often fly,
Emotions so deep, internally I cry.
It started so painful even before the start,
I questioned my love, myself, I questioned My heart.
Yearning for love, a feeling I thought I knew,
Until the new day, I learned what was true.
On the new day I was awaken with peace,
The blessing, so amazing, bestowed upon Me.
Still so surreal, I can’t believe it’s true,
I was blessed with an Angel, I was blessed with You.
A strength hidden so deeply, I never knew was there,
A power released, protector of Your air.
Phenomenal, virtuous, of all I claim,
Nothing more beautiful than Mommy, My new name.
My Princess, so nurtured, as You grow before Me,
A Goddess, An Heiress, A Queen You will be.
Walk with confidence, always hold Your head high,
Beautifully wave to the masses, as you pass them by.
Who is She? They all want to know,
She’s so beautiful, so graceful, oh Her glow,
I am She, and She is Me,
There’s nothing more beautiful than Mother, that is Me.
On the eve of motherhood, Myself I thought I knew,
But You have taught resilience, My strength, I owe it all to You.
Your shoulder, Your protector, Your refuge, I will always be,
No matter what You may face in life, You can count on Me.
On the day that I must let Your hand go,
Lead the way my Princess, and let the world know.
Let the stride in Your walk create chatter in the streets,
Always sing Your own song, and dance to Your own beat.
Beautiful You are, a blessing bestowed upon Me,
In My wildest dreams, Never, did I imagine this would happen to
Me.
Mother
By Mia D. Howell
Alpha Mother :Joseline Hernandez
@joseline
Daughter - Bonnie Bella
Photographer: @joyannepanton
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