29-year-old Ronan McKenzie during the pandemic, she found she desired to do more together with her hands. In 2020, she began sewing clothes for her own pleasure and to pass the isolation time. In her free time, she designed clothes, drew, painted and molded clay. The self-taught designer saw creating clothes as a technique to enjoy herself. “It started as something I did for fun, but as people became more interested in it, I wanted to give it its own identity and space in my world,” she said.

In 2021 SELATION he was officially born. The designer notes that her name is Irish and her surname is Scottish. For SELASI, she wanted the brand name to be grounded and more related to the warmth and trust of those conversant in the name quite than its British connotations. SELASI means “God hears me”, while the other end of the phrase means “and he listened”. McKenzie said she designs mainly for herself, designing clothes that she desires to wear and that can make her feel her best. “SELASI is my selfish place where I make all the decisions and discover what I want completely, unwaveringly and uncompromisingly.” In this self-centered space, McKenzie brought her ideas to life through quite a few collaborations with other artists, comparable to Jobe Burns, with whom she designed the chair, Marko Bakovic in footwear design, KBN Knitwear in knitwear development, and Ricky Harriott of SRVC Studio clothing components.

In her recently released collection, “Chapter Four: Homegrowing,” McKenzie’s world-building skills are put to the test as she sources objects, creates floral arrangements, and brings in performances from fellow artists Amy Dadiaga, Josh Woolford, Sienna King and her own mother. their artistry during photo sessions for the collection. This has created a robust sense of belonging for the designer, who relishes the presence of other people entering her world. “The way my pieces fall on others, the feeling it creates, the warmth transferred from intention to physical clothes and beyond, is special to me.”

McKenzie often draws inspiration from the design process; it’s influenced by a large number of experiences from conversations, works of art, food, shapes, and so forth. When he learns recent things and easily tries them, he discovers that recent ideas are born to be implemented. This may be seen in her creations, which lean towards freedom and luxury, but in addition chic in presentation. For example, one of her favorite pieces of clothing is a pair Loose pants because they were the first pants she designed. Another piece, Savannah dress has recently been reworked right into a summer bandeau and is a preferred SELASI product. Her outerwear pieces like “We love Barbados” and “Black Rock“Jackets” was also on her favorites list. Named after her mother’s home parish in Barbados, the Black Rock includes a sleek, oversize leather silhouette that can appeal to any fashion enthusiast. Stars like the singer Solange and actress Lashana Lynch could possibly be seen in SELASI on and off the red carpet. Her designs are consistent, moving from the last collection to the next through neutral colours, drapes and shapes. He continuously finds recent ways to convey recent brand ideas.

The designer’s foremost goal is to construct a community that’s loving, open and supportive of one another. It looks like she’s already achieved this together with her brand. As she continues SELASI in the future, what excites her most is the freedom of self-expression. “I maintained it [freedom] through ownership and autonomy.” Thanks to this, McKenzie’s SELASI world is continuously expanding.

“Chapter Four: Growing at Home” is out there for pre-order on the website selasi.co.

Last week, former NFL running back Reggie Bush took back the Heisman Trophy after losing the respect 14 years ago. The skilled football player has since spoken out about how the controversy, which first emerged in 2005 with allegations that Bush accepted payments and other goods while playing for the University of Southern California, affected his mental health.

Appearing in “CBS MorningsBush said that when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2006, he was at his “weakest point.”

“When I think I’m at my weakest point and when I’m struggling with depression and struggling with suicidal thoughts, there’s a whole town there to embrace me and lift me up and give me a chance to come out whenever I can to prove myself again,” he said.

After an investigation by the NCAA found he had received merchandise, Bush voluntarily gave up his Heisman Trophy in 2010. However, after the NCAA modified its policy regarding players receiving payments, the organization formally returned the trophy to Bush. He told “CBS Mornings” he was just attempting to take all of it in.

“I think when you manifested it for so long and had the ups and downs for so many years – I cried about it, I really did – but I felt like at that moment I was just to accept it and just be happy, enjoy the moment and just know that we did it,” he said.

Even though his trophy was reinstated, Bush said he shouldn’t be withdrawing from a lawsuit currently pending against the NCAA for defamation stemming from a 2021 statement made by NCAA officials that called Bush a “pay-to-play” . scenario.

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As National Mental Health Month begins on May 1, Bush’s candid take a look at his mental health journey helps highlight the indisputable fact that Black men affected by depression are each underdiagnosed and often not fully utilize potentially supportive resources. Currently, the information suggests roughly 5% to 10% of black men suffer from depression, although these numbers don’t explain how many individuals remain undiagnosed. The study goes back 10 years, and since then, Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by police brutality and the rise of white nationalism, which have led to the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, Donald Trump’s presidency, the Covid-19 outbreak, the recession and more.

Depression could be difficult to detect because it could present in another way in several people. Many of the behaviors related to mental health issues – anxiety, anger, difficulty in school or work, feeling depressed – are normal in black men, making it difficult to differentiate when someone needs help. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood persists for a long time and interferes with normal daily functioning, you may become depressed.”

Bush has joined several other famous black men in recent times who have spoken out about their mental health issues. Earlier this yr, veteran rapper Darryl “DMC” McDaniels opened up about how his fame through Run-DMC, in addition to subsequent events including the murder of fellow Run-DMC founding member Jam Master Jay, severely impacted his mental health.

“It hit me late in my life, but it was always there,” he said. “It just compounded the situation I found myself in.”

McDaniels also added that he desired to talk about his mental health to let his fans know that speaking out “is not a sign of weakness.” It’s an indication of strength.”

As for Bush, he has found a brand new peace. Years before Heisman was reinstated, he had retired from skilled football.

Bush said that in 2020, greater than two years after his retirement in late December 2017 People Magazine“I’ve been able to enjoy more time with my family and just be able to do things that I wouldn’t normally be able to be there for. For over 20 years, I devoted most of my time to one sport. Now I have the opportunity to stay at home, find a new passion and focus on my family.”

As we age, our body undergoes changes that may often end in stretch marks. They are natural and delightful; it’s often an indication that we’re changing or that we have just had a baby. However, if for some reason you want to cover up these sometimes unexpected marks, it might be difficult to achieve this with typical products.

Sometimes it is best to seek the advice of a specialist to higher understand what stretch marks are, how they form and what they will do to our skin. Especially since they will sometimes indicate hormonal imbalances comparable to PCOS. Additionally, though they will appear on any a part of the body, we may not know much about stretch marks and their impact on our skin.

On the occasion of the upcoming Mother’s Day, Dr. Phyllis Pobee tells ESSENCE about stretch marks, their causes, treatment and more.

What are stretch marks?

“Stretch marks are narrow streaks that appear when the skin stretches quickly, usually due to growth spurts, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy,” Pobee tells ESSENCE. Founder Slim signal It’s common for stretch marks to appear as reddish or purple lines, regularly fading to a lighter shade. According to Stretch marks form when the skin stretches or contracts. Places where stretch marks can appear are frequently on the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, arms, lower back and buttocks.

What causes stretch marks?

According to Pobee, stretch marks can appear on the body in some ways. “Stretch marks usually form as a result of rapid stretching of the skin due to rapid weight gain, significant growth, or hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy.” Additionally, when the skin is stretched, collagen and elastin will be destroyed.

Products for stretch marks

While there are creams and oils that help fade stretch marks, you need to know the difference between them. “Creams” just like the one he recommends Weasel“are perfect for people with dry skin that requires intense hydration.” Meanwhile, oils, similar to her Bio Oil suggestion: “offer a lighter, faster-absorbing alternative,” Pobee says. “Depending on your skin’s daily needs, alternating between these two products can provide optimal benefits.” Pobee also suggests that when applying a stretch mark cream or oil, use it twice a day to keep the skin supple and well-nourished.

Treatments for stretch marks

There are many treatments for stretch marks, including laser therapy, retinoids, tretinoin, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. According to laser therapy may help reduce stretch marks. The light-based treatment regenerates and repairs stretch marks and supports collagen production.

Retinoids, often called tretinoin, can also help reduce stretch marks. The Retinoids, a type of vitamin A, are known to help stimulate collagen, and patients can use retinoid creams to improve the looks of their skin.

A chemical peel, whether glycolic acid or lactic acid, may reduce the looks of stretch marks. Chemical peels, whether based on glycolic or lactic acid, may improve the feel of stretch marks. Finally, microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin for a good tone.