Publications

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Publications

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The Essence of a Modern Entrepreneur:

Allison Kimball

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By: Sydnie Cutler
Rival Online

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Massachusetts born model, influencer, author and now podcast host — Allison Kimball — sat down with Rival Magazine to talk about her beginnings, career and future plans. Advocating for mindfulness and self-love, this driven entrepreneur and well-versed influencer is set out to change the world. The ambitious and beautiful Kimball was drawn to the modeling industry at just 12- years-old and landed her first national campaign with Sperry shoes.

“I loved pretending to walk runways and I loved being in front of the camera,” Kimball said, “I decided to pursue that dream and I really brought it to life. I’m so proud of myself for sticking with it.”

Kimball’s distinct look caught the attention of clients worldwide and has since landed clients such as Reebok, Calvin Klein, Red Sox, Timberland, Oribe, and Stuart Weitzman. The model has accumulated over 142,000 followers on Instagram.

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Kimball presents not only beauty but wisdom and drive, as well – she always knew she would never be confined to a cubicle desk job. Now at 20-years-old, the entrepreneur immersed herself within the industry and used the knowledge she gained to become the girl boss powerhouse that she currently is.

“Love yourself. Accept yourself. Always put your self-love first,” Kimball said, “Mental health is important, and unfortunately, I had to learn that backwards with the modeling industry. I had to learn a few lessons from the lack thereof instead of being taught directly, but that’s okay because I still learned either way.”

Kimball advises young girls who want to pursue the modeling industry to love every bit of yourself! “Do not change for anyone or any client,” Kimball said, “There will always be a client out there that will absolutely LOVE your look. Don’t become discouraged if you aren’t the right fit for some companies.”

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Kimball utilizes her social media platform to encourage her audience to become the best versions of themselves. The model released her new podcast with Spotify this year, titled -Spiked Kombucha- which encompasses mindfulness, and self-improvement.

“Spiked Kombucha is the perfect name to describe the podcast vibe I was going for. Kombucha, because of the earthy crunchy side of me I wanted people to see, and Spiked Kombucha because it’s that with a little bit of spice,” Kimball said. “What inspired me to create a podcast was that I wanted a platform to be able to express what was inside of me and show more people who I really am. I love giving advice and helping people, so this was the perfect outlet to do so. The inspiration comes and goes naturally and floods from real experiences in my life that I’m passionate about.”

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The multi-faceted model is also releasing a self-help book based around her personal experiences and the lessons she has learned. Kimball wants her readers to apply the lessons to their life without actually experiencing the experiences she went through to learn them. Kimball’s ultimate goal is to share her wisdom to help others succeed. This bright entrepreneur encourages individuals who struggle with fear and self-doubt to do things that fill their soul up. “Do it for yourself. Go back to your roots, and really think about what brought you joy in your childhood before all of the outside influences affected your outlook.”

Kimball focuses on her own health and wellbeing daily and loves going on adventures in her free time. From surfing, fishing, camping and everything in between, she finds her Zen when she is exploring mother nature. “I love myself and I really take care of myself,” Kimball said, “I take care of myself as if I am caring for a loved one of mine that I care about so deeply. It really is a gamechanger.” Kimball is in a very supportive relationship with her loving and supporting boyfriend. “He’s just a big ball of kindness and I love him with my whole stinkin’ heart,” Kimball shared.

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Kimball has a natural fire that is lit in her soul at all times. “I have this burning inside of me that always motivates me to satisfy the need of productivity,” Kimball said. “I love it, though. I’m so driven and motivated and I really just try to feed into that and also allow myself healthy times to heal when I need it as well.” Kimball used quarantine as a time of self-reflection. “I have really gotten to know myself and see my progress already,” Kimball said. “I learned to love myself and that alone holds so much success.”

So, what’s in store for this driven entrepreneur? Perhaps more adventures and having even more knowledge. “I won’t set expectations,” Kimball said, “I do know that I have high standards for myself and I’m excited to see what else I will pursue. I will be proud of myself no matter what same goes for 10 years from now.”

Publications

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The Actor’s Playbook:
Anthony Alabi

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By: Sydnie Cutler
Rival Online

Diana Ragland Photography

Diana Ragland Photography

Anthony Alabi is an actor, producer, writer and former NFL player located in Los Angeles California.  The talented entertainer sat down with Rival Magazine to discuss his life, career and future endeavors within the entertainment industry. 

In the NFL, a coin is tossed to see which team will start the game. In Alabi’s case the coin landed on the side of acting. In fact, his love is astronomically in favor of acting. “I love football, I love the competition, I love the camaraderie, but I’m in love with acting,” heartens Alabi before he continues. “It’s literally the first thing I think about when I wake up in the last thing I think about when I go to bed. Nothing makes me happier than breaking down the script and building a character. Acting was, in a way, my first love.” It's tough to make it as an actor or a professional athlete, and even tougher for one person to accomplish both. Since childhood, Alabi was captivated by the art of acting.

  “The draw for me wasn’t really the entertainment industry, per say. It was more about being an actor and exploring what that means,” Alabi shares. “I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was five years old, when my father and I would spend the entire day at the movie theater on Sundays. I fell in love with storytelling and characters and wanted nothing else, but to be in that world.” 

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The former football player transitioned into acting professionally after his athletic career ended.

“I wanted to be sure that I was a vested player, which meant playing for at least four years. Once I reached that mark, everything else was just padding for my future,” Alabi explains. “So, when I was released by Tampa Bay after an injury, instead of looking for a new team I took it as an opportunity to pursue the thing that I’ve always wanted to do. It was an easier decision than you would think. The harder part was breaking the news to my dad and agents. Once that was done, I felt free to go 1000 mph in the direction of acting.”

Alabi’s football career prepared him for his future endeavors. “It’s given me so much in the form of people to study, characters to source from, and real insight into an entertainment industry,” beams the actor. “There are definitely a lot of parallels between football and acting, both are performance-based, and you answer to executives and fans. Mental toughness, time management, work ethic, and working with large groups of people and all the ego that goes with that, are just a few of the lessons learned playing ball that have been an incredible resource for me now.”

Gifted, with a remarkable combination of good looks and impressive talent, the 6’5 multifaceted actor found lots of success in the entertainment world. Alabi has become well known for his roles in shows like ‘Shameless’, ‘Raven’s Home’ and ‘Bosch’. You’ll likely recognize him in his latest and most favorite break-out role in the Netflix comedy series, ‘Family Reunion’. Alabi plays the role of Moz McKellan, a 15-year veteran tight end of the NFL.

“When I found out I got the role I was driving and almost flew off the road. Thankfully I didn’t, it would’ve really hindered me working on the series,” the actor shares with laughter.  “After that, my wife and I just cried for two days. It was a goal that had finally been realized and we wanted to savor every moment of it.”

Alabi and his Family Reunion character share a lot of parallels: football, being a dad, being a husband, and being from the south. “It makes for a lot of freedom in playing this character because I already know him,” Alabi shares. “We differ on a few things but align on the most important stuff.”  The biggest challenge the actor faced while taking on this role is changing the perception that people have of athletes or men in general. “This character was written in such a beautiful way in the fact that he is vulnerable, and sensitive, and strong, and smart, and funny. He is whatever the situation calls for and that’s what I appreciate most,” Alabi shares. The actor’s favorite part of working on the show is the cast and crew. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to see every day and get to live out this amazing journey with,” Alabi shares.  

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Alabi is not only passionate about his career but his family as well. His wife is his biggest supporter. “She is my soulmate and absolutely the reason why I have gone this far,” Alabi shares with admiration. “What she does for me, in terms of just making me a better human is invaluable. I have the biggest crush on her,” The actor is a dad off screen as well and he absolutely loves it. “It’s tough when they are really young, but I find that the older they get the more and more you gain your parenting style,” Alabi shares. “My wife and I are such a good team, and we tackle any challenges head on. So, it makes everything seem a lot easier. I love teaching my kids things and encouraging their growth in all aspects of life, especially in being funny. I feel like if you’re funny, there is an intelligence there. You have this ability to see the world for what it is and turn it upside down then present it in a way that makes me think and laugh. It’s a great quality to have. As for a quote or lesson, I just want them to find their passion - that thing that makes them fly and then pursue it with everything they have. Happiness is tied to finding a sense of purpose, and that’s what I want them to be...happy.”

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With more ventures on the horizon, it seems we’ll be seeing more from Alabi in this season of unending opportunities, as he continues to hone his talent and expand on his career. In terms of who he ends up working with throughout this journey, Alabi’s acting playbook already has some people in mind. Regina Hall, Seth Rogan, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Maggie Smith, Kathryn Hahn, Don Cheadle, Will Smith just to name a few. “The common theme is that all of these actors can do both drama and comedy very, very well,” Alabi shares, “They are who I aspire to be one day soon.”

Alabi’s advice for up-and-coming actors is to know there is a lot of rejection and disappointment and pain in this business. “Sometimes when things look dark, all you have is your “why” to keep you going,” Alabi explains, “Don’t get me wrong, there are so many positives and great things about it, but it’s not all sunshine and roses.” This actor is an overcomer and has pursued his dreams despite the obstacles that the industry may bring. 

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In the future, Alabi hopes to make a name for himself as a producer, as well. “I want to tell stories, and live in them too,” Alabi shares. “In 5 years, I see myself on a good drama series, having just sold my first show. In 10 years, I see myself producing a little more than acting only because I would be more selective about the projects that I have chosen to act in.” Alabi’s dream role would be any character on ‘Star Trek’, “It would be a dream fulfilled to be a part of that world and get to contribute to its rich history just a little bit,” shares the actor. “I have been a fan of everything ‘Star Trek’ since I could remember. ‘Next Generation’ brought me into it, and I never looked back.” 

Alabi’s final words to Rival readers: “Be sure to check out ‘Family Reunion’ out now on Netflix! P.S. If, Alex Kurtzman can find it in his heart to make me a Starfleet officer and Vulcan, he will never regret it. Haha!”

Publications

Nookie Swim

Aussie Boss girl and swimwear aficionado - Nikita Sernack - is the Founder and creative director behind the luxury label — Nookie. A label classified for its flawless fit and flattering garments, the international reputation spans far past just fit, but rather designed to enchant, empower, and offer adventure in every creation. This ambitious Aussie and OG #Nookiegirl talks with Bode about her Journey into the fashion world, and more specifically, her affair with swimwear — AKA Nookie Beach.

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By: Sydnie Cutler
Bode Magazine


Beginning her professional career on the fast track to law school it seems Nikita Sernack’s creative allure just could not be ignored. “My grandfather was in the rag trade, so it has come full circle and perhaps [fashion] was always written in the stars for me,” shares Sernack. Now residing in the vibrant and cosmopolitan shores of Bondi Beach, the dive into swimwear was a natural fit. With a heart to empower women and a love for creativity and beach culture, the motif maven was destined to find her calling.



“Nookie Beach was born at the iconic Bondi Beach steeped in a desire to create the ultimate beach to bar attire to our community and beyond,” reveals the founder. The label has now gained a mass following and an army of loyal nookie girls around the world. sun shimmering on the ocean and the snakeskin and rib both have that shimmering quality too,” beams Sernack. “I am inspired by this daily as I am so lucky to see the ocean where I live.” The ‘Lolita lurex’ in Navy is the designers’ summer go-to as “the subtle shimmer of the fabric and the beautiful color is so stunning.”Women all over the world are following suit, powerless against the allure of Nookie’s apparel pieces because the brand exemplifies what it means to be a confident, bold, and adventurous woman.


“[The Nookie girl] loves a little glamour and isn’t afraid to shine,” heartens Sernack. “Nookie is a brand that speaks to special moments in a wom“Do: honor your shape and find the balance and life — be that graduation, between comfort, practicality and expression. prom, birthdays, weddings, red carpet events, Valentine’s Don’t: subscribe to rules.” day, baby showers, etc. We aspire to make garments that Proudly classified as a born and bred coastal Sydney girl, Sernack was when our customers zip up, they fit like a glove, shoulders go back, a regular Bondi beachgoer and lover of the outdoors. It was the beau- and the woman feels strong, sexy, empowered and shines bright with ty and cultural richness under the sun that sparked Sernack’s interest confidence. Our swim is an extension of this, and all our creations are to create swim and resort wear. The designer was driven by her desire designed with this intention in mind.”


Further navigating the fashion to incorporate her intrinsic lifestyle and creative aesthetic within the world, Sernack gladly shed some light on the “Do’s” and Don’ts” of brand. Nookie Beach was created out of a passion for women to feel swimwear. “Do: honor your shape and find the balance between comfortlessly confident and sexy in the most natural state of fashion. fort, practicality and expression. Don’t: subscribe to rules.” “We truly honor the female form and celebrate curves in both our swimwear and dresses,” admires Sernack. “The secret is always in the Straight from the expertise of one of swimwear’s leading ladies, fit as the fit inspires confidence and the confidence is always the secret what can we look forward to this season? “For your fashion to further ingredient and never out of style.”


More than a glamorous line of at- elevate your experience and enjoyment of life! Shine bright!” reveals tire and summer’s favorite uniform, Nookie is a feeling. It is a culture. the designer; and “maybe some retro inspired fabrications in modern silhouettes. You’ll have to wait and see,” further teased Sernack. Each garment is designed for every woman’s stature and build. “In Before heading back to the iconic shores of Bondi Beach or to her designing, proportion and balance is paramount to create a flatter- neighborhood basketball court or ju jitsu mat, this swimwear havening silhouette,” shares the designer. “I think classic shapes earn the offers these parting words: “The best advice I have been given is to ‘classic’ title as they have both stood the test of time and retain the stay true to myself and this extends to the brand. We honor Nookie essence of style. A classic triangle will always be in style and flatters a for who she is and aspire to make her the greatest expression of that. variety of body shapes. Of course, there are specific differences that My advice is to know what your contribution is and be true to that relate to different cultures; however, we do find our classic silhouettes value. With Nookie, we want to make our girls feel strong, confident, are the best sellers worldwide.” What really makes this brand stand and empowered to shine. It is a feeling that anchors into every design out among a sea of swimwear is how the collection captures the and business decision we make. Happy summer!


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