Jaya Bolden: Student, sister, makeup artist, entrepreneur

Starting your own business is not easy, especially for senior communication studies major Jaya Bolden. She faced criticism from her family when she first explored her passion for cosmetics.

“I would ask my parents for makeup brushes and eyeshadows and they did not know why I was buying all this stuff, to the point where they cut me off one time,” Bolden said. “Until one day, my mom told me ‘go do [makeup] on your sister.’ My sister to this day still has the photos of her looking like a clown.”

Five years later, Bolden’s business, makeupbyjaya, is thriving. Based in Philadelphia with a studio in Washington, D.C., makeupbyjaya provides makeup services for photo shoots, production, bridal, prom and other special events. Bolden also offers beginner’s makeup classes for specialty training, which run three hours long.

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Also, Bolden created a special makeup session called the Beauty and the Beat Brunch, during which she serves food to her clients. Not only is it fun and interactive, but also inexpensive.

“I thought, let me think of something else that has not been done before,” Bolden said. “I have caterers in my family so we worked hand in hand.”

Bolden had the opportunity to highlight her makeup skills on the set of BET network shows “Bobby Jones Show”, “Black Girls Rock” and “Joyful Noise” from the summer before her freshman year up until her junior year at Temple.

She taught older makeup artists some of her tricks and learned new techniques, like applying makeup on men.

“I learned a lot of lessons at BET,” Bolden told us. “It felt amazing to get paid to do what I love to do by a big corporation. I was stunned by the fact that I was the youngest one there.”

In addition, Bolden has had the chance to work with her mentors, Renny Vasquez and Lauren Nicely, who are both prominent makeup artists in the industry.

Renny Vasquez taught Bolden how to enhance and match skin tones. Bolden worked closely with Lauren Nicely by chance when they were both booked for the same wedding party.

“I really appreciated getting tips from [them,]” Bolden said.

Bolden’s biggest makeup tip? It is not what you would expect.

“Skincare first. That’s my number one thing,” Bolden said. “I wear makeup once a week, but [people] still know me as the makeup artist. I take really good care of my skin to the point where makeup turns me off sometimes.”

As far as advice for future entrepreneurs, Bolden said persistence is key.

“Never stop what you are doing, no matter what people think,” Bolden said. “Some people aren’t going to jump on the bandwagon until they see that you’re working. I’ve had people [who] didn’t like me in high school book me.”

Bolden looks fondly on her time at Temple as graduation approaches, and the role her school has played in advancing her career.

“I think I’m going to miss most the interactions with people,” Bolden said. “I want to continue to grow my brand and let people know me as Jaya Bolden, not just the makeup artist.”

Written by: Riley Rubiano

Photographed by: Taylor Johnson

Close friends, often referred to as Dave and Juice walked into the doors of Tuttleman Learning Center at Temple University and sat down almost perfectly in-sync to begin their Templar interview.  

Juice who’s real name Samer El-Amine is a political science major, and Dave is David McIntosh-Peters, a sports and recreation major. The two have raised the bar when it comes to event curating on Temple’s campus.

“We’re doing stuff that nobody has ever done before.” El-Amine said.

Both are Washington D.C. natives, and have known each other since they were freshmen, but didn’t become close friends until spring break of their junior year.

The duo have curated some of Temple student body’s more notable events including Red October and Temple homecoming parties.  

Peters said he got his start planning parties during his freshman year with a group of other friends.

“[We] were like ‘Why not?’” Peters said. “It was kind of just a way to have fun.”

El-Amine didn’t start throwing his own parties until sophomore year when his group of super-senior friends suggested that he throw a house party with another friend.

“We threw one and I just remember putting all my effort into it,” El-Amine said. “Just trying to get the theme right, trying to get a good flyer, trying to get the right DJ and get people to come out. Then we did a couple more my sophomore year and I realized I had a knack for it.”

El-Amine then was asked to be apart of the Springfest Committee, which is a week of festivities and events during the spring, and even provided a scholarship to a North Philadelphia student in the Spring of 2016.

“That helped me step up from throwing house parties to actually event curating,” El-Amine said.  “Springfest was more than just a party, but a community event.”

The duo pushes for community outreach as Peters served as the special activities co-chair for Temple’s H.A.N.D.S organization, and El-Amine works with the Black and Brown Coalition.

After helping with Activate TU, Temple’s 2017 Student Government Executive Election campaign, El-Amine says it was an eye-opener for seeing how he could use his platform and Peter agreed

“We’re doing what we can to change the narrative,” Peters said. “And try to push what we think is right.”

As far as events go, it has yet to be determined if the two plan to continue event curating once they graduate as El-Amine wants to work for a non-profit in his native city, and Peters, in the future, wants to start his own non-profit tailored towards youth sport development.

The young businessmen can credit the amount of attendees; that include people like Philadelphia 76er star, Ben Simmons, rapper, PnB Rock, and more; to not just their social media promotion, but the type of people they are.

“It sounds cliche,” Peters said. “But we actually care about the events and how stuff goes on. People may not notice it but they notice it subconsciously and I think that’s what brings them out.”

From creating, planning and promoting the events, what these two have done is remarkable. El-Amine is thankful for the people who helped along the way, but he agrees he accomplished most of what he has done on his own.

“There was nobody that did things for me,” El-Amine said. “I would print out flyers and go inside dorms to promote our events. I went to every floor of Morgan North, and put a flyer under every dorm. I even taught myself how to use Eventbrite, followed thousands of people on social media. You gotta want it.”

One thing is for sure, they both are aware of the impact they have made on Temple’s campus and know what an unforgettable experience it was.

“We’re the best at what we do, and we’re the best event curators Temple has ever seen and ever will see,”  El-Amine said.

Written by: Hadiyah Weaver

Photos by: Nathan Harvey

The Diamond Gems Dance Team is a group of 26 women who strive to energize fans at all football games as well as men’s and women’s basketball games. The girls practice 3 to 4 times per week, maintain academic standards, participate in gym workouts and attend all games.

Being a Diamond Gem can be tough, but these ladies always do it with a smile and put their best foot forward. The Gems have three members graduating this spring and they couldn’t be happier with the experiences they have gained with the team.

Captain Julia Smith, a Diamond Gem for four years, credited her organization skills to her time on the team. She said that being busy with practices, games, and other obligations requires her to plan out her schedule as far in advance as possible. After her coach sends out “this week” emails, as well as an event schedule for the entire semester, Julia has to communicate any potential conflicts with her job and to anyone else who may need notifying. She believes the busy schedule helps her become more productive because she is forced to use her time efficiently.

“I’ve gotten to travel and meet so many people throughout my four years,” said Smith. “I’ve gotten to have a front row seat to all the games and participate in numerous events due to it as well. In terms of being an athletic training major it has also allowed me to be able to relate to my patients because I’ve been through what they are going through in terms of the amount of hard work, dedication and practice they have put themselves through.”

She says that leaving behind such an integral part of her life when she graduates will be bittersweet. She will miss her teammates and the close bond they have together the most.

Danielle Guibas has been a member of the team for three years and could not imagine her college experience without it.

“Making the team in 2015 is hands down one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” said Guibas. “I have found a love for sports, being a part of a team, and representing my university every single day.

Guibas participated in countless school events, volunteered at life changing places and traveled for bowl games and tournaments. The Diamond Gems didn’t just change her college experience, it changed her life as well.

“I can walk away in May knowing I took advantage of the things Temple had to offer me; knowing that I am ready to enter the workplace with skills that will put me ahead of others,” said Guibas. “Being a Diamond Gem has taught me how to carry myself in a respectable and humble manner, it has taught me time management, confidence and presence, and most importantly the amazing feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

She says the highlight of her final season was going to The University of Delaware for UDA Camp in August. During the four days the team spent at camp she was able to form bonds with younger teammates and watch them grow and gain confidence.

Francesca Fadgen has been a member of the Diamond Gems for two years and loved being able to get involved at Temple and create memories with her teammates that will last a lifetime.

She looks forward to game days and the pregame rituals that help hype the team and fans up, especially where the team gathers in the tunnel and cheers the football players on before they enter Lincoln Financial Field. Her time on the team has not only been fun and rewarding, but has also taught her skills that she will carry on with her for the rest of her life.

“Being so busy has taught me a lot about how to manage my time,” Fadgen said. “I have my major, a minor, and a certificate so it’s definitely doable.”

Fadgen said she prioritizes homework and school and that the crazy schedule is worth being able to dance with her team because of how rewarding it is.

“Once I graduate, I will definitely miss my team most,” Fadgen said. “Diamond Gems has given me so many opportunities including getting to dance alongside so many talented women I’m lucky to call some of my best friends. My teammates make the rest of the Diamond Gem experience an incredible one.”

 

Written by: Caroline Ciocca

Photos by: Ken Innes, Aspen Photography

 

Frustrated from the lack of colors available when searching for nail polish, Neha Raman, a finance major at Temple University, started Rungh Cosmetics. Raman, longing to create custom mixes and colors, designed a nail polish set that includes 6 polish bases, 18 color pigment capsules, and a mixer to help blend the colors.

Nail polish lovers could create their own color polishes by mixing two or more color capsules from the kit. Raman never imagined that her small idea would be transformed into owning her own company at the age of twenty-one.

She thought she found her chance to catapult the business into success at the end of her Sophomore year here at Temple when she was forwarded an email about a new TV show that was looking for young entrepreneurs like herself. After applying, she heard back the next day and after various rounds of casting and interviews she found herself as a cast member on the first season of Girl Starter, a new TLC show.

Girl Starter is a reality competition show where contestants are paired up and compete through various phases of early business building in order to win seed funding. Raman didn’t know what she was facing when she went to film the show in New York City, and originally was hoping to build her cosmetic company while on the show. However, she was immediately partnered with one of the other girls and they were tasked with coming up with an entirely new company together.

“I was really anxious to come up with a new idea with a stranger in 24 hours,” said Raman, who was shocked to hear it. “But I’m the kind of person who is like ‘this is the circumstance and it has to be done,’ so we ended up doing it anyways.”

Raman and her partner, Claire Coder, ended up being extremely successful on the show and being the runners up for the grand prize, receiving $30,000. Throughout her time on the show, she learned not only about how to grow a business, but also about herself.

 

She spent seven weeks in New York City, filming six days a week, while also trying to start a new company and keep up with her old company. Trying to balance all of these things was the biggest challenge Raman said she faced, but ultimately she was successful and was able to be one of the finalists in the competition.

While not divulging her plans for the money, she did say that the possibility of another start-up company could be in her future someday.

She learned a lot from the show and from her cast mates, especially her partner. Coder’s press tips have helped land Rungh Cosmetics in Buzzfeed, Insider Beauty and Bustle.

Being back in the Fox School of Business may not compare to the hustle and bustle of filming a reality TV show in New York City, but Raman says she plans to remain here for now although her mindset is focused on her new experiences and how she can apply them to her future endeavors.

“I signed up knowing this would be a life changing experience regardless if everyone watched the show, or no one watched the show,” said Raman. “I think that I definitely learned a ton and don’t regret anything.”

 

Written by: Caroline Ciocca

Photos by: Caroline Ciocca

Dyymond Whipper-Young is a nationally recognized artist, and not to mention, a Temple student.

She is a senior advertising major at Temple University with an art direction in Klein College of Media & Communication and a minor in entrepreneurship.

“Art pursues me, not I pursue art.” Dyymond Whipper-Young said. She says art has shaped her both as a person and as an artist.

The 2016 Homecoming Queen grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, which had a major impact on her art direction. It all began when she would doodle on her papers during class in elementary school.

Instead of reprimanding Dyymond, her teachers would help with her drawings.

“Everyone was always very encouraging,” she said.

Magnet schools, or public schools with specialized courses, were available throughout Baltimore. She was accepted into Sudbrook Magnet Middle School and Carver Center for Arts and Technology, where she studied until her senior year of high school.

Besides her teachers, Dyymond received nothing but support from her mother, LaDonna.

“My mother told me to follow my passions,” she said. She also expressed the importance of surrounding herself with a “positive team.”

“I need that constructive criticism sometimes,” she said.

The Tyler School of Art paid a visit to Dyymond’s Magnet School to review the portfolios of students. After viewing Dyymond’s portfolio, she was accepted into the Tyler School of Art on the spot.

“I got into the Tyler School of Art before I even got accepted to the University,” she said.

Dyymond’s passion for art and the city contributed to her decision to study at Temple University.

“I wanted that typical university experience with a strong art program,” Dyymond said.

Dyymond turned down exceptional offers from other well-known art colleges and universities such as Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Moore College of Design and the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Dyymond does most of her work specifically for clients, known as commissions.

“I enjoy evoking emotion,” Dyymond said. Though most of her work is done as directed, how it affects people and their thoughts is what she is most proud of.

Temple University has played an important role in Dyymond’s confidence.

“I get support from everyone here,” Whipper-Young said. “Friends, peers, professors. My favorite professor here is Rayce Rollins for my advertising class,” she said.

Dyymond feels the professors at Temple provide guidance and share their real-world experiences to teach their students. With so much praise and recognition, Dyymond fears getting too comfortable with her work. “I want more,” she said.

The city of Philadelphia has brought Dyymond’s artwork to another level. “I’m going to do a mural,” she said. And she did just that.

During the summer of her sophomore year, Dyymond interned with the Mural Arts Program of Philly. She contributed to the creation of the 76ers mural on the corner of Broad and Federal Streets.

“I am always in the right [environment] at the right time,” Whipper-Young said. “I try to be in places that can contribute to my success.”

“I second-guess myself every single day,” she said. However, she never feels like a ‘starving artist.’

“There’s just so many possibilities out there,” she said when expressing an interest in freelancing as well as expanding art to become more business-focused.

Currently, Whipper-Young’s dream is to become a creative director.

“I’m not sure though.” she said, “I’m not big on structure, I’m big on foundation.” Through her paintings and sculptures, Dyymond also plans on creating social change so that people feel comfortable with themselves.

Not only is she involved in clubs across campus, but her work has been displayed in California, New York and Florida. Just a junior, Dyymond hosted her own art show, DWHPP and Friends, in February of 2017 where she invited eight other artists to display their work.

Dyymond wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the success of DWHPP and Friends and who have also supported her.

“To know me is to love me,” Whipper-Young said, “I just want the best for everyone.”

 

Written by: Ashley Mir

Photos: Isaiah Spicer