Complexd Women

Portrait by Courtney Chen/ Make-up by Kimberly Patterson

Name: Kandi King

Occupation: Revenue Operations Manager, Sandals Resorts

Place of birth/Current Residence: Kingston, Jamaica

I’m a “Yardie”, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica with two loving parents and my older brother. My childhood is peppered with memories of me acting like a tomboy. There weren’t any girls in my family or neighbourhood when I was growing up so I was always forced to hang out with the boys.  I grew out of it by high school, but I still have a few boyish qualities, but my girlie ones outnumber them now!

I am currently the Revenue Operations Manager for Sandals Resorts International’s Video department. After returning to Jamaica in 2009, I got my first job with the RJR Communications Group as a Project Manager. Since then I’ve taken an avid interest in the field of communication and media production and had a stint as a Producer with the popular BET Centric lifestyle programme, Splash. The Sandals opportunity followed and I am very happy in my job.

Photographed by SKKAN Media Entertainment 

My style is a constant reflection of my mood. What I wear is based on the mood I am in when I wake up. I’d rather be overdressed than under-dressed so yes, I’m always slightly overdressed. But I don’t overdo it because I have learned that is important to look effortlessly stylish as opposed to trying-too-hard.  I’m a dress girl so my closet is filled with dresses. My favourite brands are H&M and Zara because they make chic, trendy pieces at an affordable price point. I usually don’t buy very expensive, high-end brands, but I do allow myself one splurge item every few months. It may sound a little cliché and girly, but I’m inspired by Rihanna’s style even though my wallet can’t keep up with her.

I think motherhood is the greatest blessing for any woman. Though I have none of my own, children have this amazing power to remind us of happiness and I love that! I look forward to one day experiencing this mother and child bond. On a lighter note, all it takes is a new handbag or pedicure to cheer a woman up.

Portrait by Courtney Chen/ Make-up by Kimberly Patterson

I am Complexd because no-one on this planet is me! I’m honest, confident, strong, and romantic and I think I have the gift of gab! I’ve been through a lot this year and I finally feel like I’m starting to rediscover myself. Having the ability to be resilient and regain my sincerity makes me Complexd!

Complexd Woman presents Photographer Jenn Hoffman who shot the Island issue front cover.

Name: Jenn Hoffman
Age: 25
Place of Birth: Connecticut
Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA

I was born and raised in North Carolina where everyone is real and genuine. I had a great upbringing and enjoyed my childhood, which was never short of trips to Disney World and big Christmas celebrations. I was raised as a Christian but as I grew older decided not to follow the faith.

My interest in photography started at college. I became intrigued by the artistic nature of photography when I saw a photographer pull over on a side road take his camera out of his trunk and snap away enthusiastically at something. When I asked to see the image it was a photograph of a babies shoe in a sewer. I found it interesting and that’s when I realized I also had an artistic and eccentric nature.

In my subjects I look for presence but the face is just as important too.

Complexd cover girl Latoya is such a professional model. She carries herself beautifully and puts her all into her work.

I am a Complexd photographer because I like people to feel emotions through my shots.

See more of Jenn’s work here

Complexd’s catch-up session with cover girl Latoya Hawthorne.

Photographed by Brian D. Nelson

How does it feel to be a Complexd Cover girl?

I am ever so grateful! I am so happy to reach an audience of young women who have struggled with issues similar to my own. It takes a lot of courage to admit your wrong doings and be able to live with yourself after that. I have turned my past into something positive. Without my past, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Photographed by Gregory Prescott 

What are you thinking at this precise moment?

I’m ecstatic! But laughing at the fact that my family and friends are going to see me naked. There are also a lot of people that don’t know my full story.  Now that it’s out in the open I can stop sugar-coating my life story.

Photographed by Edo Plasschaert

What makes you laugh?

Everything and anything…I am easily amused.

Photographed by D. Brian Nelson

Why did you shave your hair?

After years of stress, wearing weave and relaxing my hair it started falling out. One day I just shaved it off. It was so liberating. I’ve received a lot of compliments ever since.

Photographed by Jan Lim

What is your favourite food?

Everything! I’m a huge foodie. If I had to choose one dish it would be calamari. I also love avocado so much so that I have an avocado tree in my backyard.

Photographed by Martin Deboer

What do you do to keep fit?

I love a good hike and being outdoors and connecting with nature. I also do boxing, pilates and yoga.

2020 Photography 

Do you have any body insecurities?

I hardly gain weight but when I do, it goes straight to my thighs and butt. I have a love hate relationship with but I’ve learned to eat in moderation.

What is your theme song at the moment?

So Simple by Stacie Orrico

Sonic of Inkblotch Photography 

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is bohemian. I love scarves, purses, bracelets and big earrings. I have no hair so I’ve learned to accessorize.

Photographed by Sylvie Blum

 Talk us through your beauty regime?

I’m such a plain Jane because I’m sensitive towards products and smells. I breakout in rashes and get migraines very easily, so I only use products by Aveeno and Kiehl’s. I use Kiehl’s ultra facial cleanser and the oil-free moisturizer daily and then apply anti-aging primer from Cover FX for an extra glow. Aveeno’s smart essentials anti-fatigue eye treatment is great for dark circles under the eyes.  I use NARS Cosmetic’s larger than life volumizing mascara and finally lip-gloss by Victoria Secrets. My hair regime is the best part. I do absolutely nothing to it!

Photographed by Martin Deboer 

Where do you get your strength from?

Boxing is an amazing workout and it gives me so much confidence. It’s good for a woman to have self-defense skills under her belt.

Name: Julie Walmsley

Age: 33

Place of birth: San Fransisco, California, USA

Current residence: Boa Vista, Cape Verde & London, UK

I was born in California and me and my family moved to New Jersey when I was a year old. I lived an active life – my best friend’s parents owned a roller skating rink and we would skate every hour of the day listening to our favourite Madonna songs. I spent every summer at summer camp running wild in the natural landscapes of New Jersey.  When we moved back to Essex in England, I hated it. I only started to appreciate my British heritage in my late 20s. My accent confuses everyone, my American friends think I sound British’ while my British friends think I’m a yank through and through.

I’m a professional photographer, specializing in portraiture, fashion and product photography. I decided to freelance because I became frustrated working under people in big organizations and not having creative or artistic control.

I love the freedom and independence of finding work and building contacts.  Photography wasn’t my first choice; I studied marine biology because it was something I wanted to do from a young age. Although I did not follow that career path, I volunteer in my spare time, mainly working with sea turtles.

The first voluntary project I got involved in protected leatherback turtles in Costa Rica, and then through a friend I found out about a project called Turtle Foundation set up in Cape Verde.

I visit every season and I have been promoted to camp coordinator. Small groups of us camp out in tents for four months on Boa Esperanca, one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited.

I never heard of Cape Verde before doing the project, , but I was passionate about endangered turtles and curious to find out more about the culture.

I wish I could, but I can’t explain why Boa Vista means so much to me. The first time I visited it felt like home in a weird way. Life passes at a different speed and people’s priorities are completely different. It really appeals to me.

Around the world the oceans inhabitants are becoming endangered. We have over-fished so many species that we are at risk of them never fully recovering and Europe, Japan, China and the USA are taking more than their fair share. Commercial fishing is one of the main culprits for the numbers of sea turtle crashing by 90% over the last two decades! On top of this turtle meat and eggs are eaten as a delicacy in Cape Verde and other parts of the world. The Turtle Foundation was set up to protect turtles from poachers and raise awareness about the issue.

When you are watching the turtles and protecting them during their reproductive journey, you can’t help but have the utmost respect for what they have achieved- the number of boats, nets and hooks they have avoided to lay their eggs is startling. I feel a sense of responsibility and pride in what Turtle Foundation is doing, especially when the turtles return safely to the ocean. It is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done!

Women have the power to be both sexy and strong.

I am Complexd because I want it all – a great career, living abroad, learning new languages and the determination to make it a reality!

View Julie’s Cape Verde camp experience here

Photographs by Julie Walmsley 

Photographed by Yann Feron

Name: Noëlla Diaz

Occupation: Dancer, Model and Photographer

Place of birth: Guadeloupe

Current residence: New York, USA

I was born in Guadeloupe in the West Indies in a very diverse culture of African, Anglo-Saxon, and European heritage.  I have always been strongly influenced by Caribbean and Latin lifestyle thats probably why the two things I love the most is dancing and cooking.

I was the Editor of a French magazine in Paris for five years. After a significant amount of experience in media, photography and fashion I took the advice of established entertainers I worked with and followed my true passion. I created a dance concept that combines contemporary dance and fashion and it allows me to really push the boundries with my creativity.

I enjoy travelling and I prefer warmer climates. My favourite country is Brazil…

…but in New York everything is possible. When I came here on a vacation I was inspired by people’s energy and I felt like I could truly express myself as an artist.

I would describe my style as parisian urban chic. I don’t feel awkward in New York because in the district of Saint Germain in Paris our style is eclectic like New Yorkers.

I believe women are the ultimate symbol of life.

I am Complexd because I am overflowing with ambition.

Name: Stacey Byer

Occupation: Artist

Place of birth: Barbados

Current residence: Grenada

I’m a Caribbean woman with a diverse background. My cultural heritage is a pie chart with slices of Indian, African, English, Portuguese and Scottish, but I was born in Barbados of Grenadian parentage. I grew up in Grenada with an eclectic mix of culture from listening to Caribbean folklore stories, learning patois to eating sauerkraut (German for sour cabbage).

Stacey and her dad at one of her exhibitions

At the age of three I announced to my mother that I wanted to paint and since then I haven’t strayed far from that declaration. I went on to earn my B.F.A and specialized in Illustration.

I would describe my work as expressionistic. I love using bold palettes and painting with heavy brushstrokes. I always try to infuse emotion in my subject matter.

During the summer I built my own art studio.

My art has been pouring out and pouring over the whole family and garden included.  I’m currently excited about producing more pieces in my own creative space.

The Caribbean is lush and sunny and that has definitely fed my love for vivid colours.

Grenada also has a unique cultural background because we were colonized by the Spanish, French and English, which has had a noticeable influence on our lifestyle. This unique blend provides me with great creative fodder for my art and writing.

I recently completed a 14 ft mural for the Grand Anse Playgroup School and I exhibit my work in the annual arts council shows, the most recent one being the Grenada Revolution Show. I also co-curated WOMA, Grenada’s first all female charity exhibition and raised money for victims of domestic abuse.

In my free time I volunteer with ECIP once a month, where I paint with kids who have special needs.

I am currently planning a Caribbean contemporary art show with fellow artists Tracey Chan and Janetta Noel. I look forward to presenting the mix of paintings, paper installation and jewellery that we will be exhibiting.

I am Complexd because I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. I consider myself a free spirit and something of a non-conformist.

Photographs by Billy Winters

Name: Michelle Winn
Age: 23
Place of birth/Current residence: Sacramento, California

I am mixed with too many different heritages to mention. In my family ethnicity was not something we directly identified with, we just saw ourselves as American. As I got older it became difficult to answer the questionnaires that asked me to specify my race. I get asked my ethnicity very often and I love the fact that no one can pinpoint it.

I’ve worked as a Member Relationship Specialist for Credit Union for over four years. I am smart with money and I love helping people with their finances.

The flexibility at Credit Union also allows me to work towards my major in Environmental Studies. I love animals and hope to become a Zoologist at the California Wildlife department of Fish and Game.

Modelling is one of many hobbies. I have been doing it for seven years and I am currently signed with Exalt Modelling Agency in Sacramento and City Model Management in Francisco.

I believe women have a lot of passion. If I commit to something I commit wholeheartedly. I find women who are confident, humble and sexy extremely engendering. I also love that we can grow life inside us and I adore watching mothers-to-be put their hands on their stomach. Although I have no kids of my own, I think pregnancy is a magical thing.

I am Complexd because I was raised without an ethnic label therefore I am able to identify with people of all races. I can relate to my Native American and Italian roots, but I also feel united with people of other cultures. Overall I believe good and bad complexities make us different. Our individual complexities should be highly valued.

Name: Keisha Muir
Age:28
Place of birth: United Kingdom
Current residence: London, Chelsea

My father was born in Jamaica and my mother who is of Jamaican Scottish heritage was born in the UK. Growing up with this fusion of cultures was very normal for me, but people would often comment on how my accent would switch from an urban London dialect to a strong Jamaican twang. An interesting fact about my upbringing is that my mother is Catholic and my father is a Rasta. The cocktail of beliefs often lead to colourful debates in our house.

I’m the founder of Pixies and Pirates – an online children’s boutique. I set it up after realising I had a knack for organising children’s parties and sourcing unique gifts for family and friends. Back in 2005 while studying Journalism, I had a Sunday job working in a children’s boutique. I developed a love for children’s brands and my daughter who was five at the time became my muse. I would seek out new labels and customise her clothes and toys.

I began the Pixies and Pirates blog in 2010 and then went on to set up the website. I have developed my five year plan because I aim to make this business a success. I am at the beginning of my exciting journey and I look forward to what the future holds.

My main challenge as a business woman was to get people to believe in me. It was easier for people to dismiss my ideas or call my business venture a phase. I overcame this by surrounding myself with positive people and staying focused on my goals. I made a list of the things that I wanted to achieve and stuck them on my fridge. Every morning I would read over them and work towards completing them. It might sound cheesy, but it really does work.

I had my first child when I was 17 and my second at 25. So I have always had to juggle work and raising my children. I stay up late and send e-mails at unsociable hours, but I do what I have to do.  Having my children made me work even harder. I am always conscience that I am their role model as-well as their mother.

I am not faithful to any one style or trend. Although I do tell myself I should always look like a yummy mummy (think post pregnancy Beyonce). I am curvy and proud and often wear figure hugging outfits. I love big earrings, chunky bracelets and wedges for comfort and I shop anywhere from Primark to Vivienne Westwood. For me, style is a reflection of your personality. I am down to earth, but I like to have fun and that’s what my style reflects.

Being a woman in our times is empowering because there is no limit to what we can do. There are so many positive influences around the world. But being a woman and a mother is a movement. From the moment you hold that title you simply feel honoured! I am Complexd because I am fierce and Fearless and I see no limits.

Photography by Swan Vacula

Name: Julia Gabrielov
Age: 25
Place of birth: Kharkov, Ukraine
Current Residence: Norfolk, VA

I was born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My parents and grandparents left Ukraine when I was two years old. We didn’t own much; they carried one suitcase and me. Now I have a younger sister and we are a very small and close family. Russian is still our first language.

I am an artist and my work includes illustration and mural painting. There are too many things that I want to accomplish in life so I’ve never put a cap on my creativity.

I also model and design clothing.  I just love beauty and I love creating beautiful things.

Nuvoria Photography

Photography by Swan Vacula

My style is ultra feminine! I’m always wearing a dress with a pair of heels. The clothing I wear and the clothing I design are inspired by the simple sophistication of Chanel, Dianne Von Furstenburg and Calvin Klein.

Nuvoria Photography

I love everything that comes with being a woman – sex appeal, elegance, emotion and power.

I am complexd because I believe I am capable of doing more than one thing so I do everything.