Meet the Editors

Art/ Health & Beauty Editor

(LaShay Jackson)

"Laugh Your Heart out Dance in the Rain; Cherish the Moment, Ignore the Pain; Live, Laugh, Love Life's Too Short to Be Living with Regrets”-Unknown

I selected this quote for my senior year photograph in high school; at that time it was perfect. This quote still defines who I am today. My name is LaShay Maria Jackson, a current student at The Art Institute of Charlotte, working towards my Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Marketing and Management. In my leisure time you can find me sketching garments, painting my heart out, designing on the computer, or cooking. I have a fond passion for creativity, which developed long before I came to The Art Institute. I would like to explore more of the marketing aspect in the fashion industry.

I am the kind of person who lives in the moment, as thinking about the past can be a little depressing; and as for the future, well who knows -- the now is what’s important. Presently, I feel grateful for the family and friends I have. All throughout my youth, my parent’s and I traveled from place to place around the globe thanks to my father’s military lifestyle; which helped me better understand various cultural differences. My experience amongst others has made me the person I am today. I enjoy surrounding myself with people from all walks of life. My friends are all unique and different from the other whether by nationality, values, or intellect.

My personality is very warm and inviting, and I enjoy having a great time with others. It is in my nature to ensure people around me are happy because I have such a big heart. Even though I have an empathetic nature, I have learned throughout the years to make “me” my top priority. I am currently making myself proud considering my polished academic career at the Art Institute is almost complete. My creativity is what keeps me going everyday, and I am proud to have enhanced my raw talent throughout my college career. “A creative mind is a beautiful mystery, and you have been [blessed] with a gift that could one day change the industry”- Maria Buoncuroe (grandmother)

Research & Copy/ Interior Design Editor

(Joseph Allen)

“Its personality should express your personality, just as every gesture you make - or fail to make - expresses your gay animation or your restraint, your old fashioned conventions, your perplexing mystery, or your emancipated modernism - whichever characteristics are typically yours.”

Author Emily Post’s take on the style and character of interior design mirrors my take on the very style and essence of life itself. The manner in which an individual decorates his or her home should not only mirror their personal taste in fashion physically, but it should also represent the content and very fabric of their metaphysical silhouette from within. A person’s interior design choices should be indicative of their life experiences, and should be visually depicted in factors such as color and texture; changing visually as the individual changes in correspondence with the spirit of the times.

Reflection magazine “mirrors” our individual readers in regard to their cultural values and beliefs. The “e-zine” enlightens others on global traditions and shows them how to incorporate an aspect of the respective culture’s habits and rituals in regard to fashion, health and beauty, interior design, and entertainment in their own daily lives.

My section of Reflection will deal with interior design from a distinct cultural standpoint. Each cyber issue will focus on a certain country from around the globe. More specifically speaking, I will show our reader how to incorporate a portion of each country’s personal taste into his or her own personal niche. This will result in a greater appreciation for diversity, and help the reader learn to express themselves in many ways.

I am qualified to write for this section because of my fascination and appreciation for the myriad cultures around the world. Each portion of the country has made contributions in regard to interior style, and more importantly to the livelihoods of mankind everywhere. Moreover, I understand the elements of design (balance, texture, color, shape, etc.), and know how to manipulate them to achieve the desired outcome in regard to interior design. I’ve designed for several of my friends, and have assisted many individuals in the art of feng shui (balance). In an effort to remain formidable and to stay ahead of the curve, I constantly research different periods of time in America and abroad and educate myself on their take on interior design in order to perfect my craft. In addition, I constantly flip through interior and fashion publications, watch television shows that are interior design driven, and pay close attention to knowledgeable, cutting edge interior designers. More importantly, I listen to the consumer and what they hold in high regard in terms of effectively styling their homes, and the biggest issues they face in their attempts to do so.

Production Manager/Fashion Editor

(Dionta Green)

"Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.”Unknown Aruther

Currently, I am the Production Manager of Reflection Magazine, as well as the Fashion Editor. I bring a lot of fashion experience to the table in regard to my position at Reflection.

I am a recent graduate of The Art Institute of Charlotte, having received my Associates Degree in Fashion Marketing. I won Best Portfolio for the Associates program, and dedicated it to women with special needs. After graduating I returned to The Art Institute in order to receive my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Marketing and Management.

During my first two years of college I’ve had the distinct opportunity to experience a number of fashion events, and have had the chance to work with influential women within the industry. Acting as Fundraising Manager I was very instrumental in raising money for the WINGS (Women Initiating and Nurturing Growth through Scholarships) Scholarship Foundation of Charlotte; styled models for Seventeen Magazine under the direction of stylist Lauren “Daisy” Lweylln (Los Angeles); and have volunteered my time at Charlotte Fashion Week. I received a lot of fashion knowledge by way of these fabulous experiences, and have gained skill through my fashion-related internships as well. I have worked with local Charlotte fashion personalities such as designer “Dammi” Veronica Pearson. I also had the chance to shadow Tonise Gardner, an Image Consultant of “Serenity Image”. In addition, I honed my leadership skills when I learned to operate and manage a retail business at the “Belle Curve” boutique in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Through achievements in my previous goals, I have laid the groundwork for my future goals in journalism. Success in my past endeavors has carved me a beautiful niche in my role as Fashion Editor and Production manager for Reflection magazine. I look for my experience at Reflection magazine to propel me forth into my fashion future