Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Alyssa Kyzar

9/12/2019

Alyssa Kyzar - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Trudy Kyzar
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studio
Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Not only is Alyssa Kyzar a 4.0 student, but she has taken on the role of SGA and Senior class president. She is active in her church youth group and has launched a youth missions committee, which she has been elected President. She has developed her own clothing line, “Thiest Threads” to help spread the word of Jesus to other teens. She was a member of FUGE SLA over the summer to become a church camp leader. She is currently enrolled in college classes while in high school.

What inspired you to design your own clothing line, and what is the meaning behind your brand?
Sharing my faith openly has always been something I’ve struggled with, so I had the idea of creating apparel that would open doors to easily share my faith with others. So, I created Theist Threads. What’s that mean? We are all aware of an atheist; someone who doesn’t believe in God. A Theist is the exact opposite. I’ve realized from previous experience, something as simple as a T-shirt can serve as an amazing tool for sharing the gospel with others. The design for most of my products is unclear. I WANT people to ask “Hey, what’s your shirt mean, or what bible verse is that?” Explaining the purpose and meaning behind the design can turn into a life changing experience for another person. My saying is “let’s open doors and wear cool clothes while we do it!”

How do you choose to stay active in your faith through your youth group?
Every day, I try to be a better person than I was the day before. My number one goal of each day is to always stand in the word and share encouragement. Being one of the oldest in my youth group, I try my best to set a good example to the younger ones. I try to keep special bonds and connect with each person. This summer, I created a youth missions committee to help the local community. Growing up in a small town, I learned little things can make a big impact.

Tell me a little bit about FUGE SLA and how you became involved in it.
The camp I got saved at, Fuge, holds a very special place in my heart. This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to be accepted into their Student Leadership Apprentice program. It’s a two week long experience for students who want to gain hands on leadership experience in a camp environment. I was trained to be a missionary, and even got to lead bible study for other students!

How do role models like Sadie Roberston inspire you?
My favorite quote by Sadie is, “My passion is to speak, to write, to encourage.” Even with her large social media platforms, she isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. She’s a loud voice to those in need of an inspiring, nonjudgmental presence in their lives. She embraces her role as a beacon of light and I strive to do the same.

How have you been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA while also being very involved in your community?
I wish I could say it’s easy, but it’s not. The biggest thing is to stay motivated. Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. I’ve learned not to limit my challenges but challenge my limits.

What do you love most about helping others through your faith?
Serving others has been a Christian tradition since its establishment. Jesus Himself washed the feet of others and died for us! If Jesus, our Master, gave His life in service to others, how can we expect we’ll do anything less? You’ve probably heard the words, “love your neighbor as yourself” a thousand times by now. We live in such an individualistic society it’s easy to get caught up in our own thing most of the time and not even notice the needy. When I serve others, I’m joining the Lord in his work. And gosh, it feels so good.

Alyssa will be featured in Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to purchase issue 26

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Amelia McGovern

3/13/2019

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Amelia McGovern – 17 - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nominated by her school
Photography by Inspiring Teens
Issue 17 | STYLE

How did you start and how long have you been designing?
I started doing drag about a year and a half ago, it’s just kind of happened. I got bored one night during the summer at around 1 am and did a makeup look inspired by one of my favorite drag queens, Miss Fame. I discovered that I was actually pretty good at it and had a lot of fun doing it. Since then, my looks have branched from just makeup into wigs and fashion.

How long did this piece take? Does it have any accessories?
This piece is one of my most intricate pieces I’ve ever made. The clothing and shoes are garments that I put together, but most of the accessories are completely handmade. The main accessory of this look is of course the umbrella. It took me about a week of coming home after school and working until I went to bed. I started with a clear umbrella and added everything else myself. I brought it back recently for a fashion show, and it took me around the same amount of time to add more to it.

How did you learn makeup?
I would consider myself self-taught. I’ve been watching YouTube makeup tutorials practically since YouTube started, but I taught myself everything I know.

Where do you wear these outfits you make?
There’s really not many places I can go yet, so pretty much just my house. But I did go to Rupaul’s Dragcon in NYC this year and finally had an excuse to go out in drag for 2 days. I did perform in a show a couple months ago as well.

Have you met any inspirations?
I’m so grateful to have met so many of my inspirations. Sasha velour, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Bob the Drag Queen, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Miss Fame, Monet X Change, Acid Betty, the list goes on and on. In the drag community, it is much easier to meet your inspirations than being a fan of a someone like Shawn Mendes or Ariana Grande. I’ve met 25+ queens since I started, and I can’t wait to meet more!

Do you have a backstory on your stage name?
My name Loona Tunes, sort of just incorporates everything that I wanted my drag persona to be. My favorite name has always been Luna, but Loona seemed a like a fun and unique way to spell it. I’m also very interested in musical theater and have been singing and performing for almost my entire life, so I wanted to incorporate that. Of course, it’s also a play on words of the show Looney Tunes as well!

What are your plans for your future?
I’m a senior in high school right now, but I do have plans for after graduation. In the fall, I’m going to be attending Makeup Designory in New York City’s financial district. The 6-month course involves everything makeup, ranging from color theory to special effects. For my future, I would love to be a makeup artist for movie sets, Broadway shows, etc.. I also hope to continue being a drag queen for as long as I can.

Amelia will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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Interview with Penelope B.

9/26/2018

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By Emma Engel

What inspired you to start your clothing line?
When I was eight I was getting bullied. I was so sad that I didn’t want to go to school or even leave my house. One day I was talking to my parents in the car and I said, “I wish everyone would just be kind.” My parents told me I should do something with that phrase. So, I decided to make shirts and that was the first shirt I designed. “Be kind “

How has your line developed since it first launched?
I’ve sold it in stores and I have had so many new costumers. I even traveled to Dominican Republic as a young designer by invitation, designer expenses paid.

Do you have any big thing coming up in the future?
Yes, I have Inspiring Teens Fashion Week coming up in September where I’ll get to show and sell my shirts. It’s my third fashion show! I am also in pre-planning for a Wounded Warriors project. Once my Autism Awareness donation gets delivered, WWP is next.

Beside your clothing line do you have any other hobbies?
I also like acting, dancing, & modeling. I’m also a varsity cheer flyer, and I surf.

What is your favorite part about having your clothing line?

Helping kids, seeing how happy they get when they open their packages, and the support I get from friends and family are among my favorites. I also love planning outreach events that go with my messages.

Were there any challenges while making your clothing line? If so did you overcome them?

I have had a few challenges like spreading the word and getting people more interested. I think that I have overcome some of the challenges because so many people are loving this message. I am growing and learning more, and I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

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Bucks County Tween Fashion Designer

4/14/2018

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Emma first put an outfit on the runway in our fall 2016 Fashion Show. In our Fall 2017 Fashion Show, Emma had SIX outfits! We can’t wait to see what she has in store for our 2018 Fashion Show!! No pressure or anything, Emma!

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Bucks County Tween Sews Sew Cool

3/29/2018

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By Simme Salguero

I love sewing and I love fashion! I have always loved fashion starting from age 7. I started loving fashion and sewing when I began watching the show Project Runway. As I watched the show I would say, “I want to be on that T.V. show one day!” I’ve been obsessed with the show ever since!
How I got started with sewing is that my mom signed me up for sewing classes with her friend Leia, who was running small group sewing classes for kids at her house. Throughout my years with Leia we made bags, skirts, headbands, shorts, tunic tops, eye masks, pillowcases, and a ton more things for myself and to give away as gifts. It was always so much fun and a time where I could focus on what I love to do. I usually get my fabrics and supplies at Joann Fabric Craft Store. My favorite fabrics to get are polka dots, chevron, and plane colored fabrics. I usually get some extra things too like zippers, cool colors of thread, beading, and buttons. Also, I always love looking at more expensive fabrics, pretending to be a fashion designer looking for that “perfect” fabric although I haven’t bought that kind of expensive fabric yet.

My top 3 favorite things I’ve sewn have been a summer dress, a fox clutch and a chap- stick holder. I chose the summer dress as a favorite piece because it has the right amount of cuteness and edge. It also has cute little bow ties you tie on your shoulders which I love! The fox clutch is a simple clutch purse with a little fox felt appliqué on it witch makes it super adorable. Lastly, the chap- stick holder is in my top 3 because it is so handy. You can take it anywhere you go because it’s a key-chain style and you can clip on almost anything. You can take it on your purse, backpack, or suitcase, etc.
Have you ever sewn things like this before? Sewing is so much fun and a creative way to express yourself! If you love fashion and love to work with your hands, you should start sewing today!

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Alyssa Kyzar

Alyssa Kyzar - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Trudy Kyzar
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studio
Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Amelia McGovern

Amelia McGovern – 17 - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nominated by her school
Photography by Inspiring Teens
Issue 17 | STYLE

Interview with Penelope B.

By Emma Engel

Bucks County Tween Fashion Designer

Bucks County Tween Sews Sew Cool

By Simme Salguero

Featured

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Categories

Alyssa Kyzar

Alyssa Kyzar - LouisianaInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Trudy KyzarPhotography by Luckett Portrait StudioIssue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Amelia McGovern

​Amelia McGovern – 17 - PennsylvaniaInterview by Caroline AlegadoNominated by her schoolPhotography by Inspiring TeensIssue 17 | STYLE​

Interview with Penelope B.

By Emma Engel

Bucks County Tween Fashion Designer

Bucks County Tween Sews Sew Cool

By Simme Salguero

Featured

Archives

Categories

Alyssa Kyzar - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Trudy Kyzar
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studio
Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Amelia McGovern – 17 - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nominated by her school
Photography by Inspiring Teens
Issue 17 | STYLE