Best of 2015

November / December 2015 Issue13
BUSINESS
UP AND COMING FEMALE
YK PRODUCTIONS
Yekatherina Brewer
M A G A Z I N E
8 12
UP AND COMING MALE
TRUELY ORGANIC
Marcus Hinton
28
ON THE COVER
POWER COUPLE OF THE YEAR
Michael and Marissa McConnell
16
18
30
Cover Photography by David Clark
COVER OF THE YEAR
Dan and Jennifer Marries and son Dean
20
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
MOUTH OF THE SOUTH SALSA
24
LOCAL CELEBERITY OF THE YEAR
Paul Cicala
SPORTS/FITNESS OF THE YEAR
TUCSON BMX
The Meeks family
32
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M A G A Z I N E
November / December 2015 Issue13
ENTERTAINMENT
46
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Jamie Edwards
36
FEMALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Alexa Raquel
48
MODEL OF THE YEAR
Jamie Vanessa
40
MALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kevin Hamilton
52
ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Brent Rock
42
44
DJ OF THE YEAR
Joey Sanchez
FASHION/ BEAUTY
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
OF THE YEAR
Erin Durband
54
56
MAKE-UP OF THE YEAR
Beth King
MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kristopher Osuna
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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TUCSONMODELMAGAZINE
Tucson Model Magazine is a bimonthly publication. The subscription price per issue is $4.99. To advertise in Tucson Model Magazine, please call 520-220-0129. Printed in the
USA all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. From time to time we make our subscriber lists to companies who
sell good and services by mail that would interest our readers. If you would rather not receive such mailings please send your full name and complete mailing address to Tucson
Model Magazine 245 S Plumer Suite 31, Tucson AZ 85719.

M A G A Z I N E
Rhonda Moretti
Owner and
Founder was
originally born
in Wisconsin,
moved to
Tucson in 2001.
With a strong
background
in business and real estate
management, she is proud to call
Tucson her home. “I wanted to start
a publication that would showcase
the success of local hard working
Tusconans.” Her vision is to bring
all aspects of business in Tucson
together as one while raising
money for local charities and causes
through the magazine quarterly
launch parties.
Our Founders
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
www.Tucsonmodelmagazine.com
Tucson Model Magazine celebrates the hallmarks of local everyday business. Our goal is to showcase the talented
leaders, role models and entrepreneurship of our community in Fashion, Beauty, Business, Music, Nightlife, Arts
and so much more. Our admiration of personal triumph, fascination with success, desire to be inspired, and
universal optimism will ensure a strong publication. In an effort to move Tucson and bring all of our blossoming
industries together as one, this magazine will feature Tucson’s best. The launch party for each issue will be a great
source of networking and will always benefit a local Tucson Charity.
Mission Statement
Lou Pimber
Co-Owner of
Tucson Model
Magazine, also
entertains our
guests as our
official Master of
Ceremonies and
event host. Lou
is a native Tucsonan, Retired Law
Enforcement Officer, Professional
Film and Commercial Actor
and Motivational Speaker with a
passion for recognizing, uplifting
and seeking out others worthy of
being modeled after. Lou’s insight
and a knack for serving others has
been a real asset to Tucson Model
Magazine and its mission of making
it “all about you!”
WWW.TUCSONMODELMAGAZINE.COM
Tucson Model Magazine celebrates the hallmarks of local everyday business.
Our goal is to showcase the talented leaders, role models and entrepreneurship
of our community in Fashion, Beauty, Business, Music, Nightlife, Arts and so
much more. Our admiration of personal triumph, fascination with success,
desire to be inspired, and universal optimism will ensure a strong publication. In
an effort to move Tucson and bring all of our blossoming industries together as
one, this magazine will feature Tucson’s best. The launch party for each issue will
be a great source of networking and will always benefit a local Tucson Charity.

Meet our Team
David Clark / Photographer: Originally from a small town in Texas, David moved to Tucson in 1990, where
he has worked as a caregiver for special needs children for many years. In 1998 he discovered a passion for
photography which consumes most of his time. It is not uncommon for David’s wife and son to lose him during
family outings, as he frequently stops to photograph something or someone. David loves everything about
photography, down to the sound of the shutter and the pop of the lights. When he’s not shooting, David enjoys
helping the TMM and Bellezza Models team in any way he can.
Aura Vidal Otero/ Event Director: Born in Hermosillo Sonora Mexico, Aura Moved to Tucson at the age
of 3. After many years in the banking industry she pursued entrepreneurship in Residential Construction and
Residential Drafting /Design. Aura is currently the Event Coordinator with Tucson Model Magazine as well as a
Graphic Designer. She also takes on the role of Managing Bellezza Models with owners Rhonda Moretti and Lou
Pimber. In her spare time, she is a production assistant for a local Mexican TV show. Aura has 2 children enjoys
Karaoke and volunteering in the community.
Dominic Escamilla / Mens fashion: Dominic Escamilla is a Tucson native, a husband, a father of three, and
a business owner. He’s also a gourmet cook and a painter. He shares his expertise on men’s fashion in his column
“Slightly Overdressed”.
Marissa Selby / Writer: is a graduate from the University of Arizona with a degree in Film and
Television. A born and raised Tucsonan, Marissa has perfected the art of finding shady parking spaces
and knowing which 24-hour burrito location is best. A lover of culture, good food and adventure
Marissa is an active online contributor and filmmaker.
Seigi Butler / Writer: A native Tucsonan of Japanese, German and Irish descent. He attended college in Los
Angeles and New York before finally finishing at the University of Arizona having studied production and critical
studies in Film & Television. In addition to his writing for Tucson Model Magazine, he interned for the UA Hanson
Film Institute, which programs a diverse array of film festivals, lectures and related events throughout Southern
Arizona, and volunteers for The Loft Cinema.
Anna Luisa Griffith / Writer: is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona, having studied creative
writing and business. She is inspired by many things, mostly feats of super heroism in spandex and
magical realism. Written words are her weapons, but she’d rather use them to spread happiness instead
of fear
Joshua Espinal / Writer: a native of El Paso, Texas before moving to Tucson, Arizona in September
2015. Received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Texas at El
Paso in 2014. Fan of all things soccer and all sports in general.
Stephanie Caffall / Writer: A Tucson native with a passion for writing. Stephanie’s friends and family all know
her as the girl who was holding a pencil and writing stories by age four. At 11 years-old, she received mention for
having a short story published in the Chicken Soup series by The Arizona Daily Star and The Tucson Citizen. In
2014, Stephanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona and worked as an
Army reporter for the Fort Huachuca Scout newspaper in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Stephanie and her husband, Ryan, live
in South Tucson and enjoy spending their free time together working on home projects.

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We Are An All Occasion
Transportation Service!
We are a 24/7 family owned luxury transportation service.
We hire only the most professional chauffeurs with a vast
knowledge of Tucson and the surrounding areas.
Formal attire is required for all chauffeurs which consist of a
black suit, white shirt and black tie and a well groomed
appearance.
Mention Tucson Model Magazine when you
book a 3 hour rental and receive the 4th
hour free!
Types of Events We Offer:
Small to Large Venues
Corporate to Private
Weddings,
Exclusive Wine Tours,
Special Events
Seasonal Events and more.....

Yekatherina Bruner
“Extraordinary
events for
extraordinary
clients”
Written By
Tanya Witman
Fashion Shows and Special Events Producer + Director +
Fashion Stylist. Tucson is fortunate to count among its diverse
and strong community the talents and experience of Yekatherina
Bruner. She leads the team at YK Productions, formerly YK
Studio, which is a full-service event planning and production
company. As anyone can attest who has put together even a small
scale event such as a dinner party, event planning is small detail.
From simply determining the date and time to executing the
timing of the various activities, to bringing polish and shine to the
event itself, event planning and production can be a colossal job.
Yekatherina has more than six years of experience in the Fashion
and Event Production industry. She has been partnering with
brands, charities, non-profit organizations, and corporations
around the country to bring a unique and exciting experience
to a wide range of audiences. Known for her highly creative and
professional productions, Yekatherina brings her passion to every
event she produces, always turning her client’s vision into reality.
As a Fashion Producer and Stylist, she has had the opportunity
to work with brands like Gap, Banana Republic, Phoenix Fashion
Week, Tucson Fashion Week, and Fashion’s Night Out. She toured
nationally with College Fashion Week and has produced the
annual Fashion Show, Tucson Young Professionals, for four
consecutive years.
Yekatherina’s passion for fashion motivates her to help women
and men realize their full potential by teaching them how to shop
strategically and acquire a wardrobe most appropriate for their
lifestyle, personality and body type. Her intuitive understanding
of quality design expresses itself in her masterful selection of
fabric, color and style that allows for genuine expression and
enhances the unique qualities of each individual with whom she
works.
She loves her work and is a believer that “Inspiration is
everywhere.”
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Yekatherina’s passion for fashion motivates her to help women
and men realize their full potential by teaching them how to shop
strategically and acquire a wardrobe most appropriate for their
lifestyle, personality and body type.
She loves what she does and is rapidly gaining both experience
and exposure. As a result Yekatherina and YK productions is an
excellent choice to plan your next event or production. She has
planned events for Meggitt Securaplane and Zanes Law. Stagemanaged
and directed live shows for the International Cancer
Advocacy Network (ICAN) and Revista Perfil Social. Park Place
Mall, Tucson Mall, Indi Apparel, Laura Tanzer, and the Phoenix
Cotillion are also numbered among YK Productions’ recent
clients. She currently directs the TV show “Bienvenidos a su
Casa”.
Yekatherina has also started writing about the world of fashion
and has been published in Zocalo Magazine, has been featured
in the Arizona Daily Star, and the Colombian magazine Revista
Carrusel. She has also been a Glamour Magazine “Glambassador”
since 2010.
In 2011, she founded the Tucson Fashion Group with the goal
of promoting and fostering the fashion industry in Tucson and
southern Arizona. As an adjunct instructor at Pima Community
College, Yekatherina teaches the Wardrobe Styling, Event
Planning and Fashion Show Production classes. She really
enjoys mentoring students through internship programs for YK
Productions. This is rewarding for her in a couple of ways. She
gets to spread her love and knowledge of fashion and also recruit
well-trained and experienced team members for YK.
She is fluent in both Spanish and English as she is a native of
Bogota, Colombia.
Many creative-minded people are artistically gifted, but lack the
business knowledge and savvy to turn that talent into a successful
business. Yekatherina is an artist who has been able to succeed
in both arenas thanks to her education. She holds a Bachelor’s
Degree in Finance and International Relations.
More and more Arizonans are discovering Yekatherina’s unique
blend of talents and turning to YK Productions for their event
planning needs and she would love to help you too.
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SWISS HERITAGE
#Aslongaswestaytogether
Complimentary 60 Second Eye Lift or
Non-Surgical Neck Lift
Address La Encantada, 2905 East Skyline Drive #216 (Next to
www.facebook.com/pages/As-Long-As-We-Stay-Together/1662079600695432
Humane Society), Tucson, AZ 85718 520-342-6669

Marcus Hinton
President and CEO of the first and only 100% organic hair and body care line “Truly Organic”
With his limited funds of $100 and his
marketing resourc es being a pen, paper
and cell phone, he set out to educate and
promote his products.
Written by Payton Limon ‘
12
Photoby David Clark
Just imagine, being a 23 year old, president and CEO of the first and only
100% organic hair and body care line while setting a life goal in helping others.
Let me introduce you to Marcus Hinton. As a young man, Marcus experienced
a life changing event when his close friend’s mother was diagnosed with stage
3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, breast cancer. Later, his mother, her two sisters,
and his grandmother were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Thesetragic events
happening in his life began the drive for Marcus to help other and make a
difference.
At the age of 15 most of us are usually focused on friends, sports, or video
games but not Marcus. Marcus believed eating and/or growing organic foods
won’t help your health if what you’re putting on the outside of your body has
thousands of chemicals. Marcusbegan devoting his life to the idea of making
Organic hair & body products. He started researching ways for these types of
products to be developed followed by extensive testing. The products would
be geared towards those fighting cancer, going through chemotherapy or just
for daily use by you and I. He wanted to ensure the products could be doctor
tested and recommended.
By the age of 19, Marcus’s business “Truly Organic” was up and running.
With his limited funds of $100 and his marketing resources being a pen,
paper and cell phone, he set out to educate and promote his products. He
targeted different spas, resorts, and salons to use and sell his products. Truly
organic products use 92 herbs and 48 grade “A” oils from around the world.
As business was picking up, Marcus began donating products to cancer
centers around the United States. Along the way, he established the “Pink
Foundation”. This foundation selects a family battling cancer and provides
financialassistance, moral support and unlimited Truly Organic supplies.
Marcus is now 23, president and CEO of Truly Organic. Outside of this
passionate drive to help others, and the success of his business, he wants it
known that “no matter what you think, you can achieve your dreams with hard
work and continue to owe no man but God”. Truly Organic will be donating
over 800 products on August 29, 2015 to Cancer and Lupus patients.

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WHO IS PRINCIPAL
MICHAEL
McCONNELL
AT LULU WALKER
ELEMENTARY?
Born and raised in Tempe, Arizona meet Principal
Michael McConnell. With a strong educational
background, Michael graduated from
McClintock High School in 1989, attended
Mesa Community College from 1989-1991
and found his way to the University of
Arizona, graduating in 1995 with
a BA in Education eventually
earning a Master of Education
in Educational Leadership in
2004 from Northern Arizona
University.
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“Students, families and
community come first.
I work very hard to be
visible and approachable.”
Michael started his professional career teaching Kindergarten
at E.C. Nash Elementary School from 1995-2006.“I began
my career in education as a Kindergarten Teacher at E.C.
Nash Elementary School. As a teacher, I found extreme
joy in helping students develop the skills and passion to be
a life-long learner and most importantly a life-long reader.
There is no greater feeling than when a child learns to read.
I have always said that reading is most complex thing we
will ever learn to do and we accomplish that by the age of
eight.” Michael states.He then became a Reading Intervention
Teacher at L.M. Prince Elementary School 2006-2007
which led him to the role of Instructional Support Assistant
(Assistant Principal) at L.M. Prince Elementary School from
2006-2008. “As an educator I have always prided myself
on making decisions based on what is best for children. “
Michael says.
Michael became the Assistant Principal at Coronado K-8
2008-2011 and found his home as Principalof Lulu Walker
Elementary School from 2011-Present. “As a principal, I want
my staff to know that I am their biggest supporter. I feel my
main job for teachers is to provide them all the tools, time
and resources necessary to do the job that god put them
on this earth for and that is to positively impact the lives of
children.” Michael says with pride.
“The one thing I want my students, families and community
to know is that the reason I am here is for them. My door is
always open and I am never too involved in a task that can’t
wait. Students, families and community come first. I work
very hard to be visible and approachable. I visit classrooms
multiple times a day. I am outside at student drop-off and
pick-up every day. This allows my parents who work and
cannot visit school frequently to have easy access to me and
share any concerns, ask questions or offer praise. I do not
want school to be like it was for me when I was a child. I
struggled to learn to read and I did not like school at all. The
principal was just a man you went to when you got in trouble.
I do not remember seeing a principal around campus,
playing with, helping or talking with children.” says Principal
McConnell.
Michael has a beautiful wife, Marisa, who teaches first grade
at Mesa Verde Elementary School. Together, they have two
sons who have grown up to be wonderful young men. Colby
is 21 and works for Wells Fargo and Cadden is 23 and is
going to be completing a 5+ year enlistment in the US Army
in the next couple of months. “Marisa and I have been
married for 12 years (13 in October) we met at E.C. Nash
Elementary School where we taught Kindergarten together
for 7 years.” He says.
One of his recent endeavors that he is most proud
of is joining the Ben’s Bells Board of Directors.
“I am honored to work with a group of people
whose sole purpose is to inspire, educate,
and motivate people to realize the impact
of intentional kindness, and to empower
individuals to act accordingly. I am
1/4 of a group of Amphi Principals
who are known as the Kindness
Crusaders; I am Captain Kind, my
fellow Crusaders are Bro Kind,
Harmony Kind and Brainy Kind.
We are a group of principals who
believe in the power of kindness.
We practice and teach kindness
in our schools. We visit schools,
hospitals and various locations
around the community spreading
kindness and encouraging people to
be kind. “
Photos by David Clark
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Introducing Teacher
“I want to inspire
them to be their
best. Above all I
want to instill a
love of learning
and a love of
reading into
each one of my
students.”
18
Photos by David Clark

Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico Marisa’s family
moved to Tucson in 1986. She graduated from Sahuaro
High School in 1990 but did not go straight to college after
high school, instead, she focused on being a mom of two
amazingboys, Cadden and Colby. Marisa started taking night
classes at Pima Community College when her son, Cadden,
was 2 and she was pregnant with Colby. By the time Cadden
was in kindergarten, she was daring enough to take some day
classes at the University of Arizona. Colby, who was 3 at the
time, would go to some of her classes with her.
“One class in particular, an elementary music class, was his
favorite. The class loved having him there because we could
practice lessons with him. He thought he was so cool and
he claimed he was a college student. It took me 6 years to
complete all my classes and student teaching but I did it.”
She says. Marisa graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in
Elementary Education in December 1999.
In July 2000, Marisa was hired to teach 2nd grade at E.C.
Nash Elementary in the Amphitheater School district. “One
day, this crazy kindergarten teacher asked if I had ever
thought about teaching kindergarten. I went in to observe his
class and loved what I saw. I talked to the principal and got
the ok to move to kindergarten. I was so excited and looked
forward to the next school year. Then came August. What
that crazy Kindergarten teacher failed to mention to me was
kindergarten in August was not the same as kindergarten
in April. They cry, they run, they are everywhere. After that
first day I went to his room and asked WHY? Why did he not
warn me about kindergarten in August? He told me to take a
breath and get through the first few weeks. I did. I survived.
They survived. Ifell in love with kindergarten and taught it for
12 years.” She proudly states.
“I love engaging,
challenging, listening
to, questioning and
supporting my students.
I love learning from
them and teaching them.
I love laughing with
them.”
Marisa ended up marrying that crazy kindergarten teacher
who talked her into teaching kindergarten. They have been
married for 12 years (13 in October). They were lucky enough
to teach next door to each other for 7 years and every August
she would go into his classroom and ask him “why?”. Marisa’s
husband, Michael, is the Principal at Lulu Walker Elementary.
“We have raised two wonderful sons. Our oldest son, Cadden,
23, is finishing up his service in the U.S. Army. He and his
wife Laura will be moving back to Tucson this fall. Our
youngest son, Colby, 21, is working at Wells Fargo. I am very
proud of both of them and blessed to be their mom.” Marisa
says with joy.
Marisa is beginning her 16th year of teaching. She taught
most of her teaching career at Nash. “I moved to Prince
Elementary for a couple of years and nowI am at Mesa Verde
Elementary teaching 1st grade. I love engaging, challenging,
listening to, questioningand supporting my students. I love
learning from them and teaching them. I love laughing
with them. I especially love encouraging kindness. I want
to inspire them to be their best. Above all I want to instill a
love of learning and a love of reading into each one of my
students. I am blessed to have the career I always wanted.
The best feeling is when former students hug me, tell me all
the wonderful things they are doing and say thank you Mrs.
McConnell.”
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Mouth of
the South
Photo by David Ckark
Written By Tanya Whitman
SALSA
Blood is thicker than water, especially when you add a little
salsa to the mix. In the case of the Mouth of The South family,
they pack heat in four different flavors, Lame, Tame, Flame and
Insane. Knowing that the path to a person’s heart is almost always
through their stomach, they’ll be the first to tell you that they
have a flavor for every mouth and a mouth for every flavor.
It’s the path Andrea McGowan and her husband and business
partner, Antonio
McGowan have
taken to win
the hearts and
palates of salsa
lovers across
this beautiful
state. In just
one short year
the Mouth of
The South team
has amassed a
number of winnings beginning with the My Nana’s Best Tasting
Salsa Challenge, an event held by the Arizona Hemophilia
Association which pits 100 local salsa makers against each other
vying for the judge’s favor. It wasn’t an easy win. After giving out
30 gallons of salsa, portion cup, by portion cup the judges voted
Mouth of the South Salsa Co., Best of Show for their delicious
salsa and fun interactive booth.
The company, along with the help of two close family members,
Andrea’s Cousin, Mark Murrietta and mom Terry Piper-Moreno,
followed their win in Phoenix, by coming home to Tucson and
competing in the 2014 Salsa and Tequila challenge sponsored by
the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance. Attendee’s at
the challenge were given a “score card” that listed over 48 local
restaurants and salsa chefs. When all the votes were tallied, the
1st Place People’s Choice Award went to Mouth of the South
Salsa!
They say the same chips fall on us all, but it is how Mouth of
The South mixes their salsa, that sets them apart. One salsa
that they have been consistent in preparing was Andrea’s, Nana
Mary’s family recipe for a traditional tomato based salsa made
with freshly
picked, hand
“The path to a person’s heart
is almost always through their
stomach”
chopped
produce,
mixed with
authentic
herbs and
spices.
Again this
year, the
company and
their SALSA DREAM TEAM, armed with Nana Mary’s recipe
participated in the My NANA’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge of
2015 and it was a repeat sweep bringing home 8 different awards
to include Best of Show, two days in a row, as well as 1st place for
their hot salsa the “INSANE” and 2nd place for their mild “THE
LAME”.
Growing up in the small town of Patagonia, AZ and being of
mixed ethnicity, Andrea’s roots are deep seeded in both Hispanic
and Southern cultures. “I was raised in a community that
believes strongly in tradition, family, food and fun, and to us
these beliefs are tightly intertwined with each other,” says Andrea.
While away at college in Silver City New Mexico, Andrea met
20

and eventually married her husband Antonio, a native of South
Carolina.I mean, who doesn’t like their salsa hot, Right? Although
born and raised in very different cultures the couple shared the
same love of tradition, family and food. “I grew up eating and
learning to prepare real Southern BBQ,” says Antonio. “After
coming to Arizona and living in New Mexico for a time, I
also came to love the many aspects of the southwestern and
Hispanic cultures. I loved the flavors in the food so much
that I began adopting many of these different flavors and
styles into my own southern cooking.”
Mouth of The South Salsa is not only carried in
three stores locally, Rincon Market, Five Points
Market and Restaurant, and the Sonoita Mini
Mart, but they are also a delivery service that
will deliver to your house, as they say, “While
you dip chips on the couch.”
With a label and logo that is as bold as
the flavor, Mouth of the South Salsa is now
making its way to consumers all over the state.
Photos Courtesy of Mouth Of The South Salsa
Photo By David Clark
“Eventually we would love to sell our products on a
larger scale and in larger chain, whole food or fine food
type grocers,” proclaims Andrea, “but we also want to
continue to service our growing delivery clientele as well.
We hope that one day we will be a staple in homes not
just in Arizona but across the country, and that everyone
will know, when they WANT SOME Mouth of the South
Salsa, just how and where to GET SOME!”
What’s with the name?
Antonio recalls. “While
in college I used to call
Drea Mouth of the South
because she was always
very outgoing, bold and
well… had a kind of loud
opinionated demeanor…but
not in a bad way,” Antonio
chuckles, “It is one of the
things I liked most about
her, so when we needed a
name for our product we
wanted one that was
also, outgoing, bold
and well, loud…so
what better name
than Mouth of the
South!”
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Paul Cicala
The proud
product of the
Sunnyside Unified
School District
is making his
second stop at
KVOA.
24
Written by Sara Schaffer
Paul Cicala is excited to return to his Southern Arizona roots
after stints as a Sports Anchor & news reporter at stations in Las
Vegas, Southern California & Texas. The KVOA News 4 Tucson
anchor just took home 1st place honors for the category of Sports
Reporting in the prestigious 2015 Associated Press awards (with
competition encompassing stations from multiple western states
including Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii
and Alaska).
Before KVOA, during his time working in the El Paso, TX / Juarez,
Mexico area, Cicala was nominated for multiple EMMYs for his
sports and news reporting. Cicala also won the 2nd Edward R.
Murrow award of his career for a 3-part series reporting in Medellin,
Colombia & Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Cicala made such an impression
on the borderland, he was voted the 2013 El Paso-area’s “Best
Newscaster Under The Age Of 40”.
However, Cicala’s “true love” is sports, and he’s excited to be back in
the Old Pueblo covering athletics at the college he grew up cheering
for: The U of A. Paul Cicala graduated from Desert View High School
with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was valedictorian for the Class of 1992.
The proud product of the Sunnyside Unified School District is making
his second stop at KVOA. The Tucson native left News 4 Tucson in
2006 for a Sports Director position at KESQ in the Palm Springs area.
Cicala also filed reports in Spanish for the area’s Telemundo affiliate.

Paul Cicala’s anchoring & reporting career has also
included stops in Las Vegas, where he served as a sports
anchor & reporter, and Yuma, Arizona. In Las Vegas,
Paul had the chance to cover some of the biggest boxing
matches in recent history.
Cicala’s first TV job was at FOX Sports in
Los Angeles, while attending the University
of Southern California (USC), where he
graduated magna cum laude and was
honored as the school’s “Outstanding
Graduating Senior” in Broadcast
Journalism. He then worked as a
producer for NBC Network News in
Burbank, where he had the chance
to travel and cover stories all
throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
Paul Cicala’s endeavors in news have
also landed him on national TV shows.
In 2004, Cicala had the honor of being a guest on
the Oprah Winfrey show, providing perspective
as an objective journalist after covering a story
(when he worked as a news report at KOLD News
13) about a Tucson High guidance counselor
who posed nude in an adult magazine. Cicala’s
reporting has also landed him on the NBC
Today show, the Jimmy Fallon show, and & Ellen
DeGeneres. Cicala has had an equally active life
outside of news, with experience as an educator at
Sunnyside & Desert View High School, a mentor
to at-risk youth on Tucson’s south side, and as
a Rotary Ambassador of Goodwill in Puebla &
Mexico City.
When Paul’s not anchoring & reporting at News
4, he can be found at local gyms working out or
playing basketball. He also enjoys cultural activities,
taking the quick drive south of the border to
Mexico, and volunteering in the Old Pueblo with a
variety of groups. Cicala is active in the community
as a speaker at local schools, and is a weekly
volunteer with patients & their families at University
Medical Center. Feel free to e-mail any sports story
ideas to Paul at pcicala@kvoa.com.
Feel free to e-mail any sports story
ideas to Paul at pcicala@kvoa.com.
25

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We carry Suits and Tuxedos from a Boys 2 to 74L and shirts from BXS to 7XL—No Extra Charge.
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TUCSON’S FAMILY ANCHOR MAN
DAN
MARRIES

Photos by Lyn Sims
Love your family.
Spend time, be kind
and serve one another.
are the words this
husband, father of
two, local celebrity
and friend lives by.
Written by Lou Pimber
Love your family. Spend time, be kind and serve one another are
the words this husband, father of two, local celebrity and friend
lives by. That’s right, Dan Marries who with passion for keeping
others informed has been delivering the news for nearly 20 years,
16 of those right here in the Old Pueblo for KOLD – TV. “Find
a job that you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
That’s how Dan feels about his work and it most definitely shows,
especially if you’re lucky enough to run into him around town. He
never hesitates to stop to chat or listen to your very own Tucson
News Now “breaking story”.
Not very many people know that Dan’s first love was to become
a pilot. He had always thought about it, after all, it runs in his
family. His grandfather, dad, and brother all fly but due to getting
airsick pretty easily, the dream of flying was quickly grounded.
Dan even considered firefighting after spending four summers as
a wildland firefighter with the Bureau of Land Management; three
seasons in Colorado and one was in Carson City, Nevada as a
crew member of the Carson City Helitack.
It wasn’t until Danwas working at a SCUBA shop and “starred”
in a local commercial that he knew he was hooked on TV news.
The next day Dan says, “I changed my major (the 5th and final
time) and within a year I was interning at KREX-TV in Grand
Junction.” A few months later he got the job and was hired as
the morning anchor/producer while still a junior in college. That,
ladies and gentlemen is where it all started and now nearly 20
years later he loves it as much today as he did back then.
Once you meet Dan Marries, you quickly feel like you’ve known
him for years and that’s probably because from the age of 12 he
grew up in a tiny city called Pawnee. But if you ask him where
he’s from, don’t expect a straight answer because he’ll tell you he’s
from San Diego, Oklahoma and Grand Junction, Colorado. That
almost sounds like a Johnny Cash song and to make matters even
more confusing, he was born in Anchorage, Alaska where his
father was stationed while serving this great country of ours in the
U.S. Air Force.
Dan Marries’ story is fitting to be in Tucson Model Magazine as
he is seen as someone worth modeling, he is known to be fair,
balanced and accurate; a man of a character worthy of being
modeled after. Dan spends his time as an active member in our
community hosting and emceeing dozens of events for a number
of local non-profits every year. He is the charter president of the
Casas Adobes Optimist Club and is a founding member of the
Greater Tucson Fire Foundation. As a former wildland firefighter,
helping local firefighters is close to his heart. If you look closely
you might even find him out and about with his oldest son hiking.
Dan is happily married to his beautiful wife Jennifer and this
year they celebrated the birth of their son Dean Wesley Marries
on January 15th. Dan’s oldest son, Kurtis, is a senior in high
school and plans on attending Pima Community College then the
University of Arizona.
When I look at the cover of this issue of Tucson Model Magazine,
I can’t help but feel the love Dan has for his family and reflect on
George Elliot who said, ‘What greater thing is there for the human
souls than to feel they are joined for life – to be with each other in
silent unspeakable memories’.
It wasn’t until Dan was working at a SCUBA shop and
“starred” in a local commercial that he knew he was hooked
on TV news.
31

TUCSON
32
Written by Sara Schaffer
Standing on the sidelines of a racetrack four years ago, taking in
the sounds, sights and smells, Stuart Meek was trying not to be a
nervous parent. Waiting for your two young sons to begin their
first ever BMX race event was not how he had envisioned his
family’s FIRST outing to a bike event.
Meeks
Family BMX Park
The Meeks family, Stuart, his wife Teri and their two sons- Taylor
and Timmy, had just planned on visiting the USA BMX Southwest
Nationals at the Tucson Convention Center when someone
mentioned anyone could race, Taylor- age 8 and Timmy- age 5,
wanted to try. The family friends who had invited them to the
event cancelled, but the boys were
too invested to not go.
The boys had dirt jumper bikes, not
race bikes, which to the untrained
eye, can look the very similar – like
a normal bike just much shorter.
A regular adult mountain bike
generally has a 26 inch tire, where
the boys were riding bikes with 16
inch tires. Even for a BMX bike,
the dirt jumping bikes have heavy
frames, meant for taking lots of
impact upon landing. Not only did
their bikes not match the event,
but the boys had on regular street
clothes, jeans and t-shirts, with
their Hot Wheels helmets and no
race face masks or padding.
Being true newbies to the sport did
not hinder the boys in the least;
they jumped in wholeheartedly and
fearlessly. It was another story for
their father Stuart anxiously waiting
on the sidelines. He remembers the
first time the boys were on the track
like “Baptism by fire…The very first
BMX race you throw your kids into
should probably not be a National.”
Once laps were completed and the results were tallied, Taylor
made the main event in 8 Novice and walked away with a trophy,
and Timmy missed placing in the main event by one spot.
BMX
Despite the youngest’ loss, the family had a great time with all
the action and new interactions, they met many new and helpful
acquaintances, some of whom they continue to stay in touch
with today including Ben and Michelle Chandler. The Chandlers
started Desert Sunset BMX over 13 years ago, when their son
Jeremy Chandler was Taylor Meek’s
age of eight. Their son had since
grown, started mountain bike racing
and attending college. They decided
it was time to venture away from
the racetrack which they had been
devoted for more than 13 years of
their life. Michelle jokingly suggested
the Meeks’ take over their racetrack to
keep it running, and with the Meek’s
successful construction company they
had the funds and availability to do so.
On January 1, the Meeks’ began a
whole new journey, Tucson BMX,
located at 9245 E Irvington. They
wish to continue to introduce the
joy of BMX to kids and grown-up
kids. Stuart says “We feel fortunate
that Tucson is such an amazing
community and will be an intricate
ingredient to the success of this track
and all of our riders.” Races are held
on Wednesday and Friday evenings,
and practice events are hosted on
Thursday evenings. The cost to race
is $12.00 and p ractice is $7.00 with
a USA BMX riders license. They
offer Beginner clinics, and will soon
be offering Bicycle mechanic clinics. With Tucson being such
a popular bicycling city and destination, they hope the cycling
community can also expand to introduce new people to bikes in a
way they might not have considered before- BMX. Tucson BMX

is there to support anyone interested - either by getting on a bike
and attempting a bunny-hop, or by coming by to watch a race, or
stopping in for a bike clinic, any way to share the love for bikes.
They can be reached for hours, directions or questions at 520-293-
4BMX
Timothy Meeks is currently riding the State #1 plate for the Expert
class on 2 bikes, and Taylor continues to hold a top 10 position in
the state. This is the First race ever for the boys. This Is Timothy
Meeks a few weeks ago. #1 in the State on 2 bikes!
Here is a shot of Taylor Meeks at the USA BMX Grand Nationals
in Tulsa Oklahoma in November of 2014
“We feel fortunate that Tucson is
such an amazing community and
will be an intricate ingredient to
the success of this track and all
of our riders.”
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35

Lexa Raquel
has managed to
bring audiences
together,
entertain and
express her
passion with her
soulful style and
soaring tone.
36

Lexa Raquel
Written by Lou Pimber
What do you get when you’re a beautiful yet bashful flight student
who’s afraid of flying yet takes lessons from a suave, sophisticated, selfassured
and refined flight instructor? One would expect a shiny new
pilot’s license, instead they managed to get a Wild Cat, a bundle of joy
who reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales radio chart
with her infectious single, “One of a Kind”.
Indeed Lexa Raquel Pearson is a one of a kind, with her infectious
smile and a fresh new voice within the Tucson local music scene,
Lexa Raquel has managed to bring audiences together, entertain and
express her passion with her soulful style and soaring tone.
If you’re lucky enough to know Lexa Raquel, you’ll know that at the
tender age of 3 she auditioned for the Arizona Opera Company and
grew to awe-inspire audiences and win hearts when she sang her
very first solo at the age 5. By the 5th grade and well into her early
teens,Lexa was composing her own style and original music all while
learning to strum a guitar!
By the age of 14 and for the next four years, Lexa Raquel began to
study under the tutelage of Crystal Stark, a warm hearted individual,
professional vocalist and American Idol finalist who was able to
mentor, coach and hone in Lexa’s singing and command performance.
Crystal Stark not only mentored Lexa, but as Lexa would say, “Crystal
has been more than my coach, she’s a beautiful soul who helped
me find my voice and myself as well.” LexaRaquel and Stark have
maintained an 8 year friendship.
Like any good daughter, this Desert Christian High School graduate
has learned more from who her parents are, than what they’ve taught
and for that Lexa Raquel is thankful. She is thankful for their love,
support, encouragement and their persistence to see her succeed.
After all, if it wasn’t for Sharon’s willingness and courage to face her
fear of flying and Rick’s gentlemanly style and boyish good looks, we’d
be singing a different tune right now. They definitely hit a number 1
single.
Lexa Raquel is currently finishing up recording her debut album
produced and distributed by Desert Sol Records which includes
renowned Tucson and Nashville Musicians.
“Music, it’s what
feelings sound like”
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39

Kevin Hamilton
As a singer and pianist he has
over 3,000 live performance hours
throughout the United States and the
Far East. Kevin has also produced
hundreds of hours of live concerts,
festivals and studio recordings
through various businesses over the
past 20 years.
Written By Kevin Hamilton
I have a drive and passion for entertaining audiences, expressing
my desire for cultural enrichment and entertaining people as
co-founder of Southwest Soul Circuit based in Tucson, Arizona.
As President, CEO, and Music Director, I have a unique position
as chief strategist and performing artist enabling me to know the
ins and outs of event production. As a singer and pianist I have
performed over 3,000 live performance hours throughout the
United States and the Far East. Kevin has also produced hundreds
of hours of live concerts, festivals and studio recordings through
various businesses over the past 20 years.
As Music Director for Southwest Soul Circuit, I am responsible
for providing music contracting services and musical direction.
With every event, my goal is to find the perfect balance between
fun, entertaining events, and cultural enrichment, all with a
specific goal in mind. As the Music Director for a local church I
coordinates rehearsals, service music, morale-building events and
the church ministry choir and band. My aim in everything that I
do is to uplift, inspire, and entertain audiences and congregations
through cultural and spiritual enrichment.
I began my career as a performer at the age of five in Dallas, Texas
and never stopped. I started singing in church and community
choirs and quickly found myself singing in congregations,
auditoriums, and theaters for audiences of over 1,000 people.
At age twelve I lead choir songs in the Dallas Baptist Training
Union’s “Youth for Christ” Choir of over 600 kids, gaining big
exposure in the Dallas church community. Shortly after joining
the United States Air Force in 1989, I then started playing piano
for the Baptist Church Service at Chapel Number One on Kadena
Air Base on Okinawa, Japan.
40

Southwest Soul Circuit
This on-the-job training created a sink or swim environment which accelerated
my growth as a pianist. While on Okinawa, I soon learned music direction while
working on various plays produced by a fellow US service member. Upon my
honorable separation from the military in 1994, I was asked to headline a tour
of Kyushu Island, playing eight shows over ten days in three cities including
Miyazaki and Oita.
In 1997 I started my formal collegiate training at Tennessee State University
and transferred to the University of Arizona in 1999. I took advantage of
living in America’s “Music City”, Nashville, Tennessee by playing for various
gospel legends and touring. While I served as Assistant Choir Director at
Tennessee State University I introduced various forms of gospel music
to the university choir.
As a student at the University of Arizona I landed
principal roles in various full-operas as a Baritone,
including the role of “Maseto” in Mozart’s “Don
Giovanni.” All that I do, I put my all into it. I
not only want to impact people’s lives
in a way that raises their quality
of life, I also want to make a
significant contribution
that will live long after
I’m gone in every
community I visit.
“All that I do, I put my all into it. I not only want to impact
people’s lives in a way that raises their quality of life, I also
want to make a significant contribution that will live long
after I’m gone in every community I visit.”
41

JOEY SANCHEZ
On any given Friday or Saturday
night, if you listen to the sweet
sounds of downtown Tucson,
you might just hear DJ Joey
Sanchez mixing a few beats at
a local club on Congress Street
called HighWire. Also the owner
of an online radio station called
TejanoTucsonRadio.com, Joey is
successfully making his mark
here in the Old Pueblo.
Photo by David Clark
42

Born in Douglas Arizona, Joey has 3 brothers and was raised by
his beautiful mother who was a single parent. His father played
with a group called Los Apson in Aqua Prieta. He talks about his
father never being around and always drinking but he recalls that
he loved to see his father play the drums. Joey recalls as a young
boy, wanting to play in a band and grow to be a musician. At the
age of 8 years old, he received his first guitar as a gift. While other
kids played outside, Joey spent most of his nights practicing with
his new guitar every night. The first song that he ever mastered
was La Bamba. He spent a lot of his time practicing and learning
new songs and more and more notes. He often practiced with his
uncle who also had a band in which Joey loved to hear them play.
By the age of 12, Joey started with a local band. He performed
at his Uncle Jacks bar where his Uncle Alex’s band also played.
It was a secret between them that his mother never knew about.
By the age of 13, Joey was able to play on Friday nights and help
contribute to his mom in order to help her pay the bills which
then led them to move to Mammoth Arizona. While Joey was
in Junior High School, he joined the band in school and several
other bandsand continued through the 8th grade. Graduating
from San Manuel High School in 1985, he had his 1st born son
that same year. He landed a permanent position at the San Manuel
Mines with BHP to provide for his family. Soon after, he married
and also started his own band called Grupo Salvaje. His band was
together for 10 years playing all over Arizona and produced a few
albums with the group.
After relocating to Casa Grande, Joey decided to start a DJ’ing
business to provide for his four sons and landed a ton of local
business spinning music for Quinceneras, Proms, Private Parties,
Weddings and Clubs. He also met his 2nd wife in Case Grande in
which he married. While he lived there, he played with a group
called Tejano Image. Joey states “Tejano is where my heart had
been set upon.”
Joey moved to Tucson in 2008 and has had the pleasure of playing
with a ton of local talent. A few of his favorite local musicians
include Aura Vidal Otero, Art Aguirre and Bobby Navarette. He
has been very successful with his DJ’ing business in Tucson and
loves working with the community at events and clubs. Tucson
Model Magazine is proud to call DJ Joey Sanchez their preferred
DJ. To hire DJ Joey Sanchez for your next party, you can contact
him at www.TejanoTucsonRadio.com.
43

Written by: Therese Van Veghel Phipps
Erin Durband born in Page, Arizona is ambitiously working to
achieve her goal as a high fashion photographer. Her passion for
photography began in high school when she received her first
camera as a gift from her Dad. Erin remembers transforming
her bedroom into a studio, using sheets as backdrops and lamps
as camera lights. Her next step was getting a job in the business.
In 1998, without any previous training, she began her career
shooting old-fashioned style pictures of children at Antique
Tots photography booth in Foothills mall and furthered her skill
at Picture People. She briefly considered becoming a wedding
photographer and attended a bridal show in Las Vegas. At the
show, photographer John Michael Cooper’s work inspired her.
“He really breaks the mold of conventional wedding photography
and pushes the limits on what is considered shocking in main
stream imagery.” Erin goes on to say, “He turned photography
upside down and did things with it that I didn’t know could
be done. I was mesmerized”. She decided to take one of Mr.
Cooper’s classes that he called an Anti-workshop. She said, “It
radically changed my view of what I wanted to do.”
Erin decided to explore the fashion industry and began
brainstorming. She invented her own photography style,
designed a career plan, and in 2008 she created her own business,
e-kah-d photography, www.ekahd.com. Her companies name is
pronounced E-K-D, which are also her initials. The name Kah is
very special to her because it is her grandmother’s maiden name
and her middle name.
Erin describes her photography style as edgy fashion and says, “I
love taking pictures for the art of it; the camera is just my tool of
choice. My images are meant to be blown up big and hung on the
wall as a piece of art.” She is elated that her work is published in
various magazines including 480 Brides, Eloise, Fashion Faces,
Meuse and Vedere.
Photo by David Clark
44

stems from being in front of the camera herself. Erin makes it
incredibly easy for them to focus on what they are both there to
do. They are there to take momentous and amazing pictures with
depth and they have a story to tell and/or a product to sell.
Photo by Erin Durband
Erin specializes in Trash the Dress or as she calls it, Dirty
Laundry photography. When asked to describe Dirty Laundry
Erin said, “I am always wanting to do pictures with people in
dressed up formal attire in the most un-formal locations, such as
water, mud, fire, snow, urban streets and forests, giving the image
a bit of shock value, causing the viewer to pause and really take a
look. “
Erin decided to follow her dream of being a high-fashion
photographer, various modeling agencies have contacted her
because of her raw talent and keen eye and she is now proudly
shooting for: Courtier, Kavir, Bellezza Models and Barbizon.
Photography is not her only talent. Erin has been on both
sides of the spectrum. She has dabbled in modeling and enjoys
transforming into something different, being a character in front
of the camera. Erin knows that modeling is challenging and gives
models props for what they do.
Advice from Erin: “I like working with people who study their
craft. If you are truly interested in modeling then you should be
studying images in magazines looking to see where the models
hands are, legs are, how their body is positioned, face angle,
and you should always know where your light source is.” Erin
respects models and what they do, but feels that photographers
deserve equal respect and says, “Great images come from a
balanced relationship between photographer and model. They
are there to do their job and I am there to do mine. We should
both bring important skills to the table. I am not there to tell you
how to model.”
Erin is a professional and likes to work with models,
photographers, and make-up artists that are also. One of her
many talents is making the model feel comfortable. Perhaps it
Underwater fashion-photography is extremely intriguing to Erin,
she loves it when the models dress in long flowing gowns, wear
heels, jewelry and use props, and she describes it as ethereal. A
couple of years ago she rented an underwater camera and decided
to take the plunge into the underwater world of high fashion
photography. After much practice, she thinks she has it down and
since then has done two underwater photo shoots for Bellezza’s
Top Model contest.
Erin has been married for 21 years to photographer Donovan
Durband and together they have two “fur babies”, dogs Coco and
Ruby.
Aside from photography, she likes to get crafty creating hair
clips made from pieces of vintage romance novels. For more
information visit www.contextomy.etsy.com. She also fabricates
packaging bags fashioned out of up-cycled men’s t-shirts, available
online at www.laundrybags.etsy.com.
Erin Durband’s ambition, dedication and talent are turning her
teenage dream into her fabulous reality.
Photo By Purple Nickel Studio
45

Jaime Edwards
JL EDWARDS DESIGNS
Jaime’s passion for
helping every woman feel
beautiful has inspired
many facets of style, class,
and art in the ensembles
she creates.
Written by Dallas Day and Mike Hieber
ike many young girls, Jaime Edwards’ interest in fashion
Lwas sparked by what she saw on television, but having
been raised in a strict household, she was initially limited in
scope to the less-than avant garde fashions featured on “Little
House on the Prairie.” Her passion for fashion and design
really began to take hold when, at the age of four, she donned
her first pink dress, complete with lace, ribbons, and a satin
liner. Around this time, her mother gave her the foundation
she needed to understand the art of sewing, while also learning
the value of accessorizing to enhance the entire look and feel of
an outfit.
At age 10, she began making her first designs by using thrift
store offerings that could be modified to fit her ever widening
idea of what fashion meant to her. As a teenager, Jaime
made sure to stay up to date on the latest fashion trends,
mostly through “What’s Hot, What’s Not” sections of trendy
magazines in grocery stores while her parents shopped. She
was determined to develop her unique vision of what fashion
could, and should, be.
Jaime sought more independence from her religiously strict
upbringing, so she successfully petitioned for emancipation
at the age of sixteen. Deciding to use her newfound freedom
to discover herself, she traveled to Ecuador as a missionary
where, as luck would have it, the parents of a close friend
owned a seamstress shop. While working with a seamstress in
Ecuador, she was constantly encouraged to test her abilities,
imagination, and creativity.
Although fashion was always first and foremost in her heart
and mind, Jaime settled into a quiet job in the healthcare
industry soon after her return to the states. The stability of
this job was helpful in coping with the responsibilities and
pressures of being a young, recently married woman and
step-mother to two young children. Being a diligent and gifted
learner, Jaime rose to the top of the software analysis field,
working with hospitals all over the world. She helped install
and implement new strategies for new and existing programs
that are still in use today.
She thrived in this unexpected career but after almost 13
years she was forced to retire at the age of 33. During her last
six years working in the medical profession, Jaime had been
through hospitalization, surgeries and confinement to bed
rest and extreme weight gain due to severe physical ailments.
Blessed to be in a position to be able to work from bed she
continued to muddle through till she could no longer work
half days little alone 40 hour+ weeks. This new development
left Jaime overwhelmed with feelings of fear, devastation, and
guilt at her perceived sense of failure. To make matters worse,
as her physical state deteriorated and she began to spiral into
depression
After hitting rock bottom, Jaime bounced back with a new
determination to take control of her life. She filed for divorce,
lost the weight she had gained, and began another quest of
self-discovery. Convinced by the doctors she had little time
to live, she left for Europe. She found both solace and peace
in the ancient cities of Europe but, more importantly, she
46

was also reunited with her love of fashion.
The cosmopolitan nature of her travels had
given her a fresh, new insight into the latest
fashion trends from around the world. With
few resources to draw on, she also had to
get creative in building an ensemble. It was
through this process that she realized that
fashion had little to do with the amount of
clothes one had; it was about achieving the
right look.
Reinvigorated by her pilgrimage to Europe,
Jaime was ready to face the states again,
although this time she had a very specific
mission in mind: to give back to her
community, and to help other women who
struggled with problems of image and selfesteem.
When she returned, a close friend
recommended a group called Sexy Lady Book
Worms, a literacy charity program that raises
money to buy books for children by selling
calendars and cards of sexy women in libraries
and bookstores.
Jaime’s modeling experience was limited to
a small show when she was eighteen but she
did not let her nerves and apprehension hold
her back. The founder of SLBW, Liora K was
also there to provide her with the support and
encouragement she needed to succeed. During
her time with SLBW, she met other members
in the fashion industry that paved the way for
the modeling career and experiences she has
gained today.
An opportunity finally came for Jaime to
present her own work when she showed her
design patterns to Engel Indo, a close friend
who owned the clothing company Indo
Cotton. Indo Cotton is a nonprofit clothing
company that uses its profits to provide job
opportunities in Engel’s native Peru, as well
as support veterans and families in need in
Tucson. Engel took Jaime’s designs with him
to Peru and when he returned he was able to
bring her work to life. After years of dreaming,
Jaime was shocked and tears flowed when she
saw the finished product, but what she held
most dear was the fact that this great friend
believed in her.
As an integral partner in Indo Cotton,
Jaime is seeing her mission in life
being accomplished. She is able to
give back to her community through
the charitable efforts of her company
and create beauty in others they might
not have seen themselves. Her style
is influenced by such classic beauties
as Doris Day, Lucille Ball, Audrey
Hepburn, Catherine Hepburn, Liz
Taylor, and Coco Chanel. Her fashions
are inspired by the risk taking of
Prada, Stella, and especially Kenneth
Cole.
Jaime’s passion for helping every woman feel
beautiful has inspired many facets of style,
class, and art in the ensembles she creates.
“Pleats and darts should be used in the right
places to create nice lines on so called ‘problem
areas’”, Jaime said when asked. “I believe in
making clothing lines that enhance, not hide.
My hope is that women see all parts of their
bodies as beautiful and unique.”
Jaime is currently making a new line with
Jonathan Russell, a local musician and glass
artist who inspired Jaime to expand outside of
casual clothing into art couture by blending
unique evening wear with beautifully blown
glass. “Jonathan is a creative pathfinder, he
releases a sort of artistic pheromone into the
air that pushes you to open up and explore
different styles and ideas” Jaime said.
“I would like to continue working with
Jonathan not only with dresses but lingerie as
well, I would love a corset with a glass top”
Jaime feels that even during times of strife
and uncertainty there is a place for fashion in
the world. Not as an end unto itself, but as an
outward manifestation of one’s inner beauty,
as unique and wonderful as the individual it
adorns. While Jaime has overcome a multitude
of adversities and is still battling her illness,
she continues to make breakthroughs in the
fashion industry by celebrating the beauty of
all women.
Artistic Photos by
Rick Bracht
Location Photos by
David Clark
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Jamie Vanessa
Written by Sara Schaffer
Jamie Vanessa was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and began
her modeling career at the age of 18. She initially had a passion
for acting, and her first on-screen experience was hosting a
television show on a local network. Jamie first dabbled in modeling
while she was interviewing at a Tucson car show. She was asked
to model for a few photos on a motorcycle. Although she did not
have much interest in modeling, she agreed and found it to be fun
and exciting experience. About a week later she saw her picture on
the front page of a website and was surprised to see how well the
photos had turned out. This helped her gain a new appreciation for
modeling. Jamie then began appearing at more local car shows and
met many people who shared her passion.
During this time she met Angelica Pequeño, owner and editor of
Latin Affiliated Magazine. Angelica was in the beginning stages of
her magazine when she asked Jamie to join her team. Jamie was
responsible for composing interview question and conducting
interviews. Jamie then moved to Long Beach, California for the
summer where Jamie and Angelica were present at red carpet
events, movie sets and video shoots. Jamie also saw her move
as an opportunity to gain more modeling experience. Jamie
appeared in her first music video with former Roc-A-Fella artist
Omillio Sparks’ “Dj Turn It Up”. After a successful summer, she
moved back to Tucson, AZ with an even stronger desire to pursue
modeling.
Jamie began traveling to Phoenix, Arizona to model at car shows,
as well as in photo shoots and music videos. In 2008, she met her
fiancé Alex Siqueiros. Siqueiros recognized her passion and knew
she was driven and unique. Believing in her dream, he offered to
help push her career further and became her booking manager.
Together they traveled to California, Nevada, New Mexico and
Texas for different projects which have added to Jamie’s extensive
résumé; including photo-shoots featured in Lowrider Magazine
and Impalas Magazine, a music video starring Nicki Minaj, Chris
Brown, Problem, Juicy J, 2Pistols and many more.
She also appeared in the film “Big Red Friday”, playing the role of
a “homegirl” named Vanessa. Jamie was very excited to play this
character because it was different from the sexy video vixens she
commonly played. This opportunity allowed her to experiment
with different roles and flex her acting skills.
Clothing and, is now their featured model. Jamie is currently in
the process of releasing her 12 th and 13 th posters in spring 2015.
She has accomplished much in her modeling and hosting career,
and has done the work to create a name for herself. You can view
her most recent work, resume and many featured music videos at
ModelJamieVanessa.com.
Jamie also loves to give back to her community. She volunteers
with the Salvation Army serving and delivering meals to those in
needEaster, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Jamie has overseen
or participated in fundraising campaigns for young athletes and
other similar events. She believes strongly in helping others and
lives by her motto to “never judge a book by its cover, be kind to
one another, stay humble and always chase your dreams”. Jamie
Vanessa is living proof that growing up in a small city does not
mean you have to dream small and she’s a shining example of
anything being possible with determination, passion and hard
work.
“Never judge
a book by its
cover, be kind
to one another,
stay humble and
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The trailer for the film was released during the Tucson Model
Magazine Awards Show Gala. She has recently joined School 46
Productions, owned by artist Joey “Delinquent” Velasquez and
graphic designer Desirae Edaakie. Jamie is also sponsored by
Determined Records & Clothing, AZ Vixen ENT. and Impalas
Clothing. Jamie is in her second tour with Impalas Magazine &
always chase your
dreams”.

Photos by Malcolm Flowers
Photos by Joey ‘Delinquent’ Velasquez
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Brent
Rock
“A lot of people don’t get to
work at what they love. I’m
so lucky to be able to do my
horse stuff and do my acting
stuff at the same time.”
- Brent Rock
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“When the audition notice came
out for Legends & Lies I knew Brent
was filming in Texas. Fortunately he
made it back to Arizona in time and
landed a great role in the Black Bart
episode.”
- Terri Jo Neff, Mamma Duck Productions
FFrom horseman, to actor and model, this Iowa born cowboy
considers himself an Arizonan, having lived here since his
early 20’s.
With a name like Brent Rock, you have got to be in films and
the opportunity first presented itself while working at Old
Tucson Studios, where his duties included wrangler and stunts,
along with an occasional chance to be an extra. Eventually
he landed a gig with the ABC TV show,Young Ridersstarring
Josh Brolin and Stephen Baldwin, doing stunts and extra work
before snagging a speaking role in the show’s third season.
After Young Riders was cancelled, Brent concentrated more on
working with horses and he eventually landed in Tombstone
working at a high-end guest ranch.
In 2009, he was hired as wrangler for the feature film The
Gundownstarring Peter Coyote (Erin Brockovich) and Sheree
J. Wilson (Walker Texas Ranger). When opportunity came
knocking, Brent kicked the swinging saloon doors wide open
the day Director, Dustin Riker asked him to play an enforcertype
cowboy character named Slim. That turned into a chance
to stunt double for lead actor William Shockley (Dr. Quinn
Medicine Woman) in horse scenes and a pivotal fight scene.
Since The Gundown, over the past few yearsBrent has worked
as an actor, wrangler, producer or crew member on several
projects, including Ambush at Dark Canyon starring country
superstar Kix Brooks. He also worked onBorn Wild and A
Country Christmas, both featuring Kix Brooks.
In 2012, Brent was cast as mystery man Virgil Calhoun in the
soon-to-be-released project Dead Men the Series (working
title). With his riding and stunt experience, director Royston
Innes was presented with many more options than if stunt
doubles had to be used.
Last fall Brent was cast in the Fox News Channel mini-series
Legends & Lies produced by Bill O’Reilly. The highly rated
mini-series was a project Arizona- based casting assistant Terri
Jo Neff of Mama Duck Productions recommended Brent for.
That led to a role this summer in a new series Blood Feuds that
will premiere later this year on Discovery’s American Heroes
Channel.
Brent -with canine best friends Boots and Smoke- is avoiding
Arizona’s hot weather and monsoons by spending the summer
in Colorado. Later this year Brent will be auditioning for a
series of commercials for a major Tucson business.
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BETH KING
Photo by David Clark
Written by Therese Van Veghel Phipps
I am proud to introduce you to Tucson native, Beth King. She
is an extraordinary Special FX makeup artist, the creator of
The Look, and is constantly practicing, and expanding on her
multitude of artistic skills and knowledge.
As a child, Beth dreamt of becoming a superstar when she grew
up and was always fascinated with the application of cosmetics.
Her face became her canvas and her mom, awoke quite frequently
with her make-up done by none other than, wait for it, Beth
King. In 1995, her older brother Matthew, also known as “Zip”,
introduced her to horror movies. On that very momentous day,
an intense love and passion for horror and Special FX make up
began, Beth says, “Now I love all things horror, the scarier the
better. The movies that make you want to hide behind a pillow,
grab onto the person next to you and scream. Those are the
movies that I absolutely love!”
She has a long list of favorite movies, including, “Halloween”,
“Day of the Dead”, “Friday the 13 th ”, “Nightmare on Elm Street”,
“Evil Dead”, “Hellraiser”, “Dawn of the Dead”, “The Exorcist”, and
“Night of the Living Dead. She says, “The first time I watched “The
Exorcist”, it was like the clouds parted and the angels sang. I knew
that was what I wanted to do when I grew up, (she wanted to)
make the characters that make the viewers squirm.”
Throughout her high school years at Sahuaro, Beth took theater
classes, and shone especially bright doing hair and make up for
the Drama Department. Prior to her graduation in 2003, she
became aware that Pima Community College offered a Theater
scholarship and auditioned for it. After receiving the scholarship
at Pima, she took a Theater Makeup course where she feels
extremely fortunate to have met and studied under her mentor
Suanne Woodward. Beth says, “Suanne really opened me up
to different techniques for stage makeup: old age, cuts, bruises,
corrective makeup. This was when I was introduced her to Ben
Nye products, Scar wax, liquid latex, etc... All things that make an
FX makeup artist drool.”
When her scholarship ended, she decided to get her Cosmetology
license, she chose Artistic Beauty College, and received her
license in 2006. She worked in a couple of salons doing hair and
makeup, but it really did not make her happy, Beth’s passion is to
do FX. She says, “When Halloween came around, I was always
busy doing Special FX make up for friends and family, and one
year I decided this was going to be my main focus, not hair,
not formal make up, but special effects makeup. It was time to
make people squirm. I decided I needed to educate myself on
more FX techniques.” Beth began watching and practicing the
tutorials on youtube.com and says that Syfy Network’s show
“Face Off ” absolutely blew her mind and that it has been a hugely
educational tool.
Her FX career began to take off after a friend named Lindsey
Basham introduced her to model and creative director Jake
Rafus. She happily did FX makeup on Jake and professional
photographer, Dominic Arizona Bonucelli’s photo project entitled
“Zombie Apocalypse”. This creative project opened the door to
more work, including working on Dominic’s spoof of Bing Crosby
and David Bowie’s Little Drummer boy “A Very Special Bing and
Bowie Christmas” where she received a positive mention for her
FX work on Tucsonweekly.com. Beth did hair and makeup on a
pilot for a Netflix series written by John Brozo and directed by
Chris Klok, called “Lucky Stiffs”. She also competed and won first
place in both the Tucson’s Face Off Zombie Prom contest and The
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“Now I love all things horror,
the scarier the better. The
movies that make you want
to hide behind a pillow, grab
onto the person next to you
and scream. Those are the
movies that I absolutely love!”
Zombie Apocalypse FX Makeup Contest. She says, “Everything
has started to head in the right direction and I am so grateful for
all of the amazing opportunities.”
Beth is ready for anything and says with a smile, “I have always
been one to have a backup plan, and a backup plan for my
backup plan. If I were not doing Special FX makeup, I would be
a cake decorator and have my own bakery. I love making custom
cakes, wedding cakes, baby shower cakes...Hell, I even make
zombie cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries. I love baking
and I love feeding people!” Besides baking, she enjoys writing,
painting, sketching, and taking photos, which she says is a stress
reliever and she also has an insatiable love for reading, especially
mysteries, thrillers, and horror books. The book “Carrie” by
Stephen King is her absolute favorite.
Her life focus is building a bright and colorful future for herself
and her adoring family, which includes her two wonderful
parents, her mom, Kim, who she calls her life coach, cheerleader,
and the strongest woman she has ever met. Beth says, “My mother
is not only my number one fan, but she truly is my hero. I don’t
know if she knows it, but I am her number one fan.” Her step-dad
David King, adopted Beth when she was seventeen on Father’s
Day, and she is very appreciative of the fact that he has always
treated her with such love, as if she were his own blood. Then
there is her older brother and best friend Matthew “Zip” Howard,
and her nephew, Jacob, who she calls the “love of her life”. Beth
also has three dogs, or as she lovingly calls her “fur-babies,” a
Maltese named Kaydee, a Shih Tzu named Abbie, and Prescott, a
197 pound Great Dane, who she teasingly calls “My little pony.”
When I asked Beth if she thought of herself as a role model, she
said no. “I do not think of myself as a role model. I am just a
chick who loves doing what she does. As far as what is next for
me? Anything and everything, I believe life is like a ride. It has a
beginning and an end, it has its ups and downs, it can make you
want to puke sometimes, or you might freak out and want off
altogether, but when you choose to ride it, I mean really let go
and finally do it, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. In fact, if I was
to write my own epitaph, it would say; Here lies Beth mafuggin
King... she came, she saw, she conquered, #kickinItWithJesus.”
Photos by Dominic Bonuccelli
55

KRISTOPHER
OSUNA
Kris has made a career
out of pushing against
the limits of fashion
the way a plane pushes
against gravity, and
the horizon has never
looked more inviting.
Kristopher S. Osuna is a freelance professional hair and makeup
artist in Tucson. Born with a talent for hair and makeup honed by
years of practice and study at the Vidal Sassoon Academy of Hair
Design, Kris knew early in his life that his calling was to beautify.
Born the son of a beautician, Kris’ venture into the world of dye,
curling irons and makeup brushes was nearly inevitable. His
zeal for makeup and hair artistry springs from a love of making
people feel fabulous and a recognition of the infinite possibilities
fashion can bring. Kris began his career as a retail makeup artist
for Aveda in Scottsdale. His need for the new and exciting drove
him to Nordstrom, MAC, Prescriptives, and other companies
before he finally broke out of makeup and got serious about hair.
He moved to Oklahoma City with a more ambitious outlook and
sharpened his cutting skills at The Vidal Sassoon Academy of Hair
Design in 2011. After graduating, he made the move from the
mid-west back to the “wild west”. Starting fresh as a hair stylist
at Imagine Barbershop and Hair Studio, Kris let his gypsy muse
guide how to expand his career in the hair and makeup industry.
Followed by a chaotic whirlwind of lashes and eyeshadow, Kris
began working with Tucson-based photographers on freelance
photo shoots, including the RAW Artists Showcase. With less
than a year back in the Sonoran Desert Kristopher had become
one of the rising MUAH stars of Tucson.
While working with an eccentric local photographer, Kris had the
opportunity to construct some Fashion Week worthy hairstyles.
Working out of a converted warehouse downtown Kris managed
to stay cool and focused for 22 hours. He kept his models in high
spirits with his high energy and positive attitude, all the while
crafting a look that ultimately got him featured in Vogue Italia.
Once is never enough for something good, and Kris has now been
featured in the pages of Vogue three times. Every new shoot lets
Kris revel in the best part of his profession, meeting new people,
making new connections, and touching lives with art.
Kris shares his vision as a stylist at Les Chaveux Hair Salon and
Boutique. Always one to take the road less travelled, his penchant
for dramatics spills over into his day job. Kris does not simply cut
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and style his clients’ hair. He views his work as a reflection of both
himself and his client. He WILL make you look fabulous. “Kris will
tell you no, because he knows it doesn’t work for you, but he will
also tell you ‘YES’ in the most excited way. Which is usually because
it’s way out there….And it always looks amazing” says friend and
fellow artist Cynthia Locke. His easygoing and energetic personality
makes working with him not only easy, but a blast as well. This is
true whether a client is a walk-in, or someone he has been working
with for years.
In an artistic sense, Kris’ work is hard to pin down. He has dabbled
in editorial, fantasy, film noir, cosplay, runway and others. The
benefit of working with so many different creative teams has given
him the ability to be adventurous and flexible. He is always excited
about new ideas, and his inspiration can come from a photographer’s
concept, a model’s face, or just one piece of jewelry. In the past
three years Kris has worked with some of the top photographers in
Tucson and beyond. His multiple publishing credits testify to the
consistency of his work. Kris’ flair for the dramatic infuses his hair
and makeup style with an excitement, an immediacy, that marks
him as the genuine article. Bold colors and eye-catching hair are his
calling card. Kris has made a career out of pushing against the limits
of fashion the way a plane pushes against gravity, and the horizon
has never looked more inviting.
Kris’ flair for the
dramatic infuses
his hair and
makeup style with
an excitement, an
immediacy, that
marks him as the
genuine article.
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Phone:
(520)-227-8405
Website:
www.reposterialety.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reposteria.lety
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homes, communities & hope
What will you build?
HabitatTucson.org 520-326-1217
Everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live!
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