ThisNext Exclusive Interview with Survivor’s Alexis Jones, Founder of I Am That Girl

You may recognize Alexis Jones as the darling Southern tomboy from CBS’s Survivor - Fans vs. Favorites, but this girl’s power spans far beyond reality TV.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Jones completed both an undergrand and Masters degree at the University of Southern California. She had always been a fan of the Survivor franchise, so when she heard about the Fan vs. Favorites opportunity, she could not miss out!

The show was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Jones, but she has a larger goal in life - to spread the message of female empowerment throughout the world.

Keep reading to learn a bit more about the amazing Alexis Jones: 

 

TN: If you had to summarize I Am That Girl in one sentence, it would be:
AJ: A 21st century web-based magazine (targeting 13-21 year olds)  dedicated to
redefining beauty and promoting powerful female role models.

TN: Who are some women you look up to?
AJ: First and foremost my mother and grandmother (equally) for their fearlessness, compassion, integrity, unwavering confidence and being examples of women who’s self worth didn’t dance on the approval of others, but rather, who defined themsleves by the content of their own character. Not to mention they are/were both GORGEOUS woman who took pride in their femininity, “their greatest secret weapon.” (haha) As my grandmother once said in response to being described as a fiery Texas woman, “I’m not apologizing for being beautiful AND smart; so YES, I’m a woman to be reckon with… consider yourself warned,” said with a smile and a southern bell wink.

Besides them: Pippilongstocking, Bryce Howard, Natalie Portman, Bethany Hamilton, Amelia Earheart,  Mother T, my best girl friends, She-ra, KT Tunstall, Oprah (cliche undeniable), Eve Ensler, and Maya Angelou… though the list could certainly go on:)

TN: What is the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
AJ: To dream fearlessly

TN: Beauty to you is…?
AJ: Believing you are capable of anything and pursuing what you are passionate about relentlessly.

 

 
TN: Where can we expect to find you in ten years?
AJ: Business-wise; continuing to run the “I am That Girl” magazine, having a radio station and TV show promoting the same concept, writing books, continuing to do motivational speaking, creating a non-profit associated with “I am That Girl” to raise money for inner city girls to attend college, creating and implementing after-school programs for girls on self esteem and body image, expanding our clothing line, and undoubtedly things I can’t even fathom at this point in time. Personally speaking, I hope to have a phenomenal hubby and some kiddos on the way or bouncin’ around (there’s the Texas in me:)

TN: Please share with us one thing that the ThisNext community would never know about you.
AJ: Believe it or not, Survivor wasn’t my first television debut! I actually won the Price is Right Showcase Showdown once upon a time.   :) 

TN: What is your favorite thing about ThisNext?
AJ: I don’t have all the time in the world to shop and discover the best, newest products, so I turn to ThisNext to point me in the right direction. 

See Alexis Jones’ I Am That Girl Tees on ThisNext!

It’s almost holiday hell: gifts spilling out of your closet, your fridge a pile of pots and pans, your mind a mess of “to do”s and “don’t”s and half planning.

Take a breath, and let’s chat with Joyce Dorny, editor of Organize Magazine, the only magazine dedicating to all things organizing.

TN: Where does your passion for organization come from? How did you make this a career?
JD: Raising six children will force you to have a passion for organization whether you want to or not!  Once my youngest was in school full-time, I realized that I could turn my skills for organizing a space into a business. I started out as a professional organizer, but quickly noticed a “hole” in the market and set out to fill it.

TN: Tell me about your magazine.
JD: Organize Magazine is the only magazine dedicated solely to organization. Each issue is filled with ideas on how to organize all areas of your life. It will also help with the emotional side of clearing the clutter, because you just can’t organize clutter.

...continued: Who Is Joyce Dorny?

Luxury Sales Director of adult design line Jimmyjane, Michelle Cotton was bringing sexy back before JT coined the phrase. Sold at Fred Segal, Maxfield, Coco de Mer, and other high-end retailers, Jimmyjane’s line of designer vibrators, silk blindfolds, and sexy scents  make naughty nice, sexy smart, and pleasure in the details. Jimmyjane and Michelle will be at Brand Pharmacy’s pop-up store in Los Angeles December 3^th-9^th, so go say hi.  But before you do, let’s play Q&A with Michelle, and find out…

TN: How would you describe Jimmyjane products?
MC: The breadth of our collection is a reflection of the fact that Jimmyjane is about sexiness throughout the day, not simply a notion to be relegated to the bedroom. From 24k gold vibrators and exotic fragrances to silk blindfolds and provocative massage candles, Jimmyjane products aim to make life sexy, not just sex sexy.

...continued: Who Is Michelle Cotton?

Past painter, future photographer, Paul Starr is best known as a legendary  makeup artist who’s collaborated with   iconoclasts such as David La Chapelle, Annie Lebovitz, Helmut Newton, and Spike Lee, and created unforgettable faces for Madonna, Björk, Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan, David Bowie, Scarlett Johansson, Sophia Loren, and Gwen Stefani. Also author of On Beauty and regular contributor to WE LOVE BEAUTY, we had to play Q&A with Paul, and have the celebrity tastemaker tell us…

TN: How did you get into makeup?
PS: To be perfectly honest, a lot of it was being at the right place at the right time. I studied art, primarily oil painting, and photography. I was interested in the  face… looking into someone’s eyes and making a connection. There was just something I got from connecting with people that was stimulating to me. So in school, I loved having people sit for me and I’d photograph them, or sketch a study for a portrait that I would paint later, [and this training] helped to stimulate my eye.

...continued: Who Is Paul Starr?

Moti Hasson is an art collector and gallerist in Chelsea, in New York City. His love of art began when he was a child in Tel Aviv, Israel, admiring the work in his aunt’s art studio. After graduating high school, though, Moti served in the army, as is tradition, and, after finishing his service, jumped across the Atlantic and into diamond importing.  Traveling the world for his gig, Moti visited museums around the world, and began personally collecting art. 

Finally, Moti decided that his second half of his life would be spent in the arts, as a gallery owner.  “I felt that as a patron of the arts,” says Moti, “it would be better for me, mentally and emotionally, if I was representing artists versus just collecting them.” The Moti Hasson Gallery has already discovered an artist that was then placed in the Smithsonian.  So we had to play Q&A with Moti and figure out how you could move on from buying Warhol posters.

TN: How did you get into art collecting?
MH: Collecting art is the best addiction to have. I got the bug early on.

TN: Why did you open a gallery, versus curate a museum?
MH: Museums are wonderful institutions, but I love the business aspect of the  gallery world and the chance to represent artists. I consider it my calling.

...continued: Who Is Moti Hasson?

Tina Craig is one of the founders of Bag Snob, a blog recognized for its holds-no-bar review of bags. Featured in fashion bibles VOGUE, WWD, and Bazaar, with appearances on TV network E!, the Bag Snob is one of the blogs trending independent dot-coms into influential media.

With holiday cocktail parties about to swing into season, we played Q&A with Tina to find out what’s the next It bag—no, it’s not called “LiLo”—, what bags are keepers, and what keeper dudes gift their chicks.

TN: How did you become a bag snob?
TC: My mother gave me a Gucci bag with matching wallet when I was in high school, which started my love affair with bags. I received a Chanel 2.55 in college, which elevated my taste to snobdom.

TN: What’s a bag every girl should own?
TC: Every girl should own a great tote — you can use it for work, for play, for school, everyday!

TN: Every snob?
TC: Every snob should own a Hermes Birkin.

TN: If a guy is shopping for his girl, what’s a great bag to buy her?
TC: The latest and greatest is always a good choice. It shows that the guy is hip to the fashion scene. For this season, it would be something gray and exotic, like the Miu Miu ostrich tote.

...continued: Who Is Tina Craig

Barbra Horowitz is a Los Angeles stylist, but instead of slipping one of the Jessicas into designer duds styled obvious Old Hollywood, she’s editing the closet of everywoman, the chick who just needs help honing her taste. Less about setting a certain image for clients, Barbra teaches how to recycle your clothing, how to cut T-shirts into carefree couture, how to get comfortable experimenting with your wardrobe.  Barbra’s new book, Closet Control, brings her personal wardrobe therapy sessions to your own home. So, Ms. Horowitz, why don’t you…

TN: Tell us about your book, and how it’s different from other style books out.
BH: Closet Control is a book for everyone. This is a book for those who just haven’t figured out what to do with the clothing they don’t care about any more. When a new clothing purchase or old favorite falls from grace, it can be just like not wanting to be in the career or relationship you are currently in, with no way out. Closet Control gives you a way out. You can learn how to sell it on eBay, cut it up into something you might wear once… Instead of buying for the trends, how about dying for the trends? If navy blue is the hot color for fall, who says you cant take a $3 bottle of dye and take your summer whites into fall flavors? Closet Control gives you permission to experiment without attachment.

...continued: Who is Barbra Horowitz?

Named Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef of 2003” and Angeleno’s “Chef of the Year” in 2004, David Myers is the man behind Boule, every Hollywood skinny bitch’s fav place to shop desserts.  Featured in O, US Weekly, and OK, Boule is just part of David’s French foodie empire, which is umbrellaed under the Food Art Group, Inc.  From the name alone you vibe David’s passion for food as an art form—so we had to play Q&A with Monsieur Myers and find out how we can get tastefully plump this holiday season.

TN: What are some of the best desserts for entertaining during the holidays?
DM: I like the classics that include seasonal ingredients like chestnuts and blood orange. Individual-size desserts are more elegant so individual cakes and tarts like the ones we offer at Boule are the way to go. The blood orange custard tart is insane!

...continued: Who Is David Myers?

Lyndsey Hamilton is an event designer and, naturally, owner of Lyndsey Hamilton Events, which has been featured in glossies like New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, and The Knot. With extensive experience creating memorable events that combine her brand of innovative design—like a bride’s bouquet of spring greens—with her client’s personal vision—getting hitched in a classical cathedral—, Lyndsey and her team know how to party. ThisNext played Q&A with Lyndsey to find out how to create the perfect mood for an event, and what tiny touches will make your next holiday party perfect.

TN: What’s something that will perk up any event, any season?
LH: Great lighting to reflect the mood of the event.

TN: What do you suggest for clients planning a big party during the holiday season?
LH: Come up with a fun, different theme. “Holidays in Havana” or “Christmas in Cuba.” Go retro with signature cocktails, specialty or regional food and salsa music. We have all been to a dozen holiday parties that are all the same.

TN: What’s your favorite product to use for a holiday party?
LH: Vintage postcard invitations.

TN: Biggest response a design of yours has received from consumers?
LH: We are as much about production as design. But, we did an amazing safari-themed event that everyone thought was fabulous.

...continued: Who Is Lyndsey Hamilton?

Fashion blogger Diane Vadino is the author of new novel  Smart Girls Like Me: think an evil boss at an online fashion mag, think “The Dot-Com Devil Wears Prada.” Before Diane was writing about fashion editors and blogging about boots, Diane interviewed the Beastie Boys and Metallica for music mag Spin, covered Milano fashion week with pigeon Italian for Surface magazine, and worked with beauty bible Allure. These days, when Vandino’s not typing for her blog BunnyShop, her words on film, design, and art are in Nylon and ID — and here, in ThisNext, as we dish about her new novel, favorites for fall fashion, and what’s really hiding under her bed.

TN: Tell us about what your book.
DV: I’m so bad at answering this question, but: It’s really about a girl who’d be perfectly happy if nothing, in the world, ever changed one bit, but who’s sort of forced to grow up. See? I’m awful at it. It’s set at the millennium. There’s a tiara! And a wedding dress. And a stripper outfit, used at a wedding. And models! Though they don’t have a speaking role. Really, it’s about how what for me was always pretty much the most important relationship in my life evolved. Best friends are tricky, because they’re like family, but they’re not, really — and it’s that tension, that prospective sense of loss, that is what I think can make that relationship so special, but also so stressful, too.

...continued: Who Is Diane Vadino?

Bob Mah is the grooming guru behind men’s skincare line, Urth. Winner of a 2007 grooming award from Men’s Health magazine, Urth offers skin solutions  formulated for the specific needs of men: think product that’ll make you glow as rosy as your girlfriend’s baby nephew’s ass, without the pink packaging or pansy smells. Made from grade-A, ancient Asian herbs, pure essential oils, vitamins and phyto-nutrients, Urth products pack more natural goods than your local Wholefoods. Michael Wood, editor in chief of Instinct magazine, says, “Without reservation… the Urth line is one of the best I’ve ever tried.” And Details magazine gives these details: “Urth brand delivers on the promise to to satisfy man’s quest for great-looking, healthy skin.”  Now you get why we had to play Q&A with Mr. Mah?

TN: What are some of the biggest mistakes dudes making about grooming?
BM: The biggest mistakes are as follow:

1.  Not taking the time to research and find products that are suitable for their skin type.

...continued: Who is Bob Mah?

An in-demand health expert, Oz Garcia specializes in living well and living longer. From consulting CEOs  in Forbes top 500 to “Mother of All Moguls” Kimora Lee Simmons, who credits Oz with “saving her life,” Oz’s expertise has earned him recognition as one of the world’s leading authorities in progressive nutrition and anti-aging. Oz is also the best selling author of The Balance and Look and Feel Fabulous Forever (ReganBooks/HarperCollins).  ThisNext had the opportunity to get the dish on what Oz cannot live without and his tips and tricks on a healthier lifestyle.

TN: What’s the easiest change someone can make to improve their health?
OG: One of the easiest things to do is start exercising, start walking.  If you’re stressed out, get a massage every week, or two times a month.  Get eight hours of sleep every night—that makes a huge difference for most people. Take a holiday from coffee for 90 days.  Let your body breath better coming off the caffeine.  Get sunlight—don’t sun burn, but sunbathe.  Add some super foods to your diet: eat more fish, eat a cup a blueberries three to five times a week.  Use a lot of olive oil on regular basis.

TN: What’s the biggest change someone can make to help their health?
OG: If there’s one thing that would cross all categories, it’s getting eight to nine hours of sleep every night.  You’ll live longer, you’ll manage your weight better. A good eight hours of sleep helps your memory and immune system. There are so many correlations between getting six hours of sleep and bad health, I cannot even begin to tell you.

TN: What’s the most common myth people have about their health?
OG: That they’re going to dodge the bullet: cancer, heart disease… This idea that “It’s not going to happen to me.” That you think something will go away though you keep doing what you’re doing and adding additional harm to your body.  They never make changes that they should, and as a result they add up older and more tired and overweight.

...continued: Who Is Oz Garcia?

Matthew David is the event designer of choice for celebrities like Madonna, P. Diddy and Robert DeNiro, with his style of elegance meets modern design. His events vary from personal galas to corporate events with subtle touches that make an impact. ThisNext played Q&A with Matthew David to find out some of the easiest and best ways to style a party for the coming holidays.

TN: What’s the best product someone can use to create ambience/style in their home?  For an event?
MD: Assuming you have music, add lighting! Dimmer switches are the answer to that. Every single light switch in my home has adIt creates the mood. Additionally by lowering the dimmers you are using less energy. To be more environmentally responsible when doing an event, lighting and candles are always a must. 

TN: Do you have a favorite product(s) when decorating events?  How about for planning events?
MD: Flowers! When florals are designed properly they can hit all the right notes to create a special mood for any event. 

TN: What’s your favorite latest product for decorating events?
MD: I adore plexi -glass.

TN: How did you get into event planning?
MD: It was a natural progression. I started designing events for people and the clients really liked the way I worked. From that it lead to clients asking me to plan the actual events.

TN: Any sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
MD: We are very excited to be working on a relaunch of a popular magazine and the opening of a museum in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, the specifics are confidential.

...continued: Who Is Matthew David?

She may have gotten away with playing an innocent editor and children’s author by day, but Jane O’ Connor is plenty busy weaving tall tales of mystery and drama by night. She’s the author of Dangerous Admissions, a scandalous novel about the trials at a New York private school. The very-adult novel is a far cry from her New York Times bestselling Fancy Nancy series—the sunny stories of a young girl who revels in all things sparkly.

When Jane’s not penning a fresh page on her mystery series, she’s found working on writing projects at a major New York publishing house. We caught up with this creative author for a few words on her inspiration, her favorite products, but most importantly—why writing steamy sex scenes can be much more fun than writing about sparkly accessories:

TN: When did you decide to be an author?
JC: It sort snuck up on me. I actually consider myself an editor who moonlights as a writer. (I’ve worked at various New York publishing houses practically all my adult life.)Working on other people’s manuscripts got me itching to start writing books of my own.

...continued: Who is Jane O'Connor?

She’s the professional bartender whose liquor experiments have created a following with Van Gogh’s loyal fans, infusing fashionable flavors into the average cocktail that put the everyday Cosmopolitan to shame. From special requests at weddings, to entertaining with high-class flavor in mind, Stacy enjoys the enviable position of ‘research and development’ at Van Gogh Vodka, serving up deliciously sinful drinks for any and every occasion.

When she’s not concocting a new Van Gogh martini or cocktail, Stacy Nicoll can be found podcasting her signature recipes online with ‘Gogh Casts’, and blogging about the latest vodka lineup from the Van Gogh brand. We pulled out our shot glasses and cocktail shakers for a quick lesson on making the perfect martini—followed by a few Q&As:

TN: What’s the one vodka everyone should have in their bar?
SN: Since most people probably already have classic 80-proof vodka, I would recommend Van Gogh Double Espresso® Double Caffeine Vodka. Its unique flavor is always a crowd pleaser.

TN: What’s something most people don’t know about vodka?
SN: It can be used in cooking recipes, as well as cocktails. We often use Van Gogh Vodka’s many exotic flavors as marinades, which are perfect for grilling. Van Gogh Pineapple, Coconut, Citroen and Pomegranate vodkas are just a few that can be used to flavor seafood and poultry. Double Espresso®;, Espresso, Dutch Chocolate, Vanilla and Wild Appel are delicious in a variety of desserts including cakes and can even be used to dress up ice cream instead of syrup.

TN: What’s the easiest drink to make with vodka?
SN:  Van Gogh’s 17 flavored vodkas are cocktails in a bottle – simply select your favorite flavor, chill, pour and repeat!

...continued: Who is Stacy Nicoll?

After a frustrating career in advertising, Melissa Plaut decided to take the driver’s seat of her life and steer herself onto an entirely new road. The life of a New York City taxi driver can be found in HACK, the inspirational read about a female cabbie who decided to stop worrying and start living—trading the corporate suit for a flannel shirt, and enjoying life from the comfy seat of a yellow cab instead.

When she’s not exploring Brooklyn behind the wheel or blogging about her daily experiences on New York Hack, this cabbie’s finding plenty of great things on ThisNext. We buckled in for a few Q&As:

TN: How did you decide to start driving a taxi in NYC?
MP: When I was 28 years old I got laid off from a crappy corporate office job at an advertising agency. While I collected my unemployment benefits, I came to terms with the fact that, like many people my age, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. By the time the unemployment checks ran out, I had totally given up on the idea of a real “career”; type of thing and decided I was going to live from adventure to adventure —and try to support myself along the way.

The first step was to become a cab driver. I’d always thought of driving a cab as this amazing mystery, sort of the ultimate way to get to know New York and still make money. So, even though I was scared to death, I took that great leap and enrolled myself in taxi school. It was in a way the most important thing I’d ever done, just taking that step, and I’ve never once regretted it.

...continued: Who Is Melissa Plaut?

After giving the world a whole new meaning to the ‘Morning After’, Rebecca Minkoff is one 26 year old designer who’s bagging up style with some of the most fashionable creations in the handbag department, with designs quickly reaching most-coveted status in many a handbag lover’s wishlist.

Her sassy collection of versatile, luxurious, and must-be-touched bags are being snatched up by bag snobs from all over the world, with celebrity pickings that include the Nikki, Matinee, and No Strings Clutch. From glamorous evenings to weekend getaways, each bag is waiting to be touted along as the perfect sidekick. We found Ms. Minkoff gathering up a few finds on ThisNext, and scooped up a few Q&As: 

TN: How did you get into handbags, versus shoes or clothing in general?
RM: I started designing clothing at 18 and began my handbag line with my signature Morning After Bag in 2004. My friend, Jenna Elfman, was starring in a movie a few years ago, and she wanted me to design a bag for the film, and that’s how it began. Then, as the bag became more and more popular, I added the Morning After Mini and the Nikki bag. The bags just took off and now I have six collections and about 20 different styles.

TN: Tell me about your “Morning After” bag, and how you came up with the concept.
RM: My friend, Jenna Elfman, was starring in a movie a few years ago, and she wanted me to design a bag for the film, and that’s how it began. The name came about when my friend and I were playing with names and we didn’t just want to name it a girl’s name, so we chose to focus the brand, relating to girls’ experiences and what independent women encounter. I wanted a bag that could go from day to night and maybe fit in a sleepover, so that’s how the Morning After Bag was named!

...continued: who is Rebecca Minkoff?

 

When celebrities are experiencing a wardrobe dilemma, they know to call upon the Chief of Chic for a few fashionable pointers. Robert Verdi dresses his high-profile clientele in the latest ensembles of the season, helping the fashion-naïve among us separate the so last-year’s from the absolute must-haves.

Donning his famous sunglasses before jetting off to his next Red Carpet appointment, the Chief encourages us to think about style and fashion for the home with as much fervor as our closets. From lavish luxuries to eccentric designs, Robert Verdi is creating a fashion following for impeccable tastes; we found him rounding up the season’s best picks on ThisNext, and checked in for a few pointers of our own:

TN: How did your relationship with MasterCard and Saks come about?
RV: MasterCard and I have been working together on the Saks Fifth Avenue Want It! campaign for two years now. The partnership began last year when MasterCard launched the Saks Fifth Avenue World Elite MasterCard card issued by HSBC. I helped them get the word out to the public about this great card which allows you to earn rewards points faster. To learn more about the card you can visit your local Saks Fifth Avenue or log on to Saks.com

TN: Any future partnerships you can talk about?
RV: None to speak of right now just my relationship with MasterCard and Saks Fifth Avenue.

TN: Any other sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
RV: You know how I am; I keep everything under wraps until the last minute.

...continued: Who is Robert Verdi?

As a self-taught jewelry designer, Rachel Dooley is making a case for herself in the world of green jewelry—and it has nothing to do with her successful career as a lawyer. She’s unleashing her creative side with a dazzling collection of gems and precious metals, ensuring women the world over can deck themselves out in natural stones and creative metal sculptures that have made the Gemma Redux line famous. From knotted metal earrings to golden lariate necklaces, this jewelry maven gets busy sculpting a unique collection each season—and proving that pursuing your passion is just as important as a career. We found her testimony to all things green on ThisNext, and caught up with her for a Q&A briefing:

TN: How did you get into jewelry, versus clothing in general?
RD: It was a totally selfish move. I could not find jewelry that I loved to wear all the time so I was trying to fill that void in my wardrobe. I still make clothes for myself and my girls, but for now that is a personal project.

TN: How long have you been designing? What’s your career background?
RD: I have been designing since I was about 4, honestly – I was always the girl selling lanyard bracelets and beaded necklaces at our neighborhood pool. Gemma Redux has been in the works for about two and a half years. I’m also a lawyer – jewelry design has long been a creative outlet for me.

...continued: Who is Rachel Dooley?