Exclusive Interview with Christina Grimmie

 If you haven’t heard of Christina Grimmie, you’re obviously not too in touch with music these days. In an age where the most talented teens are being discovered by uploading homemade videos, Youtube serves as a major platform in launching mainstream music careers, such as that of Justin Bieber, Grayson Chance, and Rebecca Black.

Now, a new star is rising to prominence. Christina Grimmie is the 7^th most subscribed artist on Youtube with over 900,000 subscribers and over 139 million uploads. Her career is about to seriously take off, as she’s going on tour with Selena Gomez this summer. Christina’s first single, “Advice”, will be released on June 11^th, and her debut album will be independently released on June 14^th.

Below is my exclusive interview Christina Grimmie, where she tells us how she deals with negative feedback, how she met Selena Gomez, and why she’s completely obsessed Zelda of Ocarina of Time. Be sure to check out her music on her channel, Zeldaxlove64!

1.I see you've had your YouTube account open since February of 2009 and you now have over 900,000 subscribers. Was your growth in popularity gradual, or do you feel like there was a sudden point where it completely took off?

Well I just made the account February of 2009, I didn’t post anything until July. And the reason for that is because I didn’t make the account to post videos, I made it to be a simple youtuber. I’d say it was more of a gradual growth altogether. There were certain videos that obviously did better than others, that being “Just A Dream”, “Miley Cyrus Medley” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”. They were either duets or just better production.

2.Do you ever get negative feedback? If so, how do you deal with it?

I think every single person on Youtube, or ANYWHERE, for that matter, gets negative things said about them. And for me, it used to really get to me. But now, it’s almost like I’ve built a wall and I don’t let it eat away at me, simply because that’s what they want--they want me to react to their comment or post and make a big deal. (laughs) But come on, that’s ridiculous.

3.Do you feel your age plays any part in your reputation and career?

I’m a 17 year old, so I feel that what I do should stick to my morals and boundaries. I’ve seen too many celebrities fall from their morals, and I wanna come up under that and be THAT girl that doesn’t need a scandal to make herself look better. And I think my career is doing relatively great right now because i am young. But I also think it’s about a person’s personality that draws people in, too, not just their singing.

4.Was YouTube the start of your career, or were you performing before you opened the account? How do you feel you've grown as an artist?

Youtube was the start of my career officially, although since I was 4 I’ve wanted to be a singer. I’ve performed here and there before youtube, but youtube push me much further. I think I’ve grown as an artist immensely; my voice has gotten MUCH stronger compared to my older videos, with the help of a few lessons. Also I’ve become a better performer and songwriter through it all.

5.You seem to really love video games. How did you get interested? And why does Zelda stick out as opposed to other characters?

My brother is a year older than me, and we’re literally best friends, so when he started playing videogames when he was 5, I would watch him because i was too young to understand what to do (haha). I’ve loved videogames ever since I was that young. But Zelda...I remember it was my favorite game to watch my brother play. But i would constantly have nightmares about redeads and freaky things in the game, so my mom sold the game and me and my brother were so upset! We got it back a few years later and when I tell you I played it all the time, I PLAYED IT ALL THE TIME! It has such a great story and it will never get old to me.

6.You've mentioned that you don't know how to read music, but instead you play the piano by ear. Did you take lessons? How long did it take to develop a talent in it?

My dad noticed some kind of talent on piano when he asked me to play a couple random songs on piano when i was 6 and I just did it. I attempted lessons but I was just so bad at reading notes. I would read “Three Blind Mice” by ear, so learning notes was almost impossible.

7.So I hear that your first single will be released on June 11th. What can we expect? Did you write the song?

I took part in writing that song, yes, but I did not write the entire thing. You can expect a fun song to just RAWK OUT to, but still has meaning to it, so it’s not a pointless song. It’s a song full of good things to remember, so memorizing the lyrics wouldn’t hurt! :D

8.Did you write all the songs on your upcoming album? Which songs have the most meaning to you?

I got to write on all of the songs except for 1. I wrote with other people for the majority of them. Which is AMAZING, because most artist’s first album they don’t write on at ALL! So what a blessing that was. But 2 songs are written only by me, which were “Find Me” and “Unforgivable”. But I think “Find Me” means the most to me because I was in a certain place in my life that had depth and emotion when I wrote it. It has a few different meanings, as well.

9.Who are some major sources of inspiration to you?

Christina Aguilera has been my vocal inspiration ever since a year ago. And honestly, ever since I was so inspired by her to have a stronger voice, I practiced and practiced and even took a couple lessons and now I can really belt out notes (not as well as Aguilera, of course!).  But Stacie Orrico was my childhood hero. I was about 12 when i found her music. She is a contemporary Christian artist, and I can honestly tell you that I don’t think I’d have a soulful voice if I didn’t listen to Stacie. I wanted to sound just like her growing up, and to this day i STILL think I sound a little bit like her. But she is AMAZING!

10.Your hair is a pretty popular topic. Where did you come up with the style?

Me and my best friend Sarah have had the same hairstyle since 1st grade, so a couple years ago we were trying to decide what we wanted next. So we asked my awesome hairdresser for hair with lots of volume. And that’s how i got my hair! But i kept up with it and changed it around a bit. My friend doesn’t have the same hair anymore, possibly because it seemed too high maintenance (haha). But it doesn’t take that long to do, honestly!

11.You're going on tour with Selena Gomez this summer. How were you chosen to be part of the tour, and what are you most looking forward to?

Selena’s mom and step-dad are my managers, so they hooked me up. They would’ve never done it if they thought I couldn’t, so don’t think they did it just because they COULD! They really believe in me. I’m definitely looking forward to performing and going all out on stage, and then afterwards, meeting fans and turning my “goofy” on, as usual!

12.Have you met Selena yet? If so, what are your thoughts?

Yes, I spent part of the summer with her and her family, learning the ways of Hollywood, i guess you could say, and doing interviews and such. If there’s anything to say about Selena, it’s that if your hanging out with her for a simple 10 minutes, you’ll forget your hanging out with a “celebrity”. and THAT’S how down-to-earth she is.

13.Any advice to aspiring singers?

My advice? Don’t let the idiots that like to bring you down, succeed in discouraging you. I let it get to me awhile ago, and let me tell you, it feels SO good to come up under it! And hey, it’s okay to laugh at yourself sometimes, I do dumb things all the time (haha). But when it get’s too personal, get your tough skin on and stand firm; come on, they don’t matter anyway! 

Interview with Lime Crime Creator Doe Deere

When Lime Crime was launched back in late 2008, beauty lovers and Anime fans rejoiced, as there was finally a line of makeup that consisted of bright, opaque colors, while still maintaining the high quality of department store brands.

We were lucky enough to score an exclusive interview with Lime Crime’s colorfully talented creator, Doe Deere. Below, Doe tells us how Lime Crime was born, where it’s going, why she’s called the ‘Unicorn Queen’, and why she thrives on the compliments of elderly ladies!

Mallory: How did your career lead to the creation of Lime Crime?

Doe: I started out as an indie fashion designer on eBay. Being a one-girl operation, I had to model my own designs -- and since I wanted it to look cool, I started doing my own creative makeup. In 2004, I posted my first makeup tutorial online and got a wonderful response! Since day one my website & blog have been known for expressing personality through color, and it's still the case today. The idea to start my own makeup line came to me in 2008, when I realized how few brands are true-to-color. I was disappointed with lipsticks and eyeshadows that went on sheer, and decided to formulate my own. Lime Crime was born in the fall of 2008.

Mallory: Where did your nickname 'The Unicorn Queen' come from?

Doe: I am a self-proclaimed Unicorn Queen. ‘Uni’ means one; a unicorn is a solitary animal  and, being a bit of an outsider, I can relate to that. My interest in unicorns - as well as other mythological creatures such as  mermaids - runs deep; I view them as symbols of beauty, strength, and individuality. I couldn't have thought of a better mascot for my cosmetics line!

Mallory: My favorite style blogger, Bebe Zeva, is a major fan of Lime Crime. Who are some other fans we might have heard of?

Doe: We love us some Bebe at LC - that girl's got killer style! Other fashion bloggers that have worn us are Tavi of StyleRookie, Cocorosa, Audrey Kitching, Hanna Beth. We've also had the privilege of seeing our makeup grace the faces of trend-setters like Taryn Manning, M.I.A., Robyn, Jesse J, as well as Adele and Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough. Since our makeup is known for its lasting qualities, head makeup artists at both, So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars use our products on the dancers. But my favorite is to see regular girls on our Facebook page wear and love those colors!

Mallory: How much control do you have over the design and creation of Lime Crime products?

Doe: Lime Crime is my brain child; I have 100% creative control. It's important for me to be involved in every aspect of the brand - from product development to packaging design to marketing to styling photoshoots. I started out creating color benchmarks myself, and I still do that. My work week is split between the lab and the office; at the lab, I work directly with a group of che  mists on developing shades, formulas, and personally test the products. I am definitely not alone though and I do have a great support team - not the least of which is my husband and partner Mark, with whom we brainstorm together!

Mallory: What's your favorite shade of Lime Crime lipstick?

Doe: Right now, it has to be Mint To Be! It's a pastel green and is such a gorgeous color for spring/summer! I get compliments from old ladies all the time when I wear it. (If something passes an old lady test, it's good in my opinion.)

Mallory: Do you wear any makeup other than Lime Crime? If so, what kind and what brand

Doe: I like Make Up For Ever, NARS, Lipstick Queen - anything densely-pigmented! I am not against drugstore brands either -- my favorite foundation is True Match by L'Oreal and my favorite mascara is Maybelline Falsies.

Mallory: I hear that your real name is Xenia Vorotova. Where did you come up with 'Doe Deere', and why do you prefer it?

Doe: Russian born and raised. I prefer Doe Deere just because it's such a big part of who I am. It started out as an alter-ego - the best, most creative version of me, so to speak - and eventually morphed into my everyday persona. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that I adore deer - gentle, graceful animals. (And yes, I cried during Bambi!) I'm a big animal lover and a proud caretaker of 3 wonderful cats. For this reason, our cosmetics are always cruelty-free and never tested on animals - a personal value that easily translates to Lime Crime. Most our products are vegan-friendly, too.

Mallory: What are you planning next?

Doe: We are coming out with several new, exciting products in the fall - stay tuned because I can't wait to share them with everybody! It's about to get dark in the unicorn-land... Because you can't have color without shadows.

You can find Doe Deere and Lime Crime online on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Doe’s Blogazine, and the Lime Crime official online store.

Bebe Zeva's Enviable Life: Part 2

Exclusive Interview with Style Blogger Extraordinaire Bebe Zeva

Last month, we featured an exclusive interview with Bebe Zeva, one of our favorite style bloggers! Previously known solely as the ‘I Am Carles’ chick from Hipster Runoff, Bebe now runs her own style blog titled 'Fated To Be Hated' with her day-to-day looks -which are far more unique than most teenagers in the blogosphere.

Bebe has been featured in Nylon, Elle, Seventeen, and Teen Vogue, as well as a documentary made about her life that premiered in Soho earlier this year. In our last interview, she told us about her first visit to New York City, her opinion on the comparisons to fellow blogger Tavi Gevinson, and why she doesn’t like to be called a fashion blogger. (See our last interview here!) Here, Bebe Zeva tells us how she got started, how to be a successful fashion blogger, and why exactly she is ‘Fated to be Hated.’

How exactly did you get started in outfit blogging?

I had an account on Lookbook before I had a blog, so I used that platform as an outlet for expressing my style. As my looks grew in popularity, I realized that I needed to explain the inspiration and influence behind my choices. Having a blog was the best decision I ever made- it forced me to ask myself WHY I favor the things I do. It also encouraged me to formulate opinions on fashion-related facets that I normally wouldn't care about. I've done more research on runway shows and fashion houses in the last three months than I ever have in my entire life.

What are you planning next?

I have no idea, actually. I'd like to work more on my creative writing, like short stories and poems. It'd be great to find my voice in literature so that I can focus more on journalism.

Bebe ZevaAre you planning a career in fashion?

After taking a few courses in history, journalism, and design, it'd be lovely to immerse myself completely in the fashion universe. I've got a lot to learn for now, but at some point I'd like to write about icons, collections, trends, and subcultures. The most fascinating aspect of fashion is the sociology, and that's what I'd like to specialize in.

Where did the name 'Fated To Be Hated' come from?
I think "Fated To Be Hated" is the best explanation of my entire persona. No matter where I go or what I do, I am fated to be disliked by at least one person. It's like I was cursed with some hormone that turns people off as soon as they enter my vicinity. Always been that way, since first grade when I tried to fit in with my classmates but was essentially cast aside for having been "different." I was born in Florida, not Massachusetts like the rest of 'em. That sense of having been an outcast pretty much stayed with me for the rest of my career in middle and high school. Perhaps it's a self-fulfilling prophecy; I expect to be disregarded, hence I am.
Any advice to aspiring fashion bloggers?

Before you go about picking your URL and blogger template, ask yourself ,"what makes me more special than any other fashion blogger on the internet?". Once you find a concrete answer, write it down, and inflate

it until it completely consumes your identity. Every individual needs at least one 'it-factor' that sets them apart from the riff-raff. There are hundreds of thousands of girls and guys with computers who can recognize that Abbey Lee Kershaw has great street style, but so what? And why should I read YOUR critique of the Miu Miu Spring/Summer line? Give your readers a reason to trust your opinion. Show them that your style reflects a valid understanding of aesthetics, then they'll respect your thoughts on specific subjects more than anyone else's.
Bebe Zeva can be found online through her Blog, Twitter, Tumbler, and Lookbook.

(As seen on JoonBug)