Our June cover girl is a part of one of our favorite Netflix shows Orange is the New Black. Vicky Jeudy plays Janae Watson and is back for season 4 with a number of shennanigans with our favorite girls in Litchfield.
We took a moment to sit down to find out more about Vicky, what's she's working on and what we can expect from the new season which is available on June 17th!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actress?
VICKY JEUDY: I realized I wanted to be an actress when I was in college. It was a profession that I always found intriguing and wanted to pursue. It's storytelling of humanity.
AM: We love getting to know more about your character each season and hope to find out more about Janae Watson - what was the audition process like?
VJ: The audition process was great. My representatives sent me the audition material and I prepared for it. I went in and gave it my best.
AM: After being with you on set for our cover, we know you have an infectious smile and bubbly personality, how are you able to get into the character of Janae and what is the process like?
VJ: Aw! Thank you for that compliment. When I get into character I'm thinking of Janae's thoughts, how she is feeling in a particular situation and what is she trying to accomplish? I believe all of the characters are relatable and the audience can connect with feelings of loss, despair, happiness, etc.
AM: How long do you guys film for each season and what's an average day like?
VJ: Usually it takes 5-6 months for filming. An average day consist of reporting to work, greeting everybody, I'll grab breakfast and head straight into hair and makeup. From there my cast mates and I will gather together for rehearsal with the director and then we are ready to shoot. It's a huge blessing to work with an entire team of people that are professional and friendly. Working on the set of OITNB feels like I'm surrounded with love.
AM: What are you excited about for this season of OITNB?
VJ: I'm thrilled for season 4 and I can't wait for the public to see it. It deals with heavy headline news. I hope it brings insight to the audience and soften their heart about particular matters.
AM: Outside of OITNB, are there other shows, movies etc. that we will see you in?
VJ: Yes! I did an amazing independent film called Armstrong and I can't wait for everyone to see it once it's completed.
AM: When you're not going to castings, table reads etc. - how do you find balance and giving yourself the personal time that you need?
VJ: My personal time is extremely important to me. It's where I refresh myself. I believe in hanging out with my closest family and friends that I adore, praying and having fun. I love bike riding, traveling, and exploring my city. It's so important to have a great time when going through this journey of life.
AM: How do you stay in shape?
VJ: I stay in shape by keeping active and eating healthy. When the weather is nice, I have a weakness for outdoor activities such as biking, walking, running, whatever it is I'm doing it. I also go to the gym, but I'd rather be outside.
AM: What is your personal style when you're out and about in terms of favorite things to wear?
VJ: I love to look naturally pretty, simple and classy at the same time. I adore hats, a sophisticated bag and amazing pumps. Those are my daily fashion go to.
AM: Do you have any charities or groups that you work with?
VJ: As of recently yes. I had the opportunity to observe the amazing work J/P HRO (Jenkins/Penn Haitian Relief Organization founded by philanthropist Sanela Diana Jenkins and actor Sean Penn) is doing in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Haiti is important to me because both my parents are Haitian. The organization has established schools, medical centers, community centers, housing and so much more. I'm excited to work along them.
AM: How are you spending your summer?
VJ: My summer will be spent on working, reading, traveling, and whatever I feel like getting into. It's never too late to discover more passions.
Photo taken by Paul Farkas
We shot our June cover at a stunning penthouse at 75 Wall St. With a great location and stunning views, we wanted to know more about this luxury property.
AM: The Hakimian Organization has developed a number of properties in the city, what sets 75 Wall apart from the rest that you own?
THE HAKIMIAN ORGANIZATION: 75 Wall Residences Atop Andaz is the most diverse and dynamic development in The Hakimian Organization’s portfolio to date. Since the condominium, which consists of 346 units, lies above 253 hotel rooms, retail space, and an onsite garage parking, residents share the benefit of having their own private space, alongside the privileges of staying in a hotel. The notable property, designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, was named a Best Mixed-Use Development in the prestigious Americas’ Property Awards.
AM: 75 Wall is currently in the midst of a renovation, when will it be completed and can people purchase units now?
THO: The condominiums at 75 Wall are available for purchase now, with immediate occupancy. However, for the common spaces, 75 Wall has partnered with contemporary high-end furniture company, Ligne Roset, to make upgrades to the building’s lobby, 18th floor lounge and spacious rooftop, which offers sweeping views of lower Manhattan. 75 Wall is also adding a children’s playroom! This is all being done with no special assessment or increase in common charges, and will be completed this summer.
AM: With the Andaz Wall Street hotel as a neighbor, what are residents able to enjoy as part of their amenities?
THO: With the Andaz Wall Street as a neighbor, residents are able to enjoy the benefits of a hotel, right in their very own home! This includes hotel services such as room service, catering and the finest treatments from The SPA at Andaz Wall Street hotel.
AM: We shot our cover star, Vicky Judy of Orange is the New Black in one of your penthouse lofts. Tell us who was the interior designer and the thought process behind the decoration. Also, share with us some of the details of the loft in terms of the materials used.
THO: 75 Wall has just released its most luxury penthouses and condominiums onto the market, which includes the space Vicky Judy was shot in, PHL2. In addition to releasing this exclusive collection onto the market, 75 Wall also partnered with Ligne Roset to update the amenity spaces, as well as design the model unit that was used for the shoot. PHL2 has three bedrooms, and a space in the front that could be used for an office, or, as we designed it, for a children’s play space.
AM: The roof deck is stunning with amazing views, your condos are in a historic part of town and there are great amenities available to residents - what are your key selling points of this space?
THO: 75 Wall’s location is definitely a huge selling point. The building is within walking distance to South Street Seaport, the Fulton Street Transit Center, and latest shopping mecca Brookfield Place, in addition to staples like Dean and Deluca, making it a prime choice for those looking to immerse themselves in all that lower Manhattan has to offer. Additionally, residents are able to enjoy the benefits offered by the building's latest onsite services and entertainment provider, Luxury Attaché, a premier concierge management company that is introducing music and art classes, children’s exercise programs and story time events into the space. Other programs include spa and salon services, event planning assistance, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, refrigerator and pantry stocking, technology installation, and personalized entertainment and nightlife recommendations. The rooftop lounge and terrace is set to go under renovation as well, and will soon include outdoor and indoor entertainment spaces with fireplace, bar and kitchen.
AM: What elements are core Hakimian details that you tend to include within your buildings for those that seek out your developments?
THO: With our properties, we put an emphasis on lifestyle, outfitting each building with everyday luxuries that make them stand out. Whether it’s a partnership with a service that offers exclusive entertainment options, premier in-house workout classes, or furnishings from an award-winning design company, The Hakimian Organization strives to deliver unique indulgences to every property we have.
AM: What is next for The Hakimian Organization in terms of residential properties that we should include on our list for those on the market?
THO: Next up, The Hakimian Organization is looking to build a few properties on the emerging Long Island City. This includes 41-31 27th Street, a 15-story, 45-unit rental building with interiors by David Howell Design; and 33-01 38th Avenue, a six-story, 94-unit rental designed by Greenberg Farrow. The Hakimian Organization is also developing Long Island City’s 44-16 23rd Street into a new retail space, slated to open in 2017.
| COVER + IMAGE 2 | Caftan MAISON DE PAPILLON | Necklace AMI CLUBWEAR | Ring Wrist Bracelet E SHAW JEWELS | OPENING SPREAD | Crop Top + A-Line Ball Gown Skirt JOVANI | Gold Bracelet KATE SPADE NY | IMAGE 1 | Mesh Zipped Jacket, Mesh Sport Bra, + Black Python Pant ALALA | Up4 JAWBONE | Yoga Mat JADE YOGA | Yoga Bag BAGALINI | IMAGE 3 | Crop Top + A-Line Ball Gown Skirt JOVANI |
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