Photography by Tracy Morford
Set Design by Domestic Construction

Girls. Real girls make memorable moves. You may see these ones stepping in cadence with the pulse of New York, imposing their respective talents on those within a widening radius. Here’s an insight into the life of a few girls that do not fuck around.

Kate Schlichter

Occupation: Hair Stylist

Years in New York: 8

What neighborhood do you live in? Williamsburg

Where are you originally from? Olympia, Washington

What brought you to New York? I was living in San Francisco and it became too small. I wanted to grow and expand my career.

Favorite things to do in New York? Rowing boats in Central Park, seeing bands, walking shelter dogs, going to museums and art openings, getting inspired.

Best New York moment: Having a surprise date at the top of the Empire State Building at midnight … Who knew it was open ’til 2 a.m.! I travel often, so every time I come home from the airport, seeing the New York skyline always makes me happy and warms my heart.

Anything exciting you’re working on now? Only Child Studio

Where do you see yourself in five years? Still cutting and styling hair. Hopefully being bicoastal and continuing to travel the world.

Fan Wu

Occupation: Graphic Designer and Model

Years in New York: Approaching 7

What neighborhood do you live in? Williamsburg

Where are you originally from? I’m from Hong Kong, but was in Singapore for a big portion of my childhood. Sometimes, I don’t feel like I belong anywhere, rather, a constant sailor.

What brought you to New York? Growing up in Asia, it’s common to be fascinated by big Western cities. I chose New York because I was accepted into Pratt Institute.

Favorite things to do in New York? I love the small and cozy feel of the coffee shops, bars and restaurants in Brooklyn.

Best New York moment: Shooting a story about my transgender identity called ‘Trans Muse’ for a gallery exhibition in Italy with one of my favorite photographers Vera Comploj. It was one of the most amazing experiences, so far. I’m feeling optimistic about myself and my identity, rather than feeling down for what I was born to be. No doubt, my mom and friends are a big contributing factor to this.

Anything exciting you’re working on now? My new label Fan. It’s a line of street wear, mainly focusing on well made t-shirts. The first series will be based around the theme ‘It Gets Better.’ I have a great love for a well made t-shirt, and styling in general, so it’s been fun turning my design into comfy essentials.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Creating awareness and educating the public about what being transgender is all about. I am blessed by the unconditional love from the people around me, and I see that as being the most important elements of life, aside from my career goals.

Krop.com/FanWu

Pamela Tapper

Occupation: Casting Director at Establishment Casting

Years in New York: Whole life! Born and raised here, bitch!

What neighborhood do you live in? Williamsburg, for the past 13 years.

Where are you originally from? Queens

What brought you to New York? Birth!

Favorite things to do in New York? Sit in Thompkins Square Park on a random Tuesday afternoon, drinking iced coffee, watching the junkies freak out.

Best New York moment: Having sex on a Brooklyn rooftop with the NYC skyline in the background.

Anything exciting you’re working on now? My tan.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Still here in this whore of a city.

Dj Roze Royze

Occupation: IT Analyst

Years in New York: All my life

What neighborhood do you live in? Bensonhurst

Where are you originally from? Peru

What brought you to New York? Opportunities

Favorite things to do in New York? Long walks on the beach, digging for records and enjoying my free time with my peeps. I’m constantly rediscovering favorite things to do in New York, it’s never a dull moment.

Best New York moment: So many, but I would have to say when I had a chance to DJ at the Gay Pride Parade, going down Christopher Street gave me goosebumps. And landing my residency in Brooklyn, ‘Brooklyn’s Burning,’ at Sputnik. It was a weekly party with Lisa Shaw, Dwayne Saunders, and Christopher Garrety.

Anything exciting you’re working on now? House of Moombahton: a party that I co-produce in Williamsburg, a mixture of house music and moombahton. Also working on putting together a feel good dance party in Brooklyn.

Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself continuing working on my craft, branching out to other cities. Putting together DJ/Artist events.

DJRozeRoyze.com
SoundCloud.com/DJRozeRoyze