It was a tough choice. So, instead of selecting just one I AM Modern reader for our cover, we are devoting an entire spread to our four finalists. A heartfelt 'thank you' to all you ladies who participated in our 'I AM Modern Cover Girl Contest' and our deepest gratitude to all of those listed below, without whom, none of this would have been possible.

JJ Singh is about Passion! JJ's passion for metal ignited at 19 when she began her training with a successful goldsmith in Virginia. Continual refining led to her distinct and signature design aesthetic. The jewelry of JJ Singh is an immediately recognizable style defined by ancient influences applied with modern design interpretations. JJ's collections are available through fine jewelry retailers, and through the Virginia studio (by appointment) (jjsinghjewelry.com).


Grand Prize: Jennifer Everett $650 Necklace

The following top 5 entrants with the most votes each received a $50 gift cards towards jewelry purchase:

Ginny Meerman ----------------------- Karen Miscovich
Anna Jamison ------------------------- Hollin Hinkle
Marina Romanova

Statements on the Water Spa want to ensure that your beauty preparations exceed your greatest expectations and give you the look you’ve always dreamed of. The exquisiteness of the spa lies not only in the extensive services offered, their gorgeous facility, and luxurious products but also in the magic of their professional staff...a staff dedicated to making your day as special as possible (statementsthesalon.com).

The following top 10 entrants with the most votes each received a $50 gift cards towards a spa visit:

Ginny Meerman-------------------------Ginny Gunn
Anna Jamison------------------------- Raena Colby
Marina Romanova------------------------- Jennifer Everett
Karen Miscovich------------------------- Francisca Ramos
Hollin Hinkle------------------------- Joy Kingsley-Ibeh

Chrysalis Plastic Surgery has only one goal: top-of-the-line patient care with stunning results. Based in Sterling, Virginia, Board Certified, Dr Peter Klainer founded Chrysalis Plastic Surgery in 2000. He is dedicated to his clients providing the highest standard of patient care anywhere in Northern Virginia. He is committed to patient education and ensuring that his patients achieve outstanding results (wherebeautybegins.com)..

Grand Prize: Karen Miscovich $500 Gift Certificate

Grand prize winners selected randomly through www.Random.org

Photography and Art Direction by Monica True

Hair Stylist: Kahlil Oliver, STILISTA Agency

Makeup Artist: Lisa Mcphee STILISTA Agency

Styling by Eileen Nelson, Urban Darling ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

A special thanks to Cristina Dehart and Explore Modeling for taking on the immense task of hosting the contest on their website and their support and advice.



“I am honored to represent I AM Modern Magazine in celebrating women over 35.

Modern women today can do anything. I am a happily married, 40 year-old modern mom with two beautiful children.

I have been in the beauty industry for years and prior to that I was an educator. I have combined the two passions recently and started a website for women inspiring them to look and feel their very best (thehipchickonline.com).

My goal is to help woman achieve their ‘Over 40 Style’ through hair, skin, make-up, clothing tips thus reminding them 40 is fabulous!”


Kimberly Hudnall, 40
Leesburg, VA







“I am honored to be able to represent “real housewives” and women over 40. My husband and I will be celebrating 17 years of marriage this year and are blessed to be the parents of 11 year-old boy/girl twins and a 9 year-old son. I love interior design and fashion and currently operate a small in-home preschool. I am passionate about nutrition and healthy living and strongly believe that it is important for women to have balance in their lives and to find something that they enjoy doing. I feel very grateful for the people in my life and I count my blessings everyday.”

Janelle Petrakis, 44
Ashburn, VA


"When my children were young, I was a stay at home mom and did some modeling to make some extra money. When my kids were older I took a job with Southwest Airlines for both the travel and great benefits. Getting back into the work force at the age of 40 was not an easy task. I took an early retirement and now at the age of 50, started a new part time job as a receptionist. I’ve been married for 28 years (WOW!) and we have three grown children, Samantha 25, Andrew 23 and Danielle 20. I believe it is important to stay active and exercise. I enjoy meeting new people and giving it my all."

-Karen Colman, 50
Baltimore, MD

“Being selected as a finalist provides me the opportunity to be an example of a healthy, strong, hardworking, thirty-something year old woman. I am a modern woman because I'm not afraid to be who I am. Being me means taking risks, working hard and being a good person. I'm a working professional and entrepreneur with numerous hobbies. I want to show women that life is just beginning at thirty and as long as you take care of yourself the sky is the limit. I exercise regularly, and I live a healthy active lifestyle which keeps me young in my mind, body and spirit.”

Joy Kingsley-Ibeh, 35
Washington DC