Category Archives: Featured Businesses

28Apr/21

Black Luxury Brands to Frequent: Adele Dejak

Attention all accessorizing and glamorizing sistas!! The sistas who love a beautiful statement piece. The sistas who love good, quality accessories. Adele Dejak is the brand for you. Eponymously named after its Nigerian creator Adele Dejak in 2008, the brand creates the most beautiful afro-futuristic jewelry ranging from rings to chokers and they also carry an array of rustic calfskin clutches. 

Although I am not an avid accessorizer, the ÁMI I & II collections of chokers are truly a masterclass of metalwork and craftsmanship. The pendants are either hammered brass or aluminum and are paired with a smooth black leather cord or are attached to a large brass ring. I would not be a reliable fashion contributor if I did not tell you how wonderfully brass and gold hues compliment melanated skin. 

Adele Dejak Accessories Nigerian Afro-futurism
Models wearing the ÁMI II collection of neckpieces; Photo Credit | @adeledejak on Instagram

Aside from being wonderfully and carefully crafted by African artisans, Adele Dejak has been endorsed by the Queen Bee herself!! Flaunting the Afrika Comb in the Black Is King film and, on another occasion, wearing the Margret Aluminum Statement Bracelet in tandem with the Dhamani Kanini bracelet in the music video for My Power from the soundtrack of the 2019 remake of the Lion King. 

Adele Dejak Accessories Nigerian Afro-futurism Beyonce
Beyonce wearing the Afrika Comb necklace from Adele Dejak; Photo Credit | @beyonce on Instagram

AD is also big on sustainability, according to their website, only using recycled and upcycled brass and aluminum for their jewelry. They also have a partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Australia to train people in the Dadaab and Kakuma camps to produce goods using upcycled materials to sell to provide for their families.

The pieces may be a little pricey for some (150$+), but the cost of supporting a black business is priceless. Besides, who doesn’t want to step into their next board meeting looking like they stepped off the first flight back from Wakanda? Go check out Adele Dejak and tell them I sent you ♥!

This is the second piece in a 5 part series about my favorite Black Luxury Brands, check out the first part here!

27Jan/21

Black Luxury Brands to Frequent: La Vie by CK

Let me start off by saying that La Vie by CK blew me away. I knew our people were talented but La Vie by CK is on another level! They instantly blow away anything you can get in your Ann Taylor’s or your H&M’s. The women’s bathing suit selection has some of the most gorgeous pieces I’ve ever seen.

The Greece bathing suit (understandably sold out), will absolutely have all eyes on you as you lounge poolside at any resort from Miami to, well, Greece! The white fabric of the sleeves is light and airy, giving you the look of a goddess come to earth, and the ankara print trim around the white bodice will beautifully complement melanated skin, from the lightest oak to the richest ebony. Most of the selections are named after African nations and are created from bold and colorful Ankara prints.

“The Greece bathing suit (understandably sold out), will absolutely have all eyes on you!”

Their current selection is a masterclass in garment construction, Claude Kameni’s eye for design and an appreciation for the black body is something that you can only get from brands run by people who look like us.

A photograph of 3 women of color, lounging on a large rock in the middle of a lush green forest wearing ankara print bathing suits
Swimsuits from LaVie by CK’s LE VOYAGÉ collection; Photo Credit/MC Gregor Lapierre

La Vie by CK also offers couture gowns which, if the ready-to-wear pieces are any indication of quality, will absolutely be worth every dollar spent – from the consultation all the way up to the design and finishing of the final product. A quick run-through of the brand’s Instagram can give you a good look at the kind of quality couture gowns and outfits Kameni is capable of.

The brand is featured on Beyonce’s website and was even brought on to design a wedding dress for the indelible, forever iconic Jennifer Lewis for the Golden Globe and NAACP Image award-winning show, Black-ish. The outfit, like many of her pieces, features a bold red Ankara print, a long flowing train, billowing sleeves over a simple but stated pant.

Jennifer Lewis wearing a La Vie by CK ensemble on the set of Black-ish; Photo Credit/ Claude Kameni

I could go on and on about the thought that goes into the construction of each garment and how they look on melanated bodies, but then this would be a book. Instead, go check out La Vie by CK for yourself and tell them I sent you!

14Apr/20
Black Honey Toys

Black Honey Toys is Brand for Adult Toys That Look Like You

Black Honey Toys (BHT) is an online adult shop which specializes in sex toys and other erotic products that reflect Black sexuality and skin tones. In an industry dominated by mainstream Eurocentric standards of beauty, BHT has created a unique retail space with their carefully selected inventory and their mission to provide a retail experience which makes shoppers feel empowered and represented.

”Black people – both singles and couples of all sexual orientations, enjoy shopping for sex toys just as much as any other group but the retail experience often leaves people feeling less valued,” says Mac Arthur, Co-Founder and CEO of Black Honey Toys.

“Seeing yourself reflected in your retail experience can be empowering and uplifting; just as the scarcity of products which reflect you and your values can have the opposite effect. We are championing the idea that online sex toy shops should be more racially inclusive in their store displays and product range.”

Black Honey ToysBlack Honey Toys is here for you – whether you are a Black person looking for pleasure enhancing toys which reflect your skin color or you are of any other color and have a particular preference for such toys.

Shop online now via their website! Follow on both Instagram and Twitter!

27Jun/19
Bougie Luminaries, og:type

Bougie Luminaries is Lighting Up the Candle Industry

Bougie Luminaries Bougie Luminaries is an experience born out of a love for candles, culture, romance, and beauty. In 2014, a candle making workshop reignited Erika Parker-Smith’s, founder, childhood passion for the art. Flames always fascinated her. Initially, she made candles for family and friends who wondered why she and her husband, illustrative artist Jamaul Smith, weren’t in the candle business. The idea was considered and shelved until 2016. Bougie Luminaries came to life in 2017 when the duo decided to just go for it. They began brainstorming names and concepts and, eventually, their focus narrowed when two themes repeatedly emerged: pinup art and pop culture. Those themes inspire all that they do.

Bougie Luminaries is an amalgamation of passions – candle creation, art, stationery, movies, music, and a life lived full of experiences intertwined with the tradition of Black Excellence. The duo wondered if anyone wanted to see or celebrate melanated beautiful women in the same ways and they do! Erika and Jamaul figured out how to merge their eclectic tastes with visually stunning art and fragrances to create arousingly decadent candles and stationery.

Bougie Luminaries In 2018, Erika walked away from corporate America to launch Bougie Luminaries. Today, the family is owning bougie-ness and learning to be comfortable in it. This business reminds and reflects daily the varied beauty that exists throughout the African Diaspora. It teaches self-love and to take bougie as a compliment. What’s next? A culturally-inspired brand & boutique experience. In 3-5 years, Bougie Luminaries will be a boutique staple & continue being an excellent gift for the culturally inspired.

For Bougie Luminaries Press Inquiries, Interviews & Features, and/or Wholesale Inquiries

Website
Email Address: info@bougieluminaries.com
Phone Number: 919.892.8922 (Office Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
Social Media: @bougieluminaries (All Sites)

Bougie Luminaries

17Jun/19
The Kia Xperience

The Kia Xperience is Glamming Up the Beauty Industry

The Kia XperienceAs a highly skilled, extensively trained Master Cosmetologist with over twenty years of experience behind the chair, Lakia Diggs’s, of The Kia Xperience, LLC, takes her passion for hair far beyond creating innovative styles for her recurring clientele in New York, the DMV area, and Atlanta. Her work has been featured in New York Fashion Week, Baltimore Fashion Week, for media like Vogue and Vogue Italia, and for brands like Roberto Cavalli, Oscar de la Renta, and Jeremy Scott to name a few. Using innovative techniques for weave installation, precision cutting, and advanced custom coloring, Lakia is well versed in the styling and care of all hair types and textures. Yet, she also works continuously to perfect her craft through continuing education coursework, discovering new ways to empower women through haircare products and services.

The Kia XperienceWith an inside-out approach to healthy hair, she is a certified Pravana Colorist and is aspiring to complete her certification in Trichology, making her a specialist in the health and treatment of hair and scalp conditions. Ever the entrepreneur, she used this knowledge to develop the TKX Hair Follicle Stimulant Drops, her own line of premium hair extensions named Bundles From Mary that feature a diverse assortment of human hair textures and densities from a variety of origins that blend flawlessly with many hair types, and her wig unit line entitled The Peruca Collection.

As an advocate for business owners and the cosmetology industry as a whole, Lakia is an instructor for burgeoning hairstylists, educating them on the levels of hair care, business management, client retention, state board exam refreshing, and branding. Additionally, she serves as a member and State Captain of the Maryland branch of the Professional Beauty Association. Lakia also works to improve her community through philanthropic endeavors like her annual school supply drive and prom drive, during which she donates gowns, hair, and nail services to students who display strong academic leadership. Through additional partnerships with non-profit organizations, Lakia works year round to provide the underprivileged youth in her community with the tools they need to have successful school years. Through her commitment to the artistry of cosmetology, her benevolence, and strong business acumen, Lakia Diggs continues to grow as a leader in the industry.

To join The Kia Xperience, connect with Lakia on her website, Instagram, and Facebook

The Kia Xperience

The Kia Xperience

04Apr/19
Secret to Success

Why Your Squad is Your Business’ Secret to Success

So you’ve decided to take the jump and start your own business. You’re not alone. Entrepreneurship is popular. There has been no better time to be a Black Woman Boss than right now.                                                                                                     

In the past year, I took this leap. I invested several hours of research, had a business plan, paperwork filed, and was ready to open for business. I promoted and waited, but business didn’t boom as I expected! What do I do? I reached in my bag for my secret weapon… my squad of girlfriends. Here’s why you should too.

Your Squad Will Encourage You

Secret to SuccessAll entrepreneurs experience occasional self-doubt and those nagging questions of “what if I’m not successful?” or “what I am doing wrong?” Your squad will remind you that you’re amazing. Remember, you’ve already done the hardest part by simply getting started. Your support system will provide the encouraging words you need to move forward during the toughest of times. In my lowest moments of the process of launching my business, I knew that I could always rely on my close friends, and even some acquaintances, to let me know that they were proud of me. That support alone has kept me going and tenacious when facing the daily challenges of entrepreneurship

Your Squad Will Send You Referrals

Whether you’re selling a product or offering a service, getting the word out about your business to your target audience is paramount. While you can pay for marketing services, it’s even better to get it for free via word of mouth. Who better to tell the world about your business than your squad? They will spread the word to their networks,  simply because they love you and believe in you – no marketing budget required.

Your Squad Has Different Skills

Let’s say that you recently decided to start your own catering business. You’ve always been an amazing chef, and you love serving people. Great! Does that mean you aware best equipped to build a website or manage your finances? Not likely. You started your business because you’re an expert on your product or service. You don’t have to master every single aspect of running your business to be successful. This is where your squad comes in!

I hired one of my oldest friends to be my photographer and another friend to build my website. This freed up my time to focus on my other work. Now, EVERYTHING is top-quality.

Whenever you need feedback, a shoulder to lean on, or to perform some essential part of your business where you lack expertise, don’t just try to get through it yourself! Your squad is there to help you get through…and can take your business further than you’ve ever imagined! They’re literally your business’ secret to success…

06Jan/19
Bourne Brilliant

3 Sibling Kidprenuers Own Plant-Based Patisserie, Bourne Brilliant LLC, for Over 5 Years

Bourne Brilliant LLCLyrica, Zaira, and Nadira, ages 11, 10 and 7 respectively, are a budding sister trio of kidpreneurs. In 2013, the eldest, Lyrica, started a bread ministry at the age of 6. She would bake bread and other goodies to distribute them throughout their community of Woodville, FL. In order to fund their generous donations, she pitched the business venture to their parents. Over the years, the trio has created their own recipes and branded their business into Bourne Brilliant LLC.

Lyrica, Zaira, and Nadira are now the CEO’s and founders of Bourne Brilliant LLC. They handcraft plant-based baked goods, beverages, and other tasty treats. They have even “hired” their Mom and given her a host of titles and duties. The goals of these multi-award-winning culinary creatives include promoting healthier eating habits to entire families and to see kids participating more in the kitchen. They are also passionate about encouraging other youth to find and create their own business enterprises. With the help of their parents, they have managed to own and operate this venture for over 5 years while maintaining a charitable and philanthropic component to their module.

Bourne Brilliant Bourne Brilliant Bourne Brilliant

To find out more about them and to see more work from Bourne Brilliant, visit their website and pages on Instagram and Facebook @bournebrilliantco.

Bourne Brilliant Bourne Brilliant

24Apr/18
First Ladii

The Business of First Ladii

First LadiiHer name is Briana Barksdale, but she is known in the entertainment industry as First Ladii Briana B. She is originally from Greensboro, NC but she lived in Virginia for two years before relocating back to North Carolina to the state’s Capital, Raleigh.

Goals: A future goal that Briana sees for her financial literacy business is to help one thousand new clients gain financial freedom by the end of 2018.  

Bet You Didn’t Know!: If she could work with any top name in the entertainment industry she would choose to work with Oprah because she views her as the most successful woman of all time!

She has attended several schools – A&T, Columbia School of Broadcasting and is currently studying Entertainment Business at the Los Angelo’s Film School – and during her time at the previous schools, she majored in business, media, and broadcasting. It has always been her passion to help others achieve their goals or to motivate them to be “One Day closer to their Dreams.” She is very blessed to be working every day in her field of work and changing the financial lives of all people daily.

Her mother inspired her to start her own company. In growing up, her mother was an entrepreneur and she always had several side gigs. Her daughter studied her tactics and it inspired her to want to grow and achieve all that she could during her life. She currently maintains an established Credit Consulting franchise and specializes in Credit Restoration and Financial Literacy. She also owns a multi-production PR business called First Ladii Productions.

Life with The Company 

As a CEO, the qualities she feels are most valuable consist of leadership, tenacity, perseverance, and confidence.  Her credit restoration franchise offers services that mentor in the field and financial literacy services to help repair and retain all things financially related.

The biggest challenge she had to overcome when starting her business was the ability to overcome after failure and/or denial. In her position, she had to juggle so many companies and these tasks are sometimes difficult, but in situations of that nature, you have to reorganize your priorities.

Success is always around the corner! The contribution she made to her community through her success is of great importance. She was recently recognized by her partner company for reaching milestones in her credit literacy program. She also hosted a red carpet event with her production company that sponsors individuals with epilepsy.

First Ladii

Inquiring Minds Want to Know...

Are there any CEO boss ladies’ who are internationally known that you admire?

The CEO Boss Ladies that she admires are Issa Rae and Beyonce. She admires Beyonce because she has been consistent in her business ventures. She admires Issa Rae because she created a similar platform as her and her success is something that she models.

Are there any other creative talents that you have, that your audience doesn’t know about?

Barksdale shared that she has plenty of talents.  One of which is being a mother. She’s a mother of a two-year old. In addition, she writes and produces a radio show as well as a talk show entitled Goal Diggers. The show features and highlights individuals successfully chasing their dreams.

She can be reached through social media on the following platforms:

Personal:

@iamBrianaB (Facebook, Snapchat, IG, Twitter)

Business: (Facebook and IG)

@CreditBrianaB

@GoalDiggersShow

@ShayStarDOTcom

Her Websites:

www.FirstLadii.com

www.GoalDiggers.tv

www.ShayStar.com

www.myfes.net/BBarksdale

24May/17

May Maven: Elle’s Elations

For today’s #WCW we’re featuring the lovely + talented Tarrin Davis, creator of Elle’s Elations. As many Black women entrepreneurs before her, Tarrin showed love for and respect to her ancestors by naming her company after her great-grandmother (Elease). Tarrin is a scientist by trade and an artist at heart. She makes her soaps entirely from scratch using cold and hot press. 98% of her products are vegan too!

Join us for a review of Elle’s Elations and use the coupon code TAJIMAG for a great discount this week!

FEATURED PRODUCT: Luxury Coffee Scrub 

First of all, when this coffee scrub was first described to us as a “luxury” product, we rolled our eyes. In this age of artisan paper clips and $300 romphims, there’s no telling what the next click on the internet will bring. When we actually tried it though? We agreed wholeheartedly. This caffeinated coffee scrub has the perfect thickness, created by its unique blend of organic, fair trade, dark roast Arabica beans and essential oils. After just one use, you can feel your skin getting firmer.

Coffee can do more than just wake you up for your daily grind. It has properties that significantly reduce under-eye puffiness,, battle cellulite, and prevent premature aging of your beautiful melanin-rich skin. This coffee scrub is also great for anyone who has to work around smoke or other smells that kind seep into your skin. As a natural odor defense, this coffee scrub from Elle’s Elations will work wonders. As an added benefit, this unique body scrub is packed with antioxidants to help ward off wrinkles.

If you’re worried about oily skin, this creation by Elle’s Elations is perfect because its emulsified. That means you don’t have the burden of dealing with stirring some messy concoction.

Use the Coupon Code: TAJIMAG to get a discount on your Elle’s Elations coffee scrub purchase

OTHER PRODUCTS WE TRIED (AND LOVED)

Strawberries & Bubbly

The lovely & elegant gold dusted Strawberry soap is worth gushing over. The bubbly champagne adds a touch of elegance to the already decadent beauty product. This soap is gentle and effective. The only down side is that over time, the gorgeous hand-crafted shape/design will shift. Maybe we should stock up before it sells out!

Pearberry Everything

Listen, if there is a product with the word “pearberry” in the name at the Elle’s Elation store, do yourself a favor and buy it. This has to be one of the most natural smelling and intoxicated scents. It puts Bath & Bodyworks to shame. We spent 10 minutes just smelling it. It goes on smooth and feels light on your skin. This is a great gift for someone on the go who love tElle's Elation Cremeo feel their best when they step out.

In addition to having a wonderful, high quality product line, Elle’s Elations also offers free advice, skin care solutions, and other beauty resources for free. Most notably, subscribers can access the blog and special discounts so you always look + feel your best.


This month only, use the Coupon Code: TAJIMAG to get a discount on your next Elle’s Elations purchase!

You can catch Elle’s Elations on Social Media to learn more and stay updated on new products!
Facebook: facebook.com/elleselations
Instgram: @elles_elations
Pinterest: @elleselations
Twitter: @EllesElations
Email:
info@elleselations.com

 

03Feb/17
Bella's Adventures in Africa

Young African Sisters write Pan-African Children’s Book, Bella’s Adventures in Africa

Bella’s adventures in Africa is a self-published Pan African children’s book by British Zimbabwean sisters Rutendo Muzambi and Rebecca Darko, which is beautifully illustrated by Guy Stratton. It follows a girl who leaves England to embark on journey across Africa with her parents. It is a collection of nine short stories based in eight different African countries – Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

Bella's Adventures in AfricaRutendo’s inspiration for writing the book was derived from a number of experiences. One of the key reasons, was her passion for African culture and the need to promote more positive views of Africa. She has always been passionate about celebrating and embracing her African heritage. During her years in secondary school, she was awarded the Jack Petchey Award for her 5 year contribution and commitment to the annual black history competitions. However, she encountered negative stereotypical views from friends and colleagues, who would innocently ask whether Africans lived amongst wild animals and in tiny huts. These views were a far cry from the fun and happy childhood she and her sister had experienced and the modern Africa that we know and love. It appeared to them that some people did not realize that Africa is a continent of many nations, languages, cultures and values. Thus they wanted to write a book that moved away from the stereotypes and showed African children having fun adventures.

Like many other African young people, Rutendo and Rebecca followed the traditional route of going to university and gaining their educational qualifications. Rutendo gained her Masters degree in pharmacy whilst Rebecca also completed her Masters. However, they both still had a passion for writing and wanted to share their love of the African continent with other people. Thus during Rebecca’s maternity leave they began to write short adventure stories set in Africa and completed the book in December 2016.

With over 100 illustrations and adventurous short stories, this book shows African children having adventures. It is important for children to develop an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and to also foster a positive attitude towards people who are of a different background to them. When children of African heritage see themselves reflected in books, it enhances their self-esteem and builds their confidence. It also enables children of African heritage to see their continent in a more positive light, learn more about different African countries and to be proud of their African heritage.

Bella’s Adventures in Africa published on the 17th of January 2017. It is available on Amazon and on their website www.riverfrog.co.uk

Bella's Adventures in Africa  Bella's Adventures in Africa