Tag Archives: black owned

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!

10Mar/20

THE COMEBACK QUEEN – How one creator is reclaiming her crown and keeping her dreams alive with Take Each Moment Podcast

Dear Beautiful Black girl. You are the descendant of survivors. Everyone in your lineage has overcome insurmountable odds to make your existence so, and therefore your presence is a blessing. The blood that runs through your veins has been carefully curated by God and circumstance. There is trauma in your DNA, but there is also magic. Keep your heart and eyes open (all three of them) because your destiny is already written in the stars, and I promise you that it is as beautiful as you are.

Love, T

________________

In a society that so often sends us messages that we are less than or unworthy of, it is important to send ourselves love letters that remind us of our truth and our ingrained resilience. Creator and producer, Tatianna Mott, has been sending herself a love letter at the start of each week ever since losing the love of her life to Sickle Cell complications and getting fired from 3 corporate jobs after leaving the theater industry. Tatianna is no stranger to picking herself up and coming back stronger than ever, after allowing herself time to grieve, evaluate, and move forward. These love letters have helped her so much throughout this journey, that she’s compiled them into her hit podcast series “Take Each Moment” which encourages listeners to take time to self-assess and learn from each of the moments in their lives.

“When I first decided to leave the theater world, I was confronted with a lot of skepticism from well-meaning friends and colleagues that felt I was giving up on my dreams,” she says. “In acting conservatory, our instructor once said, ‘If you have a plan B, your plan A will fail. 1 in 10 actors are able to make a living in this industry, look around, are you one of them?’ Being the overachiever that I am, I declared on that day that ‘yes, I am. I WILL be successful in theater, and I will do whatever it takes to prove that I am indeed that 1 in 10.’ I was determined to make it to Broadway and fulfill my purpose of positively impacting the social narrative. I wanted to dispel the lies that we’d been told about our past and our present. I wanted to tell stories that would remind people of their magic in a world that prefers to hide it in a closet. Over the years, I began to realize that the few sassy best friend roles I had been booking didn’t typically fulfill that goal, and weren’t bringing me as much joy as I thought they would. When I asked myself why I kept going and beating my head against that wall rather than trying something different, I remembered that day in conservatory when I vowed to not have a plan B. But see, the fallacy in that thinking is that there’s no such thing as Plan A and Plan B. We’re constantly forced to set up new plans based on what circumstances life throws at us. There aren’t enough letters in the alphabet to accurately count how many plans we’re already following and have previously followed. The key is that each of the actions we take within those plans work toward a particular purpose and goal. My goal was to educate, inspire, and uplift people while obtaining the power of financial stability and consistency. My Plan A was to get up at 4 in the morning every day, pray to get seen at an audition, stress about whether or not I’d get a callback, and work 13 side jobs to keep me afloat until one day Broadway would call. Turns out that plan didn’t have the capacity to help me reach my goal, so I reevaluated and tried a different plan. And then when that plan hit a wall (a.k.a. I got let go from my first corporate job), I tried a different plan. And then that plan inevitably hit a wall, so I tried another plan…and another. Some of those plans completely fell in my lap in the form of an unexpected relationship, a perfectly timed job opening, an unfortunately timed job termination, the death of a loved one, being diagnosed with chronic illness, or a chance encounter with a stranger. Throughout it all, I’ve picked up new skills, new perspectives, new strength, and new faith. Today, I am working as the lead producer/ project manager of the much anticipated Rising Musical Family Debut at the legendary Apollo Theater featuring sibling music group Infinity’s Song and Victory Boyd, hosted by Jon Batiste. I am also finding new and exciting ways every day to work on educating, inspiring, and uplifting others including through ‘Take Each Moment Podcast,’ my new single ‘Cycles,’ and more.

If you find yourself stuck or unsure of your purpose, think about your goals. What do you want to receive out of this life, and what do you want to give into this life? What impact do you want to have during your time here, and what will you need to do to make that impact? What are your particular skills and strengths that will allow you to do that? What resources and knowledge will you need to acquire? How will you obtain said resources and knowledge? And while in pursuit of it, how can you still fulfill that purpose even with what you already have? After recently losing the job of a lifetime working alongside someone I idolized, I was upset yes, but more so, I was hopeful. Life has taught me that low moments don’t last forever, and that I ALWAYS come out with my crown a bit more polished afterward. I trust in the process, and I trust in the divine timing of it all.  I hope you do too.”

Visit www.takeeachmoment.com to listen to Season 1 of Take Each Moment Podcast along with the accompanying specially curated Spotify Playlists of feel-good music. If you like what you hear and would like to join Tatianna on her journey, please consider becoming a sponsor through Patreon (link TBD).

25Oct/17
Crysta Wicks Taji Mag

Crysta Wicks is Empowering Women Around The World

Crysta Wicks is a Chicago native and the CEO of The Boss Wife Enterprises Inc., a multifaceted company consisting of real estate acquisitions, self-development, apparel, and social networking events. Her current publication, “Everybody Is Not Made For This”, was written as a self-help book to empower women in every aspect of juggling life. She was inspired to put together a collaboration of her own personal experiences, trials, and life mastery. She created a book that was more than words but a tool that could be used to compose the best version of oneself in an easy to relate to guide. In writing her book, she became the change and value that she wanted to see in the world.

Crysta’s Wise Advice: Decide on who you want to be and do what it takes to become her!

Crysta currently has written three self-help books, one of which is self-published. Her current audience is full of women that share some of the same titles as her – wife, mother, current and aspiring entrepreneur. In most cases, women wear many modified hats which makes it easy to attract and maintain an audience of women.

As she developed her passion and expertise, Crysta fell in love with self-development books. She believes that no matter what level in life people are at, they should always be teachable. One of her favorite quotes is: “When the student is ready the teacher appears.” When I am ready to take things to the next level, I seek out the self-development genre and the teacher appears.

Her future goal is to, with exceeding faith and hard work, turn her masterpiece writing into an unforgettable box office movie hit that her audience will remember with great admiration and appreciation for her skills, talent, and multi-faceted gifts.

Support this amazing woman on her website as well as www.thebosswife.com and on social media! Facebook and Instagram: @authorcrystawicks @thebosswife; Twitter @iamthebosswife.

Crysta Wicks Taji Mag

05Jun/17
Glamourina

Glamourina Announces New Collection of Athleisure Wear

Local Washington, DC designers Kia Renee and Nekol Choo are thrilled to announce the premier of their Glamourina Kente Athleisure line. Glamourina is an online athleisure apparel store. Co-founders Kia and Nekol are working mothers who have always had a passion for fashion and desire to encourage women and uplift women. “Our mission is to provide affordable, comfortable, and quality athleisure apparel to average, and above average working women and girls in efforts to promote self-esteem through beauty, health and fitness.”

Glamourina

Why Kente? Kente is a traditional tribal fabric originating from Africa.  Africa is a strong and powerful continent.  They are here to motivate and encourage women to be strong, powerful and confident. “We are especially excited about our Kente line of athleisure apparel,” said Kia and Nekol. “Our followers are in for a treat this year.  When we premier the new line in April, everyone will finally get a glimpse of a very special design we’ve been working on for the past two years.”

Glamourina’s Kente Athleisure line will be available for purchase online exclusively at www.Glamourina.com before expanding to other retailers. Follow them on all social networks @shopglamourina!

Glamorina

27Sep/16
life insurance

Taji Mag Interview with Life Insurance Agent Auria Moore

Taji Mag was fortunate enough to catch up with Auria Moore, licensed Life Insurance! See her advice on a necessary, but seldom spoke of topic in our community.

life insuranceTaji: How did you dive into the life insurance business?
Auria: I was probably the least likely candidate for the Life Insurance industry. As a young teenager, I made a decision to be totally immersed in the fashion world. I wanted that “glamorous” life and pursued it through an education at Fashion Industries H.S. followed by a bachelors degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. As I matured and became more aware of the world around me (not the fancy world I strived to be apart of, but the real world in plain view from my Brooklyn window), I began to feel a disconnect… a conflict of interest. I worked 50-60 hours per week, stressed over the sales of clothing… CLOTHING. Why??? Why was I making myself sick from the stress over something so trivial. And not just any clothing, but lines/brands that sell for, on average, $100 a piece yet cost $3 to produce. I was helping keep the 1% rich off of the blood, sweat, and tears of my own people. I came to the sad realization that my people (and I) needed a major wake up call and priority reevaluation. I experienced the life of a mundane 9-5…6…7 just to pay bills and put a little something nice on my feet or on my back. I learned there was something much more important that was IS missing in our community. And that’s financial awareness, financial preparedness, financial accountability for ourselves and our generations to come. I asked myself one question “Bobby and Susie have trust funds, why don’t we?”… the rest is history.

Taji: Why is life insurance important?
Auria: Life Insurance is not only important, but imperative for a number of reasons. The most apparent reason is the future protection for one’s family, estate, business(es), and any goals that have been worked towards passionately. Too many of us sadly have to go door to door, or most recently with the reach of social media, set up a “Go Fund Me” just to put a loved one to rest. It’s not bad enough dealing with the loss of a soul that can never be replaced, now everyone who depended on this soul will most likely endure physical and financial upheaval. A provider is gone and there’s nothing to show for him/her other than memories formed over the years. It’s just not fair. The less apparent reason is much greater than the here and now. My targetlife-insurance client is my urban community for a very specific reason. I’m a huge proponent of building Black wealth because until we can build our own and learn to support each other’s entrepreneurial endeavors with our own dollars, our opposition will always be able to break us down. There’s a statistic on the length of time the Black dollar circulates around the black community vs. other communities. Jewish dollars stay within the Jewish community for months. Asian dollars stay within the Asian community for weeks. On average, the Black dollar stays within the Black community for FOUR HOURS. We must build wealth amongst our own and hold onto it. The easiest way to do that is to inherit it and continue to teach our children and grandchildren about true wealth so that they are able to maintain and further grow the legacies we leave behind… and the best part of it all is that it’s so much more affordable than people think.

Taji: How affordable can life insurance be for someone on a low budget?
Auria: If you can afford to spend $25 on coffee or takeout over a span of 30 days, then you can afford to make yourself worth $1 million and pass that along to your family at the time they need it most. What does $25 do for you in a month? What can $1 million do for your family in a lifetime? It’s all about priorities and there’s no reason why your family shouldn’t be at the top of that list.

Taji: What are you doing to spread the word to people in the Black community?
Auria: I’m fortunate enough to be in contact with awesome forward thinking business-minded people like the production team behind Taji Mag. Features and community seminars allow me a venue to spread the word and continue to educate. Often, I am at Nicholas Brooklyn (located at 560 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY) just having discussions with like-minded and curious members of the community.  I will talk to any and everyone who will listen. I also rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals and personal testimonials as any business owner does. If you are interested in making a better life for yourself and your family, I can be reached at (646) 673-3281. Feel free to call or even shoot me a text. I’m here for you.

Thank you Auria for sharing your insight and being available to our community. The more we know, the better we do!
13Aug/16

Two Black Men Open Mobile Shower for the Homeless

mobile showerLive Fresh aims to provide Palm Beach County’s homeless individuals and families with a fresh shower, personal hygiene essentials and, the opportunity to Live FRESH via their mobile shower.

“Feeling Revitalized Encourages Sustainable Happiness”

“We will select service areas throughout Palm Beach based on critical need and community partnerships with local government, local faith based groups and non-profit organizations that assist the homeless. We will use our premiere mobile shower /personal hygiene facility, to make sure everyone in Palm Beach County has the ability to take a Fresh Shower. We will provide access to personal hygiene essentials including: Towel Soap · Shampoo · Conditioner · Toothbrush · Toothpaste · Dental Floss · Mouthwash · Lotion · Sunscreen · Sanitary Napkins (for women) · Condoms. We will provide support and assistance where possible. In doing this, we create a platform for refreshed communities, who generate fresh ideas, and begin embodying the notion that Feeling Revitalized Encourages Sustainable Happiness. By means of Genesis Community Health’s “outreach/ visiting clinics”, we will provide healthcare that brings services to the homeless. These clinics offer various health screenings, HIV Counseling and Testing, and referral services, linking the individual to a primary care facility and overall care with other supporting and partner organizations.”

Interested in Helping?

Almost 2.5 million youth, under the age of 18, experience homelessness in America each year. This historic high represents one in every 30 children in the U.S. Palm Beach County ranks #2 in Florida for children living in spaces not designed for human habitation. The average age of a homeless child in Palm Beach County is 7…

Help them make an IMPACT by contributing today! With your support, they can make sure our homeless brother sisters and children in Palm Beach County can live fresh.

Want to help out in a different way? Click here to check out the Live Fresh Wishlist!

11Jun/15

Serengeti Teas and Spices: A Harlem Fave

Rushing down the street battling the wind and zig-zag walkers, I sigh in relief seeing the unmistakable ‘S’ sign a few feet ahead. Stepping through the door, I get the same feeling as if I were stepping into a sanctuary. The street and the wind are way above the frequency of the hushed tones and background music inside. With the door closing behind me, I notice that I too am on a higher frequency and need to come down. There are chairs to my left, chairs and tables to my right, and low counter seating ahead, all of which are filled by people who seem to issue a silent welcome. The natural lighting, the dark brown of the wood and walls coupled with the Black and White tiles, gives this place a warm and old school charm like only Harlem can. Floating on in, there are wall to wall shelves filled with canisters of—you guessed it—Tea. I can’t help but take slow steps to read the names on each group of differently decorated and colored metal cylinders. “Tanzanian Usambara Breakfast Tea” “Nairobi Street Chai” “Masai Hibiscus Berry Fruit tea” “Tanzanian Dragon Claw Black Tea Rose Blend”. The two Men behind the counter—yes, Men—have a certain agility about their movements that you know they know exactly what they are doing. One even has on a shirt that says ‘I love my job’ and I can’t help but think ‘I love your job too’. Opening the menu handed to me I cannot believe how many teas are on each page and how many pages there actually are. As an avid, almost fanatic, tea drinker, I am beside myself with excitement; that is until I realize that I have to pick just ONE. Decisions decisions; fine, okay, I want Chai (My Defaultea—get it?). I love Chai tea; there is just something to the spice and full body of the flavor that encompasses my soul. Anyhow, even having narrowed it down to a category, I am left with multiple choices that I simply cannot handle; time to ask the experts. Waiting at the counter, I do not want to interrupt the craftsman (you have to see it for yourself), but before I can build up the nerve, he lifts his head and comes to my rescue. What can I get for you?” I wish I knew. I panic and ask him for the Spiciest Chai they have, and he asks me if I want milk. Of course! Would I like it sweet? Of Course! Is there any other way to drink Chai? With a chuckle and a retort, he is back to the far end of the counter to concoct my potion. It is now a few minutes after my arrival and having played hop-scotch with the women walking to the bathroom and Mr. “I Love My Job” carrying full pots of tea to tables across the room, I decide to take a seat. I am in the far left corner of the space, which seems to give the best view in totality. I almost feel tucked away, as if someone saved me this spot, next to the glass jars of curry powder and Cocoa for sale. The door opens a few more times, and with each entrant, their bustling is adjusted by the calm and ambiance of the Teas. The couple off to my left, seated at the ‘bar’ below the large clear vats filled with bright iced teas with lemons, is deep in conversation over their pot to share. Those sitting at the two-person tables across the room seem to have found space for privacy while still remaining a part of the over-all feel. Continuing my gaze back toward the counter in what seems to be perfect timing, my cup is ready. One of the best things about tea is often the smell, and with one full inhalation through my lid, I know I am in for a treat. First sip: Heaven. I asked for Spice and got more than I imagined. Second Sip: Heaven and a scolded tongue. I think I will wait; I did order a tea to go, right? Payment is made and Thank you’s are given, of course there is a ‘come again’. “I live in Brooklyn; you all are going to have me traveling to Harlem for tea!” And with a light laugh, I am back onto the street, in the wind and stream of people. I grasp my cup of tea holding on to my bit of peace (an unexpected gift from Serengeti) and stride toward the train station; I will definitely be back soon.

Written by Lauren “Lola Valentine” Jones about a windy day in late April of 2015 at www.serengetiteasandspices.com.

Serengeti Teas and Spices