SHOPPE BLACK

9 New Year’s Rituals To Help You Set the New Year Off Right

12 mins read

– Cover Photo: Bohemian stylist Angeline Hayling

For some of us, 2019 was our best year yet! But for many others, honeyyyyy, 2019 brought us through some changes!  That makes sense given that 9 is a number that not only marks endings but also CHANGE. And not just teeny tiny change but RADICAL change. Some would like to believe that flipping the calendar over into a year can automatically change the course of their paths. And while that outlook can be fueled by positivity and the laws of attraction, there is still “work” that has to be done using tools we possess as naturally gifted spiritual beings. And even before we make that crossover, these handful of rituals that have been passed down through generations are what can help to metaphysically “shake things up” in preparation for living the life of your dreams.

Reflect

Typically in business, most successful companies conduct year-in-review reports. The importance of such reviews are to re-cap and document everything the organization has done in the past in order to evaluate their “lessons learned.” It only makes sense to apply the same methodology to our personal life plan.  The most practical way to do this is to create a timeline of sorts reflecting on the past year or if you’re ambitious, the past decade. Using the past decade as an example, one could outline it as so:

2010: Sent my oldest off to college. Dreamed of going back to school. 

2011: Started a new job. Taught myself how to knit.

2012: Diagnosed with cancer.  Began chemotherapy.

2013: Started radiation.  Tried Reiki for the first time. Beat cancer.

And so on and so forth…

You may need to break out old emails or even use social media to help jog your memory. When you’re done, believe me you’ll be amazed at what you see; milestones, accomplishments, best practices, best moments. Sure, you may see a few rough patches here and there as well.  That’s what we call life, but the joy you’ll feel in the realization of your resilience over time will empower you to tackle anything that lies ahead.

Founder of @blackgirlswithgardens.

Give back. Buy a plant.  

We currently live in a time of climate change and global warming. Trees and rainforests are being destroyed. Planting new seeds and growing plants are a way to give back to our planet. Plants are also great for many of us who struggle with loneliness. Talking to a plant can not only help them to grow, but it can also give you a moment to speak aloud and share your thoughts of the day with another living creature. 

Smoke. Cut. Sweeten. Repeat. (Spiritual Cleaning)

One time when hosting a get together someone said to me, “your house is almost TOO clean.” For the record, they weren’t admiring my domestic skills. They were referring to how quiet the spiritual energy was in my home.  

There’s more to cleaning than sage and palo santo burning folks.  Let me ask y’all. Are your windows open? Are you cutting away/down the bad ones spiritual energy or the mucky energy that doesn’t belong to you? And are you welcoming back/refreshing the spiritual energy that does?

Here’s some simple help…

Step 1: Open the windows. 

Step 2: Make some smoke (sage, palo santo, tobacco, myrrh, et al)

Step 3: Work from the back to the front. Top to bottom. 

Step 4: Cut em down. Spray Florida water, diluted ammonia, rum etc

Step 5: Pray. ask those that don’t belong to you to leave. 

Step 7: Close the windows. 

Step 6: Sweeten the home with a perfumed solution you can make yourself. 

Cleanings ain’t easy but they’re worth it. 

 

Keep it Moving (Light Housecleaning)

Right before you spiritually clean your home, there’s nothing like a little light housekeeping before the new year.  There are various traditional beliefs about why, but from a spiritual standpoint, moving things out of corners, washing clothes, throwing away any raggedy underwear (or at the very least, washing them),emptying the refrigerator of old food and mopping the floors are just instinctually the types of rituals that can uplift your own spirit.

If you have a spiritual altar, freshen or attend to their “living” areas as well.

Meditate

Align with your soul via meditation.  Over time meditation can calm the nerves. But it also provides the time and space one needs to HUSH. Just HUSH. After a while the self talk (that often distracts some of us) will become something else. Messaging. Intuitive thought. Get your notebooks ready. Listen. Write. Review. Move intentionally.

Honor your ancestors

Whatever your faith… we all have those who’ve lived before us. Make a list. Call their names during your daily meditation and/or prayers. In these times they are ready to help you…fight for you. 

Light a candle for them.  Lit candles provide light to the spirits. It helps them to see. Can YOU see where you’re going or what you’re doing in the dark?  They have work to do and people to help. The more they help us, the more they evolve. Pray for their light. Pray for their peace. Pray for their evolution and progress. Ancestors on the mainline. Tell them what you want.

Activate your Affirmations

Affirmations are cute, but they’re only impactful if they’re applied to a regular practice. Believe it or not, activating affirmations can be manifested in various forms depending on your goals or objectives.  So let’s start by creating that wishlist, vision board, letter to oneself that outlines what you want to accomplish in 2020. This exercise will not only “affirm” your intentions but it will also help you to frame your language and shift your mindset. 

But now what?  Welp now, it’s time to build your practice by rephrasing the affirmation in the form of gratitude statements.

Here are some examples.

Affirmation: I am beautiful

Gratitude Statement: I am thankful for my beautiful face, body and spirit.

Affirmation: I am wealthy.

Gratitude Statement: I am thankful for my bountiful life.

Affirmation: I am fearless.

Gratitude Statement: I am thankful for the courage I have to…

Struggling to find the right words? Do try to recreate the wheel.  There are various card decks and books on the market that can be used for inspiration. And of course, let’s not forget the endless memes being fed to us on a daily basis via social media.

 

Delete! Delete! Delete! 

One of the best things you can also do for yourself as you move into not only a new year but an entire new decade is to get rid of anything or literally anybody that occupies too much space in your inbox, your cell phone, your DMs or your timeline. For some, deleting and unfriending folks seems a bit harsh. But when it comes to peace of mind and wiping your slate clean, sometimes it’s best to hit the delete with your trigger finger and don’t look back! This goes for that DM exchange between you and that ex that you should have stopped talking to years ago. And posts from your really but not really frenemy whose selfies make you cringe every time you see them. Or simply, that maximized email inbox with thousands of unread messages. You’re probably not going to ever read them. So you might as well delete.

 

Feed your belly. Feed your soul. (Prep your Hoppin’ John)

Even if this hasn’t been a part of your family tradition, making this easy dish has been a tried and true ritual for so many of us Black folks spread across the African diaspora. This dish in its symbolic nature is made to bring in the New Year with good luck and fortune (schmoney). 

And when you actually make this dish with your own hands, and enjoy it with family and friends, you’re honoring those ancestors that were responsible for keeping our traditions thriving and alive. Don’t know how to make Hoppin John. Here’s my favorite article that deconstructs this delicious and soul warming dish. Those of us that don’t meat or eat animal products just eliminate the ham hocks or turkey neck. 

If you have an altar or plaza for the ancestors don’t forget to put some of this delicious food down with them (preferably WITH a piece of cooked pork).

– Kateria Niambi bka @thehungrymedium

The Hungry Medium is a lifestyle brand and dynamic resource positioned to inform and guide women in their personal development journey. Her brand provides Spiritual Consults, guidance with developing transformative self-help practice, vegan meals and dining tips/options.  To learn more about the Hungry Medium, click HERE.

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This Mother Created a Clothing Line That Celebrates the Principles of Kwanzaa

8 mins read
kwanzaa

Kinara Park Kids is a clothing line that promotes representation while celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), “KG” Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

We spoke to founder Noni Ervin to find out more about the brand and the inspiration behind it.

What inspired you to create Kinara Park Kids?

I was back-to-school shopping. And there it was…” the perfect shirt”.

It had these really cool silhouettes of kids–lots of kids. I was on my way to pick out one for my son, but as I moved closer, I saw that the silhouettes of kids (even though there were a lot of kids on the t-shirt), none of them looked like my son.

kwanzaa
Noni Ervin

I was very disappointed and so confused. How could there be that many kids but none of them represent my child?! Especially in today’s age where kids arguably need more reassuring affirmations than ever?!

There had to be a solution.

To my disappointment, there was nothing readily available that had silhouettes of kids with textured hair.

I began brainstorming ideas on how to avoid this seclusion for other families like mine! What if I could create something that would have silhouettes that our kids could relate to as well as provide a positive movement in our community?

That’s when Kwanzaa and its principles came to mind. Then it hit me! What if I add Kwanzaa into what I am creating, what if each of the principles were a silhouette? Better yet, what if the principles were a kid and they were all friends?

From here, Kinara Park Kids was born. No longer will my children or any other child that looks like mine be outcasts. I am here to build unity in our community and find it my duty to fulfill this purpose.

kwanzaa

All of the Kwanzaa principles are important but which do you identify with the most? Why?

I love all of the principles, but I think I identify most with Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and to solve them together.

The thing that affects one of us really does affect all of us. The work that Taraji P. Henson is doing through The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is in line with this. They are working to eradicate mental health stigmas in Black Communities. If we can take hold of different issues affecting one another, then we become our own source of strength. This is ujima and this is powerful!

kwanzaa

What has been the most fulfilling and the most challenging thing about being an entrepreneur?

The most fulfilling thing has been watching my two sons experience this journey. It is profound for them to be able to see something created or begin as a thought and then move through the many stages of becoming a tangible thing. They have seen me up late working on the various parts of this business, so they know it is not easy. I hope they are inspired to create solutions as they mature into young men.

The most challenging thing has been visibility. Kinara Park Kids brings value to our community in many ways, but that means nothing if no one knows we exist. We are grateful for the social media marketing firm that is helping change this (Parris Gray, CEO & Co-Founder of I Use DMP). Also, we are very excited about SHOPPE Black for an opportunity to make ourselves known in the marketplace!

 

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

You have to have some stick-with-it! Owning your own business is like farming versus landscaping–delayed gratification versus immediate gratification. For example, landscaping is when you see the weeds and overgrown lawn, get the lawnmower and weed wacker, and in a very short time, everything is neat and tidy and looks wonderful. Of course, it grows back, but not for a few weeks. When it does, you get out the lawnmower and weed wacker and repeat the process.

Being an entrepreneur means touching your business daily. It is waking up before the sun rises and going to bed after it sets. If you were on a farm, you would have to be mindful of seasons, weather patterns, critters, soil pH, seed quality, and timing for harvest.

For your business, this means being aware of all parts of your business, including product quality, scaling, branding, pricing, delivery, marketing, accounting, etc. I would tell aspiring entrepreneurs to make sure their “Why?” is big enough to last the full journey. If you’re going through the desert, you don’t take two water bottles. You will need to plan for time and obstacles. This owning-your-own-business stuff is not for the faint of heart. Brace yourself and get to work.

Where do you see the business 5 years from now?

In five years we are a household name. The outfits of each of the Kinara Park Kids is on clothing racks in Target and K&G. Elementary students will be at recess or on the playground and will pick teams by principles. It will be team Umoja and team Imani!!!

Kinara Park Kids is a billion dollar corporation. We practice cooperative economics which is to keep our dollars circulating within our community. When immigrants come to this country they typically have ties to their homeland, but African Americans do not have the privilege of those kind of resources.

Kinara Park Kids will be part of transforming that scenario. The money generated from sales is a point of capital distribution in our community–we are our own source of capital. We are like the elders in other communities that say, “We see you aspiring entrepreneur.

We have seen you grow up and we believe in you. We want to invest in you.” We infuse our community with capital and we are stronger. The revenue that is generated by Kinara Park Kids is a source of capital to further the start-up and growth of other Black-owned businesses.

Tony O. Lawson

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From Combat Boots to a Black Owned Fashionable Footwear Brand

4 mins read
norie shoes

During her 20 years in the U.S. Army, Natasha Standard jumped out of airplanes, led and developed multiple teams and was responsible for administrating a multi million dollar contract.

After each deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, Natasha would treat herself to a luxury item. Unfortunately, the shoes that she bought may have been stylish, but they were not comfortable. She became determined to find a way to create comfortable shoes of high quality.

This determination led Natasha to enroll in Arsutoria School in Italy, where she trained in the design, pattern making, and manufacturing of shoes.

We caught up with Natasha to find out more about the inspiration behind her shoe company, The Standard Shoes and her entrepreneurial journey in general.

norie shoes
Natasha Standard

How did your tenure in the armed forces prepare you for entrepreneurship?

In the military, you learn and develop multiple skills and characteristics that and also beneficial in entrepreneurship. Some of these include leadership skills, discipline and tenacity. are among them. Other things I learned during my service were the importance of networking, financial skills and the ability to discern a situation.

norie shoes

What has been the most rewarding thing about your entrepreneurial journey so far? What has been the most challenging?

The most rewarding thing about my journey so far is being acknowledged by some celebrities, musicians, and athletes. The most challenging is convincing people to believe in me and my vision. People will never believe in you the way you believe in yourself.

How do you select your designs and materials?

Because I am school trained, I follow the very important trend analysis process that is published on a bi-annual basis to the fashion industry. What most designers do not know, is that access to trend information is $25,000 a year.  That is technically a barrier to entry because most designers cannot afford that expense.

This barrier allows a small designer like myself, to be in trend so that buyers will take notice and give my brand a chance because my style is similar to the larger designers they are used to supporting.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

In five years, I plan on opening stores around the world (including an airport), and in two large retail stores.

I also see my company selling ten thousand pairs of shoes per year and becoming a household shoe brand name that is popular with celebrity designers and stylists. I would like my brand mentioned in a rap or R&B song.

In addition to all that, I will give back to the community by providing free shoes + backpacks to school age girls. My team is working on it, we don’t have the details yet.

norie shoes

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice is to go for it and buy the best website, consultant and advisor for the lowest price.  For example, I spent $6,000 on a website and after it was built, the developer tried to charge me even more for something simple.  I fired him and started using Shopify.

by Tony O. Lawson

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From Living in a Shelter after Hurricane Katrina to Launching a Successful Bow Tie Company

7 mins read
sonson

Oakland, CA based designer, Rashima Sonson is the owner of SONSON®, a bow tie brand that offers unique bow ties made of African wax print fabric, lamb leather, pearls, and Swarovski stones.

sonson
Rashima Sonson

In 2005, her life drastically changed from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. After being displaced to Philadelphia and living in a shelter, Rashima had to start her life from the bottom. She continued to push forward with her goal of creating her fashion brand.

Now, she is shifting the gears on the traditional bow tie by adding a bit of lagniappe to its style and showing customers that women can wear bow ties too!

We caught up with her to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey.

What inspired you to start SONSON?

SONSON® was inspired by a big sister of 7 brothers—which happens to be me! In 2013, I had a difficult time finding a father to be a gift for one of my brothers who was expecting his first son.

I wanted to give him a meaningful classic and useful gift. Something commemorative, something he could teach his son, something they can bond/build a relationship with, and something his son could pass down.

Sadly, I could not find the perfect gift online or via brick& mortar, so I decided to put my fashion design degree to work—I created a men’s accessory brand to positively support the psychological and sociological experiences in a male’s life.

SONSON® embodies everything that is important to me—family, fashion and building lasting relationships. The fact that SONSON® is my last name was a divine sign! And I have not looked back!

What has been the most fulfilling and the most challenging thing about being an entrepreneur?

The most fulfilling thing about being an entrepreneur is getting up every day to grow a business with a mission that I am passionate about. When that passion is fused and embedded in a product that you are familiar, it makes the entrepreneurial journey worthwhile!

The most challenging part about being an entrepreneur is the risks and uncertainties! For example, I might invest in marketing (financial risk), but the uncertainty of the ROI from a marketing ad/campaign is a challenge.

I may or may not get the ROI that I forecasted. However, this is all part of being an entrepreneur—you have to take the good with the bad and keep pushing!!!

How do you select your unique designs and materials?

The designs and materials are selected by a mix of art and science. The art is based on my own personal attraction to beautiful fabrics, prints, as well as cultural inspirations.

You may see a collection celebrating Black History Month with items adorned in cowrie shells, black onyx, to vibrant African wax fabric. Or designs celebrating Chinese New Year with gold foil on the fabric!

The science is based on the internal voice of customer research. From conducting customer intention surveys from over 100 pop-up/vendor events (i.e. Wedding Fairs, Holiday Pop-Ups, etc.)  throughout the Bay Area as well as automated post purchase surveys.

The selection of my designs and materials were based on research conducted over a span of 4 years.

sonson

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see SONSON® thriving, opening a showroom, partnering with major e-commerce, corporate brands, and private organizations! In 5 years, I see the business as the go-to brand for commemorative dapper gifts.

sonson

From new dads being gifted one of our classic items in celebration of his first son, young men wearing our ties during their draft pick to the NFL, NBA or MLB,  to an artist wearing one of our pieces when accepting their first Grammy! This is where I see the business in 5 years.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

The best and most relevant advice I can provide to aspiring entrepreneurs are:

  1. Know yourself and your craft—be authentic
  2. Know (research) and cater to your target audience/industry—be their advocate
  3. If you don’t quit, you will win—never give up on yourself or your dream
  4. The best and most valuable investment you will make in your life is investing in yourself, but make sure you have a clear plan on how /when you will get an ROI on your investment—remember you are building a brand/business (YOU)
  5. Surround yourself with people who help build you up and support your goals. Life is too short to be surrounded by negative people or people that are not interested in seeing you grow mentally, professionally and spiritually.
  6. Always pay it forward! (i.e. time, resources, etc..)
  7. Last but not least, the answer is out there you just have to be mentally present to listen for it.  How many times have we missed out on an opportunity or blessing because we weren’t present to listen and then take action? The most successful entrepreneurs that I have watched and read about, listened and took action (strategically)! Seize the moment!

 

-Tony O. Lawson

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BlackTravelBox Offers Beauty Products for The Traveler on the Go

5 mins read
black travel box
According to Orion Brown, Black travelers have few, if any places they can go to find personal care products that work specifically for their hair and skincare needs.
That is why she created Black Travel Box. Her goal is to give women of color a brand they can trust for all their travel personal care needs.
“I started Black Travel Box because there aren’t any brands serving the 5 million strong (and growing) population of Black millennial travelers”, she said.
Orion is creating a brand dedicated to serving this consumer (and its extensions) with products that take the guess work and stress out of traveling with products best suited for an ethnically diverse community.
We caught up with her to find out more about her inspiration and how her entrepreneurial journey is going so far.
the black travel box
Orion Brown

What inspired you to create Black Travel Box?

After traveling to my 15th country, I found myself with less product than I needed and nowhere to purchase something suited to my hair and skin care needs – I thought to myself that I really can’t be the only one struggling when I travel. And after talking to other travelers like me, I discovered I wasn’t.

the black travel box

How did you decide what specific items to offer and ingredients to make them with?

I started with the basics – products that are in every hotel, travel aisle, and gym that still manage to consistently not consider the needs of travelers and folks on the go outside of what’s considered ‘normal’ hair and skin.
Often products like shampoo and conditioner, while not popular with most travelers, are especially problematic for richly textured hair.
While watery lotions made with waxes and fillers leave darker skin tones dry with an ashy residue. So our product line started with that – and of course lip balm because we’re not trying to have crusty lips out here. It’s a staple we can all get behind.
the black travel box

If you could wake up tomorrow as an expert in any business skill, what would it be? Why?

I’d be an expert in content creation – its so important for us to tell our story and engage with our communities in ways that enrich their travel and on the go beauty experience.
The creativity that I see in the marketplace today is astounding, and I am in total awe of brands that create multifaceted conversations with their communities with such clarity of voice and perspective.

What has been the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your entrepreneurial journey thus far?

The most rewarding part has been receiving notes via email, text, and LinkedIn with words of encouragement from within the Black travel community and beyond.
Our customers are passionate brand advocates and as we learn and grow brand awareness, the response has truly been humbling.
The most challenging part has been keeping focused on the strategy and tactics that we’ve laid out from the outset and not get distracted with shiny objects and short term opportunities.

What types of brands and businesses are you interested in partnering with?

BTB is all about serving people on the go – retail, hospitality, beauty, travel, even fitness partners would be a great fit for our long term vision.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

We endeavor to be the Away meets Glossier for our community serving up relevant content, building community, and creating a best in class inclusive line of products made for an on the go lifestyle.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Trust your gut, pray, and take the leap. Whatever form that may come in. Whether you side hustle or full time, with dedication and focus you can create the business and legacy that you want.

– Tony O. Lawson

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Meet Ayesha Selden, the Real Estate Investor who has Built a Multi Million Dollar Portfolio of over 30 Buildings

7 mins read
Ayesha Selden

Ayesha Selden is a self made millionaire who has amassed a real estate portfolio of 0ver 30 properties and 41 units. We caught up with Ayesha to find out more about her incredible journey and accomplishments.

Ayesha Selden

What inspired you to get into real estate?

When I was a kid, we lived in a rough part of South Philly that was close to Center City. We left the area when I was 18, and I told my mom that I had a feeling that area would be valuable someday.

I told her not to sell our house and that she should rent it. She was nervous about being able to find a tenant and sold it in 1997 for $35,000.

Within 10 years of her selling, that house was worth 10 times what she sold it for and today, it’s probably worth around $500k to $600k.

That lesson stuck with me (and her ?) and always will.
Ayesha Selden

You are clearly an ambitious person. What drives you?

Two things:

1) I have always been money motivated. I could keep a dollar as a kid. Saving is innate in me.

2) My number one fear is failure. It’s my recurring nightmare. I graduated from undergrad 19 years ago and I still dream of failing an exam or missing a final.

What is your real estate investment formula?

I am a simple and long term investor. I ask myself two questions with every property I buy:

1) Would a reasonable person live here? 

I ask this because I don’t want unreasonable people living in my houses and I certainly don’t want to dance with an unreasonable maniac on the first of every month.

2) How long will this investment take to run my money back to me?

18+ months ago, the Philadelphia market was still relatively cheap. I had a requirement that any property I purchased give me a 20% cap rate. This means that I would get my entire investment back in 5 years or less.

Put simply, if I purchased a house for $50,000 cash and put $50,000 cash of renovations into the project, I’d need to be in a position to rent that house for at least $20,000/year. I’m oversimplifying but that was essentially my target. Everything beyond 5 years was playing with house money.

Briefly describe your first real estate deal and your most recent.

I purchased my first house in 2002 at age 24. I saved money by staying home with my parents after college. It was a foreclosure in Philly that I paid $67,000 for. I did a cosmetic rehab, moved in and got a roommate that basically paid my mortgage. I lived almost free. I saved more money and bought stocks and another property two years later—which was strictly a rental.
That first house I purchased would be integral in building the real estate portfolio I have today. I was able to use the equity in 2011 to begin buying and rehabbing more properties. My last property I purchased was a testament to everything I’ve learned over the last 19 years.

I purchased it from a wholesaler in a rapidly developing section of Philly. We had to remove so much of the house, it’s considered new construction on an existing foundation.

We basically have built an entirely new house minus the front wall of the house. It has been an amazing journey to get to this point.

What professional and personal traits have contributed the most to your success as an investor?

I attribute most of my success to discipline. I believe I am more disciplined than most. I have always been willing to forego nice things for long term prosperity. I was a millionaire right around my 30th birthday and basically had holes in my sneakers because I refused to buy more.

I value assets over things. I am strongly anti the normalization of having to own designer items to keep up with the Kardashians. I would love a culture that sees worth in things that matter.

Ayesha Selden

Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?

I’ve been grinding for about 20 years. I sacrificed my entire 20s and a good chunk of my 30s to hustle and wealth building. Within the next 5 years, I want to take time to finally enjoy the fruits of my labor.

At 41, I am traveling more, I purchased a personal residence in Los Angeles earlier this year that I was to use as an oasis. I will still work but I want to slow down drastically. I say all this but may end up buying another 44 units and grinding for the next 5 years.

The neat thing is that I could stop working today and live a very comfortable lifestyle. I love having choice.

Ayesha Selden

What advice do you have for aspiring real estate investors?

Most would-be real estate investors miss the crucial first step that’s required to be successful over time. A disciplined mindset. Discipline is what will prevent you from making mistakes like yanking out all the equity from your properties and balling instead of reinvesting.

Early on, investors should be focused on striking a balance between deleveraging and scaling. Too much debt on properties can be the demise of an investor. At the same time, growth is important. It’s easier to have 25 units than it is to have 2. Keep going.

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Black Interior Designer Spotlight: Bailey Li

8 mins read
Black Interior Designer

Bailey Li is an interior designer and decorative artist based in Orange, New Jersey. She discovered her passion for decorating while working as a Real Estate agent.

Drawn to the architecture and character of historical homes, she began providing home staging services to homeowners that were looking to sell.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dRkIugFdL/

What inspired you to get into interior design?

In 2003, there was an influx of professionals from the New York City market seeking to put down roots in Northern New Jersey where I worked as a realtor.

A lot of the homes that  I listed were beautiful historical homes that simply required some refreshing and updating in order to get the asking price or above. During that time home decorating shows on HGTV  were super popular and as a result, the demand for home staging services was on the rise.

Black Interior Designer

I had a listing for 1.3 million dollars that needed some major sprucing up so I seized an opportunity. I  called in one of my best friends, Wanda Anderson who had an amazing sense of style. I told her that I needed her to stage the home for me; she came in, won my client over and was hired that day.

Wanda had never staged a home before so she insisted that I help her! She and I left the meeting that day and immediately formed our home staging business.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4C50fpAuzW/

We had a check in our hands before we even had a name for our company. Staging was a means for clients to easily visualize potential properties as a place to call home and a way to speed up the sales process for me.

Little did I know that it would spark a passion for interior decoration / design and ultimately Guide me towards creating artistic hand painted/ textured walls and murals.

What inspires you?

I decided years ago to be fearless and to allow that fearlessness to fuel my work and inspire me creatively. I also wanted my work to not only be beautiful and functional but I committed myself to going the extra mile and pulling out the hidden parts of my clients that are truly begging to be expressed and translate them  into their spaces.

Black Interior Designer

The point of this was to ensure that their spaces transcend aesthetics and kick down fear based barriers that prevent many people (especially people of color) from  allowing their living spaces to reflect who they truly are.

I aim to always have my designs be rich in history and explosive in personality.  I am constantly inspired by my clients’ accomplishments, cultural backgrounds, travels  etc. and I would be remiss not to infuse aspects of their life journey into their homes.

My clients often tell me  that their spaces have become daily reminders to them of how amazing & brilliant They are and that waking up and coming home to their new environment encourages them everyday to not only live up to that but become more of what they are meant to be.

I challenge myself to do the same … with every project I make sure that I am not limiting myself to just the role of interior designer but instead I stretch myself into an Interior artist, a curator, a decorative strategist, a visual artist / muralist etc.  whatever I need to be in order to bring that vision to life, I become it. I am also mindful of the fact that I am not “here” to blend in and/ or be accepted.

Black Interior Designer

I am here to stand out, to make an impact on the lives of my clients and to pave the way for other young aspiring black interior designers. I truly aim to create dynamic, unique experiences that uplift the client, myself and all who see it.  The idea of that in and of itself inspires me.

What is your dream project? 

My dream project would be to be part of  a collective/ team  of dope and passionate artists, architects, creatives, Designers, professionals that together purchase and develop properties in order to create artist/ creative communities around the globe.

The structures will be historical structures that we’d renovate and / or retrofit to become affordable and conducive for artists and creatives to thrive in.

Since this is a “dream” project I imagine  that it will be fully funded by “angel”  investors whose only required return on investment would be that each artist pour back into the communities and remain a vital and ongoing part of the development of rising artists and creatives.

I believe emphatically in the idea that art in all its forms and genres has the ability to change the world so ultimately my dream project would be one  that would positively impact the lives of multiple people and that impact will be so great that it will improve the lives of many for years to come.

What advice do you have for someone who is clueless about how to design their space?

1. Stay true to you; infuse your experiences and journey into your space.

2. Choose a concept and stick to it.

3. Do not be afraid of color.

4. Hire a professional to help you bring it all together.

If a student wanted to enter the field, what advice would you give them?

Make sure it is a passion and if it is let it guide you to your purpose. There’s one thing to have a job/ career and there’s another to have a job/ career that your passionate about because through that passion you have the ability to discover your PURPOSE in this life.

Purpose is what ultimately leads to fulfillment. Once you’ve discovered your passion … Be fearless and make a mark! Your unique gift was not given to you in order for you to just blend in.

What do you envision for the future of design?

The future I envision is one with more black artists, collectors, galleries, furniture makers, interior designers / decorators entrepreneurs etc living in the dream that God has for them. I heard Oprah say those words “I’m Living in the dream that God has for me” and I concur;  I see that for the future of myself, design and everyone periodt!

 

-Tony O. Lawson

 

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This Former Teacher Creates Black Dolls To Help Normalize Black Beauty

5 mins read
black dolls

Stephanie Dean has always loved dolls. Growing up, her mother went to great lengths to find Black dolls for her. She felt it was important for Stephanie’s self-image to have a positive reflection of herself during playtime.

Now, Stephanie is paying it forward. Her business, StepStitches, specializes in handmade Cinnamon Annie Dolls and companion products for children of color.

We caught up with Stephanie to find out more about her and StepStitches.

black dolls
Stephanie Dean

How did you learn to make dolls?

Doll making is an extension of my sewing hobby/obsession. When I began making dolls, I had already been sewing for a few years, mostly for myself making clothes, quilts, pillows, etc. I used all the skills gained from those sewing experiences to construct my dolls.

black dolls
Photo credit: Nikia Paden

What inspired you to start a doll making business?

In 2016, I started sewing Raggedy Ann style dolls for my own personal enjoyment. I named them Cinnamon Annie. I loved my dolls, but I couldn’t imagine that anyone else would be interested in such a vintage style doll.

I shared some of my dolls on Instagram and Facebook just for fun. When followers and friends started asking to purchase their own Cinnamon Annie Doll, I was so surprised but happy to have an excuse to make more dolls. As of now, I have made and sold over 400 dolls online and in person.

black dolls

Is there a reason why you prefer to make the Raggedy Ann style dolls? 

The enthusiastic response of my customers is why I continue to make Raggedy Ann style dolls. I always loved Raggedy Ann as a girl and it’s such a full circle for me to be making them for other children right now.

Raggedy Ann is an iconic American figure and I think it is very affirming to have one made in your own image. I am delighted that both the younger and older generations respond so positively to Cinnamon Annie.

black dolls

Why do you feel it’s important for Black children to have dolls that look like them?

A doll is a kind of mini-me to a child. Dolls provide a reflection of children’s humanity. They are a source of comfort and imagination. Children learn self-love from loving on their dolls.

Unfortunately, Black children still face a hostile world of degrading stereotypes, systemic racism, and negative expectations. Black dolls provide to them a powerful mirror reflection of their own God-given beauty and uniqueness.

Photo credit: Nikia Paden

Loving on a Black doll teaches them how to love on themselves. Playing with black dolls, talking to them, and creating imaginary scenarios allow children to express emotions and process situations in a safe way as well as develop imagination and creativity. Black dolls help normalize black beauty for black children.

Where do you see StepStitches 5 years from now?

I will continue to release my popular Cinnamon Annie Doll Christmas ornament. And I will launch girls’ shirts and pillows with Cinnamon Annie’s image on them in February 2020. In five years’ time, I envision StepStitches with an expanded product line, including more children’s books, clothing, nursery, and other products.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurship is hard work yet so rewarding. Make sure you build your business on something you love and are good at doing and that people will pay for. You need to have a passion for it because you will eat, sleep, think, and work your business.

 

-Tony O. Lawson

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John Witherspoon Dies: Legendary Comedian Was 77

3 mins read
john witherspoon

John Witherspoon, an actor-comedian who for decades made audiences laugh in TV shows and films, including the hit Friday feature franchise, died suddenly at his home yesterday. He was 77.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77,” Witherspoon’s family said in a statement to Deadline.

“He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.”

john witherspoon

Comedy great Witherspoon was born in Detroit in 1942 as John Weatherspoon. He launched a stand-up comedy career and began acting in the late 1970s with guest-starring TV roles, making his feature debut in the 1980 The Jazz Singer. Witherspoon appeared in numerous films, including Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn, The Ladies Man and Fakin’ Da Funk.

Witherspoon was perhaps best known for his role as Ice Cube’s grumpy dad in the 1995 breakout hit Friday. He also appeared in the sequels Next Friday and Friday After Next, and was expected to reprise his role in the long-gestating final installment of the franchise titled Last Friday.

john witherspoon

Witherspoon also voiced Gramps on the cult animated series The Boondocks. He likely would’ve returned for the series’ upcoming revival on HBO Max. Also known for his role as Pops on The Wayans Bros., Witherspoon did stints on such comedy series as The Tracy Morgan Show, The First Family and Black Jesus. He also was a frequent guest on Late Show with David Letterman.

Even with his busy film and TV career, standup comedy remained an important part of Witherspoon’s life. At age 77, he continued to perform regularly and had several dates coming up at the time of his death.

Source: Deadline

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This Black Owned Commercial Real Estate Firm’s Members Have Managed Over $15 Billion in Transactions

9 mins read
black owned commercial real estate

T. Dallas Smith & Company is a Black owned commercial real estate services firm that specializes in Tenant and Buyer representation services for corporate users of office, industrial, and land.

The firm is Atlanta based, with offices in Dallas, TX, Los Angeles, CA and Trenton, NJ and projects across the country.

black owned commercial real estate
T. Dallas Smith – Principal, Founder & CEO

The members of the firm, in their combined CRE experience, have managed over $15 billion in transactions.

Part of that team is Cedric Michael, Principal and Vice President of T. Dallas Smith & Company. We caught up with Cedric to learn more about him and about the firm.

black owned commercial real estate
Cedric Matheny – Principal, VP

How did you get involved in real estate and why?

I was in high school having an obligatory meeting with my guidance counselor who had just asked me what I wanted to do with my life when his cellphone rang.

In the few minutes it took him to respond to the call, he closed a residential real estate deal worth more than some people bring home in a week. And real estate was his weekend gig.

My mind immediately started racing. If he could operate like that from a phone it meant flexibility. If he could close deals in a day it meant income. However, I knew I didn’t want to work weekends, so residential real estate was out for me.

But I thought, even at that age, I could be successful with commercial real estate Monday-Friday and in a way that did not plant me at a desk 40+ hours a week. I was sold and started mapping my plan to accomplish that goal immediately!

How were you affected by the 2008 financial crash and how did you overcome it?

Prior to that time, my life was G-O-O-D! I had just graduated from college with a Finance and Real Estate degree. While in college, I was working at Bank of America and was named the #1 Small Business Banker in the country. Still in college, I was promoted to Assistant Client Manager. I had my career path laid out and owned a little real estate myself.

The crash was truly a crash for me because the bottom fell out! Two weeks after graduation, I got laid off. Quickly, all of my investments went away. I was evicted from my apartment. I had to take a step back to an old job and move back into my dad’s basement.

It was like a Job experience for me because I lost all of my material possessions but I didn’t lose my faith. At one of my darkest points, a guy who I had only known in circles, Leonte Benton, invited me to hang out.

It was literally the meeting that changed my life. After I shared my story with him, he insisted on introducing me to this new firm he was working with called T. Dallas Smith & Company. I met Dallas and joined the firm a year later after getting my life in order.

Today, Leonte Benton and I are principals and owners of the commercial real estate firm under the leadership of founding principal, T. Dallas Smith.

L to R – Robert Scott (Principal, EVP), Corey Ferguson (Principal, VP), Dexter Warrior (Principal, COO), T. Dallas Smith (Principal, CEO), Leonte Benton (Principal, SVP), Cedric Matheny (Principal, VP)

How is the firm exposing more Black men and women to commercial real estate as a possible career path?

We cover it from almost every angle. We are the largest African American commercial real estate firm in the country focused solely on tenant and buyer representation so it’s in our DNA.

  • In the community, we work with an organization called Next Generation Men and Women teaching them about commercial real estate; showing them how it applies to their lives and being the example of success they need to see.
  • Because we can’t hire every minority in search of a career in commercial real estate, we partner with high profile organizations like the Atlanta Commercial Board on initiatives that keep diversity and inclusion on the table and at the table. This way, when young black men and women seek positions outside of T. Dallas Smith & Company, we ensure as many companies and firms as possible know their value and see them as positive additions to their workforce.
  • We speak at inner-city schools and universities as often as we are invited.
  • We fill our social media platforms with pictures, stories, tips and facts about the commercial real estate industry and our stake in it. 
  • And finally, we live the life we talk about when we don’t know who’s looking. The best exposure to any life is a living example of that life.
black owned commercial real estate
TDS High school and college interns

What advice do you have for an aspiring commercial real estate professional?

I would advise them to make sure they understand finance and to master Microsoft Office (specifically Excel). Establish relationships within the commercial real estate industry.

Find a mentor. Most importantly, live like a lion! The lion is our moniker because it’s the leader in the jungle. It knows if it doesn’t hunt, it doesn’t eat.

It’s nimble and quick. It patiently studies the terrain and makes its move at the right time and with the right pride (rarely does it travel alone). It’s bold and brave. Live life courageously, listen to your instincts and go for what you want!

What are some 2019 commercial market trends that you expect to continue through 2020?

Rising rental rates.  Over the last 12 months, we have seen rates in Atlanta increase on average 12 percent. This trend is not isolated only to Atlanta, but across all major markets in the US. Companies are making decisions on how they use space differently.

While the bottom line remains significantly at the top, things like atmosphere, culture and space collaboration are also driving how businesses select spaces in preparation for a majority Millennial workforce.

Where do you see the firm 5 years from now?

The firm started from humble beginnings and has been a growing firm since. We have negotiated projects across the country valued at more than $15 billion. I think we will only be limited by our ability to believe in the next five years.

What I would like to see by the year 2024 is our expansion into international real estate, a greater representation of women of color and T. Dallas Smith & Company in the top 10 Commercial Real Estate Companies doing business globally.

–Tony O. Lawson

Related: Family Owned Real Estate Business closes $500 million in Transactions in One Year

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