Author, Producer & Director: Amira Shaunice Films, LLC
Amira Shaunice is the author of fiction novel “Silence”, creator of the highly popular web series New York girls tv, and Founder of Amira Shaunice Films, LLC in Brooklyn, New York. Amira has a Master’s degree in business and a Bachelors in Tv and Film. With her creative talents on the lips of so many in the black lesbian community, we thought it would be great to talk with her about her experiences, creative exploits, and what she has planned in the near future.
By Michelle Reed, July 21st 2016
So Amira, what influences caused you to start writing?
Life in general. After viewing films I knew I wanted to write fiction. I’ve been inspired by other stories and wanted to tell my own.
What would you say is your core audience?
Women.
I guess that should have been Obvious.
Yea. (She laughs)
NYGTV is extremely popular with more than 50,000 subscribers; did you expect such success?
I didn’t. I mean I knew it would be good, not to be cocky. But I didn’t expect people to respond so well.
I spoke with some of the cast members and they confirmed how funny and cool you are. What is it like on set?
On set is fun. It depends on my mood and the crunch for time. During filming I like to be straight forward and focused but overall I want the girls to love coming to the set.
In real life, are the cast members anything like their characters?
Each of them have a part of their characters which added on to stories. But no. I would say the only one who is exactly like their character is Stacey.
In your line of work, does it get difficult to separate business and personal?
I function best when I don’t distinguish between work and play. However, I’ve learned in order to be respected I must keep my interaction with my cast and crew to a minimum. I can’t party with them then expect them to be alert and on time to film the next day. It’s all about finding a balance. As far as writing I often take experiences from my personal life. It helps to make a better story.
Does your success have a positive or negative effect on your love life?
I would say negative. Not only because I am super busy as far as giving individual time, but also working with a lot of females and the stories that I tell. Trust can become an issue. But for me it’s professional.
Have you ever gotten involved with someone you were working with?
Yes, I have but it was short lived because we both wanted to maintain a professional relationship.
What do you look for in a woman?
I look for substance and depth. I like a woman who knows what she wants and makes a daily effort to obtain it. She has to stimulate me mentally. Support my work and motivate me, but also maintain a life of her own.
How does your family feel about your preferences?
They aren’t too keen. They respect my lifestyle but if they had their choice I would be with a man. But it’s been over 10 years so they’re used to it. I’ve even brought women around them.
The show has a lot of love scenes. I can only imagine the aura it creates on set. Women are naturally intense.
Women are intense, but love scenes are quite awkward to film. The cast makes it look great on film but they all struggle to be comfortable with those scenes.
So in your book “Silence”, everything seems centered around KJ. How much do you relate to your main character?
A lot of ways. I’ve always center characters around myself. I just embellish to tell a good story. KJ and I relate because she’s found herself creatively but she’s having trouble finding love and staying in a committed relationship.
What’s the screening process when it comes to your production company?
Pitch me. Email ideas or stories and we can set up a one on one. Once we are face to face I literally pick their brains and if interested we move forward with production, marketing, etc.
What projects can we expect from you in the future?
I have a few short films, I’m directing a documentary, and hopefully another season of NYGTV. I am also writing my memoirs and have been for a couple of years.
Do you have a list of people you have always dreamed of working with?
Oh, there’s so many. Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Shonda Rhimes, I would love to write something with her, and Angelina Jolie. That’s what I can think of off top
If you could get one message across to your fans, what would it be?
Never doubt yourself.
I actually see a lot of motivational quotes like that on your Instagram.
Yes, I try to be inspirational. Not just for myself but for others. It could be something I know I really need to hear, but others might be feeling the exact same thing.
Amira’s book is on sale on Amazon (hardcopy and ebook) and catch up on her web series on YouTube right now.
https://www.youtube.com/user/NewYorkGirlsTV
https://www.amazon.com/Silence-Complete-Journey-Amira-Shaunice/
Queens Closet Founder: Tracie D. Washington
Tracie D. Washington is the owner of a new up and coming online retail store called The Queen’s Closet-31. She is a lifelong lover of fashion with a passion to learn more about African culture so embarking on this business venture was a natural choice. She earned her degree in Business from Point Park University located in Pittsburgh, PA in May of 2015.
She was inspired to start The Queen’s Closet-831 while she was facilitating a single mothers support group called Queens Raising Kings. During that time, she noticed a need to help uplift and empower women of color. The Queens Closet-831 provides women of all sizes with clothing and accessories that celebrates their strength and beauty. Recently, the clothing has been expanded to some children’s and men’s clothing. Look out for new apparel coming soon to help the whole family look amazing together!
Starting August 31st, The Queen’s Closet-831 (the 831 is my birthday ☺) will be launching a Women’s Empowerment Initiative. Select bracelets will be sold throughout the year with 10% of the sales going toward helping one woman every annually launch her own business.
“If I could give one piece of advice to future entrepreneurs, it would be to embrace the process. Be patient with yourself. Understand that there will be good and bad days. Understand you will make mistakes. Learn from those mistakes and celebrate small victories.”
Urban Freedom Promo Code: UrbanFreedom20 (20% off)
Facebook: The Queens Closet-831
Instagram: @TheQueensCloset831
Website: TheQueensCloset831.com
Email: TheQueensCloset831@gmail.com
Location: Online, based out of Pittsburgh, PA
CEO of a Diversame: Tamiah Bridgett Products Created for Natural Curl Pattern
Diversame CEO Tamiah Bridgett PITTSBURGH, PA
With a wave of African American women stepping away from relaxers and products that damage their hair, there is a high demand for natural tools and products that accentuates that natural hair look. Tamiah Bridgett of the Pittsburgh area, has started Diversame, a company that creates products that bring out the curls of the natural look.
1. As the CEO of a Diversame, a company that engineers hair tools for the curly continuum, give consumers a synopsis of your business and products?
I started Diversamē after years in the beauty industry as a natural hair specialist. There was a void. Natural hair began to trend globally, small businesses that had traditionally catered to women underground were receiving major investment and corporate deals and were diversifying. Global brands like Dove were urging women to "love their curls." YouTube produced "gurus" and yet there were no tools. Products were available en masse to address styling needs but the fundamentals; the tools have remained the same for years. Furthermore, I noticed an emphasis on certain “hair types” within the curly and natural hair communities but other types ignored.
Last year, I was accepted into Alphalab Gear, a start-up accelerator program and Diversamē Inc. was born. I decided to start our production with reworking the traditional blow-dryer to suit the needs of all curl types. It’s time bid adieu to flimsy comb attachments, fatigued arms and hot hands and hair. They are not serving us but it’s what we use because that is all that is available. That is the reason I coined “curly continuum.” If the hair is loose tendrils or super tight afro textured hair, either person with that hair should be able to use the same tool with the same amount of ease. The Diversamē drying tool will enable user style confidence and time management!
2. Are your products more for women of color?
The Diversamē Drying Tool can be used by all people with hair! We especially think folks with curls will love it, no matter what their racial/ethnic makeup is. However, when I consider my primary demographic, it is WOC with Natural Hair (no chemical relaxers). This demographic has been vastly underserved when it comes to styling tools and has been forced to make it work with what is available. We live in a totally customizable world. Even our cell phone settings are exclusive to our immediate preferences. Yet, the women who support the beauty industry most, economically and dictate industry trends, have very few choices when it comes to tool amenities. I created Diversamē with this demographic in mind.
3. How did you end up in this profession?
I went natural in 2001. I was a graduate student and just curious to learn more about my hair. Once I went natural others asked me to assist them with their journeys into world of natural hair. I would tell them that I didn’t do hair, I only did nails (I did nails through college/graduate school). Each woman insisted that she trusted me and would tell the next (leading to plural!) I worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker during the day and assisted women with their hair in the evenings. In 2010 I’d learned plenty of lessons about natural hair and thought maybe it’d be nice to get some women together to discuss hair. Natural hair was growing in popularity so I figured why not? I hosted a seminar, “Natural Hair 101” in June of that year.
We decided to keep meeting bi-monthly and by October we decided to take a break until spring since the cold weather was near. An attendee (turned friend) said, “Why don’t you start a group on Facebook to so we can keep up with each other while we’re apart?” I immediately got nervous because people can be so cruel behind their screens and I work hard to create safe spaces. The next day, I got over myself and started the group (It’s a Natural Thang). I kept it closed to keep control over the safety and content. We had 18 members (Today we have over 5,000 and it’s still closed!)
I left my job to return to beauty school in 2012. I received my Cosmetology Teacher’s license in 2013. My intention was to write curriculum for cosmetology schools and advocate for more natural hair education in cosmetology schools, but…Alphalab Gear happened first.
4. What sets you apart from businesses that are similar to yours?
The biggest difference between Diversamē Inc. and other brands is that textured hair will be at the center of everything we design versus straight hair being the default.
5. What is your ultimate life goal and with your company?
My Ultimate life goal (ponders…) right now is to build a legacy. Something so special that perhaps one day, a library or even a Cosmetology School with my teaching methodology and tools will have something to do with Tamiah Bridgett/Diversamē/It’s a Natural Thang. Whichever way it manifests, legacy resounds for me.
As far as my company, it is important for me that as we grow, the integrity of our core mission and focus stay in place. There will be no deviation from the importance of serving the underserved.
6. You worked as a licensed psychiatric social worker. Would that be something you would want to further venture into?
I’m not certain if I will ever serve in the capacity as a direct practitioner of social work again. The day I put my license in “inactive status” was a very scary one! It was a declaration that I was pursuing a different direction full time. Since then, I have utilized many skills that I would need to use in many spaces. Sometimes it’s encouraging a woman that her hair is indeed good enough. Sometimes it’s advocating for my company in environments where many influential people won’t understand it’s mission. Sometimes it’s reminding myself to practice self-care.
7. What was your day to day?
As a social worker, it was sometimes rewarding but mostly tough. After a while, my day to day was praying for God to reveal what my purpose was beyond what I was doing. I was good at my “job” but I knew there was something else. So every day that I served, I prayed. Everyday there was a crisis, I prayed. A micro-aggression, I prayed. When I got my green light, I cried! I cried every day because I never thought my prayer would be answered and I was gripped with the reality that it was time to make moves many wouldn’t understand. Then the realization, it wasn’t for them. It was for me.
8. What is something you would say about your business to draw consumers to your products?
I suppose I’d use the familiar, “Ain’t nothing like the real thing.” At the end of the day, we are presented with so many gimmicks, widgets, gadgets, lotions and potions all offering some sort of prize. As for Diversamē, our tester approval with both professional stylists and potential consumes was 100%. Once one experiences authenticity, she can never go back to false promises.
9. Do you have an empowering messages to women looking to have a career like yours?
For women who are considering pursuing another career path, I say “DO IT!” Plan, but don’t plan to the point of paralysis. We get to take this walk one time. The worst thing in the world in is living a life of regret; of I wonder what would have happened if’s…If you try and it doesn’t work out, it’s ok. Try again and try again. I keep a magnet on my fridge that says, “Leap and the net will appear.”
For more information and purchase of products, please visit her site at http://diversame.com/
Take a Chance Book Club Reviews
Top 3 Suggested books
By Guest Contributor: “Chance The Book Lover”
1.The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley: Alex Haley and Malcolm X,1964
Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley Book Review
The scoop: This classic originally published in 1964, tells the real-life,raw and inspiring story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement to veteran writer and journalist Alex Haley. Haley worked with Malcolm X for nearly two years, interviewing, listening to, and understanding the man, the unforgettable leader known as Malcolm X.
Why read it: Malcolm X challenged people of the world to hear and learn the truth as he experienced through his powerful message. The dates on the calendar have changed but Malcolm's message was a call to action that is as relevant and urgent as it was when he first delivered it. Malcolm X should inspire the black community to understand how they can make a change.
2. Vengeance: Zane,2016
The scoop: Caprice Tatum fled Atlanta and the traumas of her past but decides to return to her hometown as the beautifully, talented pop superstar LaDonna Sterling/ Wicket desperate and determined to enact revenge on those who have caused her to hide behind her fame.Wicket is encouraged to seek medical help from a therapist,where she realizes it's not as easy to destroy someone's life as she thought.
Why read it: Vengeance touches on many issues that are swept under the rug especially in the black communities issues of mental health,rape,incest,etc. It is an easy read that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster but somehow is uplifting and encourages the reader to seek help, practice self love and to practice forgiveness.
3. Wisdom's Choice: Kathryn Adams Shapiro,2002
The scoop: Wisdom's Choice is designed to help individuals connect with their own inner wisdom. The book is full of simple insights anyone can use on the power of thought, forgiveness, compassion, and unconditional love. Wisdom's Choice holds the promise of helping readers connect with their own health, well-being, spirituality, and happiness. Counseling us on the need to relinquish fear and doubt, it illuminates the Law of Cause and Effect, and teaches us to pay close attention to the power of our thoughts because they create our life.
Why read it: This easy read book helps the reader be free of the pressures that structured religions may place on one's shoulder. Its also helps the reader to seek,and spend time with the higher power that they connect with. This book reminds the reader that we are spirit beings first and foremost and that we must cultivate our spirits with positive thoughts.
Career Coach & Strategist: Sherry Smalls owner of "Reinvented Destiny"
Career Coach & Strategist: Sherry Smalls owner of "Reinvented Destiny"
Sherry Smalls is a career coach, small business strategist, and owner of Reinvented Destiny. This Maryland web-based company was created as a result of years in workforce development both professionally and personally and countless hours spent helping friends, family, and co-workers tap into their passions and find their voices to articulate what they really wanted from a career and to discover marketable ways to relay this to employers. My strong passion for human services coupled with my background in Psychology always led me to listen and want to help. However, after years of school and experience I realized I was still lost trying to find my career title…who was I and what did I want to “become”. Instead of listening to the inner voice that told me to pursue what I loved. Which was being in control of my own career, I hid behind the decision that I needed more degrees to arrive at this pinnacle of success. Two master’s degrees later and I was still lost, working aimlessly and denying myself true freedom. I feared entrepreneurship because I was afraid to fail, afraid to take a risk on myself, and afraid that no one would “get it”. But after becoming a mother something inside of me switched; having to be accountable to three beautiful black boys I did not want to look at them and pass on any of my fears. I knew that I had something great to offer to not only friends and family but also my community. This community includes mothers, individuals with disabilities, those whose story may include incarceration but are now looking for a second chance, the lost college student who was taught to just go to school but has absolutely no clue what the next steps are for this thing called life, and to the small business owners who have a dream but little resources. I believe people have the innate gifts and talents they need in order to achieve their goals but most often need guidance and permission to locate those gifts within themselves. Reinvented Destiny means deciding to change your course and make an individualized path, regardless of the obstacles or stage a person is in. We each have the ability to consciously control our future. I seek to be an impelling force in that journey to success.
Since Reinvented Destiny’s inception, I have worked with several individual clients, and small groups. Partnered with a local premiere online gospel radio station to execute their vision by securing national sponsorship. Assist in creating pertinent business and community relationships for additional resources and support. Successfully co-created and promoted local events to engage listening audience and increase awareness of the station. Additionally, I have maintained ongoing relationships with startup businesses such as Hanover, Maryland based holistic wellness company to provide strategic goals, establish foundational structure of business model, offer advice on social media visibility, as well as, promotional and marketing ventures to increase capital.
As a career coach and business strategist I enjoy working with young and/or future entrepreneurs and understand the complexities that come with stepping out to pursue a dream. We live in a society where there is so much education and talent in our communities that ownership should be highly regarded and emphasized. Several pieces of advice I would love to pass on to this population include taking the time to learn what you are passionate about, what your skill sets are and how it translates into a marketable source of income. A good place to start is looking at what you naturally gravitate toward, discover what a career in that field would look like. Be realistic with where you are and what you can commit to; be sure that you are invested in pursuing a business and not creating just a hobby. You have to make your business venture the priority which often means leaving your comfort zone and being in a place of vulnerability. DO NOT look for validation or ask permission to be great…realize you are great. Access what your strengths and weaknesses are, and be open to utilize your community for help whether it’s a career coach to keep you on task and accountable, a web designer etc., realize getting help does not equal failure. Let your voice have authority, use that voice to make connections, to engage your community, and to network. Multiple streams of income are beneficial. No matter what stage you are in with your business you can be a help to someone and someone can be a help to you. Lastly life happens, it is okay to take a step back, re-evaluate, refocus, “reinvent” and continue on your path toward greatness.
Sherry C. Smalls M.H.A., M.B.A.
(443) 256-3637
http://www.reinventeddestiny.com/
ALMVGHTY Steetwear: Founder Dondre Smith
ALMVGHTY Steetwear Founder Dondre Smith
Ever since I was in high school I always wanted to have my own clothing line. I have been very interested in fashion since I was a shorty rocking Girbaud straps and crisp Air Force Ones or bathing apes. Or wearing the newest Jordans and Sean John, lbs. Every one could sense my unique and creative fashion style and I was always ahead of the trend. I was also a big sneaker head in my high school days. It wasn’t until December 2013 when I finally began to organize all my thoughts and ideas into one concept. I had friends that talked about wanting to start a clothing line as well, but none of them were really about it. So I took matters in my own hands. I was interested in Greek mythology so I initially was going to call the brand “Almighty gods.” I figured that name was too much and changed it to “ALMVGHTY” and the V stood for versatility. Versatility and Influence are two major themes that are embedded in this brand. The term “almighty” is defined as having complete power or influence; omnipotence or preeminence.
I believe anyone who has the ability to influence one’s mind, thoughts, or action is a powerful being. ALMVGHTY is a street wear/lifestyle brand that focuses on manufacturing high quality apparel. We make a variety of garments for men and women, which are cut & sewn from a very intricate and unique design. We encourage our customers to carry a sense of clout when they are wearing our clothes; and we always promote rare/trendy styles, as well as comfort. ALMVGHTY is a versatile company that also dabbers in high-end fashion, as well as intentions on footwear and accessories in the future. This is a very young brand, established in July 2014, with an immense amount of potential. I successfully dropped my first Fall Collection last November, and made a short film with the release. I attend on dropping a video with every collection. I am currently planning a F/W 16 Collection (DIETY II), which will drop mid November. Expect to see new releases starting late September/ early October though!
Use discount code “UrbanFreedom” for free shipping on ALL orders for the entire month of September!
Advice
Believe in your ideas and never give up on them. People eventually recognize talent over time; you just need to be dedicated to improving your craft. It’s inevitable to progress with time, so just stay motivated. And make sure to establish a team! I’ve been doing this by myself all the way up until this last month of July. You need a team to be successful in whatever you do in life. So choose your teammates wisely, and make sure you trust them. I already feel the positive energy and vibes among my team. Big things are coming so stay tuned!
Dondre Smith
Chicago, IL
Founder/CEO/Designer
708-699-3127
sales@almvghty.com
Author of "Trapped" & "Roses" - J.Reid
Local author releases second novel
Baltimore, MD – Local author, J. Reid of Baltimore, is announcing the release of her second novel. “Roses” is the autobiography of a young girl who deals with devastating losses in her life by using writing to find solace and peace. The book is currently available via Amazon, Google Play and iBooks.
Reid, a Towson University graduate, found her passion for writing as a student at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Baltimore, MD. During high school, she read the works of urban fiction writers such as Donald Goines and Zane. She was so inspired by their writing that she began to create short stories of her own.
“I loved the way they were able to make me feel a range of emotions and see life through someone else’s eyes,” she said. “I want the reader to feel something about my characters, even if it’s anger or frustration.”
In 2015, Reid released her debut novel, “Trapped.” It is the story of a young woman who is drawn into the arms of a man who appears to be a knight in shining armor, but unfortunately, she is challenged with escaping his reach or becoming trapped by it all.
Both novels are available at www.whoisjreid.me .. If interested in a book singing, presentation or interview, call 443-990-0541 or email whoisjreid@gmail.com.
J. Reid is a born and bred resident of Baltimore. After graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, she attended Towson University, receiving a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. She spends her free time with her children Caim and Symone, or writing short stories and novels. For more information, follow @whoisjreid on Twitter and Instagram, www.facebook.com/whoisjreid or visit her website www.whoisjreid.me
YoungATM™ Clothing
YoungATM™ Clothing New York, NY
Living in a fragmented society, two cousins noticed the struggle that their family and others around them encountered to progress in life. We grew up in a small city with high crime rates, low-income, and little to no positive role models to look up to. We and all of our closest friends suffered from the same ailment: We felt trapped in a toxic environment that no good could come from. We each longed for an opportunity to find a way out. This longing taught us how to be hungry, how to be a hustler, and how to grind relentlessly for the one thing hindering us from creating our own opportunities –money. Our city, our experiences, and hip-hop inspired us to create a brand that could be the voice of every young individual around the world with dreams to make it out of their situation. Our brand is known as YoungATM™ (YoungAfterTheMoney).
YoungATM™ is a lifestyle fashion label that represents the have-nots in pursuit of expensive dreams. The brand has been rapidly moving to introduce the fashion industry to a cohort of money-hungry youth grinding to get it out the mud. Our vision is to create stylish, fashion-forward products that embody the lifestyle of YoungATM. We want the brand to develop into one that is held sacred by its supporters. Only an elite group of high-fliers can call themselves ‘YoungAfterTheMoney’.
Accomplishments
Seen worn by PartyNextDoor, DJ HoodRichKeem, and Strado
Featured in the Spring ’16 publication of ‘Urban Atlas’
Currently stocked on Colabination.com
Social Media
Instagram: @YoungAfterTheMoney
Twitter:@YoungAfterMoney
Tumblr: YoungAfterTheMoney.tumblr.com
Facebook: YoungAfterTheMoney
Multi-Dimensional Musician Jasmin "Jazzo" Walters
Musician Jasmin "Jazzo" Walters Baltimore, MD
Jasmin "Jazzo" Walters. Intoxicating. Electric. Hypnotic. Contagious. These are just a few words used to describe the Jazzo experience. This Massachusetts born, Maryland raised artist was exposed to creativity at a very young age. She wrote her first mixtape at twelve years old using a karaoke machine and cassette tapes. She went on to pursue acting and dance before deciding to return to music. Jazzo is not limited to her sound. She is a professional dancer and choreographer, writer, poet, and producer. She aspires to direct and act again, she enjoys painting and crafts and she has a knack for marketing, branding and advertising. Her drive and imagination is unmatchable. Jazzo has so much more to show you. Keep listening.
Inspiration:
Experience. Adversity. Observation. Jazzo has a unique way of transforming adversity and experience into masterpieces. She is her most vulnerable while creating. She has learned to use art as safe, therapeutic space through the observation and emulation of her multi-talented family members/friends and iconic legends such as Erykah Badu, Sade, Dido, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott.
Advice:
"We spend so much time thinking through decisions. Valuable, valuable time that we waste because of our fear. Every second we spend debating whether or not we are good enough or whether or not we will succeed, someone else is using to build. Hesitation will leave you without your aspirations. Talent does not succeed without hard work. And hard work supersedes talent when the talented do not take initiative." -Jasmin "Jazzo" Walters
Social Media:
Lost & Found Boutique: Co-Founders D'Laun Montgomery and Jamarcus Terrell
Co-Founders D'Laun Montgomery and Jamarcus Terrell were having a normal conversation about fashion. Jamarcus brought up the idea of starting a clothing store to monetize our passion. We thought that it would make more sense to make money from the fashion industry rather than go broke from the fashion industry. So not wanting to just dive into anything without doing the proper research we spent the next 12 months doing our homework and studying the fashion industry.
Midway through 2015 Jamarcus introduced the idea of adding a 3rd partner named Jermell Burton. He explained that while D'Laun has his own way of dressing, and he himself has his own way of dressing he thought that it would be beneficial in the long run if we had someone with a more urban taste, and so Jermell was included from that point on.
Opening November 15th, 2015 our initial vision is to give people a more diverse and unique selection to choose from. We see that there is a drought in originality, with everyone dressing like manikins. We don't sell what is trendy, we only sell things that we personally like. We can't convince someone to buy something that we would never buy ourselves. We want to do all of this while making sure that our prices match our quality.
Our advice for future entrepreneurs is to stay consistent. We sum this up simple: Work smarter, and work harder everyone else. We value quality over quantity. We try our very best to stay consistent with every single order, no matter how big or small it is. We also do a relentless amount of research of similar companies and people who are in similar fields because no one alive knows everything. There is always room for more improvement. In our industry their is a lot of competition and so we keep that in mind, and we try to stand out way more than any other companies that offer similar products. Every detail counts. Its really simple: Why would someone shop with us over the thousands of other stores that are similar to ours.
www.lostandfoundboutique.com
Social Media:
Instagram: @lostandfound708
Twitter: @lostandfound708
Facebook: Lost and Found Boutique
Use promo code "UFMAG" for 15% off of your entire order
Bluegrass Hair Boutique- Founder Tamiika Watson
Brand Creator, Tamiika Watson now 30 years old had dreams of becoming a cosmetologist and salon owner. At the age of 14, she worked as an assistant at a salon in Silver Spring, Maryland. She worked on a part-time basis during the school year and full-time basis during the summer. Her passion to fulfill her dream grew stronger. In 2001, she enrolled in the Cosmetology Vocational Program during her sophomore year of high school.
By 2003, Tamiika earned her cosmetology license and high school diploma, while maintaining a superior GPA at the age of 17. In 2006, at the age of 20, Tamiika's dreams came true when she became the owner of A Nu U Salon. Due to building changes, the salon closed its doors in 2007. She did not let that deter her from what she envisioned as a child. While balancing motherhood to her young children and maintaining work, she continued to provide quality services to her clients.
In 2012, Tamiika opened Bluegrass Hair Boutique. As she did due diligence and leveraged her years of cosmetology expertise to work on her hair products – Bluegrass Botanicals™. Tamiika was very selective on the natural and organic ingredients that she wanted to include in her products. Making a personal and business decision, she invested $300, a detailed plan mixed with pure love and determination Bluegrass Botanicals TM was created on her iPad.
The product line provides consumers with an affordable, vegan-friendly alternative to hair care. The line consists of Sulfate-Free Shampoos, Conditioners, Pomades, and Oil. Bluegrass Botanicals TM is currently handcrafted and manufactured by Bluegrass Hair Boutique, LLC in Maryland.
Talk about a family business, her 11-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter are fortunate enough to experience the walks of an entrepreneur as their mother has them right by her side assisting and lending helping hands at various venues etc. Tamiika takes pride in spending quality time with her children and educating them while she continues to have an active role in the community. Throughout the year, you will find her at various events and venues within D.C, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area promoting her hair product line, educating, mentoring the youth and interacting with the community, as she loves to do.
Bluegrass Hair Boutique- Founder Tamiika Watson & Children Baltimore, MD
24k Certified- Carpentry meets Custom Hats
24K is a state of mind and lifestyle that transcends ordinary brands.
24K Wood Etched Brims are made from a variety of different wood grains. Our designs are custom and we add a high gloss finish to give it a classic and polished look. 24K features designs influenced by sports, art, music, and city life culture. 24K aims to communicate globally, with expression + lifestyle + soul. 24K brings the same progressive, collective consciousness that birthed the hip-hop, graffiti, and pop culture movement.
24K Wood Etched Brims Hats San Diego, CA
LOCATION:
San Diego
WEBSITE:
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram:
24kcertified https://www.instagram.com/24kcertified/
Twitter:
@24kcertified | https://twitter.com/24KCertified
Facebook:
