FEBRUARY 2020
T H E
I N S I D E
B L A C K L L Y F E
UNDER THE BLACK LLYTE "We See You" ON BLACK STREET "What LLane You In" ARE YOU LLYSTENING "Cause You Should Be THE SPOT LLYTE Cause We Watching You
M A G A Z I N E
INTRODUCING:
S U G G A C H E ' FRESHMAN CLASS ISSUE ENTREPRENEUR ENTRANCE FEATURING: "Jamenise Wilson" CEO / BAWSE / OWNER of (POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR)
C R E A T O R / C E O O F T H E B L A C K L L Y F E M A G A Z I N E A N D B L A C K L L Y F E A P P A R E L
CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE BLACKK LLYFE - Introduction to the magazine INTRODUCING Sugga Che' - Who is Chan'Te "Sugga Che" Lumpkins
FEBRUARY 2020 LLYFE of A BAWSE / BOSS (It's Him / And It's Her) Tribute To NECIA JONES
ENTREPRENEURS ENTRANCE (Come On In) - Posh Confessions Hair
LLYFE STYLE (How You Living) - Taking care of your MENTAL HEALTH
UNDER THE BLACK LLYTE (We SeeYou) - Makeup By Xaviera - Louisville Got Next
THE FRESHMAN CLASS (Watch The Take Off) - Diva Day Collection - X-Classified
ON BLACK STREET (What LLane You In) - BANSHEE'S Block Podcast
THE SPOT LLYTE (We Watching You) - FLY LYF
YA SOCIAL LLYFE (Who You Follow / We'll Tell You Who) - Juku Beauty Lounge / Juku Cosmetics - Boujie Couture
DON'T SHOP LLYTE (Aye Wher eYou Get That) - Furry God Muva
ARE YOU LLYSTENING (Cause you should be) - Tha Slump Zone Radio
SHOUT OUT LLOUD - What Up Yaw THANK YOU'
WWWW.BLACKLLYFE.BIGCARTEL.COM
The BLACK LLYFE Magazine is a magazine that is the platform for new up and coming entrepreneurs and small businesses to have a place to be featured. BLACK LLYFE is going to showcase a variety of new up and coming brands / businesses that you can support, encourage and uplift. THE BLACK LLYFE is also designed to keep you in the know of all things hot and up and coming today like, Styles, Tattoo Artists, Nail Techs, Braiders, Promoters, Barbershops, Podcasts, Hairstylists, Students, Boutiques, Hair Salons etc. We want to show the world that we as a magazine and as a culture, “Move Diff’Rent”. This is not just a brand / its a LLYFE STYLE.... We appreciate each and every one of you and your hard work to build your brand and we support you. Thank you for taking the time to check us out and see how we got started on showing the world that we MOVE DIFF’RENT……
Hello, my name is Chan’Te “Sugga Che” Lumpkins and I am from Louisville Ky Born and raised and I also lived in Florida for 5 years. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU – I love to laugh, I’m actually very funny, and I love meeting new people. Their stories are so interesting. I am a talker and a listener. I am very particular about my space, And I loooooove lip-gloss and flowers. NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS / BRAND – THE BLACK LLYFE BRAND BLACK LYFE MAGAZINE BLACK LLYFE APPAREL SHORT BIO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS / BRAND – I started my brand in 2016 and I have been working to build it ever since. I created everything that you see when you look at the BLACK LLYFE BRAND. That is truly my baby and I take it very serious. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS / STARTING YOUR BRAND – I have had the idea of my brand for as long as i can remember, but about 4 years ago I started piushing my brand.
WHAT / WHO INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS / BRAND – I have always wanted to see people rockin my brand. I wanted to start my brand so that I can see others in it and never lose the feeling of the first time I was out and saw someone rockin my brand. I wanted to create a brand that is for the culture. WHAT / WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS / MOTIVATORS – My biggest supporter and motivator to date is my son DeEunique. From day one when this was just a drawing on a piece of paper (and Lord knows I can’t draw to save my life) he thought it was the dopest thing ever. He is always ready for a photo-shoot, or whatever i need. He listens to every single idea (and there are a million of them) and never complains. He tells me if something is hot or not. Most and best of all, he picks me up every single time I have wanted to quit or second guessed myself or thought that I just couldn’t do it. WHO IS THE IDEAL CLIENT YOU WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH OR HAVE THEM PURCHASE FROM YOU My ideal client would be the whole cast of Black Ink Crew (NY and CHI) and Growing Up Hip Hop ATL. Also the everyday consumer is my idea client. l want to see everybody rockin BLACK LLYFE APPAREL.
ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL OTHER ENTREPRENEURS FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS SIMPLE ..... NEVER GIVE UP!!! Even when you think no one is paying attention.... NEVER GIVE UP WHATS BEEN THE HARDEST THING ABOUT STARTING YOUR BUSINESS /BRAND – Finding a team to work with me…. I’m sure if I had a team I would be much further right now. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be better. God has me working alone right now for a reason. I trust it. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE AS A BUSINESS MENTOR / GET ADVICE FROM Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart, for the Guys. Their work ethic is insane. I just know i could learn so much from them. Pascal Rowe aka Ms Bling Miami for the ladies. She is always humble and down to earth even though she runs a thriving successful business. Plus she's funny. I love her passion for her brand. Also for the ladies , I would love to meet TRINA. She is no nonesense when it comes to her brand and i just know she would school me on how to be a BAWSE. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE SITES / PAGES TO VISIT – @jigga_what_jigga_who, @shay_berlin….. Oh gosh, there is way to many to name... @PinkGangMagazine What CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO NOTICE YOUR BRAND – Charlamagne the God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy I swear I love them. and of course my fav Young M.A.
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO FEEL LIKE YOU’VE REACHED SUCCESS My own warehouse / Office space for manufacturing and running my brand – Selling my merchandise internationally – Telling my mama she can quit her job HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME FOR YOUR BRAND / BUSINESS – It’s literally not complicated at all. Black is my favorite color and I like the way I spelled LLYFE, (which is a acronym for Living Life Young For Ever) But actually, I knew I wanted a brand but I wasn’t sure of the name and one day back in May of 2017, I was laying across the bed and @youngma song called OOOUUU came on and in that song she says Red Lyf and that’s when it hit me. I jumped up and called my son in the room and said "that’s it. BLACK LLYFE that’s the name of my brand." And I rolled with it ever since.
IS THERE A MOMENT THAT HAS HAPPENED THAT HAS MADE YOU FEEL LIKE A STAR – Heck yeah, I was getting gas at Kroger one day and I was like I hope nobody sees me out here in sweats and a tee and a hat. Not really a mess, but not what people are used to seeing me look like lol next thing I know, the girl comes over the intercom and says “I knew your face looked familiar, You’re BLACK LLYFE, I follow you on Instagram.” I waved and smiled and of course everybody else had to turn and look. I was lightweight hype LOL But a little embarrassed that I was looking a mess though. WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE FROM YOU – More exclusive designs. Backpacks, hoodies, you name it, we bout to have it. Also, be on the look out for our exclusive Tee called PROJECT 8. Project 8 is a foundation that i started in memory of my grandmother Geraldine "Baby Girl" Lumpkins to help underpriviledged dchildren. In continuation of her memory, a portion of the proceeds of every Project 8 Tee sold on my website will go to purchasing school supplies. Each month a different elementary school in my local area will be chosen to receive the school supplies. WHAT EMBARRASSING SONG WOULD WE FIND IN YOUR PLAYLIST – Laughs….Ummmm, Im not sure if you will find an embarrassing song, I love all music. I listen to everything. People are surprised to know I love Nickelbacks’ How You Remind Me and Joss Stones’ The Love We Had WHAT IS YOUR GO TO GET HYPE SONG FOR MOTIVATION Kanye West - All of the Lights and Jay Rock - Win (Works Every Time)
ENTREPRENEURS ENTRANCE COME ON IN ....
Featuring ....
Jamenise Wilson
www.poshconfessionshair.com
POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR
SHE GETS YOUR CURLS POPPIN.... - LUSH LEAVE-IN - SHIMMER SHAMPOO - POSH POMADE - COIL & CURL CUSTARD
@POSHCONFESSIONSHAIR
Punkin Wilson HEEEEEY MS. WILSON…… Take a moment and learn a little bit more about this cutie pie that is the founder \ owner \ CEO of POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR... Ms. Jamenise Wilson. I came across her page on Instagram and just loved her hair. I myself am not a natural sista (yet). I commented on one of her photos and told her how much I loved her hair. She told me thank you and then told me that she is about to start her business called POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR. Who knew under a year later, she would be up and running and business booming!!! I’m so proud of this lady right here. INSPIRATION…… With her mom and boyfriend being her biggest supporters and motivators, Jamenise started her business POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR in 2018. POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR is for the everyday woman, the woman on the go. She specializes in natural hair care. POSH CONFESSIONS is a natural based product that makes your hair feel amazing and it also restores moisture and shine to your hair. THE PRODUCT…. At the current time, I am actually waiting on her to stock back up so that I can get some of her product in my household and also try it myself. I totally love the packaging simple and sleek and looks very expensive although the pricing is very affordable. Jamenise is a lover of all things beauty such as lashes, makeup, hair, brows etc. She says “Anything that makes a woman feel beautiful, I’m all for it”.
ADVICE…. As far as advice to those coming up in the entrepreneur industry, Jamenise says to “Forget what everyone else thinks and just do what makes you happy”. She says to also “be prepared for competing with other brands in the industry due to their longevity and the competitor having more funds to be able to use for branding and promoting and such”. Make sure to show my girl some love by checking out her social media links below and follow her pages and check out her website. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Follow her Links Below: Instagram - @poshconfessionshair FaceBook – POSH CONFESSIONS HAIR Website – www.poshconfessionshair.com
KEEP IT LLYTE KEEP IT LLYTE
"AYE WHAT THEY SAY"
WHEN I WANT TO REPRESENT MY ROOTS WITH STYLE, BLACK LLYFE APPAREL IS THE WAY TO STAND OUT (FB) ANGEL LUMPKINS
GREAT BLACK BUSINESS EXCITING (FB) DPW LUMPKINS CAN'T WAIT TO MODEL THE BLACK LLYFE APPAREL! YOU ALL BETTER GET WITH IT! #MOVEDIFF'RENT - (FB) OLIVIA PATTON EVERYTHING IS SO CREATIVE AND UNIQUE. I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE. YOU DO GREAT WORK NEVER STOP FOR ANYONE . SO AMAZING TO SEE PEOPLE STEPPING OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND IM SURE YOU WILL BE GREATLY REWARDED. (FB) SHANTE SHACKLEFORD
ON BLACK STREET WHAT LLANE YOU IN ....
Featuring ....
Erika Mucker
BANSHEE’S BLOCK Ok, sit down, take a deep breath and let me introduce you to the voice of all things hip hop, my girl Erika “Thugelina Jolie” Mucker!!!!! You literally have to have been under a rock for the past few years if you haven’t heard of her by now. She is the Owner, Founder and Creator of BANSHEE’S BLOCK PODCAST. Banshee’s Block is a Podcast about Pop Culture, Relationships, sometimes Politics plus so much more. 3.2.1. Podcast is a music podcast, where we discuss Hip Hop and R & B music, with not just Local artist but some of the current movers and shakers of Louisville. “We the Plug”!! I remember when I first met E (as I call her) when we were working at Humana. We clicked instantly. She got every single one of my Martin jokes and I got all of hers. My Dawg!!!! When they sat us right next to each other, it was on. From jokes to dreams, we talked about everything. I remember when she handed me a post it note and wrote on it that she was going to start her own podcast. I told her that day she was a star!!! She smiled and said Nah, im just Red. I knew she had “IT”. From Louisville KY, Erika has been working on building her brand for 3 years now. “Having always been a lover of entertainment”, and always having an opinion on what was going on in the world, she decided to build her own podcast platform and birthed BANSHEE’S BLOCK.
I know there are a few out there that are not familiar with the podcast world. A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. Loosely put, it’s like the videos you watch on YouTube, but it’s in Audio form. You listen to a podcast.
E has had everyone on her show including myself twice. Not just anybody though, I’m talking names like Smoke E Digglera (whom is her cousin and also a member of Dru Hill) and also Benjamin “Black” Bush (also a member of Dru Hill) both most notably known from the group PLAYA. She has had episodes of her show ranging from politics to relationships, to good ol girl talk. It will be hard to pick a favorite episode. E says one thing she would tell other entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams is that “This is not for the weak or the faint heart at all. It’s going to take time before people fully realize what it is you’re doing and the reason that you do. She also says to “Keep your head down and keep on running and pushing towards the goal”. Now everyday isn’t peaches n cream as they say. Erika says that Support is hard to get. She goes on to say “it’s hard to get Black folks on board with something they haven’t heard too much about on a mainstream level”. Rebranding can be hard too she says, because the supporters you do have you don’t want to lose them in the process.Make sure to check out my girl Erika on all her social media platforms, she’s everywhere!!!! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Follow her links below: INSTAGRAM: thugelinajolie FACEBOOK: Banshee's Block FACEBOOK: Thugelina Jolie TWITTER: ThugelinaJolie
UNDER THE BLACK LLYTE WE SEE YOU ....
Featuring ....
Makeup by Xaviera
&
Louisville Got Next
WHO’S THAT LADY…… I’m sure if you have Instagram then you know who this lady here is….. If not, I now introduce you to Xaviera J., founder \ owner \ CEO of MakeUpByXaviera. I literally remember the first time I came across her page at 3am in the morning. Scrolling through the Gram and her page popped up on my explorer page and she had her eyes done with the Facebook logo, the Instagram logo the Snapchat logo and notifications bubble. The caption under that pic is what caught my attention as well. It read “Don’t try to keep up with everyone living their best LIE on social media. And please don’t allow the “likes” or lack thereof to validate who you are”. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. As I further scrolled I came across another make up look that had her face covered in puzzle pieces all hand done with her makeup. Dope right!!! I first saw pop art done with makeup on her page. It was unlike anything I’d seen before. Long story short, come to find out I had been following her for over a year before I found out that this cutie pie is the best friend of a family member I have in New York. Small world right!!! INSPIRATION…… Xaviera is from New York and has been in business for 3 years full time although she has loved makeup since being a teenager. When asked what inspired her most to start her business, her reply was” FEAR! She no longer wanted to fear her own selfdoubt. I totally understand that concept. I think all of us entrepreneurs have beaten ourselves up before once or twice.
ADVISE TO THE NEWBIES….. She says that “We all have a birth date and will one day receive a departure date, however that dash in between, that’s your choice”. She goes on to elaborate and says” That sate will represent all the things possible that you did or didn’t do. Don’t let yourself down, don’t let the dash down”. THE HARD PART…… Xaviera says that the hardest thing about starting your own business is getting out of her own way. “Allowing something so vulnerable to me to be judged on a public forum is tough”. She learned that it’s ok if everyone doesn’t like her work. It doesn’t lessen or value what she has created.One of the things from her interview that I liked the most is that she says “You can paint a face but there is no makeup strong enough to paint an ugly soul”. This lady here is not only painting us pretty on the outside, but she is painting us pretty on the inside as well with her kind words. That’s a total win win if you ask me.Take a second and check my girl out. You’ll love her page. She aspires to inspire. Allow MakeUpByXaviera to not only beat your face but also provide the education behind the art. Follow her links below: Instagram: makeupbyxaviera Facebook: Makeup By Xaviera
THE STORY …… Where do I even begin to tell you about Lee Lee Johns? Before I can even tell you why you need to know who she is, let me tell you my story about Lee Lee. When I decided to start pushing my BLACK LLYFE brand, Lee Lee was one of the people that showed support like no other. She always inboxed me and checked on my progress and what I was doing next. I can’t even tell you how many times I got discouraged and she jumped right in my inbox and said “No ma’am, no negativity, no being down, and no beating yourself up. Remember everything is in God’s timing, not our own”. Every time I need encouragement, I can hit her up. Every question I have ever had about shirts, printing, marketing, branding, you name it, she was there to answer it. Lee Lee has even prayed for me and my business that’s major!!!!! I could not have come across a doper person… She inspires me like no other. I love her hustle and grind for her brand Louisville Got Next… Here’s the secret, I have never met her in person before yet, she has been the dopest supporter of me and my brand from day one. WHO IS LEE LEE JOHNS ….. Now that I told you my story with LeeLee, let me tell you why you need to be following her on all social media outlets. LeeLee is an entrepreneur from Louisville KY whom is dope on the music scene. LeeLee is the owner \ founder \ CEO of the company LouisvilleGotNext which is a media company. Her media company does interviews, live broadcasting and promoting. Her goal is to create as many platforms as possible for artists to be successful on the come up of their careers. Her company even goes as far as throwing a showcase for artists and even has conference teachings to teach artists how to register their music and market it. THE FUNNY THING ….. The funny thing is she actually wanted to be a basketball player for the WNBA!!! She says “I loved watching Kobe Bryant compete, that’s where my drive comes from”. If you know\follow her already, then you know this to hold true. Her drive is infectious. I’ve seen people grind, but her grind is mos def on another level. Looking at her and her grind for the music scene, you’d think that in her spare time she would listen to nothing but rap, but she in fact loves to listen to Marvin Gaye and Ms. Anita Baker.
THE INSPIRATION …… With God and her mom being her biggest motivators, LeeLee's inspiration to start LouisvilleGotNext was seeing outside cities come together and support their artists. She wanted to do the same for her city and now she is doing just that. She also wanted Louisville to get the same respect that other cities were getting when it came to the music scene. She wanted to create platforms for artists to be able to have a place to learn it all when it came to music and truly being an artist. ADVISE TO NEW COMERS …… LeeLee advice to the new comers on the entrepreneur’s scene would be to “Always see your vision no matter what anyone else says”. People will mos def deter you from your dreams if they don’t fully understand yours. It’s hard for people to support what they don’t understand. She says to “Stay true to your passion”. THE STRUGGLE ….. LeeLee says the hardest part about starting your own business is not being financially equipped to start out. I agree with her when she says “This business will have you learn patience real quick”. The beginning process can be difficult. Long story short about my dawg LeeLee is she has one of the dopest logos out, she is very humbled and grounded, she’s always willing to help and if she can’t, she will point you in the right direction as to who can. Make sure yaw show her some love on all her social media links. Leave a comment, share a pic, like a page, and subscribe to her channel. She will mos def do it in return and last but not least, remember that LouisvilleGotNext!!!!!!!! Follow her links below: Instagram: @louisvillegotnext_ Twitter: @villegotnext YouTube: LouisvilleGotNextTV
IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHUCK_TAYLORD_ YOU WILL FOREVER BE TRULY MISSED
YA SOCIAL LLYFE WHO YOU FOLLOWING ....
Featuring .... Juku Beauty Lounge &
Boujie Couture
Have you ever heard of the name JUKU? If not, grab ya cup sit back and get acquainted real quick with Ereka “Juku” Harper from Louisville KY. She is the owner and Founder of not only Juku Beauty Lounge but also Juku Cosmetics. Aside from being the owner of these two businesses, Ereka is also a property investor. She is “one hell of a mother and stays to herself” she states. She is always seeking new ways to help everyone else. All while staying too cute might I add. Juku Beauty Lounge has been open and running keeping the ladies cute for 2 years +. She offers lash extensions, Make up Hair and more. She is located at 5305 S. 3rd Street Louisville KY 40214. “I would definitely recommend this salon”, “This is a nice place”, and “Awesome location she did a wonderful job on my daughters hair for prom” “I will be going there again” are a few of the comments of some that have been to the Juku Beauty Lounge. Juku Beauty Lounge is a nice upscale salon providing hair, make up, and also lash extensions services. She provides a comfortable atmosphere for her clients by always remaining professional. In 2014 Ereka started Juku Cosmetics. Juke Cosmetics is due for a rerelease very soon. Keep your eye open for that info coming soon. When asked who her biggest supports for her business were, she simply states, “My parents, brother and daughter”. She does everything that she does to make them proud of her. This running a business thing comes natural to Ereka. For as far back as she can remember, “My parents have always ran a business” she says. One of her biggest dreams is to pay her parents’ house off. Well I can see she is clearly headed in the right direction. She says that “failing is not an option”. Ereka says that she owes everything to her parents because they have always gone above and beyond to support her and her dreams.
Believe it or not, Ereka hated going to the salon to get her hair done and didn’t go for years. She states that she “hated everything about it, the wait the atmosphere I couldn’t take it”. So that inspired her to create Juku Beauty Lounge to give people a place that was a comfortable vibe. She felt like “if we have to be here, we may as well make the best of it.” She felt like this was a personal mission, and had first hand in everything in creating the space, all the way down to choosing the baseboard colors. Ereka describes her salon space as “very clean, laid back, welcoming and very professional. Ereka also wanted to create a space for her best friend Mechelle to work at and be comfortable and grow as a stylist. Ereka says “She’s done just that and I’m so proud of her”. If Ereka had to tell other entrepreneurs one thing in starting their business, she would tell them to “speak everything into existence”. Also, to Pray and ask God for everything you want. I completely live by that myself. She then says to “trust and believe that everything that the things you want for your business will happen. Surround yourself with other positive, self-motivated bosses!’ I totally agree with that statement. Ereka says that the best advice she can give anyone is “learn everything you can, if you are the smartest one in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” No matter how many times you want to give up, don’t. “Starting it was a breeze, but building a brand is another thing.” Ereka says about what the hardest part about starting a business it. She says “it takes tough skin and a lot of dedication. We both agree that building is the hardest part of the success. She says to grab a book and read. She reads a lot of financial advisory, brand building and self-motivating books. Make sure to follow her links below: INSTAGRAM – juku_bawse FACEBOOK – Ereka Juku FACEBOOK - Juku Beauty Lounge SNAPCHAT – Juku_bawse
BOUJIE COUTURE Tiffeny Young Talk about a BAWSE with all capitals; take a look at the owner, founder and CEO of BOUJIE COUTURE from Houston TX born and raised, Tiffeny Young Aka Mizz Boujie. Now her list doesn’t stop there, she is also the founder and creator of, Rated Boujie Magazine, Rated Boujie Awards, Mizz Boujie and Doorways To Success. Needless to say that her hands are full at all times. Take a look of this list of just how long this BAWSE has been on the grind. Boujie Couture – 4 years Rated Boujie Magazine – 2 years Rated Boujie Awards – 2 years Mizz Boujie – 3 years Doorways To success – still under construction When asked what inspired her to start her own business and brand, she says “My father and my Mother are the source behind my entrepreneurship". They have always encouraged me to strive to be my own boss and follow my own dreams.” She goes on to say “When on your journey to success your support system may seem very small but productive.” “My mom, my father RIH, my children, my sister Erselette Baxter and my best friend Tay Mayberry have all have been my biggest supporters and motivators. ” Tiffeny fearlessly left Corporate America to re-start the journey of entrepreneurship. She graduated from HCC with 2 Associates and then from UHD with her bachelors. Tiffeny started her first business when she was only 19 years old and has been creating her own lines since then. She has always believed to have 3 sources of income coming in. She says “This journey I am on is not for me, but for my children and my children’s children. It’s not a dream! It’s my legacy! She believes that you should never put your eggs in one basket. Tiffeny became a mother of 3 by the young age of 22, “lost and trying to find my way” in this big world. Trying to be a good mother and still make time for ME! I encourage my kids to follow their dreams by following mine own. “I never give up!” She stays determined and driven and believes that nothing is promised but everything is guaranteed with willingness to overcome. “She says “The stars are the limit, reach for them.
” As all of us entrepreneurs know, the road to success can be tough but it all worth it. Tiffeny says that she would tell the entrepreneurs that are on the path to following their dreams that “Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a part of it. Failure is the college to your dream building. It’s a must to help you figure out what to not do and what to do! ” When talking with the lady, you know she knows her business. She has done her research and doesn’t mind sharing. I asked what has been the hardest thing about stating her business \ brand; she says “Capital and resources. It takes money to make money! She goes on to say “depending on what type of business you have, be it service or inventory based you will have to invest and then wait for the return. For this reason, it will be very hard to do it alone. You need someone with you who has stability because this business is very unstable at the beginning. ” Just to pick her brain a little bit, I asked what was one of her favorite sites or pages to visit, her answer was exactly what I thought it would be; “I’d rather visit people instead. Meeting new people can help you on your journey. Networking builds net worth.” I totally agree with his statement. Now about these businesses that she is running honey chile!!!!! Boujie Couture – is a trendy fashion accessory boutique that supplies women with perfect handbags and statement jewelry. Rated Boujie is her magazine that features small business from all over the USA and specializes in the fashion industry. We cover events from all over the USA as well and we strive to never charge a fee to our consumers for our magazine. She also has the Rated Boujie Awards. It's an annual award show to honor all the small business within the fashion industry. We want to encourage them to keep going and give them a platform to meet other like-minded individuals that my offer up some advice and expertise in their chosen fields.
Doorways To Success – We are here to help beginning business start their journey. We will offer several classes to help entrepreneurs understand how their business should function. Let us help you turn your hobby into a business. And then there is Mizz Boujie herself – She is your emcee! She’s a beautiful charismatic songstress, who can draw in any audience with her stage persistence and entertainment skills. She is the jack of all trades and the master of none, which allows her to adapt to any audience and entertain past any producer’s expectations. Can we say “I’M EVERY WOMAN” ….. I know she sure can!!!! Now go be Boujie!!!! Please make sure to follow her links below: INSTAGRAM: FACEBOOK: RATED BOUJIE AWARDS FACEBOOK: RATED BOUJIE MAGAZINE FACEBOOK: BOUJIE'S BOX FACEBOOK: THE VOICE OF VISION WEBSITE: WWW.BOUJIEBOX.COM
ARE YOU LLYSTENING CAUSE YOU SHOULD BE ....
Featuring ....
Lamar Hendrix
WHO IS LAMAR HENDRIX….. I bet you don’t know who Lamar Hendrix is…… Well let me get you hip to just who BIGG L-Meezy is. Originally from San Diego California, I was introduced to Lamar through a mutual friend via Facebook and Instagram. Lamar is the CEO of Tha Slump Zone Radio. Let me just tell you, that he also has a free app yup I said free, app that you can download and listen in. I love this app. WHAT INSPIRED HIM…..Lamar started his business 3 ½ years ago but has been in business for 2 full years. Dope Right!!!! His reason for starting Tha Slump Zone is kind of one in the same as to why I started this magazine. He says “What inspired me to start my brand was seeing all this musical talent the world has to offer that don’t get a chance to be heard by the bigger terrestrial FM radio stations”. This totally reminds me of why I started my magazine. I wanted to give a platform to up and coming entrepreneurs to have a place to be showcased and get their name out there for people to see. THE MUSICAL HISTORY….. Lamar comes from a music inspired background. Coming from a family filled with talented rappers, RnB singers, producers etc., let’s just say he’s not a stranger to music. Lamar began attracting followers after creating his own playlists on apps like Spotify and Sound Cloud. His playlists consisted of mainstream, underground RnB and also Hip Hop. For about a year, Lamar had analyzed the numbers from streaming, monitoring, demographics, and listeners. Then BOOM!!! One day he shut down his Spotify and Sound Cloud accounts and began his extensive research into radio. HIS ROAD TO RADIO….. After researching for about 3 months, he decided that internet radio was the way to go. He would now use that platform to push himself and up and coming artists. His reasoning for choosing internet radio was to allow himself to have the freedom to do this “His Way”. This means he is able to play what he wants to play, say what he wants to say and most importantly, he can now expose the up and coming independent artists without any restrictions.
Ups and Downs….. Now let me be the first to tell you that starting a business \ brand is not easy at all. Lamar says that Branding Tha Slump Zone legally was one of the hardest things to do. He says that “Legal branding is the key to a successful business”. He says to beware of not having a solid marketing plan and jumping out there and plastering your non copy written logos all over social media. Take the extra step and purchase your LLC. There is an actual motto that Lamar uses when it comes to business and his staff. He says “Slow is smooth and Smooth is fast” Never rush to failure. I agree. Take your time, do your research and invest in yourself. ADVISE TO NEW COMERS…… What does Lamar have to say to the new comers into entrepreneurship……“You are your biggest competition”. Stay in your lane and level up against yourself. Be confident, stay grounded and humbled. Lamar also says to “remain realistic in yourself, be patient and to keep it real with yourself on this journey”. All in all, Lamar sounds pretty damn dope to me!!!! He seems to have this internet radio thing on lock. I have downloaded the free app and I listen to him every day. Make sure you do the same now that you “know” who Lamar is, how you could not!!!! Join Lamar on this quest as he ENHANCES THE MUSIC CULTURE……. Follow his Links Below: Instagram - @ThaSlumpZone FaceBook – Tha Slump Zone Radio Snapchat – Tha Slump Zone Twitter – Tha SlumpZone Radio YouTube – Tha Slump Zone Radio WEBSITE – wwwww.thaslumpzone.com
LIKE A BAWSE / BOSS HOW YOU LIVING ....
Featuring ....
Necia Jones
NECIA, YOU WERE MOST DEFINITELY THE SWEETEST AND PUREST SOUL I'VE EVER MET. YOU TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES AND ALWAYS DID IT WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE. I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME WE SPOKE AND YOU TOLD ME THAT YOU WERE SUPER EXCITED ABOUT ME STARTING THIS MAGAZINE AND YOU WERE THE FIRST TO SUBMIT YOUR INTERVIEW TO ME. IT WAS LIKE LITERALLY THE NEXT DAY. I TOLD YOU I WAS NERVOUS AND YOU TOLD ME TO "GO FOR IT!" YOU WILL TRULYÂ BE MISSED BY SO MANY NECIA. PLEASE REST PEACEFULLY OUR PRECIOUS ANGEL.
Necia Jones
TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
LLYFE STYLE What is mental health? Mental health is defined as mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. 'Mental health and 'mental illness are increasingly being used as if they mean the same thing, but they do not. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has health. A mental illness is an illness the affects that way people think, feel, behave, or interact with others. 5 Warning Signs of Mental Health Risk:
MENTAL
A Change in Personality Anxiety, Anger, or Moodiness Social Withdrawal and Isolation Lack of Self-Care or Risky Behaviors A Sense of Hopelessness or Feeling Overwhelmed
HEALTH
Below are a few ways to help take care of your mental health properly: TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF UNDERSTAND YOUR THINKING STYLE LISTEN TO MUSIC FOCUS ON ONE THING WALK AWAY FROM TOXIC BEHAVIOR VOLUNTEER OR MAKE A NEW FRIEND DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
N A M H S E CLASS R F THE
"WATCH THE TAKEOFF"
Featuring ....
Dayonna
&
DeEunique
Honey get hip to this 9 year old lil mama name Dayonna “Diva Day” Bunton. She is everything and then some. She keeps the little divas cute as ever. Dayonna is the owner of the” Diva Day Collection”. The Diva Day Collection has all things little diva style that the little girls will love. Everything kid fashion and accessories. Things like hair bows, socks, outfits etc. She has it all. Dayonna was inspired by her mother Alicia, whom is the owner of “The Furry God Muva”. Dayonna saw how her mother worked and wanted to start her own business and make every little girl feel like a beautiful little diva with her exclusive Collection. Make sure to Follow her accessories page and make your little diva feel pretty.
@PRETTYDAYONNA
On a typical day you can find a 17 year old chilling with his friends or playing the PS4 right…… Well this 17 year old is spending his time at his desk in his room watching his favorite shows "The 100" and "Gotham" and creating a line of collectable characters for his passion that he has named X-Classified. Allow me to introduce and let you get real familiar with the name DeEunique known to some as TrendyKidd_D. This young man here is on the path to become something major in the game of collectable characters. .... THE BIO .... From Louisville KY born and raised, he is part owner of BLACK LLYFE APPAREL and BLACK LLYFE magazine. He is also the brand ambassador and one of the models for BLACK LLYFE APPAREL and BLACK LLYFE magazine. There may be a few that don’t know this, but this young man DeEunqiue is my son.
@X_CLASSIFIED
@TRENDYKIDD_D
.... THE BIRTH OF .... TrendyKidd_D has been working on X-CLASSIFIED since back in 2013 along with his older brother DeAntae'. When asked what made him want to create X-CLASSIFIED, he states that he wanted to make characters in his own image the way his eyes saw them so that others can see it as well. .... INSPIRATION .... DeEunique says that his biggest inspiration has been Stan Lee movies and also T.V. shows. He says that out of all of the characters that he has created, he can't choose a favorite. He loves them all. .... THE PROCESS .... DeEunique says that the process for creating a character can take a range of different times from an hour all the way up to months. He says it depends on the image that he has for the character. He says its easy to replicate a character that is already out, but harder to create from scratch, but more fun.
To date, DeEunique has 27 physical characters already made. I asked him if any of the characters he has created have been based off of himself and his reply is "Yes, they all have a part of me in them." I also asked him if there was a character that he wishes he created but hasen't. He states "No, I have confidence as a creator, I trust my vision." Well said if i do say so myself. When asked if he had anyone in mind that he would love to work with.... He quickly says "YES, the makers of Detective Comics!" He says he would also love to work with the writers for the shows "The 100", "Gotham", and "Doom Patrol." Make sure to follow him on all of his social media platforms and let’s watch this young entrepreneur grow.
@X_CLASSIFIED
@TRENDYKIDD_D
THE SPOT LLYTE WE WATCHING YOU ....
Featuring ....
Robert Wynder
WHO IS THIS FLY GUY BERT 4 years ago in North Philly, there is Robert “Bert” Wynder with the dream and ambition to start his own brand \ business called FLY LYF. WHO \ WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS With the inspiration of his brother and his grandmother, he started his business that houses Shoes, clothes, music etc. Bert has his hand in all things Fly!! His grandmother Hattie Morrison lost her battle to lung cancer and his bother Kevin Jenkins to police brutality and wanted to carry on their memory and continue to make them proud with following his dreams. WHO / WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTER / MOTIVATOR Family has been his biggest support and motivator. Bert says that the best thing he can tell anyone that is following their dreams to become an entrepreneur is to stay consistent. He also says to never give up and to stay ambitious. Bert would definitely encourage you to stay motivated no matter how hard it gets. When asked “What has been the hardest thing about starting your business”, he gave a great answer that I’m sure every entrepreneur can relate to. He says “knowing exactly what it is you want to do and finding the right resources to execute and manifest your goals”. Make sure to do all of your research for whatever business it is that you are starting. You can never have to much information. “Forbes” is the answer that Bert gives when asked what is his favorite site to visit. I think we all know why. Who wouldn’t want to stay on top of how rich the rich are.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF BERT….. “I’m cool laid back, and down to earth. I’m very open minded and supportive of others and their visions. Listening to music helps keep me focused. I also like reading books on history as well. A good comedy show or movie and I’m laughing all night. I’m also dedicated on making sure I accomplish what I set my mind to. Love to see everyone win in life. So as yo can see, this guy is pretty interetIng so make sure to check out his page and follow his links below: Also dont forget to download his free radio app and stay up with the latest music.
www.aliveshoes.com/flylyf-1 @bertwynderradio @wynderboy
THE SHOP LLYFE AYE WHERE YOU GET THAT ....
Featuring ....
Alicia Bunton
Ms Alicia Bunton from Louisville KY better known as the FURRY GOD MUVA….. I’m so sure you’re familiar with her work. She is taking over in the world of all things fur. Her business produces and provides consumer product to those looking for customized furniture and home decor items; along with other specialized custom pieces. Meaning, if you need it to have fur, she got you!!!! Ms Alicia has been rocking the furry world since May of 2017 when she moved into her new home and wanted to give her daughter Dayonna (featured in this issue also) “the dream room that every little girl has dreamed of”. Alicia searched online for all things fur and was unsuccessful finding exactly what she was looking for. Things were too pricey or just not appealing to her creative eye. Well, she decided to start some DIY projects to save money by transforming some things around my home that I considered “junk” into a masterpiece. She posted some things online and the questions started pouring in asking who made it, how much for her to make something for them. Alicia says “Who knew my hobby would turn into a business”. On the beginning of this journey, she is very grateful for all of the support she has had thus far.
Let’s go back just a bit. When asked how did you get so creative Alicia. She said “My creative journey started at a young age, my grandmother had me in sewing classes and ceramics. I have always been one with a creative eye, an artistic vision, and a passion to design things in my own unique way”. And respectively, now today you have The FURRY GOD MUVA. Alicia’s children have been her biggest motivators in starting her business. She doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone but them she states. She loves the fact that her children look up to her and seeing their smiles makes all of the late nights and early mornings worth it. She is definitely a positive role model for her children.
#502FUR
If given the chance, the one thing she would tell entrepreneurs looking to start a business is to “Utilize all available resources and don’t worry about who is supporting you and who isn’t, just focus on your vision.” I agree. Never give up and keep that long term goal in mind. Alicia feels that the hardest thing about starting her business has been “Getting people to respect what I do as a business and not a hobby.” You must enforce policies and stick to them. Then goes on to say to “make sure your policies apply to everyone. BUSINESS IS BUSINESS!!! I asked Alicia to tell us a little bit about herself, here is what she says “I am 30 year old mother of two. My hobbies are crafting, traveling, and shopping. I am a small business owner based out of Louisville, KY. My business provides custom furniture, home decor, car accessories, and more. My favorite place to visit is Jamaica because I love how they are so free spirited there. My biggest fear is failing as a mother.” Very wisely pout if I do say so myself. FurryGodMuva Creationz LLC. is a single member limited liability company. The FurryGodMuva is here to provide you with custom items made just for YOU and ONLY YOU. Your home and business is a reflection of you, turn your boring room into your dream room with FurryGodMuva Creationz. Give me your vision and I will put my special Furry touch on it to bring your vision to life! Please follow her links below: INSTAGRAM – dafurrygodmuva_ FACEBOOK – FurryGodMuva Creationz LLC. WEBSITE – www.furrygodmuva.com
THANK YOU
From the bottom of my heart, I want to take this time to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your continued support and encouragement along this scary journey of becoming an entreprenuer. From the beginning of this journey of starting my brand and business, I have gained so many new friends near and far and also new supporters. There have been so many days where I have wanted to quit or even felt discouraged and wanted to give up all together becasue I felt like this brand was just not good enough. I have second guessed myself many times and each time I have taken to social media and said that i was discouraged you all have been there to LLYFT me right back up and push me to not give up and to keep going. Each and every one of you have been a special part of this process. I thank you all so much for being so patient with me during the process of creating this magaziine. I have had to pause the process of the magazine a few times for LLYFE issues and just quit altogether once my grandmother passed.You all were right there with me and never stopped spporting me. Thank you so much for every prayer, every text, every inbox, every DM, every call and every message to never give up on my baby that is BLACK LLYFE. I (HEART ) all of you bunches my Sugga Babies...... Now on to the next episode....