August Issue

EQUALLITY Â A magazine TO SHOWCASE POC BUSINESSES and Creatives

AUG 2020 Issue 2 Volume 2

The Brand issue

Shanel Amari

EDITORIN-CHIEF

Thank you for joing this journey and for your purchase of EQUALLITY Magazine! My intention is to be a voice through my writing and continue to be a advocate for promoting black and people of color businesses and brands!

Thanks -E

EQUALLITY

October 2019 Issue 10 Volume 12

what's inside this issue

influencers

CONTENT CREATORS

Wellness

Food

Art

Fashion

Beauty

Decor

normalize black women feelungs

Shanel Amari TV PRODUCER AND BLOGGER

@shanelamari Shanel is a TV producer and blogger for health wellness, fashion and also she is an Arie ambassador. She is heavily involved in media so it was a no brainier for her to start her blog. Her blog originally was a creativity outlet which then grew into a passion She feels a black women and millennial women are the people that she reaches the most as well as. Shanel say she is able to balance both jobs by using time management, listening to her body both physically and mentally when it’s too much and she needs a break, and lastly being in a good head space to create effectively. She draws her creativity for her content through life experiences, Pinterest and talking about every day tWhen asked about her favorite part of her job she explained "My favorite part of her job is being in media and learning on both sides Because she can gather a good ideas of what people like and she can also be herself while interacting with people on social media!" . A goal for her is to go full-time with her blog. Before she agrees to a sponsorship she makes sure the brand aligns her audience, is representing diversity, and will pay a equal price,

When she is not working she loves to sleep, she’s a huge fan of American style food and she is an avid reader she’s in a book club and the current book they are reading is called "The Flight" She had many of trips planned for this year but Covid had other plans but one of her favorite places that she would have love to visit again was Cuba because of the culture and just overall the beautiful scenery.

What she wishes that she would have done differently is to probably start earlier and not be afraid to jump into social media while she was in college. She hopes more women of color find this as a perfect time for social media so they can be heard and we can have more diversity at the front lines which gives more representation to build a network. Advice that she has for young girls who are interested in the media/journalism world is a speak up for yourself, be sociable and get out of your comfort zone, also find mentors and internships. Lastly have a good work balance. She will be attending the Boss women in Media which is a virtual event via Instagram and have upcoming segment that she will interview various people and talk about fashion. She also wants to start using her platform to raise more awareness about bail funds during the on going protest.

EQUALLITY

AUG.2020

MELANIN IN AMERICA

Model: Yael Donna is the owner of Melanin in America. An online home decor brand that sells niche Melanin pillows, culturally relevant apparel, and vegan skincare. She mainly focuses on showcasing her personalized pillows that are made in part to celebrate the Black experience. As a homebody, she believes that home decor is an intimate part of Self-expression and should be taken seriously and with the utmost care to create a good vibe and the best intentions.

She creates Melanin pillows for African-American people with Albinism, Vitiligo, those within the LGBTQ community as well as all people of color! This was all done with the intention of showing representation. Every shade of lipstick, piercing, beauty mark, freckle, beard, and every detail on each pillow was to express the unspoken story of a Black person in society. It was meant to celebrate the diversity, personality, and the beauty of Black culture.

She and her husband work as a team to operate Melanin in America. She creates the designs and her husband helps with the marketing and all other operational aspects. Every day is a buzz of new opportunities to interact with customers, update their site, and shipping orders out. She is most excited about creating positive outlooks for the stories not yet heard, and with her brand, her goal is to lovingly give another way of thinking to the misjudged voices of our community. In the hopes of showcasing a different perspective.

As well as, to create a family legacy. Donna is regularly pushing out countless orders per week. However, what she enjoys the most is when customers reach out to her. She knows how much they enjoy the pillows, how they feel like they are being seen, and feeling that representation that we are lacking. She recalls it saying, "I am honoring the unspoken Black person. It truly feels as if I’m giving away a piece of my heart to these individuals. Each pillow has been crafted to embody an underrepresented, underappreciated, and prejudged individual in our community. When a customer purchases a pillow, it’s like they are claiming that message and being affirmed.

They are being seen."

Her best seller is the Melanated Bookworm which is a representation of herself. She wants to see her brand in stores, coffee shops, and dorm rooms.

Wherever there’s a space she wants her pillows to be there. She also hopes that this decor will spark conversations to create a sense of acceptance and understanding. She does this in an effort to normalize being Black. When she is not working on Melanin in America she enjoys Bollywood movies, Korean dramas, and anime. She’s a family-oriented person so she’s always having family game nights. In her free time, she is also actively signing petitions against racial injustice and other social justice issues. Most importantly she wants people to know that while her brand is meant to reach out to the Black community it is not solely for the Black community. If you are not Black you are encouraged to still engage with her brand! It isn't meant to exclude anybody, but rather to show a narrative that is just beginning to be heard in society! Anyone can have these pillows in their home and to recognize change starting from home and within. As Melanin in America grows she would love for more stories to be created out of it and for Black features to be celebrated! What story will your home be telling about you?

EQUALLITY

HUMBLE HAIR

AUG.2020

/ 33

How one leap on Faith Turned into a new passion Shanita is the owner of Humble Hair located in Norfolk Virginia.

How she came up with his name is being humble because it’s the greatest gift that God has given us and to be aware that just because we are talented does not mean we have to be cocky. And because she simply loves hair this creating humble hair.A brand that she stands for is "Influence" because they are black owned,locally manufactured, and sold in Norfolk Virginia Kera luxe, and moroccan hair oil treatment. Three things that she believes that should be in a black hair care products is moisture strength including proteins, and hydration. Her love of hair begins in high school at vo-tech and then when she was in college she did hair as a side hustle.Although her main focus was her degree is in social work earning both a Bachelors and Masters she didn’t make the shift into full-time Salon owner until six years later. When I asked about how she feels the most clients are wanting to transition to natural hair she says "I am here for it because this shows that as black women are self accepting ourselves and appreciating the hair that we have. Her favorite hairstyle to do is a silk press but she specializes in natural hair as well as traditional sewins. She believes what makes our hair so special is the power of the versatility and the strength that it holds being able to be shaped and molded into anything without any limits. Shanita also described hair as being connected to like a plant because you have to give it love, water, and things to make it grow. "I want to give more black women confidence to wear their hair as it is and not be ashamed to do so". The product that she is dying to try is the Janel‘s molding spray and all of Jass products line.One of her goals for her brand is to expand on her extensions hair Line which is booming. Outside of humble hair Shanita enjoys cooking which she shows clips on her Insta highlights which will soon grow into an Instagram account which we are all here for! She Also has become very involved in the black lives movement through virtual protesting and educating people through post and conversation.

Whos she hopes her content will reach is reaching to every day women who are able to multitask and fulfill their goals and aspirations through her content. She is definitely staying busy during Covid by having virtual consultations with clients and also creating a stylist planner to help stylist who are coming back from to the be able to plan their day more efficiently. Her protege stylist/formal Kwanza has been with Shanita a little more than a year and has since graduated and became licensed. Although Kwanza is fully booked and flourishing, amidst the pandemi, Shanita is using her experience to develop a formal mentorship program. As the Humble Hair brand continues to grow Shanita hope to be a mentor based salon which would assist new stylists with the transition from school to the salon.

KIARA JACKSON GORGEOUS PRINCE GEORGES

Native of Prince George’s County Kiara Jackson is a pageant coordinator as well as a creative writing and journalist teacher. She fell in love with pageants when she attended Lincoln University and she won the Lincoln University Miss and from that moment on it changed her life. She later created the organization Miss Gorgeous Prince Georges. This pageant program helps teens get ready for college and a career as well as also providing them with a scholarship. So it’s more than just looks this pageant is for the well rounded girl who has beautiful heart mind and the confidence! Kiara wants to influence the youth mainly teens and she focuses on ages 12 to 18. This is the age she feels that most girls are trying to find out who they are as well as being at the sensitive age of insecurity.

She feels that this niche can easily be filled because there

"I HAVE THIS ACRONYM FOR BEAUTY. (BE EDUCATED ALWAYS UNDERSTAND THE TRUE YOU)."

is not alot of opportunities for fashion within the Maryland DC metropolitan area because everyone is so fixated on government, but this opportunity is perfect.

Also what makes her program is so unique is that all are welcomed and it’s a first come first serve basis.

Once you fill out an application you are in. Her favorite part of being a pageant coordinator is seeing the young ladies progress, ,transformation, and growth. Some of the girls when they start in the program are very shy and withdrawn by the end of the program they are able to speak up for themselves and feel the upmost respect and confidence while knowing there worth. When she is not working Kiara loves to dance, public speaking, plan events, and interior decorate As well as taking up a hobby with makeup. With her being a mom today she thinks they’re helping these girls have definitely gave her a maternal instinct and she will be an amazing mom.

@herblissherbalbaths

EQUALLITY

AUG.2020

BRITTANY

Britney owner of Griege boutique started of as a fashion footwear designer in 2016 She begin thinking of a concept and started blogging as a small outlet. November 2018 she quit her job and went full-time with making Griege a fashion boutique. Her brand targets women who are confident and and love different wearable looks.

Her main target market is between ages 25 to 45 but mainly millennial women who love classic and statement pieces.

"I love pieces that are classy and modern. Ones that can be dressed up or down and give longevity"

Although she is a busy blogger and a bride to be she always makes time for her business.

She starts her day with a vanilla chai and avocado toast those are her must go twos.

She then moves to emails, social media, and packaging up orders weekly she has 10 to 25 new pieces so there’s always something new and exciting to add on the site. She would describe her fashion as modern and classic but she also loves to have product longevity.

Three things that she looks for her before she accepts a new brand on her site is will it complement all body types it has to have good quality And pricing must be fair. Her favorite part of her job is being behind scenes and seeing women purchase her clothing and tagging her in Instagram posts and seeing everything come together and knowing that it was all worth it. With her design background she plans in the future to create her own signature line that will be featured in the Griege brand. Her hobbies outside of her brand include; shopping online looking for new trends, traveling internationally, being a foodie, and watching the infamous 90 day fiancé. Her top sellers are two piece sets because you’re able to mix-and-match and create different looks and also her body suits. She also plans to have various pop-ups in the future. Brittany is very thankful for the buy black movement because although her brand is for all women she loves that she saw an influx of the black women purchasing and and gaining exposure through black influencers and content creators.

Vote Nov. 3 2020

EXCLUSIVE

CHEF JANAE

Vegan Chef Janae answers the questions you have all been dying to ask.

WRITTEN BY ERICA SCOTT

EM 1.Who is Jazmin Caroll?

EM. What made you go vegan?

JC: “I'm a very ambitious, innovative, driven,

JC. “I was preparing a chicken dish one day

and creative individual. I am a true believer that and began to feel sick to my stomach, from we must find out our life's purpose.”

the smell of raw chicken. I had never

EM:Who do you want to reach in your post?

experienced that before so I took it as an

JC.” Anyone looking to be inspired, educated,

indication that it was time to make some

motivated, and encouraged through food.

changes in my life. During this time I had

Aiming to change the way people taste and see

someone close to me that was able to help

food.”

me along my journey which made the transition easier.”

EM: When did you start J.Janae Foods and what was the concept?

JC:. “J.Janae Foods was launched in 2018. At first I was just food blogging and sharing my non vegan recipes.

One thing led to another and someone randomly asked me to venD food for their event and that turned into a consistent thing. I started doing various pop ups in Baltimore for a lot of music, poetry and yoga events”.

EM: How would you describe your creative content style?

JC “I would describe my creative content style as flowy. I like to create a balance on my page making it personal yet relatable. Sharing mouth watering food pics and videos to capture viewers attention. Providing educational post to help those seeking knowledge.

Sharing video food reviews of people tasting and enjoying my food. There's a variety of content on my page.”

EM: What is your favorite part of your job?

JC: “My favorite part is being able to experience people's physical reactions when they taste my food. Seeing how they light up or speaking is a very gratifying feeling. I never really paid much attention before my journey as a vegan but food is very healing for the soul. ” EM: What is your overall career goal for your brand or yourself?

JC: “To become a global brand. That offers recipes, cookbooks, products sold in supermarkets, restaurants ,or food trucks. Wherever life leads J.Janae Foods is open to all possibilities. Overall shift the vegan food culture while educating and inspiring people during the process.”

EM:What are three things that make a good vegan dish?

JC: “. Love, intention, patience. I know these words may sound cliche but if I have learned anything cooking is more of a feeling that it is actually doing the work. Anybody can cook but it takes love to really season a dish.”

EM:. What are your hobbies when you are not at work?

JC: “Is it bad that I consider going out to eat a hobby lol. I love nature and anything outdoors. I am a very active person so adventure and fun are right up my alley. I really enjoy listening to music. It's an escape for me. I also enjoy making music, singing and songwriting.”

EM: If there was one thing that you could do differently being a content creator what would it be? OR If there isn't anything you would change what is something that you think all content creators should do?

JC: “There is nothing that I would change in particular.I just feel that it is important as a content creator to be genuine and honest simply because your influence can have a lot of power over someone's life. Don't lie just for numbers.”

EM: Do you have any events you will be attending this year (in person/virtually)?

JC: “ In the food world there are always pop ups, vending opportunities, catering, delivery, etc. I will be vending for a music festival Aug 28th called "Nu love fest 2" that I am pretty excited about. I will get to be surrounded by things I love like community, food, and music.”

@noadenmon

FEELING UNSAFE AND UNPROTECTED AS A BLACK WOMAN BY: ERICA SCOTT

How come it seems as a joke when black women say they feel unsafe and unprotected? We’ve seen in recent news events through the media how black women are treated but still it seems to be a Kiki moment. Megan the Stallion has been in the news for being shot by a significant other. And she expresses how she feels I’m protected but no one seems to see why she feels this way. Now granted she got into a domestic dispute with her significant other but it was for a reason that she felt disrespected and threatened.

But in the heat of the moment she reacted and not the best way but most of us would’ve reacted this way if he’s our significant others talking to someone else when they know that they are with us. If we were flies on the wall let’s analyze the situation. You are at a party with your significant other and you see him talking to another woman. He doesn’t pay you any mind because she is so “exotic looking” and he just feels because you’re black woman you’re going to just accept the fact that when something different comes along you are just gonna sit back,watch him, and say nothing. He knows that he shouldn’t be doing it but yet again you’re black woman and you have to take the bullshit. You go over to his front and he doesn’t see the issue nor does the other woman. This just makes you angry and your emotions get the best of you and you do not react the best way and neither does he because then he feels that it’s ok to pull the gun out on you.

The crazy thing is we all know that he would never do this to the “exotic looking woman”. But because you’re a black woman yet again you still have to take the bullshit and just be quiet. And when you’re not quiet and speak up for how you feel because that is your right, you become clowned for expressing yourself by people in your community.It becomes a joke to other black men as well as light skin women who don’t see the danger because they don’t have to face it. The overall point is that she was disrespected as a black woman and it was deemed ok, she was threatened as a black woman and it just deemed as ok, and she was hurt and humiliated as a black woman and it still deemed to be ok. Why is this and when she expresses herself no one is seeing the value in her to take her feelings seriously?

Now I’m not a celebrity but I am a black woman.We have as black women have experienced some form of hurt and embarrassment.. But the overall point is to normalize our feelings and to listen when we have things to say. We always have to fight this fight but there’s no one that comes to our rescue. We always have to build each other up but there’s no one that wants to participate. When our causes are up at the frontlines we look around and it’s just us. What I want to address is that there were plenty of wrong moments that happened within that but the fact that Megan, a black woman’s life was threatened I stand and support although other people in our community don’t see the point.

@bossladyblvd

EBONYX.CO.UK BY: ERICA SCOTT

Have you ever been on a website and you’re searching for a particular item and you can’t find it?

Or how about this: have you ever looked for products online and it wasn’t available because no website seems to ever offer this particular item? It can be frustrating right? Well this is what best friends since high school Ashley and Luke owners of Ebonyx.Co.uk thought as well. Luke was moving into a new apartment and was looking for African decor in though his search it was slim to none. He decided that both him and Ashley should create a marketplace specifically showcasing over 100 Black and African and Caribbean companies that create art ,decor, and products. Created in 2019 the purpose of their brand is to bring products to Black people in the UK. What makes their company so unique is that they only support small businesses of color. What they look for when they are searching for new brands is the quality of the product making, sure they’re able to agree on common ground for pricing, and the quantity will this brand be able to meet the man and ship worldwide. The goal is to be the black Amazon.

Ashley is the technical and operations for the business and Luke is more brand partnerships, PR, and marketing so they make a great team. Their best seller currently is art and jewelry. Ashley still finds time after his 9-to-5 to help others with their business aspirations but soon he will have to make the jump to full-time alongside Luke.. They’ve also participated last month on black pound day which is basically the equivalent of our Blackout Tuesday.

Their days usually consist of talking to new brands which get 20 brands in the email a day, talk about choices! The day continues with having meetings, updating the website, and content creating via social media. These two gentlemen are creating such an amazing service that not only helps the black UK community but also gives companies a chance to be properly represented and gain exposure and pouring right back in the black community.

REISE | PAGE 4

NICHOLAS HUNT His dreams of hitting the big time as a producer and photographer, spending his days and nights creating and working on astounding pictures.

Photgraphed by: Nicholas Hunt .

Nicholas is the owner of Can’t Stop Media. The Texas producer started this company in 2011 through his sophomore year in college, He loves to make movies for his family and friends. Nic has believes photography gives you a chance to be warm, up close and personal while capturing different emotions at a person goes through. He is excited to see more people color into this artistic space he says he is proud that black women are making these moves including movies, television shows, shorts. and taking control of the role. He also says that we are a culture should have more control to convey a true depiction of the black experience so that it’s done correctly through our eyes. He says that his relationship with God sparks his inspiration It helps him focus on the task at hand.

Issue 30 | 234

He has to start his day with coffee or else he feels he will not be able to get through the day. Just like most people. Nick wants his overall work to be intentional in genuine for his clients. Elements that capture his eye when creating his photography is hues and colors because without those they won’t tell a picture it’s true story. Networking and meeting people and having clients who are happy with his work is his best part of his job if he’s made a client happy he is happy. One of his best moments was when he was an intern for Paramount Pictures which was a dream for him he created so many relationships and connections that has me him and his continue to make him successful. In the future create commercials and a TV presents that can be associated with his work and also a feature film.

When working with a client he thinks of these three things will it create a spark what their goal is to be open minded about his vision. When he is not working he enjoys binge watching the Chi because of his amazing videography, cooking, and being with his girlfriend and his family. If he could change one thing about starting can’t stop media he he say I" would go back and understand more of the marketing aspect because he has a photography and videography and producing down. But just being more aware of the business aspect." He will be in many events upcoming including the Austin film festival. you can follow him on all social media platforms @can’tstopmedia.

black girl magic [blak gurl maj-ik] to celebrate the accomplishments and general amazingness of black women.

BEAN2BEAN COFFEE CO. BY:ERICA SCOTT Coffee is an evergoing need. It connects people. It's a conversation starter. It has many roles. But for the owners of Bean2Bean, it is a lifestyle. Founded in 2013, Bean2Bean is run by Mr. Obel Hernandez Sr., his two sons, Obel Jr., and Gabriel, and lifelong friend, Jonathan Pastore. The four all work together but have different roles to make their company run as smoothly as the flavors of their coffee. With their fresh modern vibe, Bean2Bean coffee is definitely a staple in many households, offices, and businesses, primarily in Philadelphia, and extending to music studios on the West Coast. It all started when Obel Sr. was employed by Maxwell Coffee House where he spent much of his time roasting and tasting samples. He became so fascinated with the entire process, that he decided he wanted to make this into a career, and landed upon the dream of developing his own coffee brand.

He spent the next 20 years at Maxwell House travelling to the source for the beans, going to Columbia, Costa Rica, Vietnam and many other international coffee plants to establish new partnerships, which ultimately led to him leaving the company and pursuing a vision of his own.

“I am so lucky,” he says, “that my sons have taken the interest in this unique business and bring the company to the next level!” This is where his now-business partners Jonathan, Director of Sales, Obel Jr., Brand Manager for Events and Partnerships, and Gabriel, East Coast Sales Manager, began to channel their unique talents to elevate the brand faster than you can say Schuylkill Select, one of their premier roasts. These three men run a tight brew; a typical day for them consists of fulfilling wholesale and home-delivery orders, maintaining fresh branding and partnerships, company outreach, working on collabs with other local brands, brainstorming new flavors (sneak peek: keep an eye out for some funky infused varieties coming out soon!), and focusing on innovative ways to engage on social media platforms. What makes their content unique is the overall creativity of becoming a lifestyle brand that reaches their audience who share their interests, loves, and passions, all while linking coffee to it. Did I mention that they have perfected the next day shipping?? Talk about on-point with fresh coffee in the a.m!

BEAN2BEAN COFFEE CO. A lot goes into selecting the perfect new roast. When developing a new roast, the B2B team looks for the flavor that will “keep people coming back,” which starts with the quality, meaning how long it takes to make before it's perfect. The brew crew’s favorite coffee is the Medium to Dark roast which is the “Schuylkill” blend whether hot or iced. When the guys are not working they still have coffee on the brain, but they do enjoy the Philly nightlife (before covid obviously lol) but going to concerts, eating out with friends, festivals and events. With that being said these guys always have a creative opportunity brewing. Even during this pandemic Bean2Bean is still thriving. They have recently participated in a virtual arts show about Philadelphia. Obel Sr.,Obel Jr., Jon, and Gabe’s main happiness besides working together everyday and being family owned is the customer feedback and seeing people enjoy their coffee which is their goal to continue “To be the smoothest cup of coffee in Philadelphia, period.”

GREEN AND WELL LIVING WITH KIESHA BY: ERICA SCOTT

Kiesha Yokers wear a lot of hats. She is a military wife and mom. She is a certified holistic health coach and a wellness writer who advocates for safe for who and personal care laws educate the public on lowering their toxic loads through the things that they purchase and lifestyle. Being of mixed race and as well as her children she finds a balance in having different hair care regimens.

Her three top products for hair is; a deep conditioner, a good oil (which she makes a DIY avocado oil mask with apple cider along with other natural/essential oils) and also a good hair gel that won’t leave the hair crunchy. Her son has a loose curl at 3a and her daughter has more defined curl of 4b while her hair is 3b. With all of those different hair types there are alot of products in this household! As we moved deeper into the conversation she wanted to express how glad she is that women of color are embracing their natural hair. "This gives us a sense of power and creativity and also acceptance that they weren’t able to express before. She also says that "women should be educated before they make their choice to go natural because that makes the transition much easier and when a woman chooses to go natural it is like meeting themselves for the first time." Which can be emotional yet powerful because they are able to take control and not have anyone break their spirit of their choice.

"CLEAN EATING AND CLEAN LIVING HAS A COST BUT SO DOES ILLNESS AND ITS UP TO THE PERSON TO MAKE THAT CHOICE."

"THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM FOR EVERYONE AT THE TABLE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO STEP DOWN, JUST MOVE OVER TO MAKE SPACE".

Kiesha Yokers

When asked about what does natural hair mean to her she summed it up in three words; "freedom, self-love, and spiritual power". All three of these things resonate with her as she has accepted who she was and teaches her children to do the same.

Kiesha‘s overall goal for jumping on Instagram she had two reasons. One was because of her children. She wants to continue to normalize black and brown lives by doing every day things. Second she also wanted to be this voice for having people especially people of color to read what ingredients are in there food and hair products. She continues to do her research for black women studies for hair care and products. With her having a teacher background, always willing to educate others, as well as being a wellness coach she wants to join that table for conversation about not connecting wellness with only the privileged having this access.

Because she believes that both health and education are rights and it should be accessible to everyone. Kiesha has many exciting things coming up including launching her website greenandwell.co You can also follow her on Instagram @green.and.well!

@green.and.well

Q&A WITH ARSJ MEDIA

How did you start ARSJ Media and Publishing House?

ARSJ: "I initially got started in the entertainment industry while at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. I started as a cinematographer, and slowly began directing and producing film projects of my own. One of the most exciting aspects of filmmaking for me has always been corresponding musical works with film scenes (synchronization licensing). Over time, I began working closely with artists whose music videos I would shoot and direct, and started focusing more on the music administration process. The lack of representation in rooms where decisions were being made ultimately influenced the birth of ARSJ Media & Publishing House."

Did you always love media/producing and if not when did your passion develop?

ARSJ: "I have always had a love for entertainment, media and the arts. I come from a very musical and theatrical family, who each time we got together, would perform for each other in some way, form, or fashion. My mother has 7 siblings and so aunts, uncles, and cousins were always around to provide some form of entertainment and enjoyment. Many of these experiences have influenced and shaped the stories I seek to tell through the music I promote and the films I produce."

How do you feel about more black creatives jumping into the media space ?

ARSJ: "I love it! That is why it was so imperative to me to start ARSJ Media & Publishing House. Black folks have always dominated the entertainment world in terms of the content we produce to be consumed, however, ownership and recognition is rarely received and voices at producer tables are hardly ever heard. Ownership of what we create should be our primary goal, and I see no better way to secure ownership amongst our community than to make sure we represented well and are at leading the conversation. " Where do you draw your creativity from when you create content?

ARSJ: "Life and human experiences. If you pay attention well enough, you will always find a way to motivate yourself into a creative space. of course, writer’s block and such will come and go but the content comes with proper attention to detail" What's a typical workday for you?

ARSJ: "Phone calls. Phone calls. Phone calls. building relationships with others in the industry is key to securing the proper opportunities for ARSJ Media & Publishing House."

What made you want to start the Community of Creatives?

ARSJ:"I am a strong believer in collaboration. No one is an island, and the community you surround yourself with is almost always directly correlated to your success."

Q& A with ARSJ cont.

What is your favorite part of your job? What has been your favorite production/ media collab?

ARSJ: "I love making genuine connections with creatives and helping them execute their visions. I also love collaborating. 3 of my favorite production collaborations have been Gale and the Storm (Starring Karyn White, Directed by Derrick Muhammad); Ambitions (Directed by Terre King); and Wildfire (shot by Colin Pagnoni )" What is your overall career goal for your brand or yourself?

ARSJ: "For everyone in the world to hear the artists I work with and see the films I produce."

What are three things you look for when working on a photoshoot?

ARSJ: "Concept, color/lighting, and camera angle."

What are your hobbies when you are not at work?

ARSJ: 'turtle keeping, movie watching, and rugby."

If there was one thing that you could do differently being a content creator what would it be? OR If there isn't anything you would change what is something that you think all content creators should do?

ARSJ: "Work HARD(ER)" Do you have any events you will be attending this year (in person/virtually)?

ARSJ: "I have a few! Check out @arsjmedia on IG to see what the moves are".

THEHOMEABODYFORLOVE BY: ERICA SCOTT Founder of The Home a Body for Love, Deun Ivory wanted to to let black and women of color know that they are worthy and just because they’ve had a Traumatic experiences that doesn’t determines their fate. She wanted to create a safe place to use creativity through art for healing. Deun and her director of Partnerships Cheyenne both felt that God spiritually led them be a vessel in order to lead others to healing. Where she wants to see her organization is being deeply rooted within generations both present and beyond within the community. Also fulfilling the goal to make the organizations a travel experience including pop-ups in hosting in art galleries. Deun wants to continue to build a global sisterhood to reach many women and creating a catalyst of normalizing sexual assault in the black community. Her workday consist of calls, emails, and research about partnerships. Many people along with Cheyenne love working for this organization, because is a team of black women that are genuine and create a loving environment where they all share a common goal to heal.

Also Loves not having to say a lot of words but allowing the authenticity of the organization to speak for itself and create impact. When asked How do Deun and Cheyenne would describe The body a home by love, they describe it as soft, feels like home, and ethereal also healing through joy.

Upcoming events include creating a membership for women to connect, community kickbacks, and much more which can be found on the home of body for the website as well as their Instagram.

Photographed by: @nell_vison Makeup by@btaylorbeauty Assitant MUA: @_.layla @trs._ @jahnellanya @thedonmasion r

BTAYLOR BEAUTY LIFE OF BEAUTY MOGUL

by Erica Scott

BTaylor was started in 2018 by Brianna Taylor. She originally started with creating lashes and illuminating makeup drops in 2016 but her love makeup grew so much that she decided at 24 to go ahead and make the jump and expand into a cosmetic brand.After graduating with a degree in Paralegal studies she became tired of the typical 9-5. During the work break of Covid she took the leap to be fulltime! She wants to reach women of color because they are underrepresented and anyone who loves makeup and also people who are from beginner to expert level with makeup but her work brand is open to all. Seeing the support and not being afraid of in creating the safe space gives her hope to keep them momentum going for the bad black movement. Her day start at 9 AM she’s checking orders going through inventory which she sends out 500 orders monthly, and then engages in her social media content. Her best seller was a mini aqua liner which was a mistake when she created it but it became one of her best products. Her price range starts from $3.50 to $50.00. What she loves about her job is that her brain speaks the conversation for herself people are always interested in her make up and when she starts the conversation of that she created it it creates so much traction and interest. What she wants to create with her brand is longevity and generational wealth something that could be longterm. Also she wants to expand her team because at the moment she’s a "one-woman band" and that’s a lot of work for one person. But she’s not working she is kind of working because she is obsessed with make up and she loves to research and new products and trends via YouTube and Sephora. What she wants people to know about BTaylor beauty is it all are welcome. She takes pride and effort in creating her products and overall they’re really good products. Brianna is not participating in any events because of Covid but she does have webinars and beauty workshops you can check that out on her website at btaylorbeauty.co

Take a peek into a day in the life of MUA artist Brianna Taylor and how she improves her craft

vote for model @cahsmere_bell for the @baileyagency model search!

vote for model @cahsmere_bell for the @baileyagency model search!

18

THE JU'NAE FIT BRAND Dejah and Star met in high school and they were best friends sense. While in college the roommates decided to build a brand for athleisure and workout wear. They created Ju'Nae Fit in 2018. They were able to pull this idea pull this altogether within a two month span of determination. This brand is for all women who are exploring the work out space and still want to look stylish. These garments are both high performance and high-quality with a good price range. The most popular item is the "Star set" which is a long sleeve backless top with matching pair of leggings. Many of their designs styles are not seen on the market which makes them so unique. There brand appeals to all women but have a strong urgency to reach women of color by being authentic and continuing to show that diversity as well as body types. With both ladies being ever busy and this being their "boom year" as Dejah describes they push out about 200 orders monthly. For women entering the work out space they want them to dominate and stay consistent.

Their goal is for Ju'Nae fit to be a household name in an international brand they want people to feel comfortable.

When not working both ladies are still constantly giving back to their communities by participating in grocery GiveBack programs and back to school drives. Dejah is the author and has published one book with four on the way and Star has jumped into the YouTube realm to teach others about starting a business in college and being their guide for their success.

MUA IG: @Teeeelovesyou @Stuckonbuttah_ Hair stylist IG: @Sadehairhouse

@Ju'Nae Fit

The CROWN Act was created in 2019 to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools. Sign the petition today at www.thecrownact.com

Brittany Miller is a wife, mother of five girls, and a business woman. She was a hairstylist that became interested in PR and marketing.

She founded the Brittany Miller Brand in 2013, which is a PR and Marketing firm. Her brand's purpose is to help women network and feel empowered running their business. Her niche is very unique because she is able to reach such a large audience. Many of her clients are between the ages 25-40 years old. Her youngest client she has worked with was fourteen and her oldest client was 66. Which shows Brittany can help you make a boss dream come true no matter what age.When working with potential clients she looks for the following; having the budget to support their dream, being ambitious, the drive and hunger to create realistic goals to be successful, to be motivated and lastly passionate in their dreams.

RELLIM

AT A TIME

YNATTIRB .SRM

GROWING ONE BRAND

Although there are many companies under “The Brittany Miller Brand”, her newest venture is the “Boss Lady” brand. Created during Fall 2019,this brand not only is a hub for established business owners who are women, but an incorporated fashion clothing. Brittany would describe her fashion pieces as having balance and interchangeability using monochromatic colors to give a chic minimalist vibe. All the pieces can be dressed up or down. An average workday for Brittany could be described as “super busy 12 to 12”. She has meetings for potential new clients, helping her daughter with their businesses, and scheduling her upcoming appearances for events. Her best part of her job is “the overall purpose and fulfillment to help someone attain their goals. Also the freedom of my time, and schedule for not only my clients but my family as well”.

When Brittany is not at work she is an avid music and art lover as well as spending time with her family. Lastly her overall career goal for her company is to grow nationally and make the Brittany Miller Brand international. Her upcoming events included Sept 8-11 “The Boss Summit Retreat” Sept 25 “The Premier Planners Experience” and the Mommy & Mimosas Workshop. You can see more information for these and other upcoming events with Brittany at her website www.mrs.brittanymiller.com, as well as on instagram @bosslady.blvd, and @mrsbrittmiller.

SAY HER NAME BREONNA TAYLOR @GRACIELEEART

Thank you to @green.and.well @ju'naefit @btaylorbeauty @thehomeabodyforlove @gracieleeart @mrsbrittanymiller @bossladyblvd @cashmere_bell @deunivory @ebonyx.co.uk @noadenmon @shanelamari @arsjmedia @herblissherbalbaths @humblehair @cantstopmedia @bean2beancoffeco @greigeshop @melanininamerica @thecrownact @miss_gorgeous_pg @jjanaefoods

EQUALLITY Â A magazine TO SHOWCASE POC BUSINESSES and Creatives

You vote for the next issue!