Fro Fashion Week

The Fro Fashion week was Feb 18-19Th 2011 and it was an amazing event. It was the very first event of its kind  that was catered to The Natural Chic. The creator Tarin Boone did a great job from the workshops, Mix and mingle, Beauty lounge to the fashion show. The Fro Fashion show is a two day exclusive conference that will now be held twice a  year (Spring & Fall) and it sets the trends in the natural hair care, beauty and fashion industries.

T.Boone Creator of Fro Fashion show
At the Fro Fashion show I had a chance to meet some amazing Natural beauties. Please enjoy the interviews I  had with Design Essentials, Naturally curly and Thirsty roots. I would also like to Thank the ladies of ANF for showing up and representing at the fro fashion show for our group. And a big shout out to Leah Patterson and Jerry Gentry you girls really did your thing.



Please check out the great video of the fashion show.  Please enjoy the video along with my interview below.



My Interview with Sharina Hill the CEO, Editor-Chief of Thirsty roots
How long have you been in business? Sharina: for about a year

Sharina Hill with Tarin Boone the creator of Fro Fashion week

What do you love most about what Thirsty roots is doing? Sharina: I love connecting and helping people.
What can we expect from thirsty roots in 2012? Sharina: We are going to take thirsty roots to the streets, salons  and more events.
What has been the challenging part of being CEO, Editor-In Chief? Sharina: Some times it is not so easy to connect with people because some time we can be divided into the relax group and the natural group, also other challenging are  when people think that wearing your hair natural is not professional.
 Thank you Sharina for the wonder mini interview.
You can find Thirsty roots at Thirsty roots.com

I know when most of us decided to go natural we did the big chop in our bathroom. With a mirror and scissor, Well Michelle one of Key Martin's client's decided she wanted to do her big chop at the fro fashions which was fab-u-lous. Most of the natural beauties were saying that they would have loved that support that Michelle had.




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Diana Ross looking Naturally Beautiful

 
 
 
I met Michelle Breyer the President of Naturally Curly. She was truly an eye opener to speak to as she talked about natural hair being a multicultural thing. Please look for a full interview with her coming soon.




Me  with Cyntelia Abrams from Design Essentials
I completed a mini interview with Cyntelia Abrams of Design Essentials. It was a pleasure to get a chance to connect with such a positive spirit. She was kind enough to invite me to the corporate office. Where I had the chance to interview more of Design Essentials staff. There will be a full interview in April 2011 with most of the DE team.


Jerry ,Rich  from Shea Moisture and me
I did not have the pleasure to interview Rich Dennis from Shea moisture but I did get the chance to take a picture with him. I love the Shea moisture soap from Shea Moisture if you have not tried it  you are truly missing a wonderful product. By the way if someone reads this and knows Rich can you let him know Unique Connections is looking for a full interview.....:)



Will of Soft and Free


I had a chance to slip in the media room while Will Williams from Soft and free was giving an interview, but I was unable to complete my own. So please look for a full interview soon.


   
Thanks to everyone that took the time to take pictures with me as well as sit with me for an interview  your time was greatly Appreciate



If you are looking for a beautiful tasty cake then you have come to right place to find out more about Soo  Soo Tasty Cakes
Soo Soo Tasty Cakes
678-590-1454
P. O. Box 2315, Powder Springs, GA 30127
soosootasty@gmail.com
http://www.soosootasty.com/

How did you get into making cakes?
I always had a connection to baking & cooking since I was 10. My Grandmother Mary & Elsie Goodman always had me in the kitchen helping out, but I never knew this would become a passion for me. Cake Designing is a form of Art for me and it helps me to create or recreate ideas for my clients. I work as an Art Teacher and it is a part of my nature to see the beauty in everything.

Are your cakes affordable?
Yes, They are priced at a minimum verses other cake shops. It also depends on all the elements that goes into designing the cake. I will sketch a design and get ideas from the client to complete the order.

Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by having a gift to create and make my clients happy and getting others to trust I will make their ideas shine throw my design. As an artist you must be able to see someone else’s idea.

What are the best moments of having a cake business?
My best moments are completing each design or event and having a happy customer.

What was your title before you had your own business?
I was a Special Needs Teacher and Behavioral Specialist before I decided it was time to full fill my dreams as a business owner.

Does your family support you and your business?
Yes, my family supports me and they sometimes help with the events. My sister is the creator behind my website, she is also a Cake Designer, Master Chef and Masseuse. My other sister manages my steps and keeps me motivated and she’s an Art Teacher in the De Kalb School System. I look to them for guidance and as their older sister they look for me to do my best.

What would you like to add?
I would like to thank you for allowing me to share my love of Cake Design
Unique Connections would like to Thank So So for sharing her story.

Diana Carrol


Cherice Rush-Harris
 I am please to  introduce Cherice Antoinette Rush-Harris she is an Author and a Writer. The name of her book is  "Three Day Old Roses". her website is inkddreamsllc.weebly.com. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did giving it.

1) what inspired you to write this book?

The need to share my story with other women who may have been stigmatized from not being a primary custodial parent.The need to close that chapter in my life for good. The book was therapeutic for me in writing it. It was like spreading the ashes of the dead.

Three Day Old Roses
3) Tell the readers a little about your self? I am creative,I don't care for corporate work, but did it for ten years. I am an intimate soul to my core and My children are the most important beings in this world. I love to eat, but it is a challenge to maintain a desirable physique.I love flying kites at the break of spring. I am a hopeless romantic. Music is my first love and all time passion. I write to relieve my mind and inspire others.

5) What authors do you like? Toni Morrison, Terry McMillan..I love reading about music, fashion and rags to riches biographies. My favorite is the biography of Quincy Jones.

6) Where did you get the name of your book from? I found the cover on lulu.com, which is where I published my book. The initial title was "Stolen Star." Then I looked at that cover and the black was reminiscent of death to me, and darkness of black is what makes roses die. They are real pretty when you first get them.

7)What has been your challenge as a writer?
Following through,For this project it was going back to that space in my life. If I could completely erase it and never have met him I would.
Cherice Book of Poetry
8)What encouraging words do you have for new writers?
One step at a time. Believe in yourself. It is okay to be your own biggest critic. But also be your number one believer. If you do not believe in you then you will not ever be able to share or sell the story you want to tell.Try not to procrastinate. Do today what you didn't do yesterday.
Thanks to Cherice for sharing  her story with my wonderful readers.


 

 


Atlanta Naturally Fierce in the building
 The Ladies of Atlanta Naturally Fierce was in the building. We were happy to be a part of  this wonderful event.





HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy New Year to all of you, I hope and pray that 2011 will bring you many blessing.I am so Thankful that God has blessed me to see yet other year, I dare not take it for granted. I have embarked on so many hobbies and journeys in 2010 as you can see to your left one of them happen to be photography. Any one who knows me knows that I love to take pictures... well I have decided to take it a little further I have joined a photography group starting in 2011  because I am learning to take my  dreams beyond my own mind because if you have a dream be it....do it....become it... or its just dream....



Other one of my hobbies are painting my nails each week a new color, I love color because it makes you look alive. These are my latest colors thus far.



India and Yaya I love both the Natural looks; Natural hair has been my life for the last year and six months. I have been learning to style it, figure out what product to use and cutting the relaxer off as well. Now I am loving it in it's kinky curly coils, as I look in the mirror and love what I see I wonder why did I wait so long to finally go natural, but though it all I am glad that I did.
Black woman Natural Hair styles " I have learned alot from YouTube"



 Chrisette Michele - I'm A Star  she is such talent; staying true to herself... I love this song it gives me such motivation to believe that I too am a star.










My fav goodie

My goodie bag
Shecky's girls night out was a very big hit in Atlanta area see the  goodie bag to the left they were giving out  from all the Shecky's sponsors. They had free drinks, make overs, and more. There were vendors selling clothes,makeup, hair products and much more. Those of us who like to really get away Shecky's noted that "NO BOYS ARE ALLOWED"...lol... My favorite goodie was the ambi product I love it and use it daily. Good news if you missed the Shecky's Girls night out in November 2010 they will be back April 13-14 2011 so buy your ticket now to reserve your spot for the time of your life.http://www.sheckys.com/ check out their link to purchase tickets and to see great photos of past events.


 
Seize The Day!


Seize The day was a great event as well it was November 9th 2010. They  had speakers like Tom hopkins,Phil Town, John Maxwell(who I missed and really wanted to see) Sarah Palin(We went to lunch when she came on I cant take her serious..) Billy O'Reilly (Enjoyed him surprised me to!!) Laura Bush(Learned about her and not her husband young man Bush as my dad Scott Lane Jr puts it...lol) Terry Bradshaw, Ben Stein (The glasses commerical) and last but not least Les Brown my favorite. He is a motivational speaker 
see below Les Browns main points.
1)Disciple your self
2)Set personal and Career goals
3)Learn to communicate
4)Begin to give a social contribution
And some of the words of wisdom that he gave was just as insightful
"If you do what is easy your life will be hard, If you do what is hard your life will be easy."
"Never Let what you want get in the way of what people need to hear."
"Who are you, What do you have, why should I care"
MY FAV WORDS FROM LES BROWN IS
"Someone Else's opinion of you does not have to become your reality"


Hosea Feed the Hungry
One of my most rewarding services for 2010 was  when myself and my hubby volunteered for Hosea feed the Hungry &; Homeless. We were so grateful to give up Thanksgiving dinner to serve others Thanksgiving dinner; this is what we are suppose to do right?, This helped us to learn that it is more blessed to give then to receive this was truly a great experience that we have decided we will do it at least once a year. Hosea Feed the Hungry program not only gave food but they gave hair cuts, hair styles, clothes and much more. This is a great program; if you don't have time you can donate money as well please see website for more information. http://www.hoseafeedthehungry.com/
Mariah Carey boots, Boots from Essence.com (Love them both) I love boots and sweater this 2010-2011 winter season.




Tiffany
I would like to introduce you to my first interview of the year  which is Tiffany Celeste  of Celeste Creations. Her website is http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyCeleste please check her out she has great designs.

 1. How did you get started with your business?

Celeste Creations is a labor of love. After graduating with my BS in CIS, I was having a hard time finding employment in my field. As a result I studied with one of my cousins who had her own graphics design business and began doing freelance work as Celeste Creations. I later took a job as a Project Manager where I met my best friend who introduced me to the African Festivals here in Atlanta. I was inspired and begin making jewelry. I dusted Celeste Creations off and decided to make her official. We are now currently registered with Georgia’s Secretary of State as Celeste Creations, LLC.

2. How long have you been in business? About 7 months


3. Where did you get the idea from? Everywhere. I am greatly inspired by my surrounding whether it is nature, artwork, or average person walking down the street.

4. What do you love about having your own business? Freedom: My business is mobile, therefore I can go on vacation when I choose or change the direction of my business to suit current conditions. Also, the Love of self expression. We all have something special about us and want others to have the ability to express it.

5. What do you dislike about have your own? Honestly, financing it. If I could I would give my stuff away for free (which I did a lot of in the beginning). I am a giver by nature.

6. How long have you been natural? Wow, sometime I cannot even believe I am natural. It will be 4 years in March of 2011.
Celeste Creations

7. What are your goals for 2011?
Improve the appearance of my brand i.e. television, movies, print.
Develop a spokes model campaign to promote LUV is Justice.
Do more custom pieces.
Expand my target market to a younger audience (12-21).
Attend fashion shows overseas i.e. South Africa, Dubai, France.
Connect more with others in the industry and create a strong network.
Build a strong customer following.
My products be distributed in local and international boutiques/stores

8. Which fashion designer are inspirational to you? Annie Cubanni, Heidi Daus, Betsy Johnson, Kevin Hall, B. Michael, Tracy Reese

9. Your ear ring and t-shirts are very creative, where does it come from? Nature and social issues inspire me.

10. What motives you to stay in business? It is my creative outlet.

11. What are your hobbies? Painting, sketching, TV/Movie analysis (I took one film class in college and I now I cannot be quiet, lol), design sideshows, and sewing

12. What was your career choice before owning your own? Career Choice would have been something in the IT field either Programmer or Network Admin. I ended up working as a Hardware Project Manager

13. What are some of your up and coming events for 2011?

Celeste Creations


Jan 8th, I am having a Model Call at Duafe Salon in the West end.
Jan 29th Fashion Preview.
Early March a Fashion show: Spring 2011 Collection

14. Any thing else you would like to add? Celeste Creations’ mission
Pay it forward and Enjoy Life ~Tiffany Celeste

Uniqueconnections would like to say Thank you to Celeste Creations for taking the time to interview with us, she is also having a GIVE AWAY TO THE FIRST READER TO JOIN uniqueconnections.blogspot.com  site as well as send an email to connectionsunique@yahoo.com  this give away is open to new and current readers alike.















Fashion Fro Week you do not want to miss it





 *disclosure -Some of  the pictures I have posted are not my own I have borrowed them from other websites. I love natural hair but I am not a natural hair expert please consult with an expert before experiencing. B.J.