Interviews

Bloom Where You're Planted with Niambi C. The Creator of Bloomsbury Sq

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Article Written By Pepper. B 

Niambi C

Bloomsbury Sq takes its name from my favorite urban sanctuary in bustling London. As a student there, I learned how to balance the constant bustle of city life with the simple pleasures of eating a wholesome lunch on a garden bench, getting grounded with a barefoot walk in the grass, or just enjoying the seasons change one bloom at a time. Although I was far from home, the lush green and exuberant patches of flowers reminded me of the countless afternoons I whiled away plucking fresh fresh fruit and mint sprigs in my grandmother's yard back home in Kentucky. Bliss!

After moving to Paris I continued to work and travel. Wherever I found myself be it in Iran, Egypt, Italy, or my weekly wanderings in Paris, the first thing that I always did was to head to open air markets and ateliers to restore. After living in Europe for 12 years fresh food became my go-to, apothecaries became my pharmacy, and connections with others my calling.

When I moved back to The States I brought back with me a true appreciation for urban gardens. The garden's simple and pure beauty inspires me to bring the luxury of nature to you with wholesome and nutritive oils, decadent butters, and fragrant botanicals. No need for synthetic ingredients, artificial foaming agents, or preservatives. Instead, I delight in making products that let Nature do what it does best: nurture the body and mind.  Source: Here

How did you start curating skincare ?

I actually started making body balms when I was a grad student in London because I was homesick and it reminded me of my hometown in KY. When I later moved to Paris with my husband my friends began to ask me to make small pots of balm for them. They had to convince me to accept payment! When I moved back to the US I ran DIY Spa socials for a couple of years. But when I started looking at the toxic ingredients that women were putting on their skin, I decided to create a line that was fresh, safe, and convenient for busy urban women.

What 3 tips should one know when looking to improve their skincare routine using your products?  Especially if you are new to natural skincare, try products one at a time so that you can really understand what is working for your skin. 

Have fun exploring ingredients. I love cold-pressed oil as moisturizers! Skip the hype and make sure to find the right oil for YOUR skin needs.  For example, we love the idea of coconut oil, but for most of us with combination / oily skin it congests the pores.  Lighten up your Spring hydration with non-clogging oils like hempseed or grapeseed.

Exfoliate weekly. When your skin looks dull and tired exfoliating gives an instant glow.  My favorite is unbleached kaolin clay because its super fine and gentle enough on sensitive skin.

 

What is the most challenging part about owning a small business ? Perfectionism is a hard ism to overcome because I was raised to think that is the goal. But I’ve gradually shifted into thinking of my business as a conversation.  My customers are not shy about feedback and each iteration of my product line reflects our connection. 

Who is your muse ? Oh, I have so many. But at the core it’s my grandmother, Susie Mae. She was a country girl from Alabama who loved to garden, loved to laugh and do for others. She had this mirrored tray to display her cherished beauty essentials. A trio of rose crystal perfume bottles, Ponds cold cream, an apothecary jar of cotton balls, and her poppy red lipstick. Everywhere else in her house was communal. This space was just for her. It felt sacred. 

You’re a huge fan of podcast. What are the last 3 podcast in your playlist ? Just 3? Oy! Ok, so “Yes Girl” is my current binge . Hosted by staffers at Essence Magazine. It’s always celebrating Black Girl Magic. Black Girl Pod. It’s unapologetic, soulful, personal, unfiltered and a party all at once. Beauty is Your Business. My weekly masterclass from industry leaders. Can I sneak in a 4th?  Therapy for Black Girls. When I closed my shop last year I got quiet and began to face some hard facts about the limiting thoughts I tend to replay in my mind. This podcast helped me to remember who I am.

What are some of your favorite natural ingredients that are multipurpose ? Hempseed oil. (Kentucky hempseed oil cold-pressed in my hometown to be exact. Lol) Rose Geranium essential oil and hydrosol.  Moringa Green Tea (powdered and oil). Hibiscus. I think of hibiscus as my floral muse. 

What's the last album you listened to in its entirety ? Emily King!

If you had any other career what would it be ? Cultural event planner. Who doesn’t love a good festival?

 

You are a mom how do you get your children involved in your business ? I don’t really. My kids actually need me to unplug, focus on them and just love on them. If anything I think they get me out of my head. I’m pretty introspective and growing a brand requires me to be out of my comfort zone. So, like when my  biz was recently featured in Essence, I showed them the issue. They were proud for a minute and then asked me what we were having for breakfast. Ha! It’s important to remember that Bloomsbury Sq is what I have created, not who I am. 

What are 3 items you can’t leave home without? 

My phone. My passport cuz I don’t drive and it’s my ID. Lol. My fresh ginger double dip balm. It solves most of my emergencies from head to heel.

What’s your skin regime like, Do you have any hidden skincare tricks ? 

I’ve exclusively used B Sq on my face for about two years so that I can truly experience our line. And also finesse the products when I need to. My fave beauty hack is that I use our clay-based micro-scrubs instead of face washes to cleanse my skin every few days. I just sprinkle some powder in my palm, drizzle with water and gently massage into my skin. No one knows that I’m a 44 year old sleep-starved mom of 2. 

As I said earlier I am also so obsessed with hibiscus and hemp. It’s like the new friend who’s name you’re always trying to drop into a conversation because she’s so fab. Y’all, please don’t come for me but the thought of acid skin peels kinda freaks me out because I have sensitive skin and I get dark marks easily. So, I created a night oil called the H2 Oil with Hibiscus x Hemp that offers far gentler flower acids for gradual brightening.  I’ve been testing it for 6 months and I Am Obsessed. It’s transformed the tone and supple feel of my skin. I’ve rediscovered mirror time. 

If you had to describe Bloomsbury SQ in 3 words what would they be ? 

"Modern folk beauty"

If you could leave a message for women behind what would it be ?  Get in sync with the season you’re in, physically and emotionally. 

Dating in NYC: Life with JRDN!

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Written By Pepper. B

 

If you've stumbled upon this interview your at the right place at the right time. Meet JRDN she's a tastemaker you need to see in NYC. Besides having a great Podcast " Dating in NYC "   she introduces you to a few things you need to do and see in NYC on her website. Jrdn's Podcast has gotten me through intense travel and commuting. Read more below and find out a little bit more about living life with JRDN ...

 

My name is Jourdan Ash better known on the internet as Life With JRDN — a 25 year old writer/blogger who likes long walks on the block, Popeyes, and Hip-Hop. My podcast, Dating in NYC, has blossomed from an interview based segment on my blog to a bi-weekly podcast where I explore and learn about the many intricate parts of dating and romance in this (sometimes wild) city. The idea came to me after a bad breakup when I tried to force myself into the dating scene, but kept meeting the same men in different bodies. Through my podcast, I’ve become more self-aware about some of my toxic dating habits as well as more open to learn about the disconnect when it comes to romance between men and women.

 

What motivated you to create the “ Dating in NYC” Podcast ?

 

Dating in NYC started as a segment on my blog,  LifewithJRDN.com , after I had got out of a bad breakup. I kept meeting the same men in different bodies and often questioned ‘what the fuck was going on?’ I started by asking a few questions on Twitter to see if other women were going through the same thing or if it was just me. After I realized women were going through the same issues, I started doing interviews and it soon grew into a podcast. I wanted to have more uncensored conversations about dating/romance and learn more in the process.

 

What’s the last song you listened to while commuting ?

“Can’t You See” J Dilla

 

If you could describe your dating life in the form of a movie title what would it be ? 

“She’s Gotta Have It”

 

What are 3 things people need to mentally prepare themselves for when dating in NYC?

 

Prepare for meeting a lot of people who don’t know themselves, believe their online persona transcends or makes up for their lack of personality in real life, and prepare yourself to be extremely patient.

 

Do you think social media influences dating in a positive or negative way ?

 

Social media only has the influence that people allow it to have — which can be negative or positive. The only thing that’s tricky about dating with social media influence is people pretending to be this persona on the internet that they aren’t in real life.

 

Do you think couples should interact with each other over social media ? YES

If a person wanted to court or “swoon” you what would be the ideal date ?  

If a man wanted to court me, an ideal date would be something that shows me multiple sides of him. For example, I love rollerskating/ice skating but I’m very bad at it. Both times I went on skating dates, I was able to see how patient, caring, fun, and good at teaching they were all at once. So anything that’s active or gives us a chance to talk or learn (usually involving food before or after) is how to court me.

 

How do you feel about dating apps? Which do you avoid ? 

 

I’m not the biggest fan of dating apps, they’re more of a joke than anything.

 

You post a lot of good eats in nyc on social media please list your favorites below:

Pizza Shop: No Favorite just yet! Still searching for the perfect slice!

Ice Cream Shop: Mikey’s Likes It

Soul Food: Melba’s (until I finally try Peaches)

Tacos: Essex Tacos

Happy Hour: Bob White Counter or Pianos

What is your go to manicure color & why ?

Red because it’s powerful and makes me feel sexy 

What’s your skin regime like, Whats your favorite skincare line?

My favorite skincare lines are Glossier and Peter Thomas Roth. 

What are 5 products in your make-up bag: 

Fenty Beauty’s Trophy Wife, Gloss Bomb, and Mega Wattstix in Chili Mango, NYX vivid brights eyeliner in electric blue, and NYX micro brow pencil in chocolate!

If you were a fragrance what would you be and why ?

I’m not big on perfume because it gives me a headache. But if I had to choose, I would be Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf.

Heels or Kicks:

Sneakers

What are your go to haircare brands ?

I don’t really have any I’m still trying to find what works best with my hair.

Something you are looking forward to doing this fall :

I’m looking forward to exploring someone (hopefully) this fall. I’m in a great headspace right now and open to all new people and opportunities. I’m also excited about the work opportunities and the growth of my podcast.

Where to find JRDN:

@Lifewithjrdn - Instagram

LifewithJRDN - Twitter

http://lifewithjrdn.com

 

 

 

 

 

Look Good & Eat Fabulously with Christopher Stewart

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Written by Pepper.B

My name is Christopher, a fab girl with a fab name. I'm born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Im a restaurant lover and creator of Eating Fabulously. Eating Fabulously stands for all things fabulous and I want women to know that you can soooo have it all, be educated, look amazing, feel amazing, be a boss, be a fab mom, be a woman on the go, know where your food comes from. And all the while doing it fabulously, of course. 

“Don't worry about what other people think of you. Be the best man

you can be and make sure they always spell your name right” 

- Unknown

Was being a chef your all time dream, ? 

Yes it was. My grandfather was a chef and he used to always have me in the kitchen with him. I contemplated being a doctor and my mom and grandmother are in the fashion industry but the cooking aspect always stuck the hardest with me. I went to the Culinary Institute of America, worked in some really unconventional restaurants and achieved my goal of becoming executive chef at 24 years old.

 

What got you into food blogging?

 I got into food blogging when I noticed there were no food blogs written by black women who also had the upper hand of being in the restaurant industry every day. I was seeing food blogs but they were always kind of the same. Really soul food focused or only covering the popular celebrity chef restaurants and I was like wait! I do this everyday and I dine out a lot, so I took that and created Eating Fabulously.

How do you decide what type of content you cover ?

 In the first 5 years of starting my blog I was covering the recipes I was making in the restaurant and writing about all these small hole in the wall restaurants I was dining at. As I got older and life was happening to me, my content evolved. Now I cover content that's still food focused but also lifestyle focused as well. Still recipes, still restaurant reviews but now I have a cocktail section with drinks from mixologist in restaurants that you can make at home; I interview people I think are dope and that the public needs to know about, and I include a lot of myself now. Things I'm into, my point of view etc.

 

“. . .three or four ingredients, as long as they are of the highest and

freshest quality, can be combined in a straightforward way to make a

truly excellent and occasionally wondrous product.”

- Anthony Bourdain

 

What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and close friends?

 I usually make caramel pecan bread pudding completely from scratch if we are having a big family gathering like at Christmas. It's really my favorite thing to make for us because everything is made from scratch and it silences the crowd every time.

What’s the best “I’m Sorry” Meal to prepare ?

 The best "I'm sorry" meal is the meal that person loves but elevated x 10. Say the person loves steak; get the best quality steak you can afford, then elevate it with herbs, finish it with a cracked salt and a compound butter on top. These extra steps really show the person that you are sorry and you took the time to make them a great meal.

Spring is approaching and everyone will begin being more mindful of what they are eating include your recipe “Eating Fabulously Spring Salad 2017”
Spring is a great time to step your salad game up. The farmers markets are amazing for salad’s because you're getting the season’s best produce. I love experimenting with different types of lettuce (i.e. butter lettuce, raddichio, little gems, frisee, rocket) and lots of raw veggies and fruit to work with. Remember to season your salads! People never think to salt and pepper your salads before serving them but it makes a major difference

Eating Fabulously Spring Salad -Salad greens
-cucumbers
-thinly sliced red onions

-red pepper
- avocado
-eggs
-salt and pepper

Grapefruit and Rosemary Vinaigrette 1/2 fresh and ripe grapefruit
1 stalk fresh rosemary, minced
1 shallot, sliced thinly

honey
White wine vinegar
Dijon mustard, about 1 teaspoon Canola oil
Salt

In a bowl, add minced rosemary, sliced shallots, honey, white wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and juice from grapefruit. In slow thin streams, add canola oil, whisking until vinaigrette comes together. Taste and season with salt. Adjust to you liking, altering sweetness, grapefruit juice or acidity.

What was your favorite dish as a child?

My grandfather used to make this red snapper dish with whipped mashed potatoes and green beans with tomatoes and onions. The mashed potatoes used to remind me of ice cream they were so smooth and dense. I still replicate the green beans now.

What is one dish you hate to prepare ?

 I don't hate it but I don't really know how to fry chicken so I stay away from that! I went to culinary school and ran a restaurant but frying chicken is my downfall.

Where should someone take you to win your heart on a first date & why?

Somewhere I've been talking about consistently and they have paid attention to what I was saying. Or somewhere that has a chef's counter where we can sit and eat and watch the chefs cook. I don't cook professionally anymore but I do still love to see it in action. And be open to trying new foods! That's a major key!

How do you find food and beauty relative ? 

Food and beauty relate because how you feel on the inside reflects on the outside. So if you're eating horribly, it's going to come out in your mood and definitely your skin. If you're eating fabulously, lots of veggies, good protein, your beauty will be magnified and you will genuinely feel better.

What’s in your make-up bag?

 I wear BareMinerals original powder foundation. Maybelline concealer, a brow pencil I love from the beauty supply store, some NYX illuminator, typically a nude lipstick and gloss and some setting spray. I usually always have on lashes when I’m not wearing glasses, which are either Royal Crown lashes, Ardel or mink lashes via Lilly Lashes.

What is your skincare routine like ?

 I think I have the most simple and minimal skin care routine in the world. I wash my face with Clean & Clear brightening facial scrub and I also use Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward face cleanser alternatively. Once a week I go over my face with witch hazel. My mom taught me to use a moisturizer that's 10x my age. So in my 20's I was using moisturizer for 30yr old skin. Now I'm in my early 30's and I'm using L'Oreal Revitalift Double Lifting Gel. I'm totally an old soul and will still smear some good ole Vaseline on my face every now and then too. It also helps that my family has amazing skin so that's really spoiling me lol!

“I think one great tip is that you should always love yourself.

If you don't love yourself, take care of yourself, cater to yourself &

 that little inner voice, you will really not be very worthy of being with

someone else, because you won't be the best version of you.”

- Kimora Lee Simmons

If you were a smoothie what would you consist of and why ?

I would be a really amazing green smoothie with spinach, kale and dates. Dates specifically because they are sweet but still give you a little bite (like me lol )

What is your favorite pastry?

 I love sweets! I'm all about sweet but my favorite pastry is a simple croissant. By itself, as a sandwich, croissants for everyone!

Please leave behind a major food tip for women:

Learn and perfect the basics ! Learn how to roast a chicken, sear a piece of fish, cook at steak to temperature, cook vegetables perfectly, have a go to recipe for brunch and dinner. A lot of really amazing food begins with these basics. 

Meet Her HERE:

Blog - http://www.eatingfabulously.com/
Shop - http://eatfabshopfab.bigcartel.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eatingfabulously/ 

When you decide to change the life you like in order to have the Life You Love: Fit Mom Michele Marsili

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Interview with Pepper.B

Think like a queen.

A queen is not afraid to fail.

Failure is another steppingstone to greatness. 

-Oprah

I am a former Sales Executive and makeup artist turned stay at home, work from home wife & mother. I am a fitness coach and have a passion for beautiful things and connecting with people. I have 2 dogs and live in the San Francisco, Bay Area. I feel like I’m an introvert stuck in an extroverts body. My experience in the beauty industry really made me realize a lot about myself. I can take a lot of heat and make shit happen. I was leaving on a plane every week for work, crying in my hotel room all alone and I missed my son and family so much. I realized I wasn’t prioritizing myself or my happiness.   

What made you decide to get into fitness?

One day, I was scrolling through Instagram and a friend that I follow was posting a ton of workout videos. She was working out from home, with her baby and I thought that was pretty cool. The next day, I was getting ready for work, drinking my 2nd cup of coffee and noticed a grey hair. I’m about to be 27, I wasn’t gonna let that happen. I needed change.

 

Was fitness always your lifetime goal ?

As a kid and teenager, not really. I had my vegetarian binges in high school but nothing hardcore. Once I started to grow up, I watched people that were a few years older than me, start to look grey and overweight. Some of them had kids, some just looked burned out. I remember freshly graduating high school, and crying to my best friend, that I didn’t want to look like ‘that’ after I had a child. Fast forward to today, I made sure that there was no way in hell I was gonna let that happen. 

You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” - Steve jobs

What is your workout routine like?

I wake up every morning at 6:00AM and try to hit my yoga mat by 6:30AM, after 30 minutes of yoga I will incorporate core and butt routine. I’ve been really into using a medicine ball or weight for oblique twists. Every day I focus on something a little different, but always practice yoga.

 

Do you like working out at home better thAn the gym ? if so why ?

I love working out from home! I used to have a gym membership, and would go one to three times a month if that! Bad, I know. I remember a 3 month period where I didn’t go at all, and this was before I had my son. I like working out from home because I host a challenge group that includes people from across the nation to participate. We schedule our workouts and post our progress so we can see where everyones at, as far as reaching their fitness goals. I need the accountability from my challengers! Without anyone holding you accountable, it can be very difficult to achieve that long term goal.

 

What are common excuses you hear that prevent people from working out consistently?

Too busy, in pain, and so and so is coming into town. Haha. I think for the most part it’s not a matter of not having time, (because we can all wake up earlier and go to sleep earlier) it's a matter of not prioritizing their health. 

Do you think Meal Prepping is important in order to lose weight?

Meal prepping for me is a game changer! Yes! If you can discipline yourself to meal prep healthy and whole food one time a week on Sundays, you have no excuse to eat poorly throughout the week. Right now, my challengers are on a meal and portion control plan where it gets your eating habits in check quickly. My rule of thumb is weight loss is 75% diet and 25% exercise.

Who is your Muse?

Nicole Richie. Maybe it's because she’s a Virgo and born in the Bay Area haha. I love that she appreciates beauty and doesn’t give a fuck if she fits into the mold or not.

Talk a little bit about your son.

My son is so peaceful and independent. We also share the same birthday, he’s my baby Virgo twin except a little sweeter than I.  Growing up, all I wanted to feel loved and supported no matter what or who I was. I want to give that to my son.

What is your Zodiac Sign?  Virgo- Leo cusp

Talk a little bit about being a fitness coach?

I’m pretty new to this whole fitness thing and a big reason I became one was because I wanted to pursue an avenue that promoted a healthy lifestyle. I was tired and turned off of people celebrating this ‘work hard, drink energy drinks, and eat whatever’s in front of you to be on your game’ lifestyle. I want to add value to people's lives. I wanted to feel good about myself. Coaching has allowed me to connect with people on what I feel is a positive and self improvement level. It’s not a competition. Another perk is, I always have to be on my fitness game, which has changed my life physically and spiritually. I really love it.

What are 5 easy tips you can give women working out from home?

  1.  Wake up an hour earlier to fit it into your busy day

  2.  Drink water right when you roll out of bed

  3.  Schedule your workouts like they are an appointment

  4.  Buy a yoga/workout mat

  5.  When you're feeling unmotivated to workout, put your workout clothes on

When do you feel beautiful?

I feel beautiful after I’ve practiced yoga. Yoga really brings me at peace with myself and connects me to world. I think beauty starts with how you feel on the inside.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." -Steve Jobs

 

What are 5 items you can't leave home without?

  1.  Water bottle

  2.  Lip stick

  3.  Sunglasses

  4.  Gum

  5.  Snacks, always gotta be prepared!

What’s the last song you listed to in your Ipod?

Needed Me - Rihanna

 

If you were a smoothie what would you be and why?

Spicy Mexican Chocolate smoothie!

Because it’s a classic flavor that most people like, but it’s not for everybody and a little different.

 

What foods do you avoid?

Any thing that comes frozen and is pre cooked or made to be microwaved. No hot pockets or TV dinners for this mama.

Other than that, i’m not picky and I eat a lot more since i’ve been working out consistently. I’m always hungry!

 

What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?

  • Resilient

  • Courageous

  • Communicator

What food is your guilty pleasure?

I loved baked sweets. Please keep it away.

 

What is a message you have for women?

Don’t waste your time going through the motions if it doesn’t make you truly happy. I guess that can be applied on many levels with relationships, jobs, friends. Don’t do it. When you find yourself doing that, it’s time to make another move. Practice listening to your intuition. Value yourself and be true to who you are. You are noT supposed to fit into someone else’s agenda. You’re in control.

Join Michele on Instagram @mamas.michele

 

World Changing Sex: The More Love You Make the More Lives We Save

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Captured by Pepper. B

"L. IS DEDICATED TO THE REBELLIOUS NOTION THAT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE DESERVE BETTER"

How did you decide the name L. for your collection of condoms? Talia wanted a brand that can stand on its own and be a product that isn't gender specific. Normally when shopping on the intimate aisles there isn't anything that stands out and grabs your attention. This product is attractive to both men and women. Visually seeing the L signals you to create your own meaning behind the letter L. such as lust, love, or like.

How did your career as a photojournalist inspire you to create this product? After working for Red Cross and United nations as a photojournalist Talia wanted to focus more on women and their lack of access to reproductive rights. Talia didn't grow up with HIV at the forefront of her household, growing up she didn't encounter many people who infected with this virus.

With AIDS being the #1 killer for women in Africa followed by maternal death both being deaths that can be prevented. Talia want to contribute to this issue as well as build awareness. There is a plethora of young girls who drop out of school, due to teen pregnancy. Supporting women of all ages was something that was vital for her. 

"WHAT YOU SEEK IS SEEKING YOU" RUMI

Prior to launching L. where did you want your photojournalism career to take you? Prior to photojournalism Talia was a painter. Talia always had a longing desire to help others. However Talia never envisioned her products being sold globally in Target, CVS, and Whole Food. This is only the beginning for L. but it is headed in remarkable directions and changing lives daily.

Was there anything you saw visually that took place in Africa that made you want to bring awareness to the HIV virus? There were several assignments Talia documented, transgender sex workers in LA, Documentations in Haiti. Talia captured a photo of a woman who was being bather that was dying from the HIV virus and happened to capture this moment. Witnessing the state of the body Talia knew this was something she needed to help with.

What is your company motto or slogan? "Give a fuck" Making something users want. Make a product users need. L. is engaged with customer feedback. Having transparency with their consumer builds more awareness.

"...PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS SHOULD LEAVE YOU HAPPY AND HEALTHY, WITH KARMA ON YOUR SIDE"

Do you find that today less people practice the use of condoms? There needs to be more transparency with sexual education says Talia, the sexual education piece is vital when it comes to men, women and young adults. This is an evolving topic, as this topic evolves the technique of modernized sexual education should too.

"THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT FIRST IT WILL PISS YOU OFF." -GLORIA STEINEM

Do you find having a one hour delivery service to doorsteps for condoms is effective? Speak about this process. L. Condom is hand delivered by a courier who travels by bike who doesn't know what he is delivering. This is something that makes this process unique.

What areas is this service available? Brooklyn, Manhattan and SFA

What are benefits of L. Condom? They're low scent, sensitive on skin, and made with the highest quality ingredients, without the harmful chemicals. L. Condoms are manufactured according to FDA standards, ensuring that quality and safety are of the utmost concerns. A quality control team monitors every step of the manufacturing process and only the condoms that successfully pass the electronic testing are then sealed and package for our customers.

"L. PURCHASE SUPPORTS WOMEN AS AGENTS OF CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT."

What is your biggest accomplishment with L. Condom? L. Condom has grown immensely into a movement that works with over 2,800 female entrepreneurs and has distributed over 1 million health products in Sub Saharan Africa.

What are your plans in the future for building more awareness? People who purchase become advocates and the brand is spread by word of mouth, the awareness is built by having an amazing product that allows people to give back. It all starts with you. When you buy an L.  product, one is donated to a female entrepreneur in a developing country access to basic health products dramatically impacts women's lives. Today the #1 killer of women globally (ages 15-44) is AIDS, and the top reasons girls drop out of school is largely attributed to teen pregnancy. Both of these issues can be significantly changed through access to condoms.

One quote you live by? What you seek is seeking you. -Rumi

"IN FACT THERE IS NO 'OTHER' ANYWHERE. IT IS ALWAYS US AND ONLY US THAT WE WOUND WHENEVER WE HARM ANOTHER. TO MAKE IT SAFER FOR THE FEMININE IS TO MAKE IT SAFER FOR EVERYONE. WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER THE ENTIRE SOCIETY BENEFITS." -ALI

Beauty, Fitness & Health with Personal Trainer: Body Gawd

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"Live life with no REGRETS"

Atlanta Personal Trainer: Body Gawd

 I'm Tasha, aka Body Gawd. I'm a personal trainer based in Atlanta GA. I specialize in 'health wellness. I love food, therefore I have to workout everyday for the rest of my life. I'm very open honest & I try to be as truthful as possible when it comes to health consciousness.

What got you into such an intense work out routine?

 I’ve always been an athlete since I can remember however life started happening & I went to college & gained weight. I got into a relationship & gained more weight lol. It was really just me becoming more conscious of my health & how I was going through life that made me change. I wasn’t necessarily trying to lose weight, I just wanted to be healthy & I haven’t turned back since then.

How often do you work out a week?

I work out at least 5‐ times a week, & sometimes more than once in a day

What foods do you avoid?

I stay away from soda, candy, cookies. All sweets in general because they are so addictive. I also stay away from chips things like that because I loveee salt & it is definitely  not my best friend

What’s the biggest misconception about you?

I think that there are 2 big ones. The first being that just because I’m curvy have a nice body that I’m either a vixen model or a stripper. The second is that I’m not very smart. I think people look at me & compare me to the vixen types of women & automatically assume that I’m not smart because of that. But I am very very intellectual lol.       

If you were a smoothie what would you be? 

If I were a smoothie I’d be a mix of peach, papaya, mango. I absolutely LOVE mango but overall its a very tropical fun flavor I’m all about being outside in the sun & having the most fun I can.

When do you feel most beautiful? 

I feel most beautiful  when my makeup is slayed my curls are poppin 

What’s in your make‐up bag? 

 I have at least 4 different products for my brows lol, liquid liner, bronzer, matte foundation, a nude lipstick, & concealer. The basics.

What’s your favorite feature?

My favorite feature is my hair, my cheekbones, & my boo‐tay lol

What polish color would you wear on a special date and why?

I would wear black because I love black & I just feel like its sexy & mysterious.

How important is diet while working out?

Diet is so important. People think you can out work a bad diet but you cant. if you work out but eat the same as you did before, your weight will never change. Your body will just balance out.

Where did the name “ Body Gawd” come from?

So I started out as CurvyFitt & that just came to me because I knew my abilities as far as exercising but I’m not your “typical” trainer. Switched it to BodyGawd recently because I feel that I’ve reached a new level as far as my business & just overall as a person.

Where is your favorite place to workout? Do you find a gym necessary?

My favorite place to workout is outside in the summer. Its definitely not necessary to have a gym because in the beginning of my journey I didn’t have one. So to all of the people who use that as an excuse, you can stop now!

Who’s your dream client to personally train?

Personally I don’t have a specific person in mind, but I would love to do a show about helping women who are overweight lose weight & show that as far as fitness as health, there isn’t a certain type of “look”.

What area do you focus on most working out?

I do lots of cardio, abs, & of course lower body exercises the most. I get cut up really easy, so I don’t have to focus so much on arms, back etc.

Why don’t you believe in waist training ?

I don’t believe in waist training because it’s a temporary fix. It also damages internal organs plus most women who wear them aren’t even wearing them properly. I personally know people that have scars & tissue damage from wearing waist trainers so I don’t suggest that anybody wear them.

Do you suggest buddy workout vs. solo work outs?

 I started out on my own & at times it got boring & was very easy to get discouraged so I definitely suggest partner workouts as long as you've the same general goals

Whats next for BodyGawd?

Traveling is definitely in the vision I have for myself. I want to go to different places, give people good workout inspire them to keep going. I’m building my brand so I’ll be starting a youtube channel soon with workout videos tips more. I really just want to show women that no matter your size or shape, you can be whatever you want to be & to be inspired by yourself. be your own bodyguard.

"NEVER give up don’t let anyone tell you You can’t do something. Be happy with you while you are working for what you want."

 

 

Quitting Your Day Job & Pursuing Your Passion: Interview with Melissa Butler

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Melissa Butler, Owner or The Lip Bar

Melissa Butler, Owner or The Lip Bar

What inspired the creation of The Lip Bar? Frustration with my job! Upon graduation, I moved to New York to work on Wall Street. It didn't take me long to realize that I wasn't happy and then I decided to stop complaining  and change my situation. If I would've loved my job, The Lip Bar may not be here. But I was hell bent on getting out of there and never being in a similar situation. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit - the line of a business was a complete shot in the dark. But only in darkness can you see the stars. 

Where are you from? Detroit

Favorite childhood hobby? Ummmmm that's tough. Talking back to my mom, just talking in general. I talked way too much! My mom prob wanted to strangle me. Sorry Mom.

What sparked your interest for beauty? I came from a finance background and was a frequent purchaser of lipsticks. Never a big makeup girl, but I've always loved lipsticks. A while ago, I decided to be better to my body. You get what you give, right? So I began taking more holistic approaches: I stopped eating chicken and turkey (I already didn't eat beef or pork) and I began reading the labels of what I put on and in my body. I was disgusted

at all the chemicals I was digesting. That was the end of my eating and using super toxic products and when it came to lipstick, it was impossible to find products that were fairly natural in their origin. And the natural cosmetic companies were utterly boring. I knew I deserved better and so, I created better and decided to share it with the world. Quality cosmetics can and should be made without the excess crap, and with that idea, my interest in beauty along with The Lip Bar was born. 

Describe your everyday makeup look? I'm very simple when it comes to makeup. I don't get too crazy and it barely looks like I have any on. I normally dab on a little concealer under my eyes. I'm obsessed with eyeliner and mascara, I put on a light bronzer, a blush shade one shade darker than my complexion and of course, I finish with a pop of color on the lips. No shadow, no contouring, no highlighting, no foundation.

What's currently in your makeup bag? An ingot freedom pallet with blush, stila eyeliner (I'm gonna try the liquid one next, I'm such a wimp), MAC concealer, mascara (could be Givenchy Phenom eyes, Benefit They're Real or anything else. I always try mascara) and about 10 Lip Bar lipsticks. You never know what could happen. 

Who is your muse? The Universe

How did you come up with the name for The Lip Bar? It's called The Lip Bar because I thought it was a really good way to make lipsticks fun and to encourage self-expression. Oftentimes, we rely on cocktails to ease and or reinvigorate our moods. And far too often, we allow the media or men to dictate what we look like. Name it The Lip Bar was a stance against the standard of beauty that we adopt. It's my way to give the same courage to women as cocktails give them to pull out that thing that's buried and hidden within- their uniquely beautiful selves. It's the marriage of fun and unapologetic self-expressions. 

 

"Everyday you work for someone else; you're following their dreams"

What color would you wear to a first date? Interesting question. i don't have a particular color. It's more of a style. Always feminine, bold lip color, but never too sexy. And it's never 100%. I don't want a guy to fall head over heels with my looks and only see that. 

What do you feel is missing from the beauty industry? Individuality. Everyone tries to look like celebrities and I hate it with every fiber in my body.

Name one color from The Lip Bar that best describes your personality? Hot Toddy (a brick shade). It's bold, but mature. Striking but subtle. Sexy but classic. Sassy and spontaneous. It's confident and out to prove nothing to anyone by itself. Wait. We're talking about lipstick. Hahahaha. 

When awesome things happen, I'm genuinely happy but I'm never drawn into them. It's because I'm very ambitious and almost expectant of milestones. The way I see it, the only way is up. That may sound cocky but  I don't mean it as such. Even unforeseen events that disrupt my initial plans are all learning lessons. So when I get amazing news, I thank god and I move forward. Otherwise, one can easily get complacent and complacency is the enemy of progress.

Refinery 29 feature: What???? This is crazy!!!! As I jumped up and down. Being sold on nylon's website: What???? how do they even know we exist? This is the coolest sh*t ever.

Being sold on Urban Outfitters: I got in the shower and prayed. Thank the Universe for another chance in pursuit of my goals. Being featured on The Bethanny Show: I'm going to be on TV???? My mom is going to freak out. I hope TV doesn't pack on an extra 10 pounds. 

One quote you live by? Happiness is a choice.

Floss All Season: Owners of Floss Gloss

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Janine, Co-Owner of Floss Gloss

Janine, Co-Owner of Floss Gloss

What inspired the creation of Floss Gloss nail polish?

  • Janine: Floss Gloss was created out of a necessity. Aretha and I needed our own line because we had so many pet peeves about what was readily available to us; ugly packaging, bad formula, misleading color from the bottle to nail.
  • Aretha: The need.

Where are you from?

  • Janine: Coronado, CA, but I am a military brat and have lived all over the country.
  • Aretha: Austin, Texas

Favorite  childhood hobby?

  • Janine: Being at the beach or just being outside. Loved being outside, bike riding, and arts and crafts. I was heavy into all sorts of crafts as a kid; knitting, painting, friendship bracelets, nail art (Klutz junkie basically)
  • Aretha: Running amuck

"But they don't want that, they want that bout it bout it shit"

What sparked your interest for nail art?

  • Janine: Like I mentioned, I was a Klutz kid. Someone gave me the Nail Art Book as a pre-teen and I became obsessed! It really sparked my nail art passion and I was already into arts and crafts. I kind of lost touch with nails when I went to college, just so overwhelmed with work, until I met Aretha! She really re-invigorated my passion and I was back doing nails and nail art with her and my roommates in my junior/senior years at CCA (California College of the Arts).
  • Aretha: The lack of colors and Janines passion.

Who is your muse? 

  • Janine: Honestly, no muse. I pull inspiration from strong women in business and fashion, music, and art, but I really do not have a single muse. I think because Aretha and I are our own demographic we become the muses.
  • Aretha: Master P, Danzig, Stone Cold Steve Austin

If you could use 3 words to describe Floss Gloss what would it be?

  • Janine: Excessive, color(full) and creative.
  • Aretha: Excessive, lavish, innovative

What color polish would you wear on a first date and why?

  • Janine: I would recommend Fast Lane (neon red) or Dinge (dirty pink) - neon red like Fast Lane is passionate and exciting. Dinge is tamer, a pastel dirty pink that is sophisticated and professional,  but still a little different and dingy. Close runner up's would be : Tanlines, Wavepool, Picnic or Biscuits.
  • Aretha: Wavepool, Boys Like Blue, It's Accessible and They're Slow.

What nail style is your favorite?

  • Janine: For shape, long square nails are always a classic! Recently I've been wearing a 'coffin' or tapered square. Thanks to Vanity Projects to pushing me into that shape, I feel so lady-like.
  • Aretha: Pierced

Biggest challenge being apart of the nail industry?

  • Janine: The biggest challenge is running the business side as well as staying creative and forward in the nail industry. Aretha and I are still the only two employees.
  • Aretha: Being tiny.

What inspires your names for your polish colors?

  • Janine: The colors themselves, the inspiration for the collection or the mood of the polish.
  • Aretha: Anything.
Aretha, Co-Owner of Floss Gloss

Aretha, Co-Owner of Floss Gloss

What polish best describes your personality?

  • Janine: Tough! Either Wet or Stun.
  • Aretha: Con Limon because I can be sour but I'm sweet in the end.

What is your favorite song to play while you're primping? 

  • Janine: In a perfect world the best line up of MTV Jams. Like my favorite motivator to hit the club, but if it's just music, HBK Gang, DJ Mustard anything or our homies Till Team 6 in Oakland. TT6 has amazing djs/homies [Neto187, SoWhat, Nano] and the SWERVE mixes are my favorite - still.
  • Aretha: Great question. Clirith Ungol- Edge of a Knife, Iron Maiden- Running, Gangsta Boo- Still Gangsta, Trina- Reach Out

Where do you see Floss Gloss in 5 years?

  • Janine: Still in business and with increased sales and nationwide distribution. And of course being on top of the cult nail polish brands. I just want to win. 
  • Aretha: With way more colors and retailers, hopefully doing the same thing but better.

What nail polish trend do you hate?

  • Janine: TEXTURED! Just rub your nails in kitty litter right before it dries. I can't stand the texture trend.
  • Aretha: Matte finish, sorry ladies I like to gloss.

Who is your favorite nail artist?

  • Janine: This is really tough! Been following and in love with Spifster before tumblr was really tumblr. I love Christina Rinaldi aka Prima her style is amazing and so clean - I love it. Gah there are so many I love! Britney Tokyo, Regina Rodriquez, Natalie Minerva, Stephanie Stone, Sophy Robson, Whitney Gibson. I'm such a fiend.
  • Aretha: Brit Tokyo, Nailswag, Spifster, Nailsyall, Holly Falcone, I love em all doin it.

"...I was a Klutz kid. Someone gave me the Nail Art Book as a pre-teen and I became obsessed! It really sparked my nail art passion..."

What inspires your seasonal campaigns?

  • Janine: Anything from music, nature, pop culture, fashion. Really it's what Aretha and I are feeling and really wanting to explore and get it out to the public.
  • Aretha: Whatever comes up that got it.

What is your most memorable accomplishment with Floss Gloss?

  • Janine: So far, having vogue request to meet with us. 
  • Aretha: Doing a color with Gangsta Boo of Three Six Mafia

One quote you live by?

  • Janine: This quote by the Dali lama has really stuck with me. "Man: because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. The he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if her is never going to die, and then dies having never really live.
  • Aretha: "But they don't want that, they want that bout it bout it shit" -Master P

Blending Beauty: She's Ryan

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"I want the world to see me as a leader. Someone who started from nothing and gained everything from experience, hard work, trial and error...the goal is to inspire."

With a raw, distinctly polished voice, married to bold, provocative lyrics set in the most sexy, fresh look, it's not hard to tell why She's Ryan aka SIR is a force to be reckoned within today's entertainment industry. The 23 year old former photographer, current model and actress is emerging as a vibrant singer-songwriter creating spunk, hard hitting upbeat pop/rock/R&B. She's Ryan boasts many talents that set her apart from her contemporaries and her brand SIR reveals the blueprint for domination. She's Ryan has quickly transitioned from a sharp shooter behind the lens into a multi-talented artist that rocks the stage with dance moves that would have anyone mesmerized. With buzzing music that quickly catched fire, such as her recently released feature with Mad Decent artist, The Party Squad "I'M ABOUT TO KILL", She's Ryan has proven that she can stand strong among many genres of music. 

She is published in articles (online/print) such as Inked Magazine, The Source, and Vibe vixen to name a few. She's Ryan has also been a host to the biggest festival in NYC, AfroPunk. With a degree from NYC's most creative institute, Pratt. She's Ryan not only graces the stage but creative directs her entire brand. She has made great strides with her recently released debut music videos for entitled "WHOA", "SIR" and "NEVER GROWING UP". In addition, she is currently laying the finishing touch on her upcoming EP and has consistently performed in New York City, Boston, Connecticut, and other areas in the Northeast region. Whether it's her original sound, edgy lyrics or high energy sultry performance, she is an amazing multi faceted talent that adds a breath of fresh air to today's musical landscape. One thing is certain, once you've caught a glimpse of She's Ryan, it's completely clear to see that a true store is born!

What is your favorite feature? My favorite feature are my eyes. Or people's eyes in general.

When do you feel most beautiful? I feel most beautiful after the gym. After I've had the most intense workout, and I sit in the sauna and sweat out all of the toxins from my body. My skin is naturally flushed with a red undertone and i look like I'm glowing! It's weird, but i feel most beautiful with a natural glow.

What beauty trend do you hate currently taking place? I love the concealer trend that's happening. You kow, highlight your t-zone using a light concealer than your natural skin color, then sculpt into your face with a darker color to contour....I get it, it's fun but when done incorrectly, it looks absolutely horrible. I believe this beauty trend is absolutely gorgeous when done the right way.

What tattoo do you have that's most symbolic to you? The tattoo that is most symbolic to me is the hanya mask on my right arm. I got it when I was 19, working in a tattoo shop, and my boss at the time (who also taught me how to do tattoos), sat me down and gave me my first tattoo. It was 5 hours long and the only reason I wanted it, was because he has the same exact mask on the same arm as well. I look up to im so much, so I feel connected to him through this piece. Thanks JAZ.

If Ryan was a lipstick, what color would it be? Matte Black

You have the most amazing abs, what is your workout routine like? Thank you! I run, run, and run some more! I am a big fan of being outdoors. I love it, the fresh air, the sun, people watching. So I literally get up and run a few miles a day. If I don't run, I go to bootcamp fitness training classes 3-4 times a week, where we work full body and run. I'm a big fan of squats, lunges (all while having weights in hands of course), and planks. These workouts work your whole body, so instead of just doing boring sit ups, you're becoming completely fit and gaining a six pack all at the same time!

 

 

What is your skincare regimen like? I'm really simple. I exfoliate in the morning with an apricot scrub. After the scrub I use natures toner. A product that I've used for years to keep an even complexion, witch hazel. At night after washing off all the makeup, I make sure to moisturize my face with vitamin e oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. The reason for this is because these oils don't clog your pores like say a cocoa butter would. They also naturally help with complexion, and can be used on the whole body. It's great.

Biggest misconception about you? Of course, because of the tattoos, colorful hair, piercings...I am judged beforehand as someone weird, or sketchy. Like I won't be able to engage in intellectual or even casual conversation because 'I'm strange'. I was once hired to speak on a panel to younger women aspiring to be music artists, and was told by the person who hired me...once you start speaking, everyone's views on you change. 

I didn't take offense to it but it just reminded me that unfortunately, people will always judge, ignorance is alive and well and to always remind myself personally... 'never judge a book by its cover'.

What beauty trend do you love? The natural cut crease with a subtle cat eye! I love! It can make even the smallest eyes look like big beautiful almond shaped eyes. It's great. 

Who was your childhood beauty muse? Aaliyah

Who is your current muse? I have a few women who physically intrigue me. The one who's gotten my attention the most is FKA Twigs.

What are your 5 favorite makeup products you are currently using? 

  1. NYX liquid liner
  2. Sponge Beauty Blender
  3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Kit
  4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Plate
  5. Make Up Forever tinted primer for when I'm putting on shadow and want it to last all day long.

What accessory can you not be caught dead without? I love my rings!

If you have only 15 minutes to leave your house and could do one beauty step and grab one accessory what would it be? The one beauty step would be filling in my eyebrows with a nice full, natural, looking eyebrow. I look younger and a lot more polished. Of course the accessory would be my rings!

What accomplishment thus far has changed your life? The accomplishment that changed my life was when my unreleased song, "Trouble" was played on MTV's new reality show "House of Food". Since then I've gained new fans, gotten recognized by people at MTV, and have been on the radar of more people who can present more life changing opportunities to me. It was super exciting.

What quote do you live by? Be grateful for all that you have NOW, because without appreciating what is already here, it is impossible to receive anything else.

What's to come in the future for Ryan? The EP is dropping! My self titled EP "SIR" will be released at the top of the year. It will include six songs, and a bonus track.