Where do I even begin to describe the genius and creativity of Academy Award winning costume designer Ruth Carter! Every time I have painted her face, just being in her presence inspires me. Witnessing the wonderful work she’s done from numerous Spike Lee films, Amistad, and of course her amazing work in Black Panther movies to visual art just laying around her home. Hearing Ruth’s story was so inspiring. Hearing about her upbringing, an HBCU graduate, and how she navigated through her career. More importantly, how she knew that she was destined for greatness. How she manifested that through amazing storytelling and creativity. She’s paved a way for many others to follow and has set the bar high! There are so many things to admire and I’m truly honored to share this interview!
This season our team hand selected some of the best gifts to give this season to your loved ones. Each of the selected gifts are from women of color owned business!
What started as two t-shirts has turned into one of the fastest growing lifestyle brands appeasing to women, men, and kids. Founder, Milan Harris, is a popular Philly native through and through turning her dreams into reality. This year marked Milano’s 10-year business anniversary,and Grind Pretty was just as elated to help celebrate such a huge accomplishment
Though attending many higher education institutions is a great accomplishment, there’s something special ingrained in HBCUs that provides a level of confidence and perseverance that in my opinion is unmatched. As a woman of color entrepreneur, it hasn’t been easy to stay afloat, especially within the past couple of years. Per theNew York Fed, Black businesses experienced the most acute decline during the pandemic, with a 41% drop. Latinx business owners fell by 32% and Asian business owners dropped by 26%. Though we are making strides, the access to capital for minority women is still in the single digits percentile! But with many of us who attended HBCUs, we don’t give up!
I’m sure we’re all familiar with the term beauty is pain. It stems from a French saying that translates to one must suffer to be beautiful. In the context of high heels, women make sacrifices to be fashionable, and if you're anything like Shantel Jackson, you’re probably willing to suffer the pain. It wasn’t until one day that an innovative spark struck Miss Jackson to change this narrative.
