Covergirl Janelle Monae Covers Essence Magazine
April 2nd, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffJanelle Monae Covers Essence Magazine
Janelle Monae Covers Essence Magazine
Indie-fave Janelle Monae lands her first ESSENCE cover where she reveals her thoughts on body image and sex appeal. In her interview she chats about her upcoming album Electric Lady which is due out this summer, her unique/eccentric style, and why she chooses to cover up her body.
After winning her first grammy, Song of the Year, in February 2013 for “We Are Young” with the band Fun, indie-fave Janelle Monae may not be a underground artist for much longer as she bursts on the scene with a gorgeous ESSENCE magazine cover. In the May 2013 issue, the singer boasts to the magazine that “I made a decision to be unique” as she reveals the origin of her iconic black-and-while ensembles and why her fans won’t ever see her using sex appeal to sell records.” She tells the mag, “People don’t ask Jay-Z to take his shirt off when he rhymes.”
Since her debut in 2010, Janelle explains that her bold decision to remain covered up was to “…redefine what it means to be sexy and what it means to be a woman. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy.”
She adds, “I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way.”
Fans can pick up the May issue of ESSENCE (on newsstands April 5) and check out Janelle at this year’s ESSENCE Festival in July.
via YBF
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Black Designers in Fashion
March 22nd, 2013 by TiffanyLong before fashion was a “thing” in the African American community slaves were making garments for their owners. As many obtained their freedom, metropolises became the place to obtain cutting-edge designs from talented African American clothing designers. Many may not know it, but New Orleans was actually the fashion mecca for Black businesses to design, make and sell their clothing long before New York was an option. In honor of National Women’s History Month we honor the Black women of the fashion world from both then and now that have broken molds and opened doors for the designers and trends of today.
THEN…
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
Elizabeth Keckly
Supporting herself and her family through her dressmaking and design skills, Keckly bought her freedom and moved to Washington D.C. She was famous for the inaugural gown she designed for Mary Todd Lincoln, wife to then president Abraham Lincoln. This dress can be viewed today at the Smithsonian Institute in D.C. The wives of Robert E. Lee, Stephen Douglas, and Jefferson Davis were also clients of Elizabeth Keckly. A respected independent business woman, she also worked towards the abolition of slavery through her well-connected white clients.
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Zelda Wynn Valdes
Zelda Wynn Valdes opened her own shop on Broadway in New York in 1948. She was known for her sexy hip-hugging styles and numbered among her clientele many of the notable black women of that era including Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald and Gladys Knight. Little known to many, her work even caught the eye of Hugh Hefner, who commissioned her to design the original and most popularly known costumes for the Playboy bunnies. She also helped found the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, an organization of black designers.
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Ann Lowe
Born in Alabama in 1899, Ann Lowe was privileged to move to New York at the age of 16. She attended design school and eventually opened a shop on Madison Avenue. Her clients included members of the Vanderbilt, Roosevelt, and Rockefeller families. She made more than 1,000 dresses per year for clients and sold her designs in Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and I. Magnin. In 1953, Lowe designed the dresses for the mother of the bride and the bridal dress for the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy, one of the most photographed events in history. It was unfortunate, however, that Lowe did not receive the credit she deserved for these famous gowns.
The infamous gown worn by Miss Kennedy.
AND NOW…
Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese designs are noted for their femininity and retro-influenced style; the textiles themselves make use of bright colors, elaborate graphic patterns, and a playful use of bohemian touches. With a namesake label and variety—ranging from home and shoes to nail polish and hosiery—the brand has captured great commercial success and recognition across many categories. Clothing and home fashions by Tracy Reese’s design lines are carried by retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Modcloth, and Nordstrom. Thanks to First Lady Michelle Obama her designs have received national attention recently.
Monif Clarke
Awarded “Best Plus Size Fashion Designer” by Full Figure Fashion Week, “Best Plus Size Clothing Store” by City Search, “Best Store For Plus Size Evening Wear” by Time Out New York and featured in the October issue of Essence Magazine’s “Leaders Of The New School”, Monif C was conceived in 2005 by mother/daughter team Elaine and Monif Clarke to reaffirm every woman’s desire for an inspired life filled with luxury and unadulterated sexy appeal. A love of color, prints, and vintage details sprung from summers spent in Barbados visiting her family.
Today as a plus size woman, Monif understands the need for a new perspective in the plus size market. Monif C. has been featured on Fox Business, NBC’s Today Show, ABC News, Barbara Walters’ the View, The Washington Post, Latina, Crain’s New York Business, Essence, Glamour, TLC’s What Not to Wear, Seventeen Magazine, Ebony, Jet and many more. The Monif C. collection is quintessentially the wardrobe for the young, contemporary, sexy plus size woman.
Laura Smalls
First lady Michelle Obama has made Laura Smalls somewhat of an overnight sensation. In spite of the overnight spike in her brand due to the national attention, Smalls is not new to the fashion industry. In 1976 she graduated from the Parsons School of Design, promptly sold a small spring collection to Bloomingdale’s and Henri Bendel — and then nothing. In the season that followed, Bloomingdale’s opted not to buy her subsequent collection, and a new buyer had replaced her contract at Bendel’s. “I couldn’t even get an appointment,” Smalls told the Huffington Post. Ironically enough, the year we celebrated our first Black president was the same year she began sketching again, and it didn’t take long for first lady Michelle Obama to discover her and add Smalls to the list of American designers she frequently wears.
The history of fashion industry is full of important contributions from creative, talented Black female clothing designers. Black women have certainly made a most worthy contribution to the growth of the fashion industry and to the elegance of women’s wardrobes dating back to slavery and further back to ancient Africa. Given the history of fashion design for Black women our presence in today’s fashion industry is considerably low. However, we can change this by ensuring that Black female and male fashion designers receive our support as did Zelda Wynn Valdes from black stars such as Josephine Baker, and like FLOTUS Michelle Obama does with Tracy Reese, Laura Smalls and others.
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
Ladies Who Lunch with Latisha Daring Talks Unlimited Possibilities…
March 19th, 2013 by Christen
Ladies who lunch with panelists – Laurie Cumbo, Nanci Walker, Julee Wilson, Tai Beauchamp, Carline Balan and Tanasha Pettigrew
Upon entering the room filled with such positive electricity, you can’t help but acknowledge the anticipation of hope, encouragement and empowerment during the ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ event hosted by Latisha Daring. Latisha Daring, the highly successful New York-based fashion designer behind Ashtyn, announced the launch of her newest project, Ladies Who Lunch with Latisha Daring (www.theladieswholunch.org) as an empowerment lunch series geared towards women entrepreneurs who aspire to impact their communities and the world at-large through their business ventures and strategic partnerships. The luncheon series kicked off on March 17th at the famed Tribeca Grill Loft in NYC. The reaffirming theme of “Just Do It” , Trust in yourself” and discover “Unlimited possibilities” repeated itself throughout a series of career stories shared by the illustrious panelists during Sunday’s luncheon.
Ladies Who Lunch Hostess by Latisha Daring
Tai Beauchamp kicked off the brunch in grand style sharing inspiring words of entrepreneurship and feminine hustle. In addition to being a style ambassador and established journalist and editor she appears regularly as a style expert on “The Today Show”, “Good Day New York” and has appeared countless times on BET, CNN, TV One and more.
dream hampton Skyped into the ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ event sharing her story of “accidentally becoming a journalist” and standing up for women, as a woman in a man’s world. A native Detroiter, dream hampton has written about music, culture and politics for 20 years. Her articles and essays have appeared in The Village Voice, The Detroit News, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence and a dozen plus anthologies.
Ladies Who Lunch special Skype appearance with dream hampton
Julee Wilson drew in the room with her candid stories of growing up as a middle child and chasing her dream in New York City. As the Style & Beauty Editor at The Huffington Post BlackVoices, Julee shared her risky rise to the top. As a risk taker and having positive role models in the industry Julee kept the room laughing with her quick wit and funny anecdotes’.
Ladies Who Lunch with Julee Wilson
The panel also included wise words from:
- Laurie Angela Cumbo, city council candidate and founder of MOCADA Museum
- Tanasha Pettigrew, luxury real estate expert
- Nanci Neffi Walker, expert in sustainable eco-living
- Carline Balan, co-owner of Balan Inc, a luxury lifestyle agency
Throughout the afternoon of networking and encouragement, women enjoyed an assortment of fabulous menu items including Brioche French Toast, Parfait and delectable red velvet cupcakes. In the end, the sweet sound of laughter, excitement and hope followed each attendee out of the luncheon and into the city with a charge to make a difference and explore a world of unlimited possibilities.
Ladies who Lunch with Latisha Daring will be heading to Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington DC. For more information about the luncheon series or to purchase tickets, visit www.theladieswholunch.org.
Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson on the Broadway Play The Trip to Bountiful
March 14th, 2013 by SimoneThe Trip to Bountiful, originally released in 1953 as a teleplay on NBC, has now been revived featuring an all Black cast. This April The Trip to Bountiful will be taking a trip to Broadway, starring Emmy winner Cicely Tyson, Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (“Jerry Maguire,” “Red Tails”), Emmy Award nominee Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty,” “Desperate Housewives”), and Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (Lifetime’s “Steel Magnolias,” Broadway’s Stick Fly).
This amazing story is about Carrie (Cicely Tyson) who lives in a cramped apartment with her son and daughter-in-law and wants to make one last trip home to Bountiful, Texas. Carrie’s son (Cuba Gooding Jr.) doesn’t think his elderly mother is strong enough to make the trip and her daughter-in-law (Vanessa Williams) doesn’t care for her very much, often making her feel like an imposition. However, her motive for not supporting the trip is based on the issue that she is surviving off of Carrie’s pension check. When Carrie escapes to make the trip home it sets an adventure in motion that has its serious and comedic moments, leaving you with a different prospective of the concept “home”.
The cast of The Trip to Bountiful with Director Michael Wilson and Horton Foote’s Daughter Hallie Foote
All of the stars including director Michael Wilson and Hallie Foote, the daughter of the playwright as well as executor of his estate, gathered at Sardi’s Restaurant in New York City to talk to the press face to face about the production. We got some face time with the divas of the show including Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad as they shared their favorite moments and talked about their roles in the play!
Up first, the youngest member of the cast but not the least talented by far, Condola Rashad. In The Trip to Bountiful, Rashad plays the part of Thelma, better known as the “girl on the bus”. Rashad’s character meets Carrie as she is on her journey home- two women of contrasting ages going on two separate journeys. However, in the time that they sit next to each other on the bus they form a brief yet remarkable bond. That bond seems to continue even off stage when Rashad and Tyson are not in character.
Condola Rashad
“Cicely reinforces everything I have grown to know [about acting]. As long as you are honest and in the moment it will work,” says Rashad. When looking at the way that her character interacts with Tyson’s she doesn’t think she differs from her character in real life. “My character treated her as an adult. When I was a teenager and I would volunteer at nursing homes, I was respectful of people of a certain age not only just because of their age but in the way that allows them to have their freedom and decide what they want to do. My character doesn’t limit Carrie, she respects her journey.”
Cicely Tyson has not been on a Broadway stage since 1983 in her role for The Corn is Green, yet the iconic actress is the recipient of countless awards and is a living legend in her field. Sitting across from Tyson, her demeanor was calm and collected. You could feel the warmth of her spirit but there was also an air of regality that surrounded her.
When asked what she did to prepare for the role Tyson shared her approach to playing this character. “I went to Texas because I wanted to know what was it about this place that this woman needed to go back to. You cannot project anything about anybody unless you know their culture. You have to smell, feel, taste and breathe in order for you to honestly project that character. My method has always been to go where that person stems from.”
Tyson also speaks to the lesson about the way we treat and view our elders, which flows through the undercurrent of every interaction in this production. “One of the things that touches me about this character is that she is an elder and today there is such little respect for the elderly. They are tossed aside and put in a home and disregarded by family members and/ or close friends. I want the audience to leave with a greater appreciation of what we have to offer.” In essence, this is a role that Tyson always wanted to play. In an admiration for the movie adaption of the teleplay, Tyson told her agent immediately “to get me my Trip to Bountiful.” She was referring to one last great role which turned out to be none other than a role in this production. When talking about the kismet way in which she was led to this role Tyson jokingly says, “Be careful what you ask for, because you will get it.”
Vanessa Williams Cicely Tyson and Condola Rashad
Vanessa Williams‘ most recent stint was on the show 666 Park Avenue, which was unfortunately short lived. Not long after, however, she found out that she was not going to continue the run on the small screen after she’d gotten the call that she will be getting a chance to show off her skills yet again on the big stage. Her character Jessie Mae makes no effort to hide her annoyance with her mother-in-law Carrie, thus there is a constant conflict between them. As Williams puts it “Mother Watts relishes the past. Jessie May loves the city. She couldn’t care less about the past. The past is too painful. Jessie may is forward in terms of her process and her intention. Mother Watts is always going back. Jessie Mae thinks that acknowledging the past is morbid. Mother Watts thinks that not acknowledging the past is unfeeling. Who’s right who’s wrong?”
Vanessa Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Cicely Tyson
When asked about what it was like to work with Tyson, Williams referenced a time when she was just a child watching Tyson playing Jane Pittman on television “Now we get to share a stage,” she says. “I’m living my dream.” Of course it can be surreal to work with someone you look up to. Williams adds, “I kind of have an out of body experience when I’m arguing with Cicely Tyson while we’re character.” Because we are proud to be divas, I couldn’t help but ask Williams how she felt about the extravagant diva qualities of her character. Her reply was that in comparison to the other characters she has played including Wilhelmina on Ugly Betty, she sees Jessie Mae as more of a wannabe. “Wilhelmina was a Diva. Jessie Mae aspires to be a diva. She is always reading her movie magazines and trying to do the hairstyles she sees in them.” In response to being often cast as the in the roles of the headstrong diva, Williams says, “The characters may not always be likable but they are interesting.”
From talking one on one with each of these women, you could feel the strong connection each of them had to the overall meaning of the story in The Trip to Bountiful. From the passion they each had in the telling of the story it is clear that they will bring the same exuberance to each of their roles on the stage. This is a play that holds relevance to anyone regardless of background or age and is definitely a must-see!
Previews for The Trip to Bountiful begin on March 30 and will officially open April 23, running for a 14- week engagement at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, located at 124 W. 43rd St. Tickets range from $37 to $142 and are currently available on Telecharge.com.
Which Starlet Could Become The Next Super Heroine In Oya: Rise of the Orisha!
March 8th, 2013 by KenyaAdmit it, at one time or another you’ve dreamed of possessing supernatural powers or imagined being a superwoman, holding the balance of good and evil within your hands. In African folklore, the goddess Oya does just that. Oya is considered to be very omnipotent; representing feminine leadership and is known to be a powerful warrior. The film, Oya: Rise of the Orisha resurrects mythical deities from African folklore, known as Orishas, into modern-day superheroes in Britain.
Who Is OYA? Oya: Rise of the Orisha focuses on a young woman named Adesuwa who has the unique ability to transform into the fearsome warrior goddess, Oya, the Orisha of change. As the Goddess of storms, her powers are similar to that of Storm from the X-Men. She brings good fortune to her followers and is the only African Orisha brave enough to confront death (as the goddess of funeral processions and cemeteries known as “Oya’s Garden.”) The film follows Adesuwa as she goes on a head-stomping mission to keep the doorway between the Orisha and humanity closed. Filled with action, mystical adventure and more the question we’re left to wonder, which British starlet could take on the role of being such a powerful warrior woman?
Check out our top picks and why below…
1. Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris has played Tia Dalma in Pirates of the Caribbean and was recently cast as Eve Moneypenny in the Oscar-nominated James Bond film, Skyfall. Being named a Bond Girl is synonymous with kick-ass sensuality, cunning intellect, and superior power- she can definitely handle the superior warrior title and is our top pick.
2. Sophie Okonedo
Another excellent choice, Sophie Okonedo of Aeon Flux, Hotel Rwanda and The Secret Life of Bees fame. We’ll next see her alongside Will Smith in M. Night Shyamalan sci-fi film, After Earth (slated for release: June 2013). Her acting chops are fine tuned, her gaze is commanding and she would undoubtedly bring the essence of OYA to life in Rise of the Orisha.
3. Thandie Newton
Well known for her work in The Pursuit of Happyness, Mission: Impossible II, Crash and For Colored Girls, Thandie Newton is not afraid to get physical. She is stunningly beautiful and has proved a wide acting range.
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4. Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Soon to star in RoboCop (2014), Marianne Jean-Baptiste previously made history as the first Black British actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for the 1996 drama Secrets & Lies. We’ve also seen her in 28 Days and Takers. No stranger to action or sci-fi, Marianne would be another brilliant choice to bring Oya to life.
Through their visually stunning film, Oya: Rise of the Orisha (FB, Twitter), filmmakers Nosa Igbinedion is working to bring Oya’s story to the big screen. Using IndieGoGo, Nosa Igbinedion is seeking crowd funding to make a short film of the script to secure a deal with a larger production company. Would you like to see this film on the big screen? Who would you pick to bring the Orisha Oya to life?
Double Duty: Tia & Tamera Covers Essence Magazine
March 5th, 2013 by Christen
Tia & Tamera Covers Essence Magazine “Career Success” Issue (April 2013)
No you’re not seeing double, Tia & Tamera covers Essence Magazine’s newest issue next month. The hardest working twins in Hollywood, Tia Mowry-Hardict and Tamera Mowry-Housley, are pulling double duty as the newest cover girls for Essence‘s April “Career Success Guide” issue. For April’s issue, both ladies show how different they really are and how they’ve been able to balance their personal lives with their careers. They also speak on motherhood and how it’s changed their lives as well as making the decision to turn down their reality show opportunity if they weren’t able to be real.
Tia & Tamera Covers Essence: Twin moms posing with sons Cree and Aden.
Tia On Being A Mother: I feel sexier now, as a mother, than I ever have in my life. I’m more in tune with my body. I don’t take any crap anymore either.
Tamera on motherhood: I’ve always wanted to be a mother. I’m a nurturer, a girly girl. I know my priorities: God, family and work … When those things are in check, the work will flow.
Tia on being real for the cameras: We didn’t want to do a reality show if we couldn’t be real — if I couldn’t be myself. There is no ‘evil twin syndrome,’ though we do have evil moments.
Tia & Tamera Covers Essence Tia & Tamera Covers Essence
Tia & Tamera Covers Essence Tia & Tamera Covers Essence
Tia & Tamera covers Essence Magazine next month but just last year, both cover girls launched a new online community sharing tips on living a better life to their fans. TiaandTameraOfficial.com, serves as an online hub for all things Tia & Tamera featuring exclusive information, photos and videos directly from Tia and Tamera. Now that they have TV, the internet and magazines buzzing, who knows what Tia and Tamera has up their sleeves next. Could these budding business women have sights on becoming the next multimedia moguls? You’ll have to check out their story in the latest issue of Essence magazine on newsstands soon.
Tia & Tamera Covers Essence: Sisters by blood and business bond
Live Your Best Life: Celebrity Tips for Wellness and Apps That’ll Get You There
February 18th, 2013 by Lifestyle Staff
Women (-noun): Caregivers & nurturers; often gives to others first without giving to selves.
For on-the-go divas, it is even tougher to pay attention to personal wellness. With all the traveling, working, and keeping busy, it’s hard to understand how one can always keep it together. We have found some tips from well-balanced celebrities that have shared how they do it. Take these tips that have worked for them and see how you can apply it to your daily self-care! Between working, taking care of the family, and handling personal business it’s easy for women to tire, get sick, and eventually burn out. Burnout takes the form of anxiety, illness, nervous breakdowns, and sometimes even flat out laziness.
There is an app for everything these days. For most tips, there is an app available on smart phones and/or tablets to help any diva meet her self-care goals. Check out some self-care tricks and tips from famous divas on the go, along with supporting apps that’ll help you live your best life well.
Tia Mowry
1. Tia Mowry: Plan your workouts ahead of time. A fun way to do this would be to set workout “dates” with friends.
The App To Get You There: To track activity, download Nike+ FuelBand. Note: In order for is to work, you must purchase a physical FuelBand, which is available at Nike stores andonline. With the app, users set goals for activity ahead of time and are pushed to meet them.
Lisa Ling
2. Lisa Ling: Take snacks along for the ride. Before leaving the house, the hotel, or wherever you laid your head down to rest, grab a piece of fruit, fill up a bottle with water, and say no to the sugary treats.
The App To Get You There: To keep track of the food you’re eating on the daily, download Fooducate. It helps users keep track of their grocery list, what they’ve eaten, their water intake, as well as the exercise they did on any given day. (Incorporate this app with tip 1 above.) If you’re in the grocery store and want to know more about a product, you can scan the bar code and get a grade for the product, alternatives, and the ratings of other users.
Fooducate is currently available on iPhones and Androids.
Mariska Hargitay
3. Mariska Hargitay: Take time for some TLC. Working too many hours is associated with anxiety and depression. Who wants to deal with that?
The App To Get You There: Use the calendar on your phone and track every minute of your day for a week. At the end of the week, check to see where you can input some “you time.” During this “you time”, put your phone away, or turn it off, if possible.
Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter
4. Lisa Price: Fight germs as best you can.
There isn’t an app for this. Wash your hands often. Keep hand sanitizer in your purse. And use tissue when you cough or sneeze so you don’t pass along germs either.
These four tips from four amazing women should guide your in the right direction for living your best life and doing it well. What are your tips for wellness care?
We’re Counting Down Our Favorite Moments Of 2012 #My2012Moment
December 31st, 2012 by Christen
It’s true! This year has had truly been an amazing year of highs (and even higher highs) for DivasandDorks.com. From going to 2012 London Olympics to speaking at the National Black MBA Conference and everything in between. While looking forward to a better year than ever before – 2013, we can’t help but to look back at our favorite moments of 2012. Check out below to discover why this has been an unbelievably phenomenal for DivasandDorks.com.
Black Women in Music / Black Women in Hollywood
Thanks to Lincoln & Essence Magazine, we had the chance to rub elbows, talk tech and mingle with some of your favorite starlets, musicians and Hollywood celebrities. Kelly Rowland, Nene Leakes and more checked out the new 2014 Lincoln MKZ during Essence’s Black Women in Music, Grammy weekend in California. Just a week later, Kerry Washington, Shonda Rhimes, Tracee Ellis Ross supported and uplifted fellow thespian sisters during the Black Women in Hollywood event during Oscar weekend in L.A.
In The Press – Essence.com, RollingOut.com, BlackEnterprise.com, TheRoot.com, Pose Magazine
This was an incredible year for DivasandDorks.com in the press. As a contributor for Essence.com, I was featured in RollingOut & Pose Magazine highlighting the business behind the blog. BlackEnterprise.com even interviewed an unconventional mentor, (my mother) to reveal the secrets behind successful mentor/mentee relationships. Before the summer was complete, TheRoot.com listed DivasandDorks.com as one of the best blogs of 2012.
Induction in Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Of The Blogosphere’s Best
One of my favorite moments by far included kicking off this year’s Black Bloggers Month as being revealed as the first inductee in the 2012 Blogosphere’s Best for BlackEnterprise.com.
Kayaking in the Pacific Ocean
During an exciting west coast excursion with Toyota, I had the best time camping and even kayaking, (yes, I really kayaked) in the Pacific Ocean all by myself.
Diva, Dork and Actress?
This year marked a year of firsts in front the camera, as I starred in Ford’s Escape To New Orleans web series and Samsung’s SmartTV informercial series.
Panelist, Host & Keynote Speaker
“When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” – Michelle Obama
This year has been filled with a lot of hard work, blessings beyond belief, and I was more than excited to share my experiences as a speaker/host/keynote speaker at the Financial (App)titude seminar, Style Bloggers of Color Conference, National Association of Black MBA, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Tom Joyner Family Reunion.
Mentorship & Inspiring Young Lives
As an active mentor for The Young Women’s Leadership Schools in NYC and host of D&D’s first “Social Girls Night” – we at Diva And Dorks believe in investing & encouraging young women to pursue their dreams, passions and more (and because of those beliefs, the Divas and Dorks Foundation was officially formed.)
Global Ambassador at the 2012 London Olympics
As Samsung’s official ‘Global Ambassador’ – I was privileged to represent Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics. I got the chance to meet Olympians, take in a few of the Olympic games and experience all the unique sights of London, England.
Last Train To Paris…
For the first time ever, I experienced a dream getaway to Paris, France from the United Kingdom (during the Olympics). The Effel Tower, The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysée all were seen and conquered by the diva!
Divas Love To Travel & Love Their Cars!
This has been an amazing year of travel and automotive adoration on DivasandDorks.com. So much so, that our sister sites DivasOnDestinations.com and DivasDriveInHeels.com were born and slated to launch January 2013!
Here’s to a wonderful 2012 and an even better 2013!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
The 2012 ELECTIONS According To Foursquare, Instagram and More!
November 6th, 2012 by ChristenWhile many traditional online news sources will host live interactive maps constantly being updated with the latest election results, some are opting for more social ways of tallying up today’s votes. Check out how a few of your favorite social media platforms are sharing in the election day festivities.
Foursquare launched elections.foursquare.com, which has a live map of polling place check-ins across the United States. The data can be broken down by gender and time of the vote, telling the Election Day story in a unique way. Foursquare users can also connect their account to the I Voted app, which taps into the Google Civic Information API to locate the right polling place and deliver ballot information. Fun bonus: Foursquare users who check-in to a polling place get a digital version of the “I Voted” sticker.
Instagram makes it easy to see a snapshot of polling locations, political attire and even some votes! (WARNING: Photographing / publishing prepared voter ballots is a misdemeanor in most states and could cause your vote to become VOID). Watching Election Day results come in with numbers and maps is one thing, getting a look at what’s actually happening at polling places around the country is another. Electiongrams, created by the NBC News digital team, collects Instagram images tagged with #NBCPolitics. Other brands are taking advantage of Instagram including BET Networks with #BETvote and Essence Magazine with #EssenceVotes. The goal? Tap into Instagram to show snapshots of life around America on Election Day.
Could Beyonce’s vote become void?
UStream is taking a slightly different approach by utilizing citizen journalists around the country, providing a unique and independent lens on Election Day. Ustream has also partnered with Video the Vote to use mobile phones as a tool in the fight against voter fraud and disenfranchisement.
How are you planning on discovering today’s election results? Will you be posted in front of the tv, election watch party or our celebrating someplace else?
Examining The Technology Behind Our Hair With Startup Techturized.com
October 24th, 2012 by Tiffany
Natural hair styles are taking over! Women are getting back to their roots and rocking curls, waves, ‘fro’s and short styles. It’s even evident from the many natural hair products that have emerged within the last year like, Motions’ Naturally You and African Pride’s Back to Natural hair products. Going natural can still be a hard decision to make and you may have lingering questions or a lack of motivation that keep you from moving forward with the decision. Which natural style will look best on me? Will I be able to keep it up? How will the transition be? What have others used or done?
Change can be tough, but we’ve found the perfect natural hair/technology mash-up to help you along your transition to natural and document the journey to share in the process.
We caught up to the creators of this empowering and innovative concept and got the entire scoop just for you. Check out what inspired the creation of Techturized and be in the know before it becomes the talk of the hair industry.
Q: What is Techturized and How does it work?
A: ”Techturized is the place to talk, shop, and get personal advice for hair – it’s your look, your life, over time. From receiving recommendations, to retrospective reminiscing, Techturized is the destination for personal guidance and self-expression. Members upload photos of their personal looks and add a brief description. Multiple looks create a story highlighting a woman’s life over time through visual media. Users can subscribe to stories, cultivating a web of personal connections.”
Q: How did the team form & come up with the innovative idea for Techturized and WHY?
A: ”All the founders met at the Georgia Institute of Technology where Candace, Joy, and Jess studied Computer Science and Chanel studied Chemical Engineering. The founders formed relationships through different organizations, projects, and sponsored computing initiatives. Our engineering knowledge and passion for empowering people was the magnet for the four of us coming together. Techturized was birthed from a combination of frustrations with inadequate hair care solutions and a passion to do something about it. We have experienced hair problems that so many women face. We believe that hair is more than a display of style but links to a woman’s identity. Techturized is an opportunity to promote empowerment and wellness and the unique blend of hair care and technology powers us to reach women everywhere.”
Q: How will Techturized benefit women that are natural or in the process of going natural?
A: ”Techturized is the go-to source for all hair types. For natural women and those in pursuit of going natural it is the perfect destination because not only do we provide value for knowing the right products & styles personally for you, we also acknowledge the importance of support and inspiration along the journey. We understand that it’s not just a quick decision that can be solved by online search or videos here & there. It’s more of a conscious evolution that connects many aspects of a woman’s life. It takes a progressive, caring environment that caters to the total woman and that’s the essence of Techturized.”
Q: Who is Techturized for? What kind of woman was in mind during the creation process?
A: ”Our mission is to awaken the potential within to fulfill your purpose! We have created a site for the “every day” woman to be her best self. Whether your hair is curly, straight, relaxed, or natural, we focus on promoting self-expression and healthy hair.”
Q: What are the team’s future goals and hopes for Techturized?
A: ”Our future goals are to master the hair care market and keep our users satisfied. Hair is the threshold into a woman’s identity, which makes our starting point such a treasured beginning. Our company grows with an ambitious outlook to build a thriving business that breathes life & happiness in every life that we touch. We also have goals for community outreach to empower women to pursue fields in science, technology, and engineering.”
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