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M.Marie

Q-Where are you from, age, and name?

A- My name is Markisha I’m 28 years old and I’m from The Bronx.

Q- When did you start working on your line?

A- 11 years ago I’ve always loved heels since I was a little girl.

Q- Describe your line in 3 words?

A- Opulent, Intricate And Sexy

Q- What or who INSPIRED you to start your business?

A- Myself I don’t know to many people in my field so I had to find the inspiration I needed within me to start my brand.

Q- Since starting your business have you had any setback?

Name one…..

A- Getting sick and having to put my health first, it interferes with my business because I run it alone.

Q- How did you overcome it?

A- Getting things done and pushing through regardless of how I’m feeling because I’m gonna be sick for the rest of my life it’s something I understand and deal with.

Q- What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry?

A- I’m M.Marie and they are them, most people like to say I don’t have competition well I do and I’m on they ass.

Q- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A- That’s always such a hard question cause what you plan whew god will laugh at them plans baby.

Q- What do you want people to know about your shoe line?

A- Everything is limited stock, all my designs are mines only. I sketch and source everything for M.Marie.

Q- Provide your social media and/or other contact information where people can see and/ or ask questions about your brand

A- Instagram Business: @bymmarie

Website: https://www.mmariebymarkishamarie.com/

Triumph
Fuck You Pay Me
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Get Into This Look

Ladies get into this look! I’ve been obsessed with this mixed check coat I purchased from ASOS DESIGN Curve since the first time I laid eyes on it. Feeling like the jacket already stood out. I wore a black long sleeve rib knit dress from H&M and my Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low in black and white. Keeping it really cute but vibrant.

Mixed Check Coat: ASOS DESIGN Curve

Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low: Nike

Rib Knit Dress: H&M

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All White Everything

As the summertime is approaching soon and the weather is about to break. Ladies, I know a particular color you would love to see more stylish garments in… White! When we’re invited to an all-white affair or attending an all-white event. Just to not deal with the hassle of finding something we like and not giving ourselves a headache we’ll throw on a pair of white linen pants and a white tank top just for the hell of it! When we want to be stylish just like everyone else. Here are a few all-white garments that I’ve come across that would be perfect for that all-white affair you want to attend while being stylish.

Pleated Balloon Sleeve Bodycon Dress: Pretty Little Thing

Pleated Balloon Sleeve Jumpsuit: Pretty Little Thing

Beaded Fringed Oversized Jacket: ASOS Edition Beaded Fringed Mini Skirt: ASOS Edition

Shoulder Wrap Midi Dress: Boohoo

Broderie Anglaise Wrap Belted Romper: Boohoo

Belted Wrap Trench Dress: Eloquii

Turtleneck Dress With Cutout Eloquii

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29

For my 29th birthday, I was so stuck on a particular look this year. Everything that came to my mind was Studio 54 and Disco Vibes. Thinking about the two nonstop I knew right off the back I wanted to wear Sequin. I purchased a beautiful blouson sleeve and belt in an iridescent sheet sequin dress from ASOS Design Curve. Styling the dress with transparent pointed toe heels. Styled with a sleek blunt cut bob and my makeup done beautifully. I Attended Jue Lan Kitchen with two of my love friends Kaylin and Markisha, discussing life, love, and business. I couldn’t ask for a better way to bring in my birthday.

Irridescent Sheet Sequin Dress: Asos DESIGN Curve

Hair: Instagram @yourhairmajesty

Makeup: Instagram @iamaniyahmatel

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Creambyeighty

Q- Where are you from, age, and name?

A- I was born in Camden, NJ, 31 years young, Troy Triz, Beezy, Trigga whichever you prefer.

Q- When did you start working on your line?

A- 2014 but I didn’t launch it officially until August 2018.

Q- Describe your line in 3 words?

A- Young City Dwellers

Q- What or who INSPIRED you to start your business?

A- My Uncle, he owned a small multimedia agency in Springfield Mass named “Visual Designs”. Once I saw him pull up with the logo on the truck I knew ownership was obtainable. I’ve always been an entrepreneur though. Selling my genesis games outside of my building when I was 9 lol.

Q- Since starting your business have you had any setback?

Name one…

A- Too many to count!!!! Around the time I was working with a major record label and I was designing for sneaker conventions. I found myself working on everybody else’s project but I had nothing of my own.

Q- How did you overcome it?

A- One day I turned off everything and sat in a room with just a pen and notepad. I had come up with the name “Eight n Eighty” and that simply meant “88”. It’s how numbers are said in the Bible. Eight n Eighty was on a blog and we interviewed an upcoming artist. My plan was to turn it into an online streetwear boutique and blog that featured underground artists.

Clip Attached: First Episode Eight n Eighty Tv

Q- What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry?

A- I think everyone has a unique story. My story is just based off authenticity. From the designs to the staff everyone reflects off of each other. We all have different but similar stories. When it comes to being unique we are one big family. The models in our photos, the skaters, designers are all homies. We wanted to keep it family-oriented.

Q- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A- Multiple investments but still putting out cool shit for the homies. I want to get into tech as well.

Q- What do you want people to know about your merchandise?

A- Cream is literally for the lifestyle of a hard worker. Cream means richness, taste, quality, and independence. When you have on a cream piece we want you to be identified as such.

Q- Provide your social media and/ or other contact information where people can see and/ or ask questions about your brand

A- Instagram Business: @CreamByEighty

Personal: @MadeByTroy

Website: http://www.creambyeighty.com/

Email: Info@CreamByEighty.com

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Shanna

Hi, I’m Shanna Semper. I’m 29 years old from Brooklyn, NY. If I had to describe my style in one word I would say Versatile. I dress how I feel at times. If I’m feeling sexy I’ll lean more towards form-fitting and chic, but if I’m looking for comfort I love a good graphic tee or hoodie and sneakers look. You can dress it up or down anytime. I am a faithful online shopper, which is crazy being that I’m plus size. We always have to try things on but when you learn your size in each store it makes it so much easier. My go-to store is Boohoo, Amazon, Shein, ASOS, Pretty Little Thing, and a few other basic plus size stores. I pretty much would shop anywhere as long as I like the quality of the clothes.

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Brown Skin Girl

Since the first time I laid eyes on this beautiful mural by Dappher @thepainterbae titled “Hey Brown Girl, You’re Beautiful”. One of the many things that came to my mind was Beyoncé’s song “Brown Skin Girl” and it made me smile. As a woman of color, it is important that we teach all the beautiful melanin girls in our family and around us to unapologetically love themselves for who they are in a world that will have us believe otherwise. This mural is a MESSAGE that I love.

Snack Trench Coat With Statement Belt: ASOS

Phlíp Glasses: Pea&Olive

Block Platform Black Booties: Akira

Photographer: @lotuskurosaki

Featured

Satin

Satin has become one of the most popular trends for the summer. Whether your wearing a satin solid color or printed skirt with a t-shirt and some sneakers. Or a satin dress with a nice denim jacket and a pair of sneakers for a casual look or a pair of heels for a ladies night out. Here a few satin garments that are a must to check out.

Bias Cut Satin Slip Midi Neon Skirt: ASOS

Dusty Pink Floral Satin Set: Pretty Little Thing

Midi Pink Zebra Print Skirt: ASOS

Satin Wrap Dress: Pretty Little Thing

Satin Ruched Flare Sleeve Dress: Boohoo

Featured

Garden

Hey, I’m back! I know I’ve been gone for quite some time and I’ve neglected one of the most important things to me, but it feels great to start blogging again – Discussing what I love and so much more. I’m officially living in Atlanta YAY. It’s been 5 months now, and it’s been a complete journey and blessing for me which I wouldn’t change at all. Sunday in 96-degree weather scorching hot outside – I decided to visit the “Atlanta Botanical Garden” “Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland” exhibit. I’ve been dying to see this exhibit and I must say it was beautiful. One of my favorite parts was the chessboard plant sculptures and rabbit in the hat. If you’re into beautiful scenery I would definitely recommend taking a visit. For my outfit, I wanted to keep it simple but vibrant. I bought these amazing high wasted zebra print pants from Forever 21 and mock turtleneck top from H&M. My accessories were H&M and Marc Jacobs.

Zebra Printed Pants: Forever 21

Mock Turtleneck Top: H&M

Hush Black Hobo Bag: Topshop

Fringe Earrings: H&M

Black Wedges: Steve Madden

Rose Gold Watch: Marc Jacobs

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Pleats & Cortez

Satin Pleated Skirts have become one of the most popular fashion trends by far this year. Whether it’s a bright neon color or a leopard print pattern. You seriously can’t go wrong when you’re trying to complete this look. For my look, I wanted to be cute but in a casual way. I purchased a Graphic Tee from Walmart for $8 and styled my Royal Blue Satin Pleated Skirt that I purchased from ASOS Curve with a pair of Nike Cortez. Cute yet casual 😊

Nike Cortez Basic Leather OG: Nike

Junarose Metallic Pleated Skirt: ASOS Curve

Marvel Graphic Tee: Walmart

Featured

Swimsuits

With summer approaching in a few months, ladies we love to visit the beach and enjoy the water. Whether it’s for a swim, to catch a nice tan or maybe just to enjoy the weather on a lovely vacation. A fabulous swimsuit is a must! Who says we have to wear an ugly swimsuit because we’re plus sized. Here are a few swimsuits from different brands that may catch your eye.

From Left To Right

One Shoulder Swimsuit: Eloquii

Color Block One Piece Swimsuit: Eloquii

From Left To Right

Hunter McGrady X Playful Promises Bikini: Forever 21 Plus

Kulani Kinis Floral Triangle Bikini: Forever 21 Plus

From Left To Right

Ashley Graham Roxbury Wrap High Waist Bikini: Swimsuits For All

Ashley Graham CEO Lace Up One Piece Swimsuit: Swimsuits For All

From Left To Right

New Look Curve Belted Swimsuit Animal Print: ASOS Curve

Recycled Tie Front Color Block Cut Out Swimsuit: ASOS Curve

From Left To Right

Gabi Fresh Torrent Wrap Underwire High Waist Bikini: Swimsuits For All

Gabi Fresh Ember Cut Out One Piece Swimsuit: Swimsuits For All

From Left To Right

Gingham Tie-Front Plus Size Long Line Halter Swim Top: Oldnavy

Lavenderlicious Tie-Front Long Lie Halter Swim Top: Oldnavy

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Frnchblu

Q- Where are you from and what’s your name and age?

A- Hello, My name is Daniel Jean-Baptiste better know as Dutta, Dutta man, Frnch or Mr. Frnch BLÙ. I was born and raised in Yonkers, New York on Warburton ave where I spent most of my life. 

Q-When did you start working on your line?

A- FRNCH BLÙ was founded April 1st, 2016. While I was alone in the apartment of a family members house listening to music on one of my days off from work. I texted my co-worker/ friend that morning at 9:25 a.m. “Good Morning” she then responded with “Good morning, your kicks come out 2mrw 🤔you sure you want them ?”I replied “Yea, I’m sure lol” and from that text forward my company was born FRNCH BLÙ. Can you guess what sneakers were coming out that next day as she mentioned? Jordan 12’s with the french blue colorway.

Q-Describe your line in 3 words?

A- If I was to describe my brand in three words it would be Love, Forever, Universal, because love is forever úniversal

Q-What or who INSPIRED you to start your business?

A- My desire for design and fashion is one of many major parts of what  inspired me to start a business. In the very beginning I was so nervous because I didn’t know where to begin. As a child I grew accustom to frequently hearing things like “No don’t do that” or “That’s s not a very good idea” which put me in a potion of self doubt. This continued as I entered high school but my desire for design grew much more and I had a great interest in being an Architect. Things didn’t go as planned so I took graphic design. Fast forwarding to the day I actually started my business thinking back on my life experiences help give me a push.

Q- Since starting your business have you had any setbacks?

Name one….

A- Set Back is like my middle name ! I can name a few no money, very little supports, bad spending habits. With all these set backs being back to back things became very overwhelming. I remember when I first started I sold about 24 hats and made approximately $600 and took that money and added it towards my rent because I was short. A set back to remember and also one I haven’t been able to come back from.

Q- How did you overcome it?

A-The one thing that helped me over come the thought of this lost is making a promise that I will never do that again and continue putting every dollar back in to the business.

Q- What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry?

A- One thing that sets me apart from my competitors is I have the desire to get my hands dirty and learn everything required in a position or at least understand and have an idea of how things work before I hire anyone else to do the job for me.

Q-Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A- Before this year is over I would love to be on the Forbes list 30 under 30 but in the next 5 years I would love to have provided over 1,000 jobs between here and Haiti where both my parents are from. I also would love for my relationship with god to be 1,000 percent solid so solid that with in the 5 year process it touches and changes the lives of many ppl around me, the world and my home town.

Q- What do you want people to know about your merchandise?

A- My product is affrodable, unique, comfortable and an art of my emotions expressed in clothing form. 

Q- Provide your social media and/or other contact information where people can see and/or ask questions about your brand

A- Instagram Business : @FRNCHBLU @FRNCHBLUKIDS @FRNCHBLULADIES 

Personal:  @_SPONSORED

Twitter Business : @FRNCHBLU

Personal : @_DUTTAMAN

Website: http://www.frnchblu.com/

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Fairytale

Ladies I know I’m not the only one, but have you ever purchased something that just screamed Extra but yet it was so Beautiful? That’s exactly how I felt when I purchased this beautiful Fairytale Duster from “Creamxnyc”. A piece I consider to be a statement piece. So when I wore my duster to the Whitney Museum Of American Art to see Andy Warhol “From A to B and Back Again” Exhibit, I wanted to keep my outfit simple because I felt like the duster stood out perfectly for me. To finish off the look I topped it off with a pair of lace polka dot bunny ears I purchased from Michaels for 2 bucks.Fairytale Duster: Creamxnyc

Patent Leather Mesh Bootie: Forever 21

Rockstar Jeans: Oldnavy

Black Ribbed Tank Top: H&M

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Art of Hardy

Q- Where are you from and what’s your name and age?

A- My name is Kaira Hardy I’m 27 years old from Harlem, NYC

Q- When did you start working on your line?

A- I started painting in 2014 after experiencing an heartbreak. I grew so attached to my art that it was hard for me to sell. Not because I couldn’t but because of what I went through.

Q- Describe your art in three words?

A- Rebellious, Non-Scripted, Comical

Q- What or who INSPIRED you to start your business?

A- My life experiences inspired me to start my business. I was taught to get a full time job, benefits and such and never was told I can follow my dreams. Here I have this talent and I’m actually good with this. So why not break the barrier of my family and do something different not just for my family but where I come which is the projects. Kids need to know it doesn’t just stop there reach higher.

Q- Since starting your business have you had any setbacks?Name one.

A- Can I say Hell Yeah Lol, learning business itself is a setback. I have to spend a large amount of time learning the business myself while painting. Still learning different techniques with that. Having to reboot my mind from going to work and actually getting up saying well I’m here, and not knowing what to do First was challenging. It’s a lot of other setbacks I’ve dealt with. Family, money and just not believing in myself at times was a setback

Q- How did you overcome it?

A- Well I’m overcoming my setbacks now. I’m learning to be more disciplined with my time and be more focus on my art. My energy isn’t even the same like before. I don’t let things get me down because then I get drained. As an artist, we need clear minds to focus on our art. So I can’t give my energy to anything else but that.

Q- What sets you apart from competitors in the industry?

A- I’m a woman. There was a time that I deleted my pictures off Instagram. I received 2 messages from 2 males asking me for work and they called me bro. I laughed it off and said, sis. They seemed shocked by my response. So I asked this question to myself “Was is that whenever you don’t see an actual person doing the artwork people automatically think it’s a man doing it?” I then started to put my pictures back so they would know Women do dope shit too. I don’t take the easy way out and I work hard just like anyone else does. I don’t even like to tell people who my dad is because I want people to know I did this on my own without being in his shadow. It feels better when you work hard for your dream.

Q- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A- I see myself owning a Shop, where you’re able to get prints done for T-Shirts. Also getting into photography and a custom Gallery shop.

Q- What do you want people to know about your artwork/products?

A- I want people to know it’s okay to be who you are. It’s okay to be different from what society has told you to be. It’s okay to not do what everyone else is doing. Just be yourself and love yourself because of that.

Provide your social media and/or other contact information where people can see and/or ask questions about your work

Email artofhardystore@gmail.com

Instagram _artofhardy_