Savvy Small Business Sunday | Meet Fawziyyah Abdullah

Whenever I get an email about a feature request I always look up the person's business if I'm unfamiliar; which is what I did for Fawziyyah's boutique.  She creates some really unique pieces of jewelry-- ranging from earrings to bracelets to necklaces.  I have mad respect for any artist/designer because I know it takes patience and tenacity to continue with such a business.  Read more to find out how she started.  You just might be inspired to start working on your dream... Meet Fawziyyah!

What is the name of your business?

 Houseofgems

What does the business do?

 I make handcrafted unique jewelry

Is the business solely online or do you have a location?  

 Yes right now the business is just online the link to my website is www.houseofgemsonline.com-- you can also email me at houseofgemsboutique@gmail.com

When did you start your business?

 We started the business in 1998

Why did you choose to start your own business?

 My mother put this business together for my sisters and I but im the only one who kept the business going so I made it my own.

What advice do you have for someone else trying to start his or her own small business?

 Some advice is to stay focused!  Never give up on your dreams and ideas.  Always strive to do the best and more. Go outside your comfort zone-- it broadens your way of thinking and gives you a vision on where you want to be and take your business.

Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about you?

I'm a stay at home mom and wife of 3 boys.  I'm also a fashion designer--I make one-of-a-kind pieces in modest wear and headwraps. I'm from Harlem, NY but I currently reside in Charlotte, Nc.  All my pieces are handcrafted and are one of a kind stylish and great quality items. 

How I Styled | Asos.com midi dress

When I attended the Industry Standard Fashion Show in Chicago on Sept. 21st I wore a midi dress I ordered from Asos.com (which is one of my fav places to shop in case you are ever looking for a gift to get me *wink* lol, Jokes).  I do love to shop this spot though so when I spotted this dress online for only $27 I knew I had to grab it!

(Pic taken by @theamandag)

hammered bangle (Forever21)

The dress was a one sleeve print dress that I paired with my Zara ankle strap black open toe heels.  The dress had a lot going on with the print and one sleeve so I didn't want to over accessorize--I paired it with a bangle I found at Forever21 and a pair of dangling earrings (I bought from a vendor at a different event) and coral clutch (same color as the "reddish" color in the dress). 

Here is the link to the dress ---> Click Here

I hope you like! Let me know how you would have worn it!

Blessings,

Dee

Industry Standard Natural Hair & Beauty Fashion Show-Chicago- Recap

Yassssss!!!! lol.  Inside joke; if you attended the Industry Standard Fashion Show in Chicago on Sat. Sept. 21, 2013 then you understand why I started my post with that statement!

I had the pleasure and opportunity to attend the the 2nd annual event hosted by YouTube natural hair gurus Vaughn and Meechy of The Monroe Sisters.  The event featured an expo where vendors showcased their unique product, a very chic and stylish pop up shop featuring clothing from The Monroe Sister's boutique, an open bar, a blogger panel section (which I was on) sponsored by Cantu Beauty and a fabulous fashion show--which highlighted nine designers.

The event was one of a kind and well organized.  Not to mention, the event was sold out! I attended the event with a few of my fellow bloggers AskProy of www.steelfeatherlaceelephant.com; Melissa of www.melissachanel.com and Amanda of www.theamandag.com.  We had a ton of fun riding the bus exploring the city and networking.  Here are a few of the pics I snapped at the event.  Enjoy!

Style Queue pop up shop

Vendors

clothing from Style Queue boutique

Chic candy set up for the pop up shop

Style Queue items 

Cantu Beauty demonstration

P Roy, Melissa and I on the Cantu Beauty blogger panel

(Pic taken by @theamandag)

(Pic taken by Mike Whitaker)

performers at the start of the fashion show

performer

host of the show @realtalkraps

The Monroe Sisters--creators of the event

Audio Brown-performed during the fashion show

The sisters take a bow at the end!

The entire event was Absolutely Fabulous! I would definitely attend again if given the opportunity. I'm thankful Vaughn and Meechy invited me to be a speaker on the blogger panel for Cantu Beauty! I definitely don't take opportunities like that for granted ^_^  The Industry Standard Natural Hair Beauty and Fashion show is an annual event for them; so if you have the opportunity to attend next year you should definitely NOT miss it!!

Until next time...smooches!

Blessings,

Dee

***All pics were taken by ME**

Savvy Small Business Sunday | Meet Aisha Shambley of 'Avenue for Art'

 Aisha reached out to me for the "Savvy Small Business Sunday" feature and I'm so glad she did! I love meeting people who are passionate for what they do! She is the business owner of her own jewelry boutique (one of my Fav kinds ;) and her store features some unique and trendy pieces! Matter of fact, I have my eye on a few of them for myself ^_^  Read on to find out more about Avenue for Art and head over to her boutique to grab you a few pieces before they are all gone...

What is the name of your business?

Avenue for Art 

What does the business do?

 We are a boutique that carries classic, chic,& unique jewelry & accessories. 

Is the business solely online or do you have a location?  

We are an online boutique and we do trunk shows and pop up shops in various cities. Our website iswww.avenueforart.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter @avenueforart for pop up shop locations, freebies and promotions.

When did you start your business?

 My business was started in January 2007, but we were mainly doing events and various projects within the fashion industry. Our Grand Opening for the boutique was this past July! Yay! 

Why did you choose to start your own business?

 I've always had an interest in business and was always open to learn. I've volunteered, was mentored, & worked for a few successful individuals & companies and decided that I can too be a business owner. I'm a very driven, ambitious, & goal oriented person. I chose to start my business out of a passion for art & love of fashion. I believe fashion is a piece Art! (Hence the store name:)) 

What advice do you have for someone else trying to start his or her own small business?

 My advice for them would be to set goals for yourself. Daily, weekly, monthly etc... Achieve them but make sure they are realistic but do dream big. Once you achieve one goal, move on to the next. You def want to be passionate about what you do, it can't just be all about the finances. There will be up and down times but your passion/love for what you do will keep you going. 

Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about you?

 I was born in Baltimore, Maryland. My fav food is sushi & fried chicken wings:) I love to travel and help others especially the homeless. Every month a portion of our sales is donated to Humanitarian/Outreach efforts both locally & internationally.

If you would like you business to be featured, email us at naturallycreole@yahoo.com

Retro. Chic Updo Tutorial Vid is LIVE!!

Hey loves,

I shared pictures of an updo I recently did for an event.  Well, the tutorial was highly requested so I was finally able to upload the video to my YouTube channel this morning.  Check it out below!
 I hope you like it ;)

If you try this style, tag me on IG @naturallycreole or Twitter @naturallycreol3 or FB!!

Blessings,

Dee

Outfit & Hair of the Night

Saturday night I attended my sis-n-law's 10-year anniversary party and I was unsure how I wanted to style my hair for the event.  I wanted something a little different and didn't feel like putting in the work to do rollers, rods, flex rods, etc. so I did what I alway resort to doing and started playing with my hair...

For some reason I usually start with attempting to do a cute high bun; but it usually turns out to be not-so-cute lol...I've learned thats just the nature of my thick, kinky textured hair.  So, I started by putting my stretchy hair tie on and started molding and pinning! Somehow, I came up with this...

Surprisingly, it turned out super cute!!! I posted the pic on Instagram and my followers LOVED it!  Here is the picture I posted...

What do you think??? Personally, I think the lipstick (RiRi Heaux by MAC) set it off  ^_^

Anywho, I had to find something to wear so this is what I came up with...

But for whatever reason, I decided to go in comfy jeans and carried some flats with me to the party (Yep, I'm one of those type of chicks! lol)  and this is how the oufit looked by the end of the night...

Let me know if you guys would like to see more outfit of the days/nights! I had fun doing this one ;) 

Outfit deets:

denim top: Express

lion head belt: Fvr21

jeans: Fvr21

leopard print pants: H&M

heels: Target

earrings: post from WNHS in Atl 2 yrs ago

necklace: Fvr21

lippie: Heaux by Riri for MAC cosmetics

Until next post, 

Blessings!

Dee

Savvy Small Business Sunday | Meet Melissa C.

The minute I saw this girls Instagram page I feel in love with her style. Melissa is one of the most creative women on IG that I "know!" Hands down. So it goes without saying when I noticed she posted a picture of a clutch she handmade, I had to grab one for myself! I'm proud to saw I was one of the first to purchase from her dope collection and I will be a customer of hers for many years to come! Meet Melissa C. ...

What is the name of your business?

Hardware Cluthes by Mel. C

What does the business do?

 Customize Clutches using fabric (faux leather, cotton, suede, etc.) or paint and also adding my signature "hardware" detail to each one.

Is the business solely online or do you have a location?  We would like to know how to find you; please include website and contact email.

 It's solely online. You can directly purchase a clutch from one I have already made from my online store : Hardwareclutch.bigcartel.com

Or you can email me HERE if you have a whole new concept you want to bring to the table.

When did you start your business?

 It seems like a long time but I've been doing this for about a year now. 

Why did you choose to start your own business?

 I didn't choose it. It chose me.

I wanted to showcase I DIY clutch project on Instagram on how to create a simple envelope clutch out of basic things you could find and Home Depot and office max. I posted the picture and shortly after someone offered to buy it. It didn’t stop there... People kept emailing me asking to purchase that original clutch I did, so I found myself making more and more and selling them. That basic clutch eventually evolved after I started incorporating different fabrics and different types of features. First came the  "Lioness" using doorknockers I also found at a hardware store.  Then came the "Spiked" which incorporates screws and spike on a front strap that makes the clutch easier to carry. 

It's been a great blessing and adventure. I've gotten a chance to connect with so many people via social media because of the clutches and it has also given me a chance to explore other artistic and creative avenues.  I definitely will keep creating and sharing. 

What advice do you have for someone else trying to start his or her own small business?

1) Go for it! If you are passionate about it, just do it. Others will recognize your passion through your work and support you. 

2) Take advice from those who have experience. It's your endeavor, but when you have people that want you to succeed and gives you sound advice, listen.

3) Keep them wanting more. Relevance is essential for longevity. 

Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about you?

I love love love art in all forms. If I didn't have bills to pay, I would quit my job, make purses for fun and go become a starving artist in New York--maybe not starving, I would maintain a steady flow of baked goods into my belly ;) I absolutely love each and every person who has supported me so far and given me reason to live a creative life. I am eternally grateful. 

Guys, do me a favor and go check out Mel! Here's her info:

 Instagram: @clarmeli86

Shop: harwareclutch.bigcartel.com

Email: harwareclutch@gmail.com