Category Archives: Black and Beautiful

Doing me…to do me.

I have realized so much over the last few months.
I feel lighter and more clear when it comes to what needs to be done to secure my future.
I don’t need a million people following my moves because honestly I’ve had that for the last four/five years.
have appreciated every opportunity I have been given. Every friend. Every lover. Every moment that has taught me a lesson.
When you start to grow, you understand that you can’t take everyone nor everything with you.
Really, we sometimes live for the acceptance of others. We spend hours, days and years doing shit because we want others to think we got our shit together.
We do shit by the book even if it’s our passion we still sit there and follow the rules. Stressing over something that is suppose to bring us joy all because we feel society hasn’t given us the credit we deserve. I can’t take it. I’m done. 
I have 3 major goals for the next few months until August.
I will continue to move in silence. Barely sitting at the table but setting up my foundation the way I know it’s suppose to be set. 

It’s okay to block out what needs to be blocked out so you can shine your light the way you see fit.

Mama got the JUICE.

You ever sit down and think of the people you can actually count on, espicially as you grow older in this lifetime.

Mother_daughter_quotesI literally can only count on my mother for help, supprt and love unconditionally. My mom is the greatest being I have ever come across. I sometimes just sit and cry thinking where I would be without her. I would be nowhere near where I am today.

I am sensitive when it comes to her because I feel like I must protect my mother at all cost, she is the only one (other than my brothers) that I will die for, live for and ride for.

I have to die before her because I would lose my entire shit if she left here before me.

She is my bestfriend, my sister, my grandma, my mother and everything else. I just want her to be happy. I just want her to live forever.

She is powerful.

She is a Queen.

She is phenomanal.

She is superwoman.

She is light.

 

Silence Ain’t So GOLD In These Times…

Shit if you ain’t making no noise right now you living in the wrong times and you are sadly apart of the problem.

If we sit still in times of need then we are apart of the problem.
button-blackisbeautiful-lg

Though I don’t go to protest, rallies, or do sit-ins I respect those that do. I do find them counterproductive sometimes.

I kind on want to touch on why I don’t…just to clear the air.

In my opinion meeting up to go a protest that the cops already know we will be at (because we are in the 21st century and can’t seem to keep our movement off social media) is….. NOT A SMART MOVE ya’ll!

So the cops now know to show up with weapons of lethal force “just in case” shit gets wild…in which shit gets wild 9 times out of 10 because there was some short of disturbance on the police end. I’m just saying…I’ve been to these type of movements and shit just a big danger zone for black bodies so I decided long ago to support them from a distance.

Also, what the hell has rallying done for our black asses lately? Not a damn thing other than get us thrown in jail quicker? Get us shot by the KKK? and get us killed by a muthafuckan “police bomb” – (whatever that is.)

Our own damn president can’t say he supports BLACK LIVES before he is cut off air.  SO what makes us think they care about our black feelings?

Why rally and give them peace…they are not a peaceful force so I’m straight on putting myself in the position to get fucked up.

BUT I understand that movements like this are necessary for MOST of our people so cool.

But if we to scared to take a day off work because we feel the pain of losing our people to excessive police brutality then we not even freeing ourselves. We attached. You and me both.

They don’t care about our culture and preserving us (only we can do that.)

Because these laws are not for us to like or for us to feel protected by. AGAIN, our black feelings are not apart of the law book and our black feelings are not thought of when they talk about change in this country.

Why are we giving them this much power over our bodies and spirit? I am over trying to change this fucked up system that was designed by thieves and murders….the same ones of today.  Fuck their feelings actually.  Fuck their laws. Fuck the ego that drives their sick actions. 

To all black bodies around the universe….stay smart and safe. If you choose to protest make it as productive as possible and really allow people to walk away with options and in hopeful cases….a little more freedom. 

I am trying to do my part as much as I can, I know you are too!
TURN YOUR VOICE INTO GOLD!

 

A Black Yoga Teacher In A Time Like This…

elevationHere I am about two hours away from teaching and I feel uneasy.

I am in deep thought  about what I’m going to say to a class that is 90% white people.

Will everyone look at me and know the pain I’m actually feeling along with so many others?

What is a class suppose to feel like after these fucked up situations happen? How am I going to teach about love and kindness when it feels like a lump in my throat is rising each moment I breathe.

I’ve thought of themes, I’ve thought of making a all black playlist, I’ve thought about getting it covered…shit I even thought about asking people to form a circle of love.

I sat here…wondering….shifting in thought…..

I found one answer…

I’m going to do nothing but be my simple and free self in this hour of peaceful time.

I am going to allow myself to be open and protected. I do know that when we can practice a moment of peace…take it.

Black Owned Businesses.

Top 10 Black Owned Businesses to shop at this Black Friday.

10 black businesses jhandpaints  bware dart

 Shit if you ask me, we should be shopping black everyday not just shouting about it one day out the year. I have some amazing friends that make amazing shit and I want them to feel supported so they are able to keep elevating. Also most are having a sale this weekend so get yo ass to shopping!

1.  BwareTheBrand, LLC

Brandi Boulware is a young talented Queen representing the D, expressing herself through jewelry making. Not only is she wrapping some of the flyest pieces she also has started her business 100% herself. BwareTheBrand specializes in making custom wire wrapped crystals, making herbal teas to cleanse the inside of your temple and bath soaks that make you feel like royalty. Brandi’s designs are unique and eye catching. NEVER duplicated!

“Body jewelry for the mind’s healing, tea for the soul and bath soaks for purification.” -BewareTheBrand

Email: Bwarethebrand@gmail.com

Website: Bwarethebrand.bigcartel.com

2. Danni Little

Danni Little is an all around creative kind of woman, every time you check out her social media she has created something different that blows your mind. This Queen can make everything from a custom crochet rug to unique handmade wooden earrings, wire wrapped jewelry and sweet ass knitted beanies.  You are guaranteed to be looking fly with one of her items! She puts love into every piece of work she does, and you can tell from her happy customers, so you should become one and stop by her Etsy shop.

Website: DanniLittle.com

Etsy: Danni Little’s Etsy

3. Ashley for Alley and Eye

Ashley Michele has been going hard in the eyewear game for sometime now and has everyone in the D rocking the flyest shades. I ask at least two people a day where they get their glasses and their responses always point back to Alley and Eye. She is rocking it out! Always having new goods for the fashion lovers, the shade throwers and the people that love to wear glasses at night time.

Website: AlleyandEye.com

Facebook: AlleyandEye

4. Radha Adaora for Adaornment

Shit, this Goddess has the juice literally she has the juice and the body butters and the healing hands that will heal you beyond belief. Adaora is the founder of Adaornment and Sage Smoke which are events dedicated to healing the hood. Adaora spirit is felt before she enters the room and definitely demands your attention. A fiery ball of light is how I describe her, she puts so much love and healing into her products that you are guaranteed to call her the next day asking where you can get some more. Not only is she whipping handmade butters/oils in her spare time she also is a reiki master, writer and crocheter. Find her unique pieces on her Etsy.

Etsy: AdaornmentEtsy

Facebook: HouseofAdaornment

5. Isaiah Orton-Bey for Moor Herbs

Isaiah is a phenomenal King who specializes in mixing herbs that heal you from the inside ultimately resulting in an overall positive cleansed spirit. Isaiah describes his herbs as a “High Science Formulae” in a bottle and that is exactly what they are. Moor Herbs has everything you need to get you right! Herbs that clean out mucus, parasites, your colon, liver, kidneys and whatever else you need to detox the body; he has it for you. Check him out, he is always willing to lend advice for your specific issue. Even if you think your the healthiest person ever, his herbs can help you maintain that feeling.

Website: MoorHerbs.com

Facebook: MoorHerbs

6. Jasmine Harris for Cr8ive Minds

Cr8ive Minds visual company was started by a Queen name Jasmine whose passion for art drove her to start creating solid art pieces all around Detroit. Jasmine creates t-shirts, paintings, murals, graphics, handmade wooden pieces and so much more. Her portfolio speaks for itself and if you want some of the best work in the D, call her up and she will get you right!

“Cr8ive Minds is a Visual company who’s focus is bringing back the foundation of staying True 2 Self by following your dreams, whatever they may be.”

Website: Cr8iveminds

Facebook: Cr8iveminds

7. Sassi Blaque for Bourgeois Bohemian

Sassi  has created some of the most amazing gear I have ever seen! She takes your old, boring and almost out the door clothing and transforms it into a masterpiece. The masterpiece is created using a tie-dye technique. I mean who doesn’t love a one of a kind tie-dye piece, shit I do! Bourgeois Bohemian is a lifestyle brand focusing on unique apparel that helps you feel like a boss and illuminates your individual creativity. If you want a piece, go check her out and tell her your idea and she will get you walking in style.

Facebook: Bourgeois Bohemian

8. Jessica Strahan for Jhand Paints

Jessica’s art is one of a kind, it’s bright and rich in cultural. Residing in New Orleans (one of the greatest places ever) she paints art the describes the African culture. Not only does she do a phenomenal job at painting portraits of African people she also makes earrings and other designs that stand out. Everytime she post something I find myself staring at it for minutes wondering how the hell does she get so much life into her paintings! For inquires email her or check out her instagram.

Email: Jhandpaints@gmail.com

Instagram: JhandPaints

9. Colibri Harris for DanahanArt

“Danahan Art offers mobile paint parties for adults and children in the Metro Detroit area.  You get to choose the painting you’ll craft on canvas. Our mobile parties are taught by an experienced artist and are perfect for women, men, children, church groups, team building events, and anyone interested in unleashing the artist within.” Check out DanahanArt if you want to do something different for your next celebration, you are guaranteed to remember this time for years to come. You can also enjoy 20% off when you refer someone which I know you will!

Website: DanahanArt.com

Facebook: DanahanArt

10. Elle Maxwell for The Regal People and JEMN

Shit where do we start with this Goddess, she brings the flavor from every direction. Inspiring some of the dopest and creative minds around. Elle and her partner creates fly garments from scratch, I mean sewing that shit together themselves, designing every piece to uniquely serve. It’s amazing to see their creative juices flow into magic. The Regal People, LLC does not play and you can tell from what they put out. Not only are they sewing it up they also create art and music that bangs so damn hard! I will be writing for days trying to describe the many things this power couple does…so you should just run and check them out now!

Website: TheRegalPeopleOnline.com

Instagram: The Regal People
JEMN Website: JEMN

BE on the lookout for more Black Owned Business to shop at….if you have any that you love share them and I will add them to our list!

Please check out ElevateDailly.com coming to you December 9, 2015.

Also share so we can get more people to become aware and shop BLACK.