Black August

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 Cayla24Leave a comment

“Had to go home and reboot, I’m running back with the goonssssss” -Raja Kumar

So much has happened since the last I spoke. New location. New school. New job. New baby. New boo (check me out) lol! With some many changes I started feeling overwhelmed. So to get back on track with my goals I’ve decided that I’d make time with realigning my self discipline.

Black August has significantly become apart of my world now within these last five years. If black august is new to you, simply put it’s a month dedicated to paying homage to fallen Black revolutionaries, incarcerated freedom fighters, and Black resistance, historical and continued. BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS!

So many fresh starts happen this month, my children start back to school. I’m a mommy to a second grader and high schooler now y’all. FRESH MEAT! I start my last semester on receiving my masters degree. Y’all ya girl is about to be mastered! Whoop whoop! CAU HBCU Panther Pride certified y’all! Oh and I have started building my online store too. Don’t worry y’all can shop THE VISION soon!

Now let’s talk about Atlanta! Hotlanta for sure, lol! It’s on constant go, I mean you can take a break but why?? Shoot I see why no one ever leaves the city everything is already here! I haven’t gotten to explore like I’d like too however Sugar Factory, go, Atlantis, head over there, The World of Coca Cola, wheww their sodas taste better than if you bought it from a store itself, lol. Hmm, I should do a blog post about Sugar Factory because it’s faaarrrrrr from the restaurants in Pittsburgh got sure!

However with so much constant change I’m forever homesick so Pittsburgh got a nice visit from me. Me and the family even made it to Buffalo, NY for the first. A vacation while on vacation. That Lake Effect Diner though, fire!!! You hear me!

Anyhow once back in Pittsburgh I was able to build and connect, Mandela and that camera of his never fails. And of course GlamByJ.Nicole with her brush game on my eye make up details! Got to get my mental together, loved on, and now I am ready to reintroduce myself to the world again. With the vision, my vision!

Pittsburgh

All HOPE is Still Alive!

February 1, 2019 Cayla24Leave a comment

THATS MY BEST FRIEND!! THATS MY BEST FRIEND!! (Shouts) I just can’t say it enough. Let me reintroduce my best friend she go by Hope…H to da O-P-E, lol, Hope Fletcher. Personal trainer, owner of Fletch Fitness, and my personal favorite MY BEST Friend!

In earlier blogs, I wrote about her first start with getting into claiming and ownership of her business, Fletch Fitness. A personal trainers workout for the mind, body, and soul betterment and fulfillment.

As she workouts to show what the body can do, she has now entered a realm that allows for her to take on a new spotlight, that being modeling. Patience Whitfield, owner of PLEE Projects, has not only captured her beauty, she has held it in timeless space. Alongside with the media support of C4 Digital, they were able to show how chocolate melts in your mouth and not your hand,lol!

As talents rise, collaborations and networking continues as we bridge the gap together between the local entrepreneurs in the city of Pittsburgh. Also, if you haven’t already follow the bestie Hope Fletcher on Instagram @b.m.sfitness along with @pleeprojects & @c4digitalmedia !!

Oh Pittsburgh be working, working!! Smooches!!

Pittsburgh

Skincare: Lavish Skin by B!!!

January 2, 2019 Cayla244 Comments

This past year 2018 has been faster than expected, for most. I’ve been having a solitary moment of wanting and learning how to better care for myself. A lot of times I feel myself doing all the skincare routine my mommy would do negating that our bodies are different though they function the same. However, with the indirect help of the beautiful Shawneca Reed, owner of ShadedByTheQueen, I was able to get the help I’ve been looking for because of, da dada daaaaa, The Black Business Market!!

If you didn’t make it to the first event during Black Friday, there was a follow up event for the continuous holiday season. At the Holiday Black Owned Business Market, however, I was given a chance to be exposed to the talents, services, and products of black entrepreneurs in the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

Granted I got to see new designers such as MAKs Beauty Boutique, I was able to get a few fanny packs for my oldest. Her denim selection was dope as well! Some familiar businesses were there, such as Aliya Wrays and Laced Beauty Bar were there doing a few raffles and hair sales. Along with Mimi Sha’Ar Elite Virgin Hair and her hair specials.

Now I say all that to say this, I came across a jewel and not just any jewel a diamond. Freaking Lavish Skin by B got my body feeling like heaven you hear me. I have to get back in touch for body wash products but her hand made moisturizing body milk with the aloe vera base, the coco baby butter scent, smh man oh man!! Let me tell you something, HEAVEN!! I smelt good, you hear me! Then I was being greedy and used the vanilla bean lotion bar *slowly faints* mannnn my skin ain’t know what to do, had me thinking about rushing to get home just to take another shower rub myself down and relax!

(Photo Credit: Lavish Skin by B LLC)

You know what I’ve went on more than needed! She’s definitely a must for your daily routine. Check out Lavish Skin by B for all your exotic beauty, cosmetic, and personal care! Hmmm maybe there’ll be a black business beauty expo?? Just a idea, stay connected!! Smooches!!

Check out:

Facebook @lavishskinbybllc

Instagram @lavishskinbyb

Artist · Entertainment · Entrepreneur · Media · Music · Pittsburgh · Public Figure

M. Tomlinese: FeFe Remix

September 10, 2018September 10, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

“She gon’ let me ha haa…”

Mike Tomlin, no not the Steelers coach, WAMO radio engineer, producer, singer, and freaking fellow cancer is at it again bringing sexy back with a cover remix to FeFe. (Shouts) COLORFUL HAIR DON’T CARE!!! C4 Digital/ HeadShotFilms were in charge of the visual production.

But I say this to say, guess who got to be sexy *blushes* ME! Lol. And I wasn’t even shy this time y’all! From graphics to lyrics this piece is everything, and I’m not just saying that because I’m in it.

Be sure to watch the snippet link provided below. Be on the look on for more from Tomlinese, he never disappoints!!

Full video can be found in conjunction with these sites listed below. Also, subscribe to his YouTube channel MTomlinTv to stay updated! Smooches!

Facebook @Tomlin

Instagram @officialtomlin

SoundCloud Tomlin- Fefe Remix

Entertainment · Events · Family · Media · MOdel · Photography · Pittsburgh

Picture It Wright!!

August 1, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

That’s a real one in your reflection…

Without a follow, Without a mention…

You really pipin’ up on these n*%@$…

You gotta, be nice for what, to these n*%@$

I got behind the camera, again, this time for Johnathan Wright of Picture It Wright. Never a dull moment. It was great energy from John, and if you know anything about me I am thee shiest, however I’m an extreme extrovert, though my creativity comes from my introverted days. I met John originally at the Ultimate Powershoot brought to you by Nabila Yasamen El-Bey, this past February at the Valentine edition. And as always this go around, he kept that same energy!

Once comfort kicked in it was, ‘Lights, Camera, Action!‘ You gotta be nice for whatttttt???!! Lol. My solar plexus chakra has been calling out for me to bloom and shine not only during the sunny days either. Oh and if your not hip on chakras it’s just fancy term for the exact imbalances that I’ve been working on and going through.

It’s been taking me forever to be comfortable in my own skin. So worried to come around others because of the indirect energies put out to force you into a box of what they believe you to be, however I know myself. And John has done a great job of capturing my oshun spirit, blooming bright than any sunflower in the field!!

If you have any events such as, weddings, maternity, graduation, studio, commercial, etc basically you need something captured for life John Wright of Picture It Wright is the guy you need to link with!

The way these pictures are building my portfolio I should look into becoming a brand ambassador for more photographers, hmm what you think?? But anyways && as always Smooches!!

Follow on Instagram @pictureitwright!!

Business · Community · Entertainment · Events · Media · Photography · Pittsburgh

Freek Show Festival: Rico Nasty!!

July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

“When I step out,

***ches stretch they neck out,

I don’t never stress bout,

What chitter-chat bout…”

‘Party Going Dumb’ -Rico Nasty

What an outside of the box event, artistry were presented, shown, and exposed to an higher realm than the norm. Saturday evening at the old Turner Elementary School in Wilkinsburg, it was transformed into what Feline Entertainment called “The Freek Show Festival” with headline act by Rico Nasty herself.

(Photo Credit: Carlee Smith)

From vendors such as Shawneca Reed the Shade Queen herself; ShadedByTheQueen, Baiyinah Brookins owner of Frank & Myrhh; she had some dope handmade African printed fannie packs, representatives from Planned Parenthood was promoting and reinforcing positive sex and sex education; I mean why not we’re at the Freek Show for goodness sake, lol!! Other vendors were Electric Catfish, Tinned Pineapple, and Shadaha Payne of @dopee_is_me The Detail Shoe Store not only vended their dope customs designs they made a dope vans custom pair for Rico Nasty herself. The hype is real when it comes to the Detail Shop, so make sure you inquire about some exclusive threads!

(Photo Credit: @dopee_is_me)

(Video Credit: @dopee_is_me)

Deejays from all over were in attendance and did awesome vibrated sets for each crowd on both floors. I totally forgot to mention the event took place on more than one floor, more than one deejay, more than one vibe. DJ Femi opened up on the main stage and kept the crowd in the right zone while doors open and the finishing touches were added to the aesthetics of the event.

I freaking finally got to listen to Slim Tha DJ live and it was soooooo worth the wait. Ratchet Ivy League held it down and let her hype be just as live as the crowd she vibed with. DJ Based Grace was electrified and turnt to extreme levels, side note she’s a cutie!! So many female deejays were in the building it blew my mind to see creativity at this level of hype. Nothing but #BlackGirlMagic!!

Flash was needed downstairs in the 21+ section, but without it you would see the neon colors light up the dark rooms before you head in to see the pole talent and dancers. Oh, by the way I’m blonde now, how ya’ like me now?!! Oh and peep the headgear it was made by another local designer named Sparkle Graham, definitely someone to look out for! However, the walls glowed with colorful artwork by graphic designer Harley Skibicki.

1Hood dropped some jewels with their cypher performance. CPX3 knew how to keep the crowd jumping with wavy knowledge. Latia #EFB brought the audience to life. Rico Nasty brought her inner beauty outward and if it’s one thing I know Rico will “…do this sh*t for fun fun fun fun fun, got the party going dumb dumb dumb dumb“.

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to get invited to see and experience and share with everyone the excitement that Feline Entertainment to the city. There were other media outlets such as Hotxx Magazine and Original Telegenic Productions. Grindmode was in the building, too!! Make sure to check them out because they got some great footage, as well. It was a sight to see you’d have to be there to believe. Until next time, smooches!!! Oh and shout out to Bree McGee of Pirate Gang family, she sees and believes in the vision of Studio24!!

#Studio24 #Share #Blogger #Local #Pittsburgh #Follow

Artist · Entertainment · Entrepreneur · Events · Music · Pittsburgh

The Humble DJ-ColeBlooded!!

June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

What a wild turn of events it has been since the start of my internship with WAMO100! I’ve gotten to network and meet so many talented people that are stationed and present here in the city of Pittsburgh, but y’all already knew that. Someone in particular that I would love to introduce is one smooth cat, frost name Doug but he goes by DJ ColeBlooded.

With him just finishing his sophomore year at Robert Morris University this young gifted man has made a grand presence for himself through the use of his music mixes. With his mixtapes Open for Business 1, 2 & 3 featuring local artist Jimmy Wopo on 2nd mix and Gunna and Lil Uzi Vert on the 3rd, he’s been able to show off his musical talents. His mixtapes are available and can be downloaded on Spinrilla and DatPiff.

From deejaying events presented by Mr. Smalls and Faresh Brand: Maxo Kream to the Tilt party: Trapaganza this young man is on the verge to greatness. Be on the look out for what he has in stored for the city of Pittsburgh. Smooches!!

Make sure to check out his mixtapes Open for Business 1, 2, & 3!! Available now on Datpiff, Soundcloud and Spinrilla!

www.Dj-ColeBlooded.com

Instagram: @djcoleblooded

#Follow #Like #Share #Music #Deejay #Pittsburgh

Community · Events · Family · Lifestyle · Pittsburgh

August Wilson Block Party!!

April 30, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

It’s a party it’s a party it’s a party!!

What an amazing turnout for the hill district community in celebration of one of their own, August Wilson to be exact! the 3rd Annual August Wilson Celebration: Hill District Block Party. There was local artist, improv open acts, poets, music, food vendors, and business stretched out between Devilliers and Roberts on Bedford Avenue.

After recently receiving the NAACP Image Award Wednesday evening, Devyn Swain along side Kim El, Crystal Noel, and DJ Selecta; with help from Blakk Steel, hosted the event and kept the crowd engaged and happy thee entire time. There were grand performances, one was that of Ibeji Drum Ensemble, who were all drumming in style. K- Dance Theatre put on thee cutest dance performance. Some spoken word was given by hosts Devyn and Crystal Noel. Food trucks were up and down the block, from vegan to Caribbean and everything in between. Vendors of diverse services and products were available throughout the entire event.

A beautiful mural, pictured above, was painted that included Donnie Kyte, Owner of Mollys World Boutique and creator of IkeWear36 Brand…20 years later, still going strong!! There was this dope face painter of Beanies Face Painting that was there doing kid faces. My baby got to get painted as a unicorn, so freaking cute! But my fave part of all was getting to meet Kelli Shakur, remember that name, owner of FroGang LLC.

“FroGang is a movement that UNAPOLOGETICALLY promotes, empowers, and encourages the wear of Afros and natural hair. The movement allows black women and young girls to redefine what black beauty is through their OWN eyes.” -FroGang LLC

Overall, a great event to attend and experience. So many Hill natives in attendance. The Hill District has a lot of history and still is creating history everyday. Black love is dope! Smooches!!

www.frogang.org

www.augustwilsonbirthdaycelebration.com

Entrepreneur · Fashion · MOdel · Photography · Pittsburgh

The Best of Both: Less Travel & DLW Photography!!

April 16, 2018April 16, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

“Im tryin’ turn it around, start this thing from the ground…&& as long as sthe you’re down i know….”

Davon Watson thee sweetest, humblest person ever to meet. He has started a venture that’s known to many but travel by a few. He is the owner of creator of the most recent clothing line “Less Travel” and because he’s the hack of all trades he also is the owner of his owner photography company as well called “DLW Photography”.

Me and Davon met earlier this year in February at a networking event called The Ultimate Powershoots: Valentine Day Edition. Which was created and put together by the beautiful, Nabila El-Bey, definition check her out for the next event to come in May 2018. She is the queen of connections!

Davon remains consistent with his work and he keeps his images simple and engaging allowing for the consumer and customer to crave for more. He’s recently expanded to his line creating more style geared towards females and males, whereas before it was more of a unisex approach allowing for wider range of awareness.

Photo credits by Davon..of course! Make sure to check him out soon because business is growing and business is booming! Follow on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and featured releases to come!

Facebook @LessTravel @DLWPhotography

Instagram @less_travel_better_commute @dlwshots

@oxosmoochesxox

#LocalBrandApparel #DLWPhotography #LessTravel #BetterCommute #Studio24 #Blogger #Fashion #Model #Follow

Fashion · MOdel · Music · Pittsburgh

Fashion Review: L.A.F.A.C.T Brand!!

April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 Cayla24Leave a comment

Earlier in the month, March 17th to be exact I was invited by local apparel designer Jacquay Hosey, known as artist Blak King Folk, to attend the 007: The Assassin Fashion Show put together by the Stampede School of Modeling and A Disease Called Hope in theDistrict of Columbia.

L. A. F. A. C. T stands for Ladies Are Fascinating Alluring Captivating Tantalizing; a understanding in which he believes is true for the most if not all women. His brand became a reality on the 2nd of February 2015, catering to the continued growth of the women around him, while using business to attract even more.

Essentially, business has grown, now reaching out to men, his style of fashion is street with a mix of lounge. Definitely a brand that can be worn daily; it’s simple and clean look allows for you to expand on your style while supporting his branded apparel. With an exception of a few specialty pieces like the one I’m wearing with the purple trim of leaves.

Catch up with him in Dallas, April 29th and Atlanta, May 6th to see what he has in stored next!!!

www.blakkingfolk.com

Facebook @BlakKingFolk

Instagram @blakkingfolk

Twitter @BKingFOLK

Follow me @oxosmoochesxox

#Follow #Share #Fashion #Artist #Blogger