Atlanta · Business · Entertainment · Entrepreneur · Events · Family · Fashion · Media · MOdel · Music · Photography · Pittsburgh

Black August

(Photo credit: YaceYase)

“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!

(Photo credit: YaceYase)
Business · Community · Entertainment · Events · Media · Photography · Pittsburgh

Freek Show Festival: Rico Nasty!!

“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

Business · Entrepreneur · Fashion · Lifestyle · Pittsburgh · Public Figure

20 Years…Ike Wear!!

The Hill district has been a key place for the city of Pittsburgh. Once being known as little Haiti to then little New Yorker because of the melting pot it became, The Hill district has been known to produce greatness! From the Jazz music influencers like Art Blakey, Erroll Garner to hip hop; such as Mel Man and Jimmy wopo, sheesh we’ve even created sport leagues. The Hill was a center for the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement before the civil war. With all this greatness it was bound to be tampered with.

That’s where Donnie Kyte comes into play. The key is to do for self. Self sufficiency is freedom and this man has been free for 20years. A vet in the game and one of the many influencers from and on the Hill District. And mannnnnn, nephs he’s dope!!!

Growing up in the heart of the city he knew he wanted to live life and not behind the walls of the jails created for us. What started as a way out from an idea gradually yet quickly became a plan for Donnie Kyte, owner of IkeWear, to sustain himself, his family, and community. He makes history everyday because he is history!

IkeWear36 is more than just a brand it’s a movement based on unison and self sufficiency. IkeWear36 sells apparel clothing back to its community. Appealing to the men and women of the district and surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a family affair because he even caters to the children, next up shoes and accessories. You can purchase his brand along with other black branded business at his Centre Avenue location called Molly’s World Boutique.

Click the link below to hear his story of where he started, how he over came it, where he’s at now, and his plan to go further! Smooches!

Molly’s World Boutique

2101 Centre Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

#DonnieKyte#DK #IkeWear #MollysWorldBoutique #HillDistrict #Studio24 #Share #Blogger #Follow

Business · Dating · Entrepreneur · Lifestyle · Media · Pittsburgh

VideoMe…No More Catfish!!!

After a most anticipated release three great men have achieved an improbable feat and have fused together a way to meet new people without doubt. After being catfished a few times you tend to see a trend. Shoot a whole television show, called Catfished…duh, lol, was created on the biases of people who were getting cat fished just to see the proof of being cat-fished. Well where there is necessity comes innovation and that’s when Keith had the idea to create a app that eliminates the games.

Meet the creators of new dating app, recently released Valentine’s Day, VideoMe. Creator Keith Sims, along with partners Darius Dennison and Kashiff Miles have created a new way to find love. And guess what?? No more cat-fishing! This new app cuts the middle man out and get straight to the point with only the use of uploading videos. Eliminating still pictures allows for only a real update and a that means a real interaction.

Make sure to download the app on iTunes..And I don’t wanna hear why you didn’t do it because guess what, it’s FREE!!

Click the link below to head all that cake about the idea and what’s next to come with all this black king magic!! Smooches!!

Follow VideoMe to keep up with all the deets:

Facebook @videome

Instagram @videomeapp

Twitter @videomeapp

#VideoMe #NoMoreCatFishing #Dating #Studio24 #Blogger #Follow

Business · Entrepreneur · Fashion · Lifestyle · Pittsburgh

Self Branded!!

“It’s never the situation it’s the principle behind it” ~Self-Branded

Who woulda thought the years of sitting in Grandma Lucy attic would turn into a branded business of men in unison. Today I got to sit down with Lamar Wright for awhile, with part of GLA Productions in the background recording all the in between action that came along with it.

Self Brand is geared around the idea of uniting those of entrepreneurs just as myself in networking and building on the work of their portfolio for business. Self Brand has established apparel to help side in rooting the business financially while still pushing forward in collaboration with GLA Productions.

Click the link below to hear all that Mar does and will be doing soon to come!! Smooches!!

To check Lamar and the rest of his team he can be reached:

Facebook @MarMarWright

Twitter @SelfBrandedMar

Instagram @mar_sb_gla

Don’t hesitate to see, reach out, and be apart of his dopeness!!

#SelfBrand #GLAStudios #Studio24 #Blogger #Clothing #Share #Like

Business · Entrepreneur · Fashion · Pittsburgh

Destination Royalty!!

“Lady…

Don’t you know i love ya?

Sweet lady…

And dear momma,

Place no one above ya, sweet lady…

You are appreciated

Don’t ya know we love ya?” ~Tupac

The royal carpets were rolled out with this interview. Having a chance to be invited into where all the magic happens was thee dopest chance to have a surge of energy of creativity. Asia Pratt-Tillman has taken what started off at therapy while going through the dealings and process of her illness to now a rooted business that has stood tall for what will be considered her first fiscal year.

Destination Royalty is a customer made fashion designer specializing in customs styles and orders. Giving so much thanks and praise to her mother for helping her with rooting her business…Dear momma, there’s no way I can pay you back but the plan is to show that I understand, you are appreciated!!

Looking to place an order for a special occasion or event with Asia she can be emailed at destinationroyalty@gmail.com or just call/text at (412)812-3918!!

Facebook: @Destination Royalty

Instagram: @destination_royalty

Click the link below and listen in on business, how it started, where it’s going, and how to keep business thriving…smooches!!!

#AsiaPrattTillman #DestinationRoyalty #CustomDesigns #Studio24 #Share #Blogger #Like

Business · Entrepreneur · Fashion · Pittsburgh · Public Figure

Fresh Produce Apparel!!

“If you noticed that I’m different,

Don’t take it personally,

Don’t be mad…it’s just a brand new kind of me

And it ain’t bad…i found a brand new kind of free…” ~ Alicia Keys

Starting off as a radio host of No Chill Radio gave the start in the right direction for Paige. She created her brand “Wrk.Play” and did a few concepts. Those concepts evolved to an even bigger presence for herself. After a much needed dose of growth she went from hosting to really wearing a fashion designers hat. Paige never stopped her goal she gave it a new twist. We were all caught up in Paige’s web for a few years with her intricate detailed webbed styled, but then she revamped her brand and gave it a fresh look thus, Fresh Produce Apparel was created.

Fresh Produce Apparel is just that, fresh Apparel for the everyday wearer, innovator, stylist, fashionista with the flare of urban wear giving a constant look that keeps you classic yet allows you to remain on trend. Her recent venture took off with some inspiration from the F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S family. Adding hand painted pop art to looks of different denim style sent the city in a whirlwind.

Paige is a woman with a heart of gold and she’s allowing her inner wealth shine brighter than the sun! That’s extreme black woman magic! You can check out her designs and styles on her newly revamped website www.freshproduceapparel.bigcartel.com!! Liking for updates sooner you can also follow her on Facebook @PaigeCorrin and Instagram @freshproduce_paige. Oh and for 24/hr fun hit her Snapchat too @Paigaaa!!!

Make sure to click the link below to see all that Paige has done, been doing, and what’s to come! Smooches!!

#Fashion #Entrepreneur #BusinessOwner #Studio24 #Blogger #Follow

Business · Entertainment · Events · Media · Pittsburgh · Public Figure

Portia Foxx of WAMO100!!

“No one man should have all that power…” ~Kanye West “Power”

Having a platform with so much power comes with great responsibility. It’s not just entertainment when it comes hosting on-air with WAMO 100, there’s a recent urge for more. Portia Foxx is pushing to give the city more…more ways to thinking, more ways to understanding, and more ways of being more than just a top hit playing radio station.

Born and raised in the city of Pittsburgh, the striving, thriving independence of her mother showed her just enough to want to push herself just as hard. With so much controversy in the world right now from America’s new presidency, shift in culture gain, H&M fiasco, even here in our home town at local pizzeria “Pizza Milano” we need some peace. At times it’s the media outlets that gives understanding to the confusion, open opinion to the chaos, and at times bridges the gap between local and mainstream artist. Portia Foxx has found a way to expand her platform and reach out to the city of Pittsburgh through the avenues of radio hosting, event hosting/planning, beauty stylist, and much more allowing for her hands on approach as a step in the right place. You never know what to expect next! Smooches!!

You can’t listen to Portia Foxx on-air with WAMO 100.1 Saturday’s 2-6pm and also on podcast with the @theburghboyz Tuesday at 7pm on @blogordieradio!!

Click below on the link to hear this dope conversation. Portia is doing things and she’s *snaps twice* foxy in how she’s getting it done!!

Business · Entrepreneur · Humanitarian · Lifestyle · Pittsburgh · Public Figure

Raven’s Resolution!!

“If not now, when? If not me, then who?…” ~N.E.R.D”

Shouts: Let me hear that spartan spirit!! What’s that you say!?! Oshh ayyyeee Schenley high!!! Osshhh ayyyeee Schenley High!?!!!

Raven Miller has transition from WNBA Schenley all star to providing solutions for those without with the start of her non profit business called Raven’s Resolution.

It was all a dream…Raven Miller knew for a long time knew she wanted to help people and not in the everyday way of how some assume you should go about things. The lane that Raven has created for herself is the first in the city, her compassion and understanding that she has for herself and others were put to the test as she embarked on the venture of helping the homeless.

This interview hit home and I was excited to really reach out to her because I know all the while how it is to be in a situation where your stuck and don’t know what to do next but you know something needs to happen. People walk by so many people in need and won’t help because of the assumptions of that persons life decisions, not knowing nor understanding that we all are striving to survive as adults yet alone just being humans m. We weren’t given a manuscript on survival but we must all thrive and the help that Raven allows for that much more stability.

Click the link below and listen to the work she’s surviving, striving, and thriving to do! Smooches!!

Follow me on Instagram @oxosmoochesxox!!

#RavensResolution #RavenMiller #Humanitarian #Studio24 #Blogger #Follow

Artist · Business · Entrepreneur · Events · Marketer · Photography · Pittsburgh

Dream. Something. Bigger!!

“Goddamn, what a time, what a year…

We are what them young boys fear…

I kill, never been killed, that’s real, no lies…

You can tell that from our pulse right now…” ~Goldlink

I had the pleasure of finally getting a chance to link with Capo himself. One of the originators of DSB, Dream Something Bigger, a business that started 10 years ago with a group of friends from the east side of Pittsburgh. It was the respect, love, and support of one another and from the community that has helped root the establishment into the business it has flourished to today.

I first met Capo originally earlier this month at #TheUltimatePowershoot mixer that was brought together by Nabíla Yasamen El-Bey. And just to show networking at its finest, flash forward me and Capo are sitting down inside of Panera Bread in Bakery Square conversing about black business and what we can do to collectively gain the right economics to keep business sustainable.

Not only is Capo an artist but DSB, Dream Something Bigger, has branded clothing; they’ve also provide the services of videography, photography, graphic designs, and promo services. Recently, they have started down the lanes of producing events in regards to parties; you never really know what to expect with the way business has evolved for DSB.

Click the link below to find out more about this business man and the services his brand can provide. Smooches!!

Follow me in Instagram @oxosmoochesxox!!

#Capo #DSB #Artist #DreamSomethingBigger #Promo #Pittsburgh