?
“You Will Win If You Don’t Quit” is a step-by-step guide that teaches readers how to map out a plan for achieving their dreams and empowers them to overcome any obstacle in the process.
Written by Two-Time WNBA Champion and Former Fox Sports South Women’s College Basketball Analyst Yolanda Moore, this book chronicles one girl’s journey from rural Mississippi to making history as a member of the first ever WNBA Championship teams the 1997 & 1998 Houston Comets. Yolanda shares her struggles of growing up in a single parent home, living in poverty, suffering from low selfesteem and depression, and battling with issues that most young girls without their father or a positive male figure in their lives deal with today. Despite being diagnosed with a degenerative bone disease, undergoing the first of five knee surgeries and becoming a teenage mother all by the age of 18, Yolanda knew she was destined for greatness*
Photography By www.MomentsByMello.com
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
With an empty purse and a pocketful of dreams Evie Foster’s love affair began in 2009 when she flew over New York City for the first time. It was love at first sight. Foster had never been overseas before and at the age of 43 set off, alone, to the City That Never sleeps. Experiencing New York was something Foster had always wanted to do and for several personal reasons, she couldn’t put it off any longer - at the time she did not know how important this trip and this City would become to her. This is when the ‘Affair’ began not only with the City but with herself. Foster told Full Blossom “I came back to Australia with this overwhelming sense of homesickness. I cannot explain it to anyone but I just feel like I belong here. I love everything about the States and especially my beloved New York. She describes this time in her life as ‘make it or break it’ time. If she was ever going to realize all or even some of her dreams – now was the time for action. She recalls this time as exciting and exhilarating and so with a still empty purse and an overflowing pocketful of dreams she created her lifelong dream, her own plus sized label, ‘Evie Foster’. She had a fire in her belly that still burns and will not be quenched until she sees ‘Evie Foster’ on women around the World. Foster said “When I get to actually design and trawl through fabrics and create, I know, without a doubt, that I am living my soul purpose”.
Photography By www.MomentsByMello.com
Foster’s affair with the USA continued when she started to put her name out on Facebook and the women of the plus size community, held their arms out wide and embraced her. Two notable mentions are Gwendolyn DeVoe – DeVoe Signature Events and Full Figured Fashion Week and Marie Legette – The Curvy Fashionista - both plus size icons, and with their tick of approval, the rest as they say “is history”. The label ‘Evie Foster’ seemed to steer its own course to the US and more and more Foster investigated the possibility of showcasing and one day manufacturing there. The label has progressed slowly but surely to where it is today and Foster credits this to her participation in Full Figured Fashion Week in New York in June 2012 which was only made possible by Foster’s friend, Maryanne McNeill, a Public Relations Consultant, who believed in Foster’s ability and supported the project, both by accompanying her and assisting her in New York and also financing the venture. Showing your first collection in New York is not for the faint hearted and Foster walked away satisfied with what she had achieved. Foster then enjoyed some much needed and deserved down time in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, with people close to Foster’s heart, before heading to Atlanta, Georgia, where she planned to spend the rest of her time in the States. Foster says “I chose Atlanta purely because I had a management team and ‘a man’ that would be there to help and support me – neither of those ‘situations’ turned out to meet her expectations and with further lessons learned, Foster forged ahead.
Foster states “My time in Atlanta taught me several things. It taught me how to be by myself, it taught me that there are a lot of pretenders in the World and it taught me that there are some amazing people that love and support me and that the label has some solid foundations laid.” Foster left Atlanta with a manufacturer in place, contacts made, friendships forged and a knowing that ‘Evie Foster’ the label had made a great start. While design is the celebrated heart of what has created success for the Evie Foster label, manufacturing in the United States is another powerful element that delivers consistent quality and a sense of comfort for buyers and retailers knowing they are making a mindful decision to support local.
For Foster personally this was a deliberate choice, wanting to ensure she plays her part in supporting the economic recovery of her beloved USA. Creatively, Foster incorporates shape, texture and colour into all her collections. She has and will continue to deliver more than the orthodox for the Plus size fashion industry. Without a doubt Evie Foster, the woman, is self-motivated, driven and captivating. Working across a myriad of time zones, Foster breaks her day into the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. Successfully coordinating her international business and cross country relationships which she does with finite time management. Her enthusiasm for Love and Life is arresting as is her delight in the humour of her venture along the fashion odyssey thus far. After a solid three months working on the ground in the USA with a consolidated focus on building a dependable team, Foster has returned to Australia to spend time ensconced with her beautiful family until her planned return to the USA in February 2013, where she will promote her Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. Cont’d on next page
On her return to Australia, she spent 3 weeks with the other loves of her life, her beautiful daughters Jessika, Katey, and her grandchildren, Lonatana and Leilani. Foster said “I have been a single mom for a long time now and my daughters have watched me go through a lot. They are my biggest fans and without their love and support I just couldn’t function – they are my ‘reasons’.”
With her ‘Shiny Things Distract Me’ Holiday Collection currently on the market, Foster is now working on her next Collection all the way from a tiny town in South Australia, called Tickera. Foster said “Tickera has a population of about 70 people and is on the coast of South Australia, there are no shops, bars, restaurants or men and although you would think that I would have all the time in the World to create and run my business, it is one of those places, that you have to fight to not fall into the laid back, easy going energy of the place. I am here for a few months to help my mother and have had to put some things on hold to do so, but in the meantime I am designing, creating and planning my return to NY in February 2013. Its nice here but it ain’t no New York” she laughs. www.eviefoster.com
Support Sandy Victims
Please Join Full Blossom Magazine in helping Victims of the Hurricane Sandy Devastation Red Cross Hurricane Aid | RedCross.org www.redcross.org/Hurricane_Aid Help those in need by making a donation today.
Renee Jennings' Superstorm Sandy Story "For those who tried calling me at home I am no longer there. My entire apartment flooded and I have lost everything. Water came rushing in and I only had time to barely get out. My electronics that were plugged in started smoking and I had to run out and almost was electrocuted in the apartment. All I have to my name now is this phone and the nightgown I am wearing. I am okay for now but devastated to say the least."
"On the real, I am beyond devastated. I can't even sleep. You have no idea what it's like to see everything you've worked so damn hard for ruined. I didn't have much but the little that I did have was MINE. I've lived here for 4 years. It was my first apartment without roommates. The place I called home. I don't know what home will be for me now. As the water in my apartment reached as high as 4 to 5 feet deep. My couch and fridge are floating around like canoes in a lake. My shoes are gone, my clothes all soiled in water and sewage that came up from my shower stall and toilet. I live in Canarsie which is a section of Brooklyn built on swamp land. Though I live by the Belt Parkway and Canarsie Pier, we WERE NOT in an evacuation zone. I never would have imagined the surge would be so great that the water in the bay would cross the highway, the park and roll down our neighborhood in matters of minutes. To see electrical current spark and run through the water in my apartment and not be able to open my front door and get out will leave me traumatized for the rest of life. There is a deeper appreciation for people who have been through floods and storms like Katrina. That moment of panic when the water was rushing in and I couldn't escape was one that I will never forget. To see your life flash before your eyes and know that if your landlord didn't open the door on his side of the three family house as the water continue to rise up the steps, you would have drowned and been electrocuted changes your whole outlook on life. I have nothing material and not even a place to stay but I have my life, though I am grieving, teary eyed and with a heavy heart. So God with the tears, I thank you anyway. Thank you to those who reached out. Give me some time to respond. I am broken but I will rise again. I am Renee Jennings and I will get through this. Watch me!" To Donate: www.divasinthecity.com/divassupporting-divas. Thank you in advance for your help! We are praying for everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Sandy!
A W.A.R.M Place
Understanding How We All Really Matter Written By Nicole Flores Self-love and acceptance can be two of the most challenging personal experiences we humans must face and overcome. Now take a person blinded to their value, mix that with another who is unwilling to or incapable of recognizing the other’s humanity, and herein lies a potential source of destruction to the mind, body and spirit. In the face of societal influence we can lose sight as to what is truly most beautiful about who we are. We can forget where our true value lies, inheriting a plethora of physical and mental problems where unfortunately the one person we turn to for support, comfort, protection and above all love is the one who is hurting us the most. This is the cold harsh reality of many individuals who endure Domestic Violence. Stephanie McCraw found herself in abusive relationship after abusive relationship lasting over a span of 30 years, and what was even more concerning?... She was completely unaware what she was experiencing was in fact Domestic Abuse. Six years ago Stephanie found herself leaving her native home of New York to a safe house because of the brutality she had endured. There she had learned what she had been suffering through all these years. During her stay at the safe house Stephanie embarked on her journey of self-discovery. She began regular sessions with a therapist and worked to understand what domestic violence was and how she did not have to endure it any longer. However, when she returned to New York, Stephanie met a gentleman whom she fell in love with, married within 10 months and before she knew it had found herself in the same relationship as before, except with a man in a different face. This emotionally, psychologically and physically damaging relationship was all too familiar to Stephanie, lasting 2 ½ years ending with her beaten and left for dead in a parking lot curled in the fetal position. Suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) she remained in the fetal position for the next 4 months. “I refused to do anything for myself… I saw no value in myself.” Stephanie went on to say “it felt better to be in the pain than to not be in the pain because it was familiar”. Unbeknown to Stephanie her resilient spirit would lead her to what would be a stronghold for her and the many others who have lived with and within the realms of abuse. The cultivation of W.A.R.M came to Stephanie during a spiritual awakening from GOD. Stephanie believes GOD had sought her spirit… telling her she would create a “Warm” place for both women and men who experience the unimaginable sufferings of abuse from a loved one to another. This endeavor to empower people had become Stephanie’s new found mission. Her first challenge was to find a way to incorporate the very word WARM into the name of her up and coming organization. Unwilling to compromise the name and after struggling to conceive what it would actually stand for, the idea arrived to her spirit through her friend who pondered the concept and offered We All Really Matter. These four words would come to not only inspire others, but confirm to Stephanie she was ready to follow through on what Gods plan for her life really was.
A W.A.R.M Place
Understanding How We All Really Matter cont’d Since 2010, W.A.R.M the Harlem, NY based Non-for-profit organization has offered support for people, regardless of their immigration standing, who are looking to remove themselves from the oppression of abuse. W.A.R.M offers information and resources regarding Domestic Violence with a strong understanding of cultural influence. The range of services provided start with the basis of offering a permanent housing solution; through which they offer pots, pans and dishes to help with creating the individuals own WARM home life experience. There are also scheduled bi-monthly meetings held in Harlem every other Monday offering a judgment free supportive environment to nurture resilience and education in all parties involved. Survivors come to talk about their struggle and even ex-offenders have come to talk about what goes through the mind of the abuser. These meetings are a source of understanding and healing for many. One future goal for Stephanie and W.A.R.M is to create a male oriented segment to better understand the effects on women, children and their own psyche, as she understands many of the men who cause these emotional, mental and physical scars were once victims of these atrocities as well having witnessed the abuse while growing up. Guest speaker Madeline McCray; Mother, Grandmother, Co-Author of Healthy Women Rock, Actress and Survivor talked about her DV experience. Her understanding of how “pain repeats pain” led her to the realization that “hurt people, hurt people”. With grace, empathy and strength Madeline talked about her experience and fortified those in attendance with the knowledge that we can be subjected to “Thoughts vs. Misguided Thoughts” however we need to empower ourselves by not allowing the “ fear of taking your life into your hands” keep you inside the merciless grip of cruelty. She went on to read a passage from her book Healthy Women Rock that would silence a room and insight an internal reaction among those in attendance. An excerpt from Healthy Woman Rock by Madeline McCray and her son Terahshea McCray entitled “Growing Pains and Growing Plans”: “There I was curled in the fetal position with eyes swollen shut from the open palm blows that had landed over them the night before. Arms brusied by the knees that had pinned them to the floor the night before, beaten by the man I loved- The man who tried to love me but didn’t know how to without being violent. A man who’d confused loves passion with possession, replaced its splendid beauty with ugly obsession. A man who tried unsuccessfully to erase his own pain through my painwhich he caused. All his good and right intentions wrapped inside dysfunction, and an uncontrollable rage that lived inside of him long before we ever met…….. Something inside me had died on the floor the night before. I was glad because in its place a resolution was born. This would not be my life nor the life of my child.”
A W.A.R.M Place
Understanding How We All Really Matter cont’d
My experience attending a W.A.R.M meeting was uplifting and inspirational. Between the community outreach through the local 32nd precinct to the spoken word artist Brenda McLaughlin, many of the women and men in attendance got a better understanding of what domestic violence is and how the effects can be detrimental to all parties involved. W.A.R.M’s upcoming project “The Healing garden “will ask individuals to participate, helping cultivate a garden symbolic to the community which will inspire women to “Create your Beauty and Watch it Grow” says Stephanie. With vision, passion and the strength God gave her, Stephanie is offering resources which are necessary to better understand the cycle of domestic violence, seeking to motivate people by helping transform their lives to match all that God intends for them to be. W.A.R.M offers to so many individuals real world and holistic healing for those who seek refuge and a new beginning towards removing themselves from the trenches of a love gone wrong. You can learn more about W.A.R.M’s mission and services on their website at www. Weallreallymatter.org. There you can also find out ways to participate in “The Healing Garden” or the various ways you can donate. Many thanks to Stephanie McGraw and her assistant Candace Hairston for sharing W.A.R.M’s vision and dedication to the community.
-New Model Spotlight-
NICOLE FLORES Hair & Makeup By Iesha Nicole Photography By Photos by Kai
NICOLE FLORES Upcoming Model Blogger Writer Musician Interviewer
Nedari Photography
Alane Anno Photography
WITH ELEGANCE, GRACE, AND SEX APPEAL, ANDREA JACKSON -FBM’S NEW FACE REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF EVERY WOMAN
Mua: Tasha Andrews
Andr ea J ackson was born and raised in Chicago, IL. As far back as she can remember she has always been taller and bigger than most girls. By 12 years old, she was 5’ 9� and a size 8/10. In hopes of a great opportunity, her mother took her to a modeling school. They were told that her height was perfect, she was too large, and was welcome to come back when she lost weight. It took Andrea almost 10 years to change that perception of her curves and pursue modeling again.
Photo By Inez Lewis Photography
Photo By Inez Lewis Photography
Today Andrea is still 5’ 9”, but a confident, uniquely beautiful, outgoing size 14/16 model. She is also very educated, having completed her graduate studies in Professional Counseling. Andrea has gained lots of modeling experience. She was blessed to model at Full Figured Fashion Week showcases in Los Angeles and New York, Maryland Fashion Week, the International Fuller Woman Expo, and many other events. Andrea has worked with Bara Luxe, Jessica London, D’ Michelle Designs, Sonsi, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Margeaux Couture, Curvysta, Jill Alexander, Queen Grace, Confectioner’s Frock, Ose Uh-seh, SK Wilbur, Eyani Couture, Qristyl Frazier Designs, and a host of other designers.
Being a plus sized model not only enables Andrea to live her dream, but grow as a professional. She is also more comfortable with her natural talents. She's even branched into acting and is looking forward to opportunities on screen. Andrea believes that she has a unique platform to be a positive influence to others. She is driven to impact her community and even maintains a written blog and You Tube channel to allow others to connect and become aware of different issues and experiences that she has. Andrea is always on the go, but now travels between New York and Nashville to keep her career growing. To contact, book, or connect with Andrea please visit: http://andreament.blogspot .com/ Photography By Styling by Eddy & Bri MUA by Tasha Andrews www.MomentsByMello.com
Clothing: D'Michelle Designs Photo Euphoria Patrice Kpabar, MUA
Mood Swings‌
Photography By Styling by Eddy & Bri MUA by Tasha Andrews www.MomentsByMello.com
#GIRLTALK - HOW DO YOU GET OVER YOUR CRAPPY MOOD SWINGS !?! •Deyanira Plussizedede Lugo Music changes my mood.
•Shawna Jones I do something I really like i.e. jewelry making Erika Nichole O'Guinn A good cry in a long shower works wonders. Shaquana Armstrong Dressing up and "beating my face"! Monica Ward I always find hope in the Bible Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for _________(put your name in the blank) Declares the Lord Plans to Prosper______________(your name here) and not to harm you ____________(you know)l plans to give __________hope and future. This scripture lets me know that God cares for me and these words are for me, and God can't lie so I believe them and I stand on them. Shay RoZay Pray! Answers from the ladies of Full Figured Fly & Fabulous (https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFFn FAB/)... Warm Regards, Shay RoZay www.shayrozay.weebly.com
5 Winter Hair Care Tips By Tylinna Ogletree
1.A weekly moisturizing deep conditioner keeps your hair shining and healthy. 2. A trim every 6 to 8 weeks promotes new hair growth and less split ends. 3. Apply a leave-in conditioner/serum from root to tips because your hair will be in a dryer state during colder months. 4. A heat protector is always good to use when utilizing a flat iron or any other type of heated tool (STAY AWAY FROM HEATED TOOLS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!). 5. To retain natural hair nutrients use sulfate-free shampoos, it is good for chemically treated hair, but people with dry scalp, eczema, should avoid it. www.facebook.com/hairstylesbyty
Tylinna O.
Success is more than earning your place, Success is more than a smile on your face. Success is more than just proving you're good Success is your guider if you're not quite understood. Success is more than the beat in our lives, Success is more than just a beam out the sky. Success is more than just reaching the top, Success is the reason you've got what you've got! By Bianca Marie Oscar
Feel Young, Look Young— Aging Well Is Easier Than You Think
By LaTanya Ward Showers, LWDesires
Aging is unavoidable, it happens to all of us, so why stress over it? People go through some of the silliest extremes to look younger because we feel like we are losing our looks or dare I say it “aging”. Some of the smallest changes to our health and lifestyle can make such a difference in our appearance. I do think you should care about what you look like, but I don’t think you should have to spend hours under the knife or exhaust all of your finances trying to look youthful. We want to look young because it helps us feel young or is it the opposite? Either way, there are many easy things we can do to help us look good on the outside and feel good on the inside. Here are a few easy tips to incorporate into your lifestyle.
First and most important, stop trying so hard! We see this especially when it comes to garment selection. It is important to dress your age and wear what is appropriate for your body shape. For example, unless you are an entertainer with awesome legs like Tina Turner it’s not considered flattering to wear a mini skirt. Of course body shapes vary for women, so that means there might be more time spent in the fitting room or an investment in a good tailor might be best. If you feel like your clothes are aging you or you feel like you are constantly buying the same things go and flip through some magazines before you hit the shops next time and get ideas for what kind of styles you would like to put together. If your budget allows for it hire a stylist. With a stylist shopping altogether can be avoided if shopping is not something you enjoy or the stylist can come along to help and suggest garments
Cont’d on next page
Feel Young, Look Young—Aging Well Is Easier Than You Think Cont’d
A good skin and hair routine is important. With facial products it is good to look for products that are gentle, moisturizing, and perhaps targeted toward your age group. Sun is one of the main things that cause premature aging so look for products that already contain SPF. When it comes to hair some women choose to cover up their grey and some choose to rock it. A hair color similar to what your natural color was/is seems to be the most flattering for a natural look. I know we hear it all the time, but GET HEALTHY! Proper nutrition and exercise can be difficult, especially with a busy schedule but try and find the time in your schedule, for at least 30 minutes a day—your body will appreciate it. As a result, feeling energetic and lively will reflect in your overall appearance. Drop your stress and make some changes to your lifestyle and daily routines. How you feel and treat your body will reflect in your posture, stride, and overall appearance. Bottom line is if you feel good, you look good and the effect of looking and feeling good will reflect in your confidence and how you carry yourself. Confidence is not unique to any age group; it doesn’t matter if you are 22, 52, or 72.It’s that kind of confidence that turns heads and commands attention when you enter a room because you are treating your body good, living good, and everything about you glows.
This Black Girl This black girl is doing her "thang"... Can't you tell from the cockiness of her attitude and the way them hips swing? She got it going on from head to toe, she flaunts expensive wares just to let everyone else know.. Street smart like she was raised in’em, book smart 'cause her momma engraved it in her.. This black girl is doing her "thang"... Overcoming the hurt and pain of her past, babygirl lives everyday like it may be her last. Loving those who love her and praying for those who hate. Destined to be greater, she dismisses all haters. This black girl is doing her "thang" and I know 'cause she is ME! Shay RoZay
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Model: Chanell J ones Clothing: Curvysta MUA:Iesha Nicole Hair:Makieta Wilson Photography: www.MomentsByMello.com
Ways to avoid weight gain when you have a desk job!!! Walk, walk, walk. Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator
or escalator. Use ten minutes of your lunch break to speed walk around the block of your office. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid coffee and sugary drinks. Avoid falling victim to the "order in breakfast" with coworkers eat oatmeal with fruit instead. Eat a light lunch... Salads are ideal (do not drench in dressing or you may just defeat the purpose)! Create an at work "workout plan"... alternate these activities every 90 minutes. While sitting at your desk reading emails push your arms in the air toward the ceiling with your palms up and thumbs almost touching your shoulders. Repeat this 20-30 times. While at the copy machine do some hamstring curls. Bend arms at the elbow. Bring one foot up toward your rear end while straightening your arms so that your hands are down when your foot is up. While walking to the break-room do a few knee lifts. Just like hamstring curls, except you lift your knee up in front as your arms go down. Keep it curvy & cute ladies... Full Blossom Magazine promotes a healthy living! -Warm Regards, Shay RoZay
MUA:Iesha Nicole Hair:Makieta Wilson Photography By www.MomentsByMello.com
MUA:Iesha Nicole Hair:Makieta Wilson Photography By www.MomentsByMello.com
Walk for a Cause!
“I did the Breast Cancer walk at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY---I can't believe I made it 3 miles with tendonitis in my feet, but it was totally worth it though! Not only did it feel good supporting those I know fighting the struggle and celebrating those that I have lost along the way....but I challenged myself and succeeded! When you support others something in you is awakened...” –Myahdellese Jones “Though I walked alone, I was happy to be surrounded by thousands of people who were also affected by the results of Kidney disease. I began participating in the Kidney Walk last year, a few weeks before my granddad passed away, so I thought it was only right to continue the ritual in his memory. At the end of the walk I bumped into Nick Cannon and we took a picture together; what a great ending to a good walk!” - Shay RoZay
Photos -Tavell Brown Photography MUA- Sherry FancyFace Waller,
“On October 21, 2012 I participated in the NYC Breast Cancer Walk at Central Park. I felt like I had to go and support my grandmother, just to let her know that she isn’t fighting her battle alone. At the end of the walk I felt really good about myself; though I am not directly affected I managed to enjoy myself while supporting millions of women who have fought that battle. I look forward to next year’s walk...“
From September to November it is officially “Walk Season” in New York City. The South Street Seaport (and many other locations) hosts various fundraiser walks for major nonprofit organizations that benefit causes that affect women’s health directly; to name a few: Breast Cancer, Lupus, Kidney and Ovarian Cancer. Thousands of people show up to walk in support these events, including celebrities. Read what a few of the ladies from “Full Figured Fly & Fabulous” had to say about their experiences walking:
-Deyanira Plussizedede Lugo
Andrea Jackson Styling: Eddy & Bri Photography: www.MomentsByMello.com
E·PIT·O·ME/IˈPITƏMĒ/
-A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type: "she is the epitome of elegance and taste".
SEX·Y/ˈSEKSĒ/
-“A woman who is comfortable with herself.” Introducing Full Blossom Magazines’ newest addition entitled “EPITOME OF SEXY!” Industry standards for the title sexy are represented by petite models worldwide, not taking in the ideal that over 65 percent of the worlds population is plus size. It is time we make a statement and raise our voices expressing that a woman with beauty, charisma, and CURVES is the true
“EPITOME OF SEXY!”
-Mello
Model:Tykesha Reed Clothing: Curvysta MUA:Iesha Nicole Hair:Makieta Wilson Photography: www.MomentsByMello.com
Model: Nessa Rose Clothing: Fashion to Figure MUA:Iesha Nicole Hair:Makieta Wilson Photography: www.MomentsByMello.com
Model: Cori Quinn Clothing: Curvysta MUA:Iesha Nicole Hair:Makieta Wilson Photography: www.MomentsByMello.com
Model: Sasha Allen Clothing: Eyani Couture Photography: www.MomentsByMello.com
FBM NEEDS YOUR HELP!
FBM friend and Designer of this
FABULOUS/SEXY dress EYANI COUTURE has suffered major loss due to hurricane SANDY. This single mother who has been making an incredible mark on the Plus Size Industry/Fashion has been devastated. We are asking our readers to please make a donation to her or simply purchase some of her garments from her website in order to assist in her relief.
Sakinah B CEO & Designer of Eyani Couture www.eyanicouture.com www.facebook.com/eyanicouture 957 Bergen Street Newark, New Jersey 07112 Phone (973) 432-4542 Paypal eyanicouture@gmail.com
WTF D.N.A. (B) Don't No Any (Better)
Ten plus years ago my baby brother received his first job. He woke up that morning and was ready to work. I'd been at my personal "plantation" for 5 years and was comfortably plugged into the matrix. We passed one another going in and out from the bathroom. We shared a smile and a nod of approval as we both prepared ourselves to set off into the unfair world of working for someone else. I was 23 and had closed off my mind, body and soul to anything other than working a 9 to 5 long enough to accept a pension and social security. Watching the bounce and innocent love that my brother walked with made me feel beyond proud. I was ecstatic! Here I was, the big brother, witnessing my loved one take the giant step into the new, old world of doing more and receiving less. Sure, as a self aware black man, I knew very well that we'd built this country with our own blood, sweat and tears. I also knew that we had received nothing on the dollar, not even a single hair of credit but hey I was still overjoyed at this monumental moment. "Hey Bro, have a great day!" I spoke with a giant smile on my face. "Thanks" he replied. We dapped one another and hugged. "I'm really proud of you!" My genuine words were almost suffocated by my emotions. I wiped away the tears forming in the corners of my eyes as I looked on like a happy parent watching his child go off to his first day of school. My brother floated down the hallway towards his future. My "plantation" was a microscope company located in Westchester. In my five years of work I had shown promise and was looking towards becoming more than just the Shipping & Receiving guy. Four hours into my day, as I packed box after box, my mind wandered off to my brother. I wanted to know what he was doing and how his day was going. As if on cue, the phone rang.
WTF D.N.A. (B) Don't No Any (Better)
"Bro?" I answered the phone without even the consideration of my "plantation" greeting. "Yo, I'm ready to kill one of these m#%*#_%#’s man!" my brother spat back at me. The seriousness in his voice stopped me dead in my tracks. "Hey bro, wait a minute man, calm down" I said with hopes of diffusing the situation (whatever that was). I knew my brother had a short fuse but, for the life of me, I couldn't think about what these people could have done to make him so upset. "Talk to me." I requested. "Nah it ain't nothing to talk about...they think I'm some type of joke...I got they joke!" My eyes grew big and my heart rate began to rise as I felt his anger and frustration through the phone. "Bump that! I'm about to go “Postal” up in here!" Clearly he wasn't playing around. I knew that I needed to get him to settle down but I couldn't think of how. "Hey, listen man, if you don't calm down they're not going to pay you man." I figured the mention of money would calm the out of control monster on the other end of the phone. "Man that's what the freaking problem is in the first place... These blood-suckers are playing with my money!" My face squinted as I tried to understand where my younger brother was coming from. "What do you mean?" I asked. "Man, they told me this morning that I make six dollars an hour right." "OK" I replied unconsciously. "OK, well I've been here for four hours man" he said. And? I asked. "AND, these m#%*_%#’s owe me about 27 dollars...What the hell are they waiting for? The end of the day?" There was silence on the phone. I didn't know if he was really serious... Well I knew that he was serious but I didn't know if I had heard him correctly. As the reality of his comment settled into my mind I could do nothing but laugh. "Oh, so YOU think this is a joke too huh?" He asked as I was now laughing uncontrollably. "No...no...I'm sorry, I know your serious Bro." Unlike this morning my tears were from the humor of the moment. After I gained control of myself I explained to my young comrade that he doesn't get paid $6 every 60 minutes and that 27 is not a number divisible by 6. He quickly calmed down and soon hung up the phone on me because I could not stop laughing. Yes, he was my brother and yes we shared very similar DNA but at the end of the day he just Didn't No(know) Any (Better)! Two weeks later my brother received his first paycheck. He called me at work, again. "Hey Who The Hell is FICA and where does he live?"
Two More Faces Pic with Andrea