Impact Atlanta Fashion & Beauty October Issue by impactatlantafashion

IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

CONTRUBITORS

Susan Jones Founder/Publisher

Terri Stephenson Editor-in-Chief

Shaunda Freeman Creative Director

Rachel Wilson -Smith Fashion Editor Crystal Tiggett Managing Editor

WRITERS Brian Walker Terri Stephenson Tiffany Arnold Crystal Tiggett Shaunda Freeman

( Economic Freedom Fighter)

Rachel Wilson -Smith

(First North American Serial Rights)

Derrick Andrews Dorthy Spearman- Clark

WRITING OR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITES Contact: Terri Stephenson 800-890-4196

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CONTENTS Pg. 17

50 AROUND THE TABLE

KENYA Pg. 20

Pg. 24

Pg. 48

TINA FEARS

Pg. 50

WHEN YOU FEEL DOWN DRESS YOURSELF UP

FINDING LIFE

Pg. 28

MOTIVATING MINDS THROUGH CUSTOMIZED CROWNS

Pg. 32

Pg. 34

5TH ANNUAL HAPA AWARDS

Pg.54

FREEDOM DREAM (AWAKEN)

Pg.58

QUEEN MOTHER

Pg.62

Pg 56

Melba Moore

Terri Stephenson 678-499-4728

CEO & PUBLISHER SUSAN Y. JONES officials on how federal policy affects businesses and home markets. Susan’s publication, Impact Detroit Magazine LLC, provides informational and inspirational articles featuring distinctive individuals, businesses, sports, education, health, and other perspectives. The magazines are designed to engage readers in mutual causes and common interests on a global public platform.

Susan Jones is the CEO and publisher of IMPACT DETROIT MAGAZINE LLC. and IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY. She is dedicated to promoting businesses small and large, while also creating positive stories about people and families in the Greater Detroit area, Atlanta area and around the world. Susan believes that faith without works is dead, and we must work while it’s day. Susan leads by example; she has a plethora of volunteer services to her credit. In support of The Covenant House in Detroit, Susan fundraised and slept-outside in 18 degree weather to bring awareness to homeless children; this cause was featured on FOX 2 News.

The publications provides a downloadable app on any smartphone and offers both a digital issue and a print issue upon request. Susan was Honored and awarded a Leadership in Action Award from Career Mastered Class of 2016 and Phd. Lisa Wicker March 14, 2016. She was also just recently celebrated as a “Woman in History” March 20th by Ms. Bliss Cureton owner of “GreenBliss”

~Susan Jones Walking in my Purpose

In 2014, Susan was one of 60 people around the country invited by White House Business Council and Business Forward for a briefing at the White House to discuss strengthening the economic competitiveness of America’s small business. Susan took this opportunity to advise senior White House and Administration 10

IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

EDITORIAL Terri Stephenson EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

those two questions? If I may, let me inspire you, or one would say let me breathe life into you by expressing this! You are a great Queen! So be inspired to do great things; your life is a journey, which means you control your destiny. Don’t be afraid or procrastinate about doing the things your heart is calling you to do. Don’t let economics or the blatant systematic racism be the barrier you are afraid to overcome; stay woke. Take advantage of the resources that are in place for us, “ Women of Color,” that is powerful in its own right. Create a lane to be PHENOMENAL. We are sisters, and I got you. So, fix your crown, put your lipstick on and strut Sista strut because you are a QUEEN. Feel the Impact! The month of October brings joy for so many reasons. The beginning of fall, the smell of the logs on the fireplace, hot coco, or toddy, and of course, we’ve all had fun in the closets pulling our fall and winter pieces forward and tucking those cute and fun summer pieces away. Although the Impact team will be headed to Los Angeles for the fabulous and exciting HAPA Awards this month, I think I will keep a few of those cute and fun pieces out for the beach should we have the time.

Terri R Stephenson Editor in Chief

I hope you all have had a wonderful summer season, maybe a chance to travel a bit or spend quality time with your loved ones. I did both and what I embraced in my spirit were these two questions. Have you ever looked at your family, even yourself, through God’s eyes? What impact am I making? Simple questions, right? But really, how many times have you asked yourself IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

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CRYSTAL TIGGETT

Managing Editor

SHAUNDA FREEMAN

Creative Director

RACHEL

WILSON-SMITH Fashion Editor

IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

TIFFANY ARNOLD

Columnist & Hair Care Professional

BRIAN WALKER 50 Around the Table Columnist

Dorothy

SPEARMAN- CLARK Columnist

DERRICK ANDREWS Columnist

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50 ROUND THE

TABLE By Brian Walker

50 Round the Table is a forum in which those in the 50+ age arena can discuss the realities, challenges and triumphs of life. A place for us to reflect, realize and share experiences that continue to Impact our lives. We welcome our readers’ input, reaction and suggestions. You can write us at 50roundthetable@gmail.com.

The Season To Teach So here we are. The year 2021! Nearing the end of it at that. Fall is upon us again, ALREADY! But this time, it is so much different. The world seems to be going through its most terrible time in recent memory. People all over are becoming more and more protective and suspicious. The population is dividing more detrimentally. These are days when one must be vigilant and diligent, purposeful, and intentional. We’ve got to eat right, exercise, and boost our immune system. We must get our information from reliable sources and be careful not to become a sheep. Please know that we are not going to get political, but somewhat familiar. I had an experience with a college student that called me to action. My lady has twin girls. Both of which began their college career recently. One of them is adapting more quickly than the other. Of course, she was asking to return home, speaking to her mother in a kind of defeated manner. So, I took it upon myself to barge in and gave words of love. I lifted her with the words I chose. The conversation was forward-thinking and on positive ways to assist her in adapting to her new environment possibly. There’s never only one way to skin a cat. I knew the words “I believe in you” would ring loud. I hoped they would also

hold her accountable. With each passing season of our lives, we should emerge with more extraordinary gifts, better understandings amongst the fond reflections. We have faced many challenges on our journey and have triumphed. Life has taught us many lessons. Some are more difficult to the palate than others, but lessons, nonetheless. Some may look at today’s conditions as being the most confusing time of all. But the word you read says that there is nothing uncommon to man. You can find that in 1 Corinthians 10:13. So it would go to reason that as we are going through our seasons of life, the youngsters that may give me privileged to your time and knowledge need you. They need you because of the seasons they are going to face. Let’s understand that these youngsters are entering ‘seasons” you may have experienced. My father, God rest his soul, would often say, “Boy, I’ve been where you’re trying to go.” That was a problem for me then. But the older one gets, the smarter

one’s parents become. Now maybe the time for us to take a step further than we have before. Considering the times, we find ourselves going through and the times to come, we might be able to see beyond ourselves and realize the value of becoming a good mentor, leader, or confidante to a young person that you can help in ways that would be phenomenal. Our young people can capitalize on the knowledge, actions, and lives we live. I would be sure, just as in my life, some have wished for another person’s opinion, input, or even just the listening ear of someone other than one’s parents. But this goes further. So many of our readers are innovative, intelligent, progressive, wellto-do entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders in their respective communities. In this season of chaos and uncertainty, I want to encourage us all to reach beyond ourselves and do what we say we will always do. But most definitely what we should do. Reach beyond ourselves and serve our young people.

Our youngsters are inundated with so many types of influential media. But we know that what we hear, what we watch, and in what we immerse ourselves will rule every one of our daily choices. We, 50 Round the Table” readers, can be the distraction, redirection, interaction, and possibly the reason a young person does not go into a deep depression and commit suicide. Someone here will be the reason a young person chooses a career that matches his/ her passion, rather than settling for any ole job. Just think of the heights many of us may have reached if someone would have stepped in and “shared enough to care.” I also know many of us are happy with the lives we have created. What an example of the success that would be. These are different times in which we are living. They need to be treated as such. We can all have a positive IMPACT on so much more than we know. We must be willing to move outside of ourselves. The Call to Action is “It’s Time to Teach.”

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KENYA by Terri Stephenson

KENYA, a country in East Africa famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. Its Indian Ocean coast provided historically important ports by which goods from Arabian and Asian traders have entered the continent for many centuries. Along that coast, which holds some of the finest beaches in Africa, are predominantly Muslim Swahili cities. One of them is Mombasa, a historic center that has contributed much to the musical and culinary heritage of the country. Inland are populous highlands famed for their tea plantations, an economic staple during 20

the British colonial era, and their variety of animal species, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses. Kenya’s western provinces, marked by lakes and rivers, are forested, while a small portion of the north is desert and semidesert. The country’s diverse wildlife and panoramic geography draw large numbers of European and North American visitors, and tourism is an essential contributor to Kenya’s economy. ~Britannica

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KENYA by Terri Stephenson

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But here’s the real deal our brothers and sisters are there struggling! The consequences of covid-19 have been so severe that to date, over 250,000 cases reported. Over 3 million vaccines have been administered to a population of over 53 million people. Like any other international country, testing and quarantine are essential. I just wanted to bring this brief story to the forefront because it is near and dear to my heart. I met Chief Joseph (Tipanko Koisenke) of the Maasai tribe in Kenya in 2019 at the HAPA Awards in Los Angeles, California. I spent several hours in his company along with other members of the IMPACT team. We ate, laughed, and admired each other’s culture and have since become very good friends. We chat from time to time via social media due to the vast time difference in countries just checking in to say hello. Over the past few years since the pandemic, Impact Atlanta International fashion and beauty magazine and Impact Detroit International have partnered up with the Chief and his village by donating funds to assist with food, medicine, clothes, and books for the children, and they are ever so grateful. One would be amazed how far a $100.00 donation can go; in fact, $100.00 is equivalent to $10,635.00KES there. So, we try to donate as often as possible. How many times do we dine out, and when the check comes, we have spent well over $100.00 on just one meal for a couple. That same $100.00 feeds a whole village. So, with our last donation just a month ago, Chief Joseph was grateful and humble, and so were the babies; in fact, he has sent photos of their trip to the marketplace for food, and I would like to share them with you. If this has touched your heart in any way, I want to ask that you partner with us to help our brothers and sisters in Kenya. If you would like to donate, don’t hesitate to contact me directly at terristephensonimpactatlanta@gmail.com Thank You, The Editor in Chief

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FINDING LIFE

By Dorthy Spearman- Clark

Life takes us in many directions. It takes us down roads of happiness, sadness, hesitation, and even avenues of grief. To name a few, I want to think of my life as one which has been and will continue to live to its full potential. However, the spirit of incompletion sometimes looms over my head. All due to the many unfulfilled desires dreamed about since childhood. I consider myself seasoned in the many ways of life, though I still live proclaiming, “it isn’t over until this fat lady sings!” Sometimes, I feel that I’m just not complete! And for several years, this feeling of lack has haunted the very core of my existence. In my case, and I’m sure in some others’ cases, it is not that one does not appreciate the essence of life. When that essence does not include those that fulfill the heart, one always feels a void. Do you agree? I ponder the questions, “Why are we not fulfilled and 24

why don’t we feel complete?” When searching for an answer, a simple analogy is how one can feel fulfilled entirely if one genuinely doesn’t know how to obtain fulfillment. Finding out about oneself may be the key to enjoying one’s life. And though this may seem to be a simple solution, there is one direction in which life doesn’t always take us. And that is towards that of self-awareness. To get there, unfortunately, we must often find our way alone. There are no roadmaps, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), or Tom-Toms (for those who remember this little gadget) to guide our way. It is left strictly up to each of us to choose which way we must go. And it isn’t easy. I, myself, have driven down “one-ways,” two-ways,” “dead-ends,” and into many “do not enter” streets. Metaphorically speaking, that is. Accomplishing a lot yet eventually concluding that I must first find

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FINDING LIFE

By Dorthy Spearman- Clark ly, we must first look at where we are now, at this very moment. I don’t mean where we might happen to be standing, mind you. But where our mindset may happen to be. Does our perspective roam from thoughts of grandeur or linger in pessimism at its finest? No matter which case, we all have a mindset. And this mindset may very well be the all-contributI, myself, believe that to achieve self-awareness, one ing factor to our self-awareness. must first admit to its importance. Oxford Languages define self-awareness as “conscious knowledge of one’s Solution? How do we accomplish the task of obcharacter, feelings, motives, and desires.” It troubles me taining self-awareness? The answer, as is the word to think that I do not know myself. It should you, too. itself, starts at becoming self and then becoming For to know oneself is one of the greatest gifts imag- aware. inable. It hasn’t always been this way for me, howevTo become self is to realize and become that perer. There have been times when I would proclaim that I son that you are. Do you cry at weddings? Do you most definitely knew who I was and the Woman I wantcringe at the sight of spiders? Whatever that self ed to become. Then, there have been times in my life is, is what you need to study. Upon studying the that I didn’t know who I was nor where I was going. I self, you find out just what emotions, triggers, and was existing. reactions make you. It is no wonder we sometimes There is so little said nowadays about self-awareness – surprise ourselves with outbursts and, on occasion, really knowing oneself. It may as well be the best-kept do things that we thought we would never do in life. secret around. The minute I began to delve into who I Becoming aware is an action to put all things into was, my wants, desires, and why I react in certain situplace. This is the action that should bring all full ations. Is when I started to realize that I “really” don’t circle. The effort that makes it all become possible. know who this person (me) is. I realized that I wasn’t even “trying” to get to know myself, either. I felt as if Self-awareness makes it possible to seek the things I had what it takes to live and get to most places that I within oneself which will inevitably make us whole needed to go; however, I neither knew how to do it nor – that wholeness, in turn, will inevitably find life. how I came about it. “myself” before I can ever begin to deliver to myself the many things in life in which I’ve strived. It doesn’t take much to come to this conclusion. However, when it is indeed time for the task, it proves to be most problematic. If you find your glass half full, the other half must have not yet been poured.

You know, I believe that to obtain self-awareness truIMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

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MOTIVATING MINDS THROUGH CUSTOMIZED CROWNS

Kristen Kinder of 1820hats “Fashion is one thing. Amplifying a message of positivity, encouragement and freedom is another.” These profound words are the goal and the mission behind the 1820hats brand. Not your average hat company, 1820hats is a stylish, custom fedora line hand-crafted from Australian wool, created with purpose and reinforced with positivity. Kristen created the line for both men and women, and everyone is welcome regardless of demographic. I had the privilege of interviewing the gifted woman behind it all, Kristen Kinder, who works with a creative friend and business partner, Bianca Malcolm, who has drawn much inspiration. Kristen revealed that she has always worn and loved fedoras and feels that they are making a comeback. She loves art and fashion; she loves encouraging others, and she loves God. A self-taught designer, art and creativity seemingly come naturally to Kristen. She shared that her father was a musical artist who also had a talent for oil paintings. She sees what she does as an outward expression of the gift he’s given her. Her father’s images depicted African Americans, and he also worked as a cartoonist for their local newspaper. She further revealed how when she began to tap into the artist within herself, Kristen saw her dad in a different light as though she had gained new insight and understanding, which helped her relate to him as an artist and see his perspective. Describing art and fashion as therapeutic, designing things is much more than just a fun hobby for Kristen, as she even revealed in a moment of transparency, “Art saved my life.” The scripture Matthew 18:20 28

serves as the inspiration behind the brand’s inception. It was created to function as more than just fashion but ultimately as a ministry in the vein of style. The goal is to relate to and uplift others. When people wear an 1820hat, the idea is to “adorn your thoughts” and wear it as your crown. One of the company’s slogans even states, “Your hat is your crown.” 1820hats sees all their customers as kings and queens and encourages them to see themselves in that same light.

Currently, the brand features five collections, each of them unique and purpose driven. Of the five, “Affirmations” and “Resilience” are Kristen’s two favorites. The why behind the existence of the Affirmations collection is “because words shape your world.” And each of these designs makes a statement, literally. Powerful words of affirmation are inscribed all over each hat, stating things like, “I am unique,” “I focus on positivity,” “I am limitless,” “I live in joy,” “I am enough,” and many more. We discussed at length the impact of what you speak and how your words become your reality. The Resilience collection features the fedora with a glitter top that illuminates in the sunlight and represents bouncing back and standing firm. The intention is to celebrate how light cuts through the darkness. The message behind this collection is “because you are diamond strong.” Positive statements are essential to the designer describing people as walking billboards. Her point was that whatever we wear and how we carry ourselves represents who we are, how we think, and what we promote, which also influences others.

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Gaining notoriety and making some noise in the city, 1820hats has been featured in many publications and covered by quite a few outlets. These include Voyage Atlanta, Real Women Atlanta Magazine, Enspire Magazine, In the City Magazine, Connecting the Dots Podcast, and Cortez Mack TV, to name a few. They’ve also attended events like Art-N-The-Park at Piedmont Park Atlanta and An Evening of High Fashion by Pulchr Couture in Atlanta. And for things to come, the brand has landed wardrobe placement in an upcoming movie this winter called Christmas Hypnosis. Kristen defines success as setting out to do something and achieving it no matter how big or small that something is. She shared her inspiration from something the artist Jay-Z said, “people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” She added that understand-

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ing the value of something and honoring and cherishing what is valuable is also indicative of success. Her advice for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs is to be “fearless and free enough to do something that hasn’t been done.” She further advises being prepared for opposition suggesting even being grateful for it because it “plays an important role in success.” And for all those who are second-guessing themselves and slow to make a move, she says to “just get started” because no matter how new or small it may seem, it’s still something and something is more than nothing, and that’s huge. To sum up the essence of 1820hats in a nutshell, ultimately, “It is wisdom. It is freedom. It is confidence.” To keep up with 1820hats and be in the know, follow social media on Instagram @1820hats as well as 1820hats on Facebook.

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WOMEN OF COLOR IMPACTING OUR LIVES

Mrs. Dena Patrice Burroughs, the Founder, & Owner of: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ON DEMAND, LLC. By Crystal Tiggett

Dena earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia.) She completed her Money Coach Certification at the Money Coach Institute in 2005. Then, she continued her training at one of the leading institutions for certified coaches, the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI-formally the Coaches Training Institute), in 2006. C.T.: What inspired you to get into this line of work? D.B.: It is my transformation and change that happened within myself. After growing up believing you should go to school, make good grades, life still happened for me to where all the things that I thought I wanted, I achieved and then life happened. I went through a thought process, questioning and maybe even doubting myself. I found a coach, and every32

thing turned around, and what fascinated and inspired me was that process of introspection and looking at who I was, my choices and what I really wanted for my life. The accountability to move forward I was inspired to do that for other people. C.T.: What motivates you personally? D.B.: A sense of achievement and accomplishment, which is that wonderful feeling of experiencing and witnessing someone else’s achievements or accomplishments. I’m talking about individuals that may not have believed or felt motivated by that inner feeling to be successful. C.T.: How do you think you have impacted other women and girls? D.B.: Through my actions, outwork, display, I have impacted women and girls with their stories that women and girls tell me when they come back to me and say, “ how I have done it”. Me just being me not trying to pretend or come up with something. Just being naturally kind, thoughtful, and considerate. Being present and paying attention to what’s going on around me and my community. C.T.: What legacy would you like to leave within your community? D.B.: I want to leave a legacy; one where people number one learn how to live a very free life not attached to worldly ideas and possessions, physical or mental, but they can transcend to that. It all boils down to peace. Peace of mind and infinite happiness. Through her educational background and over 25 years with public accounting and global financial institutions, Dena has developed a unique perspective that provides strategic solutions to business owners’ typical business and leadership challenges. She is a changemaker and visionary who sees the unseen, takes something fragmented, and makes it whole. Additionally, Dena has become a highly

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Mrs. Dena Patrice Burroughs, the Founder, and Owner of Business Development on Demand, LLC.

WOMEN OF COLOR IMPACTING OUR LIVES

Mrs. Dena Patrice Burroughs, the Founder, & Owner of: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ON DEMAND, LLC.

sought-after professional mentor and coach to admired business owners, senior leaders, and professionals seeking private consultations to implement proven strategies and solutions to reach their potential and grow their business. She also serves as a Founding Faculty Coach for High Achievers. Dena has an uncanny ability to recognize the gap between your beliefs and actions and how to bridge them. She believes that we hold a powerful key to create a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling world by transforming our collective beliefs about the role of money in society. As a result of her reputation to deliver high-quality advice and guidance with clarity, she continues to spearhead a flourishing industry where the need for consummate and trusted professionals is an absolute necessity.

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Tina A. Fears

“BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE ARTIST AWARD ” HAPA AWARDS 2021 TINA A. FEARS 48

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Tina A. Fears Tina Fears is the founder of Stage Ready LLC, an entertainment firm she started about 15 years ago. She started off with $100 and a dream to use her gifts and talents to impact the entertainment industry after leaving college. Tina’s company has gone on to produce live performances and events for BET, GMA DOVE AWARDS, MTV, and most recently co-starring opposite the legendary Courtney Vance in the National Geographic’s Mini-series “Genius” the Aretha Franklin Story, Where Tina’s role as Clara Ward a musical genius of her time that inspired and led guidance to the young Aretha. Tina’s role as Clara Ward has received raved reviews from movie critics while charting record breaking numbers for Genius: Aretha, who was produced by Fox and National Geographic. Which has earned Tina A. Fears the “Breakthrough Performance Artist ” Award from HAPA 2021. Long before entrepreneurship became the trend it is today, Tina decided to bet on herself with her own company and the faith that she had something to offer. Tina has also had national commercials with Ford (Born to Roll) and Walmart (Holiday). She has also had theatre credits in the productions Simply Simone, In The Heights, Dreamgirls and MEMPHIS - The Musical, as well as co-writer and featured vocalist on the Grammy nominated gospel song “Walking on water” with Grammy winning artist Lacrae. Over the past 15 years Tina’s blessings has continued

to flow. Tina has performed vocally as a background vocalist, co-writer, and choreographer for Grammy award winning artist Detrick Haddon, choreographing creative direction for artist like Melonie Fiona, Smoky Norful, Mary Mary, Kiera Sheards among others. Her interdisciplinary success personally translates into a company that is ideally suited to help others succeed. This is the intersection where being fearless and empowering others connect. Tina had to be fearless enough to step out on her own to build a space where she could empower others. Her journey has also included creating the Fearless Movement Global LLC which is the community service extension of the Tina Fears brand. She has worked on several projects that specifically impact Black women and teens. This is everything from food delivery to hygiene items and clothing. Tina remembers needing a “fearless movement” type entity to offer her support while she was in college and barely able to keep up with classes and fees. The idea of empowerment for her is simply offering others the resources and advocacy she needed when she started out. Tina has taken her inspiring story and turned it into a successful career. She is doing what she loves, on her terms, and is making it her mission to help others along the way. Everyone has their own path, but the blueprint for success is exactly what Tina is doing. ( Tina A. Fears on behalf of the HAPA AWARDS and Impact Atlanta International fashion and beauty magazine) CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR HONOR!

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When You Feel Down, Dress Yourself Up! The Power of Fashion Therapy By Rachel J. Wilson-Smith

Welcome to October; fall is officially here and has been for some weeks now. Often associated with the season of harvest and the celebration of Halloween, October is also the month for spreading bullying awareness and the month for 50

national depression and mental health screenings and education. The objective is to highlight the need for depression awareness and the necessity for accessible and affordable screenings for mental health, according to American Be-

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havior Clinics. The colors of the leaves are changing, the weather is more relaxed, and it gets darker sooner. In the world of fashion, styles have shifted to include smoky grays, blacks, bronzes, beiges, and browns. What many may not realize is just how decisive fashion is and its influence on your overall mood. Everything you do has some impact on your mental health and well-being, from what you eat or drink, what you see and listen to, who and what you’re surrounded by down to what you choose to wear. Besides being an extension of self-expression and individual style, fashion is also a form of therapy and can even help those suffering from depression. Wearing bright and cheery or uplifting colors can brighten and uplift your mood as well. According to “Age of Awareness,” bright colors, as well as fitted clothing and added accessories all, affect your mood. There’s a famous quote, “you are what you eat,” but apparently, you are what you wear as well. The next time you’re feeling low or sad, take a mental note of the colors you’re wearing. Do you happen to have on dark and gloomy colors? This may be adding to or the reason for your dark and sad emotions. Did you remember to include accessories, such as bracelets or a necklace, or an elegant pair of earrings? Perhaps, simply adding those extra seemingly minor details could add a massive boost in your mood. By taking these steps, nine out of ten times, you’ll find that your spirit has lifted as a reflection of the changes you made. You’re sending yourself the message that you are worth it, and you should adorn yourself as such to accentuate the royalty you are. I can personally attest that when I look good, I also feel good, and this is the case for many. If you find yourself feeling down, uplift your spirits with bright and festive colors like vibrant yellows and oranges and maybe even a pop of red; remember your accessories and notice the difference in how you feel. Even on a rainy or cloudy day, you can still be the sunshine. And remember, IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

what you wear doesn’t just affect your mood. You can be someone else’s sunshine as well. When you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say your affirmations. It may be uncomfortable at first, but dress accordingly, and it will help you believe those positive things you said about yourself. Tell yourself that you are beautiful, you are capable, you are destined for greatness, you are successful and valuable and worthy. The next step is to dress the part and walk in your belief of who you are and what you can accomplish. Every day, clothe yourself in success and positivity, and that will be the message and the image you will believe. Just stay consistent, and you will notice that your mindset has changed for the better. Suppose you or someone you know is suffering from depression or mental illness of any form, in addition to the advice above. In that case, it is essential and strongly encouraged that you seek the necessary professional help. Please be aware that you don’t have to suffer alone or in silence. There is hope, and there are people who care. Take all the necessary steps because you are worth it! Doing little things like these can make a huge difference in your self-esteem and your mental state. 52

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This Thing Called Black… IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

Freedom’s Dream (Awaken)… By Derrick Andrews

Present… I am yet awaiting my acknowledgment!

darkness, their darkness… I am tired!

Greeted…

I am troubled!

I am yet awaiting my welcome!

I am afraid!

Seen…

Yet still, I must rise…

I am yet awaiting my recognition! Overlooked… I am without identity misrepresented by the darkness that a multitude is to remain misled… Sleeping… I’m dreaming to find myself seated upon persecution’s pedestal lifted in the elevation of man’s oppression…

Then… With lifted hands sourced from the wealth of persevering praise, I grasp for Heaven’s glory… Then… With every count of courage, I step out of darkness, their darkness, and into the marvelous “Light” that my truth might now shine… I am here!

There…

I am real!

Befriended by the darkness of isolation, my presentation is perceived without the interpretation of light… It is in this darkness, their darkness, that I am an abomination of truth, their truth… Yet out of this darkness, their darkness… Even in despair, I cannot remain silent as I cry out in the hope of being rescued… Yet my cry often remains unheard, overwhelmed by the whisperings of deceit and its deafening echo of exclusion… Sleeping… I’m dreaming to find myself as one of many small ships battered by the raging waters of hatred, tossed to and fro by the howling winds of harassment… Again, I find myself in the empty embrace of 54

I am seen! Awakened… My inner man has now emerged from history’s slumber to reign with greatness in my present… Awakened… I am loosed from the binding grasp of anger; their anger, my anger to see in my isolation I am not alone… Awakened… I boldly confront the whirling winds of despair, the raging waters of hatred to navigate my new course of courage… Awaken from dreaming that you might then see beyond the darkness, their darkness to walk in the inheritance of promised progression…

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QUEEN MOTHER BY TIFFANY ARNOLD

When we speak of her, so many words overflow from my mouth in ways to reference the splendid beauty that originates, cultivates, and continues to influence the entire world. I believe most would agree that when you take the time to study the many historical and most generational routines and regimens for beauty standards, it’s overwhelming the amount of influence found in current trends. I want to highlight the beautiful and culturally rich materials and styles Africa has given us. Let us start with something super familiar, SHEA BUTTER. Shea Butter is extremely popular; it has had tv specials so standard that one can find it at most local beauty supply stores and even grocery stores. Did you know that Shea butter is most commonly found in the western forest savannas of Africa? Trees here produce the shea fruit of which shea butter is made. The Mandinka language is native 58

to Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea – Bissau, and Guinea. In this language, “Shea” means “Life.” Some benefits include softening dry skin, Anti-inflammatory properties, and toning the skin. Now one that may be a little less familiar, MONGONGO OIL. This oil is derived from the nut of the mongongo trees primarily found in southern Africa. Full of nutrients like vitamin E, calcium, iron, and magnesium, its benefits include conditioning and protecting properties. High in oleic and linoleic acid, two fatty acids that aid in conditioning the hair and skin and unclogging pores. Moving right along into styles originated and inspired by Africa. Afar men from the Afar region, Afambo, Ethiopia, have been long known to use small sticks to form curls or coils. We commonly use a comb today to create “comb twist” or “starter locs.”

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Braided Updo styles are certainly not new to us. It is no surprise we have been referencing this beautiful art as our “crowns” for centuries. The detail and time put into making each line perfect and symmetrical have influenced our craft even today.

Last and certainly not least significant, this super dope new trend is called “freeform wicks.” Like the other looks, this is not new photos dated to the early 1900s have recorded men of Congo wearing this unique style. It’s a neat but messy, less is more way of wearing locs ideal for someone with highly dense hair wanting an alternative to thin uniform locs. Recently our young men have taken a new liking to the freeform wicks; they may look strange to some, but they are growing on me;

I’m a fan of the style and anyone with the confidence to rock them.

They are finally bringing us to A trend that is on fire right now but may surprise some that we did NOT just make this up! Pictures have been found dated in the 1940s of women from Mbalantu of Wambu group in Namibia, Africa wearing super long knee-length extensions just as we do with our “extra-long “ box braids and twist! Amazing right? They would use sinew (eefipa) as extensions similar to our yarns and synthetic fibers.

Tiffany

IG @TiffanyHairCo.

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Melba Moore Melba Moore, the Multi-talented, tenacious, and resilient entertainer with a 5 octave range was born to be a star! Performing professionally since 1969. HAPA AWARDS 2021 HOLLYWOOD LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD It could have been her Grammy-nominated cover of the Aretha Franklin classic “Lean On Me” or her Tony Award-winning performance as ‘LuttieBelle GussieMae Jenkins’ in Purlie that solidified her place in America’s hearts, and when she became the first African-American woman to perform the role of Fantine in Les Misérables. “Music is what God allows me to do,” declares 62

Melba Moore. Born into a musical family, music chose Melba. “Music was a centerpiece in my family. My parents were musicians and so were many of my aunts and uncles.” Melba’s father is the legendary big band leader Teddy Hill and her mother, Bonnie Davis, had a #1 hit on the R&B charts with the song “Don’t Stop Now.” A graduate of the famed Arts High in Newark, Melba, at the encouragement of her parents went on to pursue music education at Montclair State, but her inner voice told her she had to see if she had the chops to make it as a performer. Melba’s stepfather (pianist Clement Moorman) introduced her to several agents which led to some studio work and eventually an audition that landed her a role in the cult classic Hair on Broadway in 1969. It

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was in Hair that Melba became the first African American woman to replace a white actress, who happened to be the acclaimed Diane Keaton, in a lead role on Broadway. One year later, she starred in Purlie, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her portrayal as ‘Lutiebelle.’ At that time, Melba was one of the first Black women to win a Tony Award. Ms. Moore was the first female pop/R&B artist to do a non-operatic solo concert at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House and at the Olympia in Paris. Melba was born to shine. Melba is better than ever, an elegant living legend, humanitarian, a star of stage, screen, and recordings, she’s done it all and has done it beautifully. An American trend setter, she sets the bar high. She is currently in the planning stages of her return to Broadway and Television.

In recent years, the resilient and always the renaissance woman, Moore’s recording projects have primarily been gospel albums, including the CD “Nobody But Jesus.” In 2002, she released “I’m Still Here” and in 2010 she released “The Gift of Love,” a duet album of classic songs and unforgettable originals. This multifaceted artist/philanthropist is always reaching deeper, pressing harder, ever challenging herself; keeping her audience on the edge of their seats, knowing that whatever happens next will be at least, as exciting as what happened before.

Melba Moore’s produced version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” which was entered into the United States Congressional Record as the official Negro National Anthem in 1990, was just named an ‘American Aural Treasure,’ by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for Ms. Moore’s co-produced recordShe is a Grammy nominated vocalist; a film ed rendition of the anthem. star (she was in films ‘All Dogs Go To Heaven,’ ‘The Fighting Temptations’ (Cuba Good- ( Ms. Melba Moore On behalf of the 2021 ing, Jr. and Beyonce Knowles). Moore has a HAPA Awards and the entire staff of Impact successful track record in Television with the Atlanta International fashion and beauty magaMelba Moore Show, Melba Moore Clifton Da- zine, CONGRADULATIONS ON THIS HONvis Show, Falcon Crest, Ellis Island, she pro- OR). duced ‘Melba Moore Live’ concert for TV, she HAPA AWARDS 2021 HOLLYWOOD LIFEis also profiled in the docu-series on TV-One’s TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD acclaimed ‘Unsung.’ She scored a string of Billboard charted hits 8 top 10 R&B hits including two #1 smash hits and 3 Grammy nominations, AMA Nominations; rewards received are Tony Award, Ellis Island Award, Artist Guild Award, Trumpet Award of Excellence, NAACP Spingarn Award, History Makers Tribute. In the 80s and 90s, Melba Moore gifted us with classic jams like “Lean On Me,” “This Is It,” “You Stepped Into My Life,” “Love’s Comin’ At Ya,” “Livin’ For Your Love,” “Falling” and “A Little Bit More” a #1 duet with Freddie Jackson. “With over 40 years in the industry, the singer and Broadway actress continues to create new music for fans to enjoy, and plans to release a new album this spring. IMPACT ATLANTA FASHION & BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL

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