Suite Life SoCal Summer Issue 2022

SUMMER 2022

SUMMER VIBES ISSUE

KATCHING UP WITH

Kadeem Hardison

JUL/AUG/SEP 2022 $7.95 US

A LOOK AT THE GATHERING SPOT

IN THE GARDEN WITH TERRY STEELE

HOSTING AN AIRBNB

SURF, SAILS AND CAMPS FOR YOUTH

FACES KAREEM GRIMES WE KEYA NKONOKI LOVE FELICIA JARRELL LALA ROMERO & NATALIA DURAZO

Contents

CONTENTS

70

COVER FEATURE

Katching Up with Kadeem Join us on a journey with the icon himself, Kadeem Hardison, as we reflect on his history in television & film as well as his current ventures on living life out loud.

STORY BY KEN CALVIN

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PHOTOGRAPHER KAI BYRD

FASHION DIRECTOR DION DEMETRIES

PUBLICIST JAYCE BARON

PHOTO ASSISTANT CINDY CASTRO

FASHION EDITOR / ON-SET STYLIST DAISY BOUREZ

PUBLICIST ASSISTANT XENIA MORRIS

22

24

16

20

26

20 FACES WE LOVE Leaders of The New School — Summertime madness is not the only thing brewing this year. On the heels of the great resignation many people are tapping into their creative gifts and designing a world where they can thrive, be true to themselves and help others. Take a cue from these five creatives who are mastering the art of the pivot in wellness, tech, retail and fashion. Learn something new and let it transform you.

30

STORIES BY LISA J. BAXTER

Kareem Grimes: The Method Man

16 THE SUITESPOT

"There are not enough people of color in tech. Instead of complaining about it, jump in and be that change.”

The Gathering Spot

u20

The Gathering Spot creates a one-of-a-kind business community that ignites the minds of intellectuals, creatives, and so on. Its co-founder, Ryan Wilson, proves to be a young entrepreneur himself, thus encouraging his members to really dive deep into their professional goals and really lean into community and the connections that follow.

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

Keya Nkonoki: The Healer “Everyone deserves to feel welcome in their own bodies.” u22 Felicia Jerrell: The Disruptor “I want Black women to know that you don’t have to adjust who you are to be great and be seen. Disruptors change the game and that changes the narrative for people.”

u16

u24

IN EVERY ISSUE From the Publisher

8

From the Editor

10

Contributors

12

The Suite List

88

A resource guide featuring Event, Media, Marketing and Creative Professionals

LaLa Romero and Natalia Durazo: The Culture Connoisseurs

29 LIFE & STYLE Terry Steele: Why Music and Gardening are his Melody How singer/songwriter, Terry Steele, found his Zen in gardening during the pandemic.

STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY XAVIER HARRIS

u30 The Things We Did to Pass the Time: Hobbies the Pandemic Left Behind During the height of the 2020 Pandemic we saw an uptick in an assortment of hobbies, all with a unique origin story attached.

Whether it was cooking, reading, or even doomsday prepping, nearly everyone got sucked into the madness.

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

u38 A Brief History of SneakerHeads – A Community With Sole A brief history of sneakers and a look into Sneaker Culture. The story of how a utilitarian piece of clothing became the popular status symbol with a semi-cult following that we know today.

STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

u42

“We come from the land of sunshine, palm trees, candy paint, bomb nail shops and gold-filled swap meets. There is so much beauty and relentless dream chasing here. We must never forget this is our city and most of our parents have built it.” u26

42 SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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CONTENTS

64

46

45 SUITECAUSES

Building Equity in the Hospitality Industry

Inner-City Surfers and Sailors

Building equity in the hospitality sector is an ongoing battle the NABHOOD (National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers) are positioning black owners like Warren Fields and Robert L. Johnson to disrupt the industry.

A look at a few Southern Californian organizations who dedicate themselves to encouraging and teaching at-risk youth to become “ocean literate” by providing classes and camps to teach Black and Brown children to have a relationship with the ocean through water sports, such as: surfing and sailing.

STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

Eat Black Owned, and I’ll Tell You Why!

u46

If one is aware of the great difficulties of Black-owned businesses, such as sustaining clientele, financial support, and the racism experienced within the restaurant industry, then one should quickly recognize the important role one has in supporting these food establishments. With hopes of helping these businesses and guiding customers to these tasteful cuisines, a list of Black-owned restaurants has been provided.

Whether you are a newcomer, local, or just visiting, there is something for everyone!

Summer Camps: A Time for Learning and Laughter

82

STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

u60

Summer Camps are full of fun, adventure, learning, and experiences that aid in the growth and confidence of children. Due to hard times full of uncertainty and challenges, it is easy to understand the troubles of finding the perfect place for your child to create memories and make friends. To make things simpler, we have compiled a small yet impressive list of camps your child can attend!

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

u50

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

u64

69 E SUITE (ENTERTAINMENT) COVER FEATURE

53 SUITEBIZ

Katching Up with Kadeem

The Kevin Dillard Story: If It Starts With a Plan, It Can End With a Purchase

Join us on a journey with the icon himself, Kadeem Hardison, as we reflect on his history in television & film as well as his current ventures on living life out loud.

Kevin Dillard knows the power of having a plan and sticking to it.

Through his national organization, The American Dream Grant Program, he helps others understand the same.

STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY XAVIER L. HARRIS

u54 More Money, Fewer Problems: How Airbnb Hosting Can Transform Your Bank Account

54 6

STORY BY KEN CALVIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI BYRD

u70

81 SUITETALK LA’s Own Freedom Fighter Recounts Her Messy Journey to Freedom in New Tell All In her inaugural book, Najah Roberts reminds us that the pathway to success can often be messy and obscure before it is rewarding and profitable.

Since its founding in 2007, Airbnb has become the leading homerental platform in the world, citing the millions of hosts who have enjoyed the lucrative benefits of being listed on the site. In California, the typical Los Angeles listing averages annual earnings upwards of $70,000. We chatted with one local host who shares a few proven tips & tricks to get your home on the Airbnb map.

86 SUITE ESSENTIALS

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

Best Places To Stay In Martha’s Vineyard

u58

Travel Tips by travel enthusiast and Life Is A Journey of Escapes founder Betty Lamarr.

STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE

u82

u86 SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

from the publisher

Summer Suite With each new summer season, we feel a renewal of energy brought on by the thoughts of sun and fun. This year is no different. Despite the major issues and challenges facing us today, we still have a thirst for travel, exploration, and self-care.

Our Summer Vibes Issue celebrates the internal interests we all have, from passions and hobbies, to taking advantage of suite hospitalities, to enjoying entertainment. In addition, since reading is a common summer activity, we see Suite Life SoCal as a natural inclusion on your summer reading list, which is best read by subscribing and receiving your personal copy. We hope that if you haven't subscribed to our print edition, you will do so today.

How suite is it to have the iconic Kadeem Hardison as our cover feature?! Truly suite! We are over the moon with glee to have Kadeem to welcome us into his home and to share his story as we catch up with how he's doing today and to learn of his hobbies and interests. Still ever-sobusy, Kadeem stars in AMC's Moonhaven that premieres on July 7.

After nding out that Kadeem is a sneakerhead, we decided to do some digging to learn the history of sneakers and the passionate community that celebrates them. Check it out on page 42.

A true gem in this issue was the opportunity to visit singer/songwriter Terry Steele as we explored his pandemic produced garden that has now become his beloved hobby. The man who wrote “Here and Now” for Luther Vandross nds his Zen in the sanctuary he's created in his backyard.

A section that we truly love is “Faces We Love.” In this issue, we have ve dynamic people from actor Kareem Grimes who discovered his tech side, to yoga enthusiast Keya Nkonoki, to lifestyle brand disruptor Felicia Jarrell, to LA-grown apparel brand co-founders LaLa Romero and Natalia "Nat" Durazo. We love taking a peek into their lives within our mini spotlight features. Come join us.

In addition to stories of entertainment and hobbies inspired by our cover feature, we decided to also cover the hospitality industry with a couple of timely stories on 8

SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Sarah R. Harris Publisher-in-Chief

@suitelifesocal

#suitelifesocal

how to host an Airbnb and a spotlight on Black-owned hotels in California. These suite stories are a great read. We hope that you nd interest too.

Thank you to our Suite Team for continuing to bring your best and believing on the Suite Life! We will continue to evolve and look forward to some exciting things to come. Our next issue will be our Foodie Issue so if you have a story, we look forward to hearing from you. Please send suggestions to stories@suitelifesocal.com.

We hope you enjoy the summer and nd something suite in this issue to inspire you or make you smile.

Stay Suite!

Sarah

from the Editor

Summer Vibes Every issue of Suite Life SoCal is a labor of love. Each time we publish, our amazing publisher and I experience the joy and challenges of birthing.

As all proud parents, we present to you the result of our team efforts. This summer we offer you our California Suite: Summer Vibes issue.

What better way to create a vibe than our feature article on the always cool, refreshingly authentic iconic actor, Kadeem Hardison. Take a moment to catch up with Kadeem and be inspired and encouraged to live your life out loud.

Angela Jackson, ABD, MS Managing Editor

In this issue, if you are someone looking for ways to spend your summer, you will nd a wealth of information about hobbies and activities you can get into this summer.

Don't forget to check out the story on singer/songwriter Terry Steele and his thirst and appreciation for gardening.

In these pages you will nd a bounty of ways to live the Suite Life.

Enjoy.

Angela

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SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

@ajgrateful2be angelarenaandco.com

@_angelarena

Contributors

WELCOME from our

Suite Team

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Mischa Dufe mischainspires.com

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Shirley Hawkins

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Kamea Taylor

Eddie Trujillo Grijalva

Ashley Yancey

@KameaTaylor

12

@kamea.taylor

SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

@eddie.trujillogrijalva

@fancyayancey

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C O N C I E R G E

M A G A Z I N E

Suite Life SoCal

SUMMER ISSUE VOLUME 4, NUMBER 3 JULY ! AUGUST ! SEPTEMBER PUBLISHER-IN-CHIEF

Sarah R. Harris

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Angela Jackson, ABD, MS Sarah R. Harris

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All Saints Lending Bill Pickett Rodeo Black Beauty and Wellness Foundation Coach Wendy FEP Consultants GCLA (Girls Club of Los Angeles) & Gloria Davis, Ex. Dir. L.A. Business Printing Lura’s Kitchen Nurturing You Women’s Health & Wellness Plush Vodka Recycling Black Dollars Splendid Affairs, Inc. The American Dream Grant Program The Center by Lendistry We Luvv Rare Grooves Vince Bacon Construction VIS Jolie

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Suite Life SoCal magazine is published quarterly. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Letters to the publisher are welcome. Email submissions to stories@suitelifesocal.com. © 2022 SuiteLifeMedia

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Wendy Gladney COACH | AUTHOR | SPEAKER CONSULTANT | TRAINER

WendyGladney.com wendy.gladney@gmail.com (951) 313-4732 @WendyGladney @SeasonofGreatness

THE SuiteSpot

The Gathering Spot “ STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

@thegatheringspots @lagathers @gatheringspots thegatheringspot.club/la-gathers

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SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Part of being an entrepreneur is running towards a brick wall and constantly guring out ways to overcome.”

— Ryan Wilson, co-founder, The Gathering Spot

PICTURED (LtoR): Ryan Wilson and TK Peterson, co-founders of The Gathering Spot

O

riginally founded in Atlanta, The Gathering Spot is a private membership club that cultivates connections, collaboration, and experiences for creators, entrepreneurs, artists, and young visionaries worldwide. With the help of TK Peterson, business partner, and co-founder of The Gathering Spot, Ryan Wilson curated these productive yet fun spaces for forward-thinkers from Atlanta, Washington, and now, Los Angeles. The compassion to create this club simply came from being “in and out of city clubs [and coffee shops],” as Wilson details his desire to do community work but never having the space to have meetings, organize, or brainstorm.

But little did they know such personal oppositions were commonly shared amongst their communities.

From “wine-tasting, lm screenings, cocktail parties” to the state-of-the-art restaurants and formal workspaces, members of The Gathering Spot are well-equipped to work, meet, and foster productive workspaces amongst other businesspersons. In his commitment to sustain professional relationships within the community, Wilson shares, “We [are] very, very committed to the idea of this business in terms of bringing people from all walks of life together under one roof

to connect with one another for business or social purposes.”

This sense of community, especially within the professional circle, creates a diverse group of accomplished individuals and helps build an immersive and high-caliber experience.

In addition to this, Wilson proves his desire to emphasize the importance of Black leadership and entrepreneurship, including how you have to “stay committed and really live” in and through the many challenges of starting and running a business. He declares, “Part of being an entrepreneur is running towards a brick wall and constantly guring out ways to overcome,” thus challenging his peers to dive into business ventures and networks with condence instead of doubt. To further foster a thriving business ecosystem, these common hindrances can be avoided with the security of the self and one’s potential to seek change. Despite the difculties of “raising capital” and “taking care of the needs of the business,” as Wilson shares, one must also remind themselves of the impact and the reason for the creation of their business. Whether it provokes discussions surrounding sustainability, self-care, or the signicance of Black businesses, Wilson stresses that you must “love the people you are creating it for.”

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

17

THE SuiteSpot

Since the development and rising popularity of the club, Wilson has been blessed with the opportunity to reach even more creators, artists, and business people by simply creating a space for them to convene. Due to his success, he can proudly say that he was selected as one of the 2020 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under Forty honorees, honored by Atlanta’s Business Chronicle as Small Business Person of the Year and many other awards; thus, further proving his overall impact amongst communities. In addition, he has also been able to touch the minds and intellect of many more as a trusted keynote speaker for universities such as Georgetown University Law Center and the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and companies like Microsoft Google.

With that being said, if you desire to be a part of such a transformative and lucrative experience, Wilson has granted the opportunity for spectators to join through membership.

Interested in the perks? Through membership, you have the chance to attend one or more of the many events they host 18

SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

each month that offers keynote conversations, immersive and social experiences, networking opportunities, and workshops.

To further ensure this impactful experience of its members, these aforesaid keynote discussions are often hosted by many notable and inuential people of our time, such as Usher, Anthony Hamilton, and the rst Black female Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. With this membership, you will also nd that amenities come with the following: members only restaurant and bar, concierge services, exible and dedicated workspace, membership perks programs with local and national businesses, and much, much more!

Within this journey, one will learn the fearlessness in failure, maintain a positive and reformative perspective on any issues or inconveniences that are commonly faced in Black entrepreneurship, and be able to “[focus] on doing everything that you can do to continue to make things go right,” as Wilson shares. He ends with, “You cannot lead people if you do not love people,” and there is much truth within the statement. Due to the many blessings and opportunities granted to Wilson and his business partner Peterson, one can quickly gain the understanding that the “love” of this club to its members and peers has and will continue to have a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives across the country, and hopefully, the world! +

faceS we Love

“

I had a plan

and a vision and that’s why

I'm still here today.”

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LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL

Kareem Grimes THE METHOD MAN STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAREEM GRIMES

Humanitarian. Thespian. Tech Entrepreneur. Blessed.

K

areem Grimes is living the dream he envisioned in 1998 when the rst seeds of acting were sown. Today, that dream has blossomed into a technicolor reality that has manifested a score of memorable guest appearances, recurring roles, and season regular stints, most recently as Preach on CW's All American (5th Season) and as Erick Davidson on ALLBLK Network's, For the Love of Jason (2nd Season).

Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, the City of Champions, one might say his success was predestined. “I've been extremely blessed to be an actor, a producer…and that discipline and consistency carries over into me being an entrepreneur. It makes you think, what's the next thing?

What's something that can help this world? What's a solution that can push the envelope, push the culture and mankind forward by creating things that help people?"

In 2015, Grimes took a creative leap outside of acting into the tech world. Inspired by his godbrother, who created an app that would stop people from cheating at the game of golf, Grimes' mindset started to shift. "Being around him and seeing him go through the process, nd an engineer, and write his ideas down was fascinating. It made me think that this is not that difcult – it sparked something inside of me," he recalls. Soon after, a Tribe Called Quest poster in his business partner's ofce

led to them creating their rst app, FACEPOP, which allows the user to develop seven-second self-made emoji videos using their face. His second app TruSo (Truly Social), set to launch this Juneteenth, is a black-owned social network app backed by celebrities Miki Barber, Terrell Owens, and Sway Calloway.

Boasting features like text, audio, video, avatar creation, a library of entrepreneurial resources (contracts, business proposal templates, etc.), and opportunities to monetize content; makes it a strong contender in an already crowded space. "There are not enough people of color in tech. Instead of complaining about it, jump in and be that change. Here is somebody that is a non-technical founder. I don't know how to code, but I had the idea. Surround yourself with people smarter than you and collab. I've said that acting will make me a millionaire, but tech will make me a billionaire."

Grimes has used creativity and intention to produce himself into a brand methodically. His star power doesn't solely lie in the number of followers or his accomplishments, but rests in his core values: integrity, respect, knowing where his gifts come from (God), and being of service. "I had a plan and a vision, and that's why I'm still here today." +

Check out Grimes, and the FACEPOP / TruSo apps at: @KareemTheActor

Tiktok @kareem_grimes

@kareemgrimes @kareemgrimesnation_

Facepop TruSo (Truly Social) facepopme.com jointruso.com

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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faceS we Love

“

Everyone

deserves

to feel welcome in their own bodies.”

Tik Tok @welcomeom.care wom.care 22

SUMMER 2022 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL

Keya Nkonoki THE HEALER STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER PHOTO COURTESY OF KEYA NKONOKI

Whenever you can finesse your way onto a Warner Bros. Studio lot with no contacts, evade security, and, in the end, get your first job in the entertainment industry, you must be destined for greatness.

F

ast forward to 2022, that is the same energy that Keya Nkonoki, award-winning Yoga and Doula Facilitator, Trainer, and Founder of WOM (Welcome OM), has used to channel her creativity and build a digital society of healing for caregivers, persons learning to mother themselves, their families, and communities.

Initially birthed from a hobby and now a thriving business, WOM has manifested into an online platform offering signature healing resources: OM Demand+ Membership, OM 1:1 Yoga Coaching, OM 1:1 Doula Coaching, CAREful Yoga Training, and OM courses. Using the principles of mothering – nourishment, caring, connection and safety – drives the authentic and loving energy that her clients have come to know and trust. "Everyone deserves to feel welcome in their own bodies. One of the benets of having a complicated childhood, health issues, and having to mother myself…it teaches you compassion… I just want to help people because I've had to heal myself," Keya maintains.

That level of care and integrity has also helped her grow her Tik Tok following to 44K. Although she's had an engaged community since 2013 and opened up a yoga studio in Mar Vista, CA, when the pandemic hit, she quickly pivoted to online offerings. She then took time off to re-access her business model, closed her studio, moved to Alabama, and eventually rebranded (WOM is formerly OM Moms) – all this while going through a divorce.

In that season, she learned the value of being still but staying consistent in connecting with her clients. "We are in a place where we don't have enough time, so creating concise, high-quality content that adds value and people can use daily was key to my growth."

While her business has seen several iterations, Keya is clear about how she shows up as a leader and a healer. She understands the assignment and how her work is lling a gap in the wellness sector and creating real-time impact. She acknowledges, "There is a lack of representation within the yoga community as well as the doula community. And in both spaces, we need to see each other." Years of mentoring and training have taught her that.

Creating safe spaces is a gift, and one that Keya concedes takes tuning into your passions, giving yourself room to try things, following the path of curiosity, identifying different levels of mentors, and taking messy action, because it's not going to be perfect. These are just some of the foundational blocks that have supported Keya's transformation since she decided that healing others and herself wasn't just a hobby but, instead, a way of coming home. +

SAVE THE DATE: Join Keya for her Rebrand Virtual Launch!

October 27, 2022 | Register today!

For more information or to register, go to: wom.care

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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faceS we Love

“

I want Black women to

know that you don’t have to

adjust who you are to be great and be seen.

Disruptors change the game and that changes the

narrative for people.”

24

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LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL

Felicia Jarrell THE DISRUPTOR STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF FELICIA JERRELL

If someone had told Felicia Jarrell five years ago that she would become a millionaire, she would have agreed with them without hesitation.

B

etting on herself comes naturally and has set the stage for the meteoric rise of the Owner and CEO of Goldmine & Coco (G & C), an online stationery and lifestyle brand where planners, stickers, accessories, and apparel are sprinkled with Black Girl Magic. "We're still ghting to be represented in certain spaces…G & C brings that [representation] to the forefront.

We're not waiting for a holiday to represent you – we are celebrating everyday women every single day," she quips.

Her authenticity and Memphis-bred realness is revered by her 25K+client base, the Gem Gang, a group of loyal planner enthusiasts. That erce loyalty reects the deep connection, transparency, and stellar customer service that is G & C's hallmark. "I want my customers to feel seen, heard, loved, and represented. I want them to know that I built the company, not by myself, but that we all did it together and that we're the reason that it continues to thrive. We're truly a community that loves and supports one another," she concedes.

Recognized as the Seven-Figure Sticker Dealer, that innate hustle has positioned her as a disruptor in the planning community and taken her from humble beginnings – she started the business with $100 - to product placement in Michaels and Target. Her dedication and commitment to empowering black women have helped her navigate the murky waters of the retail industry. Be it advocating for pay equity, learning retail systems, negotiating production agreements, or pushing for Net 90 accounts, knowing the business is vital to success. She acknowledges, "If you're resourceful, you just need a little bit of information to get you to where you need to go."

The ethos to go the extra mile sets G & C apart. For those that want to take a page from her playbook, she encourages budding entrepreneurs to create their own blueprint for success. "Being willing to fail, betting on yourself, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, committing to showing up, and really doing the work that it's going to take to be consistent and disciplined" are just some of the gems she imparts on those ready to transition their hobby into a protable business.

Tik Tok @goldmineandcoco goldmineandcoco.com

"I want black women to know that you don't have to adjust who you are to be great and be seen. Disruptors change the game, and that changes the narrative for people." With sights set on becoming the Oprah of Lifestyle, you can bet that she will do it her way and that the Gem Gang will be along for the ride. +

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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faceS we Love

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LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL

LaLa Romero and Natalia Durazo THE CULTURE CONNOISSEURS STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF BELLA DOÑA (BD)

LaLa Romero and Natalia “Nat” Durazo are homegirls, not just by zip code but by heart. The best friends are co-founders of the wildly popular, LA-grown lifestyle brand, Bella Doña (BD).

T

heir product line-up includes customized jewelry (bamboo earrings and nameplates), apparel (sweat suits and tees with a 90s vibe), home décor (fuzzy dice and posters), and their Allure-Best In Beauty award-winning cosmetics line, Sweet Street. Inspired by classic hip-hop, Chola vibes, the 90s, and all things neighborhood, BD has been on a mission to put on for communities that have been marginalized and underrepresented.

Flash forward to 2022, BD was one of four prominent LA streetwear brands hand-selected to partner with the NFL on their Origins Collection. And this month, their brand partnered with American luxury retail store and sports behemoth Nordstrom x Nike, respectively, for their rst limited-edition collection, Hoop Dreams. “We have collected sneakers since we were in high school; y sneakers are a huge part of our brand identity. We are so honored to sit in Nordstrom next to Nike & Jordan.”

That intention, authenticity, and genuine love have amassed a collective following of 486K+ across all their social media platforms. It is also that love for the culture that permeates every product, post, and photo that they put into the universe. “Every BD image is shot in our front yards, backyards, on our streets, and in our neighborhoods. We have always shot this way since day one to show the world how beautiful our city is and especially through our lens. Growing up and often still, our neighborhoods are typically portrayed in the media as dark and dangerous. We hope our photos [content] serve as a reminder to our community that we are beautiful and worthy,” concedes LaLa and Nat.

These days, LaLa and Natalia’s palm tree dreams have manifested beyond their expectations. The best advice they can share with the homegirls who want to take their creative gifts to the next level is to “…really learn to trust your own intuition in business and life always! It’s so easy to have imposter syndrome and feel like you don’t know enough and aren’t enough. We have made our biggest mistakes when we didn’t stick to our gut. We always say our intuition is fueled by our ancestors, that lil nudge or voice in the wind is our great-great-grandmothers, so we always listen,” they maintain.

Their business story may have started in 2013; however, both ladies are no strangers to expressing themselves creatively.

In 2008, LaLa moonlighted as a singer and made some waves with hits like HOMEGLURZ and Sprung On A Thug.

Meanwhile, Natalia focused on designing jewelry for her brand, HoneyBGold. Once the duo connected, their love for the culture evolved into a successful brand that their customers crave.

“We come from the land of sunshine, palm trees, candy paint, bomb nail shops, and gold-lled swap meets. There is so much beauty and relentless dream-chasing here. We must never forget this is our city, and most of our parents have built it.”

And that’s. On. Everything. +

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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“

We come from the land of sunshine, palm trees, candy paint, bomb nail shops and gold-lled swap meets. There is so much beauty and relentless dream chasing here. We must never forget this is our city and most of our parents have built it.”

Tik Tok @belladonala @BellaDonaLosAngeles bella-dona.com

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Life & Style

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

SUMMER 2022

IN THE GARDEN with Singer, Songwriter & Producer

Terry Steele P L U S Hobbies the Pandemic Left Behind the story of the Sneakerhead

Life & Style | IN THE GARDEN

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Terry Steele

“

I like walking through the garden and humming.

Music gives us life.

Gardening gives us life.

Why Music and Gardening are his Melody STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY XAVIER L. HARRIS

@terry.steele.10 terrysteelemusic.com

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Life & Style | IN THE GARDEN

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I

f I were to ask you what music and gardening have in common, i n i t i a l l y, y o u w o u l d probably say you weren’t sure.

With a little more thought, you may say something like both are known to stimulate calm. What you would never say is Terry Steele. And you would never say Terry Steele because this awardwinning singer and songwriter is better known for music than his love of gardening.

Reveling in the joy of his new love, Steele was all smiles as he welcomed me into his eclectic L os Angeles home garden on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Soaking up the sun were tall plants, short plants, owers in full bloom, and owers preparing to bloom. Rushing tree to tree were playful squirrels and chirping birds. On the far side of the garden was a greenhouse safeguarding an assortment of vegetables and fruits from direct sunlight.

“

As Steele shows me around, nothing about how he interacts with the owers and vegetables says novice. But a novice he is. Forced off the road from his Luther Vandross Tour by the pandemic, Steele found refuge in gardening in 2020. He was among the few who knew immediately that the pandemic “was a God thing.” So, with packed audiences gone and booked dates canceled, Steele acquiesced to God and the quiet that awaited him at home. His perfect place to become one with the quiet was often in the process of gardening. “I would come out and garden, and God would speak to me about my life, my attitude, and who I am.” With the energy of sweet surrender still emanating from Steele, he continued reecting. “I went through this whole transition and cleansing. I forgave people. I became more connected to myself.”

I went through this whole transition and cleansing. I forgave people. I became more connected to myself.”

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Life & Style | IN THE GARDEN

The connections didn’t stop there, though. The closeness Steele experienced with God as he gardened led to a greater connection to the earth and the environment. I was curious; I had to know how plants and gardening benet the environment from Steele? And as if he somehow knew my question was coming, he took me to school: “Plants are life.

They are the air we breathe. They breathe in what we breathe out. We breathe in what they give off. They give us oxygen, and we give them carbon dioxide. The earth feeds us. The earth has given us all this stuff (he motions at our surroundings), and we trash it. I feel that the earth is cringing, and I want to bring myself back in harmony with the earth and with God.” Honoring the earth’s offerings is what environmental stewardship is about, and Steele wants us to know that we

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have this time, right here and right now, to make better decisions regarding the environment. As the gifted writer of the infamous song “Here and Now”; (the song that went on to win music sensation Luther Vandross his rst Grammy), and also known as the guy who cooked side by side with music icon Patti Labelle in her kitchen, I asked Steele, as we ended our conversation, to pair music and gardening. His heartwarming response: “I like walking through the garden and humming. Music gives us life. Gardening gives us life.

They both unite people and bring people together. I think music and gardening are the harmony of life, which is why I would love to do a garden concert and serve food one day.”

Because nature, like music, adheres to rhythm and timing, it is no wonder Steele nds joy in both. +

Life & Style | HOBBIES

The Things We Did to Pass the Time: Hobbies the Pandemic Left Behind

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

“I have crocheted more afghans than I can tell you,” said Vice President Kamala Harris in an interview with The Washington Post last year when reecting on her activities during the height of the Pandemic.

A lifelong crocheter, it was during the Pandemic she found herself tucked away in her Brentwood home, revisiting her childhood hobby alongside her daughter, an avid knitter herself.

PHOTO CREDIT: Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

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The two are not alone. In the height of the 2020 Pandemic that is currently stretching into its third year, we saw an uptick in an assortment of hobbies, all with a unique origin story attached. A shortage of our alerted us to the inux of new bakers who were glued to their phones, devouring viral TikTok recipes. Sharp increases in the cost of lumber reected further home improvement and DIY interests; if we were now mandated to work and play at home, a proper interior upgrade should be next on the agenda. And then there was the great toilet paper shortage of 2020 which served as a nod to the newest initiates into doomsday prepping culture. Every week it seemed there was a new viral hobby dominating news headlines, casting its spell on a new demographic. There was indeed something for everyone.

During this time, hobby shops everywhere became critical, nonessential businesses for supplying craft enthusiasts with their temporary x. This new, increased demand saw hobbyists ransacking craft store shelves for anything promising a distraction from their ever-present worries and stressors. “I noticed that most of the folks who were trying something new were often unemployed,” said Rebecca Kersinger, a sales associate at a local craft store in Los Angeles. “We wound up having to become unofcial experts on all sorts of crafts in a short period of time just to keep up with the customers and their questions. It was a madhouse.”

According to LendingTree, during the height of the Pandemic, six out of 10 Americans picked up a new hobby, inspired by either the prospect of earning money on the side or getting a boost for their waning mental health. Often it was

Source: lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/quarantine-hobbies-credit-card-debt

both. “The stimulus money helped some buy all the starter materials they needed,” said Kersinger. Like faux plants and interior design elements, sewing machines, Cricut Makers, candle-making accessories, jewelry tools, and beading elements were hot-ticket items. “They were usually selling their crafts directly on their social media pages or through Etsy.” She nodded her head, further acknowledging the impact of the platform’s inuence. “Etsy was big during the Pandemic.” LendingTree’s research shows that of those who did turn to a new hobby, only half actually earned money.

Those who managed to prot chose to either pay off debt or add to their savings.

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Life & Style | HOBBIES “Even though most of the time we were able to keep up with demand, painting supplies were a bit scarce for a while,” Kersinger remembered when considering the rollercoaster and uncertainty of the time. “There were a lot of virtual Paint ‘N Sip activities taking place as well as routine artists who needed the supplies to do their work. Some learned our inventory dates and would call the store looking for hard-to-nd items. They knew about the new shipments we were expecting to come in.” Kersinger explained.

She especially empathized with the artists because their livelihood quite literally depended on it. “An artist being able to sell their artwork could be the difference between them eating sometimes or paying their rent. I made sure to sit aside paint items for a few of them if I knew they needed it,” she admitted.

Despite the popularity of crafting, Americans most commonly developed reading, cooking, gardening, gaming and mediation hobbies during their downtime. Long heralded for her exemplary utist skills and compositions, the famous singer Lizzo quickly discovered the healing power of meditating on music while playing her ute. She found herself leading guided meditation sessions on social media, performing for her audience of millions. With her ute as the medium amidst a backdrop of incense and healing crystals to set the mood, she hoped to promote healing and peace amid the stressful time.

Beyoncé is another musician who found herself pursuing a few new hobbies during the lockdown, hers centering around holistic health and care. When she noticed her daughters suffering miserably from seasonal allergies, she looked to the healing power of local honey to help curb their symptoms. Because she’s Beyoncé, things were taken a step further when she invested in two beehives that house 80,000 bees. To date, the Queen Bee has harvested hundreds of jars of honey! In addition, she also experimented with the healing qualities of CBD, which led to her nding pain relief from muscle soreness and joint inammation. And the pesky insomnia that plagued the artist pre-Pandemic? CBD turned out to be just the cure for that too.

While it appears the worst of the Pandemic is behind us, most of us continue to indulge in the hobbies that sustained us during those dark, tumultuous times. The mental health benets and community camaraderie are just the beginning. Whether you become a voracious reader, tness enthusiast, makeup junkie, holistic health dealer, or even a well-traveled polyglot, you are a member of a unique community that helps make this journey called life that much more satisfying. + PHOTO: GETTY

SIDEBAR

Tips to Milk Your New Hobby for All It’s Worth Establish a Budget: It’s important you don’t put yourself into debt, so plan a realistic budget of what you can afford to invest in your new interest.

Know Your Options: There may be discounted, lower-cost tools or free resources you can use while starting. Perhaps you can partner with someone further along in the craft and collect their hand-me-downs, watch free online tutorials to learn tricks of the trade, or sign up for free trials to use expensive software. Exhaust these lower-cost options before spending the big bucks.

Solicit Feedback: Share your plans, ideas, and outlook with those in your network to help lockdown your strategy and establish community support. This can also double as free publicity for your burgeoning plansthese people will purchase your product one day!

Solid Moves Only: Lastly, if you struggle to pay your bills and keep the lights on, focus on those immediate needs first. Your hobby can wait until you have the proper time, mental energy, and bandwidth to invest fully.

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Life & Style | HOBBIES

A Brief History of

SneakerHeads A Community With Sole STORY BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

I

n the 1700s, the only shoe around which a sneakerhead could wear, sell, or trade was rubber-soled called a Plimsoll, a nautical term for the plimsoll line on the hull of a ship, a waterline of sorts that marks the draft of a vessel. They were pretty much one size ts all, and no difference between the left one and the right one. Around one hundred years later, the U.S. Rubber Company manufactured an improved design called Keds in 1917. Something else that came out of the U.S. Rubber Company in the early twentieth century was a man named Marquis Mills Converse.

The rst Converse shoe factory opened in 1908. Though in 1915, they started manufacturing athletic shoes. Two years later—around the same time Keds were invented—in 1917, the Converse All-Star was released with those classic diamond treads and the star on the inner heel patch. In 1921 Charles "Chuck" Taylor was hired as a basketball coach/salesman to go around the country, put on basketball clinics and promote the shoes. In 1932 the company put the Chuck Taylor signature on the heel patch; the rest is history. They are now among the most iconic basketball shoes in history.

In the 1950s, tennis and basketball shoes started becoming fashion statements for the youth. Though it is safe to say the sneaker game we know and love today began to take form in the seventies and eighties—with Rap groups like Run-DMC—but crystallized in the nineties with Michael Jordan. Morphing into

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the multi-colored mosaic of art, style, fashion, and global billiondollar industry that we recognize today. The shoe industry has become so hot that they are bought, traded, and sold like the most lucrative stocks on Wall Street.

Today we see a thriving sub-culture that has caught the mainstream wave. Throughout Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are all kinds of sneaker groups where you can talk about the Red Octobers you just copped. Other groups where you could trade those Air Max 4's you've been holding on to for years. And still, other groups where you can get the scoop on those Louis Vuitton Air Force 1's that you can only dream about because they run from $400,000 to $1,000,000. It makes it very plain to see that we have turned the humble plimsolls into sneakers and turned sneakers into something entirely different, giving rise to the sneakerhead. They have become art, and much like ne pieces of art, they symbolize status and turn a prot.

And it isn't just social media getting in on it; streaming services are also cashing in on sneaker culture. NetFlix made an original series called "Sneaker Heads," Disney Plus is now streaming the movie "Sneakerella ." even Prime Video has a movie called "Kicks ." Shoes are everywhere right now. However, not one of these corporations I just mentioned sells shoes. From my research, it seemed apparent that today's shoe business is tailor-made for the entrepreneur. Enter Cool Kicks LA, maybe the biggest shoe store in the country today.

PHOTO: NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 MID BLACK CHILE RED WHITE SHOES - ALBO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Mr. Adeel Shams was a guy well on his way to becoming a dentist who instead of earning a Master’s Degree in Creative Brand Management from VCU Brandcenter. Then he opened Cool Kicks in LA with Bereket Abraham and Davon Artis on Melrose Avenue in 2016. Cool Kicks LA is a buy, sell or trade shoe store. With his social media savvy and marketing skills, he turned this brick-and-mortar shoe shop into a legitimate multi-million dollar retail chain store. No doubt, due to his notoriety on Instagram and YouTube videos. His videos feature him ballin' 'it up with his customers and friends on his in-store basketball court or giving these unique impromptu interviews with his celebrity clients, right in front of the shop shelves lled with millions of dollars of inventory while he's lacing them up with some of the most coveted shoes on the planet.

Many celebrities are sneaker fanatics, Kadeem Hardison has admitted to being a bit of a sneakerhead, and he isn't the only one.

They've become so much of a status symbol that celebrities are even wearing them to red carpet events, including 50 Cent, Eris Baker, DJ Khaled, Kelly Roland, and even Dame Judy Dench and Ellen DeGeneres are getting in on the sneaker train action down the red carpet. Though I can't say, Cool Kick and Shams supplied Dench and DeGeneres with their sneakers. He's undoubtedly tted some of the biggest celebrities with their red-carpet kicks. His is a wellthought-out and well-executed business plan that will no doubt be used as a model for future entrepreneurs and signies the coming of age and sophistication of “Sneaker Culture.”

During this journey down the rabbit hole of sneaker culture, I learned the most from a man named Anthony Forte, a father of three who is a moderator for the Facebook group Los Angeles, Orange County, or LAOC Sneakers. I asked him what he thought it was that transformed sneakers from a utilitarian item to the status symbol they are today. His retort was: “I've never viewed sneakers as a utilitarian item; sneakers are modern-day pop-art, Little Andy Warhols you wear on your feet. They are massproduced and rare at the same time. I think it's a good thing. Many big companies are giving back to the whole spectrum of minority communities by establishing collaborations with local sneaker boutiques in those communities."

So there you have it: from the humble Plimsoll to the Retro Jordan 1's, how our shoes evolved from the former to the latter is indeed an interesting story and a tricky question to answer. The only sure thing is that as long as we need to wear shoes on our feet and as long as we have our sports heroes, sneakerhead culture will endure and inevitably grow. Even though the Pandemic with ecommerce and shoes are essential items and collector's items, many retailers saw a signicant increase in sales.

And in 2022, Nike is still considered the best shoe stock to invest in today. + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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SCauses uite

Suite Life

Surfs, Sails & Camps!

Suite Organizations providing Fun Outdoor Activities for Youth

CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

SUMMER 2022

SuiteCauses

INNER-CITY

Surfers & Sailors STORY BY EDDIE T. GRIJALVA

“...if you're an Angeleno, it's your birthright to have a relationship with the water."

— Marion Setterholm Clark, daughter of Mary Setterholm, founder of Surf Academy and the Surf Bus Foundation

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M

any children of inner-city Los Angeles and other underprivileged communities in our Golden State will never know a life with a relationship to the sea. Even though many live a short car ride from the shores of the great Pacic Ocean: teeming with life and lessons. This reality necessitates this story and the task to nd forward-looking Southern Californian organizations that devote themselves to providing underprivileged children in the foster care system and in Black and Brown communities an opportunity to get to know and maybe even come to love the ocean. As Marion Setterholm Clark, the daughter of Mary Setterholm —founder of Surf Academy and later, in 2003, Surf Bus —stated: "We really want to teach inner-city children surng. Although more than anything, if you're an Angeleno, it's your birthright to have a relationship with the water."

The Surf Bus Foundation, a nonprot organization, born out of the Surf Academy, was founded in 2000 by Mary Setterholm in the aftermath of a tragedy in the ocean off of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Setterholm witnessed the drowning of a young girl from the inner-city in 1998 at Manhattan Beach Pier and resolved that she would do her part to teach children how to enjoy the ocean safely. She opened Surf Academy as a business and taught kids how to swim and deepen their relationships with the ocean, though she had something more on her mind.

By 2003 she created the Surf Bus, a nonprot organization dedicated to getting Black and Brown inner-city children into the ocean. Today it is operated by her daughter, Surf Bus Foundation President Marion Setterholm Clark.

However, it's still run with her mother's original spirit and idea. Which was a simple concept, explained to me by Clark with a question: "How do you make a connection in LA communities you're not a part of?" The answer was simple enough: you get the word out to kids and parents, then send a bus to pick them up in their neighborhoods, at their parks, churches, and recreational centers. It's an idea that's still working today.

Clark also understands that for inner-city children who have no experience with the water, the best place to learn would be a swimming pool, but as she lamented: "Access to pools are very limited. Where else do you learn?" And she's right. According to laparks.org, out of Los Angeles' 39 public SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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SuiteCauses

pools, only 16 are open year-round, and those service thousands.

Clark mentioned: "The idea of letting a kid go by a parent, especially if they can't swim, is concerning." So she took the time to explain:" Most of the young kids are in waist-deep water…We take the opportunity to teach them how to swim and tread water, of course, but we also teach them how to spot a rip current and other dangers, how to use their own instincts in the water, like dog-paddling, which isn't very technical, but can save your life."

Clark made it clear that they love introducing the kids to swimming, surng, and other water skills and therapies that can benet the children for a lifetime. However, her primary objective is "The kids become ocean literate." If you think this would be good for your child, contact the Surf Bus Foundation at www.surfbusfoundation.org.

San Diego's Urban Surf 4 Kids (US4K) is another organization dedicated to introducing surng to inner-city kids. Led by Roxanne Peña Avant, who took the helm as the rst paid, full-time employee and Latina Executive Director in 2019. The kids participating in US4K are usually from the foster care system or transitioning from homelessness.

Volunteers primarily staff US4K, and Avant informed me: "Just as employers are experiencing shortages of employees today, the nonprot world is experiencing a shortage of volunteers." US4K emphasizes mentorship and surf therapy.

They realize these kids are suffering from trauma and can benet from the natural therapeutic effect of water on the body and mind. And also from the interpersonal relationship and positive inuence of a mentor just being involved in their

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lives, teaching them the skill of surng and life lessons that the ocean offers so amazingly well. It allows them to get out of the house to a place that is probably not in their comfort zone, but they get to do it with a community of children of a similar background as themselves. US4K puts on many surf therapy camps throughout the year, not only in San Diego, but in Orange County. For surf therapy camp, connect at RSVP@us4k.org.

Out in Newport Beach at Orange Coast College is The School of Sailing & Seamanship. Since the mid-nineties, they have offered excellent programs for at-risk youth to learn how to sail. Whereas surng is a bit of a solo sport, sailing requires more problem-solving and teamwork skills. Speaking with Mette Segerblom, the Sailing Program Coordinator for the past 20 years, she informed me that their youth programs are offered to children from 10-17 years old. They offer sailing and seamanship classes and youth science camps, where the students learn marine science and STEM skills. Segerblom also mentioned: "We do have grant funding available, and the only prerequisite is that you can swim." To inquire about the grants or to reach out to the organization, they can be contacted at: customercare@occsailing.com.

The face of America is changing, it is browning, and traditionally white institutions and sports are starting to reect this fact. There is a stereotypical image we have of the surfer and boater in America's collective consciousness, though with the help of organizations like these, we can shatter that image. While at the same time, give our Black and Brown children a chance to enjoy the ocean and ocean sports like any other Southern Californian. +

SuiteCauses

Summer Camps: A Time for Learning and Laughter

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

Summer camps provide a safe and fun environment for children to experience the great outdoors while developing social and friendship-building skills.

In addition to these essential life skills developed through socializing, such as setting boundaries, problem-solving, and sharing, this also becomes a simpler way to eliminate screen time. Let us also remind ourselves that exposing kids to the efforts, viewpoints, and work of people with diverse backgrounds is important, subsequently expanding the interests and career possibilities that can foster success. However, navigating these ever-evolving changes in rules concerning maskwearing, gathering sizes, and how certain things will function can be a difcult challenge for parents and their children, so to relieve the stress of digging for summer camps, we have graciously provided a list of camps (both in-person and virtual) to which your children can attend.

Here are the following adventures: .

Black Arts Camp Dr. Anndretta Wilson, the Black Arts & Performance Summer Day Camp creator, has added a cultural and creative twist to summer camps! Starting in June, at the Los Angeles Alpha House in View Park, this four one-week session welcomes children ages ve to twelve to play games and learn activities where they can learn about Black icons, such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others! The attendants will also learn more about African American culture from R&B, hip hop, funk music, freedom songs, the Harlem Renaissance, and Motown within the three sessions. It is here that your child will celebrate the African Diaspora and its accompanying culture with other young learners of all backgrounds and abilities. blackartscamp.com

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Overachiever S.T.E.A.M. Academy

Writing for Social Change

Online summer camps are offered to young learners and students from kindergarten through twelfth grade for those more open to remote options due to the pandemic. If seeking homeschool support or private education, this virtual opportunity is for you! By assisting families academically and providing a structured yet exible program, students can expand their academic skills through interactive learning.

These learning programs include math, writing, social studies, entrepreneurship, nancial literacy, and more!

As one who enjoys Black literature and critical analysis of these bodies of work, this summer program teaches its youthful learners to explore media about social change, the abolition of slavery, Black Civil Rights, women's liberation, the Bolshevik Revolution, and much, much more! This program also provokes discussion on writers like Rachel Carson and Ida B. Wells, that have utilized their power of writing to propel the voices of others. In addition to such experiences and learning, one can further dive into the skills of writing press releases, interviewing activists, and other strategies to organize and shape a story or movement. This class is selfpaced and therefore allows one to learn at their own pace.

Trust me; if I had an opportunity like this, I would not dare pass it up!

(833)278-8867 | acain@achievesuccesstutoring.com

The Knowledge Shop

sscc.teachable.com/p/writing-for-social-change

Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

The Knowledge Shop The Knowledge Shop, founded by Carlton Porter and Yolanda Beckles, was created for families in disadvantaged communities (commonly Black and Brown) to receive educational services that would aid these children's academic development and empowerment. Since "Black and Brown communities…have little to no experience in this model" of education, it is vital to ensure that these children are adequately educated. To ensure that their child will gain additional opportunities and succeed in the education system, many middle-class families have provided such services to continue developing and supporting their children as young learners. However, to ensure such support and growth, this program also equips parents with the tools and training to navigate school systems. From public schools, independent schools, gifts, sector-driven schools like S.T.E.M., private schools, and so on, one will be supported and guided to make the perfect choice for their child! theknowledgeshopla.com

Established in 1969, this program " encourages high school students to choose careers in the health professions," as specied on their website. The overall mission is to enhance the well-being and health of infants, children, and adolescents by "being a resource for physicians with interest in pediatric care by offering education and networking opportunities" while providing guidance and inspiration for students with similar interests in healthcare. Although applications are currently closed, the program consists of a medical mentor program where participants attend interactive, online sessions from various general pediatricians and surgeons, including therapists, nurses, pharmacists, surgeons, and so on. With the completion of those programs, each participant is blessed to have one $500 scholarship that will further afrm what they are doing is vital. Considering its impression, it is clear that this opportunity will open many more doors for those who apply themselves. lapedsoc.org/summer-program Considering the ever-growing developments of technology in conjunction with the pandemic, kids today have missed some of the simplicities of life beyond their phones. Although there is great appreciation and tremendous value in this change, one can not deny the importance of preserving those unplugged childhood memories that many of us are fond of.

Aside from the aforementioned social, leadership, and decision-making skills that can be discovered at a summer program, this is also a chance for the child to get plenty of physical activity and outdoor time! Your child may miss their tablet, television, gaming system, or phone, but once they begin engaging in activities, exploring, having new adventures, and interacting with mentors and friends, they will soon discover the beauty of summer camps. And regardless if it is remote or not, such connections can and have been made. From the friendships and stories to the life sessions, your child is guaranteed to leave summer camp with many developed skills and memories! + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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SuiteBiz

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

SUMMER 2022

Spotlights in: REAL ESTATE HOSPITALITY BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK

THE

Kevin Dillard Story Utilizing Buy-Down Grants to Achieve the American Dream

s u Pl

Hosting An Airbnb

Black-owned Los Angeles SoCal Hotels Black Restaurant Week

Tips & Tricks from a SoCal Host

Building Equity in the Hospitality Industry

Discover some wide-ranging, mouth-watering cuisines

SuiteBiz | REAL ESTATE

If It Starts With a Plan, It Can End With a Purchase AN INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN DILLARD FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN DREAM GRANT PROGRAM

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STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY XAVIER L. HARRIS

H

ooked from the moment he met his best friend’s brother, Dillard knew at sixteen

what he wanted to do with his life.

To be exact, it was in high school that Dillard met Allen Marrell, a twenty-one-year-old gold jacket-wearing Century 21 real estate agent.

Everything about how Marrell carried himself and handled his real estate business resonated with Dillard. But before earning a gold jacket of his own, Dillard had business he needed to address.

Choosing to enlist in the Army straight out of high school, Dillard, born in Fresno, California but raised in Compton and Pasadena, had the good fortune to serve in the Army’s most prestigious Third Infantry Unit. This specialized unit is better known as the ceremonial unit to the President of the United States and is responsible for such tasks as the 21 Gun Salute and presenting the American ag to families of fallen soldiers.

Serving four years in the Third Infantry Unit during the Reagan Administration was memorable for Dillard. It exposed him to the East Coast for the rst time—Washington, DC,

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SuiteBiz | REAL ESTATE Virginia, Maryland; it introduced him to lifelong friends, and it’s where he started his own family. With a family to care for, Dillard left the military but remained with the federal government, where he made his way through the doors of the Veterans Administration and the Department of Housing & Urban Development’s NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) program. Although there were few African Americans in the spaces Dillard was in during the 1980s, he recalls, “Whites were willing to take a chance on me because I was bold and ambitious.”

Accumulated chances allowed Dillard to establish a professional understanding that served him for years. This acquired insight, coupled with his internal drive, permitted Dillard to fulll two-lifetime goals: become a Century 21 agent at twenty and purchase his rst house at twenty-one. As he says, he went from “Army blues to Century 21 gold.”

After twelve years of making the most of what the East Coast had to offer, Dillard returned to California armed with an elevated urge to take his message of homeownership to another level. Reaching the masses was the mission. Going from selling real estate to working as a consultant for NACA to establishing his own nonprot was the path. And what a path it’s been.

Thirty years later, Dillard, the founding director of The American Dream Grant Program, has helped more than ve thousand clients coast-to-coast by “providing funding assistance to rst-time, low-to-moderateincome home buyers using grant funds to buy down the interest rate to achieve an affordable monthly mortgage payment.”

Given ination and the current nancial crisis nationwide, I asked if he still considers homeownership the American Dream? Dillard emphatically retorted, “Absolutely!” The data and Dillard align with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting that as of 2020, “Homeownership in the U.S., in general, is climbing.” But not for everyone. This same Census report outlined that “homeownership among Blacks is declining with only 44.1% of Black Americans owning their homes, compared with 74.5% of White Americans.”

Knowing that racism is one culprit driving the homeownership gap, Dillard addressed signicant others.

“For too many in our community, no money saved up, low FICO score, and no nancial literacy are contributing factors.

We mess up our credit. We keep our money under our

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mattress. These behaviors put us ten, fteen, twenty years behind the average white family.”

Working with partners such as East West Bank, the Veterans Administration, and the Consolidated Board of Realtors, Dillard is as committed to narrowing the homeownership gap for clients in Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina, as he was to a single mom in California. “She came to me making four thousand dollars a month as a Certied Nursing Assistant. I sent her to the NACA program. I counseled her and her agent. I told her, ‘You cannot buy in L.A. I can get you into a home; just be more realistic.’

Through counseling and her coming out of pocket with buydowns and the seller coming out of pocket with buy-downs, she purchased a home in Lake Elsinore for around three hundred thousand dollars. Now she pays less than she was paying for rent for a three-bedroom single-family home.”

Like this single mom, sixty-eight thousand people have

“

Homeownership among Blacks is declining with only 44.1% of Black Americans owning their homes, compared with 74.5% of White Americans.”

taken advantage of the NACA program. And like Allen Marrell did for him, Dillard wants to make certain thousands more improve the quality of life via homeownership, business ownership, and property investment. Service to our country may have started for Dillard in the military; however, decades later, it continues through one-on-one guidance and community-based workshops.

Learn more about these empowering opportunities at theamericandreamgrantprogram.com. +

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SuiteBiz | HOSPITALITY

More Money, Fewer Problems:

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY

How Airbnb Hosting Can Transform Your Bank Account

S

ince its founding in 2007, Airbnb has become the leading home-rental platform in the world. Due to the millennial generation's prioritization of ease and convenience, coupled with discounted accommodations that are anywhere from 6% to 17% cheaper than hotels, it's easy to see why this online marketplace has disrupted the entire industry. With 150M+ worldwide users who have booked 1+ billion stays in 100,000 cities worldwide, it has quickly overshadowed the traditional hotel industry, which once had a chokehold across the entire hospitality and lodging market.

And if you choose to serve as a Host, renting out your own home and charging what you'd like, the deal gets even sweeter.

The average American Host earns $13,800 annually, with those in heavily populated cities making much more. In the Los Angeles area, Hosts' average annual earnings are upwards of $70,000.

"It's been pretty salubrious and well worth it," plainly states Brendan Francis, an employee at Airbnb who's been listing his property on the platform for nearly a year. "[The primary motivator for me was] to get more money." After

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purchasing his Los Angeles home, Francis began looking for passive strategies to increase his wealth. After looking in his backyard one day, he recognized his guest house wasn't getting a ton of use and decided to try his luck on Airbnb. An active Host for nine months now, Francis’ guest house has been a hit on the platform and is showing no signs of slowing down.

To get started, while Airbnb allows Hosts to list properties they own and rent, Francis cautions against listing the property they rent. "It's a lot easier to [list property on Airbnb] when you actually own your space versus trying to subrogate out your space." Many rental companies oppose subletting and include language in the lease terms to discourage and prevent the practice. If listing a rented place, it is your job to read and understand your lease to ensure you're not breaking the terms. In addition, the city of Los Angeles requires registration and a permit number for listing the short-term rental space; this includes securing a signed afdavit from your landlord if renting. Listings without a permit number or exemption posted are blocked from hosting short-term stays.

Next, Francis recommends taking as much care and consideration into the presentation and layout of your listing as possible. "Design a space that you would want to stay in," he begins. "Design something that appeals to others, that people will be enticed to live in and spend some time." He is on to something. Most customers chose Airbnb because they want a personal touch and the ability to live like locals. In the age of social media and Instagram, aesthetically pleasing visuals and a nice investment in the overall functionality of the space are surere ways to help boost your ratings and, consequently, your bookings. To help further STOCK PHOTO NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF A BRENDAN FRANCIS LISTING. highlight your space, investing in a photographer to take Design a space that you would want to stay in... Design something that professional photos of your appeals to others, that people will be enticed to live in and spend some time.” space is a long-time tip veteran Hosts use. Airbnb's site has ideas for a nishing touch. "A As mentioned, because Airbnb guests aspire to live like a bottle of wine or a small gift can also make guests feel extra local when traveling, Airbnb diversied its offerings by adding welcome, but denitely isn't required."

Experiences in 2016. Designed to create in-person or online Amenities are the hosting kit's nal tool to ensure activities hosted by inspiring local experts, they go beyond platform success. The more you have, the better your draw. typical tours or classes by immersing guests in a Host's unique Francis shares, "[When considering the space, pick] world. While Francis does not lead Experiences, he has amenities that you personally would want if you were a guest participated in them when traveling abroad. One Experience, in that space. Really just make it as comfortable as possible." in particular, stands out. "When I was in Brazil, I went to a Airbnb's list of essential amenities includes toilet paper, hand soccer game with someone who spoke Portuguese and knew a soap, body soap, towels, pillows, and linens for each bed. lot about the local team. They were able to tell me about the Aside from this, the sky's the limit when considering just how culture and facilitate travel, tickets, and everything… I don't inclusive and comprehensive a list of amenities you'd like to regret it at all." For those interested in hosting Experiences, have in place. Laundering equipment, swimming pool or hot the biggest determining factors must demonstrate expertise, tub, WiFi, secure parking, home exercise equipment, a fully insider access, and connection. For guests to truly receive the stocked kitchen with dishware and cooking utensils, and value, your experience must include an interactive and working locks on doors come in high demand in Los Angeles. curated activity.

In the nine months Francis has been hosting, where he's Moving forward, Francis has seen a tremendous response welcomed nearly 100 guests, he has yet to encounter a truly and impact since he started using Airbnb to rent his horric guest. "Every now and then, you'll get someone that guesthouse and is grateful for the additional income that pads wants to push the boundaries, but I have no horror stories, his bank account. There has been no encroachment to his and I'm thankful for that." While there is the occasional guest privacy, no disruption to his lifestyle, and nothing short of wins who might have violated his protocols of no guests or left on the platform. With no real downside to speak of, Francis is behind leftover food purchased during their visit, for the most highly incentivized to maintain his successful hosting run. part, he has met with kind, polite visitors who have stuck to his “I'm going to keep this setup. I'm going to let it run." + house rules and left his property in great shape.

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SuiteBiz | FINANCE

“

NABHOOD reports that less than 2% of the nation’s hotels are owned by African Americans.

BUILDING EQUITY in the Hospitality Industry

STORY BY LISA J. BAXTER

T

he hospitality industry is booming. Despite the challenges barring new regulations, stimulus programs, and protocols established when the pandemic hit, the global revenue for travel and tourism is an estimated $447.4 billion [Hotel Tech Report, 2022]. Compare that to the $29.6 billion that African Americans spend annually on travel, and you'll nd those numbers tell a different story of the equity gap in underserved communities and populations.

Founded in 1998, NABHOOD (National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers) is a professional association whose mission is to increase the number of African Americans developing, managing, operating, and owning hotels. They fulll their mission by promoting vendor opportunities and creating more executivelevel jobs, which in turn help to build wealth within the African American community.

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WARREN FIELDS

ROBERT L. JOHNSON

Kicking off their 26th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show beginning July 13th thru the 15th, at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, conference-goers will be offered workshops on the hospitality industry, hotel ownership/ investment prospects, industry supplier diversity updates and opportunities, the latest minority travel trends, and one-of-akind networking opportunities. It's also a chance for the sector to have frank conversations on ensuring diverse, inclusive, and accessible tourism experiences are at the top of the priority list.

NABHOOD reports that African Americans own less than 2% of the nation's hotels. Choosing to patronize Blackowned properties helps these businesses grow and sheds light on how customers can help support closing the equity gap.

Owner + Los Angeles Property Spotlight Warren Fields, President, Chief Executive Ofcer, and Co-Founder of Pyramid Hotel Group, and Robert L. Johnson, Founder, and Chairman of The RLJ Companies, LLC, represent the 2% Black ownership in the Los Angeles area. Both understand the benet of supporting the development of diverse tourism products, addressing their businesses' nancial and workplace needs, and delivering the world-class experiences and customer services that set them apart.

Fields has grown the Boston-based management rm from three hotels in 1999 to over 120 hotels in the United States, Caribbean, and Western Europe. Before assuming the responsibilities of President and CEO, Fields was Chief Investment Ofcer and responsible for all aspects of business development (acquisitions, management & asset management contracts, fundraising, ground-up development, and investments, including M&A deals). Fields is a Cornell University School of Hotel Administration graduate and a member of its advisory board. Pyramid Hotel Group is a franchisee of all major hotel brand companies and operates independent four and ve-star hotels and resorts.

Johnson has led an innovative business network and owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate, private equity, 401k ntech services, automobile dealerships, content streaming, gaming, and sports betting. Before forming The RLJ Companies, Johnson was the founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the nation's rst Black-owned cable television network. He has been named by USA Today as one of the 25 Most Inuential Business Leaders of the Past 25 Years. He holds his place at number two on Black Enterprise's list of "Titans: The 40 Most Powerful African Americans in Business" 40th Anniversary Issue and is a frequent CNBC Contributor. Johnson holds a master's degree in International Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies from the University of Illinois.

Sheraton Gateway San Gabriel — Pyramid Hotel Group

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles — Pyramid Hotel Group Located less than one mile from LAX Airport and SoFi Stadium, the 4-star hotel offers free, 24-hour shuttle services to and from the terminals, a modern hotel tness center, and an outdoor, resort-style pool, complete with private cabanas.

You can choose from a selection of restaurants and bars specializing in California cuisine and craft cocktails. A great space to plan your next event in Los Angeles, book your poolside wedding reception or consider using their updated meeting venues or full-service, all-inclusive conference center for up to 1,000 guests. And at the end of the day, nd comfort in the stylish suites with marble accents, high-speed WiFi, large TVs, and their Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. » 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045

Stylish décor reminiscent of the '40s accentuates the high ceilings in the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel lobby.

Located near the Huntington Library, the Sheraton Gateway San Gabriel is ideal for exploring the museum's extensive collection of art and rare manuscripts. Their in-house hotel restaurant, OPAL Chinese Cuisine, serves up a variety of unique Cantonese avors. You can relax in their hotel spa and access a wide range of revitalizing treatments before heading to the outdoor pool or state-of-the-art tness center for your workout. The full-service business center gives you a home base away from your ofce so you won't miss a beat. Spacious guest rooms add to your CA adventure with robot butlers providing wake-up calls and on-demand housekeeping service. Enjoy the stunning views offered by the San Gabriel Mountains or the Los Angeles skyline from the comfort of your room and unwind with a rain shower in their marble bathrooms and let the sanctuary feel of the property exceed your expectations. » 303 East Valley Boulevard, San Gabriel 91776 SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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Wyndham Santa Monica At The Pier

Hyatt House San Diego + Sorrento Mesa — RLJ Lodging Trust

Wyndham Santa Monica At The Pier — RLJ Lodging Trust The Wyndham Santa Monica Beach At The Pier Hotel is a charming ocean-side property in Los Angeles. Within proximity to iconic attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Beach, nding an adventure is easily accessible and just steps away from the property. Designed with guests' comfort and well-being in mind, the state-of-the-art tness center is open 24/7, and the outdoor heated pool is an ideal spot to get energized and take in the Cali sunshine. All 132 guest rooms provide a serene ambiance and offer free WiFi, ergonomic workstations, a 32-inch at-panel TV, and plush pillow-top beds. You can also choose rooms with stunning views of the Pacic Ocean. » 120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica 90401

Located in the Sorrento Valley near La Jolla, Del Mar, and Torrey Pines State Park, the Hyatt House San Diego / Sorrento Mesa is a family-friendly hotel that offers a serene and clean environment that welcomes pets. Enjoy the residential-inspired rooms and suites and catch a relaxing siesta on their signature plush Hyatt Grand Beds™. Amenities boast a fully equipped kitchen, sleeper sofa, and a 42" atscreen TV. The dedicated workstation and extra connections will keep you productive and on-task if you are traveling for business. Take a bike and explore various local attractions from beautiful beaches, natural areas, museums, and parks.

Visit the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, or SeaWorld San Diego and pop into the hip boutiques of La Jolla before immersing yourself in a lively dining and nightlife scene.

Depending on your dining needs, the complimentary breakfast buffet is the perfect way to start your day of sightseeing. The H Market offers a 24-hour grab-and-go for your grocery and snack needs, while H Bar provides an elevated dining experience with premium alcoholic beverages and delicious American fare. » 10044 Pacific Mesa Blvd., San Diego 92121

Tourism helps to drive the economy, and with the continued advocacy of NABHOOD, the number of Black owners, operators, and developers grows annually. The industry has a lot of work to do, but representation makes all the difference.

To register for the NABHOOD 26th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show, visit nabhood.net. To learn more about Pyramid Hotel Group and RLJ Companies LLC, visit: pyramidhotelgroup.com and investor.rljlodgingtrust.com. +

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SuiteBiz | RESTAURANTS

EATL

Black-Owned, and I’ll Tell You Why!

STORY BY KAMEA TAYLOR

os Angeles (LA) is home to a long list of divine Blackowned businesses serving cuisines ranging from Southern, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Brazilian foods, and many other ethnic dishes. Whether you want to dine in or take out, LA's food scene continues to stand out and serve its locals and visitors!

One should note the wide-ranging and mouth-watering cuisines that serve the people who belong to this global diaspora, henceforth reecting the impact of American slavery, the Great Migration, and its consequent Southern (also known as the Deep South) and Creole restaurants that harbored the taste of home. Such dishes, like collard greens, dirty rice, fried okra, and yams, to name a few, are the result of the decient food rations that were low in nutritional and qualitative value.

It was from these small rations that enslaved communities adapted generational recipes and preserved African food traditions with the resources they were given.

Aside from this, this rich history ties Black culture to its African roots, therefore being a powerful tool for bringing families and friends together.

Though born out of survival and struggle, we now can refer to these dishes and cuisines for decadence and comfort. The best part about this is how these Black dishes and cuisines have persisted in evolving and inspiring cooks and customers beyond their own walls. These "high-calorie" dishes have also grown to be more robust and delicious, with healthy alternatives that further aid in breaking the negative conceptions and enigma surrounding soul food and African American foods.

By intermixing the avors of Mexican, Greek, and Asian dishes, building creative ways to cook plant-based meals, and drawing inuence from Cal-fresh cooking styles, we see how the Black delicacy of food has birthed essential Black-owned restaurants.

That said if you are a food lover or connoisseur, like myself, and are interested in Black-owned businesses beyond the short list provided, Black Restaurant Week is the place to go!

The event is happening from August 19th to August 28th to celebrate the best in culinary arts as well as the avors and dishes of African, Caribbean, and African-American cuisines. The event will be their 4th annual campaign in the Los Angeles Region, thus expanding on the types of food places from restaurants, food trucks, sweets, and much more. You do not want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! » blackrestaurantweeks.com 64

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Here are some incredible and quite tasty Black-owned restaurants: 1. Harold & Belles Restaurant — haroldandbelles.com

| IG: @haroldandbellesrestaurant

Coming all the way from New Orleans, Harold League Sr. and his wife, Mary Belle, opened this wonderful restaurant with the hopes of developing a place where friends and family could gather to enjoy the food that reminded them of home. From the Louisiana-style Catfish dinners, Country Cajun Meatloaf, Jambalaya, and Filé Gumbo (including a vegetarian version with sautéed okra) down to the beignets and peach cobbler, this restaurant has truthfully birthed beautiful delicacies that would touch the souls and hearts of many. The business is now owned and run by the thirdgeneration husband and wife, Ryan and Jessica LeGaux after Harold League Sr.'s passing in 2011.

But rest assured, the legacy of such fine cuisines has continued!

2. Sky's Gourmet Tacos — skystacos.com | IG: @skystacos In Los Angeles, Black restaurants serving Mexican cuisines emphasize their desire to create "Mexican with a hint of soul." And if you are ever looking for a place to celebrate Taco Tuesday, this is the place! Founded in 1992 by chef Barbara Burrell, their tacos are served on large, six-inch corn tortillas with the meat options of lobster, filet mignon, and many more. There are also vegan and vegetarian options like potatoes and cheese to accommodate their customers! However, let us remember that Sky's gourmet menu is not just limited to tacos; it also entails the following: burritos, nachos, tortas, tostadas, and quesadillas. After celebrating thirty years of delicious food, I can guarantee it is all worthy of your attention!

3. Stevie's Creole Cafe — steviescreolecafe.com | IG: @steviesonpico Many of us have enjoyed the time-consuming endeavor of making gumbo as we grew up, whether that be prepping or creating the various versions of the dish by our family members. On that note, Stevie's famous seafood gumbo consists of a more than generous share of crab, chicken, shrimp, and sausage, served atop steamed rice with French bread. Oh, but it doesn't stop there! They also have Mac and Cheese with shrimp, Po' Boys, King Crab Legs, Banana Pudding, and so much more!

One can prove such delicious and mouth-watering dishes with its current roster of celebrities, too.

From Stevie Wonder to Shaq, you cannot deny Stevie's Creole Cafe of its talent!

4. Wood Spoon — woodspoonla.com/restaurant

| IG: @woodspoon

This rustic downtown eatery is led by owner and chef Natalia Pereira specializes in dishes with a Brazilian fuse. Inspired by the "African, European, and Indian influences specific to the region of Minas Gerais, Brazil," the menu contains Portuguese dumplings stuffed with coconut and shrimp, Brazilian pot pie filled with chicken, olives, corn, hearts of palm, sealed with a flaky, crumbly crust, and so on! Telling by the menu, it is key to note that his restaurant has proven its well-deserved spot on California's 2021 Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide for Brazilian fare! I should also note that there is a strongly recommended order of yucca fries (the denser version of traditional potato fries) and house-made passionfruit mousse to finish your meal! In all, just enjoy the experience of good food!

5. Poppy + Rose — poppyandrose.com | IG: @poppyandrosela Inspired by all the country kitchens we all know and love, this excellent restaurant is known to be one of the best breakfast and brunch spots located across the streets from LA's original Flower Market. Customers have the choice of Shrimp and Grits, Biscuit and Gravy, Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Cobb Salad, and so many other dishes that will leave you wanting more! The owners, husband, and wife Michael and Kwini Reed, have recently launched a comfortable and shaded rooftop patio that will propel the experience of those lavender limeade house cocktails and the comforting dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. In addition to all the progressions during the pandemic, they have also been one to give back to the community by helping unhoused neighbors or contributing to the Black Lives Matter movement. Alongside this generosity, just last spring, they opened Poppy & Seed, an in-house, hyper-seasonal restaurant in the Anaheim Packing District, giving customers an even greater chance to try these tasty cuisines.

6. Honey’s Kettle — honeyskettle.com | IG: @honeyskettle We all remember the sweet and special memories when our friends and family gathered for lots of laughter and delicious food. Compton native and Honey's Kettle founder, Vincent Williams, is known for ensuing these same memories with his fried chicken! He first started at Golden Bird in LA, a Black-owned, well-renowned warm fresh-fried chicken in the '50s and '60s, and then went on to own a Golden Bird franchise in 2000, which became his first Honey's kettle on Alondra Blvd in Compton. Although the location is no longer in operation, you can still find this golden brown delicacy in Culver City and Downtown, with sides like blueberry hotcakes, tangy pickles, fresh coleslaw, and sweet potato wedges. In all, it doesn't get any better than this.

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ENTERTAINMENT

E

Suite Life CONCIERGE MAGAZINE

SoCal

SUMMER 2022

suite

Katching up with

enteRtainment

“

My life’s goal was to be authentic no matter what character or role I portrayed.”

What happens when your dreams become a reality? Looking at Kadeem Hardison's life, I'd say, you'd experience living life out loud. When Suite Life SoCal walked into his carefully positioned home in one of the hillsides of Southern California for our cover photo shoot, it was evident that Hardison is living a life where he fully expresses himself.

From the awe-inspiring superhero collection to the music he played to the shoe collection that grows as steadily as his career, Hardison has accomplished what most people rarely seem to nd — a complete expression of self.

STORY BY KEN CALVIN PHOTOGRAPHER KAI BYRD

FASHION DIRECTOR DION DEMETRIES

PHOTO ASSISTANT CINDY CASTRO

FASHION EDITOR / ON-SET STYLIST DAISY BOUREZ

@kadeemhardison

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enteRtainment

Before our photo shoot, Suite Life SoCal had the pleasure of interviewing this iconic actor. For many of us, Hardison was not only a memorable actor but one who could be considered a living legend. In catching up with Hardison, we reected on many things from his past experiences in television and lm and some of his current and future ventures. For those of us mostly in the 40and-over-club, we remember Hardison in his role on A Different World as Dwayne Cleophus Wayne. Hardison played the cool bright college student in this spin-off from The Cosby Show.

Hardison made being smart fashionable and inspired many Black males to attend college.

When we asked Hardison how he felt about the positive impact he had on many young people during the show's 6-season run, he humbly replied that he never gets tired of hearing the positive impact he has had on others. Hardison recalled being in a restaurant where the waiter was so starstruck that he almost lost his job until Hardison shared that he was ok with receiving that kind of public admiration. He also shared the joy of having grandmothers, moms, and strangers from all walks of life tell stories of their kids following in his footsteps and how those small gestures of genuine humanity continue to motivate him daily.

Whether it was his iconic style with his classic ip-up glasses and high-top fade, with the rayon shirts and Jordans to match, or the fact that his character was perceived as one of the smartest men on campus with the fabulously gorgeous woman on his arm (Jasmine Guy); Kadeem's role as Dwayne Wayne propelled him to a future that was brighter than some could imagine.

ABOVE: AN ILLUSTRATION DRAWING BY ARTIST X PAYNE THAT KADEEM HAS AT HIS HOME.

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“

We all have the power to visualize and achieve what we want to do as human beings”.

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enteRtainment

Perhaps Hardison's rst regular role was memorable because his acting career was intentional. "I always dreamed of doing what I do," Hardison stated. "We all have the power to visualize and achieve what we want to do as human beings," he added. According to Hardison, this is how he has managed to make a successful life out of the career he loves. While sharing his experience of getting to work with one of his favorite mentors, Eddie Murphy, Hardison stated, "I remember having a dream that I was on the set with Eddie."

According to Hardison, within days, he would be invited to work on the 1995 lm, Vampire in Brooklyn, where he starred as Julius Jones, the nephew of Silas Green — played by the late great John Witherspoon — and ended up being bitten by Maximillian, aka Eddie Murphy, and turned into a decaying ghoul who was sentenced to be Maximillian's right-hand man and driver.

One of the things Hardison highlighted that made this the perfect role was that after A Different World, he wanted to go to the dark side to expand his repertoire and range as an actor.

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What better way to do so than being part of a lm directed by Wes Craven, creator of the 1984 horror classic Nightmare on Elm Street, as well as The Hills Have Eyes, People Under the Stairs, and Scream, just to name a few. When reecting on the memories of being on the set with Murphy, Hardison shared that the most challenging part was remaining focused with a straight face in the presence of "one of the funniest human beings of all time."

In addition to that experience, Hardison shared that working with the Wayans brothers on the 1988 classic, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, was another of his bucket list moments.

"Keenan Ivory Wayans did so much for young Black actors and actresses that it's hard to capture in words," recalled Hardison as he ashed back to his days on set with the Wayans family.

He stated that though he was around comedy legends like Bill Cosby at an early age, the Wayans brothers and Eddie Murphy assisted him with knowing that he was capable of much more as his career began to take shape.

enteRtainment

Hardison fullled the "so much more" prophecy as his career continued. With over 48 feature lm appearances and upward of 44 television sitcom roles, he has been one of the most consistent actors of his time. There aren't many people who came into this game with him that are still cashing and signing checks at the rate of Mr. Hardison. However, one of the greatest gifts his career has afforded him is the ability to live his life out loud precisely as he desires. Hardison is classically "all things Black and nerdy," said his publicist, Jayce Baron, when we reached out to him for scheduling.

Once upon a time, those were words that most men of color would frown upon when being described, but that's one of the superpowers that Hardison has embodied. He was a forerunner as a cool smart Black man on T.V. and, from the looks of it, that role may have inspired him, as it did for many of us, as he has been featured in several gaming publications. In addition to gaming, Hardison has been featured on YouTube as the host of the show, Sideshow Collectibles, where he and other various guests unbox giant action gure gurines. Hardison shared that he has over 50 action gurines at his home that are priceless collector items.

Hardison’s appearances on the YouTube show Slideshow Collectibles reveals he has a special connection to superheroes. Particularly, Hardison related with the X-men who, like him, didn’t quite t in. Magneto and Professor Xavier paralleled two different characters for Hardison, Malcolm X, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. respectfully. “My connection to the X-men and Magneto and Professor Xavier, in particular, it helped me relate more.” Hardison found a deeper expression through those characters and his love for these superheroes shows in how he prominently displays these collectible superhero gures in his home.

In addition to those ventures, he is also an avid sneakerhead that has been featured in multiple sneaker publications as well. Speaking of his love for sneakers, Hardison shared that he attended an event in Portland, Oregon, for NIKE and was the rst person ever documented or seen wearing Jordans with his tuxedo. While he reminisced, I vividly remember when people started wearing tennis shoes with dress wear, I remember seeing him do it rst.

So when did Hardison's love for sneakers begin?

According to Hardison, his passion for sneakers started in the late '70s in junior high school. "I remember the Converse Weapon (Magic Johnson/Larry Bird) shoe being ones I went after in a bunch of color-ways. But before that, the adidas® Stan Smith and the brown suede adidas that Hutch from Starsky & Hutch wore (adidas® Gazelle) are ones I'm still trying to track down today. I found some green ones in Ireland that made me happy," Hardison enthusiastically recalled; like a true sneakerhead.

LEFT: One of Kadeem’s large-size superhero action figures.

RIGHT: Though not a hobby, we see Trip, Kadeem’s canine companion getting a treat.

BELOW: Pairs of sneakers from Kadeem’s expansive collection.

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PICTURED: Kadeem gleefully showing off his A Quest Called Tribe t-shirt that represents the motorcycle club of which he’s been a longtime member.

As Hardison's career continued through the '90s to the millennium, we witnessed his range become apparent as he transitioned into the role of Craig Cooper on the Disney Channel's hit show, K.C. Undercover, starring Zendaya Coleman, where Hardison played her father. When speaking of the actress, Hardison shared that Coleman was a natural who reminded him much of himself as a young actor on the set. He raved about her professionalism and how he was not surprised to see her ourish as she began to chart her course of stardom after the K.C. Undercover experience. Hardison also shared how impressed he was with her role on her hit show, Euphoria, and how no one expected the show to be as deep as it was.

Hardison is not just a television father. He has a daughter, which he lovingly spoke of during our interview. As you can imagine, he shares excellent fatherly advice with his

daughter. As he encourages everyone, he reminds her that she can be anything she wants. As Hardison reected on being a father, he said, "Fatherhood has taught me that I can love past my imagined limits. Growing up and even as a grown-up, you’re taught you loved this or that. Then you become a parent and realize you had no idea what love is."

As that part of the conversation continued, you could see Hardison's eyes light up as he spoke with excitement about having the opportunity to be a father and to mentor young talent and how much it means to him to see young professionals take their craft seriously. It was an example of his genuine heart and his desire for anyone around him to be successful, even if he wasn't the center of attention. People like Hardison are hard to nd in a world lled with "Me guys," as my coach would often label them.

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enteRtainment

Dominic Monaghan as Paul Sarno and Kadeem Hardison as Arlo in Moonhaven Season 1, Episode 6 - Photo Credit: Szymon Lazewski/AMC+

As the Suite Life SoCal interview progressed, Hardison humbly, honestly, and gratefully shared his past, present, and future. So what’s next for Hardison? His next project, set to air on AMC on July 7th, happens to be a series based on life in outer space called Moonhaven. The series highlights an amazing science ction adventure where the moon is Earth's last hope. The show stars Joe Manganiello, Dominic Monaghan of Lord of The Rings, and many more. Hardison's character is named Arlo. When asked what the excitement level was for his upcoming project, Hardison stated that “it's a dream come true to continue to be part of these fantastic pieces of work.” When I asked for more details, Hardison was not giving us any inside information. Instead, he said that we would have to wait like the rest of the world to see how unique this project would be.

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At Suite Life SoCal, we have the wonderful opportunity to function as a bridge of information.

Interviewing an icon like Hardison is an honor. As we get to showcase his inspiring story that encourages others to live an authentic life.

Hardison is, to many, an iconic gure who made being smart, cool, and something to aspire toward.

As one of the few trailblazing roles, in prime time, a young Black man's intelligence was highlighted, and young Black kids had an opportunity to see themselves as smart. It is not just his character but how he played the character which has captured our appreciation for Hardison. After catching up with Kadeem, it is how he has lived a life of integrity while walking in his true self which cements his role in the world, especially in the Black community. +

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talk A SUMMER READ

Becoming Najah: Stories of Misery, Mystery, and Mastery

BY NAJAH ROBERTS

Suitetalk

@najahroberts najahroberts.com thedfrtour.com

Najah Roberts Story LA’s Own Freedom Fighter Recounts Her Messy Journey to Freedom in New Tell-All STORY BY MISCHA DUFFIE

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T

oday, her name is Najah Roberts. At birth, her name was something else.

Today, she's on a mission to free others. As a reckless Bethune Cookman College student, she needed someone to free her.

The path of that freeing, along with the story behind the author's name change, is chronicled in her inaugural memoirstyle book, Becoming Najah (released May 28, 2022), where Roberts arrests us with stories that are equal parts rousing and despicable.

On Tuesday, May 24, our conversation began against the backdrop of the Uvalde, Texas, mass shooting that took the lives of nineteen children and two teachers just minutes before I arrived at Robert's radiant West Manchester ofce. Breaking news reverberated from the waiting area's television. Roberts concluded by putting the nal touches on her 41-city Digital Financial Revolution Tour (thedfrtour.com), designed to introduce disenfranchised communities across the country to cryptocurrency while also bringing awareness to the generational wealth gaps that affect the most nancially vulnerable in communities of color.

At 51, Roberts knows a thing or two about vulnerability. Years before evolving into the woman focused on closing Black America's wealth gap; her most signicant focus was closing her morality gap.

Our conversation opened with me questioning the timing of her no holds barred tell-all.

MISCHA: As I read Becoming Najah and it got more and more scandalous, I wondered to myself, Why now? She's so accomplished. Why air the dirty laundry now?

NR: Probably. I think I got it from my sperm donor, who, as I mention in the book, made a career out of slipping and falling, suing and collecting checks.

NAJAH: I started writing this book over twenty years ago when I was in prison. It's my story. All of it made me who I am today. I can't explain it other than to say I just feel like because I was so hardheaded and did whatever I wanted, even in a structured home, I want to help girls not go through what I went through. I want them to know the importance of listening to their parents. But then also, I want parents to know the stricter you are, the more likely your child is to nd their way to the things you're trying to keep them from.

MD: Speaking of slipping and falling, you share a lot of "I could die in this" moments in the book. Whether it was the night at the Airport Hotel or the kidnapping or when you and your rst husband were ghting during your honeymoon.

What was the scariest for you?

MD: You mentioned home; you lived in a gang-infested South Los Angeles neighborhood yet were raised by parents who loved you, who had standards that governed your home.

What do you make of your fascination with all the wrong things the streets had to offer?

NR: The streets weren't boring. As I say in the book, I was the person who was attracted to all the bad stuff. I don't know where that came from, but the more dangerous it appeared, the more interested I was. My parents couldn't understand it.

MD: Right. Because they had rules . . .

NR: Which I apparently didn't believe in at the time.

MD: There's a saying that one can be too smart for his own good. You were a bright girl. You started reading at three. You excelled in school when you put your mind to it. But you also manufactured chaos. Were you too smart for your own good?

NR: Nothing was scary.

MD: Nothing . . .

NR: No. It's gonna sound crazy, but in the strangest of ways, I always felt like God had me.

MD: It's interesting you say that because as I was reading, it never came across that you were scared, except maybe a little during the kidnapping.

NR: More than scared, I just wanted to get home, get my stuff together so I could graduate and get to college. I was never afraid of them killing me 'cause I knew somebody was going to come up with some money from somewhere. Money was everywhere. So even if I had to call some of my people to say, "Hey, come bring this dude some money." They would have brought the money.

MD: Great segue way. We have to talk about boys and men and sex. Ma'am, you went through so many guys, which begs the question, was the moving through guys about power and control, or were you addicted to sex?

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Suitetalk NR: It was more than about control. It was me being able to do what I wanted to do with whoever I wanted to do it with as a dark brown girl. I saw my male cousins running through females.

They're still doing it today. So I gured if they could do it, I could do it too. The other thing is I wasn't by myself. I had friends that were exactly the same way.

MD: As a result of all the sex, you contracted STDs. You had eleven abortions, using abortions as your form of birth control. Any regrets?

NR: No, because I was young. I was vain. I thought I knew what I was doing, but I didn't. I did better when I knew better.

MD: Speaking of better, you converted from Christianity to Islam and found answers that changed you.

NR: I did. God had a plan for my life.

And thanks to the knowledge of accountability and discipline, I'm living it out right now.

MD: Amen.

MD: What do you love most about the Najah you have become?

NR: I love that I'm exible. That I'm open. That I'm a different person.

Becoming Najah is a beautiful reminder of grace and love's power to transform a life. I highly recommend adding it to your summer reading list. +

Follow Roberts on all social media platforms @NajahRoberts.

Purchase her new book and learn more about her liberating work at najahroberts.com.

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Suite eSSEntials | Suite escapeS TRAVEL TIPS

Best Places To Stay In Martha’s Vineyard

T

here are a lot of places you may choose to stay when visiting Martha’s Vineyard. You cannot help but imagine cedar shake paneling, yachts, beautiful beaches, vivid sunsets, wonderful seafood, and abundant bouquets when you hear about this island paradise. So, where to stay in Martha’s Vineyard? In this article, we’ll share the best hotels in Martha’s Vineyard worth staying at!

Where To Stay In Martha’s Vineyard?

There are several beautiful places where you can stay in Martha’s Vineyard. Your alone time might give you another perspective and new experiences to create when traveling. Additionally, you may also gain different learning from the locals, such as cultures, beliefs, and others.

Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are perhaps the most popular areas to stay on Martha’s Vineyard. Generally, Vineyard Haven and the UpIsland area are two more places to stay when exploring this amazing place.

BY BETTY LAMARR Publisher, Life is a Journey of Escapes Life is a Journey of Escapes is a travel blog written by Betty LaMarr, a corporate refugee for women-over-50 who are accomplished in their careers and are now ready to make themselves a priority.

Betty writes to inspire and encourage women to travel as a reward. You can find more information and sign-up at:

lifeisajourneyofescapes.com.

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Hotels or Private Houses?

When comparing hotels vs. private properties, we’ve detailed a few more compelling reasons why you should consider one or the other with these two options: Space And Privacy – Rental properties provide additional space for you. It also assists in reducing the amount of time spent complaining about privacy and personal space. Normally, most private houses have several televisions, multiple bathrooms, and some outdoor areas to enjoy.

Home-like Features – Visualize being able to make espresso, read some books, and relax without bothering others or going out in public. It is the environment that private houses may give over to hotels. Instead of eating out every night, a traveler like you might even save money and enjoy meals by cooking in a full kitchen.

No Additional Charges – If you reserve a vacation property, you’re negotiating with the owner personally. It means you’ll understand properly what’s included in your stay and how much it’ll cost. Normally, parking, internet, pool towels, beverages, and other charges are not hidden.

Hotels Have Rules – The hospitality business uses a single company that owns, operates, and manages resorts, hotels, resort towns, and other non-vacation rental units. Usually, the hotel rm establishes the regulations, species operations, and decorates, manages, and oversees the rooms.

So, it is up to you if you want to clean your room or get a hotel, and the housekeeping will clean the room for you.

Houses For Rent In Martha’s Vineyard?

The Kelley House – The Kelley House Hotel can be found in the heart of Edgartown’s historic whaling harbor. It dates back to when the riches of its sea captains drove the Island’s economy.

Each of the 54 rooms at Kelley House has been updated to reect the modern-day and exudes a quaint maritime vibe.

The visitor’s pool is a unique feature on the Island and provides a much-appreciated escape from the commotion found on the beaches during the high season.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

Nobnocket Boutique Inn – The breathtaking Nobnocket Boutique Inn is ideally suited for romantic island escapes for couples. A lovely designer property is hidden among two hectares of lush gardens and forests in a remote area. This house was designed with no expense spared, and guests must be at least 16 years old to stay here.

Make a reservation in the Luxury Grand Suite for a one-of-akind experience and take advantage of its spacious walk-in bathroom, deep bathtub, and gas replace.

The Christopher – The Christopher, located in the chill town of Edgartown, Massachusetts, is one of the most upscale and distinctive hotels on Martha’s Vineyard. It offers you an experience that is unique and beautiful. Because of the hotel’s convenient position in the heart of the neighborhood, visitors will have an easy time exploring the area’s many restaurants, retail stores, cafés, museums, and galleries.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn’s Luxury Grand Suite

Other Cities In Martha’s Vineyard The other cities mentioned below have the best beaches you could imagine. Check these different cities in Martha’s Vineyard:

Additionally, the comfortable rooms have furniture reminiscent of New England’s seaside charm and the Caribbean island design. iPads are provided free of charge for visitors throughout their stay and are tted in each room’s at-screen television alongside Apple TV and personal toilet facilities.

Aquinnah – Clay cliffs, natural beaches, and the legacy of the Wampanoag people have helped make Aquinnah one of the most famous places in Massachusetts. This tranquil town is cherished by many people, including athletes, nature enthusiasts, and artists, due to its proximity to beach resorts.

Crocker House Inn – The Crocker House Inn can be found in the Island’s northernmost region, just a short distance from Vineyard Haven Harbor. The location is convenient for guests because it is near some eateries, some of which are La Softta, Bobby B’s, and Copperwork.

West Tisbury – In the 18th century, West Tisbury grew up around its many streams and ponds, which played a signicant role in the town’s development. This is a fun gathering spot that draws locals together over cuisine, artwork, and conversation throughout summer and the rest of the year.

You will have the opportunity to participate in various activities during your time in Vineyard Haven, such as water and sailing activities or shopping in the town’s spectacular boutiques. The rooms include lovely hardwood ooring, enough window space, and a sophisticated aesthetic.

The Polly Hill Conservatory and the Cedar Tree Neck wildlife sanctuary are popular destinations for tourists and town locals.

Additionally, Lambert’s Cove Beach is a popular destination for both entire families and guests due to its beautiful beach and calm seas.

How Far In Advance Do You Reserve Accommodations?

Martha’s Vineyard is a popular summer destination, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to stay at one of the best hotels on the island. Many of the top hotels are fully booked by Memorial Day, so if you’re hoping to stay at a particular property, it’s best to reserve your room as soon as possible.

Of course, you can always try your luck and see if any rooms become available closer to your desired travel dates, but the chances are slim that you’ll nd a last-minute deal.

So, if you’re planning a Martha’s Vineyard vacation, start your search for accommodations early to ensure that you get the hotel of your choice.

Chilmark – Chilmark’s picturesque coastlines and ponds and the undulating hills and meadows surrounding the town have made it a popular tourist destination. People travel to this location for visual splendor and a laid-back lifestyle.

Between trips to the beach and the farmer’s market, you can rest at the Chilmark Store, where you can pick up a local newspaper. You may also have coffee or pizza and relax on the balcony if you want to unwind.

Now you know where to stay in Martha’s Vineyard. Remember that this island is naturally gorgeous, regardless of which place you choose. So, it is up to you to gure out where you feel comfortable and happy staying. Additionally, if you are looking for the best restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard, you may use a car rental for easy transportation and enjoy your new comfort food. Surely, this island paradise has it all, from delicious traditional meals to Asian, European, and Latin American tastes. + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2022

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Suite eSSEntials

The

Suite List An Industry Listing Guide featuring Event, Media, PR and Creative Resources Watch this space for updates or view our online directory at suitelifesocal.com.

For more information, email us at suitelifesocal@gmail.com.

CALENDARS & EBLASTS Black Book LA Makiah Green info@blkbkla.com blkbkla.com FB/TW: BlackBookLA IG: blackbookla_ Black Cultural Events blackculturalevents.com info@blackculturalevents.com FB: BlackCulturalEvents TW: BlkCulturalEvnt LI: black-cultural-events Fusicology fusicology.com FB/TW/IG: fusicology SuiteEvents Sarah Harris events@suiteevents.com suiteevents.com The Loop 411 Gayle Corn theloop411blog@gmail.com theloop411.com FB/TW/IG: theloop411

Heartsung, Inc. Lura Daniels-Ball (213) 400-3489 luraball@gmail.com www.heartsung.com FB: lura.ball Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises Personal Services Plus Wendy Gladney (951) 313-4732 wendy.gladney@gmail.com IG: wendygladney / seasonofgreatness wendygladney.com Wade & Associates Margo Wade LaDrew (310) 674-6700 margo.wadeassociates@gmail.com FB: margo.ladrew

DÉCOR

DJ Jiji Sweet jijisweet@gmail.com @djJijiSweet jijisweet.com Good Boy Entertainment Kerry Neal (310) 946-2321 kerryeneal@gmail.com goodboyentertainment.com

EVENT PRODUCTION Fun-PR Events Service Tiffany Bradshaw, MBA (866) 219-8558 Tiffany@Bradshaw&Co.com Fun-pr.com Minor Details Productions Terrina Scott terrina@minordetailsproductions.com

minordetailsproductions.com FB: minordetailsproductions IG: mdpevents | TW: MinorDProds Splendid Affairs Sabra Diogioes-Waddy (818) 605-7405 sabra@splendidaffairsinc.com splendidaffairsinc.com FB: splendidaffairsinc

M&G Catering Micheal Chatman (909) 320-0341

Dazzle & Design, LLC Linda Patterson (310) 774-6537 linda@dazzleanddesign.com dazzleanddesigndecor.com

CONSULTANTS

Djs

The Baker Group Tammy Dickerson tammy@tbakergroup.com tbakergroup.com FB/TW/IG: tbakergrp

A Personnel Touch Faye Geyen fayer49@yahoo.com FB: fgeyen LI: in/apersonneltouch

DJ Higher Lvl Jon Harris (951) 347-6242 djhigherlvl.mgmt@gmail.com djhigherlvl.com @djhigherlvl

The Todd Group Todd Hawkins todd@thetoddgroup.net thetoddgroup.net FB: thetoddgroupla TW: thetoddgroup

CATERING

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WP Miller Special Events William P. Miller wpmiller@wpmillerspecialevents.com

wpmillerspecialevents.com FB: WP MIller Special Events IG/TW: wpmillermoments Wright Productions Mena and Shantee Wright wrightprods.com IG: @wrightprods_ Twitter: @wrightprods_ Wynning Touch Event Design DeShawn Wynn, CMP-HC Chief Meeting Architect deshawn.wynn@wynningtouch.com wynningtouch.com 323.691.2005

EVENT RENTALS Collective Rentals Design House Lauren Montgomery 24414 S Main St #208 Carson, CA 90745 (323) 553-0641 collectiverentals.com FB: collectiverentals IG: collective_rentals

EVENT SPACE 1010 Wine & Events 1010 La Brea Ave Inglewood 90302 1010wineandevents.com IG/FB: @1010wineandevents Twitter: @1010Wine Bella Luxe Loft 6081 Center Drive #102, 90045 (323) 423-6446 bellaluxeloft.com TW: loft_luxe / IG: bellaluxeloftla

RESOURCE DIRECTORY GRAPHIC DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHERS

René Cross-Washington Art Director/Creative Consultant (323) 292-8302 rcwgrafx@aol.com reneella.smugmug.com/Art/ReneCross-Washington-Graphics

11:ONE VISUALS Kristina Dixon (310) 855-2032 11onevisuals@gmail.com 11onevisuals.com FB/TW/IG: 11onevisuals

ATTAIN Design and Marketing Communications Kelcey Newman Creative Director (805) 822-9392 kelcey@attaindmc.com FB: kelcey.newman

Foxx Media Group Photography by Foxx Ian Foxx ifoxx@sbcglobal.net foxxmedia.smugmug.com FB: FoxxPhotography

JAGs Design Studio James Green (951) 251-4852 Info@jagsdesignstudio.com jagsdesignstudio.com Kaleidoscope Consulting Group Bonique Edwards Website Development | Graphic Design | Social Media (310) 500-2222d kconsultinggroup.com FB: kaleidoscopeconsulting IG: kaleidoscoperocks LI: kaleidoscope-consulting-group Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises

Joshua Berrymon jberrymon1012@gmail.com IG: @coolin_caughtit Kai Byrd Photography Kai Byrd kaibyrd@gmail.com kaibyrdphotography.com FB: Kai.Byrd | IG: kaibyrd_ Malcolm Ali Photography Malcolm Ali malcolmali@aol.com FB: malcolm.ali.98 Monica Root Photography Monica Belandres Root monicaroot.photography MRM Studios Michael R. Moore iammoore.com @michaelrmoore616

FD Parker & Associates Farrah Parker (310) 350-1984 fparker@fdparker.com fdparker.com FB: Farrah-Parker | IG: fdparkerpr TW: LeavUrImge2FDP

Sabra Marie Photography Sabra Marie (909) 215-2104 photos@sabramarie.com sabramariephotography.com @sabramarie

PRINTER

KRPR MEDIA FIRM KimiRhochelle Porter (909) 543-2978 kimirhochellepr@gmail.com krprmedia.com kimirhochelle.com FB: kimirhochellepr TW: kimirhochelle | krprmedia | urbanlyfestyles

L.A. Business Printing Eric Johnson 6840 La Cienega Blvd Inglewood, CA 90302 (310) 649-5855 eric@labusinessprinting.com

PUBLICISTS/PR/ MARKETING CB Communications Cheryl Brownlee (916) 806-3384 cbcommunications@ymail.com cbcommunications.net CW&Company, Public Relations Counsel Clarence R. Williams Owner (323) 979-4355 crwsm9@aol.com facebook.com/clarence.r.williams ESP Public Relations Edna Sims, Owner 310-770-8117 esppr@mac.com espr.net

Platinum Star PR Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA m.lemelle@att.net (213) 276-7827 platinumstarpr.com FB: marie.lemelle IG: platinumstarpr TW: platinumstar Reinvent Communications Vincent Jones reinventcomm.com IG: reinventcomm The Society Nineteen Group Lela Christine lela@societynineteengroup.com societynineteengroup.com FB/IG: societynineteengroup

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