18 minute read
Natalie Josephs
When I started my entrepreneurial journey 8 plus years ago, it was a long, dark and tough road as I had no idea what I was doing and did not have the support system I craved. It was just me and my business ideas. As a result, I ended up dropping those ideas and focused on my degree and career path, thinking I could not do it and possibly being an entrepreneur was not for me. Until I met my first business mentor and everything changed!
This was when I realised I could do this. From that day forward, I vowed to help individuals looking to start their own side hustle or business because I understand first-hand how stressful, overwhelming and lonely it can be trying to start a business alone with no support. My vision is to help as many individuals who are ready to take that step forward as possible.
My name is Mary Fashanu and I help individuals and professionals start, scale and sustain their businesses successfully using tried and tested strategies. My core message encourages individuals to not be afraid to step out, embrace opportunity, cherish relationships, live courageously and excel. n
Natalie Joseph disrupts the lingerie market, with a collection for women with a large bust and a small frame.
After 5 weeks of fitter, undertaking business, mar- carry a lot of weight in the butcrowdfunding Na- keting and lingerie contouring tocks as well as in the abdomen so talie Joseph Linge- courses to keep abreast of the lin- they will benefit from different fit rie generated over gerie industry whilst consistently specifications more suited to their £12,500 to get her first linge- networking. particular lower body shape prorie collection off the ground, 50% of UK women are a 36 DD portions and pelvic shape. Natalie and NatWest backed her busi- cup size or larger. 80% of UK believes that the clothing and intiness with £5,000. women wear the wrong bra size. mate apparel industry has failed to Founder Natalie Joseph of South Of those women, 70% wore bras recognise the importance of ethLondon used the Crowdfunder that were too small whilst 10% nic body shapes and its commerplatform with NatWest to raise wore bras that were too big. 77% cial significance. Natalie points capital for the development and of UK plus size women say that it out “If these industries continue production of her first collection. is difficult to find well-fitting, qual- to use dimensions and shapes of Natalie surpassed the original tar- cessories kits on https://nataliejo- ity bra because they don’t fit the the Western standard or the ideal get of £10,000 and set her goal sephlingerie.com ‘standard or regular size bracket. figure, they will continue to fail to even higher, with a stretch target Natalie Joseph Lingerie brand During the last century the UK dissatisfy different female consumof £20,000. The NatWest Back grew out of Natalie’s frustration woman’s body has evolved dra- er populations”. Her Business Fund supports female founders to start businesses of adapting her own bras to work with her outfits. Natalie at size matically, particularly from diet and hormones, and has become Continued on page 58 u and match fund up to 50 per cent 34K decided she could design a more ethnically diverse. Conseof the initial crowdfunding target, better and more comfortable bra quently, many have become inherup to a maximum of £5,000. and after two years of extensive ently curvier and heavier. Many You can join the mailing list and research of her target market she curvy women tend to have larger pre-order your lingerie and bra ac- trained to become qualified bra volume to the bottom and may
Passion for Art and Fashion
My name is Fiona Adelayo, Owner, director and founder of Denfidesigns. As far back as I can remember I have always had a passion for Art and fashion and, after graduating with a degree in Art and Design, I worked for several very well known high street and high end fashion establishments as a visual mershandiser. I then went on to becoming a teaching specialist of Art and design. This passion for fashion and Art is part of what has inspired my business, allowing me to combine and marry the two together.
How the business started: I started the business officially around 2015. I could see a gap in the market for African designs within a more formal setting. Also I combined my love for ‘Ankara fabrics’ which I grew up seeing family members wearing with my love for conventional fashion accessories and clothing. Every item is made to be worn exclusively, on its own, or to match with another fashion item of the same exclusive print.
Why Denfi designs:
We are a made to measure and made to match brand
Our items range from limited edition bags, to handmade jewellery items. The highest standard in production is part of the essence of Denfidesigns. I am the sole designer but as the business expands I look forward to working with young designers who have a similar vision. Our passion: I’m passionate about working with women in West African to provide opportunities for work and also to empower them within their own expertise. So as well as myself, I work with women from West Africa to create our collection of bags and clothing. Every item is carefully crafted, every seam, every knot is constructed and handmade with our customer in mind. Our prints are colorful, vivid and eye catching for a bold and colorful statement. n
For a full range of our designs please visit us at:
www.denfidesigns.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/denfidesigns https://www.instagram.com/denfiblog Facebook page @denfidesigns Twitter: https://twitter.com/denfidesigns1
Where Black Birth Matters
Abuela Doulas is the first Black owned, founded & created UK Doula Course
There is a wisdom in the stories come an Abuela doula, you will be early postnatal days. To sit in and that our grandmothers tell us. encouraged to reach back into your share the wisdom of the Abuelas, It’s the medicine of genera- cultural heritage to bring forward the grandmothers. We need more tions. The stories of our col- the traditions of your mothers and Black birthworkers. Black women are lective pasts, and the hope for our your mothers’ mothers. at greater risk during the perinafuture. The world of birth is not new The role of a doula is to support and tal period. They are five times more and neither is the work of the birth- to be with women as they travel likely to die than their white counterkeeper. When you decide to be- through pregnancy, birth and those parts.
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Natalie has worked endlessly with a bra contour consultant to align her designs with her target markets needs and wants. Natalie express that she knew that her brand would challenge conventional beauty and sizing standards, as she wanted to reflect the modern day, fuller figure woman because she was that woman. With this concept in mind, Natalie started a luxury lingerie brand for women with a large bust and a small frame. In response, the Natalie Joseph Lingerie brand is designed for the ethnically diverse, curvy and busty woman with bra cup measurements of FF-K cup. This collection is designed for comfort, shape control for a smooth silhouette. Natalie has currently produced four attractive and thoughtfully designed prototypes of her first collection, and the final collection will soon be available for pre-order. This highly anticipated collection consist of a long-line underwire bra, a long-line wirefree bra, a high-waist high-leg brief and a high-waist high-leg thong that will be crafted with beautiful lace designs in various colours, and innovative fabric technology.
Long-ling Wire-free Bra with High-waist High-leg Thong and Long-line Under-wired Bra with High-Waist High-leg Full Brief
Natalie Joseph Lingerie is not fast fashion. “I believe in creating quality yet fashionable products with longevity and sustainability. And where possible, I aim to keep my carbon footprint to a minimum by using recyclable and biodegradable packaging, and by sourcing as many materials and components here in the UK”. “The decision to start my own lingerie brand was very clear –to have a positive impact on the lives of women and leave a legacy”. As a triple awarding-winning hairstylist Natalie states that she “…wasn’t put on this earth to do just one thing and only work on someone else’s dream”. Natalie Joseph is the founder and creative director of Natalie Joseph Lingerie - a luxury lingerie brand for women with a large bust and a small frame. Natalie’s goal is to empower and inspire women to feel self-assured whilst expressing themselves through fashion; encouraging them to step into their confident and sexy selves. Her mission is to make a positive impact to women worldwide. n
Subscribe to the mailing list to pre-order Natalie Joseph Lingerie: https://nataliejosephlingerie.com
For any enquires email: info@nataliejosephlingerie.com
Connect with Natalie on social media Instagram: @njlingerie Facebook: @njlingeri
Property
We offer a full suite of property management tools to investors, homeowners and landlords. Let us do the work so you can relax knowing your property is in great hands. Handling tenant matters can be stressful and time consuming.
Maintenance Service
We deliver a 24 hour maintenance support service, to ensure our Members properties are looked after to a top standard Short-Term Rental Have you been thinking about putting your place up for shortterm rental, but feel nervous having strangers in your home? Let Black Ladder ensure the safety of your property and restore your peace of mind.
Funding & Investments
We understand that in current times it is hard for those in our community to get on the property ladder, we are able to provide support and guidance as to how to make the right steps to being handed the keys to your dream home.
Learning Development & Training Programme
We are looking to work with the government to provide trainee and apprenticeships opportunities particularly in the BAME community, to help tackle long-term unemployment and help create skilled professionals within the industry. Website: https://blackladder.co.uk Telephone: 0800 002 5576
MOTIVATED FITNESS
Johanna Thompson, aka “Jojo”, is a qualified Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer and Yoga Alliance qualified yoga teacher. She has 12 years experience in coaching people looking for physical fitness solutions, better health, increased vitality and improved mental well-being.
Her previous experiences as a dancer, and a player for a local basketball team have shaped her into a motivated fitness professional and her yoga practice has given her insight on ways to calm the body and increase a sense of mental clarity and inner peace . She is also qualified in pre and post- natal fitness. Originally working in cultural policy for at the London Mayor’s office after studying a history degree. Her skills and fitness have led her to partner with sponsors Samsung, securing their corporate boot-camps, and the Royal College of Surgeons, for which she created training materials to be used for the Olympic inspired 2012 exhibition ‘Anatomy of an Athlete’’. Jojo is practicing private and group sessions online and in person.
JoJo
Fit for Life; my mission for you
“My earlier experience of PT’s was totally different to this. Jojo is not just a PT, she’s a great listener who really got me and saw what I needed to accomplish my goals. A bespoke experience with a lot of new exercises that really kicked my body with new energy! I have been training with Jojo for 5 months. In that time she has been the source, full of energy, motivation and advice. Not only has she given me support to train but advice on diet and lifestyle which is realistic and manageable
She is a great role model. Anna ” “I have been training with Jojo for 5 months. In that time she has been the source, full of energy, motivation and advice. Not only has she given me support to train but advice on diet and lifestyle which is realistic and manageable David http://jojothompson.co.uk/about-us/ ”
Fashion Apparel For The Curvy Woman
I was just a normal plus size woman not a blogger or a journalist, I had never worked in fashion before and my background was working in television and music but I was simply frustrated about the lack of options of clothing and I wanted to see images that I could identify with – well in 2010 that frustration led me to create an online fashion magazine called
Evolve
At a time when there was not much out there for us curvy ladies to inspire to, I went on to create two award winning fashion events for the curvy community as a precursor to London Fashion Week called, British Plus Size Fashion weekend and most recently the largest fashion event for us women with curves UK Plus Size Fashion Week. My passion has always been to help empower us curvy women and let us know that we too have OPTIONS!! We too can look great and feel great no matter what your size and shape because BEAUTY COMES IN ALL SIZES!! So in the summer of 2020 in the middle of this pandemic I created KERVZ Fashion to offer on-trend fashion for women in sizes UK12 - UK30 sexy, trendy and elegant. I have included a special discount code for all the Voice readers please check us out and you too can be a #KERVZBABE
Instagram: kervz_online Facebook: Kervzfashion Website: www.kervzfashion.com
Discount code:
DISCOUNT 20% for all Voice readers
KERVZ
Sizes Available UK 12-28 USE CODE: DISCOUNT20% FOR ALL VOICE READERS
The Black Mind and its State of Affair
When I started my entrepreneurial journey 8 plus years ago, it was a long, dark and tough road as I had no idea what I was doing and did not have the support system I craved. It was just me and my business ideas. As a result, I ended up dropping those ideas
and focused on my degree and career path, thinking I could not do it and possibly being an entrepreneur was not for me. Until I met my first business mentor and everything changed!
This was when I realised I could do this. From that day forward, I vowed to help individuals looking to start their own side hustle or business because I understand first-hand how stressful, overwhelming and lonely it can be trying to start a business alone with no support. My vision is to help as many individuals who are ready to take that step forward as possible.
My name is Mary Fashanu and I help individuals and professionals start, scale and sustain their businesses successfully using tried and tested strategies. My core message encourages individuals to not be afraid to step out, embrace opportunity, cherish relationships, live courageously and excel. According to the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity survey; 1 in 6 adults experiences a common mental health prob-
lem. To put a bit more perspective on this: • Black men were more likely than their White counterparts to experience a psychotic disorder in the last year. • Risk of psychosis in Black Caribbean groups is estimated to be nearly seven times higher than in the White population. • Detention rates under the Mental Health Act during 2017/18 were four times higher in the Black community than our White counterparts. • Suicide rates are higher among young Black men and middle aged Black and South Asian women than among our White British counterparts.
Our mental health is not only being influenced due to negative stigma, but also: racism and discrimination, social and economic inequalities, the criminal justice system and a range of other factors, including gender and sexual orientation. Within that the black community often faces individual and societal challenges that can affect access to healthcare, both mental and physical, especially the healthcare we need.
We have all struggled with our mental health at some point or know a friend or family member who has and so when you look at the statistics, we have to acknowledge something needs to be done within our community to reduce the stigma around mental health and provide a service that is safe and accessible.
I’ll leave you with this, it takes a village to raise a child and in order to do this in a healthy way let’s first take care of ourselves and then each other. n
SILENCE KILLS!!! Ann-Marie Jacobs Counsellor and Life Coach Empowered Mind Services www.empoweredmindservices.co.uk
Setta Stone is a contemporary jewellery brand, offering timeless and affordable pieces of jewellery for everyday wear
Founded by Chanel Folkes; a proud Afro Caribbean Designer; who is influenced by everyday treasures that can be worn until the end of time. The name Setta Stone originates from Chanel’s Great Grandmother; known as ‘Setta’ and the collection is a homage to her.
Setta Stone offers both gold plated and sterling silver pieces. The range includes earrings, necklaces, ring and bracelets. Each piece is designed with high quality, careful consideration and expert craftmanship. Setta Stone offers different pieces for women and is currently in the development stage of creating a menswear collection. Further developments for Setta Stone will include collaborations and networking with artists and other designers, leading to special project releases. Setta Stone collection will make the perfect gift for your partner, family or friend. Don’t forget to include yourself! Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Pinterest: @settastone @settastone @settastone @settastone
Services available v Weddings v Funerals v Christenings v Baby showers v Memorial Maintenance v Garden Maintenance v Office/Reception Maintenance v Plants Recovery service v Floral Workshops
Available to buy
Household plants Fresh herb boxes
La-Mae Flowers
New Opening times: 10-6pm 7days a week Location: East London, E1W Email: lamaeflowers@gmail.com Contact number: 07908075523 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamaeflowers/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lamaeflowers/ Delivery: Available with additional charge
Black history and the culture of our ancestors
WHO WE ARE?
Melanin Child Stories is a monthly subscription box designed to elevate black children’s identity, confidence and self-esteem as well as to help them see their realities reflected in books. We teach black history and encourage black children to excel.
WHAT WE DO?
Here at Melanin child stories, we believe in empowering children through education, reading and mental health. Our subscription initiatives facilitate the platform that BAME children need for their educational development in a safe environment.
We offer inclusion books plus educational activities about their Black history and the culture of our ancestors. It is important that children understand themselves through books that reflect their lives and experiences. We provide a range of books for a variety of ages (0-16 years).
ABOUT US
Suzzy Williams is the founder of Melanin Child Stories, and a 34-year-old nurse from Guinea-Bissau, but lives in the UK. This started off because she noticed a lack of representation of black characters in children’s books, toys, television and so on. The idea came up after her seven-year-old son started to question about his skin colour.
Suzy is committed to support black children who face challenges such as permanent exclusion, bullying, isolation and discrimination based on the colour of their skin. Therefore, she encourages reading because it is a skill that benefits children academically but also a skill required for lifelong success.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
People can subscribe to a box or buy one off.
Prices:
We offer subscription boxes: 1. Small Box from just £9.50 which includes 1 book plus educational activities 2. Standard Box from £19.50 which includes 3 books plus educational activities 3. Large Family Box £29.50 which includes 6 books plus educational activities 4. Family Combo Box £34.50 which includes 6 books plus educational activities - this box is suitable if you have more than more child with different ages because you can combine books.
MELANIN
www.melaninchildstories.co.uk
Mobile: O7512151814 Telephone: 01245763334 Website: www.melaninchildstories.co.uk Email: melaninchildstories@hotmail.com Melaninchildstories
