bespoke by ReneeQ.

a couple weeks ago i was reading ope's blog and i spotted this:

instant fan. who makes this? i had to look her up. so i did. and the designer graciously agreed to answer some questions for me and allow me to share her hotness with my readers.

her name is ReneeQ and her line of tees, bespoke, incorporate beautiful african fabrics. she kinda does the accessorizing for you. her tees are dope. i'm on them hard.

me: tell us about your line.
her: RenẻeQ bespoke is an afro chic and culturally inspired line of tee shirts embellished with african print fabric, crystal, beads, trimmings and sometimes, hand-painted. it brings the evolution of the afro diva! sizes range from an UK 8-18.

me: how did you get started in designing?
her: i have always designed accessories and clothes for myself from quite a young age but more so by customising things i bought...i started designing accessories formally as a business in 2007; i saw a niche in the ghanaian market for colourful, stylish, good quality accessories to match our local fabrics and seized the opportunity to provide an alternative to jewellery other than silver or gold....the make up and my clothing line followed naturally....

me: who or what inspires your line?
her: i love unique things; things that aren't common and are different from the norm....i guess i'm inspired to create such pieces....

me: if you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
her: :o) oprah winfrey

me: what's next for you?
her: i will be showing at Fashion Fights Poverty in DC on the 25th of september....working on penetrating the international market so currently talking to a few shop owners who want to stock my line. i also have a few exciting projects coming up but won't want to say as yet so keep watching this space ;o)

there's no doubt in my mind that miss ReneeQ will not only lunch with oprah one day but also be sitting next to her in her studio in front of an audience. and when she does, remember you heard about her here, first.

for more info, check her out at ReneeQ.com.

in her shoes with briana bigham.

last year i featured an interview on renae bluitt, founder of crush media. she recently launched a blog: in her shoes, which highlights disgusting (see word of day from earlier post) lady entrepreneurs. it's a fabulous blog that never ceases to keep me motivated!

check out renae's recent interview with briana bigham of bet's harlem heights and hear about bigham's upcoming handbag line launch, b. marie style. read it here.

be inspired.

word of the day: disgusting.

real quick: i love when my girls send me inspiration and my girl nikki is good for that. today she shared with me the story of a young lady she had the pleasure to meet, phillipa hughes, lawyer turned art event planner (pink line project - google her).

how inspiring is someone who quits their 9 to 5 to follow their passion. you always hear me talking about that. and since that pretty much describes my current situation - meantime freelancer with big entrepreneur ambitions, allergic to permanent 9 to 5 situations, yeh, yeh, that's me - then i just thought i'd share.

between yesterday's sermon, a random person's facebook status, and nikki's email, i'm constantly inspired to keep pushing. it's not a coincidence. i hope whomever is reading this is also surrounded by people and things that keep them determined and inspired. if not, then seek that.

and to get back on the track, the other day tyra said that the word "fierce" is overused. she's probably right. so she says the new word is "disgusting." so i say that if we aren't already, we're well on our way to being DISGUSTING!

behind the sneaks: van.

you've seen these around, i'm sure. maybe on will.i.am or fat joe. i spotted these on a website during the peak of my obama high months ago. i immediately wanted to learn about the artist. van is a pretty humble, spiritual and cool dude. and he was nice enough to grant me an interview because i knew so many readers would be interested in his story. here we go:

1. so i learned of you last spring when i spotted your infamous obama air force ones on a website. was that your claim to fame or were you making noise with your artwork before the obama sneaks? I was making noise in the customizing world as a decent shoe designer. but the Obama shoes put me on a new platform worldwide and actually introduced many people to the sub culture of shoe design.

2.did you expect such an embrace? i never thought it would be received in the manner that it was. i made the shoe for myself as a reminder to follow my dreams and that anything is possible. i read many emails about people being inspired by the shoe and each email comes as a surprise to me. this was not what i had in mind, but it was God's plan.

3.what celebs have contacted you for sneaks? or did you reach out to them? i saw will. i. am in a pair that look very similar to your own design. i have had the privilege to make shoes for Gayle King, P. Diddy, Bridget Moynahan, Amerie, Music Soulchild, TI, Bryan Michael Cox, Fat Joe, Fabolous, Nelly and Slim Thug to name a few.

4.you say you didn't choose art it chose you. explain what you mean? yes, art chose me because its came to me as a gift from God. This is something i was born with, all I did was pursue my purpose by working hard. this ability was handed to me the least i can do is share it with the world.

5.i see you were a psychology major, when and how did you start desiging? i have been drawing since i was two years old. it has always been my passion to create. i went to college as a graphic design major but was quickly turned off by the program's attempt to conform me. so i had to pick another major and i went with Psych. throughout college i continued to explore as an artist regardless of my curriculum at the time. this is where i stared painting shoes, because a teammate of mine wanted to refurbish a pair of old sneakers. so i painted a dirty white pair of shoes black.

6. taylor and craig is the design company, right? how did you come up with the name? well i'm actually in the process of changing the name to V20! read as H20 (water) is read. Well V20 is representing a new era/element of art (custom shoes) that i have the honor to help usher in. Taylor and Craig was my old t-shirt airbrushing company. the name comes from my middle name (Taylor) and my best friend's middle name (Craig). we came up with the name in high school after we went around asking people if they have heard of the new clothing line taylor&craig. to our surprise many people said yes, when we just made it up. so when i started painting shirts i remembered that day and decided to roll with it.

7.who and/or what inspires you? spiritually, Jesus inspires me to become a better man of God. artistically i'm influenced by musicians and composers. they motivated me because they paint pictures with words or musical notes. President Elect Barack Obama inspires me to pursue my dreams and reminds me we can achieve the impossible.

8.what's on the horizon for you and your craft? where do you want to be in 5 years? i want to work on starting my own sneaker brand. i want to one day rub elbows with the major companies Nike, Reebok, etc. I dream big!

9.i stalked your myspace photos and saw that obama gave you dap at one of his rallies. does he know you designed sneaks in his honor? Hmm i'm not sure. they were auctioned off at the DNC, i hope the word got around that there were a pair of shoes there bearing his likeness. but i'm sure one day he will if he doesn't know already. i say that because they have been requested by the Smithsonian Museum in DC. so it's a very good chance he may get word of them.

10.i'm so motivated when i see the young and fabulous, like yourself, doing their thing and making a name for themselves. it truly keeps me going in my own aspirations. i think you're talented and an inspiration to others as well. what advice would you lend to anyone who's using their craft, whether it's designing or something else, who are trying to make a name for themselves? the advice i would give is to continue to work hard and pursue your dreams. don't be discouraged by those who don't see your vision. also do not measure your success by someone else's yard stick. you determine your own goals. do not let others live through you vicariously. my last bit of advice is to spend the precious time you have to perfect your craft or skills. i call it hand eye coordination of your dreams. if i look at your hands i should be able to see your vision. coordinate your efforts and time with your goals.

11.how can people reach you if they're interested in your artwork? http://www.myspace.com/van20 my email address is taylorandcraig@hotmail.com for personal customize work. for other ordering inquiries taylorandcraig@hotmail.com.

now for a few, fun random questions:12. if you could have a beer with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? well i don't drink so it would be a milkshake or something but i would like to sit down with my ancestors. the ones that died as slaves and just let them know how much i appreciate their blood sweat and tears. also to show them i'm working hard everyday striving to advance myself artistically, economically and intellectually.things they were deprived of.

13. if you could travel anywhere in this world where would it be? i would love to see the pyramids in Egypt.

14. if you had to pick a theme song what would it be? "One Mic" by Nas, all i need is one brush to share my gift to the world.

15.what's in your cd player, or ipod nowadays, right now? listening to T.D Jakes right now. a couple of audio books, Hill Harpers "Letters to a Young Brother" and Paulo Coelho's life changing book, " The Alchemist".

one word answer only, first thing that comes to your mind:

16.obama - president

17.van - blessed

18.art - love

the brother is focused and going places! check him out at his contact info above.

she was our first: ph by phillia.

phillia (left)

sgb first launched around this time in 2005. i was new to entrepreneurship and feeling my way around, trying to figure out the direction for sgb. in addition to vintage, i knew i wanted to feature fresh faced, emerging designers. that's when i connected with phillia of ph by phillia. i can't even recall how we came in contact, but we did, and she became one of sgb's very first featured designers. her items were a hit with sgb customers. i checked out her site just recently to see what she's up too. she is the coolest, yawl, and she's as busy as ever. she took a few minutes , though, to answer some questions:

blast from the past, this modern kimono wrap, by ph by phillia, was sold on sgb back in 05

tell us who you are: i'm a sugar-n-spice-urban-bohemian-ravin'-retro-asian-space-warrior-chick!

and where you represent: williamsburg, BK!

what you do: i'm a fashion designer/consultant/stylist/boutique manager/sales & PR rep. while trying to stay afloat with my own line during this crazy economy, i focus on creating one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces that i sell through this really cool conceptual fashion co-op/boutique/bar in the lower east side of NYC called The Dressing Room (voted Citysearch's Best Boutique of 2007 in the LES). top floor is an indie designer's co-op sitting along a full working bar that's super cute and cozy. downstairs is a clothing exchange with vintage and second-hand designer clothing. drink and shop til midnight during the week and 2 am on the weekends! i co-manage the place with some of the other indie designers so i'm there hanging out, drinking cocktails, working the crowds there. good times!

i also consult a variety of clients to help design and develop their lines. i basically bring the ideas in their head to life and then teach them what to do to get their lines into the boutiques and into the magazines. i have been working on a good friend's line, Rubytone the past year, consulting her along the process and handling her sales and PR.

i'm starting a new line with my oldest best friend on da planet that will launch spring 2010 called Aya Buppo which translates into 'Ouch Kiss' in korean. it's modernizing everything traditional Korea including using the traditional fabrics and bringing the silhouettes of the national costumes into present times.

i also am 1 out of 10 handpicked designers to start a blog for fashionindie.com that will pretty much showcase my day to day life in fashion. i'm also in the process of collaborating forces with another designer/consultant who has expertise in the areas that i don't, such as overseas production and fabric sourcing, finance, business, and marketing where my expertise is domestic fabric sourcing and production, sales, and PR.

so lots going on!

you teach designer workshops. tell us about it: i love to teach! it's so rewarding for me to share my knowledge and experiences to help aspiring young designers bring their own visions to life. i basically teach them everything they need to know to start their own clothing or accessory lines. they learn all the aspects of the business - from setting up your business legally, the basics of business/marketing/sales plans, to learning how to take the ideas from your head onto paper, how to prepare your sketches for pattern and sample makers, how to edit your collection, how to line up your production, how to do your own sales, press and marketing.

it's a very thorough and realistic portrayal of what it takes to launch and what it takes to survive and thrive. i'm also in the process of recording it digitally so that people not living in the NYC area can download the video so they can take the workshop in the comfort of their own homes as well. that should be done by the end of the year!

future plans: oh wow. keep on fine tuning my knowledge and skills about how to run a fashion business and continue growing my consulting business. expand pH by phillia into fuller collections each season and into more boutiques. expand Aya Buppo into two lines: one-of-a-kind celebrity couture pieces and ready-to-wear.

what's your stye philosophy?: hmm I think definitely a mix of cute, sexy, playful and elegant. i love to mix budget conscious vintage, thrift store, H&M type finds with timeless nicer pieces that i've invested into over the years. i also love to accessorize like a beast! i'm always up to try new things. these days i'm obsessed with glitter and gemstones/crystals on my face with a mix of 1920's-1940's/traditional geisha/fun party kid raver stylized hair with a big flower or ancient japanese hair pins etc.

if you could raid anyone's closet who would it be?: hmm i love rachel bilson i think she's a cutie. i love gwen stefani and her L.A.M.B line. and kate moss.

thanks for your time, phillia. anything, in closing, you'd like to add?: i love yummy food and nice people! =) xoxoxo.

is this chick doing it or what?! phillia is embedded in fashion and her projects seem so exciting. i'm jotting The Dressing Room down as a place to visit next time i'm in NY. make sure you check out her site!

it all begins with a crush: renae bluitt.

those closest to me know how truly inspired i am to see the young & fabulous making moves, transitioning their dreams into realities and just doing what they love. i absolutely love it. it makes me proud; it keeps me motivated.

so i was excited when ms. renae bluitt, founder of crush media, accepted my offer for an interview. i like to profile movers and shakers like renae to inspire others with entrepreneurial spirits and introduce them to my readers who may benefit from their services.

after working in marketing for 8+ years, i was excited to learn a little more about her initiatives. read on:

tell us who you are: i am a daughter, sister, lover, friend, entrepreneur, and one of countless proud americans who voted for change during last week's presidential election! i am Renae Bluitt.

where you dwell: brooklyn, new york

what you do: i am a PR & lifestyle marketing specialist and founder of Crush Media -

http://www.crush-media.com/

what type of projects does crush media handle?: Crush Media partners with both well-known and emerging brands to build emotional connections between their products and target consumers. a strong emotional bond takes consumers beyond the level of mere purchasers and turns them into brand ambassadors. they become advocates for the brands they love, introducing the product to those in their personal and professional circles. Crush Media's tag line, "building brand passion," summarizes this approach.

past and present Crush Media partners include: Advanced Beauty Systems, Inc./Cantu Shea Butter, ESSENCE Magazine, Burrell Communications, Lippe Taylor PR, 18th Couture, Coup d'etat BROOKLYN, Elasta QP and Pieces Boutique.

future plans: inspired by president-elect Barack Obama, future plans for Crush Media definitely include social responsibility. we've got to remember that yes, this is a huge step in the right direction, but this is just the beginning and Barack is just one man. it's going to take our country's collective efforts to truly make a difference.

that said, i've always wanted to mentor a group of young girls in my community so it's time to make it happen. in january of 2009, i'm launching a blog dedicated to female entrepreneurs across the globe. my goal is to educate and inspire other women who have an entrepreneurial spirit but need a support system and that extra push!

describe your style: my style is a combination of preppy and vintage chic. much of my creative expression depends on my schedule for the day, the weather, and of course, my overall mood. no matter what i'm rocking though, i've got to be comfortable!

if you could have a martini with anyone, dead or alive who would it be: as you can see, i'm still on an Obama high - with no plans of coming down - so i'm going to have to go with our new president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. i have SO many questions for them. they are re-writing our country's history as we speak! in addition to asking 100+ questions, i'd like to give them my blessings and let them know how proud they've made me. the Obama's intelligence, class and grace inspire me in so many ways. while i'm at it, i wouldn't mind sipping another martini with someone from our past, like a Dr. Martin Luther King. i'd love to receive some of his wisdom and hear his thoughts on our first black president and his dream being realized.

i'm still on an obama high, too! love the energy and will definitely keep an eye out for the upcoming blog. be sure to check out crush media's website, there you can contact renae directly.

meg urbani: fashion photographer.

so meg urbani is a fashion photographer. and she's also a myspace friend of sgb's. her work is fierce so i was happy when she agreed to let me interview and introduce her to my readers. read on and don't forget to check out her work.

tell us who you are: hm, good question! well today i am Meg Urbani.

and where you are: literally, i am laying in my bed with my mac book pro and my puggle, elliott. geographically, i reside in new jersey and work in new york.

what you do: i am a photographer and fashion photography is my pleasure.

how long have you been a photographer?: well I started taking pictures about 9 years ago, but I don't think I could say that for all of those years I was a photographer, but it happened somewhere along the way.

who and/or what do you most like to shoot?: people are what i like to shoot the most. i love shooting fashion stories, conceptual pieces, as well as interesting spaces. usually the spaces i find interesting are the ones that most people would just pass on by, but if you look hard enough sometimes you can find something really brilliant. and my favorite thing to do is to mix all three.

tell us about your very first shoot: oh man, my first shoot… that probably consisted of me running around like a mad woman, orchestrating a one-woman show. i can’t classify anything i did prior to college a “shoot” but i would take photos all the time. so i would have to say that my first actual shoot was with my friend who i used as a model and my 4x5 view camera. we went to this little hut-like building under a bridge, i had her tied to a chair and she had mascara running down her face. in retrospect it was a tad cliché, but to this day it is one of the only photos from that time that i still like.

what is your most memorable shoot: i would have to say my most memorable shoot was this one i did for a magazine. the shoot was supposed to be shot outside on location, however mother nature was working against me and it was raining pretty hard-core. little fact about me, anytime I plan a shoot that is going to be shot outside, it rains, or at least has a 60% chance of rain.

anyway, while we were doing hair and makeup it was looking pretty good outside, it looked like it was clearing up and seemed like we would be okay. well that was short lived. the second we start to head to the location it was as if the sky opened up and Armageddon erupted. it was a serious thunderstorm! just when i was about to lose all hope it finally stoppe so we went to the location and the second i started to shoot the first shot it began to pour. i don’t know how we got through it, but somehow after running around in and out of the rain, we managed to shoot a 6-page editorial. we were all wet and it was not so pleasant. i was certain by the end of the shoot my team would hate me; thankfully they didn’t but i just felt like i totally owed everyone involved!

and seriously if we are ever in a drought, all you have to do is ask me to plan a shoot outside. i can pretty much promise it will rain. haha.

future plans: hmmm, well I have many! first and foremost, i want to get my work out there for everyone to see. i would love to have my work in more magazines and shoot some amazing fashion stories and meet more amazing and talented people. one thing that i would really love to do is have a photo show during fashion week in NYC. i really hope to have that happen in the next few years! the list could go on forever. i don’t think i will ever stop; i am the kind of person that just likes to keep going and going.

if you could shoot anyone in the world, who would it be?: that is a hard one! but i think it would have to be karl lagerfeld. one reason being because i always wanted to meet him, and because he is just so darn stylish! and the other reason, well pretty much goes without sayin, i mean come on ... chanel!

if you could have a martini with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be: that would hands down have to be coco chanel. i would have so many questions for her, and i really think i could just sit and listen to her forever. she was a very insightful lady! and i think i could learn a lot for her. if you haven’t already noticed i kind of have an obsession with chanel.

any closing comments: well i have to thank you for taking an interest in my work! hopefully i didn’t bore anyone to death. ☺and i would love for everyone to check out my work:

http://megurbani. carbonmade. com/

http://www. myspace. com/megurbaniphotographypage