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Andrea Osei combines diversity with luxurious wedding fashion

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AndreaOsei Bride


Entrepreneur Andrea Osei is always changing, staying true to the values ​​that guide her recent ambitions.

The pharmacist turned fashion designer has already established herself in the luxurious bridal scene, creating silhouettes that draw from her Ghanaian-American upbringing. With a diversity of styles starting from leadership to marketing, Andrea Osei Bride is always growing.

From presenting at Bridal Fashion Week to appearing in a magazine, Osei is on the forefront of creating luxury accessible to everyone. In addition to her skilled milestones, Osei’s influence extends to philanthropy. She co-founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children within the African diaspora.

Osei has so much on her to-do list, but her surroundings and wealthy history encourage her greater than ever. She spoke with BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP on her “multidimensional” journey and evolution as a Black woman entrepreneur.

TO BE: You went from pharmacy to fashion. Can you give me a details When did your love of fashion design, especially wedding design, first speak to you?

It was such a serendipitous discovery, truthfully. It had its roots in me seeing my grandmother sewing on her sewing machine, gardening, and doing all kinds of things to beautify our home. So I learned to stitch by hand from my grandmother as a toddler, but I used to be also drawn to math and science and was pushed towards that. I never really considered myself to be “trendy,” mostly because my family didn’t at all times have the means to purchase the most recent and biggest things once I was growing up. My grandmother passed away six months before I got married in 2013, and my aunt, who was also my godmother, bought me a stitching machine in her honor.

I had a natural talent for it, I did kid’s clothes and just a few custom orders. Then I began a women’s ready-to-wear line. People at all times asked me about wedding dresses, but I at all times felt like I desired to do my due diligence and have a much bigger stake in the sport, like studying fashion business before my gender transition. So I did that throughout COVID. Then I made a decision I used to be able to jump into the world.

How do you integrate your upbringing, culture and identity into your work, especially when the silhouettes are based on the classic white dress?

I didn’t understand it at first, but now that I give it some thought, a variety of my fashion inspiration comes from African church culture. I feel that was my first exposure to women wearing it, from the beaded lace to the puffy sleeves, every Sunday. In our country, we wear a variety of what’s called kaba and slit, which is largely a peplum top and a pencil bottom with a slit within the back. But with this next collection, I’m more about texture and structure. I would like it to be elevated and ethereal. Those are the 2 words that come to mind once I describe this next collection. All of this stuff play an enormous role culturally, even when I’m creating my wedding designs. I would like women to feel the best way these women felt every Sunday.

For many Black women entrepreneurs, getting funding to launch their ideas is difficult. Can you explain, financially speaking, your path to starting your corporation? Did you get any angel investors?

I believed in myself, before everything. And if I could give advice to someone who’s attempting to get their business off the bottom, it might be to at all times start with “I’ve got talent” and just jump in, bootstrap and fund it myself. Try to construct a foundation of capital as much as possible. What I’ve present in my journey is that anytime you’re feeling like your personal funds aren’t really stable, it’s really hard to remain focused in your goal. So I’ve used grants, self-funding, and small loans. I have not taken out any big loans and I’ve used crowdfunding. Those are the capital resources that I’ve used throughout my journey as a fashion entrepreneur. But I’m really comfortable with how things are going immediately.

How do you propose to maneuver forward in diversifying this area of interest space in fashion?

It’s hard to be an African-American designer within the wedding industry because it is not diverse. When you hear that fashion must be more diverse and inclusive if you give attention to the wedding industry, it’s much more so, right? And I feel a variety of the unspoken wisdom is that your corporation won’t achieve success when you don’t hire all-white models or when you’re not white or racially ambiguous. We’re moving forward by being very daring in our approach in the case of marketing and branding.

When we are saying we’re about diversity, equality and inclusion, it is not nearly our modeling campaigns. It’s also in regards to the backstage. That’s why we wish to hire people of various races, sexual orientations, backgrounds, religions, etc., because I feel everyone brings their very own flavor and perspective from their culture. And that is very, very helpful to my business as a creative. I really like that.

You provide luxury from a Black perspective for Black and a various demographic. What does that luxury mean?

We’re not going to limit ourselves to what another person defines as luxury. I feel for me, meaning showing up higher than expected each time. It’s ensuring that quality control is “1000.” You’re ensuring that you simply really care about that bride. She must know that you might have her best interests at heart. You are there and you must be involved in her special occasion. Go the additional mile. Make sure that they know that this is not only a luxury wedding dress; it’s among the finest options.

What challenges do you’re thinking that you learned something from? probably the most like are you continue to growing and scaling your corporation?

Don’t attempt to grow too fast. That’s a lesson I’ve learned and it has been reinforced for me. I feel on this world of “microwave on Instagram” success, it’s extremely easy to feel like you are not hitting a milestone fast enough. You’ll see other firms within the industry have reached a certain level. But you do not know what it took for them to sacrifice to get to that time. So it’s really about staying in your lane. Planning is vital, as is consistency.

Raising HOPE is your philanthropic endeavor. Explain the way it was created and what role you play.

So Raising HOPE is a nonprofit that I co-founded with my sister Ellen. Our goal is to offer resources to children within the African diaspora. Our primary focus is children with special needs. The whole reason we began (this enterprise) is because my mom worked with a gaggle of orphans in Dodowa, Ghana. We thought, “Wow, how can we make this more sustainable and expand our reach?” Our focus is on providing resources to the community in addition to tools. When we work with autistic children, we invite their parents to show them tools that they’ll use to return back and help their children.

INWhat do you would like your impact to be lasting?

I would like to construct a legacy of excellence that my (followers) will ultimately inherit and pick up the torch and run with. I also want to go away a legacy that shows black women or girls that you simply haven’t got to be one-dimensional. You can provide yourself permission to evolve and I feel that is really the story of my life. I believed I used to be going to be a pharmacist until I retired. I loved being a pharmacist. When I discovered a brand new love, I gave myself permission to reinvent myself. You should reinvent yourself as again and again as you’re feeling you possibly can in your spirit.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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