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Andrea Osei combines diversity with luxurious wedding fashion

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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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Former Bad Boy artist Shyne reveals his true feelings about Diddy’s role in sending him to prison following Mogul’s recent arrest

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Former rapper turned politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has broken his silence on the recent arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The Belize-born artist, once an integral a part of Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, has publicly shared his thoughts for the primary time on the music executive’s recent legal troubles.

Though he’s made it clear that Diddy’s legal troubles “don’t make him happy,” the “Bad Boyz” chart-topper stays adamant that his former boss “ruined” his life.

Former Bad Boy artist Shyne blames Diddy for his 10-year sentence for a 1999 nightclub shooting. (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage; Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Shyne’s statement got here just days after Combs was arrested on federal charges including extortion, human trafficking and prostitution, which resulted in Diddy being denied bail twice.

The case has made headlines, with many wondering about Diddy’s past. Not only are people bringing up his infamous “Freak-offs” and “Diddy Parties,” but in addition his infamous connection to an incident at a New York nightclub in 1999, where Shyne was partying with the Bad Boy founder and his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, before gunfire injured two people.

Shyne had no idea how his life would unravel after that night. His profession was cut short, and his life as a free man was marked by first-degree assault, possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. The chart-topping star was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001 for his role in the altercation. He was eventually released in 2009 and deported to Belize.

Fast forward to 2024, and the 2 men appear to be on completely different paths. Shyne is now the leader of the opposition in the Belize House of Representatives, while Diddy faces charges that would land him a life sentence. Shyne shared his thoughts on his former boss’ case at a press conference in Belize.

“When I was an 18-year-old kid who wanted to do nothing but make my mother and Belize happy and be recognized for my talent and take over the world,” Shyne recalled in an interview with Channel 5 Belize. “I defended him and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me.”

Shyne’s face remained impassive as he explained the role Diddy played in his legal struggles. “He contributed to… basically sent me to prison. That’s the context in which this (relationship) should always be described. I’ve forgiven. I’ve moved on. But let’s not pretend I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Shyne suggested that he and Combs aren’t as close as some might think. Despite his forgiving heart, he made sure to set the record straight about their relationship.

“So let’s not lose sight of the cold, hard facts,” Shyne said. “This is not someone I vacationed with and he and I had this wonderful, intimate brotherhood with. This is someone who destroyed my life and I have forgiven him and moved on.”

For years, Shyne has worked with Diddy to bring resources to Belize, but Diddy has clarified that their partnership is strictly business-related.

“Don’t distort it like we’re boom bally. This is someone who ruined my life,” he continued.

Shyne’s evolution from rapper to politician has not gone unnoticed. When The Shade Room published press conference, many praised him for his grace and wisdom in handling the situation, with one commentator noting, “Shyne is the true definition of someone who will sit back and let God do the work.”

Another person said, “This man has really grown. Holding on to bitterness and resentment only hurts you, not the perpetrator. Let life deal with people. Karma never loses its address.”

“Forgiving someone without an apology is powerful,” said a 3rd comment.

Not everyone was impressed. Some wanted him to admit his role in his death.

“First of all, you ruined your life…let’s take responsibility,” the Shade Room commentary admonished. “That’s the problem, people not taking responsibility for their actions and how it leads them to destruction.”

Despite his troubled past, Shyne stays focused on his future and the well-being of his country. “Nobody has to fail for me to succeed,” he said, further evidence of his growth.

Meanwhile, the producer behind the success of artists like Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G. and The Lox is facing legal troubles. His legal team had proposed a $50 million bail to secure his release, but a judge denied the request, citing concerns about witness intimidation and flight risk. The music mogul will remain behind bars in Brooklyn as his trial approaches.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Pharrell Williams ‘Irritated’ by Celebrity Political Endorsements

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Pharrell Williams shouldn’t be a fan of celebrity political endorsements. In an interview with Hollywood ReporterThe multi-faceted star shared her more “humanist” view of politics and her opinion on the music and entertainment industry’s involvement in elections.

“I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people who try to help others. I’m not sure I’ll ever vote for the far right. I won’t,” he reportedly said with fun. “But I’m not really into politics. I do like some of the politics; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW (whose mission is equality through education), and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps black and brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition—those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action.”

As hundreds of men and girls rally to support Vice President Kamala Harris within the 2024 presidential election, Williams revealed his mixed feelings about celebrities publicly endorsing political candidates. When asked if he would allow any party to make use of his music of their campaigns, as Beyoncé did with Harris, Williams said no, adding that he sometimes “gets irritated” by celebrities getting involved in politics.

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“Sometimes I get annoyed when I see celebrities trying to tell you (who to vote for). There are celebrities I respect who have their own opinions, but not all of them. I’m one of those people (who says, ‘What the hell? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” he explained. “When people come out and start thinking they’re righteous, they roll up their sleeves and go around with a sign saying, ‘Shut up!'”

In recent years, celebrity endorsements have turn into a key a part of each parties’ political campaigns. While Williams apparently has no plans to endorse anyone this election cycle, he publicly endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Similarly, he sent former President Trump a letter demanding that he stop using his song “Happy” at one in all his rallies.

“Politics is not my field of expertise,” he said, at a Clinton rally in 2016“But I am a human being. I am a human being with a family, a human being who shares this Earth with other people. These elections are simply too important. I could not sit on the sidelines and just remain silent.”

Social media users were quick to criticize the Louis Vuitton menswear creative director for his seemingly contradictory comments.

“I respectfully disagree, Pharrell. The voices of the informed can educate,” one user wrote on X.

“That’s a privileged approach, lol,” said one other as well as.

Regardless of your opinion on celebrity political endorsements, Williams’ statement reminds us how vital it’s to do your research and fully understand the ballot before casting your vote.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Jennifer Lopez allegedly wants ‘revenge’ on Ben Affleck, revealing how he ‘let her down’ in the bedroom amid embarrassing divorce

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jlo-ben-affleck revenge

Soon-to-be-four-time divorcee Jennifer Lopez is reportedly gearing up to disclose unflattering details about her relationship with Ben Affleck following their recent split.

According to a brand new report, Lopez, 55, who has previously praised their passionate sex life in her music, is now considering changing her praise and should be preparing to release a song that paints a very different picture.

jlo-ben-affleck revenge
Sources claim that singer Jennifer Lopez wants to embarrass her soon-to-be ex-husband Ben Affleck with songs about his poor bedroom performance. (Photos: @jlo/(Instagram; Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

As tensions between them intensify following their breakup, a more essential side of their time together begins to come back to light.

Lopez, who once bragged about watching the “Good Will Hunting” actor have sex in the bedroom while singing sensual lyrics in “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” appears to be changing his tune on Affleck’s abilities in the bedroom.

“When things were going well between them, J.Lo put Ben and his bedroom skills on a pedestal,” the insider said. revealed to In Touch, “but she’s taken off her rose-tinted glasses and is telling people he was actually a pretty selfish and basic lover.”

This marks a major change from Lopez’s previous tributes to Affleck, in which she appeared to idolize him each personally and physically.

Her latest album, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, released in February, was intended to have a good time their renewed romance.

Lopez’s ninth studio album featured a companion film that showcased their relationship in a vibrant light. While she produced the project herself, In Touch’s alleged source claims that Affleck played a major role behind the scenes, likely controlling the narrative greater than people realize.

Just two months after the project’s premiere, the couple announced their end of collaboration and have remained separated ever since.

However, Lopez’s tone has reportedly modified drastically. She not praises Affleck’s talent but as a substitute expresses frustrations about their personal lives, especially his mediocre performance in the bedroom, a brand new report claims.

“She’s so pissed she wrote all those sexy lyrics about him,” an alleged insider told In Touch, claiming Lopez is considering writing one other song that exposes Affleck’s flaws.

The person said at the time: “She says she’s now ready to write a breakup song that hits where it hurts most and makes up to him for all the ways he let her down, including in the bedroom.”

Adding that Lopez uses writing as an outlet for her emotions and that her team is fully supportive of the idea, the anonymous spokesperson said, “She’s very emotional and angry right now, and part of the way she deals with her emotions is by keeping a journal and writing. Her team is encouraging her to channel that into songwriting.”

Lopez’s longtime manager Benny Medina and her team are reportedly urging her to pursue the project, though some speculate they’ve been working behind the scenes to break Affleck’s image since their marriage began to unravel.

This alleged manipulation is not any stranger to those that have previously been involved with Lopez’s life.

Her first husband, Ojani Noa, recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the similar treatment he experienced during his marriage to the star.

“(Her people) wanted her to look good for everything that was coming out — the movie, the album, and they didn’t want any bad publicity,” Noa claimed. “They made it sound like I didn’t want to be with her, and it was the opposite.”

There’s no word on whether Lopez plans to officially channel her frustrations with Affleck into recent music. She’s currently promoting her latest film, “Unstoppable,” a project she co-produced with Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon. Lopez recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival to advertise the film, although Affleck was noticeably absent.

Despite their split, the duo have remained in touch, reportedly raising their combined family together. Lopez and Affleck were recently spotted at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they met up with their children — Affleck’s daughter Seraphina, 15, son Samuel, 12, and Lopez’s twins, Emme and Max, 16 — for a family chat.

Art often imitates life, and Lopez’s story suggests she could use this tumultuous time to fuel her creativity. Whether it’s a chart-topping song or successful movie, the fallout from this breakup could encourage her next big hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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