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Four Black Women-Owned Apparel Brands Share Why They Do It For The Culture
When it comes to Black pride, it's something we wear loudly and proudly on our hearts and our on our sleeves. Self-expression is one of the many ways we celebrate and unapologetically uplift who we are as people. From popular sayings to mantras, we have an array of elements that remind us of how creative, how dope, and how multifaceted we are as a people, and dope ass apparel is a way for what we wear to speak for us. Style is an extension of self-expression, so quite literally some black-owned apparel and accessory companies aid in that freedom of owning the fullness of ourselves as well as our love affair with our people.
Since the 2020 Revolution started, everyone has been doing their research about how to support the culture. xoNecole has always been in the business of highlighting black women-owned businesses, so the new trend of supporting black businesses is actually our mission. Keeping that same energy, we rounded up some women making waves in the apparel realm.
Raven Nichole of Legendary Rootz
Photo Courtesy of Raven Nichole
"I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I founded Legendary Rootz while attending Arizona State University and earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. I love all things creative and I was inspired to create Legendary Rootz because I needed a safe space to just be myself. My ultimate goal is to inspire Black girls worldwide that they can accomplish anything they put their hearts to. I want the world to know that this brand is more than just a business. It represents the messages and encouragement that's been poured into me that I hope every Black girl and Black woman internalize. My passion for reclaiming our history and celebrating black culture pushes me to strive for that vision."
On The Why Behind Legendary Rootz:
"Whenever I looked around, whether that be on TV or in magazines, I didn't see anyone who looked like me. There wasn't a space where I could vent about things that were important to me such as my natural hair or even the microaggressions I faced in daily life. To be honest, when I started, I did not have the vision of starting a business. I just knew that I wanted a safe space where I could be my authentic self and express my blackness comfortably.
"I remember going to visit a local college in one of the smaller cities in Phoenix. While there, a student came up to me and told me how much she loved the brand. She went on to tell me how her little sister was being bullied at school about her hair and skin tone. After she found out about it, she grabbed a few Legendary Rootz items for her and she said how much that helped her. Knowing that my art could be of help is all I needed to keep creating and pouring into this brand."
Nareasha Willis of AVNU
Photo Courtesy of Nareasha Willis
"I am a fashion designer from Jersey City, NJ. I'm a firm believer to always create what you want to be a part of. I'm inspired daily by my ancestors. AVNU targets the modern-day fashion activist who loves fashion and acknowledges the importance of its role in our society. AVNU is unafraid to disrupt the fashion industry by setting its own trends. Featuring an array of controversial statements, colors, and textures, AVNU boldly creates a voice for garments, and the individuals wearing them."
On The Why Behind AVNU:
"I used to feel like I didn't have a place in the fashion industry. I always felt like an outsider in the industry that I loved the most. I was dismissed and told 'no' so many times that I finally created my own lane to pursue whatever avenues I had in mind in celebration of my Blackness. Initially, Avenue N was a fashion blog that highlighted Black designers. It later birthed my own fashion line, AVNU."
Holly Draper of DRAPED
Photo Courtesy of Holly Draper
"Draped is a handmade headwrap and clothing boutique dedicated to helping the outspoken modern woman outwardly express her innermost authentic self through our bold fashion power pieces. I founded Draped in 2016 after losing my job as a drug and alcohol counselor. Sewing was already a hobby of mine and in my huge amount of spare time, I started creating and designing my own clothes and accessories. We pride ourselves at Draped in handcrafting many of our pieces with daring prints and vibrant colors. Many of our prints are sourced from West Africa. We also are proud of our original tee line which boasts bold female empowerment statements."
On The Why Behind Draped:
"Here at Draped, we support and source many of our unique jewelry pieces from local female jewelry artisans. We truly believe in sisterhood, supporting small businesses, and straight-up celebrating girl-power! Draped's goal is to inspire and create more contagiously confident women inside and out. I started Draped to create a space for women (especially women of color), to boldly express who they are. I want to help the modern woman outwardly express their inner-most authentic self. I want the world to know that Draped's goal is to inspire more women to be contagiously confident. Our motto is 'Rock it. Own it. Spread your colors'. And I hope that more woman take the time to embrace who they truly are."
Kalilah Wright of Mess In a Bottle
Photo Courtesy of Kalilah Wright
"I'm a Jamaican native, born and raised in Brooklyn, but have made Baltimore my home. The quintessential creative, my mind is always going thinking of new MESSages, business ideas and ways to continue our growth. If you know me or follow me on social media, you'll see that I'm never shying away from the ups, downs and sideways of not just business but life in general. I do all of this while also being a mom to my son Kaiden."
On The Why Behind Mess in a Bottle:
"I started Mess in a Bottle as a way to be vocal about my feelings, injustices and life in general without having to say a word at all. As the company grew, I realized so many other people agreed with me and I've been able to continue to create MESSages that resonate deeply with others.
"I want the world to know that we all have a MESSage and we're here to help everyone share them. Everyone may not be as vocal but it is important to give a voice to the voiceless, to stand in solidarity and be the catalyst for important conversations. No matter how you feel about a particular subject matter, sharing your MESSage allows others to think past their own experiences or beliefs."
Featured image by @shopavnu/Instagram
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images