Ladybrille Magazine Celebrates 4yr Anniversary, Honors Supermodel Nana Keita as Woman of the Month!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Unwam Oduok
Ladybrille Magazine
Public Relations
pr@ladybrille.com

Sacramento, CA (June 6th, 2011)—Ladybrille Magazine, an online magazine established in 2007 to re-brand the negative images of Africans in the West, celebrates four years of carrying out its mission in its June 2011 Special Anniversary/Model Edition.

“I am grateful to God for the vision to execute what is now Ladybrille Magazine and the ability to continue to sustain it thus far,” said Uduak Oduok, Founder of Ladybrille. “The letters we receive from many about the positive impact our publication has had on their lives makes it all worthwhile and motivates us to do more. I know it only gets better.”

To celebrate its four year anniversary, the online Magazine rolls out a special anniversary feature on Africa’s fashion models and names Supermodel Nana Keita, originally from Mali, as its Woman of the Month. The Ladybrille ‘Woman of the Month’ is a monthly feature on the online magazine which celebrates outstanding women, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to society.

“At the core of Ladybrille’s identity is the African model. I began Ladybrille because I felt when Africa was represented in the West, especially through fashion, it was always extreme polarities of who Africans were, interlaced with stories of war, HIV Aids, famine and poverty. I wanted to tell the story that is never told both in the fashion industry and mainstream America,” explains Oduok. “The fashion industry at large and also Africa’s fashion and entertainment industry owes a healthy respect and tribute to the African model who has really helped propel both Western designers and the entire continent of Africa, for decades, into the lime light.”

Ms. Keita joins the Ladybrille Alumni list of brilliant Women of the Month(s) including Supermodel Iman, Saran Kaba Jones (Founder Face Africa), Teresa Clarke (Former Goldman Sachs Executive & Founder of Africa.com) and Currie Lee (Attorney turned Fashion Designer of the popular Asian brand D-Sata).

“I'm very humbled and have so much respect for every single one of these (ladies) and hope one day to reach their level of accomplishments,” said the Supermodel in response to what it felt like to join the list of accomplished Ladybrille Alumni Women of the Months. “I also thank Ladybrille for the support and consideration towards (me) and wish the magazine much success.”

Supermodel Nana Keita’s feature will be published this week on the magazine’s website at www.ladybrillemag.com.

About Ladybrille Magazine

Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.

Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”

For more info visit www.ladybrillemag.com.

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Mbong Amata Star of Hollywood-Nollywood Political Suspense Film is April 2011 Ladybrille Woman of the Month!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Unwam Oduok
Ladybrille Magazine
Public Relations
pr@ladybrille.com

Sacramento, CA (April 4th, 2011)-- Mbong Amata, the star of an upcoming Hollywood meets Nollywood political suspense movie “Black Gold-The Struggle of the Niger Delta,” is Ladybrille Magazine’s Woman of the Month for its April 2011 Film Edition.

Black Gold, based on the true story of the infamous Niger Delta region in Nigeria, is about environmental justice and the fight over the control of the scarce oil resources that the world runs on. The line between good and evil is blurred as corrupt government officials, greedy oil companies and violent rebels go on a war path over oil spills and degradation of the land, caused by oil exploration.

“We are excited to celebrate Mbong Amata as Ladybrille Magazine’s Woman of the Month,” says Uduak Oduok Founder & Editor-in-Chief of the publication. “As the pioneer digital magazine bringing Africa’s fashion and entertainment industries to the Western masses; our focus is to tell and motivate our readers with timeless and inspiring stories of men and women doing extra ordinary things,” continued Oduok. “Mbong Amata’s perseverance and willingness to trailblaze a new path for others to follow in African cinema, which has attracted for her death threats and an escape out of Nigeria for fear of her safety, is a timeless and inspiring story we are humbled and privilege to share.”

“I feel very much on top of the world right now to be the April 2011 Woman of the Month for Ladybrille magazine; and to think me worthy enough of such an uncommon honor is indeed extremely inspiring,” exclaimed Mbong Amata. “Being a part of the brand "Ladybrille" has really gone a long way in boosting a lot of positive energy in me, in more ways than one, especially a brand that has had a lot of reputable and iconic women connected to it. It has further given me a colossal leap in my field as an actress from Nigeria and Nollywood that is being celebrated.”

Ladybrille Magazine was founded in 2007 to de-stigmatize the negative images of Africans by exposing its youthful, urban and explosive fashion and entertainment industries to the Western masses. The Ladybrille ‘Woman of the Month’ is a monthly feature on the online digital magazine which celebrates outstanding women, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to society.

Past Women of the Months include Supermodel IMAN, Face Africa’s Founder Saran Kaba Jones, South Korean-American prominent fashion designer Currie Lee and Former Goldman Sachs Executive & Founder of Africa.com Teresa Clarke, among many.

Mbong’s interview will be published on the magazine’s website at www.ladybrillemag.com on Wednesday April 6th, 2011.

About Ladybrille Magazine

Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.

Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”

For more info visit www.ladybrillemag.com.

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Krista Karo, CEO Instyle Belly, Ladybrille Woman of the Month

In this tough economy, it has become almost common place to see consignment shops/boutiques popping everywhere. While many consignment store owners opt for a physical store location, not New Jersey based Krista Karo, founder and CEO of InStyleBelly. Karo is a stay at home mom who juggles three important tasks, all at once: mommy, running Bandies Inc. [sellers of “Bandies Bib”] and now InStyle Belly, a maternity consignment online store for stylish moms. Such juggling act which confidently embraces motherhood, entrepreneurship and provides common sense solution for pregnant moms has her wearing our brilliant crown as our Ladybrille Woman of the Month. Read on to learn more about Krista and InStyle Belly.


LADYBRILLE.com: When did you get your "A ha" moment as in this is what I want to do?
InstyleBelly: My inspiration for InStyleBelly came during the time of my pregnancy in 2007. I kept having to purchase more and more maternity clothing to keep up with my changing shape and found it to be getting very expensive over time. The items I bought were really only worn a handful of times, if at all; and once my baby was born, I had all of these clothes just sitting in my closet taking up space. So, I thought, what better way to make some money back on all the maternity wear I bought, than to sell them. Sure, I could have sold my items on websites such as eBay or Craigslist, but the very thought of selling on these sites exhausted me because I would have had to be the one to first, prepare the clothing for the photos, then, take, edit and upload the photos, post the ad, deal with the buyers and payments, then, the packing and shipping and possible returns. With my new baby, my time was extremely limited for my own personal endeavors. Selling my own maternity wear was not an option. That is when I had my “A ha” moment. So, that’s when I decided to create a unique Consignment boutique that would make selling maternity wear as simple and easy as possible.

LADYBRILLE.com: Why did you choose a consignment store for maternity clothes?
InstyleBelly: Maternity wear is typically only worn for a very short amount of time, if at all. Therefore, when mothers buy from InStyleBelly, they can be sure that the items they purchase are in no less than “pristine” condition. It is much less expensive than retail prices. It also gives new and existing moms a way to put some money back in their pockets. Like myself, many [moms] find themselves “stuck” with their maternity wardrobe once the baby arrives. InStyleBelly’s mission is to help both expecting and new moms.

LADYBRILLE.com: Do you only sell brand names on your site?
InStyleBelly: InStyleBelly offers a large selection of affordable maternity clothing for casual, business/professional and special occasions from specialty retailers including GAP and Ann Taylor; as well as designer brands such as Cynthia Rowley, Michael Stars and True Religion. [We] offer maternity clothes for price-conscious women and for those customers willing to pay a little extra for brand names. One of the most difficult tasks in the maternity clothing industry is to provide clothing that is trendy, tasteful, and appealing.

LADYBRILLE.com: Yes indeed! But now we have you, so help our Ladybrille women who are pregnant navigate your site. Where would you recommend they start?
InStyleBelly: Upon entering our site, there are a few options to choose from when searching for the available maternity wear. On the left hand column of the Home Page, shoppers can either click on “Shop by Designer”, “Shop by Size”, or, they may choose from a list of Categories on the site (i.e. Denim, Tops and Blouses, Activewear). There is also a link for “Celebrity Maternity Wear” that includes maternity wear donated by Celebrity moms with proceeds from the sales of their items going to their designated charities.

LADYBRILLE.com: For some of our brilliant designers who carry the stylish maternity designs you provide to your customers, how can they be a part of your online store?
InStyleBelly: Currently, there are a few exciting projects that I am working on to incorporate these great designers into the site…stay tuned!

LADYBRILLE.com: Sounds good. We will. How would you describe your style sense and philosophy?
InStyleBelly: My style and philosophy are really one in the same. I like to wear whatever is comfortable. I prefer not to wear clothing that is rough on the skin or itchy. I like good-quality soft fabrics . . . I like to wear all sorts of colors and try to keep up with current seasons and trends. I always keep an eye out for good “classic” pieces that will last for years no matter how trends change. I find there are so many ways to mix and match classic pieces with current fashions trends. By doing this, you can save a lot of money by not having to buy a whole lot of pieces, just a few new ones, and then accessorize. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: Since you are our Ladybrille {brilliant lady} Woman of the Month, what to you makes a woman “brilliant?”
InStyleBelly: A “brilliant” woman is one who possesses a high level of self-confidence. She’s not afraid to go after something that she truly believes in and she does it well. A “brilliant” woman doesn’t need to have a “career” outside the home to be considered such. Stay-at-home moms have truly earned this equal right.

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Bobby Taylor, Ladybrille Woman of the Month!

Years ago, for the Nigerian entertainment world, there was no public relations network to speak of. Today, there is not only a space for young Nigerian entertainers to turn for help on their ascend to stardom– but also a space for communicator to use their skills.

What, or who, was the catalyst for this evolution? Her name is Bukky George Taylor aka Bobby Taylor and she is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for March 2009!

Over the last few years, Canadian based yet world jetsetter Bobby Taylor has taken the Nigerian entertainment industry by storm. Her clients include hip-hop sensations Eldee and M.I., singer D'Banj, stylist to the stars Remi Fagbohun, and others. Truly the innovator, Taylor through her business Bobby Taylor Consulting has given the Nigerian entertainment industry a facelift.

Recently, LADYBRILLE.com caught up with the talented Bobby Taylor. We chatted about everything from her family, her personal style and her favorite fashion designers, to challenges she’s faced so far in the industry.

We give you Bobby Taylor!

LADYBRILLE.com: You have emerged as a leader in Nigeria's PR industry. Please tell us about your journey thus far. How did you get your start in the business?
Bobby Taylor: It’s a bitter sweet journey when you start your own business. There is so much to learn where public relations is concerned. I learn something new everyday! As challenging as it might be, it’s a fantastic line of business. I have a passion for PR and for people in general so it works well for me.

I got started when I got my calling! I was inspired by very many people around me and I knew I could bring a lot into the world of Public Relations and so I went for it and I have absolutely no regrets.

LADYBRILLE.com: When did you know it was time to open your own agency? What was the start-up process like?
Bobby Taylor: I knew it was time to open up my own agency when I decided I was ready to do this and do it well and do it hard! I have always worked in the line of public relations and felt it was time to create a business that would provide excellent services.

The start up process was not easy. Picking a team, starting with a bit of capital, etc. No start up process is easy however; it was worth every bit of it!

LADYBRILLE.com: Thus far what has been your most challenging moment running Bobby Taylor Consulting?
Bobby Taylor: [B]alancing my work with family. I have been married for almost 6 years and I have a 3 year old . . . and I want to have a bigger family too, and then balancing all that with work has been the most challenging moment.

I have a very great partner who helps me pick up my slack sometimes so it’s great! Shuttling between two countries as well is not very easy either! Somehow, in all of this, everything is working out fine!

I think I am getting a hang of it though. I make sure I make time for the family because without them I am nothing . . . and then I also make time for work too. If it means sleepless nights then it means sleepless nights.

LADYBRILLE.com: Being that there hasn't really been any one in the role of PR gatekeeper for Nigeria's entertainment scene before you came along, what has that been like wearing that hat? What are some challenges that you've faced? Some great triumphs? What do you love about the industry?
Bobby Taylor: Do I wear the hat? I am humbled. It hasn’t been easy because there are tons of things that need to be set in place as far as the Nigerian entertainment scene is concerned. Our artists work hard and I appreciate hard work . . .we need more structure in the industry and these artists cannot do it alone. Other than artists, there are the authors, the poets, the small businesses, the big businesses, the events, the products and the personalities that need PR specialists.

I would say that I have faced challenges in the area of people not understanding what a publicist is and folks not seeing the need to have a publicist. It is a big battle because our big artists and even emerging ones, need publicists! I think the greatest triumph for me is seeing other publicists in Nigeria emerge. I love it. We need it!

I love the life of the industry . . . its always throbbing . . .its always fresh, it’s always new. . . there is always something going on. Nigeria’s entertainment industry doesn’t ever sleep.

LADYBRILLE.com: You've also broken in to fashion representing clients like stylist Remi Fagbohun and the like. Tell us what that's been like thus far. Is that a completely different animal than working for the musicians and other entertainers?
Bobby Taylor: I learnt a lot working with Remi Fagbohun, who is an amazing New York celebrity stylist by the way! I learn a thing or two from the various personalities that I come across and I trust they learn from me too! Fashion is definitely a different market than entertainment. Each client is different regardless of whatever industry they are in. The job is putting them in the forefront of media and making sure that their target market is reached and that the image of the client is on point and a lot more other things! Everyone is different and I guess that’s the exciting thing about my work . . .the different personalities. . . it’s fresh every time.

LADYBRILLE.com: How big a part of your life is fashion? Who are some of your favorite African fashion designers?
Bobby Taylor: I love fashion, it's great but I have my own sense of fashion. I don’t follow trends; I am very much into unique things. My favorite African fashion designer is Chichi & Chichi E. While I probably cannot fit into any of their clothing, I appreciate their sense of style, the uniqueness of their clothing and their attention to detail. I don’t wear many clothing from African Fashion Designers but I do have a Tiffany Amber outfit that I love to shreds! So yes I love Tiffany too! I wear lots of polo’s from “Azure” as well! I love quality polo’s that I can wear with jeans because I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of female…

LADYBRILLE.com: Describe your look/your style?
Bobby Taylor: It depends on my mood! I like unique items…I don’t shop where everyone shops…If I see something and I like it then I will wear it. There are the days where I am wearing a tank top and sweats and my converse sneakers and then there are days where I am wearing a dress that makes me look like I work on a farm [she adds] trust me these peasant dresses are hot. . . and then there are days where I break all rules of fashion and then there are days when its time to be glamorous!

My hair always makes a statement . . . My hairstyle changes very often. I love accessories, afrocentric looking accessories. . . So my style is versatile . . .ha!

LADYBRILLE.com: As a person in the public eye, I'm sure people are always looking to see what you're wearing.What are some tips that you can give our readers on how to be effortless chic?
Bobby Taylor: I am in the public eye and I simply just wear what makes me comfortable. You have got to be comfortable. When you are comfortable in your skin and in your outfit, your confidence will do the work for you!

To reach Bobby Taylor contact her at

Bobby Taylor Consulting
bobby(at)bobbytaylorpr.ca

~Interview by Niama Sandy

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Douyé

Dave Koz, Boney James, Peter White, Walter Beasley and Norman Brown are some of the names associated with contemporary jazz music. Indeed it’s hard to ignore the strong influences of jazz across the USA, especially during summer, thanks to the New Orleans and Essence Jazz Festivals, both held in the Big Easy.

While we get delicious servings of these wonderful jazz artists all year round, whether through radio or at the festivals, we have not really heard for a while now, at least in mainstream, African influences in the Western jazz music scene.There is one woman hoping to change that. Her name is Douyé and she is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month! We [Ladybrille’s Toya Thomas and Uduak Oduok] connected with Douyé to discuss her work as a contemporary jazz artist and her African influences.

LADYBRILLE.com: How did Douyé begin?
Douyé: I have always loved to sing, from childhood. My parents were into music, therefore I was exposed to various kinds of music and so, I grew up listening to the likes of soul, classical, jazz, Afro-beats, r&b, reggae and country music. I was encouraged by my mother to join the church choir and, after that experience, I traveled abroad to study voice at Musicians Institute right in the heart of Hollywood, California. After graduating from MI, I continued to hone my skills while performing at local shows and clubs. I was then introduced to Terry Shaddick, a renowned pop songwriter and producer. We began writing songs which led to me releasing my debut CD titled "Journey".

LADYBRILLE.com: Contemporary jazz is not a place you typically find Africans, what made you thread there?
Douyé: [While] I was exposed to various kinds of music growing up, jazz music was my favorite because from an early age, my parents exposed me to the music of some great jazz artists [like]: Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee etc.; so that influenced my taste for jazz music. As I grew older and continued to identify my sound and style, my interest in contemporary jazz music widened which in many ways shaped how my sound came about. As much as I was influenced by great jazz musicians, I was also rooted in listening to rhythmic sounds of artists like Fela Kuti, Rex Lawson, Miriam Makeba and the early recordings of Sunny Ade.

LADYBRILLE.com: What has kept you so determined and motivated as you pursue your dreams?
Douyé: My determination has always come from within and listening to my inner voice telling me not to give up; and of course a supportive family that has always kept me going.

LADYBRILLE.com: We know you are from Africa but where exactly?
Douyé: I am from the State of Bayelsa which is located in the southern coastal region of the country, Nigeria, in West Africa.

LADYBRILLE.com: We do hear periodically both in African and global news about conflicts in Bayelsa. Could you enlighten us a little on what is going on in Bayelsa? Any plans in terms of giving back to that community?
Douyé: Bayelsa has a peculiar terrain, due to its riverine nature. It is the bedrock of crude oil production in Nigeria. As a result, most of the communities are flooded with water and oil spillages which is rampant; and thus affecting the lifestyle of the citizens of the State. As a result of the situation, transportation to the cities seems to be the government’s greatest concern. I intend to reach out and support some of the organizations that are already in place to improve transportation and education in the deeply isolated parts of the region. I also intend to open a youth center in the future to enhance development.

LADYBRILLE.com: Going back to the music, what inspires you to create?
Douyé: Life, my experiences as well as other people's experiences. I like writing about subjects or issues that people can learn from or relate to.

LADYBRILLE.com: What do you think your listener's will be able to relate to or gather from your music?
Douyé: I believe that my listeners would relate to the stories I tell in my songs because they are everyday life experiences and so, that captures the listeners' heart more so than anything else.

LADYBRILLE.com: What songs do you believe your fans will be able to relate to most on your ‘Journey’ album and why?
Douyé: I think the song "Journey" because everyone is on a journey in life and the song is basically about one's journey, experiences and going through one's destiny, finding oneself in life. I also think the song "Still Hurting" is a song that most people can relate to because everybody gets hurt at some point in time.

LADYBRILLE.com: In listening to your album, it felt like I was listening to any of the jazz artist on a local jazz station across the country. What sets you apart? How do you intend to distinguish Douyé, the brand, in the world of Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and the many contemporary jazz artists out there?
Douyé: In my work as an artist, I give it my best and strive for excellence because I believe that my fans deserve to have their money’s worth when they listen to my music. My debut album “Journey” is built on a brand that defines a great artist whose sound is filled with depth and uniqueness. As I strive for excellence, I attempt to leave a fine legacy that will forever stand out as Douyé’s brand.

LADYBRILLE.com: How does your background as an African influence you/your work?
Douyé: Being an African, my background has influenced me greatly as an individual and as an artist. As an individual, I was raised to have an identity of my own yet dignified and poised as I thread on in life. I was also raised to have a voice of my own while I respect the views and philosophy of others. As I [mentioned] earlier, I was also musically influenced by the likes of some great African artists which includes; Fela Kuti, Rex Lawson, Mariam Makeba and the early recordings of Sunny Ade. Most African sounds seem to be embedded with jazz roots that are rhythmic and soulful. And so, when composing, I think of all these elements and try to blend some of it as I create my own sound.

LADYBRILLE.com: Being an artist is not only about the song. There is a packaging and presentation that comes with it. Your recent shots tap into your African background. What kind of style image do you want to project about you?
Douyé: I am into fashion and cautious of my looks and what I wear. I follow the latest fashion trends in the West and in Africa and being that I am an artist with African background, I feel that it’s part of my image to reflect and tap into my roots as I blend contemporary styles with some of African modern designs; as I make the best of both worlds in complementing my fashion style and image.

LADYBRILLE.com: You mentioned many would resonate with "Still Hurting?" Were you hurting from a broken relationship? Is that the impetus for the song?
Douyé: The song “Still Hurting” was influenced by a friend’s experience. However, I was once in a relationship were I was deeply hurt and heart broken. I truly can relate to the meaning behind that song. Besides, the song “Still Hurting” is not just for broken heart lovers, the song relate to anyone that have lost someone/something so dear to one’s heart; it could be a parent, a child, a pet etc.

LADYBRILLE.com: What tours have you done so far?
Douyé: I have done some shows and I am currently working with a new booking agent as we are planning on setting up more shows/tours here in the Untied States and Europe.

LADYBRILLE.com: Lots of American artists are heading to Africa, and particularly Nigeria where you are from, to perform. They are getting paid large sums to do so! When do you intend to grace Nigeria with your songs and presence? Douyé: Soon. It’s in the making. I believe that Nigerians will be happy to grace my sound and the energy that I bring on stage. I also think that they will be exceptionally pleased to know that I am a true daughter of the soil.

LADYBRILLE.com: What other creative outlets do you use to express yourself?
Douye: Apart from writing songs, I enjoy writing and reading poetry. I also love recording and performing as well as collecting primitive arts.

LADYBRILLE.com: For those who will be inspired when they read this to follow your footsteps, what are the obstacles you have overcome that they can learn from?
Douyé: Initially, when I decided to pursue music as a career, it was a struggle because I quickly realized that it takes more than having the talent to sing to be successful. The music business has changed a whole lot compared to how new acts were signed in the past. As a new artist, one should be willing to do it all by oneself and still maintain a positive attitude as one increases his/her fan base. I also believe that finding the right people that believe in you is necessary [and] key to success; [also] being focused and willing to work hard towards achieving success.

LADYBRILLE.com: Our last question for you. What should your fans, and Ladybrille readers as well, be expecting from you in the near future?
Douyé: More recordings/albums, tours all over the world, contributing positively to the world as I broaden my fan base.

LADYBRILLE.com: Thank you Douyé.
Douyé: Thank you so much Uduak and Toya for the opportunity you have given me to broaden the awareness of my art.

Visit Douyé’s Myspace page and her official website to hear her music.

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month Florence Azria, the Shoe Goddess that Keeps Giving One Community at a Time

New York Fashion Week Spring 2009, I received too many invitations to VIP events and parties to count. I was only going to attend less than a handful. Most seasoned journalists who cover New York Fashion Week will tell you that pacing yourself throughout the many shows, parties and celeb gatherings is key otherwise, you quickly burn out. In sifting through the numerous invitations, there was one event I knew I had to attend, the Shoe Goddess event at the Mercedes-Benz VIP Lounge. I was intrigued by the event for several reasons: 1) It was a fellow Web Snob Media Partner who was hosting the event. [Ladybrille's Web Snob Media partners are some of the top online publishers and bloggers with a combined readership base well into the millions]; 2) It was a co-branded event by Shoe Goddess and Mercedes-Benz. I found that pretty clever from a PR and branding perspective; and 3) I wanted to see and meet the intelligent mind and face that knew the importance of branding and was doing just that!

While my curiosity pushed me to attend, I was a bit reserved about the personality I would meet. Would she be some major diva? Snobbish? Needless to say, there are too many of the 'diva' personalities in the fashion and entertainment world. I had to be cautious and plan my exit strategy as I was not necessarily in the mood to accommodate diva drama.

Florence Azria, our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for January 2009, was whom I met. My cautiousness quickly gave way to relaxation as she was full of warmth and friendliness. There was something about her I couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was because she took time to meet and greet many at her event including yours truly. Maybe it was the way she told me in such honesty that she was a fan of Ladybrille and "loved [my] work"; or maybe it was because her aura told me she was one of those that actually cared. In any event I couldn't quite place it. But, I enjoyed the event and definitely, meeting her. In my head, however, I filed my experience as that was a really nice person and event to go to.”I was not planning to do more with it. . . that is until I received an intriguing e-mail with a headline in October of 2008 that read, “A Shoe Fairy To Los Angeles' Youth.”

"Hmmm. . . what an intriguing headline,” I thought as I clicked on it. It was a press release from Azria's public relations representative, Mashariki, informing me about Azria's background and work in South Central Los Angeles, a place still notorious for gang activities. I was impressed. I knew she had to be our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for January 2009.

Azria was born in the South of France but grew up in Paris. Even at such early age, her fashion driven environment influenced her style sense. “It’s really funny. I was five years old when my aunt on my mother’s side bought me a pair of gold sandals, Azria tells me in our telephone interview for this feature."I walked on the rocks with it and the gold started chipping and I cried. You can’t imagine how much I cried,”she laughed.

Azria’s tears, however, did not last long because her father an avid shoe lover indulged her style sense with his collection of assorted shoes. Azria was taking notes. As early as the 70s, Azria’s father was already having famed shoe designers design his shoes. “It comes from my father. Shoes are more than fashion to me. For me it’s a sculpture, tradition, culture, not all of them but many. [I ] use them also for [interior] decorating of my home," she tells me in a hybrid of her Spanish/French/English accent as she responds to my question of why she loved shoes so much?

Her love for shoes would soon turn altruistic, using shoes to help give back to inner city youths. You see, Florence married into a very wealthy Spanish family. Yes, the acclaimed Azria apparel family. Florence Azria is wife to Current/Elliott and Joie owner Serge Azria. For the most part images of the wealthy/elite on television, media culture etc. presents them as persons with superficial lives filled with parties, sex, drugs, ignorance and deep sadness topped with a "everyone else is poor because they are too lazy and not smart enough" attitude. Azria does not fit the stereotype.

A couple of years ago, Azria had some free time on her hands but felt she would rather forgo getting a tan at the pool side in the French Riveria with a nice cocktail drink, to volunteer in her local inner city community. “ A lot of people do not have much and I felt it was important that I give back. So, I went looking for an [opportunity] to give back,” she tells me.

She found the opportunity to give back at 'A Place Called Home' (APCH), a privately-funded organization that keeps kids off the streets in South Central Los Angeles."It’s an aftercare program, basically all the communities coming together," she explains.

"How did you go from giving back in the after care program to a shoe blog?,”I ask. “You know when I started at APCH, I wanted to do a cooking program and every-time I would ask the manager [at the time], he would say, “No! No!," she explains. "Then the manager changed and when I asked can I do my cooking program? He said “okay as long as you pay for everything,”she continued.

Pay for everything she did. Remember all those highly prized traditional ‘sculptures’ that are her designer shoes? Azria began to part away with some of those highly priced possession of hers by selling them on ebay so she could raise money for her cooking seminar for the kids at APCH. She sold Marnis, Alaias, Louboutins, Manolos and much more. The buyers on e-bay loved it! But, that was still not the push to start her blog. “You know Tina from Bag Snob?,” she asks me [Tina Craig is also another top online publisher who is part of Ladybrille's Web Snob Media partners]. “Yeah,”I replied. She says,“She came to my house and she was like why don’t you start a blog. I was like, “a blog? What is that?”

Azria had a language barrier as she did not speak English very well. “My English was awful.” Nevertheless, she started her blog. The blog took off, advertisers poured in and today the Shoe Goddess is the famous go to spot and a respected authority on shoes worldwide. She tells me, in a humble tone, “You know I never thought about such outcome." Adding, "but sometimes in life, you have a desire and you just do it even if it seems crazy.”

I can’t help but notice how she plays it down. So I say, “Florence you kind of play it down a little bit. I saw you in action at the VIP lounge in New York fashion week,” I say in a tone that says "don't even act like you are not the savvy business woman that you are." “Well, that was Mashariki’s idea,” she responds in a serious tone referring to her publicist. I burst out laughing."Well then, Mashariki thank you for that," I say. "Maybe I should be [interviewing] Mashariki.” She joins me laughing.

Azria’s Shoe Goddess, today, serves as more than a blog as it is now the #1 site filled with so many shoe goodies and resources for shoe lovers. “I’d like to see the site become a place to discover young talented shoe designers in the future. I don’t want any payment or anything. I want all the funds I get from there to go to my charity [APCH],”she tells me in response to my question on where she sees the direction of Shoe Goddess in the next five years.

"My ultimate goal is to open a business center for teenage moms. A lot of these kids when they get pregnant, they think their lives are over and they don’t get an education.”

Azria currently teaches weekly cooking and health classes and funds computers for the APCH. As she part ways with me on the phone, she tells me about a project she has been a part of for a while, "The Cinderella Project." The Cinderella project is a yearly charitable drive in LA where LA’s industry professionals [stylists, designers and fashion experts] collaborate to donate clothing, accessories and shoes to high-school girls who otherwise can’t afford the apparel to attend their senior prom. She invites me to participate in it and I tell her "of course" but I can't help but think, "very typical of a woman determined to give back, one community at a time."

Article by Uduak Oduok

Visit Florence Azria's Shoe Goddess at www.theshoegoddess.com.

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Jacque Reid II

We continue our interview with Ladybrille's Woman of the Month, the very brilliant Jacque Reid.If you missed Part I, click here for it! Interview by Ladybrille's Niama Sandy.

LADYBRILLE.com: In 2004 you interviewed then-Congressman Barack Obama as he was running for the Senate seat against Alan Keyes. Did you have any inkling that we’d have this moment four years later?
Jacque Reid: At that moment I didn’t think “Wow, he’s going to be the next president of the United States.” It was the day after he gave that speech at the convention that I sat down with him. When you interview politicians who when you sit down with them it’s very natural and in-the moment like Bill Clinton. Some politicians that I’ve interviewed are very measured about what they’re saying. They are trying to stay on message and there is a stiffness to the conversation. Barack Obama is very down-to-earth, very natural, and when you ask him a question you honestly feel like he’s just answering the question.

I interviewed him recently after he clinched the Democratic nomination. The first thing I said was “You said you were going to take your wife out to dinner because you’ve been campaigning so hard. Have you had a chance to do that?” and he said “We got dressed up, we made reservations at a nice restaurant with candles, and that’s all I can say about that!” [Laughs] He answers the question! He doesn’t get back into “Okay, I’m talking to voters.” I saw that in him and I saw that there was something special about him. I didn’t make the connection to him running for president at the time but that’s probably my limitation because I think that was the buzz at that time. He’s very very impressive and I’m very happy for him.

LADYBRILLE.com: Do you see this moment as a “game changer” for blacks in America?
Jacque Reid: I see it as a game changer across the board for African-Americans in two ways: how we see ourselves – I think there'll be a lift in our confidence as a group, as a body- and I think how the world and specifically other Americans view us. The typical stereotypes about us will have to be buried somewhat. It’s a new game, it’s a new day. When little white, Asian, and even Hispanic boys and girls see us not just as entertainers or sports figures, but they’re growing up with a black man as the president. You know we can go through a history class in school or a science class and things like that, and never if you’re in an every day public school that doesn’t have a predominantly African-American with black teachers and things like that you can study things and never see blacks as role models or even see them in a positive way. I think it’s a game changer in that way for us as a people. Because now you’ve got all races, especially young people growing up, seeing this man in office as a black president, that has to change their perception of black people; you can’t say “he’s not like the rest of them.” He is one of us and it is what it is.

I want to encourage every one especially black people to be conscious of the fact that not only does Barack Obama represent us but we represent him in everything that we do. It’s time to raise the game across the board. No matter what level you’re on or what you’re doing it’s time to raise the game and make him proud so we can alter and significantly uplift the way black people are viewed in this country. He started it [but we have to finish it]. We have to do our part. On Election Night I was out in DC, and it was ridiculous and glorious. One of the first things that occurred to me that life will never ever be the same after today. Yes, this change has come but we also have to change too. I don’t know if people get that yet.

I hope so, I think they will. I think people feel different. I keep hearing these stories. Black people feel different. I felt different. When I left Denver where I was for Election Night, I was going through this mostly white airport and I felt like white people were looking at me differently. They weren’t wondering if I was gonna steal something, or if I was gonna get mad and start shaking my head from side to side and cuss somebody out [laughs].

LADYBRILLE.com: I’ve noticed, and this is going to sound crazy, that white men are looking at black women now. Like really looking now. It’s really interesting.
Jacque Reid: It really is. And I have to speak on the Michelle Obama thing. I was already proud to be a black woman and [I] wanted to change the game with how we were portrayed in the media. Her going into the White House makes it 10 times easier because again it’s not gonna just change the way white people look at us but the way we look at ourselves and the way brothers look at us.

Barack’s selection of Michelle Robinson now Obama as a wife says he had the character and the confidence to say you know what - he could have any body probably to be his wife - he choose a brown-skin, every-day-looking, beautiful black woman - an intelligent black woman. He had the confidence to make that choice. He didn’t say “Well I need someone who looks like this to make people look at me like that,” or “I need this on my arm.” He chose the best partner for his life to help him live the best life and now he’s in the White House. I challenge any one to say that he could have gotten there without her. I challenge them to show me that.

I’m confident about who I am, about how I look and about what I bring to the table. I feel good about me but there are a lot of brown-skinned sisters who don’t, especially little girls who look at music videos and think “I gotta get a weave” and “my skin’s not light enough;” and little boys who wanna be with the Rihannas, and the Beyonces and the J.Los of the world. There’s nothing wrong with those sisters, I love and appreciate them for what they do but what I’m saying is that society hasn’t set us up to define for ourselves what is beautiful and what is not. I hope that brothers can realize that the spectrum is much wider than what they are limiting themselves to - of course I don’t mean all brothers but you know what I’m saying. I’m encouraged with Michelle Obama stepping into the role of first lady and I’m excited about the next eight years

LADYBRILLE.com: So you’ve just re-elected him in your mind! A lot of other people have too! [Laughing] Do you think that with a Black president there should be a conscious effort to have more journalists of color in the White House Press pool?
Jacque reid: Yeah, I do. I definitely do. Like I said I don’t think it should be all black. I think that when it comes to this president that our perspective really matters and it needs to be part of our story. I think that when it comes to things like the way Michelle Obama said that she was proud of her country for the first time or this whole flag pin thing, there are those of us who’re black who get that and think “that’s not really a big deal.”

You just have to wonder if there had been more African-Americans at the decision-making table covering the campaign would those stories have been such a big deal. In my mind, I’m not speaking for Michelle Obama; I don’t know why she said what she said. But I understand it, When she said it I was like “Oh,” I didn’t think anything of it. It reminds me of growing up as the only black girl in my class in elementary school. People focus on peculiar things about you being black but for you and me it’s nothing new. Girls would ask me “I hear you put grease in your hair. Is it Crisco, like cooking grease?” It’s that whole thing. It’s like the Black in America; it was highly criticized because it was like “Being Black 101.” It was things that we as black people already know.

LADYBRILLE.com: Let me stop you there, did you see The Black List on HBO. In comparison to CNN’s Black in America it was outstanding!
Jacque Reid: The Black List was in depth. It was really interesting and significant conversation about being black. It took the conversation somewhere that even as a black person I was like “Wow!” CNN was like “Okay, what’s new?” They just did a very basic look. It was like an introduction to “Being Black 101,” and I think that that’s what happens when we are not at the table. I think the same types of things that can happen with the coverage - it’ll be a story about “Look at Sasha and Malia they have braids! Let’s do a story about braids, a story about the history of cornrows!” I definitely think there need to be more journalists of color in the White House press pool.

LADYBRILLE.com:On your website jacquereid.com you have a phenomenal short video news story up. In “Not in My Lifetime” you touch on the historical impact of the election for older black Americans. The video is incredible! What was it like working on that project, and have you considered making a full-length piece?
Jacque Reid: It was great experience because one of the people I interviewed is my grandmother. So I interviewed people in her apartment building – which reminds me I need to send her the DVD copy before she kills me [laughs]. It was a great experience, it was very moving. Unfortunately it had to be a certain length so there were people who ended up on the cutting room floor, or sound bites that we couldn’t put in there. I wanted to go back on Election Day and see them vote.

I definitely wanted to do more with it but I’m glad that I did that. It was a great experience and it captures how so many people who are black feel about this whole experience. Whether you’re their age or younger, you know what it’s like to be black in America you don’t need CNN to tell you. We live it, we know what it’s like, and so we know the significance of this moment of this Barack Obama time. But to talk to people who actually dealt with racism on that level it was an incredible experience and I’m so glad I was able to do it.

LADYBRILLE.com:Piggybacking off of what you just said about living in the face of blatant discrimination. Do you feel that in your career, your talent has been overlooked because of your race or sex?
Jacque Reid:Overlooked yes absolutely it has. There was a situation at BET with the whole Trent Lott situation. It was unfortunate because it happened at a black network. We were trying to interview John Kerry and George Bush for thirty minute specials on air. The decision was made that Ed Gordon should come back and do the interviews. It was told to me that there was the perception that a man could do a better job at it. That disappointed me. I spoke to management about it and I wanted to let them know my feeling that it was an unfortunate decision. But it wasn’t my network, which is why I do my own thing because I make my own decisions.

LADYBRILLE.com: Why did you start your company Jacque Reid Media? What is the goal/vision for the business?
Jacque Reid: Because I realized that I could work for myself and control the way that I was connecting and communicating with people. That I could decide what I would say, how I could say it. That it would be up to me to say yes to a job or no to a job and keep working. I could do things on camera, or behind the scenes, that I could do a variety of things and be in control. That was the thing. I had worked for so many years with other people making decisions about my career that disappointed me.

From news executives, to agents, to producers, everyone was controlling what I was doing. “This needs to be shorter!” “This needs to be longer!” “You don’t need to ask this question!” “You need to do this story.” I got to the point where I said “enough,” and opportunities presented themselves for me to be involved with some projects and I said “You know what I like making decisions, I can do this!” And so I just jumped off and did it!

It is to create and provide positive, uplifting, inspirational, encouraging content. It is to raise the quality level of what is in the media. That’s it in a nutshell. I get sick and tired of how we’re [African Americans] covered in all media forms. The way that we’re interviews, the way we’re presented, the way we’re portrayed in movies, on radio, on television and those are all industries that I’m trying to get my foot in. I want to raise the level of how we’re portrayed.

LADYBRILLE.com: What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Jacque Reid: Launching my website.

LADYBRILLE.com: I thought you’d say that.
Jacque Reid: [She laughs]Jacquereid.com is a news magazine and I just felt like there were so many stories - like the “Not in My Lifetime” story, and the whole “Man Talk” page is about black women and those of us who are single. There’s a page dedicated to charities in a really unique way, there will be user-generated content. It’s my baby; it’s something that I’ve been trying to do for about two years now. I finally reached a place where I had room to do it. God made changes in my life where I had room to do it and I did it and I love it. It’s just getting started but it’s my baby and I plan to make it a big success on my terms.

LADYBRILLE.com: You’ve also ventured into radio through The Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner Morning Shows. There was a bit of controversy in 2006 over your seemingly sudden exit from The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Do you care to comment on that?
Jacque Reid: No Comment.

LADYBRILLE.com: That’s fine. Let’s talk about your other forays into radio.
Jacque Reid: Two years on Tom Joyner. I also do a segment on Al Sharpton’s nationally syndicated show “Keeping it Real.” I’m a frequent quest on the Michael Baisden show, and the Warren Ballentine show. I do a segment for Tom Joyner two days a week on Tuesday and Friday, I’m on Sharpton every Friday, and whenever they call on me I’m on Michael Baisden or Warren Ballentine to talk about issues or whatever they need me for. Radio is a different animal but I enjoy it a lot.

LADYBRILLE.com: I’ve read a lot about your community service efforts. What are some of your favorite charities and why do you feel that it’s beholden to you to give back so actively?
Jacque Reid: I think it’s important for all of us to try to find the time to consider other people that are not as fortunate as we are. Even in this country when you think about poverty it’s nothing in comparison to the poverty in the world. I was in Sudan last year and the poverty there took my breath away. I think it’s important to do your part even if it’s just talking about it. It’s a way to make people think about it. I believe that we are on this planet to help each other. I think there is a basic level of kindness that we should have. That’s always been my personality, to be kind and help people in every way that I can.

I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and that was one of the main reasons I decided to pledge. I did the graduate chapter, I’m not trying to go be in a step show [she laughs], I’m trying to make my life better and make the world better and that’s what Delta Sigma Theta is all about. It’s all about making the world a better place. By signing up and having access to participate in the initiatives that we organize locally, nationally, and internationally it makes me proud to be a member of my sorority. I’m a board member of Life Camp with Erica Ford here in New York. The group works with teenagers in Brooklyn, NY. . .It’s about teaching young people who see themselves as disadvantaged that there’s always some way you can give back to someone else.

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Jacque Reid!

She worked her way from the bottom at the one and only news station in Brunswick, Georgia to rising through the ranks to become one of the most notable African-American female journalists in America. Who is this maverick you ask? Well, it’s December’s Ladybrille Woman of the Month,Jacque Reid!

For the last decade, Jacque Reid has been on the scene as one of the leading black women in American news media. We’ve seen her in so many different settings over the years: in front of the camera on everything from CNN Headline News, to BET Nightly News, to The View, and more recently behind a microphone on The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Reid is slowly but surely making her way to becoming a media juggernaut, but on her own terms. Reid is freelancing, running her own media production business Jacque Reid Media and a new news magazine website http://www.jacquereid.com/– needless to say she isn’t taking “no” for answer anymore. She is making decisions that are sure to guarantee her place in the pantheon of champions of true, quality journalism.

LADYBRILLE.com spoke with her about her journey thus far, the latest in current events and her life not as just a journalist but as a woman. We talked about everything from her beginnings at that small station in Brunswick, Georgia to community service and how proud she is to be a black woman. Meet Jacque Reid!

LADYBRILLE.com: You’ve done so many great things in your career at CNN and BET, but we rarely hear about where you began. You started out in network television, tell us about that?
Jacque Reid: I started out in Brunswick, Georgia. It was a small family-owned station, in a one-station market. I got that job right out of grad school. It was interesting [she laughs]. It’s what you do. You have to pay your dues in this business. That’s where you want to mess up on live shots or not have the writing down. When it comes to writing the stories for news, you want to cut your teeth in a small market. I moved on to Lexington, Kentucky. I really grew a lot in Kentucky and I moved on to Houston, Texas. Houston is where I really became solid as a journalist. I came into my own there, I developed my style. I really honed my interview style.

LADYBRILLE.com: How was that different from cable news once you got to CNN and BET?
Jacque Reid: It was different because it was cable and not local. Although in network you’re producing as a company as a network or a show, but in cable you are producing more news 24 hours a day. News is news, so whether you are doing it for cable or for network, to me, it doesn’t make a difference. At CNN, I was just anchoring whereas at my [prior] jobs I was anchoring and reporting. So, I did not have the experience of still going out on stories, communicating with people, telling their stories. That’s why I ended up leaving CNN for BET. A lot of people are like “why did you leave CNN for BET?”

It was a different experience for me. I was at CNN Headline News - which is a new show every 30 minutes - it was very different. There were robotic cameras, it was a different experience. It wasn’t like being a journalist. It was like being a newsreader and that’s not what I wanted to do. BET came along with this opportunity to do news in conjunction with the granddaddy of them all, CBS. I got to work out of the CBS News building where Dan Rather was still working, where the folks of 60 Minutes – folks like Ed Bradley- were still walking the halls. It paid off. I was on the CBS Early Show. I did a lot of work for CBS when I was there with BET.

LADYBRILLE.com: Though it’s been years, some folks are still curious about why you left BET. Can you shed some light on that?
Jacque Reid: Well they cancelled the show? A new show wasn’t presented to me but I think in fairness to BET, it’s not my network. I think it was time for me to move on. BET had a desire to have a very young-MTV-type network. I’m not in my twenties; I’m not a teenager so it really didn’t make sense for me to stay there. They stopped producing news. There wasn’t a place for me to do news and there wasn’t room for me to do what I do and I didn’t want to end up in the situation that I was in at CNN Headline News where I was just on air [and] not being able to do what I do. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: For this year’s election you were a host and correspondent for TV ONE’s Election coverage this year. Considering that it was such a historic election, what was that experience like for you?
Jacque Reid: I’m still in shock, quite frankly. [I think we all are] It’s just like he said on 60 Minutes, “it hasn’t sunk in" for me yet. I don’t know what it’s going to take to. I don’t know if it’s gonna take inauguration day, seeing him come in and out of the White House. I don’t know what it’s gonna take for it to really sink in for me. I always say you know I am a journalist and I try to remain objective. Throughout the election process I tried to keep my opinions and who I was voting for and my opinions about the candidates to myself. But I’m a Black person, an African-American, first and so I don’t know in this country who could really be an African-American and not be touched by Barack Obama’s victory.

Even if you didn’t vote for him, I don’t know how you cannot look at our history and be moved. Even what Condoleezza Rice had to say the day after the election, or days after the election, was touching because it was heartfelt. You have to acknowledge the enormity of this victory. So for me on election night, unfortunately, when you’re on live television you’re in the middle of it. It was a crazy, chaotic night – which election night always is. When you’re in that moment, once they announced that he won, it was like “Oh whoa! Wait a minute. Okay but we are going to commercial.” [So you have those two minutes to go crazy and come back to center] Yes! For me, that’s how I work. So it really did not even dawn on me until really the next day, when I woke up and I was like “Wow! He Won!” It was an incredible experience and to be able to say years from now where I was and to be part of announcing our first black president was Barack Obama, I am proud.

Interview to be continued. . .

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Senegal's Yaye Marie Ba!

Gone are the days when mainstream media ignored blogs. Blogs and their authors are highly influential, wielding much power even in purchase decisions of their audience. The number of those who read blogs at least once a month has grown 300% in the past four years, and what they read strongly influences their purchase decisions, playing a key role in ushering them to the point of actual purchase, according to a BuzzLogic-sponsored study." Read article "Blog Influence on Consumer Purchase Surpass Social Networks."

In the African fashion blog world, there are less than a handful of blogs that wield such influence. One such blog is "Cos We are African" authored and published by Senegal's Yaye Marie Ba. "Cos We Are African" is well researched, fun, thoughtful and always full of goodies on Africans across the continent and in the diaspora. Yaye does an excellent job highlighting African fashion and lifestyles, both for English and French speaking Africa. With such excellence and commitment to her work, we are delighted she is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month! Enjoy our interview with her.

LADYBRILLE.com: Hi Yaye. I am excited you are our Ladybrille Woman of the Month! Tell us a bit about you?
Yaye: Thank you for this. I am very humbled. My name is Yaye Marie Ba. I am from lovely Senegal, a beautiful country on the West Side of AFRIKA. I am half Malian and Senegalese and feel 100 percent African. Meeting so many beautiful people from Mama Afrika has just opened my eyes to our beauty, our diversity. I believe in our continent and I make it a duty [t]o learn and share the little I know about us "Fabulafricana" people.

LADYBRIILLE.com:What do you do full time?
Yaye: I work for an audit firm in Dakar the capital of Senegal.

LADYBRILLE.com: Why did you start the blog "Cos We are African"? Yaye: Good question. Just like many other women out there, I've been a fan of the famous Bella Naija.In fact, reading her made me wonder how come there were no blogs on all of us African people that I could relate to? How come I didn't know much about a woman from Madagascar, for example, or a man from Botswana, a lady from Egypt, Tunisia, Niger etc. The one thing I was sure of and still am, is that there are some positive hard working African people out there that need to be celebrated. I believe that we are at a stage were we are still building our "self-esteem" as a continent. We are ready to say 'yes look at us', or 'we can do it too.' This has truly turned into a big passion of mine and I still get excited when I [discover] someone who in my [view] is doing their "thang" in whatever field, [whether] as a culinary chef, in the architecture field etc. . . I'm in awe . . .

LADYBRILLE.com: How long have you had your blog?
Yaye: I've had my e-bebe for two [2] years now. [Smiles]

LADYBRILLE.com: Your blog is very indepth. How do you find the time to maintain such rich blog?
Yaye: Ouhhhlala a lot of work. Since I'm so passionate about it, I can work on it for hours, sometimes all night. [laughs] It depends but I try to find the time really whenever I can . . .

LADYBRILLE.com: One of the things we love about your blog is the francophone aspect to it. How do you stay so connected to the African French speaking woman?
Yaye:I'm a huge magazine fan and I'm very curious. So tv, net, friends, people on the blog who give me tips and ask me to do research about specific people.

LADYBRILLE.com: What direction would you like to take Cos We are African?
Yaye: I would like to continue with this internet packaging and at some point turn it into a print publication. Inch'Allah.

LADYBRILLE.com: Who is your favorite African fashion designer?
Yaye: Way way too many! I like Bongiwe Walaza from South Africa, Hagamainty from Madagascar, I really like what he does. Toolah (Senegal),Funduzi [South Africa], Sun Goddess [South Africa], Zenka etc. . . Shall I stop? [Smiles

LADYBRILLE.com: [We get it.] [Laughs] What about jewelry?
Yaye: Tamacali [Mali] Inkenn [Niger], Ekoba Design [Togo].

LADYBRILLE.com: Who is your favorite African musician?
Yaye: Another tough one but Angelique Kidjo is by far my favorite musician out there. Not only for her music, but for her character. Listening to her powerful voice gives me the strength to push on. Oumou Sangare and Rokia Traore are also two of my favorites-two amazing voices from Mali, but I listen to musicians from all over our continent from Carmen Suza from Cap Vert [A Pennisula in Senegal and the Western most part of Africa], Kaysha from Congo, Magic System from Ivory Coast, Loide from Guinea Bissau, Estelle from Senegal , Lokua Kanza [and more].

LADYBRILLE.com: What is your favorite homemade food?
Yaye: Of course "tieboudiene"-our official dish in Senegal which is fried fish over fried tomato rice, "soupa kandja" another Senegalese dish made with palm oil and okra, maffe a dish from Mali made of peanut butter with okra on top of white rice.

LADYBRILLE.com: [Sounds delish!] Where is your ideal place on the continent for vacation?
Yaye: I would love to go the Zanzibar. I haven' t had the chance yet but blogging about it has definitely made an impact on me. Asmara in Eritrea is fascinating to me due to the fact that it kept the marks of the Italian colonization.

LADYBRILLE.com: Give us the scoop on the current state of fashion in Senegal?
Yaye: When I moved back home [Yaye was living in the USA before her relocation to back home], I was surprised to see that in Senegal the biggest trend is "back to the roots." What I mean by that is that years ago, Fridays were commonly the days when women dressed traditionally. Now, every day is Friday and the tailors are doing an amazing job being more inovative each day. Vivid colors are big, woven loincloth are huge, ganila bazin are huge trends, basically celebrating your African identity each day is the biggest trend. Wax fabric is also making a strong entrance as well: yellow, blue, green, pink. Senegalese women are very very feminine. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: Who are the hottest designers we should know about in Senegal?
Adama Paris who started Senegal Fashion week is doing an amazing job, Diouma Dieng who is one of the major pioneers of Senegalese fashion is still doing her thing,Cole Ardo Sow, Amayel, Toolah.

LADYBRILLE.com: What are the hottest street wear right now?
Yaye:Babydolls, shirts over jeans, long summer dresses accentuated with big belt, dressed up shirts over jeans etc.

LADYBRILLE.com: What's your daily blog fix?
Yaye:Whenever I get the chance I read:
www.projecthijab.blogspot.com,
www.our-hair.blogspot.com,
www.mwantum.blogspot.com,
www.blackbeautybag.blogspot.com,
www.amayelsnotes.wordpress.com,
www.theperfecttouch.canalblog.com, and of course
www.ladybrille.com!

LADYBRILLE.com:Thank you so much Yaye. We HEART your blog.
Yaye: Thank you! I'm turning thirty [30] this month so this interview has definitely made my month, and to you guys at Labybrille, you guys are doing an amazing job with your in depth interviews and portraits of the amazing people in the fashion world. [Smiles] Let's keep doing it big for Africa. [Smiles]

Happy Birthday Yaye!

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Adama Kai of Aschobi Designs!

An interview with Adama Kai a woman focused on "changing the image of Sierra Leone from Blood Diamonds to Couture." Enjoy.

LADYBRILLE.com: Hi Adama. How is Sierra Leone treating you? Adama: It feels so good to be home honestly. That saying, “there is no place like home” is so true. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. Sun, beach, less stress, “no place like home!”

LADYBRILLE.com: Tell us briefly about your educational and personal background?
Adama: I am the third of four daughters to Sierra Leonean parents. I was born in New Jersey, grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I attended a private preparatory boarding school in Westchester, New York. I attended the Parsons School of Design in Paris for college. Two years in Paris, one year back in New York and another two years in Paris. During this time I interned at different fashion houses and worked whilst going to school. After college, I moved to NYC where I worked for FLAUNT Magazine and later worked for MAGNET management agency for stylist, hair and make-up artists, as well as set designers before moving back home to Sierra Leone.

LADYBRILLE.com: You complete your fashion degree at Parsons in Paris and then you decide to move back to Sierra Leone. Why?
Adama: I wanted change, in design, opportunity and what I view as unexplored territory. I was helping to nurture the talents of others whilst mine had become stagnant. I had all this experience in different areas of the fashion industry but nothing that really set me apart from my peers. Right now in NYC, Paris, Milan, London there are millions of recent fashion school graduates that are looking for that opportunity to start their own line or design for big fashion houses like Balenciaga, YSL, etc.

Don’t get me wrong, I like competition. I believe it brings out attributes in an individual that one may not even be aware of, but more importantly I like to challenge myself. In this industry from what I have observed 90% of an individual’s success lies on who you know and what opportunities come your way. Hard work and self determination is a must. So I made the decision to move home with all the experiences I had gathered throughout my education and with a dream to start a clothing line that would catapult African Fashion into the mainstream fashion arena.

LADYBRILLE.com: How long has it been since your move and how adjusted are you in your new life?
Adama: I moved home on the 29th of November 2007. It has been 10 months now since I have been back. I always came home so my surroundings and daily living is nothing new. Sierra Leone has a population of about 5 million. There is not much to do socially besides the usual bar or club. My friend in NYC and Paris are constantly asking me, “what are you doing over there?” I used to be on set for fashion shoots with huge entertainment artist like Kelis, Feist and Jennifer Jason Leigh [as] they [wore] clothes straight off the runway, helping to manage the talents that design the sets for Versace, Prada and Gucci campaigns each season.

In Sierra Leone, I find myself very much consumed by my work as well. It has been hard adjusting to my work life here. I am my own boss. I am responsible for my staff as well as my management team. They can only be as strong as I am. I have to admit at times it is really difficult. Especially when more often than not I am the youngest one in the room, yet I am the leader. How do I instill in people the concept of work ethics when they have never had to work under any particular time schedule or standard of quality? How do I guide my management team in the development of my business when none of them have ever worked in the fashion industry before?

LADYBRILLE.com: Briefly walk us through a typical day in the life of Adama in Sierra Leone?
Adama: I am up by 6:30a, I catch a ride to work with my dad and my assistant [who is also the human resources coordinator for Aschobi] by 7am. My assistant and I open the atelier by 7:30am. The tailors are all in by 8am. We have our five minute morning meeting, going over what we want to achieve by the end of the day so everyone is set on what they have to finish by the end of the day. My assistant and I spend some time going over orders from the previous day and scheduling fittings for the week while having breakfast. My apprentice comes in at 9am and I prep her on what I want to do for the day for the development of the new collection.

I am normally in front of the computer at the internet café next to the atelier by 11:30am. I spend about 45mins chatting with my boyfriend then going through my e-mail responding to orders, sending out newsletters and following up on past e-mails of interests. Depending on what is happening for the week I might have to do some research for a client’s personal order, [s]ome production obstacles we are facing in the atelier or to elaborate on an idea I have for the new collection etc. I get back to the atelier by about 1:30-2:00pm by that time we have walk ins at the atelier; or the contractor will come in to tell me about the progress he has made on the renovation of the atelier. Depending on the day there will be some fittings scheduled. Around 4:30-5:00pm one or all the members on my management team will come in for a scheduled meeting or just to see how things are going. There are four of them, production, marketing, press, finance. We start wrapping things up at the atelier around 6 pm we close by 6:30-7 pm and I am normally home by about 7:30pm.

ASCHOBI DESIGNS

LADYBRILLE.com: What a busy day! What does the name Aschobi mean?
Adama: ASCHOBI is a play on the spelling of the Yoruba word “Aso ebi”. It is a concept that is practiced throughout the West African region. For any particular event or any particular gathering in which a group of individuals want to be identified as a unit, they will choose to wear the same material sometimes in the same style. [It is done ] to be exclusive but at the same time inclusive.

LADYBRILLE.com: What influences your designs?

Adama: As a designer for an African clothing line, it is safe to say that I am very much influenced by the textiles and different materials I come across. But I would think all designers whether they are fashion designers or architectural designers are greatly influenced by the materials they used. Otherwise my work is influenced by so many different mediums.

I am a visual person so anything that I come across in my daily life: a book, hairstyle, jewelry, any particular ethnic group, a movie, song, architecture, historical time periods I can go on. In the case of Aschobi, I find myself constantly asking myself how will the new African woman pull this look or style off? How can she maintain her African lifestyle at a black and white affair without having her outfit look too traditional? This is a concept that influences my work greatly, that my customers feel that they can wear their Aschobi not only in Africa but anywhere in the world and they feel comfortable and confident in it.

LADYBRILLE.com:Describe your clientele. Who is the Aschobi woman?
Adama: The new African woman is the Aschobi woman. She is global, international, intercontinental, socially responsible, fashion conscious and fashion forward. She is a chameleon that can blend into any setting but still leave a mark and this is often because of her choice of dress. She is educated, a professional and is concerned with what happens when tradition meets modernity. She is confident.

LADYBRILLE.com: You have been quoted saying that what "you are doing is enriching Sierra Leone." and you say that it's like opening a "hospital or a school." Arguably schools and hospitals are critical to improving the overall health and economic state of Sierra Leone. High fashion/couture is not. Could you elaborate on what you mean when you say it enriches Sierra Leone?
Adama: What I know is that you can follow the history and development of the world culture and its people through cloth. The topic of dress is [that] of self-image, self-esteem and self-confidence. With the recent past history like ours [Sierra Leone], one can only imagine what it has done to our self-image. Some say fashion and style is superficial but I believe it has a way of boosting ones self esteem and I see self-confidence as critical for social development. Aschobi is changing the image of Sierra Leone, from Blood Diamonds to Couture. Through fashion, I am employing tailors, through the tailors’ talents, I am showcasing African style. I am enriching their lives an dshowing them a new way of looking at life.

LADYBRILLE.com: The Gross Domestic Product for Sierra Leone is said to be roughly $216.00.I am informed your price points are high for the average Sierra Leone woman. From a business standpoint, I understand that by the time you factor, entrepreneurship, human and financial resources, materials, technology or lack thereof among other things, it more than justifies high price points. But, how do you look the average Sierra Leone woman in the eye and say my garment cost say $70 when she can barely afford clothes that cost $10?

Adama: As far as indicators go, GDP is not an adequate way of measuring development or available income in a country especially in a country like Sierra Leone where the majority of income is non-reportable income so to speak. In other words, most people are involved in non conventional jobs. Take for example the cars people drive or the kinds of homes that are built or even the cost of renting a home in the country. If you compare it to the GDP . . . If we talk about something more common to the average sierra Leonean: cell phones, most Sierra Leonean aged 17 and up have them. If you consider that the cheapest ones sell for Le 150,000 and we see people who are civil servants earning less than that amount buying $300 phones, you realize that using GDP as an index for the spending power of the average Sierra Leonean can be very misleading.

I believe that a developing country as well as any modern country needs the avant-garde to reach greater social achievements. I am aware that the average Sierra Leonean may not be able to afford a modestly priced Aschobi piece. But in the long run, they will benefit from the new image Aschobi is carving for Sierra Leone. Therefore, I am designing fashion as a Sierra Leonean I am launching this platform from Sierra Leone to represent Sierra Leone. I want Aschobi to be the aspiration and desire of every Sierra Leonean but also for everyone else too.

LADYBRILLE.com: How do you plan to improve efficiencies with production of your garments so you can make your clothes affordable to the average Sierra Leone woman? Do you want it to be affordable to the average woman in Sierra Leone?
Adama: Production is a major issue but we are finding solutions like training for tailors from other experts in the field. For us, it is not about making it more affordable. It is about making it functional for everyone. And while we are beginning with couture we do have a ready to wear line and we are developing T-shirts and even tote bags for school, slowly but surely.

LADYBRILLE.com: One of the biggest complaints I hear African designers in Africa complain about is the lack of skills necessary to help them execute their vision i.e. tailors, seamstress etc. What has been your experience so far?
Adama: The experience has been ups and downs. We have changed tailors, tested the market. What I am most proud of is the growth that I have seen in the tailors that have stayed. Aschobi has become their inspiration and their goal. It is a growth process. I acknowledge and embrace that. When you choose a third world country as your platform, it kind of comes with the package. But, this is a learning process for all involved and this is part of development and we are taking it as an opportunity because there are also many hidden talents.

LADYBRILLE.com: Senegalist Fashion icon Oumou Sy started a fashion school in her country and has trained many. Do you think you will follow in her footsteps as you trailblaze this new path?
Adama: YES that is as BIG dream for Aschobi. In school, Oumou Sy was such an inspiration to me. We are in talks and researching design schools as we speak. Aschobi has a lot on our plate right now so we are accomplishing our goals, one at a time.

LADYBRILLE.com: Right now you are getting recognized by international media from BBC to Reuters. How do you plan to leverage this publicity so you can convert it into profits for your company?
Adama: I am so overwhelmed by the interest of international media for Aschobi Designs and I realize only a few will come to my atelier in Freetown. I see the internet as a customer relations platform. I didn’t care much for the internet whilst living in Europe and America. But, right now, I know it is such an important tool to me and my work and it will be a key resources in connecting me to the people that I want to reach and those that want to reach me. Realizing this, I am taking key steps in setting up the Aschobishop website. Making sure that it too is exclusively inclusive.

LADYBRILLE.com: Our whole goal and hope when we feature African designers on Ladybrille is to encourage USA and other Western fashion buyers, primarily, to contact you directly to order as many units as possible for their retail stores. Are you prepared at this point to mass produce and where can our very Ladybrille Western fashion buyers reach you?
Adama: We are prepared to mass produce certain items only. We can be reached at 232 33 599 792 . Drop by our new website aschobishop.com which will be launched before Christmas. Send us an email to infoaschobi@gmail.com and we will be sure to let you know when the site launches.

LADYBRILLE.com: Where can our Ladybrille readers reach you to purchase your garments?
Adama: We are located at 17 Pademba Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone. We also have a facebook page titled Aschobi Designs. Our website is under construction and will be ready before Christmas. But, you can still visit it to see pictures of various styles and photoshoots we have http://www.aschobishop.com/. We can also be reached at infoaschobi@gmail.com.

LADYBRILLE.com: Where do you see Aschobi in five years?
Adama: In five years I see the Aschobi shop on 17 Pademba Road standing as a landmark in Sierra Leone. I see Aschobi products being carried by major department stores and boutiques through out the Diaspora. I see Aschobi as a household name in the fashion industry on the continent of Africa. I see the Aschobi website as a place where all these things and the Aschobi lifestyle merge and it becomes a place for people to satisfy their craving for all things Aschobi.

LADYBRILLE.com: It will be so if you believe. Adama, there has to be a trailblazer in Sierra Leone in fashion and we are glad it's you. Thank you. Keep us informed at all times of events, new collection etc. so we can continue to support your work in Sierra Leone. You are not alone!
Adama: I am so proud and grateful for this opportunity. Ladybrille has been a place I have always wanted to associate Aschobi with; and here you are selecting me as your Woman of the Month! Cheers to you and what you are doing for fashion in Africa today. Thank you.

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Ausma Khan, Part II

We continue with part II of our indepth interview with our Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Ausma Khan, Editor-in-Chief of Muslim Girl Magazine. For Part I click here.--Article by Niama Sandy.

LADYBRILLE.com: What are some obstacles that you’ve seen, personally and professionally for Muslim women and Muslim girls? Khan: For me personally, I’ve been really fortunate as I haven’t really faced any obstacles. I grew up in Canada, which thrives on multiculturalism and I had every possible opportunities and privilege in terms of education and my job pursuits. I think about where I come from and my history of my two grand mothers and I know my life is so different from theirs. I don’t view my own situation as having been difficult. In the context of my work for the magazine, we hear from young Muslim women all across the U.S. and Canada. Especially if they’re visibly identifiable as Muslim because of a head scarf, they face many challenges in terms of integrating into their classrooms, getting jobs or promotions. Particularly in the United States they might feel very singled out after September 11th.

It’s so much more of a negatively-charged climate for Muslims. They’re operating under fear and suspicion, and a lot of them feel the pressure to be ambassadors of their faith all the time which can be burdensome. Many young women are also using it as a tremendous opportunity for dialogue and engagement. So those are the kinds of misconceptions people have. People have stereotypical misconceptions about Muslim women: that we all wear head scarves, that we all dress a particular way, that we all think a particular way and really there’s a tremendous amount of diversity in American Muslim communities and that’s also not recognized in mainstream new coverage. That’s a challenge to try to get people to think of them outside of the box, to engage in the public sphere, to get our young women to represent themselves rather than being represented by others.

LADYBRILLE.com: How are you addressing that through your work and how do you think every day persons can address it in their lives? Khan:

The way we address it in the magazine is by being a forum to tell these stories from the inside in ways that we think are authentic, honest and positive. We showcase these kinds of stories that break stereotypes all the time: girls who travel the world, girls who work for charitable organizations in the community, girls who’re very active in athletics, girls who do not wear head scarves, girls who do wear head scarves and yet do all these things. We show very high-achieving Muslim women in a feature called “Woman to Watch.” We’ll showcase women who are very advanced in their careers and who’re doing important things in a variety of fields. We’ll talk openly and honestly about challenges of modern society and how young Muslim women try to make these accommodations. We show that there are struggles and problems in Muslim communities that need to be addressed. I think our editorial content is fairly substantial in that way.

LADYBRILLE.com: How did you initially become involved with Muslim Girl? Khan: It was an interesting sort of divergence from my career path. I was in academia working as an adjunct professor teaching International Human Rights Law – that’s also my area of specialization. I met up with the publisher who was recommended by a mutual friend. I’ve always been a lifelong writer and engager, when I met with the publishing team up here in Toronto I realized what I could achieve with the magazine is the same thing that interested me in International Human Rights work. Also living in the US and seeing what young Muslims are up against and how important it is for us to represent ourselves. I saw this as a chance to do something meaningful for the community.

What has your experience been like thus far with running the magazine? Coming from academia, what has that transition been like? What were some of your challenges? What was easiest for you? Khan: I really had to learn publishing from the ground floor up. I had very little publishing experience beyond getting my own work published, so it was a challenge. Everyday I would learn new things, but I was working with a great team the whole time. They were able to train me well and take a lot of information from me and feedback on what kinds of stories we should be telling, how we should tell them, and how we could achieve our joint objectives.

It’s been incredibly hectic and busy. In academia you have a lot of time for yourself and for your own research and your schedule is much more flexible; in publishing you’re always on deadline, it’s always crazy and hectic, stories are always falling through, you’re always looking for new material. That’s been quite different, but very exciting and challenging. The other thing that I really love is the opportunity to write and get my perspective out. Another thing is the incredible young women that I meet everyday through the magazine and the communities that we engage with and the kind of feedback we get from them. It makes it feel like you’re making a difference and like it’s worthwhile.

LADYBRILLE.com: There've been some amazing fashion spreads in Muslim Girl. Was it a conscious decision to make fashion a part of the magazine's content or did it just happen along the way? Khan: It was a very conscious decision. As much as we want to tackle the heavy and important issues, our audience is young and they’re stylish and they’re very much a part of the society they live in and so this is part of their identity and how they present themselves to the world. If you want to get young women to pick up your magazine and read if of course you have to provide things that engage them and entertain them. Fashion is one way to do that. This is one of the aspects of the magazine that’s most widely responded and people are very interested in. Particularly because most of the stuff in other fashion magazines doesn't match with their beliefs. We look at current trends on the runway and adapt it for their lifestyles and values. We receive fashion story suggestions all the time.

LADYBRILLE.com: Islam is [said to be] the fastest growing religion on the planet, has there been any thought of expanding into new markets? Across the continent of Africa, for example, a sizable portion are Muslims. In some African countries, about half of the citizens practice Islam. Do you see Muslim Girl addressing those young girls at present or in the future? Khan: We actually have done it to some extent in the past with a feature we have called “Muslim Girl International,” we’ll tell stories about girls from other parts of the world. We have told some African stories, and a lot of our content and images is about African-American girls because that is a constituency of our readership. In terms of expanding the distribution of the magazine, we’d love to go worldwide because there are Muslim populations all over the world but we’re just not there yet. Editorial would have to be localized, and that’s not really plausible. We don’t have any immediate plans for print distribution but we’re planning to expand our digital edition and make that available worldwide because we’ve had so much interest.

LADYBRILLE.com: What’s your favorite story been from “Muslim Girl International”? Khan: That’s a good question. We had a very interesting girl from Malaysia who was bioenvironmental engineer and her work involved sustainable development in Africa & Panama. In Panama, she was helping to create a sustainable water source for a village in Panama. In Africa, she was working on an HIV drug device delivery system that was sustainable and that could be recyclable. That was very interesting for me.

Another story was of a young Somali girl who had come to the US and was living Chicago. She’d come as a refugee and her experience in a refugee camp in Africa was horrendous. It was such an eye opener! She was a young girl with so much grit and determination. She was so determined to make the most of the opportunity to be in the U.S. and get an education and really do something for her family and her community.

Those kinds of stories are very meaningful, very powerful and inspiring, and it just shows you that young women have some important contributions to make.

LADYBRILLE.com: Where is the magazine available? Khan: It’s carried in libraries across the country. It’s also available nationwide in all but 20 of the Barnes & Noble stores in the U.S. In Canada, Indigo Chapters, and some independent newsstands carry it (like Hudson’s in New York), also some Borders carry it, but Barnes & Noble is the easiest place to find it.

LADYBRILLE.com: What is your hope for Muslim Girl in the next 5 years, for both the magazine itself and the community? Khan: I hope: our circulation could doubles and triples and is widely read; that it’s on the desk of every Senator, Congressperson and public policy official; that it’s widely available in schools, libraries and universities; and that it continues to be a resource to people who want to talk about Muslim issues both in the United States and around the world - so that Muslims can have a chance add their own voices to the debate, we’re always being talked about but rarely contributing. For the community, I hope that the girls continue to empower themselves, get good educations, get out into the workforce and join careers in law, public policy and journalism so that their voices can be heard and they can tackle the problems that are significant to their communities.

LADYBRILLE.com: Thank you so much! Khan: It has been my pleasure!

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For previous Ladybrille Women of the Month, click here.

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