Interviews

Interview: Artist Mickalene Thomas On Her HBO Documentary ‘Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman’

February 24, 2014

Ever since seeing Mickalene Thomas‘ eye-catching portraits and colorful collages a few years ago, I’ve been captivated by her work.

That’s why I was surprised, yet thrilled to learn that the acclaimed visual artist’s latest masterpiece wouldn’t be adorned with her signature sparkly rhinestones or vibrant patterns affixed on wood panels, but instead would be a heartfelt story told through film.

Photo via www.mickalenethomas.com

“Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman,” is Mickalene’s first film project and will premiere tonight on HBO. The docu-short is a touching, semi-sad, celebratory ode to her mother,”Mama Bush,” who is also the subject and inspiration behind many of her portraits.

Mickalene’s undeniable creativity is showcased throughout the film as she allows photographs, music and cinematography to serve as powerful storytellers alongside her mother’s gripping recounts of dreams deferred, abuse, and addiction. Her story of struggle and overcoming adversity is universal, which is why this piece is sure to resonate with everyone, especially women.

“Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” premieres tonight, February 24 on HBO at 9PM EST.

I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Mickalene about the film, her mother and more. Check out the interview below:

BGG: “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” was excellent. I was so sorry to learn that your beautiful muse/mom passed away. What was it like working with her on this project?

Mickalene Thomas: My mother is such an elegant and charismatic person. I think that was one of the reasons why I was always inspired by her…with her strength and resolve despite the difficulties (health issues, addiction and abuse) throughout her life. Doing this film allowed me to really see that person and love that person, which is why I wanted to make this film. Using her as a subject for this film was actually quite easy. Initially it was going to be an art show/project. But, after I conceived the idea and talked to friends about it they suggested that I use film as a way to tell the story.

BGG: What do you want viewers to take from watching this film?

MT: I’d like for them to know what a great opportunity it was for me or anyone to create a great tribute to their mother. I think that’s something that we all hope to do in our own way in our lives no matter what we’re doing in the world. That’s why the title for me is so important. “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” is a title that signifies celebrating motherhood and womanhood. I think my mother putting that on her cake for her 50th birthday was a mantra for her because that’s the time when her health declined. It was the inspiration that she needed in order for her to persevere.

BGG: So it was easy for you to decide on “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” as the title, right?
MT: It was really easy because as I mentioned, she put it on her cake for her 50th birthday party. During her party, I had taken a photograph of the cake. When I was filming her at her house, I saw that she had it framed and put it on her nightstand. It was then that I realized that the title was already there for me to use.

BGG: Do you plan on doing more films?

MT: Absolutely! I do plan on doing more films. I am really interested in filmmaking as a means to tell a story as an artist. I’m actually interested in doing a semi-autobiographical feature film that deals with love (a love story).

BGG: Has your daughter (18-month-old Junya Rei) changed your approach to your craft? Will you incorporate her into your artwork?

MT: Yes, she actually has! My new body of work that I’m doing a preview of on March 6th (Brand New Gallery in Milan, Italy) is a tribute to that. It is very much childlike and free in dealing with geometric and formal aspects of painting. I think it has a lot to do with that child’s play of how kids see the world and them grabbing at things and having a response to what’s right in front of them. The portraits that I’m making are all untitled pieces because I want the viewers to have their own experience of the work; unlike my others that have titles that acts as a way of how it should be perceived.

BGG: The juxtaposition of patterns and the women in your paintings is so eclectic and beautiful, from where do you draw that inspiration?

MT: I was always looking at African textiles and photographs from African photographers from the 1970s and was just really inspired by those patterns. I also drew inspiration from my own family (my grandmother) and started bringing them into the work to create environments for my portraits.

BGG: How has fashion influenced your aesthetic?

MT: For me, fashion has always been a part of my aesthetic. The patterns I use, the fabrics that I’m interested in, and juxtaposing them with what the women are wearing in my portraits is very important. I look at fashion spreads for composition and how some of the women are posed, as well as historical art compositions. And, I like fashion myself.

BGG: I know that rhinestones are prominently used in your work, tell me about that decision.

MT: Rhinestones are sort of a primary fashion aesthetic that’s used in a lot of fantastic dresses and garments throughout the world. They have always been a part of my process. One of the reasons why I’m interested in using them is because they come from very high to low quality. They’re these pieces that you put on to embellish or to make something more beautiful or to stand out. So these notions of beauty signify the same sort of thing in relationship to how a young girl emulates her mother by learning how to dress. So those are transformed through the relationship of young girls and how they see themselves through their mothers. And I think that’s why I use my mother a lot in my work.

I really want people to hold on to this title (“Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman”) because it’s not just about the woman being beautiful on the outside, it’s the whole woman and what we represent in the world: what we go through, how we persevere, how we give life, how we struggle, how we uphold families and how we persevere and the tenacity of what a woman is from the inside out.

BGG: What has been your proudest moment thus far in your career?

MT: At this moment I would say that this documentary is one of my proudest moment because it has transcended beyond the boundaries of my own work of only being in art galleries and museums . It’s reaching a larger public audience of people that I don’t think I’ve ever imagined to reach. There are very few creations in the world that break the barriers where it allows for a larger audience. I think film, music, and literature do that where more people can see it and be inspired by it.

Will you be tuning in “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman” tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Interviews | 1 Comment

Interview: Renaissance Woman Amanda Seales Talks Beauty, Music and More!

June 5, 2013

We all have our creative sides, but it seems like God gave Amanda Seales (formerly known as Amanda Diva) a little more than the rest of us!

The Los Angeles native, 31, who calls New York City home is an all-around Renaissance woman. If being one of the hottest and most sought-after DJs in the city isn’t enough, the multi-talented Columbia University alum is also a visual artist, poet, playwright, singer/songwiter, entrepreneur, TV personality and the host of the recently wrapped VH1 show, “Masters of the Mix: Season 3.”

I recently caught up with the girl-about-town diva to dish about her inspiration, beauty routine and of course, music!

Check out the Q&A below:

BGG: Your artwork is absolutely beautiful! What do you enjoy creating the most?

Amanda Seales: Thank you! Lately I’ve found myself becoming more interested in going the fashion route with my art I’ve really enjoyed spicing up pieces like purses, bangles, denim. Eventually I’d like to have my own clothing and home lines. I also really love doing big pieces. I don’t really get the chance to because of time and space (these NYC apartments aren’t great for that) but I love the feeling of accomplishment after I finish and seeing what started as a little thought in my mind realized tangibly on a big canvas.

Soul Fro Canvas Tote Bag available here, $30

BGG: During your travels, what country or city inspires you the most?

AS: Paris. Hands down. It’s so aesthetically beautiful yet gritty. It is as if it were built for the specific purpose of inspiring artists!

BGG: What do you think are the challenges (if any) that female DJs experience that their male counterparts don’t have to deal with?

AS: Dudes hollering at us while we’re in the booth. (laughing) You have no idea how annoying it is and the insipid questions like, “So you be djaying??” CLEARLY.

BGG: Being the epitome of a Renaissance woman with a super busy schedule, what are your beauty & hair secrets to always looking camera-ready?

AS: As far as beauty secrets I’m pretty simple. I wash my face daily with Oil of Olay Total Effects. In regard to makeup, I use the Bobbi Brown Bronze “Shimmer Brick” as a shimmer and love a pop (of color) on the lip and I try to get creative with my eyes. On shoots, I have makeup artists use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation as it’s less wearing on my skin. Dairy gives me pimples on my forehead so I try to stay away but damn, that Haagen-Daz is SO inviting!

As far as my hair, I also keep that simple too! I wash my hair about every other day and comb it out and condition on weekends. In the shower I use Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo and Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner. For daily upkeep, I use Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk as a leave-in to keep my curls defined and voluminous.

BGG: You have such a refreshing personal style. How would you describe it in three words?

AS: Thanks! I never really considered myself stylish but I’ve really been giving more effort to it so that means a lot! Amazing designer Sharufa Walker of Jinaki gave me some great advice she said, “Amanda you are gifted with use of color on canvas. Use that same gift and apply it and treat yourself like the canvas and your clothes like the paints.” That has totally changed my mind frame and given foundation to my style over night! I would describe it as Colorful. Classy. Feminine.

BGG: Like most of us, music is a huge part of your life. When did you know that you wanted to make a profession out of it?

AS: I honestly never knew. It just happened. One day I was doing poetry and after the show was offered a job as a radio host at Sirius Satellite Show. I was always a music lover but it was then that the hobby became a profession.

BGG: Being an ‘80s baby, you’ve seen hip-hop undergo many changes. What do you think of today’s hip-hop landscape?

AS: Blechhhh.

BGG: If you could only play one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

AS: Bob Marley “Legend” because it is multi-dynamic musically and emotionally. There is a song for every feeling and mood.

BGG: Being so multi-talented, what do you envision for your future career-path?

AS: In the future I want to continue to raise the platform on which I’m hosting and creating. Whether it’s programming content, art, djaying, or written work (plays/books), I am ready to elevate and have my own television show, book, branded endorsement featuring my art, etc . I also hope to be able to one day live comfortably and consistently off of my prolific mind.

BGG: I know that you often speak with young women in college, what has been your best advice to them?

AS: I feel like only they would know what my best advice to them has been, but I try to always instill in them the importance of preservation of integrity and the importance of education. Those are two things that no one can take from you!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Interviews, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Interview: ‘The Chew’s’ Carla Hall Talks Cooking!

January 31, 2013

There are thousands of chefs, but only a few rise to fame—Carla Hall is one of them.

The Nashville-native, 48, is currently a co-host of ABC’s popular daytime lifestyle show,”The Chew,” alongside some of the most lauded celebrity chefs in the business. In that role, she treats viewers to a daily dose of her down-to-earth charm while showcasing her undeniable cooking chops. The former “Top Chef” contestant and former caterer has gained fans for her approachable “cooking with love,” style and effervescent personality.

I recently caught up with the L’Academie de Cuisine alum and my personal favorite “Top Chef” all-star to discuss her debut cookbook, Super Bowl plans and of course…gumbo!

Photo Courtesy: ABCNews.com

Check out our Q&A below:

BGG: I know you have a degree in accounting from Howard University, but were you always in the kitchen as a kid?
Carla Hall: “Actually, no, I wasn’t. I’ve always loved food, but my mother didn’t really cook well so we would go to my grandmother’s house every Sunday. I loved the food, but was never in the kitchen when she was making it.”

BGG: Did you ever dream of working on a show like “The Chew?”
CH: “Well, people approached me about doing another show. So the idea was in my head that this might be great. Prior to ‘Top Chef,’ I didn’t even think about being a full-time chef and that’s another reason why I’m very grateful to the experience. I did want to major in theater. I always loved teaching cooking classes because I’ve always felt that there was a marriage between theater and food. ‘The Chew,’ is sort of an extension of that, but very different.”

BGG: What’s the most exciting part of your job?
CH: “The most exciting part of my job is working with people that I respect and learning a different perspective. The best thing about this show is having five different people and five different perspectives and showing people that there are more than one, two, three or four ways to skin a cat. The more that you show people that there’s a different way of doing things, the more empowered other people become.”

BGG: What did being on “Top Chef” teach you as a chef?
CH: “As much as it is about showing off your chops in the kitchen, I feel for me it was about not having an ego. When you want to impress someone with your food, it becomes less about tasty food and more about making something to ‘wow.’ And sometimes heart is left out of ‘wow.’

Case in point, when we did the episode on Ellis Island, we had to create a dish connecting to our ancestors and where we come from. That was the most soulful food I ever remember people doing on ‘Top Chef!’”

BGG: I know that the judges raved about your gumbo and potpie on “Top Chef,” but what would you consider to be your signature dish?
CH: “The potpie is one of them. It was one of the first things that I learned how to make when I decided that I wanted to cook. I would say that’s one of the dishes with the most history. It’s changed over the years only because my technique has gotten better. I also love to do desserts. Another thing that I learned from ‘Top Chef,’ was my style. I think it was the fans that helped me to define myself as a chef. They saw me as a southern chef. And I was like, ‘Really?’ Even though I’m from the south, I didn’t realize that everything I did was sort of colored and through that prism of southern food and it is. Sometimes it takes someone else telling you what they see versus what you feel you’re doing. It was through ‘Top Chef,’ that I figured that out about myself. I’m always very open to what I’m doing.”

BGG: Speaking of gumbo, since my site is called Brown Girl Gumbo, what’s the key to making a perfect gumbo?
CH: “I think it’s deep flavors. I made that gumbo (on “Top Chef”) in 20 minutes and people were saying, ‘How did you do that so quickly because it takes 20 minutes to make a roux?’ It does take a long time to make a traditional gumbo, but I just wanted the flavors. I think that if you have really good ingredients, your holy trinity (carrots, celery and onion and Cajun-style onion, celery and peppers), thyme and bay leaves you’re going to make a great gumbo. The secret for me is if I’m using shrimp, I’m going to use the shrimp shells; I just want that deep flavor. Oh and cook it the day before if you can!”

BGG: Tell me the story behind your cooking with love philosophy.
CH: “My cookbook title, Cooking With Love, is two-fold. It is about cooking from the heart and that’s just a spiritual factor for whatever I do, I want to enjoy it. I believe you do things better when you enjoy doing them. If you don’t want to take out the trash and you’re doing it begrudgingly, a hole will find its way in that bag! It can be with the simplest things! When you want to do something you tend to do it well. I always try to do the same with cooking from the heart so that I can give somebody a piece of myself.

The other part of it is because I’m a career changer, I’m finally in a place that I love. It’s finally finding the thing that I love to do because that was a journey for me.”

“Cooking With Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You,” by Carla Hall is available here, $17

BGG: What can readers expect from your new cookbook, “Cooking With Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You?”
CH: “There’s something for everybody. There are some recipes that are for experienced cooks, but my pastry crust that I make in a mixer is very simple; anybody can do it! If you can turn a mixer on and put in salt, sugar, water and measure you can make it! Even my mushroom tart is really easy. When people make it, they’ll say, “Oh wow, that was good. Let me try something else.’ And that’s what I want them to do. I want them to feel like they can make something happen with something that they like!”

BGG: What advice do you have for someone who’s intimidated by cooking?
CH: “In the cookbook, I think about those people. I have very simple recipes and some that are more difficult. I say start with something that you know. Soups are the perfect things to start with, especially one that’s pureed so you don’t have to do a lot of chopping. Once you have those small victories, even if it’s making salad dressing or making an omelet, those small victories give you the confidence to continue. Start with something simple.”

BGG: I know you were one of the chefs asked to prepare food at the White House Easter Egg Roll two years in a row. Will you be there again this year?
CH: “It was so much fun! I was just at the White House a few weeks ago. It’s such an honor to even be asked. I know that there are so many chefs, so if I don’t get to go again this year, I won’t call foul because I have been asked two years in a row.”

BGG: Will you be cooking for the Super Bowl this weekend?
CH: “No! (laughing) I’m actually going to Mario Batali’s (her co-host on ‘The Chew’) house. I was prepared to not do anything and just have a girly day, but Mario said, ‘Are you coming?’ He had a Super Bowl party last year and went all out. He gets all in to the food!”

BGG: I know that back in the day before you were in the kitchen, you were on the catwalk as a model. I have to ask, do you have any beauty secrets that you still swear by?
CH: “I never go to bed with my makeup on! People think that because they’re in their 20s their skin will always be beautiful, but you have to take care of it. I always wear moisturizer and sunscreen.”

Watch “The Chew’s” co-hosts discuss their favorite things about Super Bowl Sunday:

Click here for Carla’s simple gumbo recipe!

“The Chew” airs weekdays 1pm EST on ABC.

Do you watch “The Chew?” Will you be cooking for the Super Bowl?

Category: Books, Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Interviews | 3 Comments

Interview & GIVEAWAY: Dr. Ian Smith On Shredding Pounds Once and For All!

January 7, 2013

Now that we’re a full week into the new year, are you still on track with your resolutions? If you’re like countless Americans who’ve made the commitment to get in shape this year, Dr. Ian K. Smith’s new book, Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—Six Weeks, Four Inches, Two Sizes, will make it easier to keep your promise, and keep those pesky unwanted pounds in the past.

The New York Times best-selling author’s latest effort serves as a comprehensive weight-loss manual. Think of it as a book version of a hard-nosed personal trainer and nutritionist, outlining in reader-friendly detail what it takes to well, shred those hard-to-ditch pounds. From stressing the importance of meal planning to strategic ways to switch up workout routines to increase weight loss, Shred doesn’t skimp on articulating the methods and techniques needed to complete the six-week program. Plus, it includes easy recipes for delicious smoothies, soups and stews to help maintain the plan.

But don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your typical diet book. There are no gimmicks to getting in shape. It takes hard work, dedication and will power to see successful results as the former “Celebrity Fit Club” medical expert expresses throughout the book.

I recently spoke with Dr. Smith to discuss Shred, working with the president and his favorite pig-out food!

The Shred: Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches

Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches; Available here, $15

BGG: What sets Shred apart from your other books?

Dr. Ian Smith: It’s all of my best strategies in one place!

BGG: Tell me your thoughts on the key to losing weight with Shred.

DS: It’s not really a diet, it’s a way of life. It’s about a way of living. A lot of people think that they should go on a diet if they’re going to a reunion, birthday or on vacation. It’s fine to lose weight for those purposes, but I am interested in you losing weight permanently and for long-term healthy reasons, as well as aesthetic reasons.

BGG: Why is it so difficult for individuals to lose those last few pounds?

DS: When you’re so close to your target weight, it’s in general just more difficult to lose weight. People who have been successful at losing weight reach a plateau because they’ve done what they’ve been doing and their body has settled in and now they have to shake it up. The body has to see different foods, different quantities, etc. That’s what “Diet Confusion” is all about. “Diet Confusion” is about keeping the body off kilter so that you keep your metabolism going and your body won’t get adjusted to the same foods.

BGG: What do you want to convey to women about weight loss?

DS: I want women to know that weight loss is possible and weight loss is possible through making lifestyle changes. It is not about gimmicks to get those last few pounds off because once you stop the gimmick, the weight is going to come back. It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding a way to eat and exercising comfortably. It’s about making smart choices and balance.

BGG: Did you always want to work in the healthcare field?

DS: I always wanted to be a physician since I was a little boy; so my dream has come true. I was supposed to be a surgeon, but I got into weight loss and nutrition by accident. I was a columnist for Time magazine and a lot of my readers would and in questions about diet, weight loss and supplements. In order to fulfill the needs of my readers to understand in a complicated and frustrated marketplace I started becoming an expert in nutrition and weight loss.

BGG: Tell me about your involvement with President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

DS: We (ambassadors for the White House) go around the country whether it’s on TV, in schools or churches to spread the importance of getting people to eat better and exercise more.

BGG: You’ve had many notable accomplishments throughout your career. What makes you the most proud?

DS: I think the 50-million pound challenge and having the ability to enhance the national dialogue about the need for us to lose weight and to be healthier. I think that was a big deal.

BGG: We all know that you’re incredibly fit, but what’s your indulgence when you just want to pig out?

DS: I was recently on “Rachael Ray” making barbecue steak, buttered mashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots!

Watch Dr. Smith cooking in the kitchen below:

Be sure to follow @DoctorIanSmith on Twitter for daily health tips, quotes, etc.

Is losing weight one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, leave a comment below and you could win a copy of Shred! One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced later this week!

Category: Featured, Features, Giveaway, Giveaways, Health, Interviews, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellness | 6 Comments

Interview: Oscar James Talks Party-Ready Hair, Hollywood Styling and Trends

December 27, 2012

There’s no denying that Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Tyra Banks and Vanessa Williams are naturally gorgeous. But like the rest of us, they get a little help from professional hair stylists to amp up their beauty. At some point in each of their careers, Oscar James has been that stylist.

For over 20 years, he’s styled some of the hottest stars in Hollywood. From magazine covers to monumental career milestones, James has made sure that his celebrity clients always turn heads. I recently caught up with the Emmy-winning stylist to talk go-to styles for the holiday, dry hair and more!

Check out the Q&A:

BGG: I know that you believe that taking care of the scalp is the foundation to having beautiful, healthy hair. What’s the best way to treat excessively dry scalp?

OJ: Look for nourishing shampoos and conditioners that really focus on the scalp and include vitamins and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter. After washing, make sure you condition your scalp properly to help lock-in moisture. You’ll want to use a lightweight oil to moisturize dry areas of your scalp on a regular basis. A great option is CLEAR Ultra Shea, a new line of shampoo, conditioner, and treatments (oil and balm).

CLEAR Ultra Shea available here; $5.99 (each)

BGG: Many women are beginning to transition from relaxed to non-chemically-straightened (natural) hair. What protective styles do you recommend for women during this process?

OJ: During the transitioning process, the hair can be fragile at the “break line” or the point where the relaxed and natural hair strand meet. If you’re going natural, make the transition easier with styles like braids, weaves and wigs.

BGG: Now that most of the country has entered into cold-weather territory, how can we prevent our hair from becoming dull and brittle?

OJ: Make sure that you use a deep conditioning treatment on your hair and scalp every two weeks. It’ll hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. You can use the heat from a heating cap or hood dryer for 15 minutes to help seal in moisture.

BGG: With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, what are simple yet festive styles that readers can try at home to dress up their hair?

OJ: The holiday season is the perfect time to go all out with something very chic and glamorous. Right now, I love the top knot and a high ponytail. It’s the perfect ‘do for a holiday party or a night out dancing. It’s a great way to look chic while partying the night away because you won’t have to worry about sweating your hair out because it will be swept up and off the face. The best style always comes back to starting at the right end of hair, the scalp, so make sure that you pay attention to your hair and your scalp.

BGG: You’ve styled some of the most glamorous women in Hollywood, what’s your all-time favorite look?

OJ: I’ve worked with countless celebrities during my 20 year career span so it’s difficult to select a favorite look! One of my favorite looks was Halle Berry when she won her Academy Award. It was just such a special day and to be included in history in that way was (and is) priceless.

Halle Berry during her acceptance speech for winning the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 2002 Oscars.

I also love Vanessa Williams on the cover of the October 1994 issue of Essence. It was one of my first covers and is still one of my favorites. Then, there’s the New York Times Magazine cover with Tyra Banks. It still takes my breath away. Sometimes everything just comes together and that cover was one of those times.

Tyra Banks on the cover of the Tk issue of the New York Times magazine.

Tyra Banks on the cover of the June 1, 2008 issue of New York Times Magazine.

BGG: What hair trends do you predict will be huge in 2013?

OJ: I’m not big on trends. I feel that healthy, well-nourished hair and scalp are always in fashion. The goal is always healthy hair that shines and is full of body.

Follow Oscar James on Twitter: @OscarJamesHair

What do you think of his popular styles for Halle and Tyra? Do you have your style planned for New Year’s Eve?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair, Halle Berry, Interviews, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

BGG Chats w/Oyin Handmade’s Jamyla Bennu

December 12, 2012

I’m always on the hunt for new natural products that are made with our hair and skin in mind. When I heard about Oyin Handmade (I know, where have I been?) I knew it was a line that I had to try!

Created by wife-and-husband team, Jamyla & Pierre Bennu in 2001, Oyin has become a coveted brands amongst consumers who appreciate quality, hand-made (no mass manufacturing here!) all-natural hair and body care products.

From herbal “juices and berries” conditioners to almost good-enough-to-eat ash-fighting whipped puddings, Oyin only uses the finest “good-for-you” ingredients to keep our hair and skin looking good. Plus, the packaging is fun, fresh, and incredibly eye-catching.

Jamyla Bennu

I recently caught up with Jamyla to talk Oyin’s loyal following, entrepreneurship, and more!

Check it out below:

BGG: With so many natural beauty care brands in the marketplace now, why do you think your customers keep coming back for more Oyin Handmade?

Jamyla: We work hard to make awesome products that are simple, packed with nutrition, effective, and great smelling. We think folks keep coming back because the products help their hair be the best it can be. But with limited distribution people do go out of their way to get our goodies, purchasing online most of the time; and we think they are willing to keep doing that because we make the experience fun and rewarding for them. It’s another thing we work very hard at—thanking our customers for their business with personable customer service and communication, little gifts in the packages, fun packaging, and a sense of connectedness with the people whose hands make the products. As a smaller-scale company, that fun and the personal connection is something unique that we can offer.

BGG: I know that all of your products are individually special like your children, but if you had to choose one that you’d recommend for everybody what would it be?

Jamyla: Yes, this is a tough one. Maybe the Honey-Hemp conditioner, because it’s such an all-purpose workhorse of a product. You can use it to deep-condition, to co-wash, as a leave-in and as styler.

Honey Hemp Conditioner, available here; $12

BGG: How does the Oyin philosophy of only using natural and “good-for-you” ingredients translate into your overall lifestyle?

Jamyla: I live for nutritional density, not using ‘filler’ in my products or my diet. Every ingredient in our products has work to do, and I strive for the same in the foods I eat and feed my family. For instance, why ‘spend’ my carbs on nutritionally vacant refined or processed starches when I can choose healthy whole grains, brown rice, etc.? That being said, I’m a believer in balance. I feel food offers us an opportunity for both nourishment AND enjoyment—and if you want to ‘spend’ some of your belly space on a decadent dessert or a treasured comfort food, I think that can be satisfying emotionally if not nutritionally (laughing). The key is balance, education, and making sure our bodies’ needs are met.

BGG: Did you always have aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur?

Jamyla: I’ve always valued freedom and creativity, but didn’t always know how to arrive at a career where those attributes came in handy. I arrived at a small business career quite through trial and error.

BGG: What’s been the key to successfully balancing your business and family life?

Jamyla: I don’t think anyone has the ‘key’ to that. We are still working to achieve that balance every day. Having a partner who is a full team player in business and home is vital.

Whipped Shea Butter available here; $10

BGG: What are the advantages and disadvantages (if any!) of working with your better half?

Jamyla: I can’t think of any disadvantages. It’s one of the things we enjoy most about our lives.

To get your hands on these awesome products, click here!

Have you ever used Oyin Handmade products? I’m obsessed with the Sugar & Berries pomade (it’s even included in my Holiday Gift Guide)!

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair, Interviews | 2 Comments

BGG Chats w/Singer Rachel Brown

November 14, 2012

It’s not often that I come across new music that makes me take notice. That’s why when I first heard newcomer Rachel Brown’s music, my ears perked with delight.

The New York native, 23, is causing major buzz throughout the industry and for good reason. Her refreshing sound fills a void in the marketplace that undoubtedly needs a breath of fresh air. Her debut EP, “Building Castles,” is a compilation of six soulful self-penned tunes fused with an eclectic mix of music genres. Upbeat and catchy, “Bumblebee,” is the first single from the release, and my favorite track.

I recently caught up with the budding singer whose already opened for Mary J. Blige and Robin Thick, and chatted about fashion, Harvard and the Spice Girls.

Check out the Q&A:

BGG: You have such a unique sound. How would you describe it?

RB: Thank you. Really, I just try to fuse all the sounds that inspire me into something that sounds good. I’m influenced by everything from pop, reggae, hip hop, country, Caribbean sounds and on and on.

BGG: What can music fans expect from your debut EP, “Building Castles?”

RB: Six heartfelt songs that reflect different aspects of who I am as an artist.

BGG: What inspires you the most when it comes to songwriting?

RB: Any number of things. Songwriting is usually my outlet for when I’m stressed out about something. Even if the song is about a totally different subject, it’s often my way of dealing with any issues I have on my mind.

BGG: What was it like growing up with a mom in the fashion business (her mom is famed wedding gown designer Amsale)?

RB: It meant I always had access to nice dresses, though there’s only so many reasons you need them growing up! Prom was a winner, though.

BGG: How would you describe your personal style?

RB: I’m not sure how to describe my own style. Being comfortable while not looking like a total disaster is of equal importance when I attempt to get dressed in the morning.

BGG: You’re incredibly artistic. Did you always know that working in a creative industry was your destiny?

RB: Thank you. Yes, I’ve always been interested in different types of art forms and knew that no matter what I would find myself involved in a creative industry in some capacity. Once I discovered songwriting and playing music, though, I could’t imagine doing anything else.

BGG: Being a Harvard grad, how has it prepared you for the music business?

RB: I have nothing to else to compare it to, but I will say that I feel very fortunate that I found my passion for music after I had already applied to college, because I was never faced with the decision of choosing school or a career. I had a great experience at college, and I’m sure that in some way shaped me for what I do now.

BGG: Who are some of your favorite musical influences?

RB: Wyclef Jean, Smokey Robinson, Bob Marley, Jason Mraz, the list goes on.

BGG: I read that when you were young, you were a huge Spice Girls fan. Are you excited for their reunion tour?

RB: There’s a reunion tour? The answer is yes! I may or may not have gotten a little emotional during their Olympics Closing Ceremony performance…

BGG: What’s next for you?

RB: I’m about to release the music video for my single, “Bumblebee.” Then continue to promote the record, perform in NYC, and tour!