#blackbusiness

MBHM – Going Goebel Savage

Making Black History Moments (MBHM) – On September 20, 2019, Rihanna launched her Savage x Fenty Fashion Show on Amazon featuring her lingerie fashion collection celebrating all genders choreographed by Parris Goebel.

Savage x Fenty Fashion Show – September 20, 2019

Why not celebrate the work of two incredible brown, female, artists coming to snatch every bit of your hair out and leave you wondering what life was like before they rocked your world?

The work that Rihanna has created via her fashion line has filled a gaping hole in the worlds of curvy and “non-fashion standard” women worldwide. I still get chills thinking about the morning I woke up and saw this fashion show for the first time. The sheer diversity of designs and body types literally moved me to tears. As I explored why the moment hit me that hard I realized that while I adore participating in the consumer end of fashion shows, IT IS RARE for me to see models who reflect my body type up on the runway.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s way better than it used to be, but we have a LONG way to go.

When you’re a big, curvy girl you are taught to hide your body until and if you can “fix” your body to fit the standard fashion type. There’s a lot of shame that you wade through and no where is it quite as obvious as when you go to shop for lingerie. (pause)

Yeah, I had to take a few deep breaths because shit is real.

So, I appreciate Rihanna so much for working to fill this neglected space with beautiful designs and shapes that celebrate all body types because I didn’t know how badly I needed that salve right then and there.

But then she had to go and introduce me to the work of Parris Goebel…

Y’all, if I could just spend one day a week in her studio to learn and celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which my body can move and celebrate life… you couldn’t tell me NOTHING! I would dance to and from the mailbox. Because in addition to there being so much work to be done in creating fashion for curvy girls, there’s also a narrative about the way big girls should move their bodies. Ms. Parris ain’t tryna hear that.

If you haven’t seen the show, give yourself the gift of rolling over to Amazon Originals and see what you’ve been missing. To read my original blog on the show Click HERE.

Marta C. Youngblood is the founder and creative engine behind TheWRITEaddiction creatives co-op founded in 2014 as a virtual community supporting writers from all over the United States of America. Marta’s passion drives her to support the success of creatives from all walks of life to honor their talent and share it with the world. She believes that working in our creative callings does not have to be synonymous with being a “starving artist” and helps creatives master the business skills and strategies they need to work in their gifts.

MBHM – Black Menswear

Making Black History Moments (MBHM): On February 16, 2019, Black Menswear sponsored a fashion flash mob of over 100 black men styling and profiling in Dallas, Texas, combating the negative narrative surrounding men of African descent living in the United States of America.

Photo Credit: Stephon Lathom Photography

Y’all, I saw a few images from this account roll across my timeline and had to dig a little to find the source. Imagine my delight when I discovered an Arkansas connection. 🥰 This isn’t even about a “oooh they fone” moment. It was just refreshing to see images of black men that were “normal” for me on a public platform. I mean, look at them!

Photo Credit: Stephon Lathom Photography

This effort is based out of Dallas, Texas, and incorporates the concept of a black menswear flash mob photo shoot to push these positive images into cyberspace. Loving it!

If you want to add a little extra happy to your day, do yourself a favor and go follow @blackmenswear on Instagram. You’re welcome. 😉

Marta C. Youngblood is the founder and creative engine behind TheWRITEaddiction creatives co-op founded in 2014 as a virtual community supporting writers from all over the United States of America. Marta’s passion drives her to support the success of creatives from all walks of life to honor their talent and share it with the world. She believes that working in our creative callings does not have to be synonymous with being a “starving artist” and helps creatives master the business skills and strategies they need to work in their gifts.

MBHM – The Village Market

Making Black History Moments (MBHM): In January of 2016, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon begins offering master classes under the banner of “It Takes A Village” with a focus on supporting entrepreneurship development, financial literacy and women’s empowerment. This effort would quickly grow into The Village Market, an Atlanta-based ecosystem reaching small businesses in 21 states and four countries, with an official partnership with The Bahamas.

I posted a status online a few weeks ago that I know some amazing people doing incredible things in the world. One of those people who I admire and love with my whole heart is Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon (yes, I use her whole name and title).

Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, The Village Market Founder

Key stepped out on faith in a way many people never will and through trials and triumphs launched what is now a vital and growing business ecosystem that promotes black excellence in business on a daily basis.

The Village Market Atlanta 2017

A few years ago I had the opportunity to attend one of the Village Markets which was a bigger deal than it sounds at first considering I have to make my way over from Lubbock, Texas, to Atlanta for the occasion. The energy was heavy in the air. It rained hard during that market but it didn’t deter people from coming out spending their dollars with all those vendors.

Comic Relief From Our Stairwell Rain Shelter

If you’d like to read about that adventure and see more pictures from the event CLICK HERE.

Yes, The Village Market is an amazing accomplishment and its mission to “empower entrepreneurs through education, purpose-driven events, and community engagement,” needs to be shared by all of us. But what I am most proud of my little sister for is the beautiful way she works to empower others and protect her energy.

I love her slogan that “Support is a verb”. I love the reminders she graciously shares that “self care is not optional and in fact supports excellence in servanthood”.

Key and the team at The Village Market are a shining example of black excellence and if you haven’t looked into the good work they are doing there is no time like the present.

To learn more about the work of The Village Market Atlanta visit their site at https://thevillagemarketatl.com.

Marta C. Youngblood is the founder and creative engine behind TheWRITEaddiction creatives co-op founded in 2014 as a virtual community supporting writers from all over the United States of America. Marta’s passion drives her to support the success of creatives from all walks of life to honor their talent and share it with the world. She believes that working in our creative callings does not have to be synonymous with being a “starving artist” and helps creatives master the business skills and strategies they need to work in their gifts.