Author: Deja

Supermodel Jessica White Launches New Talent Agency with Atlanta Casting Call

Jessica White, the bombshell known for her iconic appearances in Vogue, Victoria’s Secret, and Sports Illustrated among others, is now set to nurture the next generation of talent through her new modeling agency. She hosted a casting call at the elegant Whitley Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, where aspiring models from across the metro area showcased their talent.

Photo by Andrew Fennell

Inspired by her two-decade-long career, White’s agency aims to provide comprehensive support for up-and-coming models. Having navigated the industry’s highs and lows from a young age, she is committed to fostering not just talent but also the mental, physical, spiritual, and financial well-being of her models, ensuring their long-term success in the fashion world.

Photo by Andrew Fennell

The casting call drew over 300 men and women of all ages, each hoping to become the next fashion icon. After registration, Jessica welcomed the participants with simple yet powerful words of encouragement before kicking off the auditions: “Work your stuff.” She was joined by guest judges, including rapper and pro-hairstylist Cliff Vmir, veteran correspondent Dennis Byron, and celebrity stylist Fiskani Kara.

Social media buzzed with the hashtag #BombshellAcademy, capturing the day’s energy and excitement. Numerous media outlets covered the event and conducted exclusive interviews with Jessica White who wore a The Frankie Shop woven off white suit, adding to the event’s high profile.

The success of this casting call has sparked discussions about hosting auditions in other major cities, such as New York and Miami.

To learn more about upcoming auditions and how to join Jessica White’s agency, follow her on social media at: @iamjypsywhite.

Dr. Heavenly’s FemFest Celebrates Women’s Empowerment on International Women’s Day

Women are leading the charge in entrepreneurship, and FemFest 2024 was a testament to their indomitable spirit and achievements, especially during Women’s History Month. Spearheaded by the dynamic Dr. Heavenly, the inaugural FemFest Women’s Empowerment Conference, powered by Dr. Heavenly University, is a platform to celebrate and uplift women from all walks of life.

With legendary media personality Ebony Steele as the emcee and the esteemed Forbes contributor Stephanie Tharpe guiding discussions, FemFest attracted women from across the nation to converge at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The event was a convergence of powerhouse women, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

Photo Courtesy of Princeton Cordell Studios

The lineup of panelists was nothing short of impressive, featuring Bravo TV stars Dr. Heavenly Kimes, renowned medical professional Dr. Jackie Walters and award-winning weight loss specialist Dr. Jada Moore-Ruffin, e-Commerce expert Ashley Loveless, motivational speaker and healthcare professional Dr. Ebonee Gresham, serial entrepreneur and investor Monique Rose Sneed, financial strategist Octavia Conner,  education executive Crystal Nasir, multimillion-dollar business guru Stormy Wellington. and Six Figure Spa Chick Candace Holyfield-Parker. These well rounded professionals delved into various topics, from business strategies to personal wellness, inspiring attendees to reach new heights of success.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a plethora of enriching sessions, learning practical tips and direct networking with business leaders. Many of them shared their sentiments on social media and recorded testimonials on-site.

Photo Courtesy of Princeton Cordell Studios

The event concluded with a Moment of Strength, an inspirational talk by Strength Coach Jaira B., and a soothing sound bath experience led by wellness advocate Vanessa Parker. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and empowerment as women shared stories, exchanged insights, and forged new connections. Local CBS affiliate, channel 42 captured panel footage and Dr. Heavenly’s mission behind bringing the inaugural conference to Birmingham. 

In addition to the invaluable knowledge gained, VIP attendees received exclusive goodie bags filled with luxurious products from Kyvan Body Essentials, Skin Leaf Co., Dax Haircare, True Citrus, and Synergy PR Services. These tokens of appreciation added an extra layer of pampering to an already unforgettable experience.

The overwhelming success of FemFest 2024 has set the stage for future iterations, with plans to take the empowering message to cities across the United States. As FemFest continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to celebrating the achievements of women and empowering them to pursue their dreams fearlessly. 

Catch the FemFest 2024 recap HERE  (courtesy of Alexander Aperture).

Keep up with updates on future FemFest events by following @thefemfest on Instagram.

Receive more financial literacy tips by subscribing to Dr. Heavenly on Patreon at www.patreon.com/Dr_Heavenly.

Drew Plotkin: Redefining Men’s Grooming with Derm Dude

Drew Plotkin, an Emmy-nominated journalist, creative producer, and the author of “Under My Skin: Baring It All One Tattoo at a Time,” embarked on a remarkable journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the slowdown and eventual shutdown of his commercial production business, Drew sought to channel his passion and knowledge into a brand that would make a difference. What emerged from his determination and creative thinking is Derm Dude. This brand not only offers a range of grooming products but also challenges stereotypes and stigmas surrounding men’s hygiene with humor and originality. 

 

The Birth of Derm Dude 

Drew Plotkin’s skincare career started over 25 years ago as a director for celebrity beauty commercials working with Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Lopez, and many others. As the pandemic disrupted many industries, Drew Plotkin found himself at a crossroads when his commercial production business shut down. Rather than chasing profits, he used this opportunity to create a brand rooted in his passions and expertise. Drew is not only creative but also someone deeply passionate about tattoos and skincare. He would later recognize the opportunity to start a business that merged his interests with consumer needs. Initially, he intended to launch a tattoo aftercare line, recognizing the importance of proper skin care in the tattoo world. He then decided to diversify into the grooming industry, establishing a line of beard products after successfully creating a line to help his own beard thrive.

Expanding into Men’s Grooming 

But it didn’t stop there! Derm Dude has grown into a men’s grooming brand, covering a wide range of products designed for men’s grooming and hygiene needs. This expansion includes beard growth kits, body wash, shampoo conditioner, trimmers, foot cream, and even his unique testicle care including his popular ‘Happy Sack Nut Love Cooling Cream.

 

The Rise of Derm Dude

What truly sets Derm Dude apart is Drew’s unique approach to branding. With a keen sense of humor and a desire to break down societal norms, Drew’s brand challenges the conventional expectations around men’s grooming and hygiene. Derm Dude products not only deliver quality and effectiveness but also showcase a playful personality while also maintaining authenticity.

Drew’s extensive experience in the skincare industry played a pivotal role in Derm Dude’s success. Drawing from his background, he understood the significance of consumer testimonials and the value of incorporating customer reviews into product development. The consumer-centric approach allowed Derm Dude to fine-tune the products, ensuring that each product met the specific needs of its customers. 

 

The Human POST IT® Note

In 2022,  Plotkin unveiled his life’s narrative through his memoir, titled “Under My Skin: Baring It All One Tattoo at a Time.” His book unveils a sequence of pivotal life events that ultimately paved the way for the thriving Derm Dude brand. Plotkin’s compelling story is one towards finding inner peace, healing from the past, cultivating mindfulness in the present, and navigating the future with resilience and wisdom. Each chapter of his life unfolds, much like the process of getting a tattoo, one significant moment at a time.

 

Ultimately, Drew Plotkins and Derm Dude’s humor, authenticity, and high quality products has enabled the brand to stand out in a crowded market and resonate with customers seeking more than just grooming products. His dedication to destigmitize men’s grooming is one that continues to be refreshing and innovative. 

 

Learn more about Drew Plotkin and Derm Dude:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

 

Sanya Richards-Ross Advocates for Black Maternal Health at The Mommi Brunch

Sanya Richards-Ross, celebrated for her athletic prowess and charm on Real Housewives of Atlanta, is not just a sporting icon; she’s a dedicated mother on a mission to support mothers at every stage of their mommihood journey. This year, she rekindled the spirit of compassion and activism with “MommiNation’s ‘The Mommi Brunch,’’ a resounding call to action to confront the ongoing crisis of Black Maternal Mortality in the United States.

The event was an immersive experience of food and fun with its heart entrenched in the impactful discussions led by distinguished panelists. The panel featured Bravo TV Star and renowned Gynecologist, Dr. Jackie Walters, Media Personality Rashan Ali, and Maternal Health Advocate Charles Johnson. Together, they courageously confronted the pressing issue of the current state of healthcare for Black Women and supporting Black women and families facing pregnancy complications.

The event’s essence lay in the exploration of a collective path to end Black Maternal Health disparities. It was an intersection of healthcare, advocacy, and community support, fostering an environment where change transcended the realm of possibility to become an inevitability. The panelists emphasized the vital importance of solidarity and advocacy, reiterating that Black mothers should unquestionably receive the care and support they deserve throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

One truth emerges from the Mommi Brunch which is unity is a powerful force for transformation. Together, we possess the capacity to rewrite the narrative of Black Maternal Health. We must continue rallying for change so every mother, regardless of her race or background, receives the high-quality healthcare and unwavering support she rightfully deserves.

Stay Connected with Sanya and MommiNation:

Website

Instagram

 

 

Tresses to Success: BLAQ Luxury CEO’s Story of Triumph

 

“Find your passion. Building a successful business requires determination and hard work. As long as it is your vision, it can work.”

Life often takes us down unexpected paths, and sometimes, these detours can lead to incredible transformations. Meet Cherice Williams, a Jamaican immigrant who set out on a journey to become a financial analyst in the United States in 2016. Little did she know that this path would lead her to owning a bustling hair care brand.

Williams, who came to America in pursuit of higher education, would face a life-changing diagnosis: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS left Cherice with hair that was dry, and shedding at an alarming rate, and she knew something had to be done! This would become the catalyst for her game-changing remedy, BLAQ Luxury

Transitioning from her former occupations as a housekeeper and waitress, she shares that this moment impacted her as an entrepreneur as she found herself doing an influx of research and networking while building the brand. She settled on the name BLAQ Luxury as it was the perfect moniker to capture the essence of the brand, providing high-quality products to the multicultural community.

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, Cherice found her biggest avenue of growth. It paved the way for the monumental success of her flagship product, the Mega Gro Hair Serum. Packed with the goodness of over 20 essential oils and nutrients, this elixir worked wonders, restoring moisture and repairing those frazzled edges and distressed tresses.

Originally created to restore her own hair, Cherice soon found herself with a surplus of a product that had the power to transform hair. Taking a leap of faith, she decided to share her secret with the world. Her journey led her to the realm of social media, where her reach expanded like a wildfire, and the rest is, as they say, history.

Set for a luxurious future, BLAQ Luxury is ready to conquer the world, with new lines of hair care products and a mission for global impact. Currently available on Amazon and in select beauty supply stores, she’s setting her sights on even bigger retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Sally Beauty stores worldwide.

Cherice’s journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and determination shows us how adversity can be transformed into entrepreneurial success. 

For more information products, visit: www.BLAQLuxuryHair.com

Meet Travelsist, Your Safe and Seamless Airport Companion

Imagine a travel experience where every step, from arrival to departure, is seamlessly orchestrated just for you. That’s the vision driving Travelsist, the leading airline concierge service that’s been making waves in the industry and is now gearing up to steal the spotlight on one of tech’s grandest stages.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Dino Decespedes, the Head of Product and Marketing Lead at Travelsist. He’s the mastermind behind the company’s strategy development, product features, and user experience, not to mention his instrumental role in introducing Travelsist to both consumers and enterprise giants, including airports and airlines. Dino revealed to us the remarkable story behind this groundbreaking service.

It all began with Veronica Woodruff, the Founder and CEO of Travelsist, who, as an avid traveler herself, intimately understood the hassles that often come with navigating air travel. Her passion for improving the traveler’s journey led her to launch Travelsist, initially as a baby gear provider before blossoming into a full-service travel concierge. Travelsist is now the go-to partner for anyone seeking a hassle-free airport experience, from arrival to departure.

Based in Atlanta, this trailblazing company prides itself on offering a wide array of services catering to various needs. Whether you’re a traveler in a wheelchair, a family with young children, someone with special requirements, struggling with wayfinding, a senior traveler, or wanting a premium VIP experience, Travelsist is your trusted companion.

Currently serving two major Atlanta airports, Hartsfield-Jackson and Peachtree-Dekalb, Travelsist has set its sights on expansion. The team is actively exploring partnerships with other airports and airlines, eager to bring their transformative services to a broader audience.

User testimonials have poured in, praising Travelsist’s ability to help conquer physical, mental, and emotional travel challenges. The company’s commitment to providing a seamless journey is nothing short of remarkable.

But that’s not all! Travelsist is set to take the tech world by storm as one of the 200 companies competing in the prestigious TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200. Dino expressed his excitement, saying, “To be recognized for what we built and the potential of the company and what we may be able to do in regard to the airport experience, it’s a really great feeling.”

Their story doesn’t end there. Travelsist is one of only three Atlanta-based companies invited to TechCrunch Disrupt, where Atlanta Mayor Dickens herself will be in attendance. Attendees can look forward to an exclusive sneak peek at Travelsist’s upcoming Artificial Intelligence integration, designed to provide real-time assistance to travelers.

Discover a new era of hassle-free travel with Travelsist  by visiting their website, connecting with them on LinkedIn, and downloading their official app on iOS. 

Leading with Vision, Serving With Heart: Dele Lowman’s Road to Future Mayor of Stonecrest

Dele Lowman is one of the most prominent leaders running for mayor in the city of Stonecrest, GA. Her extensive background in public management and inclusive policy development mixed with her commitment to community welfare are propelling her forward as she is poised to serve at Stonecrest’s highest level of leadership. With elections being held in November, Lowman is determined to raise the bar for her community.

Born to Lead

This fierce visionary and community builder has always been driven to lead stemming all the way back to her upbringing. Her parents instilled the importance of activism alongside her grandfather who was an renowned activist during the Civil Rights Era. Dele fueled her appetite for leadership as an FAMU graduate and an MPA holder.  She began her career in leadership guiding  local governments in the State of Florida and worked in Metro Atlanta before working as Assistant City Manager in North Carolina.

After returning to Atlanta in 2014, she settled in what would become one of Atlanta’s newest, most affluent African American cities. Being a progressive resident, Dele immediately stepped up to address needs in the community and county. Some of her most notable roles include Chair of the DeKalb County Board of Registration & Elections and founding President of the Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition (SCC). She also is an active volunteer at the local Browns Mill Elementary School.

Raising the Bar

As a respected resident in Stonecrest, Dele’s guidance is one that has been admired by many, which prompted her to run for office. Since the city’s founding in 2017, she states tThe leadership has not been able to meet the expectations of the residents, which has contributed to their concerns. Her ability to lead and serve resonated with many community leaders and citizens who convinced her to enter the race.

With continuous leadership research and training, Dele knows that her previous role have equipped her with vital qualifications such as a deep level of understanding, serving, curiosity, collaboration– all of which are needed when creating effective change.

A Stronger Stonecrest

Dele breaks her vision down into two simple yet profound parts to building an ideal community. She hopes to lay a firm foundation and ethical governance for the new community’s future success which includes: 

  • Helping  establish a stable citizen centered government: She shares that Stonecrest’s need talented professionals who are responsive with a deep understanding and commitment to their role.
  • Displaying ethical, transparent elected leadership- Residents deserve effective, responsive, empathetic, leaders who have their best interest in mind.
  • Cultivating community with shared values and vision: As a newer community, there is still progress to be had to create unity among Stonecrest citizens.

Also, she wants to enhance the city’s quality of life by: 

  • Creating a vibrant economy with a strong commercial base to sustain the city with tax and revenue which will also benefit citizens.
  • Make Stonecrest a preferred employer among local governments by creating the correct environment in city hall that transcends throughout the city.

Dele Lowman for Stonecrest Mayor

At her recent campaign launch, Dele brought a sense of unity as she  shared her mission with the Stonecrest Community at her recent campaign launch at Belinda’s Southern Cuisine on August 28, 2023. Residents gained their first insight on Dele’s vision as future mayor of Stonecrest. They were also able to network with fellow residents and leaders, sharing their unified hopes for the city.

The Beauty of it all

 Dele  shares that she loves being surrounded by her people who are successful and flourishing.  She also finds beauty in the city’s rich culture and nature, Arabia Mountain, and the network of trails. It gives her a sense of safety and belonging which she hopes to help every Stonecrest citizen feel.

To keep up with Dele’s campaign follow her on social media @delelowman and visit her website: deleforstonecrest.com.

PlayersTV Curates The Ultimate Athlete Streaming Network with Partnerships from Amazon and Russell Wilson

PlayersTV has created the ultimate streaming playing field for athletes with their revolutionary TV Network. Their groundbreaking platform has already garnered the likes of professional athletes across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB franchises; And now they’re upping the score with a new distribution partnership with Amazon and Russell Wilson. These prestigious entities took the NBA Summer League 2023 by storm for the historic announcement featuring Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving, Deandre Jordan, and Vernon Davis.

(Photo Credits: Bryan Steffy/ Getty Images)

Founded by Deron Guidrey and Collin Castellaw, PlayersTV is a BY ATHLETES FOR THE FANS network showcasing athlete lifestyle and culture content. Their content shows the lives of athletes inside and outside of the game. With genres ranging from cooking, comedy, and documentaries to business, original series, and everything in between, pro athletes are sure to keep their fans entertained.

At the exclusive panel and press conference event in Vegas, Vernon Davis was a riveting host, alongside PlayersTV executives Deron and Collin– showing the audience a strong united front with their historic announcement. Shetellia Riley Irving dazzled the audience with her powerful presence as an  American American Woman making impact in a male-dominated industry

(Photo Credits: Bryan Steffy/ Getty Images)

Russell Wilson shared his joy as the newest athlete investor for PlayersTV with his production company Why Not You Productions?

The world-renowned channel Amazon Prime now welcomes PlayersTV their family. In their partnership, distributes unrivaled access to PlayersTV 24/7 athlete-exclusive content. PlayersTV also welcomes Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson and his production company, Why Not You Productions. With a current Amazon Studios partnership, Wilson is now amplifying his reach with PlayersTV.

These partnerships elevate the PlayersTV mission “to showcase the human side of sports through captivating storytelling,” allowing them to reach millions of Amazon Prime Video subscribers across the globe.

With an official launch date later this summer, viewers will receive a curated collection of sports programming, offering a fresh perspective on the sports industry and its impact on athletes, communities, and society.

Read the full announcement here!

For more on PlayersTV, visit https://playerstv.com/

 

The Beauty Genie: Granting Your Beauty Wishes with Innovative Vending Machines

Over two decades ago, the natural hair movement sparked on YouTube- as women embarked on a journey to embrace their unique curls, coils, and kinks. This inclusive movement led to greater acceptance of natural hair, accompanied by an influx of haircare products and resources. Despite this progress, many areas in the United States still lack the proper resources needed for their tresses. Recognizing this deficiency, three HBCU alumni took a bold stance to expand these progressive acts and founded The Beauty Genie (TBG).

Innovating the haircare industry, The Beauty Genie is the newest hair care provider revolutionizing vending machines. With strategic placements in underserved haircare deserts, TBG is breaking barriers by increasing accessibility to natural hair and beauty products for college students across the United States. Say goodbye to the struggle of leaving campus or waiting for shipping; TBG provides unrivaled 24/7 access to beloved brands such as Mielle Organics, The Lip Bar, Shea Moisture, and more.

TBG goes beyond conventional vending machines with unique integrations. Their machines feature embedded infomercials, offering valuable hair care tips and stylists recommendations, empowering students to embrace their hair proudly. Additionally, TBG opens doors to entrepreneurship opportunities for students, creating a platform for growth and success.

Recently, TBG celebrated the installation of their first machine at Chicago Union Amtrak Union, hosting an exclusive ribbon-cutting event that attracted 80 guests. Attendees had a firsthand look at TBG and received specialized gift bags, which included luxurious minority-owned brands like LaMonique Cosmetics and EmBeba.

TBG’s executives expressed their excitement, stating, “We’re proud to be disruptors in the beauty and haircare industry. Providing accessible hair care products for all textured hair is a true game-changer.”

With their initial launch’s resounding success, TBG is already gearing up to install the second machine installation at Olivet College on August 1st.

Beyond their vending machines, The Beauty Genie is committed to empowering women and supporting progressive movements like the Crown Act. As part of the Week of Welcome at Olivet College, they will provide interactive beauty information and entertainment to incoming students on August 24th.

Keep up with The Beauty Genie and their upcoming events on Instagram @TheBeautyGenieBox, as they continue to pave the way for accessible, empowering, and inclusive natural hair care.

National Hip-Hop Museum Honors Wild Style with 40th Year Anniversary Celebration

2023 marks 50 years of one of the world’s most influential music genres, Hip-Hop. Birthed out of New York, the genre would inspire fashion, art, dance, and more worldwide. One of those would be the 1980s classic Wild Style. Written and directed by Charlie Ahearn, the movie is coined as the first movie of Hip-Hop, reflecting the rise of the new worldwide movement. Throughout the last four decades, we can see Wild Style’s impact on society, including on the National Hip-Hop Museum (NHHM) Founder and Collector Jeremy Beaver.

Beaver, a New York native, is a DJ, producer, engineer, and business owner who has created the ultimate Hip-Hop hub in Washington DC. He states, “Wild Style as a movie depicts all aspects of Hip-Hop music and culture and when it came out it was all so new that it was like discovering the coolest thing for the first time and wanting to find it and get involved immediately.”

This year, NHHM, alongside the Five Points Festival, is taking it back to where it all started to honor Hip-Hop with the Wild Style 40 Grand Induction Ceremony. Coming in June, the celebration pays tribute to Wild Style with a unique hip-hop toy exhibit/shopping experience. The 40th Anniversary of Wild Style Event came together because The 5 Points Designer Toy Festival wanted a Hip-Hop theme for their world-renowned festival to honor the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, Beaver says. “They turned to The National Hip-Hop Museum because we specialize in Grand Induction Ceremonies and Pop-Up Experiences to theme out the festival.”

The event kicks off with live graffiti painting throughout the day from Kevin “Scene” Lewis with classic Wild Style Hip-hop sounds by DJ Tony Crush, DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, and DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell. NHHM will also host a live stream podcast via Rock The Bells and NHHM’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Inductees include Director Charlie Ahearn, with cast members including Grandmaster Caz & The Cold Crush Brothers, Grand Wizzard Theodore & The Fantastic 5, Patti Astor, and breakdance icon Crazy Legs. They will receive an award, a custom NHHM jacket, a fat lace hat, inductee medallions, commemorative cassette necklaces, and custom art by NHHM Creative Director Andy Katz and Photoshop Jedi.

Beaver is excited about the event because, “growing up in NYC is the reason I fell in love with Hip-Hop, in part, because I was surrounded by it. So to be able to bring it back to the city that is responsible for creating the genre means the world to the organization and me personally.”

Throughout the weekend, the NHHM is also hosting a hip-hop toy pop-up shop, offering many rare, exclusive, vintage, and one-of-a-kind toys and apparel for purchase. Items for purchase include:

● Ghostface Killah Action Figure 

● Das EFX No Diggidy Varsity Jackets x National Hip-Hop Museum Collaboration 

● The Warriors Boxed Set 

● Wu-Tang Enter The Wu-Tang Records Are Forever Crate and many more exclusive items!

Beaver says events like these are key, because “it is important to consistently remind Americans and future generations of the importance of our country’s greatest works of art. Wild Style is Hip-Hop Magnum Opus and serves as a living document to continue to honor forever.”

The Wild Style 40 Grand Induction Ceremony will rock the Big Apple, June 10-11. Tickets can be purchased starting at $130 at www.fivepointsfest.com/tickets.

For more on Jeremy and the National Hip-Hop Museum , visit nationalhiphopmuseum.org

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