Author: Melissa Elias

Celebrity Photographer Stanley Babb Offers Advice on the Entertainment Industry

Written by Melissa Elias on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, photography, Trending.

Stanley Babb is an expert on capturing memories that freezes time so that all the emotions and experiences are never forgotten. Stanley Babb is a photographer, entrepreneur and business owner. Stanley has been featured on Brides Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar USA, US Weekly, Vogue, People, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sheen, Essence and much more.

Stanley wasn’t fully aware of his passion for arts until he recalled how inspired he was by his dad to encapsulate all family events. Growing up in the Bahamas gave him plenty of time to explore his creativity. He lived with his mother, father and younger sister. Stanley delved into photography and a year after his father passed away. It was through his father that he started photography just as a hobby at first.

“I didn’t make moves in my business just because others were doing it,” said Stanley Babb. “I really had to focus on my needs and develop anything I was lacking.”

When Stanley began committing to photography, he compared himself to other photographers and didn’t imagine himself executing his work on a professional level. After setting goals and achieving them one by one he removed the limits. He wanted to experiment how far his skills could take him.

He now has worked with celebrities such as Cardi B. & Offset, Quavo, Ne-Yo, Trina, Lala Anthony and Naturi Naughton. His most memorable photoshoot would be the wedding of Sloane Stephens & Jozy Altidore. The ambiance and clients were perfect to work with and resulted in marvelous images that appeared on Vogue, Brides and Espn.

Being dedicated and distinct helped Stanley navigate his way in the industry. The advice he would offer to other aspiring photographers would be to seek a mentor and job experience. “Many photographers want to learn but don’t want to assist unless they can be paid,” said Stanley Babb. “It’s actually the best way to learn and get an inside scoop into all of the industry secrets.”

This upcoming November he will be photograph a high-profile client and believes it will be the wedding of the year. To learn more about his artwork you can visit https://www.stanlophotography.com/. You can also follow him on his social media platforms @stanlophotography.

Music Artist Don Badgett Creates Music to Inspire Change in “The Trap”

Written by Melissa Elias on . Posted in Entertainment, Influential People.

A study from The Equality of Opportunity Project used the U.S Census to research the lives of 20 million children. Compared to all groups of children, study shows that Black boys are the least likely to escape poverty and most likely to fall into poverty. Don Badgett is an artist who identifies these concerns in his community and creates music to represent the daily struggles Black men face. 

An all-around creative, Badgett is a music artist, writer, event planner, business manager and CDL truck manager. He is inspired by life itself and used the obstacles he has overcome as fuel to be the man he is today. 

When graduating college he began to set goals for himself and curated how he wanted to spread his message to young Black men who are fathers, needing mental and emotional help, stuck in the cycle of poverty and especially those who are involved in the television glamorized trap life. 

The term refers to a lifestyle common in African-American communities where drugs are made and distributed—where gang violence and other illegal business take place. 

In Q4 2022, Don plans to release an EP titled, “Death to the Trap.” He believes the root of many violent crimes stems from this lifestyle. Offering an alternative, Badgett wants his music to inspire positive change for the future of underserved neighborhood residents to seek legal approaches to building wealth leading to better circumstances and future outcomes. He too has welcomed this philosophy by expanding his repertoire—becoming a truck driver-operator and obtaining various sources of income that do not involve gangs, violence or drugs. 

Some of his musical influences include Lil’ Baby, Lil’ Durk, Nipsey Hussle, Jay-Z and J. Cole. Their music has encouraged him when facing obstacles and motivated him to inspire others with his music. The constant theme within the music of each artist is how resilient they are and the journey they share on the road to their achievements. He relates to their backgrounds, coming from a less fortunate neighborhood and committing to change for his future. Badgett is a new father, with new perspectives. Wanting more for future generations, he tapped into his own experiences to make music for the upcoming generation of Black youth. 

The advice Badgett would give to upcoming independent artists would be, “There is no recipe to success. Just keep going! Be resilient and stay on your vision despite the obstacles you face.” 

The EP is expected to drop mid-November. In the meantime, stay connected with Don Badgett on Instagram: @thereal_donb. 

New Reality Show N’style Atlanta Uncut Premieres Wednesday, July 13th On Fox Soul

Written by Melissa Elias on . Posted in Entertainment, Uncategorized.

Cameras, Flashing lights, Red Carpets, VIP list – everyone’s a Celebrity in the ATL, the new Hollywood of the South; and there’s even more wanna-be-journalist reporting it. N’Style Atlanta Uncut is an docu-series about seven charismatic Black and Afro Latino Women who’s personalities may collide while working at Atlanta’s premier media outlet, N’Style Atlanta. In the world of entertainment whether they’re breaking news from red carpets or exclusive premier parties; these women are constantly struggling to maintain a balance of camaraderie and competition to deliver their story first. Can N’Style Atlanta Creator, Carmen Simmons turn nstyleatlanta.com into the premiere media outlet in Atlanta with this group of women before they destroy their friendships. N’Style Atlanta Uncut premieres on Fox Soul Wednesday July 13th 9/8C.

The episode starts off with Carmen stirring up the N’Style Atlanta team by adding a few new players. Nina Blanka introduces herself to the team with a stern productivity review. Jonesy shares her news reporting tips. Destinee comes to the team meeting late. Shayla Raye wants to know if Jett Blakk has the tea on Jonesy, and Terrance Terry takes on a new project. Will old habits die hard or continue?

N’Style Atlanta Uncut Cast includes Carmen Simmons, Jett Blakk, Skyebutterfli, Shayla Raye, Destinee Faith, Nina Blanka, Jonesy aka CJ, Natt Taylor, and Terrance Terry.

N’Style Atlanta (NSA) is a lifestyle and entertainment news outlet reporting on pop / urban culture and celebrity news and featuring Atlanta’s local celebrities, designers, businesses and personalities celebrating Atlanta’s vibrant and diverse culture and lifestyle. The executive producers for the show are Carmen Simmons, Arturo Ayers Jr, Omar Holland. Notable interviews include Angela Lewis, Rebecca Lynn Pope and Teheran “Tee” Jones.

10 Black-Owned Businesses to Support

Written by Melissa Elias on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, Fashion, Food, Health and Beauty, Top 10.

Atlanta embraces the plethora of black-owned businesses from tea to music. Check these businesses when you come out to the Peach State

Brave + Kind Bookshop  

This bookstore is located in Decatur, GA. An African-American woman created diverse and creative books for various children to read. Although the books contain classic and modern children’s stories there are a few books for adults to read. The owner is also involved in helping schools build intentional inclusive school libraries. 

 

Just Add Honey Tea Company

 This company is based in Atlanta and creates thoughtfully blended loose leaf tea for people to enjoy. They ensure that guests enjoy the best, freshest, and most flavorful teas with every sip. All ingredients are natural and pure from around the world to your own cup. 

 

 

Iwifresh spa

Iwi stands for it is what it is. The brand wants to be transparent and all the products are from vegetables and naturally grown ingredients. Visit the  Farm-to-your-skin Spa and Oasis Wellness Center to experience the power of feeding your skin the Truth in person. 

 

 

Cheesecaked

This gourmet cheesecake boutique specializes in selling personalized cheesecakes in a variety of flavors. Some flavors they specialize in are Pecan Praline, Champagne, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl, Vanilla Bean, Banana Pudding and many more. You can currently try these delicious creations at Underground Atlanta.

 

 

 

 

Hot Coffee

The coffee beans used in Hot Coffee come from select growing regions of Africa, Central and South America. From Light, Medium, Dark to Decaf there is an everyday cup of coffee all can enjoy. Hot Coffee also is the first minority-owned coffee retailer to accept Cryptocurrency as a preferred method of payment. 

Popup Baby

Popup Baby is a mobile gym for babies and toddlers. They have cultivated a clean, safe environment for babies and toddlers to have a fun experience through sensory play. They are currently in the process of opening their flagship store in Douglasville and will be ready to be booked soon. 

 

 

DBS Sounds

DBS Sounds is a music store that caters to its audience with broad music genres. The retail music store also manages the marketing for new and established music artists. They also hold events where fans are able to interact with their favorite artists. Just recently they held an instore signing with Kehlani. 

 

 

 

 

Flesh Skin Care Studio

This skin studio helps clients achieve gorgeous skin through non-invasive holistic practices. Licensed estheticians do not rely on any machinery but their hands to achieve great service for their clients. These estheticians serve a variety of clients both men and women with different skin problems such as acne or hyperpigmentation. 

 

 

 

Nellie Bean Nail Studio

This nail studio does not accept walk-ins since every client needs to make an appointment to be seen. Each visit is personalized and private with a one-on-one nail session that gives clients individual attention. This nail artist likes to be creative and is willing to do any design with any gemstone you ask for. 

 

 

 

 

God Is Dope

This clothing store has gained recognition for selling streetwear and accessories with the message “God Is Dope”. They have partnered with other brands such as Slutty Vegan to create new merchandise. They also extended their t-shirts and joggers to purses with their logo on the front. 

 

CJ The Visionary Brings His Unique Style to the Music and Fashion Industries

Written by Melissa Elias on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, Fashion.

The multitalented artist and shoe designer CJ The Visionary is a creative based in Central Florida. From an early age, CJ The Visionary knew he would be a performer being influenced by some of the greatest names in music including Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Teddy Pendergrass. He later gained popularity from his 2021 debut single “Fall Back.” CJ is already creating a stamp in the music realm as he has already been featured as one of the Artist Picks of the Year by Hollywood Digest. He is also well known for his high-quality shoes made from genuine leather and as the co-creator of the On Repeat Music Video Channel. The serial visionary spoke with The Recap Report to give us a glimpse into his world.

CJ’s passion for music began at 12 years old after witnessing Michael Jackson performing at the Grammys. His childhood consisted of being involved in music and performing. He was involved in the “Concert Chorus” in high school and participated in choir at his church. His musical influences can best be described as a mash-up of the elements of R&B, soul, and hip hop. Established artists such as Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Jacquees, and Jamie Foxx inspire his music today. These influences have helped him craft music that is new and nostalgic which is demonstrated in his newest single release on Valentine’s Day called “Freaky Things.” His purpose with this song was to emulate two people who have created this intimacy and feel that they are the only two that exist in each other’s world. 

“Freaky Things” is available on all major streaming music platforms.

Outside of his music, CJ The Visionary holds a true fashion sense which led him to begin designing shoes.  His brand Fiya Brand Shoes was born to stand out. His goal was to differentiate from other brands and create something that highlighted his sense of style. He loves fashion and putting colors together which makes this brand the best of both worlds.

The most memorable accomplishment since starting in the music industry has been CJ’s recognition of being named a Top Artist Pick of the Year by Hollywood Digest. When asked about his upcoming goals for 2022, CJ stated his plans are “to perform live and collaborate with fellow talented artists.” 

To keep up with CJ The Visionary’s nostalgic sound you can find him on Instagram at @cjvisionary and on  United Masters. Check out his latest kicks by visiting on @fiyabrandshoes Instagram.

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