1-28-22
On January 28th 1962 A Movement Declaring “Black is Beautiful” began when AJASS led by teh Brathwaite brothers, staged “Naturally ’62 ”! They envisioned an “ original African coiffure and fashion extravaganza,” featuring the Grandassa models, in natural African Hairstyles dressed in Afrocentric inspired clothing by locals designer dressmakers and artisan! They knew the backlash but … Continue reading
Opp
Open Profile PicsMy profile pic have meaning! They tell about where I am in life! This current pic is an ode to disco and we launch our virtual workshop studios around this. Lingerie, Dancewear, swimwear, summer wear, evening wear… This halter has so many uses and options! My current cover pic focuses on the template we are … Continue reading
Holiday 2020
I wish I can wrap a layer of protection around the world… and yes prayer and meditation seems like the only recourse but sometimes we need a representation of this concern! a note, a card a candle… or for some a talisman. For me its drawing its art, expressing what I feel on the inside … Continue reading
Independence
For centuries women have used self-employment to gain independence for themselves and their families. As I explained in my contribution to ‘ The Community Book Project: Independence”, I am an advocate of independence through self-employment. You see “It’s easy to be independent when you’ve got money. But to be independent when you haven’t got a … Continue reading
Marketing Shapes Product – Product Shapes Marketing.
I’ve been getting a lot of calls for help. I am a part of a very creative, skilled, highly talented community. While most folks, entering today’s market, cater to tech-savvy social influencers with an audience searching for something to sell, my audience has a lot to sell. They need to organize these into actual products … Continue reading
Great Fit Start with Correct Measurements!
Most consumers do not know their correct body measurement. Fewer know how to use these in selecting clothing! Ladies what’s your full chest and under chest, what’s your waist, chest hip, your inseam! Measurement , one of the most important bits of information in selecting correct sized clothing, is the bane of the fashion and apparel e-commerce … Continue reading
Shop Local Globally to Support Local Families
Most small retailers make 60- 80% of their yearly sales between Black Friday and the day before Xmas! Many do so in local popup Events! With the present situation many are prevented from holding these! It has impacted their ability to sustain their families and support the wider communities! I am making an online venue, … Continue reading
Colored Styling
Folks often shop for items based on a specific color need. I am a product developer, my vocation is deeply rooted in the custom design and wardrobing business. I’ve worked in different markets in that arena but ultimately it’s about delivering product and accessories from which a consumer can build their desired look. 1- Driven … Continue reading
Convertible Clothing as a sustainable solution
Customers keep my designs, they do not need to throw them out as they are designed to be used in multiple ways and to fit various sizes. It has become one of my signatures. chief among this is the many versions of my handkerchief top. It is literally my uniform. So it’s not surprising that … Continue reading
SS2019
It’s 2019. I know it’s been awhile since I maintained a regular blog. Its simply so much easier to post a general update. In the past year I’ve had so many calls asking for specific programs, workshops, products and or services, as such, I was able to focus on product development and segment my audience. … Continue reading
Print 2018
When we’re working on a fashion design concept the fabric is so important! Not just the type but also the surface design itself. I began this specific journey a couple years ago exploring color, pattern and now repeats. The next step is to prints by the yard but I also want to have the ability … Continue reading
Me. Myself and I
I’ve begun releasing new sets of designs in preparation for the holidays. I’ve added them under the “Embrace Da Bs” collection. I’ve chosen to release the works without the story. Art should be personal for the viewer and the artist. Plus this format gives me a purpose for mu FB page. THE PROCESS FROM ART … Continue reading
Art 2018
Art as Therapy, Art as Surface, Art as Product, Art as Merchandise, As as Gifts! ART 2018. It’s the start of November and 2018 is almost at a close. The “WHAT” a selection of print on demand merchandise. I had no idea just how much “art” I’d created. I began by developing the art behind these … Continue reading
2 Learn for Joy Or Money – Part 1
I just marked the first year teaching sewing to complete beginners at a volunteer program at a transitional housing facility for women. I usually work with advanced professional sewers so its a new experience introducing the craft of sewing to newbies. During the course of our sewing circles it surprised me how strongly many felt … Continue reading
A Quest for Unique Patterns and Prints
I Am a change manager, in the process of change. I Am going through a transition, my preferences in prints and colors even textures has drastically, is drastically, changing I recently started exploring and experimenting with prints that spoke to a Pan African as well as Caribbean aesthetic. Prints, patterns, colors that spoke of my … Continue reading
I Don’t do African Print
I do not use “African” prints. I am over apologizing for it… I do NOT CONNECT with the fabric. Too often the pattern is directionally printed on the wrong grain. The color range disturbs my soul. I find it to bright and garish it does not calm. It’s not my narrative. If you’re serious about a … Continue reading
sewshirleys
We plan to sell videos individually but to jumpstart we are inviting supporters and those who would appreciate to take advantage of our “Charter members offer’. We have a special workshop library set up for easy access to video, charter members get access to the full library as added our goal is 50 instructionals. We … Continue reading
Making to sell
I’m going to celebrate 30 (thirty) years of designing, sewing and making by “opening” up all my expertise and availing them to others to help them earn a living. They cannot pay for professional services if they are not selling. The most important person in the apparel tech sector is the maker. The producer of those … Continue reading
Adjustable version of the Magic Dress aka Moroccan, Indonesian, Bangladesh or Ethnic
For those looking for directions or a pattern on How to make the – ” Magic Dress”, the video instructional is now ready! This is an “adjustable” version designed for sale as it accommodates various heights. The magic dress also is known as the Morrocan magic dress because of the use of Cut on the bias, this is an … Continue reading
opensewing
The challenge of an open business format is figuring out a revenue model to make it not just sustainable but profitable. Essentially I am taking my creative assets and offering it for others to use as a form of income. In so doing It is my hope that moms especially can be home when their … Continue reading
Bootylicious Valentine
Bootylicious 101 is the first of NYukCo’s “Idea to income” workshops. Focused around better-fitted pants and skirts, these workshops taught “LEAN startup: within the fashion product lifecycle management. This is about selling a viable product in the shortest time possible. and building that product with direct consumer input. We facilitate the distance learning and mentoring … Continue reading
Zabara
I love designing pieces that travel well. That are multifunctional yet easy care! These three individual pieces can create or 2 or 3 piece sets together or separates that can be worn with other pieces in your wardrobe. The pants is also a jumper, the top, can be worn various ways and is also a vest and … Continue reading
Reality Check – on Price Setting in The Local Custom Cottage Sector
There is no one answer as to how to set a price. like any other brand/business model it is intricately tied to how one execute and deliver and what the market can sustain. The pricing structure for artisan, custom or commissioned products differ from those that are mass-produced. Both have development cost – it takes … Continue reading
50Gifts
Today I celebrate to morrow I kick off Exponent 50! What if we can harness tthe power of FB or social media Birthday stream! There are very few times people are all but guranteed to pay attention, one is birthdays and with my 5oth, I decided to find a way to make that attention collateral COUNT … Continue reading
Angelina is not the Dashiki nor is it an African Print
DUTCH Wax Print is Authentic African? Really? What part of that oxymoron makes one want to fight for this fabric. a colleague, Monique Nubia Sunshine Siders of Kush Designs commented on a FB post from which the image was screenshot. ” If you really do your research you will realize this is not true traditional African … Continue reading
How TO Waterproof Fabric and canvass
The fall is here and here is a great DIY recipe for creating water repellant Cotton, Leather, Wood, Metal, etc #Surfacedesign #waterproffing 16oz (1LB) of Beeswax, 8oz Turpentine, And 8oz boiled Linseed oil or (neatsoil (cattle oil)) Mason jars or metal container.. muffin tin (for bars) www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BAHx0KBpT4 First melt the Beeswax first completely, (stirring all the time, … Continue reading
50 To The 50th Power Birthday Fundraiser
I’m celebrating my 50th Birthday and have decided to celebrate for 50 days- hey life’s worth It! I’ll celebrate 50 to the 5oth if I could. The truth is though I want to use this as an opportunity to help my community! As I work with the small businesses I know the struggles. The lack of … Continue reading
Please Don’t Shoot The Art
I’m getting ready to post a “Please don’t shoot the art” sign at the next exhibit at the Galley @ The Stratosphere #dontshoottheart #artip I’m not sure folks THINK about the long tail repercussions of their actions. An artist spends money on the canvas and supplies. He/she spends time creating the concept and the art … Continue reading