Within a lifetime, we will always encounter someone that is a child genius, and I think that I have met that girl! I would like to introduce you to my girl Jazmin Brown. She is a 13 year old designer that is making a mark in the fashion industry as she creates designs to please the eye. Starting out in the fashion world as a model at the age of seven, she found an interest in designing and she had her first New Jersey Fashion Week debut and she was a hit.
I had the chance to chat it up with the fashionista and check out what she had to say about her interest in fashion and where she sees herself in the next 5 years.
YHC: Who is Jazmin?
My name is Jazmin and I am a 13 year old tween model/fashion designer. I love to watch TV, hang out with friends, watch my basketball games (they call me Coach Brown, lol), play volleyball, etc.
YHC: How long have you been modeling and designing clothes?
Jazmin: I have been modeling, and competing in runway competitions and scholarship pageants since I was 7 years old. I have been designing for about a year now.
YHC: Why did you become interested in designing clothes?
Jazmin: I became interested in designing clothes from watching my designer making my clothes for competitions. Being backstage looking at other designers work really encouraged me also.
Since I have been in the fashion business I have crossed many artisticand creative people that take their work seriously, and Sina Washington is one of them. sina Washington is not just a hair stylist, she is a hair artisan who is a master of color, style and the beauty of hair.
Sina is in high demand as a fashion shoot hair artist because she brings so much color and pizazz to her subjects. I was first drawn to the awesome work of Sina when she posted one of her fabulous images on Facebook and she has been a dear friend ever since. i was so excited when she told me that she opened her first salon and I so anxiously wait to sit in her chair.
Just recently I had a chat with my good friend about hair care, the importance of having a really good stylist and why she is irked by clients that din't care for their hair...
YHC: Do you see hairstyling as a spiritual art?
SINA: Absolutely! For me, when a client sits in my chair I get an instant intuition of their energy and what would be a great look for them. It's more than just doing a popular style on someone; its about creating a style FOR them that helps them see themselves to their fullest potential! Also a hair style can takes people through their most personal experiences like a milestones in age, career changes, divorces, marriages, births, graduations...evolution in ones life.
There is nothing like meeting a down-to-earth fashionista that is professional and full of drive and class. All of the previous descriptions can be found in Miss Angela Edmunds, owner of Showroom77, in Philadelphia, PA.
I first met Angela at her boutique for a fashion meet and greet and I had an awesome time. After I had shot a few scenes and featured the event on my show, Angela was so impressed with my work that she offered me some space to be creative hence Showroom77 became the fashion location for so many of my YHC fashion webisodes.
Showroom77 is Philadelphia's first whole sale/retail multi clothing and accessory label showroom. Showroom77 is composed of three departments fashion, styling, and special events. A lot of great clothing has been featured there which includes: Nic*Fish, Letau Designs, Blaque Linen, Bernard Buie, Chinoo Designs, Armstrong & Wilson, Shavonne DeAnn, Blove, LaGhost, and Walish Gooshe to name a few.
Just recently, Ms. Edmunds opened the first pop boutique of its sort on The Avenue of the Arts, which is a very hot and trendy place that puts you in mind of New York City’s Broadways. Angela says that it was an amazing journey. The boutique was started from scratch in four weeks, and featured a total of 22 designers and affiliate boutiques.
I had the chance to chat with Angela about the transformation from student to fashion stylist and entrepreneur and how she has so much more to offer… And guess what? She was excited to talk to YHC about it!
YHC: When did you realize your love for fashion?
It's funny; my mom always says I started at age 5 looking at Ebony Magazines and doing costume changes at family functions. I really fell in love with fashion at age 14. That’s when I started designing.
YHC: What are some of the things that you did to begin your career?
I started with creating a fashion label and building and promoting a signature model team—this was the key to branding the company. Over the years I put my line on the back burner to help other designers which built a network to create the showroom.
YHC: What were some of the obstacles that you encountered when beginning your fashion career?
In the beginning there was a lot of work to build the brand and a lot of learning as you go along.
YHC: What are your titles on the fashion industry?
Wow I don't really have just one lol… I began as a fashion designer and expanded to stylist and owner of a fashion company.
YHC: How was your transfer from student to entrepreneur?
I began my company Sarai Style which is the parent company to Showroom77 while in college back in 1999. My degree is in Journalism so a lot of my journey to now in fashion was self-taught, and influenced by mentors like designers Lamar Johnson and Shawn Pickney.
YHC: What does a person need to be successful in the business?
You need passion, drive, patience, and professionalism. You need to love what you do, have the drive to work through all the ups and downs, have the patience to know that to truly be successful it will take time, and having pride in professionalism is key.
YHC: Why did you close Boutique77 after 3 months?
Boutique77 was designed as a pop up boutique for the holiday shopping season, so it was open October to December. Retail sales drop after the holidays so it was a perfect time to try it. I am now working on plans to pop it back up in the spring.
YHC: What celebrity would you like to work with in fashion and why?
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Maxwell and Melanie Fiona they both have such a great spirit and style.
YHC: What have you been some of your fashion pet peeves?
I am annoyed at panty lines, toes hanging over the end of shoes, and wearing clothes that are 2 sizes or more too small for the figure.
YHC: What can young women do to fix them?
Wearing undergarments that are seamless or thongs with the right garment will eliminate the lines. For shoes with a high wedge or heel you can try half a size larger to allow room at end because the foot automatically is being pushed forward. Smaller sizes on larger frames will make you look larger, but finding the right cut and fit will highlight the best assets.
YHC: What five things should every fashionista have in her closet?
Skinny jeans, great pair of boots, a unique hat, a little black dress, and a black wide belt it can be a nice finishing touch to so many outfits
YHC: What are five things in your bag that you never leave home without?
My cell phone, lip gloss, comb, business cards, atm card!
She is an artist; a loving daughter; an awesome jewelry designer and a writer for her ever popular blog, www.She-blogs.com that has some of the most inspirational, empowering, and knowledgeable information for fashion, beauty and health that has come about on the web. She also has some really cool fashion jewelry that has been featured on many celebrities including Alicia Keys. I first had the opportunity to speak with Allyson almost a year ago when she reached out to me and featured me on her blog and I was totally honored. Well, know I have the opportunity to return the love to both Allyson and you because she is such a wonderful person to know and my viewers deserve to be graced with such a presence. Well, I have a one-on-one with Ms. Leaks and see what she has to say about her blog, her inspiration and how she manages such a busy schedule.
YHC: Tell us a little about your Blog…
Ally: She-blogs.com is a women’s empowerment blog that I started to inspire women to reach for their dreams. I feature interviews that I’ve done along with hair, beauty and fashion stuff too.
YHC: What made you start “She-Blogs.com”?
Ally: I wanted to create a place of inspiration and positivity that women could come to keep them motivated about their goals and just uplifted overall.
YHC: How did you come up with the name for your Blog?
Ally: I co-founded a women’s collegiate magazine in college called “She Magazine” and my mother said one day why don’t you incorporate the word “She” and the rest is history.
YHC: Ok, now my readers want to know who Allyson Leak is. Who is Allyson Leak?
Ally: I love to dance. I love being silly. I am a really strong person. I am driven. I am fearless. I am blessed.
YHC: Who is your inspiration?
Ally: My mother inspires me. I realize more and more how much I am like her and I love it. She is genuinely loving, honest, caring, and creative.
YHC: Who is someone in the fashion world that you look up to?
Ally: I love Tracey Reese. I think her clothes are great!
YHC: What can we look forward to in the future?
Ally: I would love to have my empowerment book published one day. I would also love to start a non-profit for young girls. STYLE
YHC: What is the best way to describe your style?
Ally: My style is independent…meaning I wear what I want all the time. I actually never follow trends. If I happen to have on something trendy it’s because I like it and not because everyone else is wearing it. An outfit I might wear to an event is dark skinny jeans, a loose 80’s inspired T-shirt, and a four inch amazing wedge or heel.
YHC: Who is your favorite designer/brand? Why?
Ally: I actually love, love, love shopping in vintage stores the most because you are guarenteed to walk away wth one of a kind fashionable treasures.
YHC: What is the one item of clothing or accessories that you wear often?
Ally: I usually always have my “she-blogs” Carrie Bradshaw inspried gold chain necklace on everywhere I go.
YHC: How do you manage your busy schedule?
Ally: It’s such a challenge (laughs). My schedule is insane but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This is still a work in progress. Right now somehow it all comes together.
YHC: What makes you “Young, Hip & Chic”?
Ally: I think what makes me young hip and chic is my drive and passion to live out my dreams and to help others find their passion.
THE BAG QUESTION:
What are 5 things in your bag that you NEVER leave home without and why?
Lipgloss-It’s the one thing I love because I don’t wear makeup.
Blackberry-I work a lot from my phone.
A book-For reading on the train.
Jewelry-I usually always have an emergency ring or necklace just in case I may have to stop by an event to spruce up my outfit.
Ponytail holder-Because I just never know when I might need to adjust my hair style.
THIS OR THAT:
Which would you rather? Long hair or short? Medium length
Lipstick or lip gloss? Lipgloss
Silver or gold? Gold
Makeup or natural? Natural
Loose or fit? Depends on where I’m going
Pocketbook or clutch? Pocketbook (I need to fit the world in my bag lol)
Handmade or made in China (on the assembly line)? Handmade
Wedges or stilettos? Platform really high wedges (for now)
Diva Davanna is strutting her stuff into the hearts of the fashion industry as she graces the runway with her signature walk that makes supermodels stop and stare. Not sure if this is true? Well she definitely caught the attention of stellar modeling coach and judge of ANTM, Ms. Jay Alexander. He thought that she was so fierce that he had to introduce her to the modeling diva and entrepreneur, Tyra Banks. When Tyra saw her moves, she was then featured on Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model and she showed the ladies how to walk with the fierceness of a lion and the grace of a ballet dancer.
For the Diva, her fabulous walk and recognition didn’t come without a lot of hard work. At the age of three, she began walking in her mother’s fashion shows. In her very first show, she was so nervous that she walked off the stage. But with the encouragement of family and her twin sister who also took the stage and killed it, she decided to give it a go and it has been green lights ever since.
At the very young age of eleven (her birthday is November 30th), she had been featured in more than 200 fashion shows and request for her to be in more shows continues to rise. She is so booked that there is a waiting list. But she was eager to chat it up with me and all of you YHC readers about her life in the fashion world and how she sees herself in the future of fashion and a legacy of the catwalk.
Check out the interview!
YHC: When did you realize that you wanted to model?
Diva: Well, my mom used to have fashion shows when I was a about 3 years old but I couldn’t walk that good on the runway but I kept getting on stage when my mom had practice with the other models so I could get better. Then one day I asked my mom if I could be in her fashion show, but when it was time for me to walk at the kids fashion show, I was so nervous I ran off stage, but my twin sister, Dejohnna who had never practiced, walked the runway better than me…lol. So I came back on stage and I did really well.
YHC: What was your interest in modeling?
Diva: I always like to take pictures, dress up in my mommy big shoes, wear wigs and be like Diana Ross, so I knew if I was a model on stage I would let to do that all the time.
YHC: What did your family and friends think of your choice in modeling?
Diva: Everybody thought it was fun, but nobody knew it would make me DIVA DAVANNA, we thought I would just do my mommy’s fashion shows and that’s it. But my mom’s friend Timotheous Smart (Timmy) started training me to model when I turned 4 years old. He makes all my outfits and does my hair and make-up for my shows. He told my mom that I had a nice walk at 4 years old and that she should put me in more fashion shows, and when Timmy kept training me I got better so my mom put me in more shows. I then started getting calls to be in shows.
YHC: How does your family support you in your career?
Diva: I think if I didn’t have my family there I couldn’t live my dream. Sometimes when I get a little nervous about a fashion show coming up, my sisters talk to me and make me feel better. My mom is always back stage with me and my good friend Timmy is always there too.
YHC: What was your transition like from “cute little girl” to “extraordinary model”?
Diva: It was amazing because I used to play in my mommy’s big shoes and walk like I was a super star on stage, so when I got my first pair of little heels it was like I had got a new bike…lol. I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to put them on and model in them. After so many shows I wanted to be a diva on the runway.
YHC: How do you handle school and modeling?
Diva: Well it’s ok. I go to school during the week and after my homework some days I have to practice and other days I get to just have fun at home. I also go out with my family to dinner, the movies, girl scouts, and play with my friends.
YHC: What modeling agency are you with?
Diva: A lot of people ask my mom that question, I’m not with an agency and I never was signed to one either. My mom said she wish I was with an agency; maybe it would be less work for her….lol.
YHC: Who are the models you admire?
Diva: I really admire Tyra Banks.
YHC: What was is it like to work with Tyra Banks?
Diva: I was really nervous and scared to meet her, that’s why I started crying when I was on her show, but it was still like a dream come true to meet her.
YHC: Who else have you worked with in the fashion industry?
Diva: I enjoyed working with Ms. Jay on America’s Next Top Model. He was funny and made me feel comfortable. I did fashion shows with some Top models like: Bianca Golden, Isis, Bre Scullark and Camille McDonald.
YHC: What is your favorite part about being a model?
Diva: I get to travel and meet fun people and wear a lot of nice designer’s clothes. But I think the most exciting thing for me is to have so many fans and people that really follow me and like my modeling.
YHC: Besides modeling, what are some of your extracurricular activities?
Diva: I’m a girl scout so I like to go camping, skating, swimming, bowling, and slumber parties. I like to do stuff at Girl Scout to earn extra badges.
YHC: Who are your favorite designers?
Diva: There are a few designers I used to walk for right here in NY and NJ, they used to dress me before I was doing a lot of big fashion shows all over the world and they are, Joanne Vaccianna(NY), Tyrone Chablis(NJ), Armon(NJ), Marco Hall(NJ), Thomas Lavone(NJ), Donna Bryd(NJ), Liliac(NJ), Divine Royalty..Malcolm (NJ), Kyjuan couture Westry (NJ), Jacqueline Cummerlander (NJ). My favorite designers I like on TV are Michael Kors, Tracey Reese, Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg, Isaac Mizrahi. Timmy is my all time favorite.
YHC: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Diva: Well by then I will be 16yrs old, so I hope I will be a big super star model doing fashion shows in Paris and other countries, or I’ll be getting ready for college so I could be a fashion designer and have my own clothing line in stores.
YHC: What encouraging words do you have for my readers that are trying to break into the modeling world?
Diva: I would say if modeling is your dream, then dream big. Like my mommy tells me, “if that’s what you want to do, and you have to work really hard at it.” You have to practice and practice and be in a lot of fashion shows and don’t give up if people tell you that you are too young or too short to model, because people used to tell us that.
YHC: What are 5 things in your bag that you NEVER leave home without and why?
Diva: When I go to school I must have my pencils, notebook, lip gloss, cell phone and sour patch candy because I love them. And when I have a fashion show I never forget my dsi game, cell phone, IPod, brush, and never forget my shoes.
Which would you rather?
1) Curly hair or straight? Straight, because you could style it better.
2) America’s Next Top Model or Project Runway? ANTM because you learn so much about being a model.
3) Makeup or natural? Natural because you can be pretty with or without make-up.
4) Handmade or made in China (on the assembly line)? Handmade, when you hand make something yourself it’s more special to you.
5) Loose or fit? Fit, if it’s loose you can fall on the runway.
6) Pocketbook or book bag? Pocketbook, cause they have so many pretty styles and you can dress up with your pocket book.
7) Ice cream or cookies? Ice cream, you can make milkshakes, ice-cream cones and sundaes.
8) Skating or basketball? Skating, I love to go skating with the girl scouts and we have lots of fun.
9) Sneakers or shoes? Shoes, I love my shoes especially when it’s time for me to walk on the runway in them.
10) Play date or modeling gig? I would have to say both, I really like to have play dates with my friends and sisters, but when I have a fashion show I feel happy too.
Photo Credits: Joe Clarke Photography, ANTM, Team Davanna
When it comes to fashion icons, one person that may often come to mind is Mary J. Blige. When it comes to fabulousity Kimora Lee Simmons is definitely on the radar. When it comes to people breaking barriers, Lil Kim took sexy to a whole other level. During the 90’s, when it came to Hip hop, there was one person that was one the scene dressing some of hottest singers and rappers in the game. From Jodeci to Biggie Smalls their fashion flair came from one woman that added Hip Hop style to an R &B world, and her name is Misa Hylton-Brimm. Miss Misa is a very important part in world of style because she sets the trends.
I had the opportunity to chat with my fashion heroes about what how she became the most sought after stylista and some of the things that she never leaves hone without.
As a bonus, be sure to see what she has to say about fashion Do’s and Don’ts!
YHC: What is your definition of a Stylista?
Misa: My definition of a stylist is a confident woman with her OWN style.
YHC: When did you know that you had an eye for fashion?
Misa: By the time I hit Jr. High school, I knew I had a unique style.
YHC: Do you think that styling is an art?
Misa: Yes, styling is definitely an art, a gift, and a talent.
YHC: How did you get into the business of styling?
Misa: I had an opportunity to style male R&B group Jodeci. My boyfriend at the time Sean Combs did A&R for their first album.
YHC: Did it help that you are in the capitol of fashion?
Misa: Absolutely, there is so much fashion in NY and so much swag!
YHC: You are very well-known for adding “Hip Hop Panache” to R&B with artists like Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, and many others. What was the inspiration behind that?
Misa: Clothes tell a story. I came up with looks that represented the Artist’s swag and complimented their style of the music. These looks became trends. I think of myself as a trendsetter.
YHC: What are some of your favorite looks that you have created?
Misa: Lil Kim “Crush on you” is my FAVE.
YHC: It comes to no surprise that you are in the works of launching a clothing line. Tell us more about Madison Couture. Who is your Fashionista pick of the moment?
Misa: I want to offer my sense of style to the world. You don’t have to be a celebrity to experience my style!
YHC: What are 5 things in your bag that you NEVER leave home without and why?
Misa:
• Lip gloss-I freshen my lips throughout the day.
• Ponytail holder-Incase I want to put my hair up.
• Perfume- I like to smell my perfume all day.
• Lotion-I don't like dry skin.
• Dior sunglasses-They’re my constant accessory.
• Pictures of my children- I miss them when I'm working!
YHC: Which would you rather?
1)Long hair or short? Love both I have a hair fetish and I'm always changing my look.
2)Lipstick or lip gloss? Both, sometimes I use them together.
3)Silver or gold? I LOVE Both.
4)Makeup or natural? BOTH it depends on my mood and what I'm doing. I tend to only wear make up for photos and TV.
5)Loose or fit? Depends on what I'm wearing. I tend to lean towards fitted garments.
6)Pocketbook or clutch? Any bag is fine for me!
7)Handmade or made in China (on the assembly line)? Handmade.
8)Wedges or stilettos? All I of them… I love SHOES even fashionable flats.
Bonus: Misa Hylton’s Fashion Do’s and Don’ts!
DO’s-
1. DO, wear clothes that fit well.
2.DO, add color to wardrobe. When you feel good, so will other people. It also brightens the atmosphere!
3. DO, be confident. That's a must to complete any look.
4. DO, accessorize. It will make your look POP!
5.DO, be willing to evolve. Try something new with your wardrobe.
DON’Ts-
1.DON’T, follow every trend.
2. DON’T, be scared to try something new. That's what being a Fashionista is all about!
I was first introduced to the styles of Ms. Amanda Diva when I first saw her in concert at Black Lily in Philadelphia; it was an event that my parents frequently covered. (For those that don't know, they have a very popular online mag). I thought that she was really cool. Then I started watching her her hilarious yet informing youtube show titled,"Diva Speak" which touches on topics that are in the news and celebrates women making major accomplisments in society. Her Superwoman of the Week, has always been a favorite segment of mines and she also created a song titled Superwoman that was very powerful to a teen like me. "I got three jobs and they all dedicated to women..." That I so relate to.
After watching the show for a while, I noticed that she has a since of style and that it was really cool. Most times a girl can seem to be caught between wanting to be a bgirl and being sexy, but it seems that Amanda Diva has found her spot right between. I loved the video and song that is associated with this that she created to go with it.
Her most recent video Neon is what caught my attention. "I ain't afraid to go bright!" I then begin to realize that she was singing about her fashion thoughts in the most fun and playful way and I had to find out for you and my own curiousity, what Diva thinks about her style and why she likes to rock neon.
Interview:
YHC: What is the best way to describe your style?
Amanda: Bgirl Chic...
YHC: How does your culture/nationality reflect in your fashion?
Amanda: I'm west indian so I think that's what influences my love of bright colors. I also love to represent for Black women and rock shirts w/ icons on them on the reg.
YHC: Who is your favorite designer/brand? Why?
Amanda: American Apparel bcuz they make the basics look so fly!
YHC: You’re not afraid to rock, Neon. What inspired the song and the style?
Amanda: One night I was going out with Green Lantern and my boy Johnny Polygon and Green said, "one thing about Amanda. She is not afraid to go bright!" Lol a couple weeks later Johnny and I were listening to beats and that story came up. He started singing "sometimes I like to rock neooonnn" as a joke but then we realized it was a dope hook!
YHC: What is the one item of clothing or accessories that you wear often?
Amanda: Leggings.
YHC: You wear your hair straight and sometimes with a few cornrows? What inspires that style?
Amanda: I only wear my hair straight in the winter. I was rockin the curly w/ rows just to switch it up and do something funky. Right now I'm all about banana clips and havin' my hair pulled back.
YHC: How do you maintain a head full of gorgeous hair?
Amanda: LoL. I wish I had some amazing beauty secret but I guess I was just bless with low maintenance hair. I wash it once a week and put conditioner in between washes to keep it "juicy".
YHC: Your skin looks great too? What is your everyday beauty regimen?
Amanda: I just wash with neutrogena face wash in the morning. However the key to good skin is drinking a lot of water!
YHC: Your not only a rapper, personality and singer, you are an artist. How did that come about?
Amanda: I started painting in high school and it's just been developing from there.
Why do you put your art on clothing?
Because I want it to be accessible to folks who don't go in galleries. (NOTE: This is Tweety's favorite bag)
The Bag Question: What are 5 things in your bag that you NEVER leave home without (excluding your keys)? Why?
Ipod-I need my music!
Lip gloss- mine always get chapped.
.Orange Trident-I love gum but am allergic to peppermint.
Pen/paper- I love drawing.
Blackberry- it's not in my purse, its attached to my hand!
Which would you rather?
Lipstick or Lip gloss Gloss
Heels or Kicks Kicks
Makeup or Natural Natural
My hair or store brought My hair
Tyra walk or Naomi strut Naomi strut
Pocket book or fanny pack Fanny pack
Handmade or made in China (on the assembly line) Handmade
Fashion forward or Disco Stu (being stuck in an era) A mix of both
Door knockers or studs Knockers
Silver or gold Gold
Be sure to check out Diva Speak TV at: www.youtube.com/iamamandadiva and her website www.amandadiva.com to see everything she has to offer including her Art for your clothing and accessories.
There is nothing like meeting a down-to-earth fashionista that is professional and full of drive and class. All of the previous descriptions can be found in Miss Angela Edmunds, owner of Showroom77, in Philadelphia, PA.
She is an artist; a loving daughter; an awesome jewelry designer and a writer for her ever popular blog, 
YHC: What is the best way to describe your style? 
Diva Davanna is strutting her stuff into the hearts of the fashion industry as she graces the runway with her signature walk that makes supermodels stop and stare. Not sure if this is true? Well she definitely caught the attention of stellar modeling coach and judge of ANTM, Ms. Jay Alexander. He thought that she was so fierce that he had to introduce her to the modeling diva and entrepreneur, Tyra Banks. When Tyra saw her moves, she was then featured on Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model and she showed the ladies how to walk with the fierceness of a lion and the grace of a ballet dancer.
YHC: What did your family and friends think of your choice in modeling? 
YHC: 
Why do you put your art on clothing? 
Latest Comments