The Art of African Jewelry Design

The Art of African Jewelry Design

Happy Sunday everyone! Being an African Jewelry Artisan has made me recognize and appreciate the creativity, skill, and talent that goes into making a one of a kind, fabulous piece of jewelry on an entirely new level.  During a photo shoot in Durham, NC one Saturday morning I grabbed a cup of coffee from a bakery in the downtown area, and noticed one of my favorite boutiques open.  As soon as I walked into Ngozi Design Collective, I couldn’t help but notice a breathtaking waterfall necklace made with a generous amount of seed beads.  While I don’t work with seed beads on this level, I quickly recognized the brilliant workmanship that went into this handmade stunning piece, not to mention the amount of time it must have taken to string the beads.  The colors were vibrant and fun which also attracted my attention.  That said, it wouldn’t take an artisan to quickly fall in LOVE! The necklace is designed by Lillian Danieli of Nashona, and is made in Tanzania.  While visiting and admiring the gorgeous african clothing, jewelry, fine arts, sculptures, and personal care, I had a nice chat with the CEO, Andrea Carter.  She reminded me that Ngozi also provides custom clothing, tailoring, and alterations for men, women and children.  This is a great idea if you have a special event and want a beautiful custom piece created exclusively for you. It warms my heart to see local businesses such as Andrea’s providing one of a kind and custom pieces of talented artisans, designers, writers, photographers, and musicians from all over the world!  Definitely check out the Ngozi Design...
Color Me Badd

Color Me Badd

Who remember’s the American contemporary R&B group from the 90’s called Color Me Badd? That’s what comes to mind when viewing some closets.  They are just begging for some color.  Do have a closet full of neutrals but are a tad bit afraid to branch out?   If so, introducing color isn’t as bad as you think.  There are a several ways to take baby steps to introduce color, and before you know it your closet can be looking like a huge color wheel.  I am providing some tips and hints to help you overcome your fear of color. Tip Number 1: Stop using black as an excuse.  Many people fall into the typical “Black goes with everything” mode, and therefore never branch out to try new colors.  Just plain STOP IT and step out of your comfort zone!  You can start breaking up the monotony of black, and brighten up your wardrobe with pops of color using one item at a time. Hint: Choose colorful accessories that make a statement.  Introduce colorful shoes, handbags, scarves, necklaces or earrings.  You can also introduce splashes of color using your make up. Tip Number 2: Stop thinking wearing colors is seasonal.  While it’s a fact that every color doesn’t look good on everyone, don’t fall into the category of following old rules about what seasons to wear colors in.  Instead, figure out what colors work best for you, and build your wardrobe around your individual style. Hint: Be some what of a risk-taker and wear colors that span seasons, instead of thinking you can’t wear something in a season because of the...
Rocker-Chic

Rocker-Chic

Today I’m channeling my inner Rocker-Chic by pairing my favorite boyfriend jeans with an edgy geometric pump.  The rock and roll aesthetic mix is sexy, free, badass, and a little unexpected.  The Rocker-Chic look doesn’t always have to include a leather jacket, skulls, tights or an all black ensemble.  You can incorporate a variety of rocker-appropriate accessories within your wardrobe to achieve this look. Overall, it’s all about your confidence and attitude! You can make any outfit work if you believe that you look great. // Top (BCBGMaxazria) // // Jeans (7forallmankind) // // Shoes (Clique by ShoeDazzle) // // Handbag (vintage) // // Make up (Reveal Cosmetics) // Photography by:  Em Grey Photography Love, The Ultimate...
Hat-Attack Series: Mahogany

Hat-Attack Series: Mahogany

It’s no secret how much I love hats, and now the weather is finally cool enough to start wearing them. My hat obsession started at an early age because of my mom, who has always been a hat connoisseur.  During a recent visit to see her, she gifted me with all of the fabulous hats she had collected for over half a century.  Needless to say, I was overjoyed and graciously found a place for them within my home.  While growing up she always wore different styles of hats, not only to church on Sunday’s but every where.  Hats were routinely incorporated into her daily outfits, so it was normal for me to think every woman should wear them. I love hats so much not only because of their function, but because of their mysteriousness and the way they can skillfully change the look of any outfit on a whim.  More importantly they can also hide a bad hair day. 🙂 Over the course of the next several months, I’ll be bringing several of my mom’s hats back to life during a series called “Hat Attack”.  Each of these hats tell a story from the beginning or spanning over years and even generations.  The first hat featured in my blog is one of my favorites because it’s similar to the sophisticated hat worn by Diana Ross in the famous movie “Mahogany”.  It keeps me cozy and makes me feel a lot more pulled-together and polished, even when I hastily get dressed. From time to time people have often asked me if hats are coming back.   I say “No,...
The Debut:  Never Forget Where You Came From

The Debut: Never Forget Where You Came From

A year ago my deepest love for Africa and passion for giving back inspired me to start my own handmade African jewelry line.  My goal is to help educate and share with the world the beautiful African Krobo Trade Beads or sometimes referred to as African Slave Beads from Ghana, West Africa. Krobo, powder glass trade beads are the most popular type of recycled African Beads made using the recycled glass procedure.  They have been popular since the 18th Century when used as a currency for trade.  The Krobo people of Ghana are attributed with the earliest production of powder glass beads, widely recognized as the eco-friendly alternative to blown-glass creations.  Glass remnants are sourced from general waste such as broken bottles and jars.  These are ground down to what is known as “fritt”, which is a fine powder-like consistency, and then added to porcelain molds lined with a clay.  The molds are placed in a kiln, and prior to cooling the glass is shaped into the beads.  Each and every one of the beads I use in my jewelry designs are carefully selected, and hand-made by me in North Carolina.  This is custom made-to-order, one of a kind jewelry. One of the business goals with regards to my jewelry making is a 10% of each sold item give back to three families located directly in Ghana.  This will help provide financial assistance needed to take care of their families, which is personal for me.  I strongly believe in sowing back into the region where these gorgeous beads are created.  As my business grows, I plan to increase the...