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Articles by Nakisha Washington
The Necessities Company
The Necessities Company was created out of the desire for the Black community to practice group economics. We do this by introducing Black-made products from around the world to the Black community. Our mission is to circulate Black dollars, spread the word about Black owned businesses and foster a new attitude about buying Black first. With our $1.5 trillion dollar buying power, our first thought should be to Buy Black FIRST. The Necessities Company stands on the front line of this initiative.
Engineer and marketer gym buddies launch wellness platform, WholeBod
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be expensive. Between gym memberships, organic foods, fitness gear and supplements, the costs can be overwhelming. Gym buddies-turned-business partners Yameen Thomas and Quincy Smith spent hours searching for coupons and discount codes to help offset the costs of healthy living.
What does romance look like during a pandemic?
Relationships are difficult. They require a lot of work to blend two lives, personalities and families. Not to mention the daily stressors. While many unexpected things can happen in relationships, navigating a pandemic is not something any of us imagined would be on the list. But here we are, in week three of a stay-at-home order until at least April 29. Some couples are practicing social distancing from each other and using technology to stay connected.
Stiletto Boss University launches virtual portal to groom young entrepreneurs
In 2016, Charlotte native Jania Massey launched Stiletto Boss University (SBU), a nine-month program that uses entrepreneurship as the foundation for teaching high school girls — called stiletto bosses — the power of collaboration, sisterhood and community impact. When meeting sites recently shut down due to coronavirus-related restrictions, 36-year-old Massey took her traditionally in-person business online to keep nearly 60 girls connected during a time of physical distancing.
“It got real on Monday”: Parents adjust to extended school closures
Most people can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when planes hit the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001. I was headed to the bookstore at Tennessee State University before my second class. I thought the world was ending. I didn’t sleep well for weeks. I thought that I’d never get to experience the world as a “real grown-up.” Almost 19 years later, we’re in a coronavirus pandemic, and I’m experiencing similar feelings.
Celebrity makeup artist Jami Svay talks business and beauty
Charlotte native Jami Svay is no stranger to the beauty industry. She began her beauty career more than 15 years ago once she realized that makeup artistry would be an artistic outlet that combined her passion for color and fine art. Now a sought-after beauty expert, Svay’s work has graced the pages of world-renowned publications, and her business savvy led to the creation of Tastee Cosmetics, a national line of natural lip products designed for QVC.
Sorority celebrates authors during national tour
The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host third stop of Delta Authors on Tour. The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host Delta Authors on Tour on March 7, 2020. Photo courtesy of The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Charlotte is the third leg in the South Atlantic region’s Delta Authors on Tour, a national program created by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Tattoo documentary, work of arts group showcasing teen talent behind the lens
Some tattoos are results of drunken college nights while others have cultural or other significant meanings. Creating Exposure through the Arts is looking to share the stories behind Charlotteans tattoos in an upcoming documentary. The project, “Behind the Ink,” is an interactive, multi-disciplinary visual arts exhibit that tells the stories behind tattoos of Charlotte residents across multiple ages, ethnicities and cultures.
Media Arts Collective LLC
Media Arts Collective, LLC (MAC330) is Charlotte’s preeminent photography company specializing in events, advertising and corporate visuals. Business Contact: Tiffany Allen
Will these Black-owned businesses get the 'Oprah effect'?
Each of these business owners was connected to the media mogul’s recent visit to the Queen City. Oprah Winfrey had encouraging words for Dr. Martez Prince, owner of Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center. Photo courtesy of Martez Prince Fifteen thousand people flooded the Spectrum Center on Saturday for “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus.” Charlotte was the third stop on her nine-city wellness tour.
Indie Business Network
The Indie Business Network is a members-only online community and public-facing blog with the training, resources, and guidance you need to build a successful business as a Maker and Handmade Entrepreneur — all in one place! In addition to mentoring and entrepreneurial training, IBN provides access to affordable product liability insurance needed to sell products with confidence online and at retail stores throughout North America.
Opinion | January is the perfect time to start mentoring Charlotte youth
January is National Mentoring Month. Photo via Shutterstock It’s National Mentoring Month, a perfect time to focus on the positive impact we can have on Charlotte youth. Research shows the personal and academic achievements that can happen as a result of mentoring relationships. For example: Boys with a mentor are three times less likely to suffer peer pressure and anxiety, and two times less likely to develop negative behaviors. A mentor increases a student’s likelihood of attending college by 50%.
Jack and Jill chapter opens reading room at Charlotte school
The organization of African American moms donated more than 600 books to Brisbane Academy. Members of Jack and Jill – South Charlotte read “Sulwe” — written by actress Lupita Nyong’o — to students at Brisbane Academy on Dec. 7, 2019. More than 60 students at Brisbane Academy will benefit from a new reading room designed and supplied by the South Charlotte chapter of Jack and Jill in partnership with the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.
"Black don't crack," but it can
Melanin plays a role in how our skin ages, but more women in their 30s are seeking out anti-aging cosmetic procedures. More women are seeking out minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments. Dr. Gretchen Reis (left) practices anti-aging and preventive medicine at BodyLogicMD. Here, she explains the benefits of the Lutronic Genius Microneedling Treatment.
Burnout is real, and it's affecting people younger and faster
Some experts link medical conditions like depression to burnout, and it’s on the rise. (Left) William Bryant Jr., actor on OWN Network’s “Greenleaf,” and Timon Kyle Durrett, producer/actor on OWN’s “Queen Sugar,” spoke about burnout and reducing the stigma of mental illness at an event on Nov. 14 hosted by Dr. Lakeisha Legree of Elev8 Wellness Center. “Do that thing that lifts you up and makes you feel good. The thing that wakes you up.
Charlotte millennials, are your parents living here yet? If not, they might be soon.
Meyers Research data shows that 25 percent of Baby Boomers are interested in retiring near their children, even if that means relocating to another state. Trilogy Lake Norman - Shea Homes Millennials aren’t the only ones flocking to Charlotte in droves — their Baby Boomer parents are following. In 2016, 26,390 millennials moved to Charlotte. With powerhouse employers including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Lowe’s and Red Ventures, many 23-38-year-olds move to the area for career opportunities.
For engagement and family photos, how should you dress?
Krystal Wesson and Christopher Peoples Christal Phillips Photography In the weeks following a new engagement, the wedding prep to-do list seems to grow each day. One big to-do is taking engagement pics. There’s a lot of planning that goes into preparing for the shoot. After you’ve found the perfect location and locked down the date, the most important question remains, “What do we wear?” Social media provides lots of examples, good and bad, to draw inspiration as you plan your photoshoot.
3 non-corny ways to match your mate for photos
Photo by Christal Phillips Photography Krystal Wesson and Christopher Peoples In the weeks following a new engagement, the wedding prep to-do list seems to grow each day. One big to-do is taking engagement pics. There’s a lot of planning that goes into preparing for the shoot. After you’ve found the perfect location and locked down the date, the most important question remains, “What do we wear?” Social media provides lots of examples, good and bad, to draw inspiration as you plan your photoshoot.
How do you manage your side hustle? These 4 business owners share their tips.
Courtesy of Lorri Lofton Lorri Lofton Close to half of millennials have side hustles, creating additional sources of income outside of their 9-to-5 jobs, according to Experian. Some pursue side gigs to supplement their primary income or to finance activities like traveling. For others, creative outlets and passion projects turn into income-generating businesses.
Artist Whitney Austin shares how tragedy inspired her to bet on herself
The millennial gallery owner is following her passion and people are taking notice. Charlotte-based artist Whitney Austin has toured across the U.S. showcasing her work representing African American culture and history. “Your passion will haunt you until you decide to go for it.” Three years ago, Ohio native Whitney Austin took her own advice. She quit her job as director of sales and marketing for a Charlotte assisted living facility to paint full time.
Papi Queso chef shows us the perfect grilled cheese—oh, and we have an opening date - CharlotteFive
Courtesy of The Plaid Penguin Fans of award-winning grilled cheese sandwiches will no longer have to wait for food truck Papi Queso to post its weekly location schedule. The popular streatery will open its first physical location, a stall in Optimist Hall, on October 1. Papi Queso has a grilled cheese for every mood. The Optimist Hall spot features a griddle that can hold three times the amount of grilled cheese as the one in the food truck.
A popular breakfast restaurant is heading to Concord Mills mall
The Traditional features two fresh cage-free eggs any style with your choice of bacon, smoked ham, savory chicken sausage patties, turkey or pork sausage links. It’s served with whole grain artisan toast or Udi’s Gluten Free toast, all-natural house preserves and fresh, seasoned potatoes. Courtesy of First Watch First Watch, a popular restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, will open a new location in Concord Mills in late October.
Popular breakfast restaurant is heading to Concord Mills
Courtesy of First Watch The Traditional features two fresh cage-free eggs any style with your choice of bacon, smoked ham, savory chicken sausage patties, turkey or pork sausage links. It's served with whole grain artisan toast or Udi's Gluten Free toast, all-natural house preserves and fresh, seasoned potatoes. First Watch, a popular restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, will open a new location in Concord Mills in late October.
Who is joining us—and a few thousand friends—at Around the Crown 10K? - CharlotteFive
Courtesy of Nakisha Washington Training with Andre Procope On Jan. 1, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to become physically active. With the help of local fitness trainer, Shayla Nyree, I lost 25 pounds in the first quarter of 2019. Meanwhile, my boyfriend, Andre Procope, was well into a health journey of his own. In 2016, Andre was obese. At 6’10, he weighed 362 pounds. That year, he decided to make serious changes to his lifestyle.
Ten years later, Charlotte coalition of 100 Black Women still advocating for level playing field
Queen City Metropolitan Chapter president Tiffany Hemmings-Prather talks about the organization’s role in making Charlotte a more equitable place for Black women and girls. National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Queen City Metropolitan chapter co-sponsored the 2019 Women United March. Pictured with Congresswoman Alma Adams (center).
Single in the Queen City? RBL dating app looks to match Black singles
Joseph Dixon launched Charlotte-based dating site focused on matchmaking for Black singles; nearly 200,000 users active on RBL app. Photo: Laura Margarita Cedeño Peralta | Unsplash “Charlotte is a tough market when it comes to the dating scene,” Danielle Miles shared during one of our many conversations about dating. Miles moved to Charlotte 10 years ago from Richmond, Virginia, and describes her current dating life as non-existent.
Da Village Pop-Up Shop, a shopping experience for families in need
Shamelle Jackson, a mother of four, explains how her season of homelessness led her to create Da Village Pop-Up Shop and provide families in need with essentials. Charlotte volunteers for Da Village Pop-Up Shop on June 15, 2019. Photo: Nakisha Washington In April, Mecklenburg County and United Way of Central Carolinas released a joint report assessing the capacity and utilization of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s emergency shelter system.
Common gets vulnerable, talks love and life at Charlotte book event
More than 800 people showed up in support of the award-winning artist, activist and author during the Charlotte stop of his book tour. Over 800 people attended “A Conversation with Common and Bishop Claude Alexander” at The Park Church on May 31, 2019. Photo: Qcitymetro Love is in the air in the Queen City. Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning artist, author and activist Common stopped in Charlotte on Friday as part of his “Let Love Have The Last Word” book tour.
Health expert Dr. Ian Smith gives tips, dispels myths on clean eating and healthy living
During a recent Charlotte visit, the New York Times bestselling author and TV host sat down with QCityMetro to talk about nutrition, fitness and fad diets. Author and TV host Dr. Ian Smith. Photo: T. Smith Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in America, according to the American Heart Association. For African Americans, we account for nearly a quarter of the 610,000 people that die every year from heart disease.
Charlotte’s Diner en Blanc host team gives the skinny on the summer soiree
Leo Bennett and Tara Robertson talked with QCityMetro as they prepare for another year of the exclusive all-white event. Nearly 1,200 people attended Charlotte's inaugural Diner en Blanc at Romare Bearden Park on Aug. 11, 2018. Photo courtesy of Diner en Blanc - Charlotte Updated: May 15, 2019 @ 8 p.m. A recent Instagram post caused a frenzy when organizers announced that Diner en Blanc is returning to Charlotte for a second year.
Protesters accuse Habitat for Humanity of gentrifying neighborhoods during affordable housing event
The handful of protesters interrupted Habitat Charlotte CEO during affordable housing event featuring author and activist Marc Lamont Hill. “We’re here because Habitat for Humanity helps gentrify working-class neighborhoods,” proclaimed a group of protesters who rushed the stage in front of a crowd of more than 300 people at an affordable housing symposium on March 12.
'For me, the answer was exposure.' Local woman reflects on need for HBCUs following annual UNCF fundraiser
Writer Nakisha Washington shares how exposure led to HBCU as first choice for higher education. Recent UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball provided scholarships for more students to do the same. Mayor Vi Lyles provides remarks during the 5th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball on March 9, 2019. Photo credit: Nakisha Washington for Qcitymetro.com.
Rapper Fabolous hosts inaugural Power of Influence brunch, brainchild of Charlotte-based entrepreneurs
Grammy-nominated rapper Fabolous mingles with guests at the Power of Influence brunch on March 2, 2019. Photo via Instagram During this year’s CIAA tournament weekend, local entrepreneurs Kevin “Chef Kev” Winston and Antwoin “Twoin B” Bryant curated an experience aimed at connecting the “connectors.” They called on rapper Fabolous — one of Chef Kev’s clients — to join, a testament to the power of partnerships.
Q&A with JCSU alum Jamie Miller, entrepreneur and founder of Dear Sister CLT
Jamie Miller, owner of The 518 Group and creator of Dear Sister CLT, shares why relationships are key and other lessons learned in this Q&A. Jamie Miller, owner of The 518 Group and founder of Dear Sister women's event. Jamie Miller is a Charlotte millennial on the move.
A day in the life of mother-daughter reporters at All-Star celebrity fashion show
A Qcitymetro contributor and her daughter on assignment at the celebrity Rookie USA Fashion Show during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend. Sisters D’Lila Star, Jessie James and Chance Combs -- daughters of mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs -- were some of the kid models during the Rookie USA Fashion Show on Feb. 15, 2019. Photo: Nakisha Washington Knowing that NBA All-Star Weekend is here, under normal circumstances, I’d be packing my 4-year old daughter’s weekend bag for a sitter.
Self-Care for the Busy Professional: Massages are no longer just a luxury service
A Valentine’s Day gift sparked an idea for Brandi Fox that led to the creation Pamper Us Mobile Massage. Beyond the pampering, mobile massages may be the answer to workplace stress. Self-Care for the Busy Professional is a Qcitymetro series where we’re talking with business owners about their path to entrepreneurship and ways to keep self-care a priority despite long to-do lists.
3 Sleeping Habits of Highly Successful People
By Nakisha Washington If you read the hashtags on any social media network, you are certain to come across at least one card-carrying member of the hardworking, uber-ambitious, millennial-created super group, #TeamNoSleep. Members of this group subscribe to the notion that grinding day and night is the key to rising above their peers, beating out the competition and accomplishing their dreams. However, #TeamNoSleep, is NOT the winning team.
Fa-la-la-Land a new job during the holiday season
Love it or dread it, the holiday season is upon us. In addition to holiday-themed potlucks and Ugly Sweater Christmas parties, now is the time to get a head start on a job search. If you’re in the market for a new role, plan to attend this year’s holiday festivities with a dual purpose: eggnog and purposeful networking. Not so fast! Studies reveal that January is one of the worst months to search for a job, due to the surge of job-seekers trying to fulfill New Year’s resolutions.
How To Collect Opportunities, Not Just Business Cards
If you’ve ever left a networking event or conference with more business cards and ‘Let’s stay connected promises’ than you know what to do with, you’re not alone. “If we create networks with the sole intention of getting something, we won’t succeed. We can’t pursue the benefits of networks; the benefits ensue from investments in meaningful activities and relationships,” Grant says. Here are three ways that you can build a network, instead of a growing pile of business cards: 1.
Q&A with The Creator’s Lawyer Ticora Davis, speaker at Facebook Community Boost
We live in a time where it’s hard to think of a successful business that doesn’t have a Facebook page. According to survey research company Morning Consult, 63 percent of Black business owners say that they built their business on the platform. Recognizing this data, Facebook announced last year the launch of its Community Boost program in efforts to invest resources in small businesses across the country. On Nov.
Salute Her honors nine local women at annual Beauty of Diversity Awards
Nationally syndicated Café Mocha Radio continued its tradition of honoring outstanding women with its annual Salute Her: Beauty of Diversity Awards. The five-city tour made its stop in Charlotte on Nov. 9 at the Booth Playhouse. This year’s ceremony celebrated nine local women for their commitment and impact in the Charlotte community.
Traveling African fashion exhibit stops in Charlotte
Mint Museum’s newest exhibition “African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style” tells the story of how African print and design reached international influence and the cyclical nature of fashion. It features an interactive design studio — created by the Mint’s learning and engagement team — that allows visitors to create their own version of the bold prints and go on a scavenger hunt through the exhibition.
3 women of color to watch during Charlotte Fashion Week
September is meant for cooler weather, pumpkin spice-flavored everything, and the four major fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Since 2010, local fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals have flocked to Charlotte Fashion Week hosted by Charlotte Seen. This year, attendees will be immersed in five days of fashion and style beginning Sept. 25.
Smooth Transition: Take your summer wardrobe into fall
As Charlotte’s long summer nights turn into crisp fall days, tank tops and shorts are replaced with blazers and scarves. But, just because the season is coming to an end doesn’t mean that you have to put your favorite summer pieces away. Instead, give your summer wardrobe new life by creating new looks for the fall. An easy way to remix tank or tube tops is to pair with a blazer.
4 ways to remix your 9-to-5 style
In the age of social media, no one wants to be seen (or posted) in the same outfit more than once. With platforms like Instagram touting more than 800 million users, it can feel like the whole world is watching us. If you’ve lived in Charlotte longer than a week, then you’ve seen the routine networking events, conferences and other engagements that cater to the local professional crowd. Most of the events require attendees to dress in professional or business casual attire.
Back to school thrift: 3 bargain stores with fashion for parents
If you have school-aged children, then you more than likely have contributed to the projected $27.6 billion that will be spent during the back-to-school shopping season. With an average of $510 spent per household on back-to-school shopping, updating your fall wardrobe may have been put on a back burner. Not to worry! I’ve visited three local bargain stores to help you gear up for fall without breaking the bank.
4 Things I Experienced at Dîner en Blanc
Curious spectators lined the perimeter of Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte to catch a glimpse of the city’s first Dîner en Blanc event on Aug. 11. Charlotte buzzed with anticipation and excitement in the days leading up to the secret pop-up dinner, which had been sold out for weeks. The upscale picnic-style concept was based on the 30-year-old Parisian tradition with strictly enforced “all white everything” attire and décor requirements.
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