Updated: Apr 19, 2022
Hey, sweets!
I hope you all have had an amazing holiday weekend. As promised, I'm here to share some of my small business faves and social media influencers/creators that I feel deserve to be recognized for their hard work. To know me is to know that I will always put my tribe on. If I eat, we all eat. And without any further introduction, here's a hefty list of even MORE amazing people to support.
Kay Akerele
The owner of the latest Black-owned clothing brand, Polish Fits. He focuses on providing effortless drip through stand out staple clothing items. Through social media, you will find that he loves to express his creativity & uniqueness through his personal style.
Instagram: @broadwaykay
Website: polishfits.com
Zana Allen
A holistic healer & tarot reader that encourages wellness & self-improvement/-healing with her gentle energy & thorough services (Tarot with Zana Allen). She is the embodiment of "health is wealth," and remains authentic in her journey through her social media platforms.
Instagram: @epitomeoftarot
Website: epitomeofwoman.com
Flex
A body positivity advocate, creative director, personal shopper/stylist & visual artist based in D.C. that has created a movement entitled #RealBodiesMatter through his social media platforms. He uses his platform & his voice to encourage Black women to embrace their God-given beauty.
Instagram: @flexessories, @habeebfits
Website: flexessories.bigcartel.com
Ryan Barnes
Ryan Barnes is a Prince George's County-based painter. He creates and hosts paint and sip events that provide a creative outlet for all artistic levels. He accepts personal requests & makes sure that your vision is brought to life.
Instagram: @aye_rydollasign
Kiersten Bouldin Better known as Kiersten Lynn, Kiersten is a freelance, pro makeup artist based in Prince George's County, MD. She enhances her clients features through flawless & precise makeup applications, and gives them each an effortless glow.
Instagram: @kierstenlynn.mua
Website: kierstenlynnmua.com
Jasmine Bynum
The owner of one of the newest beauty brands in Prince George's County, MD, Bynum Beauty. Jasmine is a dual-licensed esthetician & makeup artist who provides confidence boosting beauty services. Her makeup applications are seamless, professional & natural every time.
Instagram: @bynumbeautyllc
Shaughn Cooper A celebrity/local photographer based in the DMV, and creative director for Ari Lennox. He uses his gift of being behind the lens to highlight every day life, events, and his subject's features. He's an advocate for personal & professional growth in his community. I had the honor of being in front of his lens for my maternity shoot in 2018, and I am eternally grateful for the experience to this day.
Instagram: @shaughncooper
Website: linktr.ee/shaughncooper
Dominique Davenport
A DMV based hairstylist that specializes in natural hair & protective styling. She is a true go-getter, an amazing mother, and one of the very few people I trust with my tresses. I'm a huge fan of herShe never misses a beat!
Instagram: @_divinedesignsbydomi_
Jay Edwards
Jay Edwards' brand, In God's Time, is a faith-inspired clothing line with timeless fashion pieces.
Twitter: @TheAlmightyJay_
Website: ingodstime.shop
Roxene Edwards
Her brand, VIRTUE Home Essentials, is a luxury handmade soy candle brand designed for the true homebodies, design lovers, and candle fanatics. The brand's purpose is to complete your perfect self care moment.
Instagram: @virtuessentials
Website: virtuessentials.com
Alex Grimes
Better known as Alex Simone, A DMV-based photographer & my older cousin who's strong suit in this forever growing field is portrait photography. She effortlessly delivers photographs that will last for a lifetime.
Instagram: @alexsimonephoto
Website: alexsimonephoto.com
Jaya Griffin
A fellow Virgo & chef based in North Carolina that shares her passion for baking, cooking & creating innovative dishes/recipes through social media. The Whisk Appeal Bake Shop features gourmet brownies & other sweet treats that I can confidently say I am obsessed with. I love to give this woman my coins!
Instagram: @jayacancook
Briana Holmes
A family friend that's basically my family but to the social media world, she is best known as the founder of Nylon & Sugar, a space where glamour meets motherhood & melanin. From sharing her favorite cosmetics to her day-to-day life with her beautiful daughter, you can't help but to connect with her positive spirit.
Instagram: @nylonandsugar
Blanche Howard
The face & owner of BeInspiring, Inc. Blanche is a body positivity coach that uses her social media platform to promote health & wellness. With her undeniable confidence, she also uses her voice to speak on social injustices, political matters and creating safe spaces.
Instagram: @beinspiringinc
Noelle D. Johnson
An artist and healer that focuses on development, growth, and healing in the Black community. She provides guidance through chakra balancing mantras and encourages artistic/spiritual practices through personal workshops.
Instagram: @warmweathernoelle
Website: warmweathernoelle.com
Khristian LaRoche
A personal and private catering chef based in Prince George's County, MD. Every meal she creates is made from the heart & has soul in every bite. She is available via direct messages on Instagram, email, and text.
Instagram: @_rationalk
Simone Miles
Simone is a dear friend of mine that enjoys connecting with friends and strangers on her podcast called, Nice to Meet You. She delves into life experiences and lessons with each of her guests. I love her honesty, here humor, and the healthy discussions that she provides. I've had the opportunity to be a guest and guest host on her podcast, and I hope she's down to have me again soon!
Instagram: @ntmypodcast
Website: ntmypodcast.com
Jonice Moody
Jonice is a Maryland-based fashion blogger that specializes in styling the everyday curvy girl. The prices are affordable, and the product is always on trend. Her clothing ranges from sizes 14 to 24.
Instagram: @soacurvygirl
Website: linktr.ee/soacurvygirl
Elaine Ramallosa
A Filipina, self-taught makeup artist based in Maryland. She's not afraid to step outside of the box with bold colors and statement looks. Her bubbly personality is easy to connect to and makes your experience with her worthwhile.