2018 Reflection

Reflection time..2018 was a year of many changes. In the beginning of the year I told myself I could do more, make more and be happier. I didn’t realize that all along I needed to leave a place in order to come back to what would be a different role but what I’ve learned being there in the past is something I appreciate even more because I brought that new knowledge into this job. I also took chances and went to a media/journalism conference in Miami by @hispanicizeevent it was inspiring and put many things into perspective for me and I met some awesome entrepreneurs such as @lejuanjames 🙌🏽 After my conference I came back to some wonderful news that I got the job I’m at now and although I was sad to leave those coworkers who helped me, I was also excited to start a new journey. From covering the international salsa congress and many more…This year I also hit an milestone in my life…my 30th birthday. It’s crazy how much a person can change the way they think…from my 20’s to now I see the world differently and yes sometimes I may still overthink (who doesn’t?) but overall I feel even more humble, conscious and I’m taking more chances in life, scary or not. Life doesn’t wait for you and you shouldn’t either so laugh often, take chances even if it feels scary but also be wise about them. It’s ok to say no and it’s ok to say yes. Learn from your mistakes and move along. To those new friendships I’ve made this year I truly appreciate you all. I’m not going to be “cliché” and say I’m coming into 2019 a new person but I will say is that I’m ready for the new year and whatever else life brings me. Good, bad or neutral that’s just life. 🤷🏻‍♀️🙃 #happynewyearseve

December 31, 2018 0

Summer casual looks for the low…

Happy first day of summer! What better way to bring summer in then to do a fun photo-shoot on the famous River walk in downtown Chicago. I met a former fashion blogger (Becca Chic) and model/actress/writer (Rachel Moretti) and together we had different summer looks we wanted to share with you all without breaking the bank. Summer is about having fun, creating memories, exploring and showing off your style. I broke down in detail what we had on in our photo-shoot and how you can recreate our looks for any occasion.

Becca Chic – Has on a ruffled off the shoulder white blouse and jean shorts from Forever 21 and heels from Guess. This casual look is perfect for any time of the day and night. You can also choose to wear sandals and accessorize the outfit with a necklace or choker. I love how she complimented the entire look with a hand chain bracelet and ring attached to it. For more about Becca Chic and her fashion blog you can find her at www.beccachic.com

Rachel- Has on a white button up dress with a neck collar from Forever 21 and pink vibrant heels from Crossroads. She accessorizes her outfit with a gold watch and necklace. Just like Becca this outfit can also be worn anytime of the day or for a night out in the city. For more about Rachel and her fashion blog and many more you can find her at http://rachelmoretti.weebly.com

I had on a fitted bodysuit from Mandees, ripped jeans from American Eagle and shoes from Payless. Now because I have such small feet, it’s sometimes a struggle for me to find heels my size (5). However, I’ve found some of my nicest and comfiest heels at Payless.

Summer is about having fun, creating memories, exploring and also showing off your style. Now don’t get me wrong it’s nice to buy things that are more on the expensive side and heck if you work for it then you can buy it. But, if you’re on a budget and are looking for outfits where you’re not spending a ton of money then stores like Forever 21, Mandees, Charlotte Rousse, Khols, Payless, thrift shops, etc…are great places to find outfits for a low pri\

A tip of advice: I sometimes check out the clearance section first because you can find some hidden gems in there.

And remember to stay cool on those hot steamy days!

Till next time!

And a BIG THANK YOU! to our photogrpher Richie! Check out his work at www.richallmedia.com

Check out the links below to find these styles for YOU!

At the store Crossroads you can sell, buy or trade in clothes and you definitely can’t beat that. https://crossroadstrading.com/buy-sell-trade/

https://www.mandee.com

https://www.forever21.com/us/shop

https://www.kohls.com/

June 22, 2018 0

Hispanicize Miami 2018- Recap

Hispanicize Miami is one of the largest event for Latino trendsetters and newsmakers from journalism, marketing, entertainment and tech entrepreneurship. In it’s 9^thyear the 4-day event took place April 17^thto April 19 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. The event entailed keynote speakers, workshops, showcases, celebrity meet and greets, exhibitions, award ceremonies and concerts.

Being that it was my first year attending I did my research ahead of time because I didn’t really know what to expect. I came prepared with casual yet business like attire, my camera and of course business cards. While at the event I was able to connect with a few people and absorb everything I was surrounded by. My favorite part I would have to say would be the keynote speakers and meeting social media phenomenon LeJuan James.

Some pointers I took with me was to not say the word, “just” or “try” all the time and own what it is that I’m doing and being confident in my work. Body language says a lot without having to say a word and when you’re confident it shows.

I would definitely love to come back next year to Hispanicize Miami and this time connect with more people in the media industry.

Till next April!

IG: @hispanicizeevent

June 8, 2018 0

"I Am Not My Hair Series" "Afro-Latina" by, Artbysimplyjess — “I Am Not My Hair Series” “Afro-Latina” by: www.SimplyJessArt.com

Singer/artist Amara La Negra has been making a statement since the first season of Love & Hip Hop Miami aired on January 1, 2018. The viewers are able to know more about her and how she is empowering women like her to not give up, never change who you are and most importantly your appearance. She is shining a light on how difficult it is for women who are dark skinned to make it in the entertainment/music industry without being told that they need to change their appearance.

Born Dana Danelys De Los Santos in Miami, Florida, the 27-year-old was raised by a single mother who moved from the Dominican Republic to the United States in hopes to give her daughter a better future. Amara has shared some of her deepest moments on the show on how her mother worked five jobs to make ends meet. She also shared that as a young girl she attended dance classes, took acting classes, modeling and in 1991 she won her first award in a beauty pageant.

Amara is a Latin musician who has made music in the Latin industry and has worked with well-known artists along the way. However, from what we’ve learned from her debut on Love & Hip Hop, Amara is looking into breaking in the American music industry but not without facing hardships from being told that she needs to change her appearance. In a recent interview on the radio station the Breakfast Club, Amara discusses these particular issues.

“We come in so many different shades that it’s like, why is it so hard for people to understand that or accept me? I feel like there’s this standard of beauty that you have to look a certain type of way in order to be pretty, your hair needs to be straight and silky or if you’re Latina you have to look like J. LO…” She also noted, “there isn’t a Latin country that doesn’t look like me.”

On the show Amara seeks guidance from a well-known producer named Young Hollywood. She wanted some insight on how she can make a crossover from the Latin music industry to the American music industry. However, things took a turn when he asked her why her hair is the way it is. He then proceeded to tell her to be less Macy Gray and be more Beyoncé and called her a Nutella Queen.

As you can imagine the internet has been all over this issue and the majority are taking a stand with Amara. Although, she discussed how she was angry, instead she explains how important it is to educate people like Young Hollywood.

Since the show Amara has been on several interviews and continues to bring awareness to the public. She also landed a multi-album record deal with BMG and is the CEO and founder of ALN Clothing line. This goes to show that even after being criticized Amara does not let it stop her and get in the way of her dreams. She explains how she embraces her appearance, sets her self apart and is her own person. The Afro-Latina is empowering women and young ladies to love the skin they’re in and their hair. She notes everyone is different and that’s what makes them unique.

unnamed-2 — Photo by: www.clearlyfocusedmediaworks.com

Although, this topic is about breaking in the American music industry this is something that many Latinos and African-American’s encounter. The stereotype continues because people are not properly educated or are single-minded.

To learn more about Amara La Negra you can watch the show Love and Hip Hop Miami every Monday 9/8C on VH1 and or follow her on social media.

Instagram @amaralanegraaln

Twitter @AmaraLaNegraALN

www.ALNclothingline.com

unnamed-1 — Photo cred: www.simplyjessart.com

January 31, 2018 0

Help Puerto Rico by signing to wave the Jones Act & donate

Click here to sign & waive the Jones Act Let’s make this happen y’all! The Jones Act is 100 years old and is screwing the people on the island who are Citizens!

“What is the Jones Act…”On March 2, 1917, Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act, under which Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory and Puerto Ricans were granted statutory citizenship, meaning that citizenship was granted by an act of Congress and not by the Constitution (thus it was NOT guaranteed by the constitution”

You can also donate at The Puerto Rico House in Chicago, 1237 N. California. Today until 9p.m. Due to over capacity the police station on 2150 N. California will also accept donations

Things they need

Water
Canned foods
Diapers
Powder formula
Flashlight
Batteries
Clothes….Etc…

Before & after pictures below

September 27, 2017 0

Fashion Designer – Hola Chola Pop-up Shop

“It goes to show that if you really believe in something go for it,” said Susanna Gonzalez.

Fashion Designer and owner of Hola Chola Brand, Susanna Gonzalez has proven to be a fearless self-starter entrepreneur. This past weekend I attended the Hola Chola pop-up shop inside the National Museum of Mexican Art located in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago. Susanna shared her story and how she became an independent artist.

Growing up in New York she felt sheltered at home because she was unable to explore. She felt drained at the everyday routine and rituals. Her family was accustomed and set in their ways but Susanna felt an urgency of wanting more.

“At 23 years old I made a bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles but, as time went by I felt like I was losing touch with my roots and religion back home. I forgot who I was because I was away from home so I decided to take a journey to Jalisco, Mexico,” she said.

During her time there she celebrated one of Mexico’s colorful and patriotic festivals in September known as their Independence Day, El Mes De La Patria (month of the homeland). She explained how her adventure in Mexico was a life changing experience because she felt the unity of the people and how it brought the Latino community together.

“They barely had anything but people were happy and I was drawn to the churches and religion,” she said.

Her time spent in Mexico inspired her from religion to the arts. One thing that stuck with Susanna was “La Reina.” She explained how ever since her journey she kept seeing La Reina appear and would pray.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico, where she is known as La Reina de Mexico and is very much a cultural icon,” Mamiverse.com.

After her stay in Mexico Susanna decided to go back home to live in New York but while there she felt a sense of sadness.

“I felt uncomfortable knowing people in my hometown/background in Mexico were poor and had nothing,” she said.

She wanted to artistically bring to the life the culture and what she saw in Mexico but knew she would be held back from her full potential in New York because of her parents. She continued to pray to La Reina for guidance until one day she received a phone call for a job opportunity in Los Angeles and relocated once again. Although, she was working in L.A. she had an idea to work on her own brand and that’s when Hola Chola came to mind. Soon she found herself on her spare time working on her brand and was determined. As time went by she became passionate and diligent on the attire she made. Through the process of being away from home, working and starting her brand she was alone but never gave up.

“My family didn’t believe I could do it but here I am today and I just recently quit my job in November,” she said.

Her personality and smile gave an uplifting vibrant vibe. The ambiance in the room was electric and there was a variety of merchandise from hats, clothes to even suitcases. Inside the main gallery room there were nail technicians from Hush Nail Salon in Chicago, Hennessy V•S complimentary mixed drinks and a DJ on stage. The event had people from all backgrounds and each person’s style conveyed uniqueness from edgy, spunk, eccentric and overall creative. Being that it was her first time in Chicago she proved that no matter where she goes she can conquer any obstacle’s and draws an audience with her brand and style.

A special thanks to Cold Chillen Ent. for joining forces with Susanna Gonzalez to put the event together to Hush Nail Salon for coming out and doing some fabulous manicures to Hennessy V•S for the complimentary mixed drinks and to the DJ for playing some great music and engaging the crowd.