Nulanguage: Fashion meets Politics
Nu-Language created by Demira Hamilton also known to her friends & peers as Whiz.
She discovered her passion for art as a high school student in Baltimore, Maryland. Her vision is now coming to light as an adult through her brand of clothing Nu-Languange as a “Nu” way of expressing language and strength through fashion as a form of freedom of speech. Nu-language started off with their unique eye catching, handcrafted camo hat with the American Flag crossed out as a sign of our own melanin independence. The hat recently went viral in various cities giving strength at a time where melanated people felt powerless to the new neglectful government changes affecting our people.
The message has traveled across the world. As well as recently appearing as an accessory of the day in Greece with the help of rapper and reality TV star Waka Flocka Flame and many more. Nu-language is growing daily and able showcasing items for Spring/Summer/Winter 2017. These items consist of but are not limited to jackets, shirts, and more for both children and adults. Nu-Language currently serves customers local and internationally via their website. Not only are you buying from a brand that makes a statement each hand is hand crafted by an amazing woman and entrepreneur.
Nu-Language will be celebrating their 1 Year Anniversary this July! Be sure to look for updates on their social media page and website
Shop NULANGUAGE Today:
www.Nulanguagecaps.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @Nulanguage
“When she knew God wanted to offer a bit more to life”: Owner of 5ive Spot Baltimore
This June will make 4 years that Stephanie Hannah has owned "The 5ive Spot" located in Randallstown, MD; 15 minutes outside of Baltimore City.
Owner Stephanie Hannah Credit-Distinct Eye Photography
Sitting across from Hannah she reminisced on her days working in corporate America putting in hard work and long hours only to leave every day knowing that there had to be more. For years she spent her evenings as a patron in the same establishment she owns today. Drawn to an atmosphere where people of all races and classes could come after work; leaving relaxed, well fed, and with great conversation. When the opportunity was presented for Stephanie to continue the tradition of the establishment being black owned she knew this was her chance to take a step out on faith and ambition. She spent her life working hard for others. Stephanie put pride and honor into being a great employee at businesses where she was in high leadership positions dealing with the stress of creating dreams for others. Lead by something stronger in her spirit to provide the exact atmosphere most desire...one of community, that has now become a pastime in a generation of technology.
Her next step was the part that is hardest for most entrepreneurs in any field, and that was to build a team aligned with the same fabric of work ethic. Walked in one of her first current manager Sherene Rene. Sherene brought with her a background in marketing, sales, and banking experience. Not to mention she served in the US Army bringing leadership skills that you can easily see with her calm demeanor no matter the atmosphere.
Urban Freedom Magazine Creatives Brunch Credit: Distinct Eye Photography
Initially, the establishment was a neighborhood bar. Stephanie decided to transform it as well into a restaurant which was no easy task but well worth it if we do say so ourselves. Urban Freedom Magazine held a "Young, Gifted & Black Brunch" at The 5ive Spot this March with every patron remarking how amazing the food was. From Cajun Shrimp and Grits to Classic Southern Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles with a live Jazz Band as a special treat. It was truly our pleasure to see an owner be so hands on during the process. Like any process of elevation or anything new, there can be bumps in the road but Stephanie and Shelese handle themselves with a stature of strength as if you were a guest in their own home.
These two began working on The 5ive Spot at its most vulnerable state...the bottom. From learning how to work register systems for the first time, and advertising to letting people know they were open and ready. The 5ive Spot was far from walk in ready when Stephanie Hannah took over. In fact, Manger Shelese recalled walking into her interview seeing Stephanie with a construction face mask hard at work to get the venue prepared to be all she envisioned it to be. They had a look of joy just taking a moment to truly remember where they began. Often most entrepreneurs work so hard to the future it is rare we take the time to truly sit down and just thank God for where we are. Going down memory lane seemed to make both of their souls shine when asked how they see the future, simply because things have turned out better than they have both expected starting day one.
This lead to our next focus of how does one handle an establishment that can cater to a classic brunch to weekend nightlife. Maintaining a restaurant is a scale of its own to manage day to day along with adding dubbing as a late night venue. Especially in a city where many nightlife establishments have had to deal with violence a time or two. With a record of no violent crimes in her 4 years of ownership, I wondered what type of rules would have to be implemented. Stephanie stated she takes an amount of steps that most owners do not simply because her establishment means more to her than shallow thrill. First only hiring those who have been certified at bartending schools who have been trained to know when a person should receive a limit of alcohol as well as security personnel who does not allow in patrons who appear to already be under the influence. Friday & Saturday nights is when The 5ive Spot comes alive as a late-night venue. Unlike most Stephanie has a mandatory age of 25 & older for entry to add an extra step of crowd maturity.
Anytime it appears aggression is escalating Stephanie has a policy of stopping things in its tracks. She doesn't wish to be an owner wishing what she could have done if something happens but one that eliminates and prevents before anything negative does. Stephanie truly feels a business owner of any venue has to treat the space as if it is their home. You would not allow certain levels of disrespect to your home or guests and the same has to go for those who enter The 5ive Spot. Patrons must respect where they are as well as those around them. An old-school concept that seems to have relaxed in most places, much to the disadvantage of our community.
With that amount of focus, we asked Stephanie how she handles stress; in true leadership form Stephanie explained that The 5ive Spot is her dream, her baby, and life. She returns every day no matter what happens the day before ready simply because following her dream is a completely different form of therapy. If ever something doesn't go as planned she is determined to return and make sure she gets it on track for next time. Giving up or running is no form of stress relief for her; determination is how she sleeps peacefully at night.
Stephanie Hannah was a down to earth pleasure to be around. She exemplifies strength, accountability, and sense of ownership for not only her establishment but the community of Baltimore. Just recently she geared up with Cashland a local fashion store in Baltimore to provide track uniforms for Randallstown High school. During our interview, Stephanie also invited us to her back to school event she has been planning for this August. We will be sure to attend and update our readers on the journey of The 5ive Spot on our website, as well as information for our next Brunch!
What advice would you give up and coming entrepreneurs?
Owner Stephanie Hannah:
"Make sure you really want it. Make sure your experiences transitions into the dream you have. Always have a spirit of service aligning your work ethic and dreams. Learn from someone who is doing it. Ask questions and if people don't provide the feedback make sure you find your own information. Don't be cookie cutter. Start from scratch. Do not go into it for money alone because that will always fluctuate."
General Manager Shelene:
"Don't give up. Stick your feet in the ground and try harder when things get tough. Don't give up on your own dreams. Make peace with who you are because it can be lonely at the top. Understand that your family and friends may love you but you can't rely on them to always understand and support from your level of perspective because it is not them or their dream but yours. You can't be afraid of dark days."
The 5ive Spot
9820 Liberty Rd
Randallstown, MD 2113
(410) 521-6054
Open: 6pm- 2am Everyday of the Week
Mel Payne DJ Lady Mysterious: The Dual Entrepreneur
By Shade Bowman
Being an Entrepreneur can be extremely overwhelming and time-consuming, but to manage not One, but TWO different careers all the while being a full-time student can be even more of a hand full. It takes a very determined and driven individual to single-handedly successfully balance the two.
DJ Lady Mysterious- Mel Payne Baltimore, MD
We had the opportunity to catch up with DJ & Barber Mel Payne to see what a typical day is like for her.
"A normal day for me starts usually between 4-6am. I think about the day that I have ahead of me, try not to take a Loc or 2 out because of it, and try to do things in order so that it will run as smooth as possible. I meditate, recite affirmations, answer emails, or any business text messages I missed the day before. I get to the barbershop between 9am-11am depending on my client's schedule. During any breaks I take, I am usually studying (Also in school full time in an Acceleration program for a BA in Music Business) or working on my weekly projects due for school. If my homework is completed, I am marketing both companies on social media, studying another barber cutting a client, or working on music for my next event that week while having lunch. If I have no DJ bookings that day, I am usually working at the barbershop until the last person is completed (between 7pm-9:30 pm). On my way home is when I make any personal calls, do something to relax me in any way to release any stress I dealt with, and finally usually in bed by midnight. I thank God for allowing me to get through my day, think about what I learned and where I need to improve on anything. Example, it is now 11:34 pm and I am just finishing up on homework after getting in at 10 pm from cutting clients. Lol!"
With such a busy schedule, it seems as though it'll be difficult not to double book working two demanding gigs, so we had to know..."How do you manage your busy schedule between DJing and being a Barber? Have you ever been double booked?" Using a daily planner or even a calendar app nowadays can be detrimental to an Entrepreneurs livelihood since we typically use technology for everything. But we were eager to hear how Mel balances her everyday schedule and her response was, "I honestly have no clue!!! It is not easy with managing, marketing, or working in both fields and doing everything by myself. I don’t book appointments to cut if I know I have to Dj. Now I double book DJing gigs a lot..lol But I have other Dj's in place to make sure things continue to run smoothly." Having others in place is truly a smart move for someone with Mel's schedule. Some entrepreneurs battle with themselves at times because they feel a team would be substantial in helping reach their goals, but when you're so used to getting things done, it just comes naturally. Since being a Barber and a DJ are on two totally different spectrum’s, we'd like to find out, "Which are you more passionate about? DJing or being a Barber?" Mel stated, "Music will forever be my 1st love. It completes me and allows me to communicate with anyone when I don’t feel like talking." Which makes perfect sense, music is a universal language and so many of us can relate to one another through song.
"If you could eternally be stuck in one year's music scene, which year would it be?" Mel Payne stated "I would say the early 2000's. I was living the life with my dance crew. We would have practice days after college class so we would have different routines by the time we made it to the club that following Friday," is how she responded.
"What is your opinion regarding the difference between old school vinyl DJing and modern DJing?" Having experience in both areas Mel states, "It was really time-consuming carrying vinyl. I feel like it made you focus more on knowing how to put your music in order for when you go searching to play the next song and keeping the party going. Today allows the setup and breakdown process to be more convenient for the DJ along with the venue. I love it but I am grateful that I have been apart of both old school and modern." It's a plus when Entrepreneurs can adjust with the times to best benefit them with future endeavors.
"Where do you think the scene is headed 5 years from now? Will you still be DJing?" Sometimes we can't see pass the futures that we create in our minds, but not Mel. Focused on setting a standard she informs us that, "With the way, technology is going, I think the party scene will have a major change that will make a Dj work harder to solidify a weekly spot. And Yes, I will definitely still be DJing, just on a much bigger scale." Dj Lady Mysterious in this one for the long haul.
Being on the party scene, I'm sure there have been tons of unforgettable nights but..."As a DJ, What single night out has been the most memorable?" Pondering long and hard she replied, "If I have to pick just one of them, I would have to say when I opened up for R. Kelly down the Royal Farms arena." As an Entrepreneur, Mel is grateful for all of the opportunities that she's been given thus far. Opening up for a Legend like R.Kelly is one for the books! There's up and coming DJs that inspire to have life changing experiences as well, now "What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?" Like any true leader her response was to, "Create your own path, never stop building, growing, practicing, and learning the craft."
The transition from DJ to Barber may come as a bit of a surprise to readers who may not know Mel's story. So, of course, we had to ask, "When did you begin cutting hair? Did you always want to be a barber?" In response, Mel stated..."I started cutting hair Aug of last summer. I was laid off from my job in May and mentally dropped to an all time low. I stayed to myself for about a month and made the decision that I was going to take a step out on faith and see if I am doing the right thing. I have literally always been fascinated with the art of a haircut and said to myself… that’s what I want to do so let’s get to it!!!" The true definition of a dream chaser, nobody can make our dreams come alive like we can. Some Barbers have a certain style of cutting which makes clients wait in line to sit in their chair. Knowing that, we questioned, "As a Barber, what about your particular style made folks gravitate toward you?" Being relatively new to the game, she replies..."I think because of how I just broke out and dropped out of nowhere with a new career while being a female DJ that brings a lot of attention to me. This career by far has been the hardest for me because I am the rookie on the team looking become
great." So far we can tell that Mel is one who likes to perfect her crafts and we all know that saying, "The student always outshines the teacher". Some males may still be on the fence when it comes to allowing a female to cut their hair so we asked, "Have you ever been treated differently because you're a female barber?" Even though there have been female barbers for years now she informed us on her experiences by saying, "I get treated differently every day because I am a female that cuts hair. I have had men laugh in my face when the other barbers send someone back to me to get their haircut. Comments like “You’re a girl”, you can’t cut hair… “You’re a girl, don’t you belong in a salon? You have to have tough skin with both careers I work in because it is a Male dominated industry. So you have to ignore the hate but also use it to motivate you to be the best you." That's all we can do is be the best us, there's no competition when you want everyone to win. Whether we are booking for her an event or waiting in line to sit in her chair, we will eventually come in contact with Mel Payne.
Booking & Support:
Mel Payne
FB: Mel Payne
(Dj Lady Mysterious)
Women's Spring "Business Ready" Fashion- Fueled by @ www.ParkerJai.com
Introducing Women’s Fashion Stylist:
Parker Jai
Hello to all my fashion lovers, my name is Jewel but most call me Jai. I want to take the time out to introduce myself for those who may not know me and aren’t familiar with my brand. I am the founder and owner of “ ParkerJai”. I am a freelance wardrobe stylist, fashion consultant, blogger and creative. When it comes to personal style and individuality, I am all for self-expression I am a firm believer of no rules when it comes to fashion. Fashion has to reflect who you are and not who you're trying to emulate. But enough about me, let's talk fashion!
www.parkerjai.com
Parker Jai of www.ParkerJai.com
So what’s trending for spring 2017 might you ask? I’m glad that you did because this year you want to dive into your linens, ruffled dresses, beautiful tropical printed garments and accessories. Especially for my brown beauties, because of the melanin in our skin almost anything goes. You can start incorporating your gold’s, tans, khakis and assimilating your pops of color into your wardrobe to stay true to the spring season. You will see a lot of satin baseball-caps, cute little oval-shaped bags, tons of fun and flirty garments with attached tassels. Tassels on your bathing suits, tassels on your shoes, tassels on your tops. Here, there...tassel tassels everywhere! Also, the killer trend for this spring and summer is the untimely floral print.
If you have noticed, they have floral print jackets, corsets, dresses, shoes anything you can think of with an array of floral designs almost everywhere. There are so many ways you can dress up the floral print. Fashion revolves around trends but the idea when you are trying to be on-trend is to always remain yourself. Please don’t try and imitate or make attempts to be like the next person because we are all made different for a reason. Here are some looks for my simple girls and my lovelies who like to turn it up a notch!