To My Love, Keemari C.

I know I have not posted in a while, I wanted to switch things up a bit though.

I've been in and out of my emotions today. It's like it's a good day but I feel something lingering over me. I'm not necessarily sad. But today just isn't easy. 

A lot of people have been coming to me lately and speaking about Keemari and honestly it's still hard for me to even speak on. I remember maybe a month after I lost her, she came to me in a dream, she told me everything was going to be okay, and from there I kept pushing. 

I never have anything really sad to say because I can't be. She or my grandmother won't let me be.

All I can say to those who are still feeling extremely low is to sit down, in a quiet space, and talk to her. Get in touch with your spirituality. She can still hear you, and though she is no longer able to communicate with you verbally, and her physical presence isn't here (which is what makes me cry) I know she is here, she is still gassing me up, and we still can do "guy talk" and "life talk" just as we used to. 

Dear Keemari, 

I miss you so much, and I thank God everyday for the moments we were able to share, the conversations we were able to have. We had grown so close, and you were snatched away from me it feels like. We were about to meet up and plan our birthdays out, outfits and everything, just like we did every year in high school. You were the reason for my smile a lot of days, you were there for me in a particularly hard time in my life, and I don't think I would have made it through without you. 

We were apartment hunting for your transfer to Oshkosh, we would laugh and joke about how goofy we were with our mothers.We spoke about how we would spoil them for mothers day this year, and all we had planned for the year. 

We felt special because our names were cute and gave each other the greenlight to name our children after each other. 

I had just spoken to you, 

But I know I can't keep crying, and I know I can't give up because you wouldn't have that AT ALL, "That's Not What We Do." Is what you would always tell me.

Stay strong, stay prayed up. 

I love you forever and ever Kee. 

***Thank You To Momma Keegan Teale for always responding when I text, for allowing me to be there, for being there for me, and for showing me the true definition of strength. 

DeaDra Rene's Suited Boutique

DeaDra Rene launched her online store, Suited Boutique, Monday morning and her pieces are gorgeous!

Suited Boutique is a clothing store “geared toward those who do not want to blend in” DeaDra stated in an interview Saturday. DeaDra wants her customers to know that at her boutique you will find something that “suits you.”

DeaDra has been a freelance model for a little over two years and travels regularly for her bookings. She has always worked in retail and noted that she always enjoyed interacting with people so Suited Boutique gives her the opportunity to branch off and be more personal with her customers.

DeaDra has been running the boutique alone for the time being. She recently held a model search to even further personalize her online boutique and plans to use the models for promotional purposes. She hopes to have a store front and from there, she will have “signature” models for the store itself.

 

Suited Boutique is a place to find what fits you. It even has a men’s section, which sell things like hats, scarves, ties, and other men’s accessories. DeaDra plans to expand the men’s section if the current items sell well, so men, GO SHOP! Suited Boutique will also carry plus sizes as the boutique grows.

DeaDra is extremely outgoing, very approachable, and is always looking to help. I could tell even by speaking to her that she loves what she does and is excited about the future of Suited Boutique.

Check out the Boutique and be sure to shop. The items are very affordable and VERY fashion forward. Go to www.suitedboutique.com to find what “suits you.”

Also feel free to follow DeaDra on Facebook at @DeaDra Rene and on Instagram at @deadra_rene

Be sure to follow Suited Boutique’s social media on Facebook at @Suited Boutique by Rene and on Instagram at @Suited_Boutique.

I am so excited for our work coming up and interviewing you was a breeze; you are so easy to talk to! Thank you again!

-Garahbrie A Wesley-James of TTV’s PLUGGED IN! 

Thrones of Greatness (TOG) CEO Oboi Jones

Oboi "DJ Royalty" Jones is one talented businessman. I actually went to high school with him, he was always more of a quiet person, but always loved music, and participated in band all four years. So it was not a surprise that Thrones of Greatness LLC. was established. 

Thrones of Greatness is an independent record label with Oboi Jones as chief executive officer. It has only been a year and the label has signed artists and is recognized by industry professionals across the country. Oboi hopes to set up a solid music industry in Milwaukee, stating that when people are signed they typically have to relocate to Los Angeles or New York. He wants to make the Midwest a music hotspot as well.

The question that remains constant in my interviews is how anyone balances it all? Oboi is currently in school, working full-time, travels regularly for work, and running the label. He states, "If you want it enough you will have it, you will sacrifice those late nights." 

Oboi is also a producer, and works with many artists including Quron Payne, SHAWNNIEBEA$T, and Titus Howard. One of his most recent projects, The Comfort Zone by Rob K is a personal favorite, specifically New Wave. The project is picking up buzz and gaining momentum; being featured in The Source Magazine and more. The production of each track is amazing though. The Comfort Zone is available on all major music platforms (Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify). I highly recommend giving it a listen!

Oboi has a lot of things happening for the year so keep a lookout on this guy! He is extremely easy to work with and as humble as they come, so don't hesitate to reach out to him with business inquires.

Follow him on Instagram at @mrsmoothjones on Facebook at @Oboi Jones and follow the Thrones of Greatness LLC. Facebook page at @Thrones of Greatness for announcements and updates with the label. 

For booking and press inquires, more in depth bios on the TOG team and more visit www.thronesofgreatness.com

I would like to personally thank you for taking the time to interview with me and I cannot wait to work with TOG in the future! 

-Garahbrie A Wesley of TTV's PLUGGED IN! 

"She Said She Want A New Wave..." 

Lea Locs CEO Del-Lea "LeaDidIt" Atkins

Del-Lea "LeaDidIt" Atkins is a hairstylist based out of Milwaukee Wisconsin and CEO of Lea Locs, a 100% virgin hair line that carries straight, body wave, and deep wave bundles of various lengths. Del-Lea has been doing my hair for about 6 years now and I wouldn't have it any other way! From my "big chop" to sew-ins, color services, and overall maintenance of my hair I went from being extremely insecure about my natural hair to loving it more than anything! 

Del-Lea began doing hair at 11 years old braiding her little sisters hair and it continued from there. She is now obsessed with color specifically on natural hair, but in my opinion she would color a Bratz doll head if she wanted to, it is that real. She loves color that much!

Del-Lea enjoys being creative and standing out from others and she has, even outside of her hair; her personal style is not typical at all. 

Personally, she has impacted my life in a major way. I walk out of the shop feeling supernatural, extraordinary, and that is one of her main goals. She feels that it makes it all worth it stating, "I love to inspire and make people feel better; confidence is key and if you look better you feel better." 

Professionally, some of Del-Lea's goals for the year include expanding her hairline nationally, then internationally and to take additional courses as she wants to try styles with neon glow in the dark color. She has already began shipping hair to customers out of state and is currently at 10,717 hits from her site launch less than a year ago. (www.lealocs.com). 

Now THIS is for you ladies: Del-Lea is having a Valentine's Day special! The special running February 5-9 includes a full sew-in with leave out and four bundles (lengths 22, 24, 26, 26) Brazilian body wave Lea Locs for $375! This is definitely a steal considering the hair alone runs around that price. Then on February 14-16 you she is offering a quick weave with two bundles (lengths 10 and 12 inch) Brazilian body wave Lea Locs for $125! AND a $20 Victoria's Secret gift card while supplies last! Book now with the information I provide below! 

Personal Review Of Lea Locs: THIS HAIR IS AMAZING! It does anything I'd do with my natural hair and the bundles are full and soft with minimal shedding even after color! I am contemplating taking advantage of the Valentine's Day special just to have more Lea Locs! They are so worth it! 

Being a business owner, and maintaining her love of travel is something that Del-Lea does with grace! She regularly attends big hair vendor shows across the country, and her advice to up and coming stylists or business owners is to keep your image up, network, and to "keep it professional." 

You can follow Del-Lea on Instagram at @LeaDidIt and @lealocs on Facebook at @LeaDidIt and @Lea Locs. 

Also be sure to book your appointments, shop, and check out her look book at www.lealocs.com

It was a pleasure interviewing you and I'll be in the chair again soon enough because we all know I'm the first to yell #LEADIDIT!! 

-Garahbrie A Wesley of TTV's PLUGGED IN! 

Sheek 911 Boutique's Ladraya Manns

Ladraya Manns, co-owner of Sheek 911 boutique, club promoter, and event planner from Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a hefty plate. She is hardworking and dedicated to making her dreams come true.

On Sunday January 8, 2017 Ladraya put on a hair show “In Living Color” showcasing the talent of hairstylists in the Milwaukee area, if you missed it you definitely lost out on a good time! There were models with all different types of hair, one of which being ME on behalf of Del-Lea “LeaDidIt” Atkins. I really enjoyed myself!

When I asked Ladraya about her motivation for the show she responded, “From a very young age I participated in hair shows, I have always loved performing and I love people!”

The hair show not only helped her image, but it also provides opportunities to many people. It allowed exposure for the stylists and models involved. Ladraya explained that she sees this as a win win and commented, “This is a chance to showcase art, and let others see what we do.”

Putting on different events, while working full time, balancing the boutique with co-founders Rachel Vasquez and Deonna Rice, and doing club promotion is a lot for one person to do alone but she manages explaining that “failure is not an option,” all while looking fierce!

Ladraya’s mother is really sweet and easy to talk to, she also does all that she can to help out at the boutique and helps bring her daughter’s dreams to life. Seeing how they interact first hand, it was obvious that the love and support is there.  You can catch up with Ladraya by following her social media accounts: Instagram @drayanotdrea or Facebook @Ladraya Manns

The social media accounts of her co-founders of Sheek 911 Boutique are…

Rachel Vasquez: Facebook @Rachel Luis @Fame Clothing Line LLC

Deonna Rice: Facebook @Deonna Rice and Instagram @tallnfierce

Also feel free to follow the Sheek 911 Boutique accounts on Facebook @Sheek 911 Boutique and Instagram @Sheek911LLC

It was definitely a pleasure interviewing Ladraya, she is kind, funny, and genuine, and she also saved my birthday as it was truly a disaster but that is a different story for a different day! I am so glad to say that I know her and hope to work with her again in the future!

-Garahbrie A Wesley of TTV’s PLUGGED IN!