Down to Business: Roxanna Floyd

They say it take a village to raise a child. Well, it takes an army to groom a star and no celebrity worth their weight in gold would make an appearance without first consulting their makeup artist. Celebrity makeup artist, Roxanna Floyd, has beautified the likes of Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Lauren Hill, Ashanti and Halle Berry. She’s also work for publications such as Essence, InStyle, Redbook, Braids & Beauty and Today’s Black Woman. In the interview below she shares the secrets of her success…

1. You started your career by working at the cosmetic counters of a high-end department store. How did you transform that into the wonderful career you have now?

At the time I did not know that people were paid for being a makeup artist. I never thought about makeup as a career.

At the cosmetic counter I was able to practice and hone my art. As a makeup artist you have the opportunity to work on every types of skin, face and eye shapes. Real women, not pretty models or good looking celebrities, so your skill can really develop under those conditions.

2. You have a BA in Cosmetic Marketing – sounds like a fun degree! Did you also take professional lessons in makeup artistry or are you self-taught?

I do not have a BA in cosmetics marketing. I was registered for classes but got a job with a small family owned business who sold perfume and cosmetics. The family started a small private label cosmetic line and they gave me a hands on, first class education. I learned product development in the lab, cosmetic merchandising and marketing from experience.

I taught myself makeup first and then I when to school. I had a small portfolio and wanted to make sure that I was doing the art correctly. I studied at the now defunct Robert Fiance Beauty Institute in New York.

3. How much of being a makeup artist is about technique verses intuition?

I believe technique is paramount. You can have keen intuition on where to place color, or what colors and shades to use but without solid technique coupled with creativity and a graceful hand, you’re just a person putting on makeup and 'the artist' in makeup artistry does not enter into the equation.

4. Cosmetic companies such as Bobbi Brown insist that all their employees have a firm foundation in makeup artistry. What if you don't have professional experience? What other ways can one break into the industry?

Breaking into the beauty industry is very competitive. There are so many cosmetic companies vying for customers the ability to apply and sell makeup makes a person attractive to a company. Today there seems to no way around having a foundation in makeup artistry not unless you know the one doing the hiring. Sometimes having a background in sales and a strong passion for art or fashion along with great interviewing skills can do the trick.

5. As a creative consultant at CoverGirl what are some of the things you get to do? I understand you were instrumental in the development of the Queen Collection.

As creative consultant for CoverGirl Queen Collection I work on all aspects of the product lineup. I worked with the chemist on formulas and shading as well as the brand manager and creative agencies on marketing ideas. Everything you see with a Queen Collection I had a hand in.

6. Who was your first celebrity client and how did your nerves fare?

I believe my first celebrity client was John Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono. I was working with a music video director and I did her makeup for the video and at the end of the shoot she asked for my telephone number. Yoko was very nice. I was nervous of course; I just wanted to do a good job.

7. When working with a client, especially a famous one, how do you satisfy your creative vision as well as the client? What if what they want just doesn't look good?!

At this point in my career most people know my style and trust me to do a look that will be appropriate.

I stay flexible and open. If I work with a new client I will study their photos to get a feel of their style and I always have a conversation with them to understand expectations.

8. Has being black helped, hindered or been totally irrelevant to your career's success thus far?

Now this is a loaded question! Honestly, being black has worked to my advantage and disadvantage. I had a mentor who would refer to the business in terms of their being two worlds. The white world and the black world. There is racism in both.

We believe black celebrities would hire black creative talent but sometimes they don't. In this age of the celebrity if a black celebrity does not book you for a shoot it's difficult to meet the top photographers. And most of the top photographers already have "my people" (the small select group of makeup artists, hairstylists and fashion stylists that they always work with) it's a catch 22.

9. Now if we can pick your brain for some tricks... How can women correct hyperpigmentation and combat oily skin? The two biggest woes when it comes to finding the perfect makeup!

The best way to correct depends on where it shows up. If you have it on the face there could be two different ways to approach it. First, using skincare products containing alpha hydroxy acid or fruit acid may slowly over time help to fade the dark spot. Second, the quick fix would be to apply a small amount of cover creme a shade lighter than your complexion on the spot. Then apply your foundation to your entire face and finish with powder.

The best way to combat oily skin is to apply oil controlling products to the oily area. Also, blotting tissues and powders all help temporarily. There really isn't any way around oily skin. Besides, oily skin helps you look younger longer - unless there is acne.

10. What one makeup item could you not live without and why?

Believe me after using every makeup product there is, I couldn’t live without all of it!

Visit Roxanna Floyd’s official site at www.roxannafloyd.com.

Down to Business: Piper Carter

Beautiful, black women have battled their way to appear at the front of a camera lens but how do they fare standing behind it? Piper Carter, whom many of you will know from VH1’s hit show “The Shot,” is here to tell us exactly how she made a career for herself as a fashion photographer. Graduating from FIT in May '07 with my BFA in Photography and Digital Media, Piper went on to complete an internship at Vogue working in their photo department. She assisted the photo research team with editorial content for the magazine and the Poiret exhibition which was featured this past summer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Costume Institute. With magazine features in French Vogue, British Elle, the New York Times, Trace and Essence magazines, and having shot stars like Erykah Badu and Noemie Lenoir, who else is better equipped to give us the lowdown on how to give Annie Leibovitz a run for her money!

1. What initially drew you to photography? I read it wasn't your original major at Howard.

My first Major at Howard University was Political Science: my mother wanted me to be an Entertainment Lawyer. I changed the following year to Musical Theater (I wanted to be a Choreographer). And finally I changed to Photography after having a really eye-opening moment with my close friend Dale Davis. He helped me see that there are many options in this world. After emerging myself in the major I learned that I have a natural talent for making images. I studied the craft before the digital revolution so I must admit that what initially drew me to Photography was the ability to make magic in the darkroom! That has since been replaced with my love for Photoshop.

2. You also studied at FIT, graduating with a BFA in Photography & Digital Media. Congrats! Do you feel it's necessary to study at a renowned fashion school to work in the fashion industry?

Actually, one doesn’t need to go to school at all to pursue a career in photography. You just need a great eye and good taste! Well, actually sometimes that isn’t even required. This path is based on the subjective view. So you’re kind of at the mercy of the taste of the client. I went to school because I love learning and I just wanted to gain as much knowledge as I could about art history and digital technology with concentrated effort, plus I just wanted to have my Degree.

3. Describe one of your favorite images to date. What were the circumstances surrounding it?

One of my favorite images is of a denim mermaid. It’s the model Hollis topless wearing a couture denim skirt with huge ruffles by a wonderful designer named Leon. She’s covering herself and her head is thrown back. She’s in silhouetted profile. That image makes me feel glad to be a woman! Originally there was a blouse she was supposed to wear but couldn’t get it on over her hair (she had a huge red wig). So she sat on the ground and the stylist was trying to help her get it on. She threw her head back and I saw it. So I just told the stylist to forget about the blouse & get out of the frame and I asked Hollis to cover her breasts and throw her head back completely facing up to the sky and close her eyes…magical!

4. Would you say being a black woman has helped or hindered your career thus far?

Well, I would have to say hindered. Many times people see my website and don’t know if I’m a guy or girl nor what race I am because my name is not typical and sort of interesting. But then when I go into their office for a meeting they seem shocked! Many times editors will tell me to keep trying, keep shooting and come back. Sometimes they’ll say “well we don’t want hip hop this is a fashion story”. And I wonder why they are telling me this because I don’t have any hip hop images on my site nor in my portfolio. And when I try to get work from so-called Black publications I just get a smile. Many times they’ll tell me how much they love me and my work, but really never hire me and I see lots of mediocre images published and think, “Wow! How come this person is getting work from this publication and they tell me I have to go back to the drawing board?” I have gotten a lot of really cool assignments from major fashion institutions anyhow though because I just exercise my winning personality and lots of persistence.

5. Jobs in the creative industries can be tough to come by in the beginning. How do you deal with working sporadically? What keeps you inspired even through the tough times?

Well one never really can stop grinding in this field. I keep reaching out to companies & publications in the States and overseas. I spend a good 3 hours daily just sending out requests for work. I stay inspired because I love what I do and I do make progress no matter how long it takes me nor how many tries.

6. You've worked for major fashion magazines such as French Vogue, British Elle, the New York Times and Trace magazine. Which was the first and how did you handle such a monumental opportunity?

Well British Elle was the first major fashion publication I shot for. I was very nervous but I knew that it was the moment I had been dreaming of. So I had to man up and focus! I just kept it very simple. Clean lighting and just worked to get the best out of the model.

7. You must have learned a few things working as an assistant for so many great photographers. What valuable lessons have you picked up along the way?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned to date is to always stay true to my vision. It can be intimidating to work with Fashion People because they are very aggressive and have a strong personal style. But in the end they hired me for what I bring to the table.

8. You had a hard time on VH1's show "The Shot." Do you think you were fairly portrayed?

I don’t agree with the editing of the show, but one never knows how one is perceived in the eyes of others. For example: on the first challenge on the boat the day before we were given the clothing, and we knew our story had to reflect Stormy Romance. But we didn’t know our location and we didn’t know if we would have one guy and one girl or two guys and a girl. I wanted to hash out story ideas with a plan A & B for each photographer but my teammates didn’t want to work, they wanted to drink & chill so they said I was “annoying” because I wanted to be on point. They said they wanted to deal with it in the morning. But in the morning they all woke up late & didn’t want to discuss anything. They were all like “well I know what I’m going to do”. So, when I was like “listen we need to figure this out as a team what are we the collective going to do they said I was a Tyrant…lol

9. What's next for Piper Carter?

I’m working on a project for Ford Model Agency’s Youtube station, I’ll be shooting the Shows for Fashion Week, & I have an exhibition coming up in March and also in March I’m shooting a Beauty book with a very talented Make up Artist.

10. What is the one single piece of advice you'd give to a young female fashion photographer on the come up?

Work harder than the boys! Don’t be afraid of exercising your femininity when necessary though! Lol be honest about what you do & don’t know, no one knows it all, but find out what you don’t know about. & just shoot as often as possible. & don’t let anyone dictate your future!

Visit http://www.pipercarter.com/ to see more of Piper's work!

A few of Piper's favorite images - her own of course!

Down to Business: Kimberly Kimble

Kimberly Kimble, the go-to hairstylist for celebrities such as Beyonce and Mary J. Blige, has hair styling firmly in her blood. Kimberly’s mother and both grandmothers were all hair care professionals, so it’s no wonder that Kimberly has had such success in the beauty industry. She has styled hair for major cosmetic companies including L’Oreal, CoverGirl, and Neutrogena, and has also worked on campaigns for Pepsi and True Star for Tommy Hilfiger. Kimberly’s cutting edge hairstyles and innovative contributions to the world of beauty have also been featured in hundreds of magazines including: Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Rolling Stone, InStyle, Essence, Us Weekly, Blender and Seventeen. While working on the set of movies and television, Kimberly realized the need for styling products that would allow her to style hair that endured the long hours of filming while still looking fresh and healthy. With a thriving salon in West Hollywood (Kimble Hair Studio), a full range of hair care products (Kimble Hair Care Systems), and a recent appearance on Oprah, who is there more qualified to give us advice on our hair and how to get started in the industry?

1. You first started working at your mother's hair salon washing hair, and even your grandmother was a hairdresser. I guess it was in your destiny?

It was definitely in my destiny! I spent so much time in the salon growing up, that I do think I was destined to be here. I actually planned to go into fashion, and was working as a hairdresser to put myself through fashion school when I realized that my true talent and love was for hair.

2. How did you know you had something special to offer the hair industry, especially since it is so competitive?

I always knew that I had a true passion and love for the care of hair. There are a lot of people that just do the job for the money, but I’ve always REALLY cared for it. I still remember the feeling I got when I saw my first client stand up and look in the mirror- when I saw her smile so big, I felt so good about my job. I’ve always loved and cared about the health and look of people’s hair.

3. Do you think one can become a successful hairdresser without inventing or even redefining classic hair styles?

I think you definitely can. There are so many different aspects of hair that you can specialize in- hair color, haircare, extensions, cuts, etc.

4. Many hairdressers can style hair to perfection but to the detriment of one's hair. Where do you stand when it comes to hair care versus hair styling?

Hair care is a major part of my philosophy- I don’t compromise the integrity of someone’s hair for their style. Hair health is so important because your style looks much better when your hair is healthy. Damaged hair is much harder to style.

5. What was the inspiration behind your hair care line? What were the key things you wanted people to benefit from using your products?

My products were all about finding a way to style your hair without damaging it. I wanted my products to give results- healthy hair that looks and feels good and has incredible shine. My clients always loved the way their hair looked after they came out of my salon and I wanted a way that they could achieve the same shine at home.

6. When you decided to open your own salon, Kimble Hair Studio, how did you find hair stylists that shared the same philosophy?

It is definitely hard to find. The main thing I do is work through beauty schools, bring interns in so that they can gain a hands on learning experience, and we can see if they have the same determination, passion and philosophy that we share here.

7. You've styled numerous celebrities including Mary J. Blige, Gabrielle Union, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington and of course Beyonce. Did you always intend to gain celebrity clients or did that just sort of happen?!

I never intended to work with celebrity clients, but my mom moved us out to Los Angeles to start doing hair in the television and film industry. She learned about the opportunities and told me that I should go for it. My first movie was B.A.P.S, where I did a lot of the hairpieces for Natalie Desselle, costarring with Halle Berry. I continued to do movies and met Beyonce when doing her hair for Austin Powers, and then she started hiring me for other events she was appearing in.

8. What are your top three tips for black hair care?

● For Black hair, you definitely want to keep it moist, don’t let it get dry and brittle because that’s what causes breakage.

● Many women are afraid to cut their hair- don’t be. It’s much healthier to keep your hair cut- it looks fresher and keeps the hair healthier.

● Hair maintenance is the most important- the key is to get the right maintenance products. Black hair needs a little bit more attention than most to stay healthy, so make sure you’re sleeping on silk (I have products like silk pillowcases, scarves, bonnets, rollers, etc. on my website
www.kimblehaircare.com) these types of products give your hairstyle longevity.

9. What should a customer look for in a good hairdresser?

I would recommend finding someone who is passionate about their job and the health of your hair. Someone who is just in it for the money will not care about the long term effects of what they’re doing to your hair and may damage it.

10. What one priceless business tip could you pass on to a budding young hairdresser?

I would say to be professional! Be punctual, well studied, and determined! Take the time to explore new things and be open to learning all aspects of the business until you find your niche and what you’re really passionate about- then stick with it!

Products from Kimberly's line, "Kimble Hair Care Systems."

Left to right: Cleansing Shampoo (Nuturing Shampoo & Conditioning Treatment System); Honey & Oatmeal Moisturizing Conditioner (Nuturing Shampoo & Conditioning Treatment System); Replenish Oil Drops (Oil Treatment System); Retrospective Workable Hairspray (Styling Care System); Scalp Relief (Extension Care System); Waxation (Fashion Forward Styling System)

Credit: Kimberly Kimble & Jennifer Dalton for all photographs.

Down to Business: Kathryn Finney

If you’re anything like me, trawling through rails of reduced clothing and bins upon bins of accessories can be daunting. Why can’t great sale items be right there in front of you when you walk into a store? Never fear, Kathryn Finney aka The Budget Fashionista, has made a career out of shopping smart and more importantly shopping frugal. Why pay $2000 for that Marc Jacobs bag when you can get it for just $200? Her popular blog is filled with useful tidbits on fashion and beauty shopping. Kathryn’s eye for affordable fashion has made her the go-to shopping blogger for females nationwide. She’s also the women us female bloggers aspire to be. With television appearances on CNN and NBC, and articles in Essence, USA Today and the New York Times, Kathryn shares with us the secrets of successful blogging.

1. Everyone and their dog has a blog it seems. When you launched The Budget Fashionista in 2003 how did you make it stand out?

Standing out was fairly easy because there really wasn't very many blogs, especially fashion related blogs in early 2003. There's definitely something to being one of the first. I was also very lucky to have the support of my family and friends.

2. You got your Masters in Epidemiology from Yale University (Congratulations!). What made you leap from science to fashion/shopping blogging and did your immediate family and friends think you were crazy?

I married someone who's frugal and he showed me the errors of my ways. I didn't make the leap until late 2004, when Random House purchased my first book, How to Be a Budget Fashionista. My family thought it was a bit crazy, but knew that I have this crazy work ethic. If I really, truly believe in something I will work twice hard as everyone else to make sure it succeeds. A lot of the key to success is just working harder and smarter than everyone else.

3. Your knowledge on smart shopping is unmatched. I read that you once found a Zac Posen cashmere blend coat for $108.50 reduced from $2,900! How much time do you spend researching & shopping compared to actual blogging? Do you ever have days when you have nothing to blog about?!

Hmmm. I spend about 50% of my time blogging, another 40% researching - shopping stores, visiting showrooms, etc, and solid 10% procrasinating.

4. How did you turn The Budget Fashionista franchise into more than just a site? You've appeared on numerous television and radio segments and had interviews placed in national publications. Did you actively pursue these features or did they come to you as the site grew?

They came even before the site grew. My first big press was an Associated Press article about 6 months after I started the blog.

5. How do you keep your name and site out there? Do you manage your own press and

publicity?

I manage it myself. I've been very lucky to have amazing reporters contact me regarding the site and because the site is so popular it often comes up on top of google during a search.

Also, my mom is like my de facto publicist. She actually got me quite a bit of press, even though she's not in the media/entertainment field. She'll just pick up the phone and call folks on my behalf. No one can publicize you like your momma.

6. What is a typical day for you?

I walk about 4 miles around central park, read my feeds, check on The Budget Fashionista as well as our new sites- See Jack Shop and The Budget Bambino, take phones or meetings, prep for a TV segment and watch Oprah and Judge Mathis (I have a secret crush on) on DVR.

7. Last year you released the book "How to be a Budget Fashionista." How did that project come about and do you have any other books lined up in the future?

My agent, Nicholas Lewis, is a Yale alumni, who found out about the site and asked me if I had ever thought about writing a book. I was like... ummm sure... Random House loved the idea and the rest is history. I'm in the middle of writing my second book.

8. What advice would you give to budding bloggers like myself on how to promote their site and themselves?

Write about what you know and be unique. Also study Search Engine Optimization techniques and read as many of the tech blogs as you do the fashion blogs.

9. What has been your best bargain find to date?

A pair of Kate Spade sandals, $13.98 at the DSW Shoe Warehouse at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN. I think I fainted when I found them.

10. Where do you see yourself and the site in 5 years?

Still preaching the gospel of being fabulous for less. Hopefully to an even bigger audience.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Kathryn Finney.

Down to Business: Tori Nichel

Tori Nichel, who grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, got her designing feet wet working at Dana Buchman and Kenneth Cole. Just last year she launched her own label aptly named “Tori Nichel” and Forbes.com has already named her one of the five designers to watch. Tori Nichel gives us the lowdown on how to make it as a young designer in the fashion industry.

1. You're a Detroit native. One would imagine that there isn't much of a fashion scene in Detroit. Is that a fair assessment?! How can an emerging designer who doesn't live in a fashion capitol begin making a name for themselves?
An emerging designer not based in a fashion mecca has to think outside the box, and then buy a plane ticket! I’m kidding. Ultimately to have longevity and credibility in fashion you must pay your dues in New York, London, Paris or Italy. In order to succeed in fashion you must have passion, drive, discipline and perseverance.

2. You moved to New York and graduated from FIT (Congratulations!). How did you land a job on the design team at Kenneth Cole?
My first friend in New York, Heather, who is still near & dear to me today was already an assistant at Kenneth Cole. She told me there was another opening and I simply applied. At that early stage it is important for young designers to show their potential & drive.

3. Do you think it is necessary for emerging designers to work under an established label before branching out on their own?
Absolutely. Emerging designers have to realize that working under an established designer brings them credibility and validation later in your career. In school you learn the art of fashion, the history of fashion, the craft and technique of fashion. They don’t teach you the business of fashion. You learn that from apprenticing.

4. How did you decide that it was the right time for you to launch your own label? How did you finance the venture?
The timing just felt right in 2006. I had been writing my business plan since 2003. I was meeting the right people, at the right time.


I financed the business with my savings along with one private investor whom is no longer with me but watched me for the past 10 years before investing, and consulting which I continue to do today.

5. Designing obviously comes naturally to you but did you find it hard coping with the business side of the fashion industry? What lessons have you learned?
It was not hard to cope with the business side. I prepared myself well by strategically taking positions that would expose me to the aspects of the business I needed to learn. Even then, the learning process doesn’t start until day 1 of business.

Lessons learned, protect your intellectual properties, always work by referrals, and take it one day at a time.

6. How many employees to you have (if any)? How did you hire the people at your label be them permanent staff or experts such as lawyers, accountants etc.? These people are essential when it comes to running a successful business. What qualities do you look for?
I have myself, 2 interns, an amazing support system which includes family, friends & wonderfully supportive vendors. A lawyer & accountant are very essential, but by referral. I’ve been blessed, I’m surrounded by truly amazing people.

7. The fashion industry is fiercely competitive. Do you think designers, now more than ever, have to strike the balance between being unique and commercial? Is that something you as a designer are cognizant of?
It depends on what the designer’s ultimate goal or mission is that they want to achieve whether it’s necessary to be commercially viable. For me, I’m in the business of selling clothes. The day I started my business my designer role had to be shared with CEO. So for the Tori Nichel brand, it needs to be a sellable product, desirable to women within the market to which we sell. It’s very important to be commercially viable, but designers have to find a way to put their stamp on it. (See pictures from Tori Nichel's Fall 2007 collection below.)

8. Your clothes are impeccably well-tailored and undeniable feminine. What is your design philosophy and inspirations?
Tori Nichel will always be tailored, sexy, chic & polished with a tad 70’s influence. I am part of the inspiration. There is a part of me who designs clothing I want to wear but cannot find in the market. Other inspiration comes from art history, influential women in history, architecture and old family photos.

9. Where do you see "Tori-Nichel" in five years?
Tori Nichel will be on the red carpet in 5 years. Tori Nichel will be a brand recognized internationally and will have added leather goods (i.e. handbags) to the product assortment.

10. Is there anything else that you want to add that you think might be helpful advice for I Like Her Style! readers?
Stay humble, be patient, be disciplined, follow your dream and it will lead you.

Tori Nichel on Fall 2007: "Fall 2007 for the Tori Nichel woman is glamourous. The Tori Nichel girl is out to be seen. Every piece must shine, the colors are luscious, black is back, and I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t give you a bit of 70’s. Until Spring/Summer 2008, lots of love & happiness ~tori nichel"

Credit: Photos courtesy of Tori Nichel.

Down to Business: Charreah Jackson

Every young, black, female writer I’ve ever met said they would LOVE to work at Essence magazine, so imagine landing a job there straight out of college. That’s what happened to Charreah Jackson who is currently an editorial assistant at Essence. She interned there during the summer before her senior year at Howard University and the internship, unlike most internships nowadays, led to a full-time job. She shares her experiences so far below:

1. How did you land an internship at Essence magazine?
Well, as a senior in high school I decided I wanted to be the editor in chief of Honey Magazine. My heart was broken when the magazine closed but at that point I had found my love for the magazine business and knew it was where I wanted to be. Throughout college I was on my campus newspaper staff and freelanced and interned all I could, and also was the first president of our newly formed magazine group and served throughout my college years. Last summer, with that experience I was accepted in the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) intern program and got placed at my first choice of Essence.

2. What advice would you give someone looking for an internship at a magazine? What kind of skills do editorial staff look for?
Uhm... START NOW! If you want to write you should be writing...NOW! Don’t be intimidated, trust me, you have you what it takes! People always say it but know the magazine before you go in there to interview. Your knowledge, ideas and eagerness can make up for inexperience. Do everything with a smile because people can train you to do things if you have the right attitude and “fit” the environment but they can’t change your attitude. And identify someone doing your dream job and invite them to coffee. Everyone loves flattery. :)

3. Did you write for a school paper or other publication while at Howard or prior to attending university?
Oh yeah. I was on our newspaper in high school and I was too naïve to know how hard it can be in journalism and way too eager so I was a staff writer my freshman year in college, the only freshman on staff. I was fortunate to work my way to managing editor my junior year, the paper’s first full year as a daily newspaper and it was a GREAT experience!!! I also freelanced with Rolling Out, and Upscale Magazine where I had interned after my freshman year.

4. Which department did you work for (during your internship at Essence) and how did you manage to turn your internship into a full-time job? Are you in the same department?
I was in the entertainment department and had the time of my life! After that summer I kept in touch with everyone (one thing I always did as an intern was try and meet everyone in the office not just my supervisor). And by “kept in touch” I mean “stalked with a smile :)”. I met the online editor in one of my office visits when I would come to NY from DC and made sure to stay connected with her as I knew the company was stepping up its web presence. On my last stalker visit in May I learned the online editorial department has a few openings. I know I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. But you have to do your part to strategically place yourself. :)

5. What is a typical day for you at Essence? Typical day?
Well, I’m on the web so it’s very fast paced. I spend time inputting articles and images onto the site and securing and cropping photos. I am also very fortunate to be able to write and offer my ideas. I also fact check, which is an invaluable which I would advise anybody interested in magazines to become a pro at.

6. Is working at Essence as glamorous as people think?!
Lol. Are the women fabulous? Oh yeah! Sometimes I look around the office and am just amazed by all these beautiful black women. Then it’s back to work. It’s very hard working staff from the top on down. Everyone pulls there weight and then some.

7. Many question Essence's relevance to black women today [Remember that Diddy/Kim Porter cover?!]. Do you think that's a fair assessment?
Are you serious? I think the magazine is needed more than ever. Don Imus didn’t say anything a lot of other people are thinking so it’s so very important that we have a place for us. That’s why it’s so hard to see the Honey’s and Suede’s and Vixen’s close. But when one door closes, right? We got you Sylvia ;)!!!

8. I read once that today's major magazines hire freelancers to write a majority of their articles. In that case, is it more important to be a talented writer or have entrepreneurial instincts?
Most magazines rely mostly on freelancers to write the bigger pieces. It is a plus to write and most importantly recognize good writing. But most editorial staffs consist more of editors so being creative and having great ideas and being able to conceptualize is a great skill. I’m probably biased because I enjoy the editing part even more than writing.

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Five years? This answer changes everyday. For the last few months it’s been in South Africa where I spend a few years working in magazines there. Now I’m not so sure. I would love to have a book published by then but we’ll see what God has in store. I’m looking forward to it!

10. Is there anything else that you want to add that you think might be helpful advice for I Like Her Style! readers?
Uhm, I feel so underqualified to be offering advice but I will say take some time to get to know yourself sooner than later. Don’t let others push on you who they think you are. For the longest I thought I wanted to be a lawyer than I realized I’m a writer and love to hear and tell a good story. My industry is very hard work and little pay starting off and I’m loving every second because it’s what I love to do. If you have any other questions you can hit my blog “Queen To Be” or facebook me :)

Down to Business: Brenda Townsend

Since many of you email me asking how to get an internship at a magazine, how to get a job at a fashion house or advice on how to start their own business, I thought it would be good to interview people already in said positions who can give you first-hand accounts of how they did it. First up is Brenda Townsend, creator of Out of Hand Boutique.

1. Have you always worked in fashion? If not, why the change in career?
I've always had a passion for fashion, although I have no formal education in fashion or design. I just decided that it was time to do something that I truly enjoyed, and this was a natural choice for me because it has always been a hobby.

2. Why did you decide to start an online boutique as opposed to say opening a physical location?
I felt that a web store could reach a larger customer base than a brick and mortar boutique, while offering lower prices and the ability to add new items quicker.

3. Where do you buy your stock and what draws you to certain items/designers?
I use a number of suppliers and importers that don't sell directly to the public. I look high and low for new items and independent designers that are offering something unique in the marketplace.

4. I understand you make some of your pieces, what are your inspirations?
I get inspiration from African, Latin, European, and Asian cultures, nature, interior design books, art, fashion, and people-watching.

5. Did you come up with a business plan before launching the site? What resources did you use to draw up the plan?
Yes, I did create a business plan, but mainly to organize my own thoughts.

6. Are you worried at all that you are in an already saturated market (i.e. online accessories boutiques)?
No, I believe there's room for everyone. It's about having a clear understanding of what you do best and focusing on reaching your potential customers and keeping your current customers. When you do something you love, you're going to be passionate about it, and the success part happens, not without a lot of hard work, but it does happen.

7. What's your marketing strategy and how do you get your name out there?
Aggressive online advertising has been key, as well as utilizing search engine optimization, so those who are looking for what I sell can easily find the site. Fabulous blogs like yours have also been very helpful in getting the word out to potential customers.

8. Are you the sole investor or did you approach others/bank for extra capitol? Basically, is it necessary to have a huge bulk of money set aside to start such a business?
I started the business with my own money (and not very much I might add). I was able to save a lot of money by doing things that can be expensive if you pay others to do them, like building the website and taking the photos, etc. but I felt strongly about being very hands on and I didn't want to start out in the red. Each person has to look at their situation to determine what funding source(s) to utilize.

9. What's the best advice you can give to someone who wanted to start their own online boutique?
Focus on selling something you're passionate about. Don't try to be everything to everyone, find your niche.

10. Where do you see the site in five years?
My goal for the site is steady growth and exposure. I hope to have an even greater selection of merchandise and to continue to improve the look and ease of navigation of the site.

Is there anything else that you want to add that you think might be helpful advice for I Like Her Style! readers?
I feel that networking is often overlooked in building and maintaining a small business. I for one wanted to change that, so I started a forum on http://www.sisterwoman.com/ to reach out to likeminded individuals who want to support and assist each other in starting and running a small business. There is so much information out there and so many people willing to share their experiences, so you don't have to learn through trial and error, which can be very costly. I post any useful articles and resources I find on the forum. I invite everyone interested, especially women of color, to join us. Click here to visit the site.

If you are a fashion journalist, publicist, fashion intern, boutique owner etc. and would like to be featured on the site email me!

Where To Begin?...

Since I receive a lot of emails from aspiring fashion designers and stylists I felt I should definitely tell you about a site I recently found called ‘Fashion Incubator.’ It’s a great resource for those wanting advice or just companionship and inspiration from other new fashion designers. Start in the newbie section then look around for other information. They even have a small business section with business plan templates and advice on how to analyze them. Visit www.fashion-incubator.com to get started.