Sisterhood!

Finally found a little time to blog...

The event last Saturday with Jocelin and Lauren was in a word, necessary. I don’t have as much time as I want to talk about it, but I do want to share with you some pictures. Planning another sisterhood event for the first Saturday in September, so stay tuned…Jocelin showing off one of her designs...so wanted this skirt,but she wasn't selling it :(

Elle of Beale Street Chic! You have got to get to know this young lady. She TOTALLY supports the Memphis fashion scene. Check her out at www.bealestreetchic.onsugar.com

Lauren's gonna love this pic, look how the sun is beaming behind her. Here she is talking about her handpainted leather earrings. Told ya, she's a beast with the paint.

Jocelin showing the group her portfolio. She's just as good at sewing as she is at drawing and sketching.

How dare my friend Asharkii walk in with this bad bag? When this girl sees something she wants, please believe it's as good as hers...a Furla clear jelly tote.

Jocelin and I!

Had a blast, and got a phone call before I even ended this post, just don't have time to post right now. Be back later!

Harem Pants...A Better View

Ok, last night, I thought I would quickly put together a look using the harem pants made by Jocelin as my inspiration. I first leaned towards my favorite collab: a screen print tee, boyfriend cardigan and strappy flat sandals, but I wasn't quite feeling the dress down. I think it's cause I dress down every day to come to the spot, plus I slick wanted to put on some heels.

I opted instead for a white Old Navy button down and a sexy lace-up heel from Style Junkie.

Gold-tone bracelets courtesy of my mom.
Got these from my mom about 8 years ago...sure she isn't missing them.
Plus a kente-wrapped, square fabric bracelet


Necklace made by local jewelry designer, David Quarles.
He was one of the participants in last year's, Indie Crowd Market.

More, more and more bracelets (yep, all on one hand)...a few Ma-Di 7 Art word bracelets, vintage silver-toned cuff that is currently turning gold (love it when my jewelry tarnishes), some color mini bangles, charm bracelet from Charlotte Russe, and vintage button rings.

Gold-tone bracelets courtesy of my mom. Took these from her over 8 years ago...sure she doesn't miss em.

Absolutely love these pants!!!!

And thanks to my mom for being the last minute photographer and my Maddie for assisting as the creative director on a couple of shots. If you're reading this, please be sure to read the post below for more information about the young lady who made them.

People you Should Know

I've found recently that I've become quite fond of hearing the stories of people who are doing things and going places. You know these women...the every time you look up they're always doing something or on a mission to accomplish something, type women. Please allow me to introduce you to a couple of those I've had the pleasure of meeting.

Jocelin -I Make Really Well-Constructed Harem Pants- Williams

So ya'll know I love clothes, right? Here's the thing though, I'm not that big on shopping. Strange, huh? Recently I was set up at an event that was so busy there wasn't even time to come up for air. But oh how blessed I was to have a second to breathe and here walks pass me this young lady wearing the most awesome pair of harem pants in the world. I have wanted a pair of pants like that since I spotted them in a Vogue magazine the latter part of last year. But since I'm not big on shopping, I'm sure I would have had to drive all around the city just to find them in my size.

But guess what? This young lady was about the same size as I, so I HAD to have these pants. Asked her where she got them from and guess what????? This chick made those very pants that I've wanted since last year!!! Yep, got her number and called her the very next day. Found out she's in Memphis for the summer (living walking distance away from me- that's how I know it was meant for me to have those pants), but going to school for fashion design in Brooklyn. Like, OMG, who does that? Well, Miss Jocelin does. Ya'll know I prayed so hard before I tried on those pants...like Dear God, please let these pants fit me or else I will have to go on a diet and I don't do diets well, Amen. God has answered my every prayer and pittied my every groan so I knew He wouldn't fail me now...sure enough he didn't. I straight rocked those harems to the Love Nu Art Anniversary Party (see pic and older post below).

I wish I had turned to the front so you could see the shape on these bad boys.
Maybe I'll wear them tomorrow night.

Whew, didn't think that story would be that long, got a little excited typing bout those pants. Jocelin is leaving to go back to Brooklyn next week, but I would like for you to meet and invest in her future, this Saturday at my spot. If you're reading this, you know the details. She'll bring a few pieces she's been working on and share with us her passion for what she does.

Lauren - Master of all things Beauty - Scales

I'm going to make this one shorter, I promise. I met this beauty in 2009. Gregory with Gregory Lynn Photography suggested her when we met about the details for my website's photoshoot. She did the makeup for three of the models on the opening page of the site www.URchocolateboutique.com. She had this real Philly, Brooklyn type vibe about her. You know how when you meet some people, you kind of sense they're not from around here. Well she is a Memphian! I later that day found out she really makes her money as a manicurist. Really, Lauren? You did all this jazz on these girl's faces and you make money doing nails?

I don't get my nails done much, because making jewelry can be rough on my hands. But when it's time, I call Lauren. I don't feel like she's rushing to get through, we have a good, clean conversation, she's culturally intelligent and I don't have to worry about hearing girls cussing and using all types of profanities while they sit next to me, talking on the phone all loud and telling their babies to sit down...whew, I digress. Check out her site at www.graffitinailbar.com

Lauren is also a beast with making jewelry plus she paints. She'll bring some of her pieces that you may want to purchase.

Hope you can make it, I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Youth Empowerment

Hey Ya’ll!

One step closer to getting an assistant. A couple more interviews and I should have someone chosen as soon as tomorrow! So excited cause I need to be released to get these designs outta my head. Not what my post is about today though, but thought I would share it anyway.

Today, I want to introduce you to Brittany. Brittany is a teenager from my church who’s taken an interest in making jewelry. She probably just started crafting this year and she has already matured to working with different materials. I offered her the opportunity to sell her pieces in my spot and last night she brought me six pairs of feather earrings! I am proud to announce that yesterday, Brittany made her first sell! It was a full and beautiful caramel /white combo similar to these:

I am proud of Brittany and will be working closely with her to build her brand! Hmmm, I think I see where this is going…

Enjoy a few more pieces from Brittany and be sure to stop by the Urban Chocolate - Style Spot.

4466 Elvis Presley - Suite 260

Memphis, TN 38116

901-463-0697

The Weekend!!!

What, a weekend!

Friday Night
• Youth choir rehearsal, which by the way was my last one, so bittersweet. Oh, for those who didn’t know, I was the music coordinator for the youth choir at New Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church. I informed them it was my last rehearsal. I sure will miss my babies, they have made me sooooo freakin proud and when I tell you that these young people rock, I’m gonna need for you to believe it.

* I tell people all the time that I love fashion and styling, it has always been and will always be my passion. But, I cannot and refuse to live this life as a do-nothing Christian…it’s already too many of those walking around, who profess the love of Christ, but live their lives uplifting self. I absolutely love working with young people, they inspire more than any fashion designer or the baddest pair of Gucci shoes known to man. So I may have come full circle with the New Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church W.O.W. Choir (Worship Our Way), but my work with young people is far from over!

Later Friday Night
• Missed movie night at Paragon Souls of Art, but did make it for the discussion afterwards. I always enjoy lively discussions with others who are passionate about wanting to see a change in local culture. If you haven’t made it out to Paragon Souls of Art yet, what’s the hold-up? I understand you may not know what it is, well just ask me. Too many of us want to wait until something is popular or well-known before we decide to support, which is why too many of us end up being followers our whole life….but, I digress.

Saturday Morning
• Dropped off some jewelry to a young lady who’s hosting a natural hair competition in August. She had a photoshoot with the contestants and asked some of the vendors who’ll be setting up at the event to lend a few pieces. I’m down for free publicity! Plus, this girl supports local to no ends. I’m sure I’ll be blogging about the competition soon, so stay tuned.
Saturday Afternoon
• Shopped for a shirt for the Love Nu Art Anniversary Party and found the perfect blouse at the thrift store. Honestly, I could spend hours in one thrift store. A few days before I bought a pair of pants from a young lady I met at a natural hair care expo. She’s from Memphis but studying fashion design in New York. These harem pants ya’ll…smh.
• Shopped for some fabric for a necklace design…didn’t know the specifics of how I wanted it, but I had a vision in mind. It was between ethnic prints or primary colors. I opted for the latter.


Saturday Night
• I was kid free ( my daughter was at a sleepover), so that gave me more time to work on the necklace.

Sunday Morning
• Church! The Youth Ministry surprised me with a gift basket made by one of the church members. It was filled just for me too… a reusable tote and matching note set that something about being fabulous, a couple of candles-one was lavender- a favorite scent, a decorative letter K for my desk, a butterscotch colored Pashmina, and a few other things that escape me right now. That was like a whoa moment for me.

Sunday Aternoon
• After church I was soooo tired; had to feed my daughter and niece, who’s in town for the week. Laid them down for a nap and then a nap for myself before I finished the necklace. I was so tired ya’ll, I fell out the bed, I guess during what seemed real, but I it was a dream…true story. I mean, I have not fallen out of the bed in my adult life, or at least that I can recall. Anyway, there was something very peculiar about the dream that made me think it was foretelling of something. I’m one who believes dreams are meaningful, so I researched it a bit and was NOT surprised at all by what I found.
• Finished the necklace, after I couldn’t sleep and ended up making some bow shoe clips to match…on a roll, ya’ll!

Sunday Night

Made it to the Love Nu Art Magazine Anniversary Celebration with a close friend – we missed most of the acts, but enjoyed the networking. Ending up spotting three ladies rockin Urban Chocolate earrings, OMG- I died, as celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe often says.

The complete look: Harem pants by a local upcoming fashion designer. Handcrafted necklace, shoe clips and some Urban Chocolate fabric wrapped bracelets. Vintage clutch and necklace turned bracelet courtesy of mom's closet, vintage blouse and retro earrings. By the way, I carry tons of vintage and retro pieces in the Style Spot!

• Left there and headed to another event Downtown. Got there late, but enjoyed it as well. Marvin Winans, Jr., whom I kept calling Mario Winans, was the special guest and headliner. We were late but still got good seats. Matter of fact, when he finished his set, he sat right beside me to eat his meal and I died all over again, except this time I had to contain my dying. He did let me take a few pics, so I died yet once again. Yea ladies, he's married :(

Round Midnight

• My girl and I were tired and a little famished so we headed to Kooky Canuck, you know the place that makes those monster burgers. I heard about it but never visited. I just got some fries with ranch dressing and to date, they have the best ranch dressing I’ve ever tasted in my life. We split a cookie and ice cream dessert that was just as delicious and worth going back for. Next time I go, I’ll take mini me and I’ll try that veggie burger.

Assistance, Please?

I’m looking for one individual to assist me in growing the Urban Chocolate brand. My Style Spot just opened a few weeks ago and business is well, but it could be so much better if I had more hands! My current best-selling pieces are my handcrafted earrings and jewelry that takes the majority of my time and leaves no space for marketing and planning, so that’s where you will come in.

This is currently an unpaid position. However, there are other forms of compensation (like free clothes and jewelry). I'm also offering a $20/weekly gas or meal stipend. The ideal candidate will be available at least 6-8 hours a week including some Saturdays and some projects can be completed at home. I’m working to make this a paid position for the right person.

This is a perfect opportunity for a high school or college student who plans to work in the fashion industry or for someone just wanting to get some hands on experience in operating a business.

Qualifications:
• Must be serious, willing, and a SELF-STARTER
• Great MS OFFICE skills
• Great attitude, work ethic, and a love for fashion!
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to take direction and communication effectively with other members of the team
• An interest in marketing, PR, and growing the business


Responsibilities
• Responding to/ sending out e-mails
• Updating social networks/websites
• Responding to press release and networking opportunities.
• Keeping the studio/office clean and organized
• Errands (picking up supplies, making payments, shipping and receiving, etc.)
• Assist with events/photo shoots
• Answering/making phone calls
• Researching for marketing tips/helping build the brand of the company

Please send your resume and cover letter, ONLY if you meet the qualifications to urbanchocolate@live.com. Indicate your availability and length of commitment. Interviews will begin as soon as Monday, July 25, 2011.

Thanks and good luck!

Seriously, Kim?

Like, seriously? Really, Kim? Has it been two months since you've blogged? Yea, this is how I talk to myself. Yea, it's been about two months and so much as happened. I type this entry as I sit in the conference room where my spot is located. And by my spot, I don't mean my living room or that ranch dressing stain on my right shoulder (really don't know how that got there). But by my spot, I mean my own little space, my own office, my spot where I make and sell my many accessories handcrafted, vintage and retro alike, yes the Urban Chocolate - Style Spot has officially opened!

And what I love about blogging is that, in a sense, it is my journal that I am so bold to share with the world. I guess if you can call that bold in a day in time where we deem it necessary to share with our Twitter and Facebook friends every single detail of our mundane and vain lives. But, I digress, as I am oft guilty :-/

I'm definitely progressing!

Good night, beautiful people and don't be surprised if you see a Youtube video posted tomorrow. I know I talked about doing it some months ago, so my blog tells me, but it's a must I now cross that threshold. Oh yeah and another thing I need to bookmark on this date, an organization for girls ages 12-15...