Natalie Monique is a dear friend on mine. From the day I met Natalie we’ve had a sisterly friendship that hasn’t waned a bit. We were interning at the same TV network and clearly both had a passion about the Caribbean―that was almost five years ago. I was ecstatic when she told me was stepping into the world of blogging, as she has been a talented videographer and Caribbean lifestyle insider to many and decided to put her connection to the Caribbean to great use, working for herself rather than others. Her Cariburban site Natalie Monique begun as an online radio show which streamed live weekly. Her blog is an extension of topics covered on the show, which she plans to revive very soon. Get to know the girl behind the blog and the camera.

When did you start blogging & why?

I’ve always been an “in-the-know” person; learning, researching, finding what’s new and keeping people informed. I officially started Natalie Monique earlier this year. It was a matter of solidifying something I have always done.

I always wished there would be a greater cultural bond worldwide, especially within the Caribbean islands. I wanted to show we are not as “different” as people may think; just different in culture. I wanted to lessen that margin between Caribbean residents and its Diaspora as well. Just because Caribbeans are living outside the region doesn’t means they are not ‘home grown’ or fully support and yearn for some island spice.

I chose to develop a site that merges both the Caribbean and Urban sectors Edu-taining (entertaining and educating) the regions, while creating an explosive and beneficial mix.

Your blog is associated with your name, how do you want to position yourself as a brand?

Yes, my brand is me. I believe it is important to market a product that is original, not easily altered. There’s only one me, so how much more original can that get (laughs)! For the most part, I am trying to push positivity, edutainment, relevance, creativity —all the elements I try to exude and extend that through the site. I want to connect and interact with people wishing to do the same for the Caribbean. You can be fun and remain relevant without the hype.

If you could describe your blog in one sentence, what would it be?

It’s a Classy, Cariburban, Chill.

With your film background how do you incorporate that into your blog?

Being a Film/Video Specialist, image is extremely important. Natalie Monique may have a story similar to another site, but you can be assured it will be presented in some sort of colorful, visual manner. People are stimulated by what they see, what they create in their minds. As a writer, I try to be very colorful and descriptive in my posts. Making films is about creating a vision, making something come alive and my blog should do the same.

What do you hope to accomplish through your blog?

To have an impact. I want to assist in creating that seamless margin between the Caribbean and the rest of the world. I want to encourage Caribbean locales to reach out beyond the region and to recognize the wider potential for growth. I want to show the world that the Caribbean may not be as “advanced” in some areas, but we have the talent, the drive, the dedication to compete internationally, and we will get there. The Caribbean is more than beaches and reggae music, there’s a lot to learn and discover. Creating unity amongst the islands themselves is important too.

What is the most challenging part of being a blogger?

Trying to focus on Quality vs. Quantity is where I find my greatest challenge. I mean, I have the option as we all do, to post everything that happens; however, my aim is to find what will work with my mission of promoting the Caribbean to the world. I prefer to have five ‘quality’ posts as opposed to ten mediocre ones. The challenge is staying focused, despite other demands and not blogging just for the sake of blogging. I must be bringing something different or I’d be better off being a blog reader.

How do you keep content on your blog fresh and interesting?

A lot of thought goes into each post. Knowing what my readers want, knowing my niche and market. I do a lot of research not only for my content, but also the people who visit the site, where are they from, what do they like, what would be good to introduce as a relevant point of interest or edutaining factor.

How do you balance writing, promoting, coverage etc.?

I am still trying to figure that out. Let’s just say sleep is not my best friend! I do a lot myself, and would love to eventually get some more contributors on board. It’s a matter of organization, and not allowing myself to be overwhelmed by trying to do everything. The balance is in the standard I have set.

Do you feel Caribbean bloggers are taken as seriously as print publications (why or why not)?

Happy you brought this up, as Caribbean bloggers in general need to take themselves more seriously. If we all do that, then we will demand the respect from others.

The Caribbean is considered “Third World”, so we have to work harder. I find many Caribbean bloggers literally copy everything mainstream bloggers/media do. Where is the authenticity? We need to recognize that the potential of the Caribbean is endless. It is the responsibility of  showing what we have to offer.

Who are you Vibin’ to right now (Musically Caribbean or non-Caribbean)?

Music is therapeutic. There is something for everyone, every mood, every situation, hence why I enjoy any artiste at various moments. Dancehall, Reggae and Soca are in my veins so I love all my local artistes, I love my Soul/ R&B and beats with drums and powerful beats, for example, I really love African music.

Any artiste who is capable of switching it up is who I will always lean towards: Kanye West, Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Brandy, Assassin, Nicki Minaj, Buju Banton, Lady Gaga, Jay Z, Bob Marley, Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown Sizzla, Machel Montano, Beyonce to name a few.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m a butterfly, I don’t have a specific style that I stick to. It’s ever-evolving. Depending on my mood colorful, a bit of mysticism, fun, subtle or straight up sexy. Im Cariburban baby!

Tweet This Post

Lajaunda Moody is a no newbie to the fashion game, learning through experience with a vision for her line and paving the way for young designers in Connecticut. The Bridgeport, CT native created her clothing line Dazeke’ a little over ten years ago, and although it’s taken her a little time to build the traction she’s always wanted she’s making strategic moves at marketing Dazeke‘, while spear heading a Connecticut Fashion Week slated for later this year. A self-taught designer with a background in merchandising and working with children, Moody began creating T-shirts and has since evolved to creating ready-to-wear pieces and accessories always keeping in line with her affinity for African culture. Like many with dual passions, working her 9 to 5 by day and building her fashion empire by night has consumed her daily grind, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Style & Vibes: How you got started?

Lajaunda Moody: I went to school for fashion merchandising. I’m an athlete as well; I did gymnastics for 22 years. I started out as a business major in college not knowing what I wanted to do.  I was always interested in design or working with children. I decided to go into merchandising; deciding I could be a buyer or stylist. Once I graduated it was really hard getting a job in the market. Before I graduated I promised the community centers in Bridgeport that I would come back to help with the kids. So I started teaching gymnastics for kids in the community center in Bridgeport. I got into teaching all of their activities, because the smaller kids and girls no one really wanted to spend the time with them. So I got committed to that and pushed fashion to the side. So when I back into fashion it became hard to get a job.

My sisters and I had a “Waiting to Exhale” luncheon and we saw the Shabazz Brothers they had a t-shirt line. At the time we were like “we could do that”. We started with t-shirts and did that for a number of years.  I had a partner at the time and we’ve parted ways. I took a break and started back up in 2000 and I’ve been going ever since. We did designer t-shirts with poetry pieces, but the business has change to ready-to-wear.

S&V: Tell me about the transition of doing tees to doing ready-to-wear pieces?

LM: It was definitely a struggle. When it was just t-shirts we were trying to figure out the business, figure out the market, the shows. The first few years we went to different fairs and shows and the minute vendors found out we were designers, not customers they kind of shut down. Everyone was like “I had to get my information, now you get yours” so we did a lot of vending, fairs and festivals.

Once I started designing it was still a process, I’m a self-taught designer as opposed to going to school for design; I went for merchandising and styling. I started doing a few shows, but 2010 was really the year that things started to take off, the best year for me. I was able to get into a few larger shows and people really began to take notice. We did a show called Bikini Under the Bridge and that actually got me on the roller coaster ride I’m on now because I’d shown a swimwear line. That’s when people began to notice; people started inviting me to do other shows and that’s how everything started moving forward.

I’ve been trying for years to market myself here in CT, but CT is just so closed. I’ve done shows at UConn and other colleges after a while I figured that my market wasn’t here. Doing all the college shows just wasn’t getting me anywhere so I did Bikini Under the Bridge and started to meet the right people. I recently did the International Designer of the Year Competition in New Jersey and ended up winning the competition. In 2010 more has happen in this one year than it has in the entire career of Dazeke’. All those years were pretty much a struggle to come out, out of pocket.

S&V: Are you in any boutiques, what about e-commerce?

LM: I used to sell my t-shirt in a store called Roots Culture (now closed). The area they were in, the city didn’t develop the area as planned so they had to closed. But I will be selling some of my garments on a site called Sensa fashion as well as currently creating  my own site. I’m hoping to have some of my coats in few boutiques in Harlem and Brooklyn. I’ve also done some independent selling for people who have bought items right off the runway. Now I’m focused on making it a full-fledged business and making some money an hopefully be able to do this full time.

S&V: How has the press been responsive?

LM: On the 28^th I’m doing Hype Hair/ Black Women’s magazine, so I’m really excited about that. The Urban Fashion Network, the person that owns that site has been really helpful, he actually put a clip together of a show and introduced me to Sheen Magazine, which lead to setting up an editorial piece.

S&V: So you do design and handle the business.

LM: Yes. Pretty much. I do all the pieces to it. If I could do the photography I’d do that too (laughs), but it gets to be a bit much by myself.  I’m actually working on getting some interns on board I do have 2 assistants that work with me, but only when I go to my shows. I’m trying to get an intern 2-3 days a week where we can actually focus on the marketing like tweeting and blogging.

I’m really focused on marketing myself. The campaign that I’m doing, the casting call I just had, we’re trying to find a new face for Dazeke’ to launch a new campaign for 2012.  So for that campaign I’m actually trying to do some billboard advertising bus wraps, just to get the name out there. I want to have everything settled in 2011 to come out with a huge launch in 2012.

S&V: Does CT really have the industry backing from a fashion perspective?

LM: It’s a struggle. I’ve actually spear-headed a project we started in Nov. a program called Fashion is Art. To help small businesses, designers, models anyone who is a part of our industry to come together and develop our own fashion week so that we can all get the exposure. The event was successful. We put on a small fashion show and presentation so now what we’re working on is launching CT Fashion Week in September 2011 the week after New York Fashion Week. We’re putting together a four-day event on a smaller

scale; with an art battle, a charity fashion showcase inviting well respected people from the Connecticut fashion community to walk the charity piece. Then we’ll have a showcase of 8-10 designers and also do a children’s fashion show to raise money for Fashionably Aware, an organization that focuses on self esteem awareness for children.

I’ve been trying to do some different things marketing wise to get the big businesses to notice us, we try to do it on our own but I tell other designers we need to stick together because right now fine artists and even photographers get funding, but when money comes into Connecticut to support artistic projects designers are not apart of it. Even when I’ve met with some business executives it’s like they didn’t know designers existed in CT, so I’m trying to give us all more exposure. It’s been challenging, more because designers are looking to me for direction while revamping my own line as well, but you definitely have to be creative about marketing yourself. I’ve just been taking all the advice, going in to New York and observing what designers are doing there and if I can take a few of those elements and connect them here in CT. We really want CT to say “hey, this is something we should really invest in.”

S&V: Who are some of your favorite designers?

LM: I love Carolina Herrara and Michael Kors, and of course some higher end designers like Oscar de la Renta.

S&V: How would you describe your personal style?

LM: I’m a little all over the place. I really love African culture and adornment so I really try to incorporate that. Edgy yet, conservatives. It changes with my mood. I like being comfortable and effortless.

Be on the look out for more from Dazeke’ and details on the CT Fashion Week! For now check out a few more photos.

Tweet This Post

Rather than waiting for a promotion, raise or that “it” opportunity young people around the world are carving out a their own space in the market place — Caribbean-Americans are no different. Jamaican born – Queens resident Vivian Saunder started BuyCheapCentral simply for the love of consumer electronics. Turning his obsession into a viable business venture with little overhead, Saunders has successfully created and maintained an online space to buy everyday electronics (cameras, phones, laptops etc.) at affordable prices. 

             How does it feel to be a young Caribbean entrepreneur?
             It feels great to be a Caribbean entrepreneur. It is fulfilling to be your own boss.

What made you want to start BuyCheapCentral?

I studied Computer Science, minored in Business and Telecommunications at St. John’s University.  I always had a knack for the latest gadgets and electronics . I was the go to person when anyone had  questions regarding electronics.  So it seemed only fitting that I start a business providing these electronics at below market prices.I love been able to provide a client with a product or service that meet their needs and they enjoy using.

What are some of the things you love and struggles as a business owner?

The struggles of a business owner is getting the good deals out to the masses. There is no better way to promote a business other than word of mouth, so I continue to try and get the word out.

What are some tips you would give an online e-commerce company?
1) Be able to price match.
2) Be confident in the products or services that you offer.
3) Always give a way freebies. If nothing else a customer will remember when they got something free from your site.
4) Offer recurring customers more discounts.

How do you keep people coming back to the site, how do you hold up against competitors?

I keep people coming back to my site by offering deep discounts it’s a no brainer to buy from my site. Plus with free shipping anywhere in the US,  that is a deal that’s hard to pass up.

Where do you see yourself and the business in 5 years?
In 5 years I myself owning a few more businesses and having them run themselves. In that I will have more employees running the day to day functions of the business, so I can jet set around the world

What’s your favorite Caribbean spot (Music, Food or otherwise)?
The Door in Jamaica, Queens is a good spot for Caribbean food and music.

What music are you vibing on right now?
Well Vybz (Kartel), Beenie Man, Gyptian, Movado are a few that are on my radar right now. They all seem to be making constant hits that are putting Danchall music on worldwide media outlets than ever before.

For an additonal discount when purchasing on BuyCheapCentral use the discount code:  SNV2010

Tweet This Post

New e-magazine site FRSH Pulp is anything but stale! Anastasia Wright is a marketing a aficionado and one of the brain children behind FRSH Pulp. Sheand her team of Fresh-setters out to discover more than just good music. What started as a music showcase has now formed into its own online movement. With it’s own unique philosophy, maintaining its freshness will not be a problem. I spoke with Anastasia about the launch of the new movement as she and her team set up to dominate more than just the online world of FRSH-ness.

What is FRSH Pulp?
The FRSH philosophy is “Don’t Get Stale B.”  What we mean by that is never let your life get stale. Challenge yourself. Always approach everything with passion and purpose. The magazine’s mission is to challenge and motivate people to keep their lives fresh and follow their passions.

FRSH Must have have style piece: Timberland Construction Boots, classic hood staple. I always buy a fresh pair each Fall/Winter

Fresh Male: My partner and brother 100K.

Fresh Female: Um, Me (Laughs). I have to really give it up to all my ladies doing their thing right now.

Fresh behind the scenest: Macario James, he is a dope graphic designer and the mind behind FRSHPulp.com

FRSH Pulp is currently looking for contributing writers please email hey@frshpulp.com for more info.

Tweet This Post

Imagine being publicly confronted by your husband’s lover. Only to be surprised that not only is he engaging in relations with this P.Y.T., but he’s engaging his heart — so enamored that he deemed it necessary to propose to this side chick…and yes, she had a rick to show for it!

Would you let him explain, give him the option to choose, or drop kick him like they do in Kung-Fu flicks?

Ok, maybe my intro was a bit dramatic, but on a serious note: Is it possible to love two people at the same time? That’s what author Kaira Denee asked via twitter and got an overwhelming number responses sparking the intriguing plot of a messy threesome titled My Husband’s Fiancee.

Kimberly Rose is a career-driven reality television producer whose career has recently taken a slump. But when she witnesses a mistress confronting her lover and his wife in a crowded shopping mall, she immediately realizes she has the next reality show hit on her hands. Her show, My Husband’s Fiancee, is born. Kimberly’s personal life isn’t as successful as her career. Her past is filled with damaging secrets that still haunt her dreams.When her father’s health begins to decline, Kimberly’s mother can’t understand why she’s unaffected by the tragedy.”My Husband’s Fiancee” is the best reality show you will ever read! Tune in to see whether the husband chooses to stay with his wife or marry his mistress and whether Kimberly resolves her past demons and lets love into her life.

I sat down Kaira to discuss her career and the inspiration behind her book.

Mikelah: As a writer how do you set yourself apart from other Urban fiction writers?
Kaira: I always try to put something unique in each of my novels. With my first book, “Take it There” I wrote in an alternate ending. With “Sugar’s Daddy” I tried to cover what I thought was a topic that’s underexposed in urban literature with bi-polar disorder. Now, with “My Husband’s Fiancee” I wrote half of the book as episodes of a reality show. I try really hard to think of ways to stand out!

M: The concept of the book is interesting, explain how you made it a realistic love triangle versus a sexual love triangle?
K: Many times love triangles are portrayed as sexual trysts and I know that it isn’t always so. Sometimes affairs that start as sexually driven end up being more than that. When you cross that line with the right person feelings will develop.

M: How would you feel if it were your husband in the situation?
K: I would divorce him immediately! For me, its one thing to “slip up” and sleep with someone else (and even that’s pushing it!) but if he developed feelings of love for another woman, I can’t compete with that. I would walk away.

M: Apart from a good read, do you think this will open up the discussion of complacent married couples who have lost the “fire” in their relationships?
K: Absolutely! There’s an episode in the book that broaches this subject. There’s something that the husband, Eric, had wanted his wife, Mikelah, to do for years. But she wasn’t confident with her stretch marked body and never did it for him. Overall I think she just got too comfortable with him and thought she didn’t have to go that extra mile for her husband after ten years of marriage.

M: As a happily married woman yourself, any advice to couples keeping the love going strong?

K: I think every marriage will hit a rough patch. In these times I think the number one thing to remember is adding a third person (an affair) to the equation will always make things worse. Keep the love going strong by dating the person you’re married to. Also, I think that it’s important to get all dressed up and sexy for your mate every now and then so they don’t forget that you still have it!
My Husband’s Fiancee is now availabe online at Amazon, you can also catch more from Kaira Denee on her personal blog, I Don’t Like the Way and follow her on twitter.

Tweet This Post