Fashion

“If you can believe it and your heart conceives it, then you surely can achieve it.”  Current Miss Black USA lives by these words and there is proof that her slogan materializes in her.

You see, it is not uncommon to see many young people in today’s America aspire to break into the industry as an “easy-pass” to the American dream (or so they think) But then somehow through the complexity of the business give up their aspirations. However not all relinquish to the struggles of achieving what they set out to accomplish, just as I learnt when I caught up with 2010 Miss Black USA in late winter.

The African poet Maya Angelou once said, “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Today, across Africa and America, there is a quiet revolution of hope taking place. She–roes” are blazing trails and rising to the challenges of rebuilding and re-invigorating their continent. And orphans are, increasingly, putting their faith in these woman as capable and upstanding saviors. What do these women have in common? They are woman guided by wisdom, blessed with humility, and driven by justice. They are woman with a vision for their families, their communities, their nations, and all of humanity. Liberian-American MacDella Cooper, Founder of the MacDella Cooper Foundation and the MCF Academy is one such woman.

Once upon a time Tammie Garr wore a crown, a stash and beckoned the typical pageant “queen wave”. Today she has left those qualities behind and moved on to establishing her venture. Long after her reign as one time Miss Liberia USA from 2006 to 2007 Garr still holds the charisma, charm and grace of beauty queen using these traits to craft her new fragrance, Royalty, a scent she says has passion written all over it. Sophia Egbelo caught up with the ex-pageant queen to talk about her new business enterprise. Here’s what Garr had to say.

“Most of our accomplishments are off the runway; working with non-profit organizations to give back because we must accept our social responsibilities.” Believe it or not Ghana’s Nana Poku and Kwaku Awuah swear by their words when it comes to their philanthropist deeds. But there is more glee to these young humanitarians than goodwill just as I discovered when I spoke to these entrepreneurs in a phone interview.

In case you have not booked a ticket, or reserved a seat, now is the time to do just that, because come this July the would not be any left for grabs when African Fashion Week hits New York City beginning July 12th through the 17th.

Spearheaded by president, and project manager of Adiree Fashion Agency, Adiat Disu, the young entrepreneur is confident that this event will be monumental and beyond, as preparation for this grand achievement are in the final stages and ready to launch. In a phone interview, Disu, noted that she was inspired to begin an outlet where African designers, up and coming, as well as established ones could showcase their talent, creativity and passion to the growing world of fashion.