Black Girls Blog!

Writing has always been therapeutic for me.  I developed a strong interest in the art at a very young age.  As a child, I wrote every chance I got.  I wrote in diaries, notebooks, on random pieces of paper, on clothes, and even on my bedroom door and walls (my mother still complains about that).  As an adult I still do the same thing (minus the doors and walls).  Writing allows me to clear my mind and transform my thoughts into things.  Seeing words formulate into paragraphs and then into full stories excites me.  I'm such a nerd huh?  Oh well!  

I began blogging about two years ago for a local publication in Baton Rouge titled The Rouge Collection where I wrote about fashion and social issues.  This particular platform gave me a chance to develop my voice and put my perspective in the atmosphere.  Once I started doing this, I knew I wanted to continue.  I then began writing for a national publication, Everything Girls Love, while at the same time keeping up with a blog for Chokolat Creme titled The Fashion Liberation Movement.  It wasn't until January of 2016 that someone encouraged me to start my own blog.  I gave it some thought and then decided to pursue it.  Why not combine two things I love (writing and fashion), share my point of view on life, and inspire people along the way?  Six months later - here I am.              

BGB Tee by Chokolat Creme

I recently attended a blogging conference in Washington, DC called Blogging While Brown.  It was so wonderful connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing our aspirations and challenges.  I loved seeing so many black women come together for the art of writing.  I was giddy the whole weekend.  I met some talented ladies at this conference that I will keep in touch with for as long as possible.  I want to share their blogs with you and some other blogs by black girls and guys who weren't at the conference but definitely have blogs you can and will enjoy.  Check them out below.  

1.  Trenched In Style (I was featured on this one!)

2.  Chela Mitchell   

3. Marsh Bars Closet

4.  Moments n Melanin

5.  Styled to a Tea

6.  Fashion Was Here

7.  Jonnita Condra

8.  Circa 88 (dope, plus size cutie who rocks!)

9.  Power 2 the Pen

10.  Hazel Eyes Bombshell

11.  Guerreisms (men's fashion)

12.  Street Etiquette (men's fashion)

13.  The Beauty Beau

14.  The Wire Hanger By Winnie

15.  Locks & Trinkets

16.  Sonique Saturday

The blogs above feature fashion for all, life experiences, faith, inspiration, food, etc.  This list is by no means exhaustive.  As I continue to find new blogs I will definitely share them with you all. 

To all my black girls (and men) blogging, represent your craft and keep going.  We never know who we are inspiring. 

BGB Tee by Chokolat Creme

To purchase your BGB tee click here. 

Keep the blogging movement alive!

- Samjah Iman

NonConformist

You all remember my girl Priscilla, right?  She was the bike I found at an antique shop for $60. She has been in plastic surgery for a couple of weeks getting worked on by my father, and now she's out.  Check out her new look below.   

Non Conformist Tee - Chokolat Creme

My daddy did his thing on Prissy!

I've been riding her like crazy!  When the weather doesn't permit a bike ride, I actually have an attitude lol. 

Non Conformist Tee - Chokolat Creme

In this blog post I'm wearing my NonConformist Tee from Chokolat Creme, some Adidas high-top tennis (old), and some jeans that I cut to make shorts.  My NC Tee is perfect for the summer months because it's a light material, and it's sleeveless.  The meaning behind this shirt is stay true to your convictions, and don't conform to societal views or perceptions.  Wearing this shirt is my way of honoring the life of one of the biggest nonconformist I know - Muhammad Ali.  Rest easy Champ!  

Click here to purchase your NonConformist Tee.   

Have a productive week everyone!  I'll be talking to you soon on here. XO!

"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was." - Muhammad Ali

- Samjah Iman

Bomb Product of the Day!

When I was writing and editing for the fashion section at Everything Girls Love (EGL), I met some very interesting, hardworking young ladies.  We all had similar goals, and we supported each other in reaching those goals.  See some of the ladies below.  

Pictured from left to right:

Talibah Stewart (@alwayzpretti), Marsha Badger (@marshbarscloset), Tysha (@styledtoatea), Ty Hunter (Beyonce's Stylist!! @tytyrone), me, Kindra Mone (@kindramone).

We all eventually left EGL to pursue our own endeavors, and one of the girls (Marsha Badger) became a fashion writer for one of the top, influential fashion blogs on the web – Fashion Bomb Daily.  This popular blog, started by Claire Sulmers, attracts 2.4 million viewers per month and has been recognized by major publications such as Teen Vogue, Ebony Magazine and Black Enterprise!! Crazy huh?! What’s even crazier is that CHOKOLAT CREME’S FREE MIND TEE WAS FEATURED ON THE SITE AS THE BOMB PRODUCT OF THE DAY!!!!  Marsha looked out for Chokolat Creme, and we can’t be more grateful! 

You never know who you are meeting when you encounter different people.  This is a prime example of why not only networking is essential but emitting positive vibes and treating people with courtesy and respect is even more important.  I never knew the ladies I wrote with on a daily basis would turn into some women who would eventually make real power moves.  I admired their hustler mentalities and thought they were some cool, stylish, and fun ladies to work with, and as a result I formed a relationship with them.  I’m so glad I met them and cultivated a genuine connection with them – not for the resources but because we are like-minded women who love helping other women achieve their goals.  This is a rare thing nowadays, and I’m blessed to say that I have met such women.

April (Chokolat Creme’s other half) and I are crazy happy and proud about this moment.  When I called her after I got the notification, she hung up in my face lol!  That is what we do when the other one calls with some crazy news (we are weird but it works for us lol). 

Now it’s time to turn up the hustle and dig deeper. 

But before we jump back on the grind, can we take 2 hours to bask in this wonderful moment, please (insert tired face here)????

Click here to see our feature on Fashion Bomb Daily. 

Click here to purchase your Free Mind Tee.  Hurry, they are going fast thanks to our feature!

Keep the Grind Alive!

- Samjah Iman

April Joy

I want to take a minute and shout out my friend, my sister in style and partner in business - April Joy.

Her style is crazy dope don't you agree?!

April and I met in the late 80s and became close friends through our love for fashion and bike riding.  On any day you could catch us cruising the neighborhood on our purple and pink bikes in matching shirts, cut-off shorts, and Keds tennis.  Whether it was a dance contest against some sassy little girls on another block or a new TLC song to learn, we were down for the cause.  April and I were a team then and still are a team now.  

When we were younger, we made a pact that we wouldn't cop any pleas with anyone or for anything (we stole the phrase from a rap song probably).  We often refer to this on the low as CNP (copping no pleas).  To us this meant that we were going to go hard at any cost and not give in or up. 

I hope we continue to reach new heights together and continue to be down for the cause.  Keep your head up Coop and keep styling on 'em....and remember CNP for life!!!!

- Samjah Iman 

Free Mind

"Free your mind and the rest will follow." - En Vogue

I believe a free mind is essential in order to live the best life you can possibly live.  Freeing my mind is something that I have been working on for a while.  I used to be caught up in certain standards and perceptions that I just couldn't let go, but the more I experience life, the more my mind opens up.   

My friend sent me a picture of some jeans that had chains attached to them.  I decided to try and create my own.  I hadn't worn these jeans in a minute because the cut on the thigh area was too wide.  So I decided to take my chain necklace and loop it through the holes in my jeans.  It worked out perfectly for me. 

This statement t-shirt was created by Chokolat Creme.  We aim to promote liberation, forward thinking, and openness; hence, the "Free Mind Tee."  

I told you guys that I would start adding some pop colors to my wardrobe....boom!

If you are a believer in having a free/open mind, check this t-shirt out by clicking the outfit details below or by clicking shop above.  Until next time....

- Samjah Iman

Is your mind free?

Photo Credit: Sailor Jackson Jr. (Facebook Page)

Outfit Details: Free Mind Tee // Shoes - Steve Madden (old) // BDG Jeans - Urban Outfitters (old) // Felicitat Sunglasses

My Baton Rouge Fashion Week Vibe

My friend/business partner April and I participated in Baton Rouge Fashion Week via Chokolat Creme this past weekend.  It was exciting, exhausting and beneficial.  We had lots of fun and that is what really matters. 

The best part about the events this weekend, aside from getting more exposure for Chokolat Creme, was dressing up!  For these events, I wanted to do something a little more comfortable and different from the usual fitted dress I wear to events.  Check out my fashion week vibe below.  

For this night, I went for an all red look.  I'm digging wide leg pants this season, and it's a must that I incorporate them in my wardrobe from time to time.

Outfit Details: Red Riding Hood Jacket - Forever 21 (old) // Structured Crop Top // Wide Leg Red Pants - ASOS (sold out)

Cocktail attire was required for this night.  I opted for a tuxedo look.  Move over fellas - I got this.

My girl Coop (aka April) was in the building!

Here's a closer look at the bow tie.  I took a regular bow tie, adjusted it to my neck size and clipped it around my neck. 

Outfit Details: Tuxedo Blazer - H&M (old) // Black Jumper - bebe (old)

For the Big Night, we were asked to wear formal attire.  I couldn't see myself in a gown for this particular night since we had to work, so this skirt did the trick. 

And that's a wrap! 

Outfit Details: Hi Lo Skirt // Sequined Crop Top

To see more on the actual show visit www.thefashionlm.com. 

Which was your favorite look and why?

- Samjah Iman

Be Authentic - Chokolat Creme

When my partner and I first started Chokolat Creme, we were focused on making a profit.  Yea, fashion was our heart, but we were caught up in what sold versus what was in our soul.  We sold garments that sometimes weren't exactly our style but were popular within the fashion industry.  We weren't true to our art.  It got to a point where we got sick of Chokolat Creme.  It was a carbon copy of every other online boutique in cyber space.  Our disappointment in Chokolat Creme forced us to back away from it and regroup.  After experiencing this reality with Chokolat Creme, I could truly empathize with music artists who felt they had to compromise their art in order to be marketable and make money - it's a disgusting feeling.

After we got the chance to take some time away, we came back to the drawing board with creative ideas that reflected us.  We wanted to leave our mark on the fashion industry.  We wanted our apparel to be commanding.  From then on we decided to create what was in our spirit.  We began creating t-shirts that had powerful images and messages on them.  We didn't care who liked them or who didn't.  As long as we were true to our sense of style and beliefs, nothing or no one else mattered.  

So here we are today being featured in magazines (see links to the articles below) and presenting a new line of t-shirts (The Conscious Collection) at Baton Rouge Fashion Week (Feb 22-27).  We are excited to show our audience what is really in our heads and hearts. 

No matter where Chokolat Creme leads us, we are already successful and accomplished because we are no longer bounded by earnings.  We are creating what we want and being authentically us - we ain't frontin!  

Ain't No Future In Yo Frontin - MC Breed  

https://digbr.com/this-week-in-dig-2-17/

https://digbr.com/behind-the-runway-digs-spotlight-on-the-designers-of-fashion-week/

https://digbr.com/fashion-statement-local-designer-brings-message-to-baton-rouge-fashion-week/

                                                                                                                                     - Samjah Iman

Breakfast and a Magazine

A hearty breakfast and a good read is an excellent way to start your day - especially if the breakfast includes key nutrients, and the magazine features your brand! 

Chokolat Creme, a brand owned by me and my ace April, is featured in 225 Magazine!!!  April and I are excited to be presenting during Baton Rouge Fashion Week this year.  We plan to wow the crowd with statement tees, funk, style and individuality.  

Baton Rouge Fashion Week is February 22-27.  Visit www.batonrougefashionweek.com for a detailed schedule.  

Photo Credit. www225batonrouge.com.  Retrieved January 30, 2016. http://www.225batonrouge.com/style/baton-rouge-fashion-week-focuses-local-talent-art-community

Come watch Chokolat Creme murder the runway!! Click the shop button at the top to check out our pieces.

 - Samjah Iman