How This Celebrity Stylist Took Her Behind-the-Chair Skills to Create an Innovative Beauty Brand
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 18, 2022

How This Celebrity Stylist Took Her Behind-the-Chair Skills to Create an Innovative Beauty Brand

LeAna McKnight is the founder of the award-winning, extensions, wig and weave brand, SL Raw Virgin Hair — one of the few hair companies that produces its own premium hair extensions at source.

Since its launch, SL Raw Virgin Hair has grown tremendously — with over 500% growth from 2020–2021. Not only is LeAna a founder but also a former celebrity stylist, salon owner and now as of 2022 she’s an inventor with two patents under her name.

To say LeAna wears all the hats is an understatement. She is the true epitome of an entrepreneur who never stops pushing to be better and is involved in every aspect of her business from the product and lifestyle photography, to ensuring each customer request gets answered in a timely fashion, and so much more.

We asked LeAna what inspired her to dive headfirst in the hair business and her answer surprised us, “I told pretty much every person I’ve ever encountered that I was going to be a dentist.” Always dreaming of becoming a dentist, LeAna enrolled in dental school. However, the financial burden was too much and having to take care of her father, she dropped out. One who likes to work with her hands and people, LeAna explored a new career path — hair. With the goal of moving her way up the ladder she started at the shampoo sink with the hopes of becoming a stylist and with hard work, dedication, and a covetable set of skills LeAna grew to become the top celebrity hairstylist for Hollywood stars such as Ari Lennox, Deborah Cox, and Zuri Hall to name a few.

“My love for my clients inspired me to launch SL Raw Virgin Hair. Being able to see firsthand how my skills and attention to detail seem to make my clients so happy.”

LeAna saw a gap in the wigs and extensions market based on her experience with her clients. She noticed that customers were wasting a lot of money on extensions that were low quality, while claiming to be human hair. This propelled LeAna’s search to find the best raw human hair and thus SL Raw Virgin Hair was born.

SL Raw Virgin Hair prides itself in being 100% transparent about where the hair comes from and how the hair is sourced. This transparency has set the company apart from other hair extension and wig brands and has built complete trust and loyalty from the SL Raw Virgin Hair customer. The brand’s award-winning luxury I-Tips are another key factor that sets the brand apart, “Our I-tips are unmatched with any other brand on the market” LeAna states.

“Customers love and appreciate our luxury I-tip hair products because they allow them to achieve a much fuller hair look without being weighed down with braids and glues.”

LeAna has overcome many hardships during the launch of her company. SL Raw Virgin Hair saw exponential growth amid the pandemic, due to the increase in online shopping. To keep up with the demand, LeAna and her husband personally dropped off all orders at the post office, to ensure they continued the great customer service the company continues to be known for.

We asked LeAna what advice she would give to other aspiring entrepreneurs, when starting their own business:

“Whenever I speak to aspiring entrepreneurs, I always say it’s important to be spiritually grounded. The road to entrepreneurship can be an emotional roller coaster. In business, you’ll have good days and some bad days, but it will be your faith that will strengthen you through.”

“I suggest always choosing a service/product that you show great passion in, this way you’ll be able to withstand the tasks that are needed to get your vision to become a reality. Remember, things will not always line up just right, but don’t let that discourage you. If you have an idea, try and make the best out of what you have, and don’t make excuses for what you lack. I find that the best ideas come from people with little resources.”

“Always have a business plan for where you want your business to be in two to five, or 10 years. Never stop learning and always research. The research will be your best friend when it comes to setting yourself apart from other businesses. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself — take entrepreneur courses, marketing classes, and any other course that will add value to you and your business.”

“Lastly, enjoy the process and celebrate every win no matter how small or big.”

Massachusetts Mayor Under Investigation For Alleged Racist Remarks to Student, ‘You Don’t Talk Like a White Person’
by Atiya Jordan

April 18, 2022

Massachusetts Mayor Under Investigation For Alleged Racist Remarks to Student, ‘You Don’t Talk Like a White Person’

A Massachusetts school committee has launched an investigation into the city’s mayor after she reportedly made a racist comment to a high school student during a civics class.

According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle’s insensitive comments were revealed to the Easthampton school committee by a science teacher and blasted by the student’s mother on Facebook for her inappropriate remarks and use of profanity.

Earlier in April, the LaChapelle allegedly told the student, “You are different … you don’t talk like a white person.” An outraged mother posted the quotes and also made public that LaChapelle later said, “No one f—ing cares … I had a rough morning,” according to the now-deleted post.

LaChapelle said she was helping to motivate students of color as they were preparing for an upcoming competition. After being told about the effects of her statements, she acknowledged the mistake and apologized to the family in an April 4 letter.

“What I said was discriminatory, period, regardless of intent. My choice of curse words in the same classroom was inappropriate,” LaChapelle wrote.

“I wanted to emphasize how strong the students were and to remind them to be confident in the face of the judges. I was trying to encourage them to believe in themselves and not worry about what others think. I’m so ashamed that the impact of my words was the exact opposite.”

Superintendent Allison LeClair is aware of the racially insensitive remarks and said her office is not investigating because the incident doesn’t involve a school employee.

“We take allegations of racism very seriously and have worked hard to create a safe, inclusive environment in our schools,” she said.

But Cynthia Kwiecinski, chairwoman of the School Committee, has indicated that the investigation is in its early stages as they wait for the mayor to return from a trip.

“I cannot stress enough that I want to be an ally for students of color,” LaChapelle told the news outlet. “I did not mean to offend the student, but I did. I take ownership of that mistake and, as an ally, pledge to do better. Most importantly, I want to commend the student for being brave enough to raise this issue with me in such a thoughtful and mature way.”

Black Music Industry Icon Reveals How He Helped the Careers of Prince, Quincy Jones and Many Others
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 18, 2022

Black Music Industry Icon Reveals How He Helped the Careers of Prince, Quincy Jones and Many Others

In his new memoir entitled A Golden Past -And- A Platinum Future, author Teddy Astin reveals his monumental journey from being a 6-year-old paperboy to the warehouse of Warner Brothers Records. Eventually, he became a supervisor of the mailroom in Atlanta and then later was hired in the company’s boardroom in Burbank, California as an award-winning record promotion executive.

With an impressive work ethic and a creative approach to the music industry, he enhanced the record sales of some of the world’s most popular artists across multiple genres.

In fact, he has worked with the likes of Prince, Morris Day & The Time, Vanity 6, Sheila E, Zapp featuring Roger to Madonna, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Tevin Campbell, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Bob Marley, Sly Stone, Larry Graham, Donna Summer, Sylvester, Chaka Khan, Ashford & Simpson, George Clinton, The Funkadelics, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, Rod Stewart, Ice-T, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Michael McDonald, Al B. Sure!, Karyn White, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Bob James, Foreplay (featuring Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East & Harvey Mason), Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, The Isley Brothers, Joe Sample, Rose Royce, Frankie Beverly, Jennifer Holiday, Keith Washington, Atlantic Starr, Jasmine Guy, The Force M. D. S, Club Nouveau, Tom Tom Club, and many others.

Teddy has received over 50 Gold & Platinum albums in recognition of his contributions to their career success. (Gold [sales over 500,000], Platinum [sales over 1,000,000], Multi-Platinum [1,000,000+] Records & Dimond Sales 10,000,000+). Additionally, each artist has received nominations and awards from the NAACP Image Awards, BET, MTV, Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards, Tony Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Grammys Awards. Some have even been inducted into the esteemed Rhythm and Blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

His book, A Golden Past -And- A Platinum Future, symbolically describes the journey from his milestone music industry achievements including WBR’s Promotion Person of the Year, 5-Times & MVP. Recently, Teddy was inducted into The National Black Radio Hall of Fame (NBRHOF) for the incredible promotions he’s done with radio stations all over the USA, along with countless other awards and accolades to mention here. However, they are all listed in the book.

Teddy shares the stardust of his exciting two-decade music industry ride with readers and includes an impressive collection of archival photos with artists with whom he created close bonds and special relationships. A highlight is his account of taking a young, unknown artist known as Prince on his first promotional tour, and the rest is history.

Teddy also documents his subsequent entertainment ventures over the years, including operating one of Atlanta’s top live music clubs in Underground Atlanta, “Teddy’s Live”. Pioneering new revenue sources for urban radio through Non-Traditional Revenue (N.T.R.) and his current work as at TLA Real Estate Consulting, focusing on preserving homeownership and generational wealth in communities.

Teddy recently received The Presidential Volunteer Service Award, From President Joe Biden. Teddy has long been a champion of his Atlanta hometown and worked consistently to create a mutually productive bridge between the city and the music industry. He was also commissioned by Mayor Maynard Jackson to play a key role in creating initiatives resulting in Atlanta becoming the Entertainment Mecca for Film & Music industry as it is today, particularly as a precursor for Tyler Perry’s studios and a prime location for other prominent filmmakers, Record Companies, Producers & Recording Artist.

Teddy also includes his encounters with or personal takes on other key figures from the city’s past, present, and future, including former President Jimmy Carter, who officially designated June as Black Music Month at a White House event Teddy attended; media mogul Ted Turner; baseball icon Hank Aaron; and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. He also cites Clifford (T.I.) Harris, Mike (Killer Mike) Render, and Rick Ross, who are among the new breed of hip-hop artists who are making a difference as leaders and entrepreneurs in the Atlanta community.

Whether you want to know how records become hits or get behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite hitmakers or learn about the little-known industry and Atlanta’s Music & Film history, Teddy Astin’s book is an entertaining, informative, and inspiring read.

Teddy says that his book is the beginning of something really big. He comments, “It’s the kind of book that documentaries and movies are made of.”

Get the book now on Amazon or via his official website at ToughAct.net

This story first appeared on Blacknews.com.Tidd

This Two-Item Microsoft Office Bundle Is Available At A 90% Discount
by Black Enterprise Shop

April 18, 2022

This Two-Item Microsoft Office Bundle Is Available At A 90% Discount

No matter your level of proficiency with a computer, chances are you’re well-familiar with Microsoft Office.

The software for years now has made life much easier for everyone from business owners to students. Microsoft over the years has added software to its award-winning suite, implementing programs like Teams and OneNote to its roster.

The more familiar one is with Microsoft Office, the easier their computing life will be. Learn the ins and outs with your purchase of the Microsoft Office Lifetime License for Mac + Microsoft Office Courses. For a limited time, it’s available for just $79.99. That’s a savings of 91% from its MSRP.

Two items are included with your purchase: Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021, and the Microsoft Office Course Bundle.

The Microsoft Office Course Bundle is where you’ll learn tips about Microsoft Office and ways to unleash its full power. More than 130 lessons spanning more than 600 hours are included in the course.

By the end of the course, you’ll learn how to perform calculations and modify worksheets, along with learning how to print and manage workbooks. In addition, instruction is given on how to manage workspaces and how to use PowerPoint’s interface to make presentations.

Upon completion of the course, users receive a certificate of achievement, which will give their resumes a boost.

The Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. It can run via macOS and it requires a minimum of 4 GB RAM and a minimum of 10 GB hard disk space.

Microsoft Office has definitively been one of the most useful technological advances during our times. Purchase this information-packed bundle to gain access to valuable information on how to best make use of the software.

For a limited time, Microsoft Office Lifetime License for Mac + Microsoft Office Courses, is available for just $79.99.

Prices subject to change.

Stockton Police Fatally Shoots Black Woman, Fires Over 30 Shots at Her Car
by Wendy Medina

April 17, 2022

Stockton Police Fatally Shoots Black Woman, Fires Over 30 Shots at Her Car

Disclosure: This post involves mention of murder, police brutality.

 

In body cam footage released April 7, Tracy Gaeta, 54, is fatally shot after a Stockton, California, K-9 unit fires more than 30 bullets into her car on Feb. 22, reports NBC News. 

Family attorneys are alleging excessive force by law enforcement on Wednesday, after officer Kyle Ribera emptied multiple clips at the grandmother’s vehicle in an incident that began with her backing her car into a police patrol car. She never posed a threat and was unarmed.

Tracy Gaeta

Gary Gwilliam, a lawyer for the family, said in an interview, “No matter what was going on with her — even if she had committed a heinous crime — he didn’t have the right to shoot her. She never threatened him.”

The officer fired his weapon against department policy that discourages police from firing at moving vehicles.

“The excessive force is shocking,” Gwilliam added.

According to the outlet, Gaeta hit a police SUV at a red light and ran. Ribera’s unit spotted her and began a pursuit that ended with Gaeta cornered at a dead end street. She then backed into Ribera’s car and the officer proceeded to fire 18 shots into her car because she had not stopped. After yelling to raise their hands, Ribera reloads and unloads another clip into her car as Gaeta appears to be reversing from the cop. Ribera opened fire once more, this time shooting over a dozen times.

Gaeta was gravely injured during the altercation and taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Angelina Austin, a lawyer with Gwilliam’s firm, said in a statement, “Like too many Black women across this country, Tracy Gaeta is yet another victim of preventable police violence.”

Following the fatal shooting, Ribera returned to work after a 3-day paid administrative leave, per Stockton Police Department spokesman Joe Silva.

Gaeta’s family is not only heartbroken about their grandmother’s murder, but confused as to what she was doing in the San Joaquin Valley as she lives 50 miles north, in Sacramento. 

Instead of pressing charges at the moment, the family is focused on finding out what led to her murder.

Gaeta’s daughter, Tressie, stated she was a “loving, caring grandmother” and the “life of the party.” 

“My children and I are going to miss her tremendously,” she said. “I hope that we can find justice because she did not deserve to die like that.”

by Yolanda Baruch

April 17, 2022

Browndages Secures A $100k Deal On ‘Shark Tank’ With Daymond John, Lori Greiner And Mark Cuban

Black and Brown communities know that it is challenging to find products that cater to their respective culture and needs. For example, the simple necessity of finding an adhesive bandage to cover a scrape or cut, most traditional bandages are flesh-colored but only accommodate the white population. 

However, the lack of diverse bandages that come in various skin complexions created a marketing opportunity for couple Intisar Bashir and Rashid Mahdi to produce Browndages in 2018 when they could not find bandages that fit the skin tone of their children, according to Sportskeeda.

Today, the Browndage brand includes character bandages that cater to people of color with deeper skin tones, First Aid kits, elastic wraps, healing balms, and pajamas, ABC reports.  

The husband and wife duo appeared before judges on ABC’s Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 20 on April 15, 2022, and presented their inclusive bandage company in hopes of securing a $75k deal for 7.5% equity. However, the sharks expressed concern that larger companies could manufacture new colors and designs, according to Meaww.

Intisar and Rashid argued they have a loyal customer base that increased during the summer protest of 2020 after the George Floyd murder. Their social media followers increased from 10k to 75k, and they made 130k in sales, and they explained that once a new customer is aware of their product, they end up purchasing the bandages.  

Kevin O’Leary offered the pair 75k for 15% equity in their company but was quickly usurped by Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban, and Daymond John, who offered 100k for a 30% stake in the brand, allocating 10% to each shark. Intisar and Rashid gave a counteroffer of 22%, but then the three sharks extended a deal for $100k for 30% with a $75k credit line. The husband and wife business owners negotiated the equity to 25% for $100k with a $75k credit line for which the judges agreed, Meaww reports.

Episodes are available on-demand and on Hulu. Past seasons of Shark Tank can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Local Business Gifts Michigan Family Minivan After They ‘Lost Everything’ to a Fire That Killed Their Daughter
by Wendy Medina

April 17, 2022

Local Business Gifts Michigan Family Minivan After They ‘Lost Everything’ to a Fire That Killed Their Daughter

A local automotive repair shop is attempting to aid a family in Michigan that suffered the devastating loss of a child and the entirety of their belongings in a house fire last month.

Auto DR, a repair shop in Ira Township, gifted Ladarrell Brown and Asia Summers’ family a minivan after being “displaced from their apartment after a fire broke out in the early morning hours of March 23,” the company wrote in a Facebook post announcing the donation. “The family lost everything including their eldest daughter, Laurrii’ell.”

Brown was at the Warren Manor Apartments unit with his children at the time of the fire, and able to rescue the children, aged 3, 4, 6, and 8.

But 8-year-old Laurii’ell’s injuries on her arms and face were too severe and was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit where she later died, reports Fox 2 Detroit.

Macomb County Community Action, a social services office in Warren, contacted Auto DR and informed its owner Dustin Rutkowski of the family’s situation, knowing the repair shop was looking for a family to donate a vehicle to.

Right away, Rutkowski found the family he and his team would be glad to assist.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family,” Rutkowski said in a statement. “To be able to give back to the community that has supported my business for the past decade is very heartwarming. I am hoping that we can do this on an annual basis.”

Apart from the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, the family was also gifted $1,000 in gas cards, according to People. 

“I want to thank our customers and members of the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce that helped make this community outreach a reality,” Auto DR added.

The family has created a GoFundMe to help get them back on their feet after such a tragic loss.

by Yolanda Baruch

April 17, 2022

Elijah Kelley Will Star In A Hulu Biographical Series About Sammy Davis Jr. Produced By Lee Daniels

Lee Daniels will co-write, executive produce, and direct the first two episodes of the biographical series about legendary comedian, actor, dancer, and singer Sammy Davis Jr. for Hulu starring Elijah Kelley as Davis, according to Variety.

Kelley has worked with Daniels before for his successful feature The Butler and on his Fox music drama Star. Kelley, an accomplished actor, dancer, and singer, also starred in New Line’s musical Hairspray in 2007, NBC’s The Wiz Live in 2015, and the critically acclaimed The New Edition Story miniseries on BET in 2017. Viewers can expect Kelley to deliver a top-tier performance as Davis, the showbiz icon, Variety reports.

The yet-to-be-titled limited series will include eight episodes and is based on journalist Wil Haygood’s book In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr. The series will explore Davis’ life from childhood fame when he performed on vaudeville stages to becoming one of the most prominent African American entertainers during the 1950s and 60s and the only Black comrade of Frank Sinatra’s close-knit band of friends called the Rat Pack, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Audiences can expect to see the controversies he endured regarding his affairs with white actresses, his marriage to Swedish actress May Britt in 1960, and his adaptation of Judaism. The series will follow his struggle with alcohol and drugs and his unique relationship with the Kennedys and Richard Nixon, Deadline reports. 

Daniels toiled for many years developing this project; in 2013, he planned for a movie about Davis to air on HBO, then pivoted to a miniseries in 2019. Daniels has a production deal through 20th Television, according to Variety.

Daniels’ longtime collaborator Thomas Westfall will also co-write and co-produce the production as well as, Marc Toberoff and Haygood will also sign on as producers. Kelley will also serve as a producer and intends to work jointly to compose original music for the project, Variety reports. 

The productions start date and location have not been confirmed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

At 17 Years Old, Cory Nieves Runs Successful Cookie Business ‘Mr. Cory’s Cookies’
by Wendy Medina

April 17, 2022

At 17 Years Old, Cory Nieves Runs Successful Cookie Business ‘Mr. Cory’s Cookies’

One sharp cookie is basking in the sweetness of success. 

Seventeen-year-old entrepreneur Cory Nieves sits at the head of Mr. Cory’s Cookies, an all-natural and high-quality cookie store that has been nothing but lucrative. Mr. Cory’s Cookies offers original recipe cookies like the Double Dark, Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar, and more soon to come.

The Harlem native founded the cookie consortium when he was just 6 years old, after complaining to his mom, Lisa Howard, that he was tired of taking the bus to school and wanted to buy a car instead, according to their website.

That prompted Nieves to sell hot cocoa in the town of Englewood in order to raise the funds for securing a new car for his mom. 

Soon releasing his entrepreneurial passion while creating the business, Howard inspired him to continue the hot cocoa sales for a college fund. Nieves, fueled by dedication, expanded his business and began to sell lemonade and cookies in addition to the hot chocolate. The pair even learned the ins and outs of baking, and soon began testing original cookie recipes.

“While this all started out as a way for a son to help his mom, it’s become so much bigger. I know it’s hard for the fatherless kids out there, but he has a drive and a tenacity that prevents him from giving up. He keeps pushing through the ups and the downs. When I see my son, I see myself,” Howard said in an interview with AfroTech.

“We started making cookies out of our home, but we of course had to make sure we were complying with health regulations. We then leveled up and secured a commercial kitchen and now we mass-produce our product nationwide,” Nieves shared.

Mr. Cory’s Cookies has seen success on the shelves of Aetna, Barney’s, Bloomingdales, Citibank, J. Crew, Macy’s, Mercedes-Benz, Pottery Barn, Ralph Lauren, TOMS, Viacom, Whole Foods, Williams-Sonoma and most recently have partnered with Marcus Lemonis.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Cory (@mrcory)

“When people see us on TV or read about us in magazines or on social media, they only see one side and assume we’re just a happy parent-and-son-team and everything is easy,” Howard said. “But I am here to tell you that’s just not true, especially when your son is a celebrity who’s also a teen! At the end of the day, I wouldn’t change things for the world. We keep pushing, keep dreaming, keep building, and keep doing — no matter what. That’s the only way I know how to keep our enterprise going strong.”

The young cookie mogul hopes to go to college and become an investor. 

by Yolanda Baruch

April 17, 2022

Russell Wilson, Ciara Cozy Up In Their Newly Purchased $25 Million Mansion In Colorado

In March, quarterback Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, ending his 10-year career with the Seattle Seahawks, according to the Bleacher Report.

Wilson and his wife, singer-songwriter Ciara and their growing family moved into a swanky $25 million mansion, one of the most expensive single-home properties in the area, TMZ reports.

(Instagram)

The sprawling 20,060 square foot estate occupies 5.34 acres and has four bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a nine-car garage, and a large fireplace perfect for Colorado’s winters, according to TMZ. 

 

Once his trade was announced, the 33-year-old listed for sale his Bellevue mansion for a whopping $28 million, KIRO 7 reports.

The residence has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms and has “a signature waterfront estate offering elevated living, exquisite design and exceptional views,” wrote the realtor on Redfin. 

The 11,104-square-foot home also features a cinema, a dance, and yoga studio, a 3-story elevator, a glam studio, weight room, 2-story treehouse, recording studio, and a private dock. Also included is a second parcel of land appraised at $8 million. 

Sotheby’s

While Wilson is busy winning championships for his new team, Ciara is gearing up as a new cast member for The Color Purple musical, according to Entertainment Weekly. 

The film will follow Celie, played by American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, during the early 1900s in the South. Ciara is tapped to play the role of an adult Nettie. Principal photography has already begun in Georgia. 

The cast also includes  Danielle Brooks as Sofia, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Mister, Corey Hawkins as Harpo, HER as Squeak, Louis Gossett Jr. as Ol’ Mister, and David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery. 

Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey produced the highly anticipated project. Quincy Jones and Scott Sanders are also producing alongside executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Mara Jacobs, Carla Gardini, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Adam Fell.

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