Follow Your Intuition: 2018

7 Business Savvy Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

Can you believe that we’re halfway through the year?! With that being said what you are doing to complete your goals for the last 2 quarters of the year. This is the time where you may need a recharge and get back to the program! Below is a list of business savvy accounts that you should be following on Instagram. Not only are they providing vital business information but they are also offering motivation, girl boss meetups, and financial freedom advice!

@_thesixfigurechick_ I’ve been following the Six Figure Chick since she was battling cancer and I was just amazed at how she was able to build her empire regardless of what she was going through. She has a series of services and products she offers that are very affected and informative to bring in and keep clients. She give out a very clear blue all you have to do is do the work!

@xonecole I love sites that are dedicated to helping people of color to succeed in this very fast pace world we live in now. On their Instagram profile and website xonecole.com, you can find an explosion of black girl magic! There are all kinds of topics ranging from finances, self-care practices, dating advice, and of course beauty and style!

@bosswomenwhobrunch If you’re interested in being around like-minded people then this profile is for you. Based out of Dallas, TX this organization curates brunches to make sure you’re getting to best entrepreneurial advice, resources, and networking!

@businessmentorship We spend so much money on Starbucks, Apple products, and other restaurants, have you ever thought about seeking a return by purchasing stocks from that company? This account is designed to give you ideas about where to invest your hard earned money.

@princedonnell – The Pastor of Business Donnell manages to combine his love for God and the journey of becoming an entrepreneur. He also owns an app that sends daily messages to keep you motivated to stay following your dreams.

@fashionmentor.co Aspiring stylist this one is for you! This profile gives you the 411 in the fashion industry with job alerts, celebrity internships, and even offers a list of PR agencies to pull pieces from in big cities like Los Angeles and New York.

@bossbabe.inc If you’ve been on Instagram a while then I’m sure you’ve seen the famous pink and black text posts about how much of a badass us women are! Their sassy quotes will motivate you to knock out your goals and look good doing it!

There’s nothing like seeing positive images and messages on your timeline! We can use more of that today! I also hope these accounts help someone make a move or finish what you’ve started!

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2018 FYI Summer Style

dusters

Summer is officially here, which means it's that time of the year to gear up for concerts, vacations, date nights, and brunches! This list of summer trends will have you ready for all summer occasions! Check them out below!

“Remember she had that bad hip like a fanny pack”, awkwardly one of my favorite Kanye West lines. LOL Fanny packs have raised from the 90s style archives and have made a major come back. I’m going to be honest, at first I was like they are so hideous, but I have seen them be styled in some really cute ways. You can wear them the traditional way on the hips, or depend on what you got going up top, you can wear them across the chest!

I’m all for hats, especially those weekend days where I don’t want to comb my hair! This summer trending are cabby hats and berets. The cabby hat certainly gives my Selena vibes and I’m here for it! Berets come in all kinds of colors and you can even add some personality to them by adding embroidery or with a brooch.

Suggested retailers: Forever21.com
ASOS.com
Prettylittlethings.com
FashionNova.com

What’s a summer without some dope shades?! This summer must have style are the sleek, retro cat eye sunglasses. Be sure to check out my favorite sunglass company Twenty103.com for all your shady needs!

If you’re headed on vacation soon you may still be on the search for the perfect swimsuit. Swimsuits have come a long way, especially for us plus size ladies! You can expect many different styles in both one and two pieces with different cut-outs and prints!

Swimsuit retailers:Target
Mintswim.com
Uniquevintage.com
Rue107.com
Swimsuitsforall.com

The go-to color this summer is yellow! Even though Beyonce' is "Everything is Love" with Jay-Z at the moment but we’re still in our "Lemonade" state of mind and that’s ok! LOL

Swankblue.com

Keep Style Affordable
www.iamksa.com

Wearing sheer and lace bodysuits are a thing now. It's ok if done in a tasteful, non-provocative way. To be honest, it is too hot to be fully clothed LOL.

We're adding tulle to all tank tops this summer! I love how flirty and edgy this look can be.

www.hunterandhuntley.com

shiftstylehouse.com

Dusters and kimonos are my personal summer favorite because it still allows you to layer in the summer without being super hot. One of my problem areas is my arms, so I'm not too fond of warmer weather, but the dusters allow my arms to be covered but not making me hot by clinging to my arms.

These summer trends are here for you to be comfortable, fun, and chic! Which ones are you favorite? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram @fyijoycelynn!

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Black Girls Who Collaborate Dallas

blogs

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Beauty Tingz

Hey everyone! It’s been a long minute since we’ve done a beauty post. Here's an update on what's on my bathroom counter, off in my purse, and makeup bag.

1. I have a love, hate relationship with foundation. I can never really find one that I actually like. For the winter and spring, I settled on the NARS Luminous Lightweight Foundation. It was great during the winter season because it gave me more of a glow dewy look. Now that we're heading back to the summertime I can revert back to my MAC studio fix.

2. This oldie but goodie eye makeup remover from Mary Kay is awesome. Not only is it great removing a smokey eye but it makes taking my false eyelashes a breeze! You can get this from your favorite Independent Mary Kay consultant.

3. In October it will be a year since I’ve had a relaxer. I also don't straighten my hair often, and I’ve been keeping protective hairstyles like braids and wigs. While I've been on this semi-natural hair journey, I enjoy using the Wild Hair Growth Oil. I've seen about 3 1/2 inches of growth since I've started using it in November. I've also been told to use it with Black Castor Oil to see faster results in hair growth.

4. I randomly purchased this Shea Moisture Shea butter face scrub from Marshall’s for only $4! The best $4 ever spent! This scrub is great for the photo shoot days trying to get all of that makeup off.

5. The older I get the more I realize how important it is to have a good moisturizer. I learned about this Neutrogena face lotion from blackdoctor.org and stylist Olori Swank book The Swank Life. Olori has great skin so I went to Wal-Mart to scoop it right up! Remember, a little goes a long way!

6. This travel size Gucci Guilty is my favorite scent right now. (Note: I like the men’s Gucci Guilty even better!)

7. So to fill in my eyebrows I don’t use a normal eyebrow pencil or powder. I use this .93 cents Wet & Wild kohl eyeliner pencil that my makeup artist Keri put me on back in 2015. You’re welcome!

8. This Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is my favorite lip gloss right now. The natural color and shine are amazing! I love that it doesn’t make my lip peel and the applicator is awesome for coverage of people with large lips (like myself).

9. I hope these Real Technique sponges are giving Beauty Blenders a run for their money! They are softer and it does a great job of applying foundation and concealer without paying the Beauty Blender price. These are available at Walmart or your local drug stores.

Have you tried any of these products? Share your thoughts in the comment section below or on Instagram @fyijoycelynn!

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HBeyCU

2018

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Ekwede

FYI is getting back to the basics by interviewing some of the most talented up and coming designers, models, and other industry professionals. I get excited about entrepreneur interviews because this is what this blog was founded upon, due to well-known publications and other blogs not giving the new comers a chance to share their stories.

We got a chance to catch up with Jamar Copes aka Flaw, designer, and owner of the clothing line Ekwede. The brand gives you an urban feel with headbands and hoodies but with a classy twist with over coats and blazers. I encourage you to keep reading and get familiar with this brand and his name because I can definitely see longevity in the fashion game for him!

Ekwede is such a unique name, where does it stem from?

Ekwede is the phonetic spelling of the word “equity”. Before starting my line, one of my mentors suggested I name my line after something that meant a lot to me that will also inspire those around me. After watching a FUBU documentary, I chose the word equity because most minorities don’t know what equity is and using the phonetic spelling raises questions about my brand as well as sparks the conversation on ownership and value. Through fashion I’m helping mold generations before and after me while making a fashion statement!

With the every fashion related field being oversaturated, what makes you stand out from other up and coming designers?

That’s a great question. I stand out first and foremost because I wasn’t born to fit in. Personally, I feel that I am designing my clothes straight from my heart and not for a get rich quick plan. Also, I feel that my clothes are eccentric and out there; they captivate you in its boldness. I don’t play it safe with “less is more”. More is more!

I know that you are also a music artist, how do you implement that into your clothing line?

I feel that they are two different entities. I try to keep them separate as much as possible minus promoting my clothing line in my music videos. I don’t want people to dislike my clothing and in return dislike my music. Or dislike my music and feel they can’t support my line. Hence, the separation.

What other designers, brands, or people have influenced to your pursue starting your own clothing line and why?

Dapper Dan was a heavy influence because everything was always bold and custom. Pierre Cardin’s prints are unbelievably amazing as well as the fabrics he would choose. Lastly, I will say myself. Growing up I didn’t have much availability, as far as clothing goes, that made the statements I wanted. So I started making my own clothes from what I had, taking pieces here and there to create what I really wanted to stand out.

Other than social media, what other ways are you getting the brand’s name out there?

Hey, I’m old school! I still believe in word of mouth. I made a promise to myself near the end of 2017 that I would wear at least one thing from my line anytime I leave the house. Now I only wear my brand from head to toe anywhere I go. People will walk up to and try to buy what I’m wearing, off of me sometimes, I might add! But I wouldn’t say in this day and age one is more successful than the other. They both go hand in hand to make a brand great.

Where do you see Ekwede in the next five years?

Wherever God decides to take me. Simple.

How dope is this clothing line?! Just know that I'm gearing up to get that yellow over coat! Be sure to follow his Instagram pages for updates and orders @ekwede_byflaw @TheFlawEra!

Check out more pics below!