This gorgeous make-up was done by Ciara’s make-up artist – I saw it on her Instagram page and couldn’t wait to share it with you.
Isn’t she gorgeous?
Category Archives: Current Affairs
3 things you need to know about friendships
Since living in Dar-es-Salaam, the concept of fake people and fake friendships has become something that I have noticed that has become more pronounced in this town. I don’t care if readers think I am generalising here – I am just talking from my experience but Dar from what I have seen for the 2+ years I have been back is full of people who are afraid to hear the truth. Who are friends if they don’t check you on your bullshit? Who are friends if they don’t watch out for you?
#1 Real friends call you on your shit, fake friends build you up on your bullshit
One of my closest friends will always tell me when she thinks I am overreacting even when I am like nooooo you need to agree. That’s a real friend, she doesn’t want me to look crazy or weird if I am truly overreacting and she always keeps it to me real. I thank her for that because there have been situations where I have been wrong and I check with her and she lets me know. Continue reading
The rise of style blogs by black women
The glossy world of stylish black fashionistas
If you read the western media, you would think style blogs are just for European women but there is a fast rising overclass of black women who know what they want and they are showing off their fashion style with aplomb through style blogging. From Angolan fashion superstar Soraya de Carvalho to edgy fashionista Fennella Miller, there are some true gorgeous pictures and outfit ensembles which show what we have always known: black women are stylish glamazons who are taking their rightful place as leaders of fashion. Claire from The Fashion Bomb was one of the first I can remember who showcased black fashion style and now there are many many fashionists who share their websites with rich and textured websites like Black and Killing It as well as mainstream media like Grazia magazine and Vogue Italia. London is definitely my favourite when it comes to locations for style bloggers of African origins including Melissa of Melissa’s Wardrobe who has some lovely outfits and excellent taste in footwear.
Where you can find these stylish black women? Continue reading
Shoes, Shoes and Shoes [Style Shoot]
Took these with my sister today – I absolutely love high heels and how powerful they make me feel – are you a heels or ballerina girl?
Tell me whether you love or loathe high heels!shoes
Living On A Budget
Being on a budget is no fun and this is coming from someone who was already frugal to begin with. Being a young adult I’ve been trying to be responsible and stay on the right path to make sure my finances stay straight. Although I have student loans, rent, car note, and credit cards I‘ve been able to keep it all straight.
In January when I turned 26 I got kicked off my parent’s health insurance and had to get my own insurance through my employer. A couple of months after that I had to sign up for a 401k which is mandatory through my employer. After seeing these cost affect my check I decided it was time to get on a budget and keep track of my expenses.
Glossy Day Out at Kunduchi Beach
I went to Kunduchi Beach today with my boyfriend and took some pictures to capture the gorgeous day even though they said it might rain. Drinks, beaches and food – definitely an awesome day.
Curaçao Cocktails in Dar-es-Salaam
It was a long week full of trying to make business deals and keeping the company moving so I had this cocktail with friends yesterday. It was nice but super strong!
What do you drink?
Tanzanian Lacquer
Just a collection of photographs I have taken of the environment around me in Dar-es-Salaam & Zanzibar that I thought you would all like.
Coco Beach, Dar-es-Salaam
These stunning doors were on a hotel in Stone Town, Zanzibar that I took last year. They are so intricate and stunning!
Fashion for breakfast! I went to the local cafe in Shoppers Plaza in Mikocheni with the latest issue of Fashizblack from Paris. Makes me want to look glossy if only I was motivated to lose weight!
What is going on where you are and what do you think of these photos?
Let them drink cake: the rise of Intoxicake NYC’s unique cupcake & liquor empire!
Intoxicake NYC is one of those businesses that you wish you had thought of yourself. Ashleigh Fitzwilliam has beat many people to the punch to create a unique baked goods business. Intoxicake NYC is cupcake business that Black Enterprise said has liquor infused cupcakes. As some of you know, I subscribe to the magazine and I knew I had to get in touch with Ashleigh Fitzwilliam to learn more about this unique take on the cupcake business. Ashleigh Fitzwilliam is a 23 year old publicist (her company is called Industry Monster) and she is the owner of Intoxicake NYC. Of West Indian heritage, Ashleigh is just the type of black entrepreneur that we love to hear about especially with all the success she is having. Here she talks to Charcoal Ink about her brand and how Intoxicake NYC came to be about:
Why do you think Intoxicake has got so much attention and traction so quickly in the tough cupcake market?
I think from the very first time I launched Intoxicake on Facebook in September of last year, my network of 5000 + friends were just totally in love with the name, the look and feel of my marketing graphics, and most importantly, the product I was offering. They did most of the word of mouth promo for me , which was totally organic. Continue reading
From Copenhagen to London – Malaika’s story on black hair
Hair is personal to all women especially black women. Malaika is a Danish-Tanzanian marketing officer in London who had several things to say about her relationship with her hair. Charcoal Ink caught up with her for her unique global perspective and how that’s coloured her view on black hair:
On her memories with hair:
I kind of just go with the flow. My whole childhood and teen years was just my afro strapped up in a ponytail as I didn’t have many options. Then I colored my hair blond and got extensions in which was pure impulse. I didn’t really like the feeling of heavy hair on top of my own so I took them out and bought clip-on hair so I can take it out in the evening and wash my hair!
