- 12 hours ago
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🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00Leave these wanna be Chun-Lis anyway, yee-haw
00:02Who the f*** told them bitches they was mean now
00:06I knew these bitches was slow, I ain't know these bitches see now
00:09Married a shooter case you niggas tried to breathe loud
00:11Boom your face off, then I tell them cease fire
00:14I'm the A-B-700 on the horses when we fixin' the leaves
00:18But I don't f*** with horses since Christopher Reeves
00:21Gotta be careful when I dip, it's flips all in the whip
00:28It's 40s with 30 clips, F-Ns with the switch
00:30Guacamole with the taco, waitin' on El Chapo
00:33Came in the Vos and left low in the top
00:35On the drones, on the gratata
00:39Real one like a shot, da-da
00:41She my love vibe, my love ah-ah-ah
00:44Bad girl, don't run from nobody like, ah
00:47Rude boy, want me touchin' on his body like, yeah
00:49Boy, I feel dead if he ever diss me
00:52You know what to do if he ever miss me
00:54Miss me with the na-na-na-na-na-na-na
00:56I stay with my na-na-na-na-na-na
00:59His ex hittin' me like na-na-na-na-na-na
01:01He wonder if I got sleeves like that
01:03While I'ma tease like that
01:04Ew, na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
01:06He tell me bring him na-na-na-na-na-na-na
01:08We don't be carin' like na-na-na-na-na-na-na
01:11I like it when he grab my cheeks like that
01:13While I'm off that, while I'm off that, while I'm off that, while I'm off that
01:14Shawty make that crap, she don't need no applause
01:16High fashion, like Goya
01:18G-Wagon, or the Rover
01:21I put some ice on you cause you gotta call her
01:23I know I gotta keep my Shawty on go-go
01:26Drop that to the floor
01:28Yeah, ah, whoa
01:30You ain't gotta do it, none of these
01:32If we hop in the bins, is that okay?
01:38Is it okay if I call you my Prada, babe?
01:40I ain't no player, I just got a lot of bait
01:42But let me tell you, I like you a lot, babe
01:45I wanna start at the top and the bottom, babe
01:47Now you want the shoe with the red at the bottom, babe
01:50You know I like when you're right at the top, babe
01:52She want Sinead and D-O-Yo
01:55I'm only doing cash, I don't need promo
01:57High pull up to the high-rise, I'm in the 4-4
02:00Inside Coco
02:02If I got a feeling I keep it inside my heart
02:04And I keep a petticoop cause I don't do facades
02:07You can see my diamonds even when I'm in the dark
02:09And since you got it, it make you go and do anything you want
02:12Shawty made that crap, she don't need no applause
02:14High fashion, like Goya
02:16G-Wagon, or the Rover
02:19I put some ice on you cause you gotta call her
02:21I know I gotta keep my Shawty on go-go
02:24Drop that to the floor
02:26Yeah, ah, whoa
02:28You ain't gotta do it, none of these
02:31No, no, I don't know if you could take it
02:34Know you wanna see me naked, naked, naked
02:36I wanna be your baby, baby, baby
02:39Spinning in the sweat just like you came from me, take
02:41Why could we sit on that brown, nigga?
02:44When I get like this, I can't be around you
02:47I'm too little to dimmed down, and I hate you
02:49Cause I can do the things that I'm gon' do
02:52Wow, wow, wow
02:54Wow, wow, wow, wow thoughts
02:57Wow, wow, wow
02:59When I'm with you, all I get is wild thoughts
03:01Wow, wow, wow
03:03When I'm with you, all I get is wild thoughts
03:06Let this be the day that you change your life
03:17Let me show you what a day without pain is like
03:20Let's toast, come close, baby, I don't bite
03:22Plus I know you want a man that'll treat you right
03:25Let this be the day that you change your life
03:27Let me show you what a day without pain is like
03:29Let's toast, come close, baby, I don't bite
03:32Plus I know you want a man that'll treat you right
03:34Come on.
03:34Baby, baby, why, why you gonna hide?
03:39What you feel inside?
03:41Cause I feel it.
03:42Sexy girl, you oughta put away your pride.
03:46Cause you see it with your eyes.
03:49We can hang out for the weekend.
03:52But for now, I wanna know.
03:54You're looking at me like that.
03:56You like what you're looking at.
03:58You know what you're waiting for.
04:01Let's have a conversation.
04:02Out from the corner, oh, yeah.
04:05Watch out, girl, we at this feeling.
04:08I'm gonna make you want me right now.
04:11Give me a chance.
04:12I see you whispering.
04:14Don't you worry about your friends.
04:17Got a little spot, we can go kick it.
04:20Sit back, relax, get you a drink.
04:22Get to know each other.
04:25Girl, let me know what's up.
04:27We can leave a battle in this club.
04:29Girl, I'm feeling you so bad.
04:32You see it in your eyes.
04:34I'm what you fantasize.
04:36You told your girl you wanted to meet someone like me.
04:40Act like me.
04:41Walk with a swagger.
04:43Little thug in me, be friendly.
04:46Dip down just the way you like.
04:48Here I am.
04:49Come and get me.
04:51Get to know each other.
04:51Yeah, yeah.
04:52Yeah, yeah.
04:53I like what you're looking at.
04:55You can do what you're waiting for.
04:58This is how we're going to say we can show you.
05:00I'm gonna call you all the best.
05:02Give me a chance.
05:03I'm perfect at the same time.
05:04Give me a chance.
05:05I'm gonna make you want me right now.
05:07Whatever I can do.
05:09Give me love to me.
05:10If I place you, would you place me back?
05:12If I place you, would you place me back?
05:14Spillin' big faces, some of the things you like.
05:17When you're gonna put me down?
05:19I'm gonna cry for you, die for you.
05:22I'm gonna cry for you, die for you.
05:23I'm gonna cry for you.
05:23Show them all I want to know from you.
05:26Cause when you're gonna put me down?
05:28First time I saw you, I was breathless.
05:31Looking flawless, dip to your neckless.
05:33And I had to add you to my guesses.
05:35Didn't let your pass, I had to put it down.
05:38We sipped and kicked a little convo.
05:40It's time to head back to the condo.
05:42And I know what we're looking here for.
05:45Let me know what you're feeling now.
05:47If you wanna open up, show me love.
05:50Stop playing around with me now.
05:52Stop holding back, you gotta react.
05:55When you're gonna hold me down?
05:57Working, working, working.
05:59Working, yeah.
06:02You know I don't deserve this, girl.
06:04When you're gonna hold me down?
06:07I'm gonna place you, would you place me back?
06:08I'm gonna place you, would you place me back?
06:11When you're facing some of the things you like?
06:14When you're gonna hold me down?
06:16I'm gonna hold me down.
06:17I'm gonna hold you down.
06:18I'm gonna keep my nose at you.
06:19I'm gonna hold you close to you.
06:21Show me all I want to know from you.
06:23Baby!
06:23It's when you're gonna hold me down.
06:26Call me Mr. Benet.
06:28Turn that top model trip to your everyday hood rat.
06:31Less than all, but more than a few.
06:33But I never met one like you.
06:35I've been all over the world.
06:38Done a little bit of everything.
06:41Little bit of everywhere.
06:42With a little bit of everyone.
06:44All the girls I've been with.
06:46Things I've seen.
06:47It takes much to impress.
06:49But showing up your goal.
06:51It makes your soul stand out from all the rest.
06:54Baby!
06:55I could be in love.
06:56I just don't know.
06:57I don't know.
06:59Maybe one thing is for certain.
07:01Whatever you're doing, it's working.
07:03Other girls don't matter.
07:05In your presence, can't do what you do.
07:08There's a million girls around, but I don't see no one but you.
07:13Girl, you're so one in a million.
07:18You are.
07:19Baby, you're the best I ever had.
07:23Best I ever had.
07:25And I'm certain that there ain't nothing better.
07:30No, there ain't nothing better than me.
07:33You're not a regular girl.
07:35You don't give a damn about the loot.
07:38Talking about I can't do for you.
07:39But you can do for yourself.
07:41Even though that ain't so big.
07:43Because my dog don't know how to eat.
07:46But that independent thing I'm with it.
07:49All we do is win, baby.
07:51I can be in love, but I just don't know.
07:56Maybe one thing is for certain.
07:59Whatever you're doing, it's working.
08:01Other girls don't matter.
08:02In your presence, can't do what you do.
08:05There's a million girls around, but I don't see no one but you.
08:10Baby, you're so one in you.
08:13You are, baby, you're the best I ever had.
08:20Best I ever had.
08:23And I'm certain that there ain't nothing better.
08:27No, there ain't nothing better.
08:29I think she love me.
08:31Because I got the check on me.
08:33Won't spend it, then flex on me.
08:36Put a curse, a hex on me.
08:38Scratch out my name, put the X on me.
08:40You should come check on me.
08:42Talk dirty and caress on me.
08:45Fuck it, might as well get undressed for me.
08:47Love, how you get that sweat for me?
08:50Put a lot of stress on me.
08:53You used to obsess for me.
08:55Call the station and request for me.
08:57You the one and got a big head on me.
09:00You're running me dry.
09:02Oh, girl, you're running me dry.
09:04I cried my last teardrop.
09:06Saw it bad when I told her bring a heel drop down.
09:09Pick it up, up, up.
09:10Swing it around, I'ma go, go, go, go.
09:13Drop that down, I'ma pick it up, up, up.
09:15Swing it around, I'ma go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
09:20Unruly.
09:23Unruly.
09:25My das.
09:28Who keeps bringing more?
09:30I've had too many.
09:31This Virginia done me off already.
09:37I'm bland for real.
09:38I might just say how I feel.
09:42I'm bland for real.
09:43I might just say how I feel.
09:47Don't switch on me.
09:49I got big plans.
09:51We need to forward to the islands and get you gold.
09:54No spray tans.
09:55I need you to stop running back to your ex.
09:59He's a waste man.
10:01I want to know how come we can never slash and stay friends.
10:06I'm bland for real.
10:07I might just say how I feel.
10:11I'm bland for real.
10:12I might just say how I feel.
10:16Cause I know what I like.
10:19I know how I want to live my life.
10:21I don't need no advice.
10:24You're not here and we both know why.
10:26So move for me when you're extra.
10:29Move for me with the pasta.
10:32I'm building up a house where they raise me.
10:34You move with me, I go crazy.
10:36Don't switch on me.
10:37I got big plans.
10:38We need to forward to the islands and get you gold.
10:42No spray tans.
10:44I need you to stop running back to your ex.
10:47He's a waste man.
10:49I want to know how come we can never slash and stay friends.
10:54I'm bland for real.
10:56I might just say how I feel.
10:59I'm bland for real.
11:01I might just say how I feel.
11:03Match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match, match.
11:10I met this little girl.
11:11Her name is Maxie.
11:12Her beauty's like a bunch of roles.
11:14But if I ever tell you about Maxie, you're gonna say I don't know what I know.
11:19But murder, she wrote.
11:21I like it.
11:22Murder, she wrote.
11:24Murder, she wrote.
11:26I like it.
11:27When I saw you, I remember the feeling of the feeling of the summer.
11:33My firewood was falling like timber.
11:35Tiptoe in the costume like a ninja.
11:38Please back and give me some time to process.
11:41I need a little more time with you as an option.
11:44Give me some time to process.
11:45I need a little more time.
11:47Fix the plan.
11:48I like it.
11:50Oh, I like it.
11:52Oh, I like that.
11:54Dispatch a dispatch.
12:11We're gonna need to call them when I get that.
12:13Slim with them.
12:14Thighs, damage, match.
12:16Sweet in your spice.
12:17You're chick-tack.
12:19Dispatch a dispatch.
12:21Man, every time you call, I never miss that.
12:23You are the one.
12:24I guess that I could be more.
12:27Because every time I hear your body calling, I'm like that.
12:30I go outside in the house.
12:32I know no way till you they do me.
12:35If I do, you don't go outside me and nobody do you like I don't do.
12:40You never say nobody move like I don't do.
12:42You don't know say that to me and do you.
12:47Well, I don't really care what people say.
12:50I don't really watch what them want to do.
12:52Still, I got to stick to my girls like glue.
12:55And I might not play number two.
12:57All I know, the time it's just getting jazzed.
13:00Need a lot of cheese up in my head.
13:02Got a lot of dental in my bed to run that real head.
13:06Pulling a flick of girl, them out of the road.
13:08Them got the goody, goody.
13:09Punching me up here till them don't they got the woody, woody.
13:11Front to the back where you cut the came on up here.
13:13Show me, show me.
13:14Virgin them one, give me.
13:15And me up here, talkie, talkie.
13:16Hot girls out of road.
13:18Hot girl, I said, them see me, see me.
13:19And I tell me, say, them have something for give me, give me.
13:21How much of my night, them all I dream about the Jimmy, Jimmy.
13:24And I promise, and I tell me, say, you're for me, for me.
13:26But I promise is, I compare to a fool.
13:28So cool.
13:29But they don't know, say, that man, I feel rule.
13:31This school.
13:31When I pet them, just wet them up, just like a fool.
13:34When I dig me to review, I feel like me tool.
13:36Well, I don't really care what people say.
13:39I don't really watch what them want to do.
13:41Still, I got to stick to my girls like glue.
13:43And I might not play number two.
13:46All I know, the timet is getting jazzed.
13:48Need a lot of change up in my head.
13:50Give it to them.
13:52Check it to them.
13:53Give it to them.
13:54Yeah.
13:55Row the boat.
13:56Row the boat.
13:58Row the boat, turn up.
13:59Row the boat, now.
14:00Signal the plane on the signal the plane, jump.
14:02Signal the plane on the signal the plane, now.
14:05Parasodes.
14:07Parasodes.
14:08Parasodes.
14:09Parasodes, now.
14:10Pony river.
14:11Pony bang.
14:12Pony river.
14:13Pony bang.
14:14Hey.
14:14Give them a run, I'm gonna give them a run, yo.
14:17Give them a run, I'm gonna give them a run, yes.
14:19Give them a run, I'm gonna give them a run, yes.
14:22Yes.
14:23Yes.
14:23Hey.
14:24Hey.
14:25All right.
14:26Mm.
14:30Wait a minute, baby.
14:33Got somebody.
14:35She is a beauty.
14:38Terrace station.
14:40Really and truly.
14:41Take good care of me, I need some beauty
14:46Won't you hide by my side, night and day
14:53No letting go, no, what am I?
14:58Because you are my leader
15:02When I'm with you, it's all my life
15:07Girl, I'm so glad I see you, yeah
15:12No letting go, no holding back
15:17No holding back, no, oh, yeah
15:22When I'm with you, it's all about, all about
15:29This ain't good
15:31When you get that new clock, say daddy
15:33I wish go like that, I didn't party
15:35And you alone have the style, day daddy
15:37The queen fi England fi love a fjardy
15:40And when you get that new clocks, day daddy
15:42I wish go like that, I didn't party
15:45And you alone have the style, day daddy
15:47The queen fi England fi love a fjardy
15:50Real bad man, I'm ugly in a shards
15:52Straight jeans, got her footpacks
15:54Everybody have the axe when me get my clocks
15:57Everybody have the axe when me get my clocks
15:59The leather hard, the sweat soft
16:02Toothbrush get out the dust fast
16:04Everybody have the axe, let me get my clocks
16:06Everybody have the axe, let me get my clocks
16:08Me no love creppin' up
16:09Clocks me prefer
16:10Clocks fi the leather, yeah
16:12Clocks fi the fur
16:13Clocks fi the summer, clocks fi the winter
16:15Clocks fi the summer, clocks fi the winter
16:17Clocks fi the summer, clocks fi the winter
16:19Alright everybody, we are setting up for the last discussion of the day
16:23This is gonna be monumental
16:25So you don't wanna miss it
16:27Make your way in
16:29Make your way into the room
16:31Please in the back of the room
16:33We're gonna remind you to keep it down
16:36We have some legendary talent
16:38That's gonna make their way to the stage
16:39That have made time to speak to you guys today
16:42About the fashion industry
16:44So we're gonna ask you to respect their time
16:46And keep it down
16:48And we're gonna start our last discussion momentarily
16:52If you don't want the fans to Wonder
17:02You don't want no go
17:05Go, go!
17:06Let's do this
17:07This is gonna nhưng dyn
17:08Not now
17:11I might end prender
17:12Now how dyn
17:15So how do you end?
17:17Yeah
17:19That's a great deal
18:52You know, Smart Water found a smart way to do water.
18:56What else can we make smart?
18:58What about adding water to your beauty routine?
19:00That'd be smart.
19:03All right!
19:04Keep it smart.
19:08Working smarter, not harder.
19:10I just need to just go do it and not think too hard about it.
19:13I think a big part of working smarter and not working harder is not just depending on yourself,
19:18depending on the resources around you, the people around you, letting go of just like
19:22feeling like you always got to do everything on your own.
19:25Remove all self-doubt.
19:27Like, don't be in a space of fear.
19:30Once you go and you step into who you are and you realize that this is what you're supposed
19:33to be doing, it kind of falls into place.
19:35What's up, Essence Fashion House?
20:00How y'all feeling?
20:03Y'all still doing good?
20:05I hope y'all are having as much fun as I'm having today.
20:07Can you tell I'm having fun?
20:09I'm having a really good day.
20:11I'm really excited for us to get into this next panel.
20:14I think we've saved some of the best conversations for the last, and I love you guys for sticking
20:18around all day.
20:19Give it up for yourselves for being an incredible audience.
20:22Now, we're just about ready to get into that final panel of the day, and like I said, I've
20:28been looking forward to this one.
20:29By a show of hands, how many people in the building shop black luxury brands?
20:35And don't be lying either.
20:39Well, you know, it's such an exciting time right now for designers, but sometimes I think
20:44that black luxury brands don't feel the love from us as consumers, and I feel like we need
20:50to have a conversation and get down to the root of that, so we're going to do just that
20:54right now, and I'm so excited.
20:57So joining us to have that conversation, please welcome author, media icon, cultural storyteller,
21:05and former Essence Beauty director, Mickey Taylor.
21:20This is a legend right here, y'all.
21:25I got to make sure she get up here.
21:26Okay, period.
21:29Next we have...
21:29Well, hello, Essence Fashion House.
21:32All right now.
21:34All right.
21:35Next we have McMullen founder and CEO, Sherry McMullen.
21:43Hey, Sherry.
21:44Hey, girl.
21:45Hey.
21:45It's a dress for me.
21:48It's a dress for me.
21:51A little commotion for the dress.
21:55And last but certainly not least, we have Tia Adiola, women's wear founder and CEO, Tia
22:02Adiola.
22:05Come through, queen.
22:07All right now.
22:09I told y'all we were saving some of the best for last.
22:13You guys enjoy the panel.
22:14Oh, y'all do that again.
22:18That sounds good.
22:19I love this energy.
22:20Yeah.
22:21Oh, yeah.
22:22Well, I got to tell you all, I am so thrilled to join you for this time of power.
22:27The power of us.
22:29That all by itself.
22:31Like they say, that part.
22:32But we are the originators, the fashion revolution that's seen, heard, and copied around the world.
22:38And I want you all to give your fabulous selves a hand because you all are living proof that
22:44no one does it like us.
22:46Tonight, I have the joy of closing out by leading a transparent conversation.
22:52We're going to get it real.
22:53It's going to be the kitchen table talk on style.
22:56We're going to talk about how we regard and support black luxury brands as a black community.
23:02And I'm so honored to be joined by you all.
23:04I mean, this, what you all have done.
23:07I just need to tell you all who you're talking to because I like to know who's at the table.
23:10So first, I got to tell you, Miss Tia here, yes, Miss Tia started her self-titled clothing line in her dorm room in 2016.
23:23Now, today, she solidified the brand's position in the luxury space, gained the attention of the international press,
23:29and produced her first fashion film, thank you very much, titled Black is Beautiful.
23:35And it was nominated in five categories at the 2021 International Fashion Film Awards.
23:41That's Miss Tia Adio.
23:46All right now, and Miss Sherry McMullen is an experienced retail buyer who spent 15 years building a platform to support designers of color
23:55and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion world.
23:59Today, her namesake store in Oakland, California, has become the destination for the black luxury shopping experience
24:08and emerging black and brown designers.
24:11Miss Sherry McMullen.
24:13Now that we know who we're talking to, I want to ask you all the first question I have to ask.
24:20The terms black and luxury haven't always been as synonymous as we know them to be.
24:25With that in mind, I want to start by talking about the evolution of black luxury from each of our perspectives
24:32based on our personal journeys.
24:34And I can tell you, for me, it's the privilege of wearing and dwelling in art, both on my body, in my home,
24:42in my every experience, because I know the vision that came from their soul space, as I like to call it.
24:48So that's a luxury to me.
24:50What say each of you?
24:51I mean, when I think about black, black is synonymous with luxury, right?
25:01So I don't necessarily separate the two.
25:06When I started my business McMullen 16 years ago, I found that there was a void in the market, right?
25:13I had spent years doing buying with these big companies and corporations, and I was like,
25:21I want to create something for myself in my city that I lived in, Oakland.
25:26And what I found is that these big box retailers did not have black and brown designers on their shelf, right?
25:34But we know that black designers and creatives exist because we create so much, right?
25:43And so you find that so many designers are looking at black culture, black people, everything that we do,
25:51and they're inspired by us.
25:53And what I found is that they weren't necessarily giving us the credit that we deserve and also not the opportunities that we deserve.
26:04So when I created McMullen, I said, this is going to be the place where I find designers from all over the world
26:12that look like me and look like us, and I'm going to create a space for us.
26:19And that, to me, is luxury, right?
26:24Right.
26:24That is, that's us.
26:26Well, the luxury of even creating a space for us, you know, it just amazes me how we are so seen, heard, and copied,
26:36and yet we remain invisible.
26:38That makes no sense to me.
26:40So, so we have to change the conversation.
26:42I'm always saying every day we got to correct the narrative.
26:45Yeah.
26:46Tia, what about you?
26:47What's your experience?
26:49Um, sorry, guys, I'm a bit nervous.
26:52Don't be nervous.
26:52This is just us, right?
26:54You all show me your love.
26:56So, I come from a country named Nigeria, in Africa, and, you know, Africa is royalty.
27:12And so, growing up there, being raised on that, knowing that, when I had the opportunity to enter into the Western world, so to speak,
27:22um, I wanted to sort of take my beliefs and spread them, um, so just with everything I do, um, from the setting, to the cost, to the apparel,
27:40to the world, everything just for me represents black luxury, sort of creating my own black renaissance world, and spreading it.
27:49Um, as Sherry mentioned, there aren't many like me, um, and so I take this duty very seriously, and I feel like I'm here to continue to push and knock on those doors, and, um, just try to open up the space for the people coming after me.
28:08Yeah, yeah, you know, listen, if we don't do it, who will?
28:12We're going to normalize this thing known as black luxury, right?
28:16Yeah, we're going to normalize that success.
28:19So, you know, in a time where there are several high-profile black luxury brands that are extremely popular in black culture,
28:28there still seems to be this perception in our community that non-black-owned luxury brands are somehow better.
28:36The white ice is colder is the theory these days, and I just want to ask you all, why do you think that is,
28:44and how do we eliminate that perception as a collective?
28:49I mean, for one, I, I don't agree that they're better.
28:57Um, I think that they just, they sort of have the infrastructure, they have the funding,
29:05they have the backing that we don't necessarily have, and somehow we still manage to sort of strive
29:12and, like, excel, um, so I think it's, I think the problem is bigger than, um, us.
29:22Yeah.
29:22Yeah.
29:23Yeah.
29:24But, but, so we have to insert ourselves in the challenge, though, so, so how do we change that?
29:30Yeah, and, and that, that's the, that's what I'm looking at, how we can change that.
29:35Sherry?
29:35I mean, I do think that collectively, as black people, our, our, our spending, right,
29:43our spending power is something like 2.3 trillion dollars, right?
29:49So think about if we take a portion, a good portion of that spending, and spend that with black-owned brands,
29:57and what that means for black businesses, right?
30:03And just thinking about, just, in my everyday life, you know, whether it's fashion, it's my home,
30:10consumer goods, my lifestyle, I'm looking for brands that are by people, underrepresented people,
30:17so whether it's female brands, female designers, female entrepreneurs, black women, black people,
30:24I'm going to open that door, if I can, because we have started at a deficit, let's be honest, like that,
30:35we are not the ones getting the VC funding, we're not the ones who's getting the loans at the bank,
30:45and I know firsthand, because that was my experience.
30:49When I started, I had, you know, what I thought was all of the things that they were looking for,
30:55and I was turned down.
30:57So how do we, knowing that not so many, not all the doors are open for us,
31:03how do we create doors for each other, and being able to support one another?
31:08It would be wonderful if there were more VC black businesses, more black-owned banks.
31:14So I think that's how we start to think about our spending power and what that means,
31:22because when we stop spending with brands and people that don't align with our values,
31:27that's when people are going to listen and say, oh, shit, like what, you know.
31:31Right, what happened?
31:32What happened?
31:33Because if we pulled out, the bottom would fall out.
31:35That's right.
31:36Yeah.
31:36That's right.
31:36And so I think there's a responsibility on our every breath, on our every dollar.
31:42You know, we're sitting in seats that the ancestors paid for.
31:45So how are we owning them, right?
31:48Right.
31:48Right?
31:49So nobody, and you all have heard me say this in the Time of Essence, Doc.
31:54How many of you all have seen the Time of Essence, Doc?
31:56Come on now.
31:58All right.
31:59Now, you all know where you're going tonight, right?
32:02Paul's so-and-so saying, we're not hanging out tonight.
32:04We're hanging out at my house watching Time of Essence, because this is the stuff you need to know.
32:08But the reality of it is, you know, I had an advertiser say to me years ago, a potential advertiser.
32:15She came in late from the rain.
32:17No umbrella.
32:18Anyway.
32:20Yeah, she did, but I left the door open for her.
32:22She said, well, we don't have to advertise in essence because sex sells.
32:26And I'm like, what you won't do on our watch is take our dollars for granted.
32:30So, you see, so, again, you have to remember that.
32:33Don't let anyone take your dollars for granted, because they take for granted every dollar that your elders work for when they take you for granted.
32:44Don't let that be true on your watch.
32:45Okay, I'm going off script.
32:47So, Tia, I'm on back.
32:50As a successful designer, what are some of the hurdles you still face within your own community when it comes to support?
32:58And what do you want to say to us tonight about being the change?
33:02And I know that's a loaded question, but, again, this is a kitchen table talk, so you can speak freely.
33:06Um, I honestly have no complaints in terms of receiving support from my community.
33:17Even right now, it's fashion week.
33:22I've had the same makeup team doing my runway show for years, black woman.
33:27I've had the same hair team doing my hair for years, black woman.
33:31I've had the same casting director for years, black woman.
33:35I've had the same show producer for years, black woman.
33:37And they were sending emails and messages as early as June, being like, what are we doing for fashion week?
33:48When do you need us?
33:49You know, so, um, my community shows up for me, which I'm really grateful for.
33:56Um, my customers are predominantly black women.
34:01Um, no complaints about my community.
34:04It's, you know, the corporations that we have complaints about, yeah.
34:10Yeah, yeah.
34:11And what do you think they miss, the corporations?
34:14Ah, oh gosh.
34:17Um.
34:17Yeah, I know.
34:18We need a night for that.
34:19Yeah, so, the corporations, I mean, they, they love to see the shows, you know?
34:25They're like, when's your show?
34:26When's your show?
34:27But they don't want to give you the funding to produce the show.
34:31Um, they don't give you the backing.
34:34Um, to, to produce the show, or whatever it is, um, that you're doing, really, you sort
34:40of just get, like, a pat on the back, and like, hey, go do it, we'll watch, you know?
34:44And I've noticed that, um, I've received the most support from corporations when tragedy
34:53happens within our community.
34:54So, you know, not to get too deep, but I probably received the most support, um, that I ever
35:04received in terms of brand collaborations, partnerships, just everything, after the unfortunate
35:11loss of George Floyd.
35:13Um, which, it's, it's unfortunate, it's, you know, it's a pattern, it's slightly performative, in my
35:19opinion, so, that's my take.
35:21Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's real, that's real.
35:27Everybody, you know, in tragedy, it seems that corporations, sometimes, they get this call
35:33to consciousness, and then after a few months, or someone's like, bye, we're all good, you're
35:39good, we're good, we did our part.
35:41No, we have to keep holding them accountable.
35:43Sherry, what have you experienced?
35:44What are some of the hurdles that you continue to face in your business?
35:48I think the biggest challenge for me has been financing my business as an independently owned
35:57business owner.
35:58Um, as I mentioned before in the very beginning, you know, getting turned down by banks, we,
36:04we eventually found a banker and supporters, but it took years.
36:08I mean, I'm 16 years in, and it took me 15 years, really, to get the, the type of investment
36:15in the company that we really needed to scale and grow, um, but, you know, we do what we
36:21have to do, right?
36:23For me, like, I didn't have a fallback plan, like, I could have done something else, but
36:27there was no other option for me.
36:29Like, this, this, this is what I love, you know?
36:32This is what I have built with my team, and for me, there was no other option.
36:38So I was going to make it work the best that I could, and, and many times we do that, but
36:44I want to say to, like, you know, some of the corporations we were talking about, how
36:48they could lend more support, many times they just need to see numbers, right?
36:54I'm like a business person, and black owned businesses are just good for business.
37:01Truly, like, you know, even just, like, my sales numbers, my top selling brands are black
37:09owned brands.
37:11This is Christopher John Rogers, who's our number one designer, right?
37:15You know, he, he, you know, sells out consistently, highest margins, most profitable, and I can
37:23go on and on about so many of the brands, Ashlyn Kams, Diotima, you know, Harwell Godfrey,
37:28Kyrie, Kyrie, could go on and on.
37:31Those are the brands that are in the highest demand, and not necessarily from black consumers,
37:37from everyone.
37:38So I think the more we, you know, normalize, right?
37:42Like, we wear it in life, you know?
37:45Yeah.
37:45Then it just becomes this normal thing for everyone.
37:50Every single day of my life, I wear a black designer.
37:54Yeah.
37:54And thankfully, we have those options, and we have, you know, amazing designers that you
38:03can find at stores, or you can find on their websites, or thankfully on social media, whether
38:09it's TikTok or Instagram.
38:11But seek out those brands.
38:12Ask your, you know, ask your girl, ask your friends.
38:15What do you have on, girl?
38:16What's this bag?
38:17You know, this is East African designer.
38:19She came to me, I'm like, yeah, I'm going to put you in my store because your shit is
38:23hot.
38:24Like, it works.
38:25And so, you know, the more we just are, right?
38:30We just, we share, we wear things, you know, it becomes normalized.
38:37Yeah.
38:38Right?
38:38Yeah.
38:39Normalizing this is what we must do.
38:42Yes.
38:42So, I have a question for you, and I'm sure the audience wants to know, and I have a couple
38:46of more selfish questions before we go to the audience.
38:49But how do you curate the designers that are under this amazing destination?
38:55And do you think that we're more likely to buy black more often because you make the access
39:03easy?
39:05I'll answer the second one first.
39:07The answer is yes.
39:09Right?
39:09You know, McMullen provides a space, a place for black and brown designers.
39:15For female designers, you know, over 40% of our shelf space is dedicated to black designers.
39:21And that's growing.
39:22And that keeps growing year over year.
39:24Female designers are 87% of our mix.
39:26Exclusive designers are certain.
39:28So, that to me is important.
39:31And I always say that what we do goes way beyond just the sales, the clothes on the racks.
39:37Right?
39:37We are creating opportunities for others.
39:40Like, if I buy a brand, I really believe in the brand.
39:46And I'm not going to do it always right off the bat.
39:50But when it feels right for my business, I will bring you in.
39:53And I'm going to mentor.
39:55I'm going to invest in you.
39:56And for me, making sure that those designers are going to be here five years, 10 years,
40:0312 years.
40:04Because a lot of the brands that we have in the store have been around for 20-some years.
40:09And we've been carrying them for 16, 15 years.
40:12But we don't see that enough with black and brown designers.
40:16But we have to change that.
40:18And a part of it is investing in and believing in.
40:22But we also know the challenges that we face with production.
40:27With lack of resources, financing, number one.
40:34That's like the biggest thing.
40:35We all know that.
40:36So let's continue to have conversations about how we can do more, be open about money.
40:42Black community, we don't talk about money enough.
40:46We really don't.
40:47And there's no reason why we shouldn't talk about how to get it, how to invest in it, right?
40:54And how to keep it.
40:55And keep it going.
40:57And keeping it within our community.
41:00Like how amazing is that?
41:01To be able to go into your closet and pull out five black designers and wear them in your everyday life.
41:10That's right.
41:11You know?
41:12That's right.
41:13Isn't it beautiful?
41:14Oh my gosh.
41:15Oh my gosh.
41:15And how do you curate?
41:17How do I curate?
41:19I look for designers outside of just the normal places of New York, Paris, London, and Milan.
41:28Number one.
41:29And that's like people are always like, where do you find designers?
41:31I'm like, well, you can probably find designers in your own city.
41:35Like we have an amazing art school in Oakland.
41:38Arts Academy in Oakland.
41:40You know, they're all around you, really.
41:46They're not going to always be in, you know, the very expensive New York and California and L.A.
41:53So, you know, I look for them in different places.
41:59Yeah.
41:59I love that.
42:00I mean, you're like an archaeologist to me.
42:02I just love, you know, you dig deep and you go and you just, yeah, you support us and you bring us in and you put us in the spotlight.
42:11And if you could describe your customer, how would you describe, how would you describe your customer?
42:19Because you're a destination resource.
42:21Everybody comes to you with intentionality.
42:24Yeah.
42:24And I buy with intention.
42:29What was the question again?
42:30Talk to me about this customer.
42:33The customer.
42:34Paint a picture for us.
42:35Yeah.
42:35Okay.
42:36So our customer, I would say our customer is experimental.
42:41Our customer is not so much about the labels, right?
42:46Like labels are what they are.
42:47Some people love them.
42:48Some people are just like, hey, I just want to find the cool stuff.
42:52Like, you know, they know that they're going to come to McMullen and they're going to find the best of the best.
42:57Right?
42:58So even if we have a similar designer that another retailer may have, like it could be, you know, a match, you know, it could be anyone, our curation is always going to be different because I'm looking for the best of it.
43:15Right?
43:16So when I'm buying, what ends up in my stores and my business is probably cut down by 35% because it's about curiosity.
43:27Curation in really thinking about your customer.
43:30And so I just, you know, I know my customer and what they want.
43:34And so I buy, I buy for my customer.
43:35That's great.
43:36Yeah.
43:36That's great.
43:37So let me ask you both this.
43:39Let's talk about some of the strides that, that the community has made when we talk about buying black luxury brands.
43:46I love saying that.
43:46What are some positive changes you've each been proud to see over the past decade or so?
43:52I'm proud that there are more designers that are showing, black designers that are showing at Fashion Week.
44:13Yeah.
44:15Because I've been doing this for a long time and it wasn't always this way.
44:19Right.
44:19Right?
44:20It wasn't always this way.
44:21It was maybe one, maybe.
44:24I think other places around the world have a ways to go, but it's nice to see that in New York, especially with organizations like CFDA, Black and Fashion Council, are opening the doors, raise fashion.
44:40There are so many organizations now, soon we'll, we have one on the way that we'll announce soon.
44:46But there's, there's so many great organizations that will give space and opportunities for young designers to come in.
44:54So I, I love seeing that because I didn't see that 10 years ago.
44:57No, not at all.
44:58Not at all.
44:59So that, that, you're right.
45:01That has been an amazing change.
45:03Tia, anything?
45:04Um, I'm just going to backpack on that.
45:07All right.
45:07Um, I agree.
45:09I mean, I think if you even just look at the New York Fashion Week calendar this season, there's a few of us.
45:18There's who decides war.
45:20There's advisory.
45:21There's, you know, Luar.
45:23There's head of state.
45:24There's myself.
45:25Um, so yeah, I think, I think there are a few of us.
45:30Um, there's room for many, many, many more because the list is really long and I named what, like five, five people.
45:38So there is still room, but yeah, definitely seeing us thriving at New York Fashion Week.
45:44Um, and hopefully soon Paris, Milan.
45:47Yes, all of them.
45:48Every major city in the world.
45:50That's right.
45:51So now I'm going to turn it over to you all and we're going to take your questions and I really also, as you all ask the questions, if there's something that you're doing in your own life as an ally or an advocate for black designers to change the trajectory of what's really, where we really need to be, how we really going to close that gap, please say so.
46:11So I see a hand up in the middle of the audience.
46:14Two questions.
46:15I need you to walk up to the front, get your light, get your moment.
46:19This is streaming at home.
46:20And I'm going to give you this mic.
46:23Yes.
46:24Wow.
46:25Well, look at you.
46:26Hi, Miss Vicki.
46:27All right now.
46:29Hi, everybody.
46:30Um, God bless.
46:31I'm so happy to be in this room with all of you beautiful faces.
46:35My question to you all.
46:38For the camera.
46:40Okay.
46:41Oh, boy.
46:41Um, well, first of all, my name's Tiffany Salas.
46:46Tiffany Schiafani is what they call me.
46:48I'm from North New Jersey, representing Brick City.
46:50Yes, you are.
46:51Yes, I am, Miss Vicki.
46:53And, um, thank you so much for sharing your time.
46:56So, my first question is for Miss Tia.
46:59Um, I am, first of all, infatuated with your look.
47:04And also, this Christopher John Rogers.
47:06And is that Marco Hall you're wearing?
47:08It is.
47:08Of course it is.
47:09For what you do in our community, um, and how you strive in the fashion community, how would
47:21you say we can all come together collectively?
47:23Because that's, that's what we need to do to really impact, uh, the industry as a whole in, um, the world, essentially.
47:32Because we are the culture.
47:34Yeah.
47:35Um, I think for what I do specifically, I think just, um, as Sherry also mentioned earlier, just, like, sort of buying, um, buying more black brands.
47:50Um, my team, two members of my team are right there, hiring, you know, hiring, um, black people, having your people around
48:01you as your team and your staff members, um, um, and even just, like, in terms of the bigger picture, making sure that your casting is us, um, makeup is us, hair is us, photo is us, video is us, everything is us, um, yeah.
48:18Woo!
48:19Woo!
48:19Woo!
48:20Thank you so much.
48:22And then you?
48:22Can you repeat the question?
48:25How do you feel we can all come together collectively?
48:28Because that's where the impact really lies.
48:30Yeah.
48:31Yeah.
48:31I think just really being, you know, all of us just being intentional about our spending, you know, and, and I think every dollar thinking about what that means and who we're spending with.
48:43And does that business align with, you know, who we are, the core of who we are, and do we want to support those businesses, right?
48:52So I think just generally support is, like, the, you know, one of the biggest things.
48:58And, and also knowing what you're buying power means.
49:02Like, you can vote with your dollars, you know, you can make a real impact.
49:07You know, I work hard for my dollars, so I know, you know, where that money is going.
49:13And I'm really intentional about my spending.
49:16Lovely.
49:17Thank you so much.
49:18And for everyone who wants to know, this is Shefani, another black-owned brand.
49:22Yes.
49:22Yes.
49:23You better model.
49:24You better model.
49:25All right, now.
49:26One more question.
49:27Yes.
49:29One more question.
49:32All right.
49:33This with the, come on up with the hat, with the hat, with the hat.
49:37Come on up.
49:39Step into your light.
49:41In the front, please come to the mic.
49:51Do I have to introduce myself?
49:52I mean, you want to let us know who you are.
49:54Okay.
49:55Hi, ladies.
49:56Oh, everyone.
49:57My name is Mae Avani Mae.
49:58I am a fashion stylist.
50:00Usually, I'm a fashion assistant around this time.
50:02But when it's not this time, I'm a fashion stylist.
50:04How are you guys?
50:05Woo!
50:06Hi, ladies.
50:08Okay.
50:08So, I'm not going to blame it on the writer's strike.
50:13I'm just going to blame it on my own personal experience.
50:15As a creative, when you're in a drought period, what helps you, one, be inspired, and two,
50:20once you get to that level of inspiration, how do you use your village?
50:23That way you can get to that vision that you're actually, you know, have in your mind.
50:27When I'm in a drought, what keeps me inspired is my friends and my community.
50:39So, just, I might be feeling really uninspired, and I'll meet with one of my friends, and they'll be like, hey, have you seen this?
50:52Or, like, you should do this.
50:53And then it just sparks something in me and my team, being open to advice and, you know, opinions, suggestions.
51:03I'm very much a learner, no matter how far I get.
51:08I always have an open ear and a listening ear, and ultimately, that always sparks something and helps me keep going.
51:18Mary, did you want to comment?
51:20Please do.
51:21Okay, what keeps me inspired?
51:24You know, I'm a mom.
51:25I have a little one.
51:27My son keeps me inspired every day because, like, pretty much everything that I do now is for him,
51:35because I want him to grow up and see he's been in the store with me since he was born.
51:41He's traveled with me to markets, and, you know, he sees his mom working, which is really important
51:51because he can see the value and ownership in what that looks like.
51:57Because now, at seven, he's having conversations with me about, mommy, I want to open a store, you know?
52:03Or he would take swatches when we were, during the 2020 COVID, when we were away and we were looking at swatches instead of going to market.
52:17So, swatches, like, designers would send over fabric so I could buy that way.
52:21So, instead of, like, tossing the swatches, my son, Frederick, he would paint them.
52:26And he would say, do you think Christopher would like this?
52:31Do you think Peter would like this?
52:33So, he's in it, and he knows.
52:35So, my son keeps me inspired.
52:38Now, to the B of my question, sorry.
52:40How do you guys use your village when you get to that level of inspiration?
52:43I mean, I'm surrounded by people that protect me, uplift me, you know, my community, my family, my community in Oakland, other business owners.
52:59Like, we talk, we take care of one another.
53:02And, you know, that also is what keeps me going every day, you know, my faith.
53:12Yeah.
53:13Wow, that's it.
53:15So, you all have been amazing.
53:17Just amazing.
53:18And I do want to say something.
53:20I do want to answer your question about that period, so-called waiting period.
53:25You have to really know how to manage the gap between purpose and provision.
53:31It is not a passing period.
53:33You're really not waiting on anybody.
53:34You should be busy as ever creating and planning for your next.
53:38So, it's not a waiting period.
53:39And then the other part to keep going is you really have to surround yourself with what I call a celebration circle.
53:45Those are the people who check you, pour into you, tell you who you are when you forget yourself.
53:50Yeah, because your greatness was not designed to be in isolation.
53:54So, yeah, that's what we do in the meanwhile, as they call it.
53:57I love that.
53:58Yeah, listen, you all give it up for Tia and Sherry.
54:01This has been phenomenal.
54:03Thank you so much.
54:05You all just keep doing what you do.
54:08And we're going to change the conversation and normalize black luxury.
54:12Thank you so much.
54:24We're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation and we're going to change the conversation.
55:24All right, everybody.
55:39We still have our closing remarks.
55:42If everybody can, especially in the front, if you guys can just take a seat, we're going
55:47to close our program.
55:49We're still up streaming, so everybody's standing right now, seeing you on the stream.
55:57Can everybody have a seat?
56:00Cologne, help me.
56:01I need people to sit down, girl.
56:03We got to do the closing.
56:05Have a seat, have a seat, have a seat, have a seat, have a seat, have a seat.
56:12Please sit down.
56:15We'll end the program, and then you guys can mingle as you exit.
56:20We'll go off the A's and go with you.
56:25Yes.
56:39Front row, can you please clear the front row?
56:41I need the front row clear, please.
56:52Front row clear.
56:53You have a seat.
56:55They're still going to be here.
56:56I promise.
57:00Please clear the stage.
57:01Please clear the stage.
57:02All right, coming back to the stage.
57:13First of all, you have to give it up for this incredible woman.
57:15She has been holding it down for us for two days in a row.
57:19Give it up for Chastity Sanders.
57:21She's coming back.
57:22Chastity, come on out, girl.
57:24Okay, I'm hearing it now.
57:34Thank you so much, Stephanie.
57:36Oh, my God.
57:37You guys, did you have so much fun today?
57:40First of all, I want to say you guys have to give it up for yourselves
57:43for being the most incredible audience, the most fashionable audience,
57:48the most fabulous audience that we've seen.
57:51You guys, it has been such a pleasure to be your Essence Fashion House host for 2023.
57:57I had a fabulous time here today.
58:00We definitely want to make sure that we shout out our sponsors one more time.
58:03Can we give it up for Smart Water Alkaline?
58:07Also giving it up for JCPenney and our other presenting sponsor.
58:12Let's give it up for Diet Coke.
58:14Did you guys have a good time today?
58:16You know, stayed hydrated, had your cocktails, got good food,
58:20did all of the things.
58:21And, of course, I want to always say thank you to my Essence family.
58:25You guys are amazing.
58:27I love you guys so much.
58:28Thank you so much for having me as your host.
58:30And I hope that you guys kicked off your fashion week
58:33in a fabulous way with us here at Essence Fashion House.
58:35And I hope that you enjoy the rest of your fashion week.
58:37Thank you, guys.
58:38I'll see you guys.
59:08I'll see you guys.
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