Crafting For Complements Presents

A Black Woman Made That

January 2020 ISSUE 1

IN THIS ISSUE I AIN'T EVEN PRESSED

HANDMADE PRESS ON NAILS ARE TRENDING IN OUR COMMUNITY

AMAAFRIKANPRIDE ACCESSORIES

I am always on the lookout for the hottest new business, and why creating a new line of press on
MAMA BIRD'S JEWELRY NEST trends and crafts, so when I scrolled by these nails was important to her.
handmade press on nails on social media, my heart "I want ladies to go from lounging around the
smiled! I've seen thousands of stick on nails in my house all day, to date ready in a matter of 15
lifetime and I've been less than impressed (no pun minutes. My nails are for ladies on the go. Those on
intended). Dollar and department stores are lined a budget, and that love being able to change up their
with ill-fitting extensions that are mass produced, nails on their own. I offer a range of designs and
and waiting to pop off the tip of your finger if you will also make custom sets. My goal is to save
point in the wrong direction. I usually walk on by women from all walks of life time and money."
the plastic accessories without giving them a second Shawna's nail line is called 'I Ain't Even Pressed'
thought, but these nails made me stop. They and it is all inclusive, catering to military women,
demanded my attention. These nails were different. and offering plus sizes! Follow Shawna's journey at:
SCB NATURALS They are designed and handmade by Shawna Facebook www.facebook.com/graciousgifts807
Smith, the owner of Gracious Gifts, a small black IG www.instagram.com/graciousgifts807
owned business that specializes in things that bling! Website http://gracious-giftss.myshopify.com/
Shawna explained how she got started in the -Muffin

This sea moss journey

began with a mission
for personal health
that turned into a
PURE PLEASANT CREATIONZ
lifestyle! Shop
Heal From Within
IN THIS ISSUE By Helena
January 2020 ablackwomanmadethat.com Page 2

Pretty Packaging Book Bags With Natural Hair Styles

Goes A Long Way Encourage Children Of Color To Love Their Looks
Shawn Creal had a specific goal in mind candy coated faces adorning back packs,
when she created her one of a kind school but the rich tones, perfect ponytails and
bags that feature chocolate girls of all colorful hair ballies that take us back to our
shades. Each image is hand drawn, and childhood separates her brand from all of
boasts thick, three dimensional coils of hair the rest. You can follow Shawn Creal
that our daughters and grand daughters can Creations at @shawncrealcreations on
relate to. Instagram and Shawn Creal Creations on
"All of our art aims to reflect the Facebook. Order at (850) 610 - 6611
diversity and beauty within color," Creal shawncrealcreationsllc.com
explains. "Our mission is to create novelty
Our first concern when shipping packages out to
gear for girls that serve to promote self-
our customers should be making sure that their
confidence, self-love and unity."
items arrive safely. Quite often, packages are
Established in 2016, Shawn Creal
dropped, tossed and rolled during the delivery
Creations, LLC has inspired a wave of
process, and we want the handmade pieces inside
to survive the trip.
Sturdy mailers, bubble wrap, mailing peanuts
and tape are just a few of the things that you may
need in order to make sure that your items get to
their destination in one piece. Thankfully there are
a variety of shipping supplies available on-line that
are just as attractive as they are effective!
Though it may seem insignificant, packaging is
actually one of the factors that consumers use when
determining whether or not they would patronize
Pamper Yourself With SCB Naturals
an on-line business repeatedly. In addition to that, Lakisha Bullock was born and raised in bath bombs, and beard care items for men!
many purchasers admit that attractive packaging Philadelphia's inner city neighborhoods. Go to scbnaturals.com to make a purchase
was the sole reason why they purchased an item in Growing up with so little has made her and support her dream! Fb: SCB Naturals
the past. Product reviewer Anise L. explains how strive for so much as an adult. She always
packaging plays a part in her assessment of small knew she wanted to be a business owner,
businesses. and vowed that as soon as she was able to
"I receive hundreds of packages each week from venture off on her own she would become
people that have a beautiful on-line presence. Their just that.
items are immaculate and their photos are bright, Since a teenager, Lakisha has been
bold and colorful. I am excited to receive their working on a beauty line that would
product, but then it arrives in a brown card board improve the skin of those that she loved
box and I am instantly let down; that magical and cared for. Now a licensed
boutique experience that we love so much is gone. cosmetologist, she noticed how many
"Is the packaging as important as the actual people suffered from eczema, psoriasis and
product? Maybe, maybe not. I guess that would dermatitis, and she wanted her skin care
depend on the buyer's perspective, and their need line to address those issues. While her
versus their want for your product." products were initially made for people of
In addition to giving customers feelings of color, SCB Naturals now caters to people
warmth and excitement, pretty packaging also has of all nationalities.
the power of making customers view your creations Since being diagnosed with eczema
as high end products. When that is the case, people years ago, Lakisha has tried every product
are more comfortable paying the prices that you on the market with no results. Her own
set, instead of shopping around to find it at a beauty line is handmade, and she tests the
cheaper price! Remember that nothing takes the cosmetics on herself to ensure that her
place of a well made product, and that is what customers are receiving a high quality
every customer deserves! Pretty packaging should product. SCB Naturals has grown over the
complement quality, not replace it. years and now includes, soaps, lotions,
January 2020 www.ablackwomanmadethat.com Page 3

WELCOME TO MAMA BIRD'S JEWELRY NEST

Vanity Parks, CEO of Mama Bird’s purchase and wear the accessories as well.
Jewelry Nest is an artisan who loves A few bracelets that are near and dear to
making handmade gemstone bracelets, her heart are those that support causes such
beaded pens, key finders and more. This as autism awareness, domestic violence
business was birthed about 5 years ago and awareness, and cancer awareness. A
began as a hobby. Initially Vanity would customer favorite are the memory
give her bracelets to family and friends, but bracelets that include a picture charm of a
soon noticed that others had a desire to loved one, angel wings and a quote charm
on each set.
Although each custom design is made
with the fiery passion for her craft, no two
are exactly the same. Vanity loves making
her customer's visions come to life and
nothing makes her happier than putting a
smile on the faces of others with her
customized and meaningful pieces.
A loving wife, mother and RN, Vanity
resides in North Mississippi and has
distributed her handmade bracelets and
beaded accessories internationally.

HOW TO SUCCEED WITHOUT FAMILY SUPPORT

Quite often, small business owners feel create new content daily, that would be
like giving up on their dreams because they great. At the very least, your pages should
don't have the support of their friends and be updated weekly.
family. While it would be nice for your Make sure that your products are
loved ones to purchase your products and attractive and well-made so that your
utilize your services, you can't get customers will readily leave you glowing
discouraged if they don't. reviews. A huge percentage of on-line
There are a number of reasons why shoppers use reviews as the deciding factor
those closest to you won't patronize. on whether to make a purchase. Customer
Perhaps they aren't your target audience. reviews are extremely helpful to your
Some may not like what you have to offer business, so don't be afraid to give your
and others may secretly want to see you customers incentives to leave them!
fail. In spite of all of that, you have to push It is quite natural for consumers to be
forward in order to be successful. skeptical of new businesses. Instead of
Once your business is established you allowing it to discourage you, rise to the
have to promote yourself regularly. When occasion and show them that you are
people see that you are a legitimate and trustworthy! An easy way to gain the trust
consistent business, the support will follow. and approval of the public is to host a
Strangers will repost your work and want to contest, game or giveaway. Set the rules for
collaborate with you, and you will find the contest and put it in motion! While the
different avenues that will help you prize doesn't have to be an expensive one, it
advertise. should be something that others see value
Create a business page for your in.
company on Fb and Instagram. Join as Starting a new business is exciting. It is
many groups as you can that are geared also a lot of hard work, mixed emotions and
towards your talent or craft. It may take a ups and downs. Not having the support of
few months to build up your audience, but your loved ones on this journey isn't the
make sure to post regularly. If you can hardest thing you will face. Push through.
January 2020 ablackwomanmadethat.com Page 4

Brown Girls Craft Elle'Centric Accessories

Brown Girls Craft is more than new members and encouraging
a Facebook group. It is a safe them to share their website links.
haven where women of color come Though she is extremely talented
together to share their talents, in her own right, she rarely posts
discuss ideas, and straighten each her own crafts in the group.
other's crowns. Instead, most of her posts are
Group founder and administrator tutorials, new craft ideas or quirky
Michelle Thomas created the crafting stories that she thinks her
group after finding it hard to group members will like.
promote her own talents in the pre- Growing up, Michelle attended
existing social media crowds. She many art classes and soon
knew that brown women needed a discovered that crafting provided
place where they could advertise the sense of calm and comfort that
their talents and their business she needed. She developed a love
without repercussions. In May for Art History and would often
2018 Brown Girls Craft was born, find herself in a museum staring
and after a year and a half the up at paintings that were older
group has more than 3,400 than she was. Michelle has a gift
members. for illustrating and color theory.
Michelle is a gentle, soft spoken Additionally, she is an amazing
woman that has a genuine love for sculptor and makes rich, ethnic
her sistahs, and a strong desire to clay pieces under her business
see them succeed. A video posted Elle'Centric Accessories (meaning
in Brown Girls Craft more than a Elegant Afrocentric Accessories). JOIN BROWN GIRLS CRAFT ON FACEBOOK
Crafting is Michelle's passion. FOLLOW ELLE'CENTRIC ACCESSORIES ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
year ago shows her welcoming

Pure Pleasant Creationz

Hello I am Peaches, owner of Pure Pleasant Creationz. I specialize in
beading, paper crafting, vinyl customization, baskets, bling, and more. I
am what I call an All Around Crafting Sistah. I absolutely love what I
do, and would love to create for you.

IG Business Page - Pure Pleasant Creationz. DM me for any inquiries.

BLING MUGS

GLASS/CANDLE/COASTER

BLING SHOES
BEADED BRACELET GLASS & COASTER SET

JOIN OUR FB GROUP: CRAFTING FOR COMPLEMENTS

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: A_BLACK_WOMAN_MADE_THAT
 January 2020 ablackwomanmadethat.com Page 5

11 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs A Website

With Love Creations
I understand why many small 5. Creating a website isn't as In 2017 Tiffany Smothers was
businesses choose not to have a expensive or complicated as you able to transform her hobby into a
website. The most common reason may think. You can start one for career with help from the
people give is that the initial set- less than $100 and design and supportive people in her circle.
up of the site is too complicated or launch it yourself. Because all of her encounters with
too expensive, while others feel as 6. Website hosts offer fun and people were positive, and each
if their business is doing just fine effective tools like special piece she created was made out of
without one. Here is why I discounts, free shipping and love, she knew that With Love
encourage small, product based coupon codes to your customers. Creations was the moniker that
businesses to take the leap. 7. Your website will keep a record would best suit her business.
1. You need that overnight money. of your customer's contact There are three components to
While you sleep customers can information, including their email With Love Creations; instructing,
browse around on your site and addresses. jewelry making, and home decor.
make purchases. Waking up to 8. Your website gives customers "I chose to make my business
extra dough in your account is specifics about your products; multifaceted because that is the
always nice. what materials they are made way art works, there just isn't one
2. Having a website builds from, production and shipping way to accomplish its beauty,"
people's trust. Though there will times, etc. Having that information Tiffany explains. "What excites
be a few strangers that will believe on hand will encourage customers me the most about what I do is to
in you enough to send you their to make a purchase. see the joy I give to people when
hard earned cash, not having a 9. Most websites allow you to they receive their products from
website will turn a large create a fully functional store on me. That just solidifies the reason
percentage of potential customers Fb so people can safely shop from why I do what I do. I love the way
away. your business without leaving the art makes me feel and I wanted to
3. Your website is a part of your social media site. That feature can share that feeling with the world.
brand and helps build brand gain the trust of those that may be Spreading love through art."
recognition. Even if you list your skeptical of your business. You can follow With Love
items on sites like Etsy, customers 10. Websites offer you a Creations on Fb at With Love
will remember Etsy's name, not professional, personalized email Creations.
yours. address that includes your website
4. Potential customers may have a domain. Here is an example:
few questions before they make a muffin@magicalmoments.com TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS APPEAR IN
purchase. An FAQ page would 11. Having a website is simply 'A BLACK WOMAN MADE THAT'
handle most of the questions for more professional than requesting EMAIL US AT:
you and save lots of time. monies through CashApp. PRINTME@ABLACKWOMANMADETHAT.COM

B.O.V.A. CREATIVITY
Business Owners Vendors and Artists (BOVA) is a creative on-line
community that understands, values, and supports cultural
expression. Our BOVA family consists of crafters, spoken word artists,
vocalists, and vendors. We offer genuine video product reviews,
upcoming event information, and vendor opportunities. Our on-line
BOVA Shop operates as a resource for artists to post and sell their
unique products. Join us at BOVA Creativity and the BOVA Shop! For
more information, email us at Bova.Talk@gmail.com.

https://www.facebook.com/BOVACreativity/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/554323208352837/
January 2020 ablackwomanmadethat.com Page 6

Virtuous Vibes
In the fall of 2019 a new design of wreath Merging femininity and art, Stephanie
took the internet by storm. The wildly describes herself as a creative! Her work is
popular door decor features royal, African inspired by the many women in her family,
American women with coils that are made to include her mother, and her own journey
ASK KHADIJAH
out of Christmas ornaments, ribbons, through life.
Dear Khadijah:
rhinestones, feathers and more! Some Her business Virtuous Vibes, seeks to
I am a party planner and my packages start at
crafters nicknamed them Diva Wreaths. equip, encourage, and empower women
$1,500. At the request of a family member (and
Stephanie Suell calls her version 'Regal through art and writing.
against my better judgement) I agreed to give one
Wreaths', and they are simply beautiful! Stephanie is an avid painter. After 20
of their friends a discount in the amount of $500.
years in the Air Force, she relaunched her
Though the $1,000 the friend paid barely covered
passion to craft after being diagnosed with
my out of pocket costs, I did it as a favor.
PTSD. She now spends every waking
The three hour party went well, but at the end
moment sharpening her skills. She is a
of the event the host's guests began taking my
mixed media artist, writer and spoken word
centerpieces off the tables to take home! Shocked
artist in the South Carolina area.
and a bit confused, I confronted the host, asking
'I'm living my life as a canvas. There are far too
her to get the centerpieces back (I reuse them).
few words to describe my journey. Therefore color
She apologized and walked away. After five and craft have become my vessel of choice.'
minutes or so she said goodbye to one of the - -Stephanie Suell
guests and allowed her to leave with my property.
Angry now, I met the guest at the door, introduced You can reach Stephanie via the web at
www.virtuousvibes.com. Also connect with her via
myself and then gently removed my centerpieces
Facebook at Virtuous Vibes and Instagram at
from her hands. VirtuousTheCreative. Visit her webstore at
At this point the host became irate and began Etsy.com: Virtuous Vibes
yelling, asking me how I charged $1,500 for a
party when she wasn't allowed to keep the things
she paid for. By this time I had calmed down, and
decided not to mention the fact that she asked for,
and received a discount.
I collected the rest of my centerpieces and table
cloths and went home. By the time I got in the
house there were six, one star reviews on my
business page from the host and her guests. They
called my business unprofessional and petty, and
even accused me of attacking someone!
Was I wrong? How should I have handled the
situation after asking the host to get my things
back? I am hurt and confused.
Kimmy
Hey Kimmy!
Wow, what a crazy night! What agreement did
you have with the host beforehand? Did she sign a
contract, and did you let her know that the
decorative items were not hers to keep?
Taking the items from the guest's hands was
wrong sis, but you know that. In the future, charge
a security deposit to ensure that your things are
returned and make each customer sign a contract. CONTACT US TO
As far as the reviews go, I would reply to them HAVE YOUR
in a calm and gentle manner, as ignoring them can
BUSINESS APPEAR IN
make you seem apathetic. This was a learning
lesson. Less discounts and more security deposits THE NEXT ISSUE OF
in 2020! Khadijah THIS PUBLICATION
January 2020 ablackwomanmadethat.com Page 7

AMAAFRIKANPRIDE

is a handmade clothing and accessory shop

that is based in Nigeria. Owned and operated
by Christy Okeiyi, the trendy boutique is
known for its pre-tied head wraps, purses and
exquisite African printed fabric.
The couture shop has a full line that is
available for purchase, or you can request a
custom order with the fabric print of your
choice. Their bold fabrics are also sold by
the yard, and each order includes free U.S.
shipping. Etsy Shop:
Amaafrikanpride.etsy.com
Email: gokeiyi@yahoo.com

TO BE CHARMED BY CHRISSY
HANDMADE BRACELETS WHAT IS A BRAND?
When people ask me what a brand is, I the design of the logo didn't stop you from
tell them that it is the way that people feel making the purchase. The negative feelings
about your business. Unsatisfied with my that you attached to the logo did.
answer, they impatiently reply with things Certain aspects of a brand will be more
like, "What about my business cards and important to some people, while others
logo?" value brands for completely different
Business cards and logos are important, reasons. A person can have a bad
and they are in fact a part of your brand, but experience with a cashier at a major bakery,
you need more than that. and refuse to shop with them in the future
Every aspect of your business joined because of it. Another person will have the
together creates your brand. Consider this same bad experience with the cashier and
scenario. As a consumer, you love a return next week because their pastries are
product that you were gifted in the past. the best in the city. One person values
The packaging is beautiful and the quality customer service, while the quality of the
is superb. When you call to order the item product is the deciding factor for the other.
again, the business owner is rude and Branding can be difficult to explain or
impatient, and you decide not to go through even to understand because it can mean
with the purchase. different things to different people. No
A year later you are at an event and matter what, it comes down to emotions or
decide to support one of the vendors. You how you make your customers feel! For
approach the first table and instantly that reason, it is best to build a brand that is
recognize the logo and packaging of the honest, committed and full of integrity.
product you were gifted twelve months ago. You can do that by standing by your
Remembering how short and nasty the products, keeping your word to your
business owner had been on the phone, you customers and providing an excellent
move on to the next table. shopping experience. Make sure that your
The logo is what stood out to you, but logo represents something positive!
 ablackwomanmadethat.com

Norma 'Ms Jai' House Does It Two Women Come Together To

'For The Love Of Makeup 2' Create A New Makeup Line
LaVonsaye Roberson has had a love for
makeup since she was a small child. As a
little girl she would watch her grandmother
primp herself for church on Sunday
mornings, and the results were always
amazing. Now a mother of three, when her
own daughter suggested that she create a lip
gloss line, LaVonsaye made the idea a
reality.
With two flavors perfected, LaVonsaye
held a soft grand opening and both products
sold out the first day. Feeling empowered,
she decided to release a full line of vegan
lip glosses, as well as eye lashes and
eyeshadow palettes. In need of some
assistance now, she met and joined forces
with Elette Hinton, a small business owner
and mother of four. Together they created a
sister company called Signature Kisses by
For The Love Of Makeup 2 is a growing LaVonsaye & Elette. Both women are from
Facebook group that is all about helping and the state of MS, and they seem to share the
uplifting each other, while learning how to create same vision. We will continue to wish the
the perfect eyebrow. Though the group is open to duo the very best and support their dream.
anyone that has a passion for enhancing beautiful
faces, it is common to see sistahs with rich,
chocolate skin playing in bright, vibrant colors
that make their natural tones pop!
Norma Johnitta House, also known as 'Ms. Jai'
is the founder of the group and she knows a thing
or two about palettes. You can catch her on any
day of the week going live to do an unboxing of
the latest viral color craze, while she explains
which brush should be used for different
applications.
Paralyzed on one side of her face, Norma was
initially drawn to makeup in hopes that it would
hide her flaw. Instead, it built her self confidence
and self esteem. Feeling good about herself
allowed her to accept and embrace the fact that
even though she was different, she was still
beautiful!
With a little over 250 members, this group is
beginner friendly, and live videos and tutorials are
shared often. Ms. Jai loves to teach, and her hope
is to one day touch lives all across the world.
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A_Black_Woman_Made_That

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Crafting For Complements