A powerful brand with an authentic voice incites a connection with an audience. But nothing can be sustained on connection alone. Community—when that initial point of contact transitions to a lasting relationship—is the natural extension of great branding. That’s the major lesson of my…
On an unseasonably warm Spring day in New York’s famed Central Park, a young woman paces, cell phone at her ear. She is adorned with two nose rings, hoop and septum, plus an ornate necklace evocative of an artifact out of Nefertiti’s tomb glittering…
[MADAME NOIRE] Ruth Carter, Costume Designer For ‘The Butler,’ Tells Stories With Fashion
When you watch a film, many things stand out: the actors, the writing, the quality of its direction. But, we often overlook what really makes a film feel real. The little details like what the characters wear and what their homes look like allow…
[MADAME NOIRE] September Covers Show the Publishing Industry is (Still) Behind the Times
Summer is on the cusp of its sweltering climax which means one thing: September issues are around the corner. If you work in publishing you already know what a big deal September is. Those issues aren’t hefty for no reason. September is a fresh…
[MADAME NOIRE] From The Sidelines To The Streets: Khalilah Williams-Webb Brings Vintage Style To Brooklyn
Baltimore, Maryland native Khalilah Williams-Webb is known for bringing style to the sidelines. She styles some of sports’ biggest names in the game (and fashion), most notably Carmelo Anthony. But Khalilah is more than that, much more. When she’s not hunting for size 14…
College students have been finding innovative ways to make money since the birth of higher education. From waitressing weekends, to setting up salons in dorm rooms, hustling is just as much a part of the college experience as the classes themselves. Current students like…
You want to be an innovator? Awesome! Where do you start? That’s harder to tackle. Wanting to innovate in your field is admirable, but good ideas can be hard to come by. Artists and businesswomen alike are searching for the secret to creativity. It…
[MADAME NOIRE] Small Business Spotlight: Baller/Stylist Shyra Ely-Gash Is Where Hoops Meets Heels
For WNBA star, Shyra Ely-Gash, before there was basketball, there was fashion. Her earliest memories consist of her childhood self sprawled out on the floor sketching outfits. Somewhere between then and now, she picked up a basketball. The game took her to the University…
San Francisco Bay area natives Shauna Harper and Selena Young aren’t related by blood, but they are sisters just the same. They predict each other’s thoughts, are a daily presence in each other’s lives, and share a baby called Define Me Greek. The Alpha Kappa…