~ A LIFESTYLE BRAND CELEBRATING MORE OF THE GOOD STUFF ~
Little Black Dresses have represented the marriage of fashion & celebration for over 90 years. As we travel & dine & sip on some wine (see what we did there) , we'll be sure to make it fashionable. Don't worry...we'll throw in some color and prints as well.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
neo lynch
DANCER/TRAINER/COMPETITOR
Energetic. Peaceful. Determined.
Neo has the kind of energy that makes you sit back and take notes. As a Former Professional Dancer for the likes of Diddy, Ciara and Beyonce (Yes, you heard what I said), you know that she is on point. She has modeled for me in the past on several MRM projects and I had the opportunity to make her a FIERCE competition bikini that made your draw drop seeing her grace the stage in it. I mean...look at her NOW! She competes on a National level in bodybuilding and SLAYS. How she does what she does is beyond me. I guess that determination is truly key!
Neo answered our Signature Spotlight questions and here is what she had to say! Let me go and do a squat or lift a dumbbell or something! Geesh...
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
NEO: Energetic. Peaceful. Determined.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your personal style?
NEO: Comfortable and casual. Low maintenance with a splash of pizazz.
LBDSAW: If you are a salad lover, tell me what you'd have in your Signature Salad.
NEO: Spinach, chicken or steak, croutons, Caesar dressing
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
NEO: I’m a Merlot girl!
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
NEO: The Little Inn at Washington. Any low key restaurant with music surrounded by chicken wings, cheesecake and good friends in Atlanta, GA!
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
NEO: My favorite place in the US is Atlanta, GA.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to explore?
NEO: Krakow, Poland
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest?
NEO: Being able to share my talents, gifts, knowledge and passion with others to help them live out their dreams!
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being a Dancer/Trainer/Competitor?
NEO: I absolutely love being on stage!
LBDSAW: What advice would you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
NEO: Trust the process. Once you accept it’s going to be hard, it suddenly becomes easier. Figure out YOUR life’s purpose and find a way to earn money doing it. There are so many ways your purpose shows up, so don’t get stuck in a vision of what that “job” might look like. Be open to every opportunity.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
NEO: I’m teaching at 7 dance studios this summer and doing personal training. I’m thrilled to be able to live in my purpose through dance and fitness and reach more people! Personally, I’m focusing on rebuilding my physique to continue competing on a national level in the sport of bodybuilding.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
NEO: IG @NeoLynch
LBDSAW: Thank you so much for being our guest, Neo! We will be following your journey!
When you meet Erica, for the first time, you immediately feel her energy and warmness. She's the kind of woman that makes you want to be a better person. Attentive, genuine and compelling are just a few words that come to mind when I think about this beautiful force. Listen to her sing a few notes and I am sure that many of your worries will melt away.
Erica is on an unstoppable mission to be her best self and LBDSAW is here for it ALL! We asked her our Signature Spotlight questions and here is what she had to say.
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
SHENETTA: Energetic. Peaceful. Determined.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your personal style?
SHENETTA: Comfortable and casual. Low maintenance with a splash of pizazz.
LBDSAW: If you are a salad lover, tell me what you'd have in your Signature Salad.
SHENETTA: Spinach, chicken or steak, croutons, Caesar dressing
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
SHENETTA: I’m a Merlot girl!
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
SHENETTA: The Little Inn at Washington. Any low key restaurant with music surrounded by chicken wings, cheesecake and good friends in Atlanta, GA!
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
SHENETTA: My favorite place in the US is Atlanta, GA.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to explore?
SHENETTA: Krakow, Poland
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest?
SHENETTA: Being able to share my talents, gifts, knowledge and passion with others to help them live out their dreams!
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being a Musician/Entrepreneur?
SHENETTA: I absolutely love being on stage!
LBDSAW: What advice would you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
SHENETTA: Trust the process. Once you accept it’s going to be hard, it suddenly becomes easier. Figure out YOUR life’s purpose and find a way to earn money doing it. There are so many ways your purpose shows up, so don’t get stuck in a vision of what that “job” might look like. Be open to every opportunity.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
SHENETTA: I’m teaching at 7 dance studios this summer and doing personal training. I’m thrilled to be able to live in my purpose through dance and fitness and reach more people! Personally, I’m focusing on rebuilding my physique to continue competing on a national level in the sport of bodybuilding.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
SHENETTA: IG @NeoLynch
LBDSAW: Thank you so much for being our guest, Shenetta! We will be following your journey!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
shenetta malkia
AUTHOR
Loyal. Genuine. Outgoing.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
tope akinmade mudabai
WIFE/MOTHER/ENTREPRENEUR
Self-aware. Generous. Loyal.
Tope's smile makes ME smile. All of her sisters, mom & dad (The Chief...Yes, a real one) have smiles that make you feel all mushy, gushy inside. Tope has trusted me with her tresses and lovely face as a MUA & stylist on many occasions. Today is her birthday and I pray that it is the best one, yet!!! Keep smiling and shining! The world is watching!
Tope is celebrating life and love with her hubby & little one and LBDSAW is here for it ALL! We asked her our Signature Spotlight questions and here is what she had to say.
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
TOPE: Self-aware. Generous. Loyal.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your personal style?
TOPE: Timeless and Comfortable. You won’t catch me in anything super tight and
I don’t do trends.
LBDSAW: If you are a salad lover, tell me what you'd have in your Signature Salad.
TOPE: I always like a hint of sweetness in my salads. So dried mangos, raisins,
cranberries etc. I also like the complexity of blue cheese.
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
TOPE: Dry white with some ice cubes.
LBDSAW: If you were to create a signature cocktail, what would be in it (with or without alcohol works)?
TOPE: I like anything with a Gin base. Gin and Tonic is my go-to cocktail. If it’s fit
for the Queen, its fit for me. Sprinkle in some lemon or berries.
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
TOPE: Italy. What’s not to love about fresh pasta and wine 24/7. And I love that
they serve half bottles.
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
TOPE: Italy again. The country just has so many parts to explore.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to explore?
TOPE: Any of the pacific islands. The flight time just scares me.
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest?
TOPE: At the risk of sounding bougie, LOL…. the honest truth is that fine dining
makes me happy. A well-prepared meal paired with a nice wine and great
customer service can leave me on a high for days.
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being a Wife/Mother/Entrepreneur?
TOPE: Wife: I love having a confidant. Someone who is on your team. I literally take work and other life issues to my husband to help solve. He helps give perspective. You know how we ladies can get. Emotions running high and everything. He breaks things down and helps me SEE. He’s also my number one encourager.
Mother: Gosh. Those warm tight hugs from a little being who is hopelessly in love with you. PRICELESS.
Entrepreneur: I love the problem-solving aspects of it as well as the experiential learning. You sometimes have to teach yourself new skills or learn on the fly. In the country we operate, a lot of the agencies try their
luck with various levies on businesses. You have to be a quick thinker, a good researcher and also have a healthy dose of assertiveness to make your case on whether or not a levy applies to you. LOL
LBDSAW: What advice would you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
TOPE: Explore away. I’m learning everyday that we humans are multidimensional beings (I have the millennials/ Gen Z to thank for that). We can have multiple purposes at once or one purpose for a season. The key is to be sensitive to the signs and times of your purpose. Secondly, if its truly your God-given purpose, the resources to execute will come. I’m not saying it would be easy. But once you start to walk toward it and in it, you will notice a trend of overcoming obstacles. When my husband and I look back at our businesses we have a lot of “I can’t believe we did that” or “how the hell did we get through that” moments.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
TOPE: I’m a new and first-time mum. So right now I always have to remember to pace myself and live more in the moment. The pandemic has also taught many of us that its actually ok to slow down a bit and still be productive. My hope is to continue to strive for balance (family, friends, work, business etc.) and most importantly not feel guilty where I fall short.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
TOPE: They can follow IG: @gofitnessng and @akabangalagos
LBDSAW: Thank you so much for being our guest, Tope! We will be following your journey!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
deanna furr
ENTREPRENEUR
Resilient. Determined. Nurturing.
When you meet Corinthia, you feel like you just need to hug her or someone or something! She is genuine and tireless in her efforts to be an example for those seeking to live in their passion and purpose.
Between growing the Queens' Tribe, being the Queen of Transformation and forming an empire with her husband Stephen Williams, The Pusher, at A Dose of Power and with B-More Bougie Crab, she doesn't miss a beat.
We asked Jeannie our Signature Spotlight questions and here is what she had to say.
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
CORINTHIA: Resilient. Determined. Nurturing.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your style?
CORINTHIA: Artisitic/Creative
LBDSAW: Build your perfect salad.
CORINTHIA: My Signature Salad is Strawberry Spinach Salad… Delicious
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
CORINTHIA: Red wine is my favorite after a long day of work.
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
CORINTHIA: My favorite place to dine is at home enjoying a delicious meal with the family.
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
CORINTHIA: My favorite destination is in the Florida Keys at my second home.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to go?
CORINTHIA: My favorite travel destination has been to Iceland. I didn’t know I would love it so much but it was just pure and beautiful. I love nature and there’s so much untouched there.
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest?
CORINTHIA: I feel the happiest when I’m around loved ones.
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
CORINTHIA: I enjoy the freedom of being creative, spending time with loved ones, and touching lives.
LBDSAW: What advice do you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
CORINTHIA: The advice I would give to them is never give up on your dreams, stay consistent, and always give your best.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
CORINTHIA: My next step is to grow the Queens Tribe on a National Level.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
CORINTHIA: Folks can follow my journey on
FACEBOOK @simplyuevents IG @simplycorinthia WEBSITE www.adoseofpower.com
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
vena carter
TEA CONNOISSEUR
Loyal. Genuine. Outgoing.
I met D'Kia many years ago -- before she headed to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an actor. She was super fabulous & gracious as a model wearing an MRM original and stopping traffic in Times Square (NY). We danced on stage at Ellen In The Park for The Ellen Degeneres Show and made more recent memories on The Real show at Universal Studios. I am so proud of her for pursuing her dreams of becoming an actor. She continues to thrive in the industry and is also a
Black Mental Health Advocate.
D'Kia won't stop and LBDSAW is here for it! We asked her a few questions that we thought would be fitting to ask our Spotlight guests. Here is what she had to say.
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
D'KIA: Three words describing myself would be loyal, genuine and outgoing.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your style?
D'KIA: My personal style is a bit rocker mixed with boho. If I could elaborate, I love wearing black and other solid colors, but also enjoy comfortable, fashionable pieces.
LBDSAW: Build your perfect salad.
D'KIA: Hmm, my signature salad’s base would be spinach. It would definitely have strawberries, grapes and raisins (I think it’s the texture difference I love), a few won tons and dressed in balsamic. I like it simple so I know what I’m eating.
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
D'KIA: My favorite place to eat is Nobu in Malibu,Ca. I love the ambiance and surprisingly, although it’s staple, the food is delicious.
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite? Where haven't you been that you'd like to go?
D'KIA: My favorite travel destination has been to Iceland. I didn’t know I would love it so much but it was just pure and beautiful. I love nature and there’s so much untouched there.
I am planning to get to Africa. My dream destination is Cairo, but I’d also love to explore Morocco and South Africa.
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest?
D'KIA: I feel happiest when I’m traveling and around water. Water brings me peace. And it’s so important to protect in this field.
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being an actor?
D'KIA: Being an actor allows me to become someone else for a few moments. I love to sometimes disconnect from my reality and dial into another. I find pleasure in dissecting the characters and bringing them to life.
LBDSAW: What advice do you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
D'KIA: Please do whatever it takes to make yourself happy. Don’t get discouraged by others not supporting you. Remember you’re doing this for yourself.
LBDSAW: What's next for you? How can folks follow your journey?
D'KIA: Coming up next is a guest starring role on UMC’s A House Divided. I will also be heading to Atlanta to star in a feature film. You can find me on HBO Max’s, Hacks and I also have 3 national commercials airing right now.
IG @dkiaanderson IMDB D’Kia Anderson
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
shenell tolson, drph
entrepreneur
Dope. Smart. Capable.
Shenell Tolson, DrPH is the dopest Doc that you will ever meet. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being included in some very special moments in her life. From doing her makeup and taking pics for her book launch of Noa The Litte Scientist to providing makeup services for some very dope Women in S.T.E.M. for a special project to taking her photos after she received her Doctorate from Morgan State University.
We asked her our Spotlight questions and here is what she had to say. Read on to recognize the dopeness!
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
SHENELL: Dope. Smart. Capable.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your style?
SHENELL: I like what I like. I'm not into new fashion trends. My go-to is still a comfy tee and jeans, but I will put on heels and some lipstick when the occasion calls for it.
LBDSAW: Build your perfect salad.
SHENELL: My signature salad would be a customized cobb with well-seasoned chicken or shrimp. I'm talking romain, spinach and mixed greens (gone toss in some arugula too); cucumbers, hard-boiled egg, blue cheese, bacon, avocado, easy on those tiny tomatoes, and really flavorful dressing. If it's a vinaigrette I want it to have a bit of a kick citrus-jalapeno. If it's creamy, I'd want a more Caeser/peppercorn ranch flavor.
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
SHENELL: I'm a reisling kind of girl preferably, but I enjoy both red and white wines. I'll take a blush too - just stay on the sweeter end of the spectrum.
LBDSAW: If you were to create a signature cocktail, what would be in it (with or without alcohol works)?
SHENELL: My signature cocktail would be a Grand Marnier mojito (Malibu Black Rum, Grand Marnier, Lime juice, fresh mint, agave). Muddle the fresh mint at the bottom of the glass and fill to the brim with ice. Add equal parts Rum and Grand Marnier and the juice of one large, freshly squeezed lime. Add a drizzle of agave to taste - a little goes a long way here. Garnish with a mint sprig. This one definitely packs a punch, but mellows out nicely as the ice melts. If you're feeling super fancy, muddle a fresh fruit of your choice with the mint. It's Friday night in and you've already taken off your bra. You're welcome.
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
SHENELL: Out of the country! I have found that restrictions on additives are more stringent in other countries and to me, the food just tastes better - more authentic. Especially, the fruits.
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
SHENELL: South Africa. I'd love to go back again. It felt so good putting my bare feet on Motherland soil, taking in the food and the sites; and the people are nice.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to go?
SHENELL: I'd like to visit other countries in Africa to get a better understanding of the diversity in cultures there and visit my ancestral home.
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest? (Not a person)
SHENELL: I feel happiest when I can relax. I'm always working on something. I really enjoy downtown where I can just exist in a space and just, "be." Give me a blanket and a comfy couch any day of the week.
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
SHENELL: I enjoy that I have multiple projects that affect my community in a positive way. Once I reach financial freedom status, I anticipate I will be participating in more downtime.
LBDSAW: What advice do you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
SHENELL: Don't Quit. That's it.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
SHENELL: I'm ready to be the next household name in gourmet chocolate. When you think of your next swanky event, I want you to think of "Simplicity Chocolate". I want my chocolate to be included on charcuterie boards at celebrity events like parties, weddings, and other special ocassions, in the glamourous swag bags for the big award shows like The Grammys, Emmys, and Oscars, and on the pillows of high-end clientele in Presidential Suites of posh hotels.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
SHENELL: WEBSITE: thepublichealthbae.com IG: @thepublichealthbae Twitter: @G_Protein
WEBSITE: thesimplicitychocolate.com