Good Food and Vibes

August 21, 2017

Featuring: Jamisa Chef 1/2 The Honeys

Jamisa (Chef 1/2 of The Honeys) Photo by Antoine Smart

Greetings! Back with a new blog. I had the pleasure of meeting up with a long time social media friend Jamisa (Instagram: @jamisaaa) at The Honeys (Instagram: @thehoneyscocina) in Baltimore, MD. Me and Jamisa have been friends for 9 years on social media started with twitter and crossed over to Instagram. We have both watched each other grow creatively. Jamisa is an artist, director, photographer and chef. As of last year Jamisa and LUVA (Instagram: miss_luva) an artist/songwriter and chef started The Honeys. The first event was held in September 2016.

Since then it has grown and people look forward to their hospitality, good vibes and delicious food.

Jamisa preparing a taco for a customer. (Photo by Antoine Smart)

I made my way to Baltimore (it wasn't a long trip) to experience The Honeys event. It was held at The Sand Gallery (Instagram: @thesandgallery) an amazing space with great art and an amazing staff of young black creatives. Jamisa introduced me to the Co-founder/Owner Milly (instagram: @millyvanderwood). I was also given a tour and enjoyed everything about the The Sand Gallery. I also had to get my eat on. I went with the pineapple chipotle chicken taco and it was amazing (I was tempted to buy the rest of the tacos but that wouldn’t be fair to others). Both of these ladies are making moves and inspiring the community with their talents. No doubt they will continue to grow in their endeavors. Read on to learn more about The Honeys.

What is the idea behind The Honeys?

“The idea behind The Honey's is a sisterhood between two women that cook, spread great vibes and just want to see people happy. How it came about, it sounds really cool to say who did you get this platter from? "The Honey's" lol.”

What has been the most rewarding thing so far?

“The most rewarding thing so far is everyone who come across our food saying it's delicious and refreshing. The best thing while doing this so far is people saying "Oh my God these are the best tacos I ever had" I absolutely love when people say that. To me that just means we're pouring out nothing but love in every dish.”

Jerk shrimp going fast. (Photo by Antoine Smart)

Is there a popular menu item?

“The first thing to go on our menu whenever we cater or throw an event would have to be our Honey Jerk Shrimp Tacos. After we did the commercial for it, it increased the tease to another level. That's one of my favorite commercials we did, it has 1/2 of the Honey's Chef LUVA (@miss_luva) music behind the creating of the shrimp so it fit so perfectly. She has a nice sultry voice so when we dropped that commercial people were saying "I never looked at shrimp as sexy until now" that always crack me up.”

Any exciting new menu items we can look forward to?

“We're creating more unique vegan options. Can't wait for those, eating clean is awesome for the mind, body and soul.”

Any last comments you want to share with our readers?

“Whatever you want to do in life just do it, no matter who don't support you in the beginning whoever suppose to be there will be there. More on us IG @theHoneysCocina / TheHoneysCocina.com.”

Patiently awaiting their food. (Photo by Antoine Smart)

Until next time stay happy, stay blessed.

Thanks for reading,

Antoine

Let's Talk About It: Mental Health Shattering the Stigma

July 12, 2017

Featuring: Gary "Trey" Taylor, MSW

Mental Health Advocate/Owner of Uphold 31:8

Greetings! I am excited for this third blog that I am posting. Some of you may have been expecting another blog about beard culture, some of you may not. This time I wanted to focus on something different…mental health. Mental health is a topic thatpeople shy away from. I find this to be especially true in the Black community. I can understand that it is not the easiest topic to discuss.

With the rise of social media and news outlets being so easily accessible (thank you smart phones) I noticed the topic being discussed. I realized that it is a topic I did not hear much about. It seems usually in the black community if anyone is depressed, hurting inside or mentions a mental health issue they are told “oh nothing is wrong with you” or “pray about it”. Do not get me wrong I am a man who believes in the power of prayer, however I also believe God placed people on this earth who can help with mental health issues. Just like there are doctors who are placed on this earth who help with physical health issues. I cannot say for certain why people shy away from the topic. I believe people do not want to seem “weak”. In the black community, we generally do not want to ask for help we try to keep it moving through our issues.

Several weeks ago, I attended a MUFN meet in Silver Spring, MD it was full of creatives and entrepreneurs. After five minutes of being shy and feeling awkward I decided to come out my shell and network. The first person I had a full conversation with was Trey, I was observing his business booth. One of the first thoughts I had was “that’s right a brother that got his own business, a business focused on mental health at that”. Of course, I played it cool and dapped him up and introduced myself. We talked for several minutes about his business. I told him how important it is that he has a mental health business especially as a black man. I got his business card and I kept thinking how great it is that he is in the mental health field and helping our community. I reached out to Trey shortly after and asked if he would be interested in being featured in an upcoming blog. Trey agreed and we put the plan in motion. We met up in Old Town Alexandria for a shoot, after Trey had his coffee and I found parking we got some pics and talked some more. Here is what Trey had to say about his Uphold 31:8 company and his thoughts on mental health in the Black community.

Tell me a little about your company Uphold 31: 8. What does Uphold 31:8 mean?

“Uphold 31:8, LLC is a business I started about three months ago after being asked to speak and present at multiple community events. It derives from the biblical scripture, Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.” The purpose of my company is to promote mental health awareness and education primarily, but not limited to the black community by mental health consulting. In addition it involves community initiatives/engagement and public speaking, including an initiative I created in my hometown to combat youth gang violence called Stop The Violence Movement (STVM).”

What lead you to starting your own company in mental health?

“I always wanted to start my own company. Initially I thought it was going to be a couple years later. In April, I facilitated my 3rd Annual Stop The Violence Movement in my hometown, and then had two speaking engagements after it. Once I finished the final speaking engagement where I spoke freely about violence in the community along with mental health, people were asking for business cards, and the name of my organization. I didn’t have one lol, and only had cards created for my Stop TheViolence Movement which I ran out of. STVM wasn’t an organization, just an initiative that I created. It was at that point I realized I needed a company to house all of the things I was doing. It also one of a kind organization that has a specific niche.”

What are some of the barriers you want to break down in regard to mental health in the Black community?

“I really want to break down the stigma of Mental Health in the black community. In general, “asking for help.” I want black people to take care of their Mental Health and understand the difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness. There is already a stigma attached to going to the doctor, so you can imagine acknowledging that something is wrong. The black community tends to bottle up emotions, we’re scared of mental health because we do not know enough about it, nor understandhow to properly deal with it. We tend to push through our issues, not realizing how it affects our mental health (how we deal with day to day stressors). We’re talking generational and cultural barriers that have to be changed. So I seek to break down the educational barriers, fear of getting help and accepting that we need help at times.”

Do you see mental health issues as topic being discussed more frequently in the community than before?

“It is starting to gain steam. I see the narrative changing, primarily with the millennials. It is still a foreign language for some and to older generations, however they are starting to become more receptive, that’s all that counts. If everyone is open to understanding it, then it becomes a frequent topic of discussion.”

What are some goals you have for Uphold 31:8?

“I want to partner with some other mental health non-profits. Continue making mental health infographics. Working on the Mind Over Matter class (mental health and biblical scriptures). Open up a non-profit for advocacy work, partner with local, state and federal agencies.”

Any tips on how to keep good mental health?

“Being aware of your stress levels and utilizing good self-care techniques (Stress can cause physical issues along with mental issues)

Understanding how environment and relationships play a factor into our mental health

Learning how to say “no”, understanding your mental limits

Taking mental health days, doing activities that you enjoy

Learning how to live in the moment, making the best out of the current situation.

Be selfish

Adequate sleep and eating habits

Some that come to mind, everyone’s situation is different.”

Visit Uphold 31:8 Instagram _uphold31 and facebook Uphold 31:8.

Until next time stay happy, stay blessed.

Thanks for reading,

Antoine

Beard in Business

June 29, 2017

Featuring: Erick Mendoza

Occupation:Director of Operations at Undorm

Instagram: erickmendoza553

www.undorm.com

Photo by: Antoine (IG: mrr360)

Greetings! Thanks for all the support and encouraging feedback on my last blog. I am back with a new topic. Beards have become increasingly popular these last few years. Beards have been spotted in all areas from sports (what’s up James Harden) to college campuses to all areas in between. Some areas allow an individual to rock their beard without anyone batting an eye (at least not in a negative way). However, when it comes to the business world views change. Generally when people think of men working in the business world they think clean cut or if a beard crosses their mind they may think the 5 o’clock shadow look.

First impressions are everything and some individuals may immediately think “unprofessional” when they see a beard. I remember I was once told by a friend's relative that I should consider cutting my beard when looking for a job, I respectably listened but in my mind I was thinking “uhh no”. Moving on because this is not about me, I reached out to my friend Erick, who is all about his business and rocks his beard proudly. Erick’s business focuses on Real Estate Services for Students. Successful, laid back and funny (more than knock knock joke funny) Erick is flourishing in the business world all while rocking his beard.

I was able to finally catch up with Erick (he stays busy so I was honored he found time to shoot and talk with me). Then again that’s what friends do *cues Whodini - Friends*. We met in Hoboken, NJ just across the river from New York City, NY. After, a brief issue of finding parking we met up. I haven’t seen Erick in almost a year but you would have thought it was just yesterday we last linked. Good weather allowed for us to catch up and get some dope pics without breaking a sweat. Here is what Erick had to say about his experiences of rocking a beard in the business world.

What are some challenges you face as a business man with a beard?

“Institutionalized Prejudice. It’s not accepted in most work places to have a beard. Not professional ones. It’s just not what’s taught and it’s been all about the clean shaven face. That can’t be me.”

Have you ever received any negative comments regarding your beard in the corporate world?

“A manager I used to work for mentioned I should cut it, as “I can’t move up because it’s holding me back. It’s just not what this world is looking for”. Not to be arrogant but I made his yearly salary in just the last month's earnings...guess I moved up”.

Do you have any grooming tips?

“ Neatness! I get a weekly haircut (sometimes biweekly). Line ups, hot towel shaves, exfoliation, and oils/conditioners, all recommended. BIG BEARDS: When wearing with a suit, and if your profession allows it, avoid ties, you can’t see them regardless. My beard is very loud, so I tend also not to wear loud articles of clothing as tops”

Any advice for those who feel they can’t truly let their beard flourish in the business world?

“DO YOU! Being able to grow facial hair is a blessing in itself! It’s how God made you, so be proud! Get line ups, invest in great products, and be proud overall. You know how many people would kill to grow a beard? Come on now. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not what you should do. Let’s all make beards, dreads, melanin our main piece, our character article, our physical piece that we are most proud of! Keep it neat, make sure you keep it conditioned, and smelling good!”

Additional comments:

“If you’re looking for apartments here in NYC, looking to better improve your beard and want recommendations on great products, or want to talk about anything really, feel free to reach out to me via DM: @erickmendoza553”

Until next time be happy, be blessed.

Thanks for reading,

Antoine

Beard Chronicles BTS

June 19, 2017

BTS Beard Chronicles with Kenny IG: @ikboy

BTS Photography: Brittany Cummings IG: brittanydcummings

Posted: 6/19/2017

Photo by Brittany (IG: Brittanydcummings)

For two years now the majority of you have been reading the beard chronicles series on my Instagram. Brief background idea came to me in 2013 finally I got the opportunity to start in 2015 and here we are. See I said it would be brief.

I wanted to give you all a behind the scene or as you young people like to say (BTS) look at what happens behind the photos you see. Please note: I say (type) BTS too. Moving on, this shoot I got to work with Kenny (IG: ikboy). I met Kenny at a MUFN Meet I attended a few weeks back hosted by Tony (IG: tonythrifts). Kenny and I clicked like we were childhood friends. I don’t know if it was because he has my dad’s name, he is a brother, a photographer or has a beard? Maybe it is all of the above. In any event I let Kenny (K as I now call him) know about beard chronicles and I wanted to feature him. He happily agreed.

We scheduled a time and place to meet for his beard chronicles shoot. The time originally 11 am the place Old Town in Alexandria, VA. The time was changed to 9 am when I noticed the temperature was going to be 90 plus. K understood completely and was down for the time change. My friend Brittany (IG: Brittanydcummings) who provided the BTS photography also understood and was down for the time change. Quick background Brittany was the one to get me motivated to do the BTS part of the series. See I said it was going to be quick.

The three of us linked up and it was a successful shoot. Nothing but great vibes and energy. Brittany and K quickly hit it off as well. I think K just has great energy. I took some pictures of K and Brittany took pictures of me taking pictures of K (The Matrix!). K was a natural I didn’t have to provide much direction which works out well because I generally tell people “do you” when I take their pictures. It helps it not look forced. After a half hour or so the shoot ended. Part because I was satisfied with my shots as well as K and Brittany and part the sun was hitting. We found some shade and talked about photography and our different styles and how we got to where we are today in photography.

After letting K review the pictures and select the ones he wanted as well we called it a day. It was hot and we all were hungry. I didn’t want to be the reason anyone became hangry (angry + hungry).

Thanks for reading,

Antoine

Until next time. Be happy, be blessed.