Who is the 7ady in Red? She is...Black

Photography by Shante Fagans Photography 

Now I'm hoping that I educate a few people today. To me being black is an important part of me, as I am a black woman who has a business, so it is a part of my brand. To me the black business movement does not mean forget all the other small businesses. It means that statistically support for black businesses is very small, (check out the links below) even in our own community. Therefor efforts to help black businesses and support them are needed.

Supporting my community is important to me because I come from Detroit and one of my dreams is to help rebuild it. I'm also a black woman and I hope to rebuild the black community and mentor young people to be the best they can be. To do this, I constantly support and encourage others to support black businesses, businesses run by women, and small businesses. I think that there are many corporations that don't care about people, especially black people and other minorities. So, make it my job to encourage others to care about the amazing work these individuals do.

I have to care about black business because it's a part of me. I can't wake up and not be black. I can try to ignore it, but it's always there. I know my people need me. So, I support them and encourage them. Like I said, this doesn't mean forget about all other small businesses. This means I just know that the black community needs me and this is a part of me, a very important awesome part of me. If I don't care, who will?

I want everyone to see that my community is filled with kings, queens, business associates, entrepreneurs, mentors, and other positive images. To do this I have to support my people, make sure I have a positive image, and encourage others to do so as well. This doesn't mean ignore the oppression or hardships my community faces (but that's another blog for another day).

Being black is who I am and just one of my many great identities. It influenced why I started my own business, just like several of my other identities.I want all my followers, friends and clients to know who I am. Therefore every week I will be talking about an identity of mine that influenced my passion and my business.

This week's identity was: "being black." The following weeks will include being a woman, a student, a Detroiter, and more. You don't have to agree with me to follow me, I just want you to learn and know who I am. Feel free to ask questions if you need further understanding. Don't forget do your own research.

If you want to support me feel free to ask me about my marketing services I offer. I try to offer services for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Create, Build and Prosper,



Asia CEO/ Owner of 7ady in Red

Important links

Black Small Business Owners Get Left Out Of Loans
Black Business Statistics

Got Interns?: Resources for Finding Interns for Your Business

Small businesses need assistance, too! Sometimes that assistance is in the form of an intern. Depending on whether the intern is paid or unpaid (with the use of college credit), will determine the kind of task they may accomplish. If you need an intern feel free to complete my form and I will send your info to those interested. Also check out the links below that can help you set up an internship program.

How to set up a internship program for your small business- Small Business Administration

How to hire an intern on a budget- Forbes

Intern request form-7adyinred

Have any more resources? Feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment below.

Good luck,
7adyinred  

People's Choice Month with 7adyinred

Lately I have been really lazy on my blog post and videos (I sowy guys ;-( ...) So to make up for it I am doing a people's choice month. The theme with the most votes will become the theme month for August or July (haven't decided yet). There will also be a contest centered around the theme for that month. So please go to the link and vote for your favorite theme. Shout out to Spring 12 for helping me make my list!!!!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1d00q2IJHPi9vEy0ea5fYR34VhOgJA68UOAkmsbuPIqQ/viewform?usp=send_form

Detangle Your Natural Hair Easily

@7adyinred natural hair

You know the importance of having tangle free hair (or you do now), but you may not know the method for it. Improper detangling methods can leave your hair in worst condition than before you started. Before you tear out your hair, learn how you can detangle it without pulling it out.

Tips
-You should always detangle your hair when it is wet or damp. Detangling your hair when it is dry could cause breakage.

-Use water, a detangler or conditioner to help get through tangles in your hair a lot easier.

-Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair. Using a smaller comb could cause midshaft splits and unnecessary pulls to your beautiful mane.

-Divide your hair into sections. It makes it a lot easier to detangle one part of your hair at a time then all at once.

-Detangle your hair from ends to root. Again something that causes a lot breakage is starting from the root.

-When coming across a big tangle work through it with your fingers. Do not try to yank on it with a comb.

-Be gentle and patient. Being forceful and quick will cause unwanted strife for your hair in the future. So go slowly and gently and set up enough time to detangle your hair.

Detangling your hair takes time and effort, but after a few tries you will get the hang of it . Your hair will be softer, tangle free and your hair will thank you for it.

Long Hair and Prosper,

Asia

The Loc Method (+playlist)

Hey Everyone check out my first hair tutorial!

Bronze Elegance Fashion Show 2014

Bronze Elegance 2014 Executive Board

Most of my friends and social media followers already know how I feel about the show Scandal (not really my cup off tea). So when my best friend Shayla approached me about the show I was slightly apprehensive. However after attending a few events, talking to executive board members and checking out the website this is definitely not a fashion show I want to miss.

When you think about fashion shows you are probably thinking about skinny girls, straight hair, athletic men, etc. But the Bronze Elegance fashion show is a lot different from other fashion shows of its kind.

"The mission of BRONZE ELEGANCE is to break stereotypes through creating a show in which both models and students participating behind the scenes display the true diversity of university of Michigan by representing different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. Members will also work closely with Multicultural Youth Striving To Incorporate Cohesiveness (MYSTIC) council of Alice Lloyd Residence Hall." -Bronze Elegance

Not only does Bronze Elegance embrace diversity in several different fields but  it also promotes philanthropy through charity. ALL of the proceeds made by Bronze Elegance are donated to Partners In Health an organization that gives preferential option of healthcare to those in need around the world.

Bronze Elegance has planned several events leading up to the shows premiere including a Skin and Make up consultation featuring a Mac rep and Mary Kay rep (who happened to be my soror :-*). Both reps talked about healthy skin care and make up application. Bronze Elegance also promoted small businesses by featuring sponsors for the event.One sponsor was Cool Club Clothing a student run black owned business. Bronze Elegance will also be partnering with The She is Project a social and experiential movement that celebrates these women that have successfully made their mark, and educates others on how they can do the same via social media and beyond. These two organizations will be working together for a pre show event.

This show promises to be a night of fashion, networking,  entertainment, and fun. The students a part of Bronze Elegance have been working very hard. Diverse group of models, philanthropy, networking and fashion, sounds like a way to spend my Sunday night! The event will be held at 7:30 p.m April 13th at Palmer Commons: Great Lakes Room 100 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Please refer to Bronze Elegance website for more info. See you there.

Long Hair and Prosper,
Asia

Black Businesses

Did you know Black Americans contributes to about $1.5 trillion to the US economy? Imagine if Black America was its own place we would probably be the richest place on the planet! It saddens me to see my people putting so much money into buying Jordans, hair products, "fresh clothes" etc. We have black businesses that sell many items we buy all the time. It's important that we stop putting money in a system that doesn't support us. These businesses do not truly care about us, corporate america only wants to make money. Why are we investing in people that do not truly care about us? 

Many people say "Black Businesses have bad customer service", but I ask how good is other services you use? How many times have you went to get a pedicure and the manicurist talked about how bad your feet were? How many times have you been served last, but arrived first at a restaurant? How many attitudes has someone given you at the grocery store, super store, convenience store etc.? Also have you ever thought to go to another business. There are so many black businesses, maybe you chose the wrong black business. 

All and all this money we spend on a system that doesn't appreciate us should be spent on businesses in our community. To assist with a Black Business Directory please click this link and pass it along to any black businesses you know. Eventually I will be able to share the directory with everyone.



Build Opportunities,

Asia