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[rebellocal]

Divine Womyn Interview Series with Heaven Boudy

Heaven Boudy aka Flowa is straightening crowns one post at a time. As she was here to chat with us about her evolutionary brand FLOWA WIT POWA Podcast & blog site full of daily motivation and what it means to be a young black woman in this decade.

Teh Jai’lyn:

Heyyyy Heaven! We’re absolutely proud of your growing brand & how dedicated you seem to be with your podcast. For those who don’t know you as well introduce yourself and your brand.

Heaven Boudy:

Thanks! My name is Heaven Boudy aka Flowa. I’m an international business student at Dillard University. I’m a creative, motivator, and I love anything pertaining to self-care. I love making people feel good and look their best. I am the founder of Flowawitpowa, a brand that uplifts, styles, and empowers both old and young adults.

Teh Jai’lyn:

You seem to have a very soft aesthetic (as we would say) but how would you describe it?

Heaven Boudy:

I think I would describe it as soft as well. I went with a softer look for my brand because I knew my content would get heavy or be a lot sometimes. I know that colors have an effect on moods and energy so I wanted to keep it minimal and soft. 

Teh Jai’lyn:

Your topics of discussions on your podcast are very touching & personal, where do you pull the motivation & the willing to become somewhat vulnerable with your target audience?

Heaven Boudy:

I think it comes from it being my purpose to do it. It’s because I know how much we need help in this life and I’ve run across people who don’t have good or any mental or spiritual help. I figure if I go through it someone else has or might need help to get through it. People need the honesty to live a good life and in this age of social media, it’s hard to find authenticity. 

Teh Jai’lyn:

always thought your Instagram & twitter name was so cool “Flowawitpowa” for those who don’t know, explain how that name came about and the idea to inspire the staple name for your brand/podcast The Flowa Petals podcast?

Heaven Boudy:

 Flowawitpowa began as a stage name a couple of years ago when I started writing poetry. I believed I was beautiful, elegant, and soft. However, I was still powerful and bold in who I was and that birthed “Flowawitpowa”. I spelled it like Flowa and not flower because I never pronounce the “er”  in flower. Spelling it as Flowa was just my New Orleans twist to it. I believe it’s my God-given purpose to spread love and power to everyone. This led me to start a podcast, blog, and youtube channel. Flowapetals is just another piece to Flowa as petals are to a flower. I’m giving you pieces to your flowa that help you to be beautiful and whole.

Teh Jai’lyn:

As a young woman in today’s society, what do black beauty, today’s lifestyles and the challenges that are thrown to us black Womyn mean to you?

Heaven Boudy:

Unfortunately, it just means to me that we have to fight harder, be smarter, and move intentionally with our moves in life. I never like to look at it as anything more than what it is because you can never stop a focused black woman. When she is walking in her purpose with God, she can catch those curveballs with one hand. We have to keep our blinders on so we don’t fall into society’s way of being. Also, just as fast as you think you can’t fall in is as fast as it can happen. Black women have to be extra intentional and specific about the spaces they want. It’s sad we have to work overtime sometimes but it’s completely worth it to make way for another black girl.

Teh Jai’lyn:

With your overall brand how do you wish to display beauty, lifestyle choices & personal challenges to other young black women & how do you want them to view these topics? 

Heaven Boudy:

I want to present it to them in the easiest way possible. I want every young black woman to read or listen to what I say and leave thinking “OH! I can do that” If they come to me unsure of themselves they leave sure of themselves and their capabilities. I want them to view it as doable and view themselves as worthy of the work to be a woman. I want them to view these topics as important.

Teh Jai’lyn:

As an H.B.C.U. student at Dillard University, how do you manage time for yourself, school work & your brand? (As multitaskers...It always seems to me as if I’m leading three different lives would you say the same?)

Heaven Boudy:

YES. YES. YES. I am leading multiple lives but I manage my time by integrating them. I do school work but I listen to the music that motivates my content creation. Then, I put myself on a hard schedule but I don’t add time because I realized your day doesn't always go as planned. It’s been more effective for me to just create a to-do list by parts of the day. For example, my morning is for meditating, reading, and organizing my day. Also, I write them on sticky notes which have been a big help. I organize my sticky notes by category like “flowa”, “school”, and “self”. I just give myself a hard stopping time at 8 pm or sometimes as early as sundown when I can.

Teh Jai’lyn:

I always love to ask these questions.... feels like I’m somewhat picking the brain of the person I’m interviewing but... if you could give advice to yourself at age 16 what would it be? Also, what advice would you give to another young woman who is timidly attempting to go after her dreams?

Heaven Boudy:

GIRL, it is okay! You should definitely slow down and be more patient. Be more present. Don’t be fooled by the looks of things, it doesn’t matter what it looks like. Give yourself time and be patient with yourself and stop being so critical. Fall in love with yourself and don’t waste time trying to make people like you. I know you think it’s hard but it gets harder but just do your best to make things easier later. Lastly, your decisions now can affect you later. Don’t think that one little decision won’t matter because it will in some shape or form.

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Velveteen Dreams

A flirtatious spin on this Pin-Up style photoshoot featuring models Anya Sony and Brittany Caston in R.E.B.E.L.’S 2020 February editorial.

Creative Direction by Nyjell Moses

Photography and Editor by Teh Jai’lyn

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AFTER 5!

AFTER 5!

A summer fashion editorial Ft. Model Lyric Williams with Creative Direction from Nyjell Moses and Photography from Teh Jai’lyn.

Cool off pool side with us by exploring through this chill editorial.

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PUNK PRINCESS

A R.E.B.E.L. 80’s PUNK inspired editorial featuring model Diamond Sanders.

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An Enchanted Daydream: Short Film Photoshoot

An Enchanted Daydream Short Film/ Photoshoot

Photography Edits by: Teh Jai’lyn

Videography:Nyjell Moses

Creative Direction: Nyjell Moses and Teh Jai’lyn

Writer: Teh Jai’lyn

Makeup: Teh Jai’lyn

Actors/Models

Fairies:

Demi Bennett as Zinnia

Destiny Willingham as Poppi

Heaven Boudy as Violet

Sisters:

Lorrin Dabon as Zoe

Kacey Houston as Chloe

A very special thank you to everyone who took time out to support us with participating in this short film project! We can’t wait for our supporters to see the finished product of the film and hope you all enjoy it!

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Divine Womyn Interview Series with Janae Hurst

The all around creative, Janae Hurst chats with us about current career moves and being adventurous when it comes down to her life and chic style. A galore of photos and more below!

Teh Jai’Lyn:

Describe your craft, your artistry?

Janae Hurst:

I am a photographer and hopefully soon to be fashion Icon in the city or something like that laughs. Teh Jai’Lyn:

Lets get into this bag! (Bag placed on top right of top and middle photo), Your two pieces won for Canal Place fashion award show can you describe the process of it all?

Janae Hurst:

Y’all wont believe this I caught fabric store five minutes before closing on Tuesday and the show case was on later on that week. I interned with Canal Place and in the beginning of the internship we had to pick out of a bowl of different decades, ironically I got the 2000’s. So I decided to base my look off of Katrina,it was almost a given because I was kinda blowed that I got the 2000’s like what else would I base it off? It had to best represent for New Orleans.

Yeah honestly it took more time curating ideas than piecing the look together for me. Curating the ideas and making the description that was my favorite part and it took the longest. Curating the idea took about three months and creating the look took about less than four days. I worked with a designer named Paige her brand is L’Jai Amor and I also worked with an Indian beader (Uncle Zack) he’s from the 7th Ward. Yeah it was crazy how it all came together, Paige and I did a fashion show once before and she called me back to direct a fashion show, which was three weeks before the showcase. My weeks were so jammed pack laughs so I really didn’t have time to focus on Canal Place.

That following Monday I had just started my job at Monty’s and I kept thinking to myself if I don’t get a bag or start on a bag by today…I can x that out. This is Monday the showcase is Friday, soon as I got off work I shot to H&M found a bag THANK GOD and I bought it to Uncle Zack Tuesday and he didn’t start beading until Wednesday. I told Paige about everything and I ended up making it to Jefferson Variety five minutes before closing, I knew exactly what I wanted and I purchased the fabric.

Teh Jai’lyn:

How did you feel once you were awarded?

Janae Hurst:

We were supposed to be there at 5 the program started at 6, I got there at 6:02. I got there late so I’m running off a lot of adrenaline my bag was still getting beaded at 5:30. Everyone that passed me said “Janae come on” but I had seen all my peers stuff and I knew that mine miraculously looked good together. I didn’t expect that at all, to be honest I was just honored to be in the internship I thought it was a blessing. I go to Canal Place all the time and not necessarily to shop but as a kid we would pass through Canal Place, you know window shopping. So you know to be apart of a program and then to win, and win twice it was super cool. It was a blessing.

Teh Jai’lyn: As far as you creating your own brand, having a degree in marketing, making a name for yourself do you want to recreate yourself in a sense thats different from everyone else?

Janae Hurst: I think recreating yourself is Important and necessary, not all the time but every few years sometimes you have to recreate yourself and your brand to continue to have your audience engaged to you and what you’re doing.

Teh Jai’lyn:

What does feminism mean to you?

Janae Hurst:

It means being God Like because if God was any Gender he would be a woman, not a man. Feminism is being gentle when we don’t want to, loving when we don’t want to, you know when it’s hard….its somethings you can’t help as a woman that we try to sometimes avoid but its really beautiful elements and aspects that makes us who we are. Feminism is being a proud woman.

Nyjell Moses:

As far as womyn creatives or any woman in any industry that allows them to express themselves… do you feel like their is going to be a major shift in how women are viewed and are portrayed?

Janae Hurst:

Most definitely theirs going to be a shift, well the shift is happening, umm the shift is full blown right now and its scary to some people. Its scaring people. We in America are pretty blessed to express feminism in the broadest of ways because in other countries they can’t. Its coming and when it does happen worldwide its going to cause so much cautious and things because were in a world thats patriotic and it shouldn’t be and at one point it wasn’t you gotta do your research, but its happening again and it will make the world a better place because women should be in charged for sure laughs.

Nyjell Moses: What is your creative process and how are you able to experiment with everything that you do, being versatile?

Janae Hurst:

My creative process i think it begins like everyone else’s, which is an idea. Umm, I like to explore a lot and you’ll probably see that on my stories and stuff even on and off the camera like I’m always exploring my life is super fun. Sometimes I have so much more fun off the camera I really need to buy a GoPro, its so ridiculous. Just being adventurous and always being open minded to things that inspire you laughs.

Teh Jai’lyn:

How would you describe your personal style and how you show it in your work?

Janae Hurst:

I just wrote down three adjectives for my personal style, minimal, classic and statement making. It’s hard because, with my style or even with my style with shooting or even just putting things out there, believe it or not I’m very reserved sometimes with my work or even just what I do and go sometimes you’ll even see me disappear from social media.

I believe its super important to be timeless. I know my style and my style has a great deal combining where I’m from and the current audience that I have is timelessness. I know where I’m from has a lot to do with my style, so its like a huge impact even with just being a little flavorful. We from New Orleans, its just in us we can’t help it and flavor is always timeless. Just Catering to the audience, I have a degree in marketing so sometimes you understand the metrics peoples understanding and how things work.

Janae Hurst:

Umm…. I don’t really know how to answer that, People gravitate towards me people really do I’m not going to lie I am more reserved than some people think.

Teh Jai’lyn:

Do you feel as though when people post on social media do they grasps for opinions or attention as far as our generation do you think that they go to social media to gain reassurance from others?

Janae Hurst:

Both. Reassurance and they go for attention, and thats all of us like I would not front, and that is why people continuously use social media to gain followers because when you see a little red dot or whatever comes up you get INSTANT gratification and it feels good you know so, people definitely use social media for attention and some more than others and as we know and things like that.

Teh Jai’lyn:

Do you believe that the industry bites off of our cities culture? And do you think as a city full of art and unique culture we don’t get the recognition we deserve that we’ve put into Pop Culture?

Janae Hurst:

Yeaaaahhh, the industry does. Ugh its makes me cringe even when hearing Chance over a bounce beat like you know what I’m saying, things like that. We definitely influence people Golds and it don’t be no grills this sht*s permanent like that sh*t makes the culture go into flames its really fire. The impact that we can have on people and we don’t realize the sh*t, we really don’t, well some people really don’t.

Nyjell Moses:

What womyn inspire you and why?

Janae Hurst:

Women who inspire me 2X…. My aunt, auntie Ta “Sunshine”, she’s probably the reason I’m a little more girly than I was. I grew up with a lot of guys so thats kind of hard to break through, she use to give me her old polish, makeup and hand downs and you know I learned how to do all those things like that. Ashley Longshore, she’s a artists here in New Orleans and she has a gallery here on magazine st. CRAZY style like crazy anytime I ever seen Gucci platforms she’s the first person I think of because she was the first person I saw with Gucci platforms on. I love Lady Gaga laughs. Lady Gaga is like y’all, R.E.B.E.L. like US R.E.B.E.L.’S. Well she’s always been herself and never gave a sh*t and never will and I hope she never don’t.

Teh Jai’lyn:

What is your favorite thing about being a woman?

Janae Hurst:

Ouu I feel like I think about this often, my favorite thing about being a woman especially about being a black woman is just the sassiness. Having the world as your runway I think thats so much fun. Another favorite thing about being a woman I feel like beauty is so unlimited. Everyone theres something thats added on my monthly things to do but I LOVE IT. Beauty is truly unlimited being a woman it continues to add on.

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Divine Womyn Interview Series with Catherine Romero

The perfectionist, Catherine Romero Event Planner and Decorator chats with us about building her event planning business, her life inside of the corporate world and overall being a bossy chick!

Teh Jai’lyn:

Is there any advice that you would give your younger self?

Catherine Romero :

I would’ve, I would’ve told myself have patience. Because when I graduated high school I had a full scholarship to go to North Eastern University in Boston, my major at the time was chemical engineering. When I was out there I hated it, it was a dark period in my life where I didn’t know where I was going I hated Boston, I’ll visit but I was home sick everyday. I’d call my mom and cry to her. Then I went into psychology, I love crime scenes the studying of the mind, I just loved psychology, I love reading peoples minds and I was like oh this is still not for me. So you know when I was younger I should've sat down and think about well what is it that you really love? Patiently thinking instead of having expectations.

Teh Jai’lyn: How do you define our status as womyn in any industry, do you feel like its improving or its more improvement? also where do you see our status in the next 5 to 10 years?

Catherine: I think we are improving, we still have to have that old person stigma that we need to fight and it stems back to racism and stereotypes that women are only suppose to cater to their husbands & be house wives I think honestly its going to take some time for men to understand that womyn are meant to make a statement, its going to take some time. But I think people are finally understanding the capabilities that we have. Yes we are emotional people, but we come from a good place and any woman with common sense knows how to make decisions not based off our their emotions and I think thats the stigma that a lot of people put on womyn. Were in the right direction.

Teh Jai’lyn:

How do you define yourself and what is your favorite part of being a woman?

Catherine Romero:

I think my favorite part of myself is my mindset,because if I don’t think clearly my life wouldn’t be clear. I’m a very observant person, people tell me this all the time I can read them like a book. I like the fact I make people feel comfortable, if i’m getting to know you I wouldn’t want you to have your guard up.

Teh Jai’lyn:

How do you define a feminist and do you believe at any point that the feminist culture supports more of white women and not minority women and do you think we’ve came a long way?

Catherine Romero:

I think so, when it comes to feminist you have your extremist and you have your more subtle people. Me personally in the community of women of color we have a long way to go but were taking baby steps in the right direction. I think with feminism we have black women that have conquered a lot more than we think and its important that we as black women do that research to know the right information when it comes to the women that have helped us get to this point.

Teh Jai’lyn

As far as being your own boss lady, who as a woman in New Orleans that you want to establish relationships with or that you inspired by?

Catherine Romero:

There is this very well known event planner DKay Designs thats one of the people I was like Oh My God, I’ve actually been to one of her events that she planned and it was beautiful and thats one of the women I feel that should have some seminar that are having event planning or trying to pursue that career. Like you said New Orleans is a party city their going to need an event planner and she is one of those women that I highly respect, her events are flawless. She is one woman that I would love to have a conversation with.

Teh Jai’lyn:

How do you balance being in the corporate world aside of being a business woman and your personal life outside of your career(s) without being overwhelmed?

Catherine Romero:

They all go both hand and hand, with my corporate job you have to pay attention to great detail, you have to learn time management. I learned that I wanted to do this the discipline, encounters and training I experienced over the years at this job I can bring it into my business. So when that came into mind I said okay this is your business your going to have to present yourself the best way that you can and If it has C. Romero Events on it, its going to be 100% no matter what. You have to find that balance in between your work.

Teh Jai’lyn:

In the corporate world do you sometimes feel as though you receive the short end of the stick because you are a woman and do you feel that you sacrifice a lot from your personal life?

Catherine Romero:

As a woman, I’ve been blessed enough with my career in the corporate world because at the position that i’m in I worked hard for it. And, Luckily with the permission of God everything became possible and I knew that when I started working in this world that I had a time frame for everything I wanted to do. With his help and support from family and friends I was able to accomplish within the time frame I was setting those goals for. Luckily I have a great support system through knowing that Catherine is booked up this weekend, we’ll see if she needs anything I have those type of people in my life that I’m very grateful of. As a woman and a woman of color, I am of hispanic descent t you do get that query eye of a white persons corporate world but at the same token you do find yourself and say you know what I am here to make a statement. And as a woman I feel like every time a woman has a touch to it it is better.Yes I do feel like I sacrifice my personal life at times and i’m at stage where i’m 26…..am I going to have kids

Teh Jai’lyn:

With your business how do you want to shift the event planning business and what challenges and norms do you want to break?

Catherine Romero:

I want people to be aware of how much work it actually takes to plan an event. I’m very grateful that people send me inquiries but to be honest you cannot plan an event in a week or two. I like to stick to what I know, you have your team and I feel weird betraying or going to someone else last minute because they aren’t available and at I don’t think anyone in this industry wants to showcase a half ass job. I want people to get away from this stigma that a $500 budget can not be done. Its not realistic. I’m not doing an event in a week or two weeks, if i’m not having fun doing this its time for me to pack my bags thank everyone for their business and go.

Teh Jai’lyn:

What advice do you give to young girls and women to follow their dreams and going against the grain?

Never stop. You want to perfect your craft the best way you want to do it and its going to be long nights and early mornings. Never worry about what other people are going to say. Once you start worrying about what others say your not living your life. Anything that your passionate about and love doing, do it you don’t have to worry about the approval of nobody. At the end of the day when push comes to shove and you die, its going to be yourself. And I rather be that person to say hey I lived my life to the fullest, how I wanted it to be. When you find that thing that you love be patient, research your market and don’t let anybody get in the way of that.

[rebellocal]

Loves Muse

This photo collective is inspired by the great artist Prince and one of his gorgeous muse’s Vanity 6’s very own Denise Matthews. Take a look at how model Devin Alysse lets her hair down for a very sensual and glitz photo shoot.

“Can you, my darling, can you picture this?”

—Prince and The Revolution

"Animals strike curious poses, they feel the heat

The heat between me and you."

—Prince and The Revolution

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Makeup to Breakup?

Every girl experiences heart break well here is model Se’Kira Ardis bitter sweet take on breakup’s and the infamous makeup trial and error. These photos are retro inspired with a spin take on romantic comedy and cult classics.

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A Polaroid Collection: A Fall Collaboration with R.E.B.E.L. X DIME

The bonds of Brothers and Sisters in the heart of NOLA.

“Brotherhood is a two-way street.”

-Malcolm X

MODELS: ISAIAH MOSES & EASY J.

Models: Charles Turner & Jade Logan

“Siblings-the definition that

comprises love, strife,

competition and forever friends.”

- Byron Pulsifer

Models : Senedra Gibson, Samad Washington and Se’Kira Ardis

“Brother and sister, together as friends, ready to face whatever life sends. Joy and laughter or tears and strife, holding hands tightly as we dance through life.” - Suzie Huitt

CAPTURED & EDITED BY: DIAMON HURST

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Summer Déjà vu

Peaceful Waters 

  Rainy Days on The Bayou

Chief's Princess

Summer Soft

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Passion's Persona's

STYLISH. SEXY. SASSY. 

  THE "IT" GAL!

A BIT OF ROUGE TO SET THE MOOD

Photography & Edits created by: Creator of R.E.B.E.L. Teh Jai'lyn & Creative Director Nyjell Moses

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Swim Good

Make it worth her wild.

  Ready to take a dip?

Photgrapher and Editer:Teh Jai'lyn 

Creative Director: Nyjell Moses

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Marley's R.E.B.E.L. Tune's

A DEDICATION TO THE RASTA HIMSELF

BOB MARLEY.

  Watch Marley's electric performance with his amazing band The Wailers of "Could You Be Loved"

 Marley's & The Wailers Rebel Music album was released in 1986. This album showed fans all over the world to the genre Roots Reggae. With songs like "So Much Trouble in The World", "Get Up Stand Up (live)" and more Marley and The Wailers artistry became very influential. 

  Press play and watch Marley speak about his life early on, getting into the music industry, Love, becoming a Rasta, his country and love ones with Gil Noble. 

MARLEY'S R.E.B.E.L. Tune's

Model: OJi 

Photographer: Teh Jai'lyn

Creative Director: Nyjell Moses

 marley embraced.

Oji truly embodied Marley's looks and free spirited attitude in every way. He let us capture movement and letting his cool attitude peak.

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Heaven's Grace.

The Original Bad Gal. Ms. Grace Jones.

  Watch Grace's fierce performance of "Libertango/ Pull Up to the Bumper

Grace's Portfolio album cover was captured by Antonio Lopez and released in September of 1977. Jones bold and bad attitude struck us all on the big screens in films like Boomerang, fashion magazines like The Interview and even with her musical performances. The Jamaican bad gal remains to inspire today's fashion trends and women pop stars without even being on the scene.

Take a look at the 2017 Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bambi documentary trailer directed by Sophie Fiennes. 

Heaven's Grace.

Photographer: Teh Jai'lyn

Creative Director: Nyjell Moses

YOUNG, HOT & FIERCE!

Heaven strutted and posed her way through this entire photoshoot, letting us recreate a flamboyant album cover and pay homage to the fabulous Grace Jones.

  Model: Heaven Boudy

Via IG: flowawitpowa

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Can Ryan be your Perfect Angel?

The Amazing Ms. Minnie!

Watch Minnie's captivating performance of "Loving You"

Minnie Riperton's Perfect Angel album cover was captured by photographer Barry Feinstein and released in 1974. With hits like Memory Lane, Inside My Love and many more. Riperton's angelic like voice created many hits, a true Icon. 

Minnie's Perfect Angel

Summer Sweet!

Ryan offered to take a step back from behind the len's and let the creatives here at R.E.B.E.L. recreate a legendary yet simple album cover. 

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The Royal Chaos Couture Show: Collection Designers L'Jai Amor & Mariah V.

 #ChaoticCouture that is!

With gorgeous pieces created by L'Jai and Mariah to a live gown auction and then a relaxed scene with cocktails and networking! With photos and a mini clip of the show's closing pieces see it all below!

  Flourish In White.

Everything that glitter's is....GOLD!

Black, Bold & Beautiful.

Shimmer and Slay.

#SlayTheRunway

The Gown Auction

Photo & Short Clip credits to : Teh Jai'lyn 

A beautiful harpist performance before the Couture Show began

Clip Via. : https://www.instagram.com/p/BezM4Zonvku/?hl=en&taken-by=ljaiamor

  Our top two fav. looks of the night, which looks were your fav.'s?

Take a look a more cool details and R.E.B.E.L. posts below by clicking our social media push buttons!

 Designer's and brand social media(s) and online shop(s)

http://www.mariahv.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dnelson2/

https://www.instagram.com/ljaiamor/?hl=en

https://www.ljaiamor.com/