Obama travels Through Ghana

Obama in Ghana!

Obama visited Ghana today, the first African country he travels to as President. He spoke to the Ghanaian Parliament and the world, about his Global vision that includes African participation and progress.

Ghana was the first country in Africa to win back its independence from overt colonial control and is one of the most socio-economically stable countries on the continent. Ghana continuously tops the list of African countries that are reducing poverty and improving quality of life through economic growth and a commitment to democracy, a trend that is growing across Africa. To read more about why Obama chose Ghana as his first visit, Check out ONE, a grassroots campaign and advocacy organizaion that's committed to fighting against extreme poverty and preventable disease. Watch OBAMA'S speech!

CHECK OUT THE KENTE BEHIND OBAMA, fab!

Ciaafrique Interviews Hemma

We were recently interviewed about Hemma by Ciaafrique. It was great working with Ciaa and to be featured on such an innovative and cool blog. This blog is special because it highlights fabulous fashions that are inspired in some way by the African continent. Ciaa keeps us up to date with the beauty and style from another part of the world!

Girlfriend Beauty Bag in NYC 6.13.09

On Saturday, Hemma's college associate Loren, and I attended the 2nd annual Girlfriend Beauty Bag in NY

C hosted by Bettina Lee.

This was a wonderful and informative beauty event where expert panelists answered hair, skin and make-up questions for women of all shades! That type of info can be hard to come by and I was so excited to hear about all the great tips that would be just right for me! Guests had everything from makeovers, mini manicures, cocktails, product sampling, massages and acupuncture...What more could a girl ask for.

On top of all of these great treats, I had the pleasure of meeting Antonique Smith, Actress who played Faith in the critically acclaimed film NOTORIUS. She was so sweet and a great woman!

This event was also sponsored by Girlfriends Get-Together created by Bettina. GGT is an inclusive social networking organization for women. It provides structured and supportive opportunities for upwardly mobile, business savvy girlfriends from various ethnicities and professions to empower themselves and learn methods to achieve their life’s goals.

When I found out about this, I immediately wanted to be a part of it because I saw the real need for it. There exists so many men's clubs and groups but not enough circles for women to empower themselves and each other. This is a great org because the women that attend these events are genuinely caring and ambitious so its a great place to find business partners as well as friends!

Bettina, like so many of us modern women, has a ton of great things going on simultaneously like the company she founded, Tinalee Media & Events, Inc. This is a hands-on social media and lifestyle event marketing firm. Focusing on the areas of beauty/wellness, empowerment, entertainment and women’s issues, they understand that successful public relations and events demand a wide-range of responsibilities and talents, boundless energy, quick thinking and even the occasional hand-holding.

Also, check out Guts.Glam.Grace, a great site Bettina set up with great uptodate tips on fashion, health, finance and life in general for the busy, beautiful, 21st century woman.

Now I'm off to put on one of the FAB deep conditioners that I got in my goodie bag! Thanks Bettina!

Hella Dope Kente Sneakers...The time for Kente has arrived!

Adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott - Nizza 2 Hi - Fall / Winter 2009

Jeremy Scott has done it again...always edgy, sexy and innovative. He's designed 2 great multiculturally inspired sneakers as part of the Adidas Originals Nizza 2 Hi collection. While one sports a unique Kenta Cloth design across the upper, the other features a world map design, which also complements his African influenced dress collection, Tut TV. They both feature a solid canvas construction, and are sure to sell out as soon as they are released as part of the Fall / Winter 2009 collection.

Let us know what you think?

Drama Desk Awards

We at Hemma admire and support all forms of creativity including drama & theater. We were lucky enough to attend the 54th Annual Drama Desk awards! The awards gala was established in 1949 where critics and journalists writing on theater, give annual awards honoring outstanding work in theater. These awards are unique in that Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway compete in the same categories. The Drama Desk continues to be dedicated to furthering excellence in the theater.

Billy Elliot The Musical Wins 10 Drama Desk Awards to head the list of 2008/ 2009 Drama Desk winners!

If you know any actors, you probably are already well aware that they are a special group of people in their own right. Having so many stars under one roof was incredibly entertaining, whether it was the impromptu breaks into song and dance or the heartfelt insight into the ups and the downs in the life of an actor.

We had the opportunity of meeting some of the celebs including Geoffrey Rush, a prolific actor on and off the big screen in such pieces such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Munich, Elizabeth and much more. Present were such stars as Andre De Sheilds, Jane Fonda, Condola Rashad (a wonderful actress in her own right, daughter of Phylicia Rashad), John Lithgow, Liza Minnelli, and the always fabulous Carson Kressley, to name a few!

BK Fashion Week(end)

After attending the BK Fashion Week(end) Saturday and Sunday show, I couldn't help but notice the common trend that has been hitting the pages of Vogue and Elle: colorful vibrant hues and designs that have strong traditional cultural references. Countless designers are drawing inspiration from Asian and African culture in their collections this season.

The House of Osun displayed this trend during the show featuring hand painted designs inspired by the Yoruba deity of all that is beautiful, sensual, and womanly.

We had a great time viewing other designer's take on fashion inspired by a culture's traditions. Our collection embraces the rich royal tradition of Ghana.

Kente cloth has a long history in Ghana dating back centuries ago to Chief Oti Akenten's reign. At that time, the caravan trade routes of the Sahara were flourishing with the exchange of goods that included dyed silks from the East. The fabric made such an impression on Chief Akenten that he moved to develop the Kente band weaving system. Currently, the technique is extremely specialized and there are countless designs weaved into the cloth with diverging meanings.

Documentaries: An exciting path to knowledge

Documentaries are a great source of knowledge. 2 of my favorite sites to watch them are Moviesfoundonline.com and watch-movies-link-net.com

Two documentaries on Hemma's top watch list are: The Secret & What The Bleep Do We Know!?

Both speak to the amazing idea that we humans have the power to create our own reality and that thought has the power to bring things into existence. They discuss the universe's laws of attraction and assert that due to your thinking you attract both the positive and negative into your life. What's more fascinating is that they both use neurological evidence and Quantum physics to prove their arguments. I would recommend both documentaries to anyone who wants to take charge of their lives and is courageous enough to be successful!

Check them out and leave your comments. Know any other good documentaries? Let us know...

African inspiration on 2009 Fashion

TIME magazine recently printed an 'Out of Africa' spread. The Beauty and Quality that comes from the continent has never been realized or appreciated as much as it is today. Designers in this spread include but not limited to LV, Dior, Lim, Choo, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Vivienne Westwood, Alexis Bittar. Hemma is in good company and as more designers are inspired by Africa, we are collectively creating intricate, luxe and timeless pieces that will stand the test of time.

Kudos to Arlenis Sosa Pena who is stunning as usual in this spread, breaking molds and blazing her own trail as one of the first and already hugely successful international Dominican super models. It's time for all of us to break the mold!

What do you think about these different looks?

Hemma Supporting Economic Growth!

This economic downturn that the world is currently experiencing is on everyone's mind, as it should be. We should all strive to be a bit more socially conscious and aware of the economic and governmental decisions that are being made for us. Have an opinion, take a stand, act...that means different things for different people. Companies are no different than individuals. Hemma is doing its part to create economic growth around the world during this recession.

- Hemma supports Bonwire, the Kente village where Hemma was born, by exclusively purchasing its raw materials from the weavers and vendors that make their livelihood solely form Kente.

- Hemma provides loyal business to a small group of tailors in Ghana that work exclusively producing our one-of-a-kind garments.

- Hemma's abroad logistics are handled by its full-time Operations Manager in Ghana who is incredibly dedicated to its success. We are devoted to providing fair wages and fair treatment for all of our staff in order to build a symbiotic work environment where everyone benefits!

- Hemma donates a portion of its profits to La Yahoushua, the middle school where both Cindy and I taught classes.

- In the US, small business is the backbone of the nation, and Hemma is proud to be a part of stimulating economic growth and the enlivening of the entrepreneurial spirit, even in times of hardship. Our local staff in NY allow this cross-continental endeavor to be possible.

Hemma is doing its part to bring not only the nation but the world back to its feet by persevering through the tough times and remaining optimistic about the future. In this highly globalized and technological climate, we are all interconnected. Hemma bridges the gap between 2 continents and looks forward to soon being connected to the entire globe.

Are you or your company finding ways to stimulate economic growth? Let us know how...

Thank Goodness It's Wednesday

On the elevator into work today a women commented to her work buddie: "Thank goodness it's Wednesday, half of the week is almost over." Before that moment, I was semi-oblivious to what day it was, and certainly didn't compare it to its proximity to the weekend. Then I began thinking: do I really want to be in my late thirties waiting for the days to pass me by for two days of relief only to start it all over again? No!

Edna and I are optimistic about Hemma's success, so optimistic that we both deferred Columbia University, her science studies and my acceptance to Columbia Law, in order to fully devote our time to the launch. I am not too sure if I will solely practice law in the future, but I definitely don't want to be in a position in which I am counting down the days of my life. I am pretty sure that is an end everyone wants to reach, how will you?

Shecky's Girl's Night Out

Shecky's Girl's Night Out is an event that doesn't dissapoint. Cindy and I went to this event in hopes of networking and seeing how other designers interact with customers. Events like these are great if you are an emerging brand because it's a great place to get your feet wet. There was everything from jewelry, clothing, to hair products. Attending industry events like this really helps to get the creative juices flowing and its a source of support to see so many people following their artistic dreams.

Ghana Flashback - The Beaches

There are so many reasons why one must love Ghana, the beautiful beaches has to be top on the list. Edna and I loved visiting them, Bojo Beach is one of our favorites.

There is never a crowd at these beach since it belongs to a private resort.

The boat ride that you have to take travel there adds to its charm.

The local LaBodi Beach is great on Wednesday evenings when live reggae music is played. This is where Edna and I saw a giant turtle lay its eggs within the sand. It was like a live taping of a National Geographic show!

FIT v. Parsons - The Battle of Fashion Studies

Took a visit to Parsons Admissions today and spoke with a counselor to narrow down this FIT v. Parsons war I had on my mind for a while.

I told her my interests: intensive summer study for two sessions for the following skills in order of importance:

Sewing Pattern Making Drawing/Sketching Furthering my knowledge of textiles

Here's what I learned: She told me that there are two programs: the Summer Intensive or the AAS Certificate Program. The Summer Intensive is more conceptual with courses touching on Fashion Concepts and Sketching, not focusing on anything else on my list. The AAS Certificate program has a course that does Sewing, Pattern Making, but it is one course that touches on both, not an intensive study to learn and fine tune skills. I told her about Hemma, and my completion of NYU and that I just needed professional skills. Then said she honestly told me FIT is a better fit for my needs. The Parsons programs offered for the summer are more conceptual and combine the areas that I am interested in, they are not as straight to the point.

Now a trip to FIT is needed to confirm my choice, I'll tell you all about it soon!

Hemma's Must Reads

Not to be confused with the infamous Oprah's bookclub, this is the first edition of Hemma's Must Reads. After four years of undergraduate studies at NYU plus time spent reading leisurely, Edna and I have racked up a large set of favorite books. The subjects will be diverse, from philosophy, sociology, fashion, history, to mystery. Here's the book of fashion books: The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: Start and Run Your Own Fashion Business by Mary Gehlhar. I can't begin to express how great this book is about explaining the ins and out of the fashion industry for young designers. The topics discussed includes strategies for production, developing brand awareness, and sales. What I love the most about this book is how specific it gets: Gehlhar lists opportunities a designer can take to break into the industry, factories that openly accept new accounts, and places where you can find a great patternmaker. She also did extensive research with luxury designers, allowing the readers to learn from the best. With a forward by Diane von Furstenburg and a great review by Zac Posen, how can this book not be amazing?

AHM Fashion Show - Behind the Scenes

Out and About in Hemma - Model Citizens Event

Edna, Annlouise and I dropped by the Model Citizens Launch Event. It was a fashion industry networking event that featured a fashion show and a dance performance.

We gained a slew contacts for future fashion shoots. We met a variety of people from photographers, models, stylists, make-up artists, and the organizer Eden.

There will be monthly Model Citizens Events taking place at Element, and the best part: they all benefit the educational system in New Orleans that has been weakened ever since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

NYU Alums Bring African Fashion To US | NYU Local

Check Out the Very First Article about Hemma by NYU Local!

Preparing for the Shoot

Preparing for the shoot was of course fun, we but it was nerve racking as well. The photos will be used on all of our promotional materials, so it will determine the first impression people get for our brand.

We learned a great deal about how to prepare for a photoshoot and the next one should be easier to prepare for. Here are some tips on photoshoot/film projects:

1) Props 4 Today - Best prop shop that we came by, they had everything we needed. The best part, 50% discount with a student id!!

2) Research - What better way to turn a shoot/film project into a successful one. We got great ideas from magazines and checking out the set-up at high-end stores in SoHo.

3) Model Mayhem - Great resource for finding photographers, make-up artists, and models for your project. Our amazing photographer, Lisa Ramsay, is listed on there as well.

4) Ask a friend - If you are like me, you sometimes forget what amazing resources the people around you can be. I found our photographer by asking my old NYU professor, we found the prop shop through our co-owners, our make-up artists were friends of ours that studied make-up artistry, and I was so grateful that my close friend offered to help during the shoot.

Backstage Pass - Hemma

Tips for a Successful Photo Shoot:

• Rehearsal, Rehearsal, Rehearsal: Have a full run through a few days before the shoot so that you can physically see what needs to be done, changed or added.
• Try to build a positive relationship with your photographer, models, and studio staff before the shoot, things will go much more smoothly with everyone's cooperation. Definitely meet with everyone before the shoot.
• Have the photographer check out the studio before hand, since they are the experts many times they may have objections or suggestions to a studio and its equipment.
• Make sure the studio has the right lighting for your purposes.
• When it comes to props, clothing rentals, shoe rentals, backgrounds etc, remember KISS
• Choose accessories for each of the looks before hand and separate each into distinct packages so they are ready to be put on when needed.
• On the day of, the designers and staff should get make-up and anything else done first and as early as possible, before the models come in. After that there will be very little time for anything but running around.
• Stay in constant communication with your photographer so that he/she maintains your vision.
• Give your models supportive feedback through out the shoot, it's no surprise that they performe better after this positive reinforcement.
• Have interns, friends or family help. There is always so much to do.
• Have photos for your make-up artists and hairstylists of the look you are going for so that you ensure that they maintain your vision.
• Have quiet music in the background to set a relaxing atmosphere.
• Have Food Finally be sure to maintain positivity and smile...Its going to be a long day but will I assure you fly by.

The Fittings

During the whole process of preparing for the shoot, we assumed finding models would be the easiest part. We handled other priorities like studios, photographer, and the looks first. How hard could it be to find models anyway?

It was definitely harder than we imagined. We first tried calling a list of the agencies and some of their rates were way over our budget. We found a couple of agencies to go with and when we finally settled with one, the models that showed up looked nothing life their portfolios!

So we moved to another tactic, searching on the internet. Model Mayhem was the best, you get to see the portfolios of models from all of the agencies and set up a casting with them directly. Our first two fittings went great, and I can't imagine doing it any other way.

College Associates Make the World Go 'Round

Maureen Brito has been interning with Hemma throughout Winter break and the Spring semester 09. She has been a huge help and Hemma couldn't have done everything without her! She helped us prep for Hemma's first photo shoot as she already had experience working in the fashion field. The 3 of us chose the props, models, accessories, shoes and the dozens of other things that go into a shoot! Having an intern work for your company is vital to the growth of any new business. It's an added hand, mind and opinion; seeing as how the owners of a business will probably be a bit bias, an intern gives the company a fresh, outside perspective. It is a team effort to build Hemma up into the high-end, luxury brand that it deserves to be and we are getting closer with each day! Interns for Hemma learn what Cindy and I learn beause they get a first hand look into everything we do and plan. It is a very interactive and cooperative experience, not like the usual paper pushing internships. The more Hemma rises, the more we all do. A few ways we went about finding interns:

1. Posted a listing on Craigslist
2. Posted a listing on several fashion school websites. You can register as an employer and post ur offer on the institution's career center website.
3. Ask within your network. We were lucky enough to snatch Maureen up from my friend Adonis, who's in the film industry as a rising star due to his amazing talent in film making and directing. He knew her and set up a meeting for us. The rest is Hemma history.

Holidays with Hemma

On December 22nd, Edna , my sister, and I dropped by Star Lounge located under the Chelsea Hotel. Taffi, a friend of ours invited us to her holiday party before she left the country, we had a ball. Its a nice low-key spot with good music, DJ Mary Mac was great.

Out and About in Hemma

Don' t you love the holidays? Of course there's the recession.. but there's also family, friends, & the parties where you get to meet new people. Here are some pictures of Edna, myself, and my sister at the annual Boies, Schiller, & Flexner holiday party. Check back for more out and about pics!

Why is Kente such High Quality...

History: Kente is a fabric that was created over 500 years ago as a cause of the Saharan trade routes of North Africa. Chief Akenten of Ghana traded for beautiful textiles from the East and then Kente was birthed out of the need for an African textile worthy of royalty.

How is it made: Kente is now made from cotton spools that are naturally dyed in an endless array of colors. Colors of thread are chosen by the Kente weaver and woven on a wooden loom, as was done hundreds of years ago.

What is special about these Kente technicians is that they inherit the right, as only a particular group of families in Ghana are allowed to learn this sacred skill. Watch a video of Hemma's Kente weaver doing his thing!

Each color has a specific meaning and each pattern has its own symbolism. The combination of colors and patterns tell a story. Kente, like no other fabric is rich with meaning.

6 yards of Kente takes 2-3 months to weave and the intricate patterns are all weaved by eye, which is unbelievable because there are all sorts of lines, shapes and figures that are perfectly formed without any measuring tools. To give you a sense of the time it takes to make Kente, 3 yards is approximately the amount of Kente used in 1 full suit of size 0. For all of these reasons, each Hemma garment is unique in color, pattern and there will never be 2 identical pieces. Each piece is original and of the highest quality. Only the best was made for African royalty. Kente is not only the highest quality fabric in Africa but surpasses most around the world.

Now you too can feel like greatness wearing Hemma!

Beauty Tip Tuesday

Thanks for checking in for Beauty Tip Tuesday. Today's tip is all about those pimples/zits that pop up at the most random time. Rapid Clear by Neutrogena is a product that I have shared with my friends and they all have raved about it. Put it on the area after doing your normal face routine and in two days it will be gone. If you have an important event (the ideal time for an annoying bump to pop up) I would just put it on top of the area sporadically during the day between normal face washes. It really does work!

The Fashion District

Edna and I have checked out the pricing in many stores in the fashion district for zippers, steamers, garment racks, everything. One place rarely disappoints us and provides lower prices. Panda International Trading Inc. almost always have the goods for less. Here are pics of Edna and I making our first purchase with our Hemma Business Cards there. Panda is located at 247 W 38th St.

Thanks for Your Support!

Thanks to everyone that supported us and made it to the fashion show! We really appreciated the response we received from everyone. Check back for all of the photos and videos from the show. For everyone that could not make it, check back for details on upcoming shows and events. We are now planning a photoshoot for the line. If you model or know someone that models, send their information our way!

Shoot us an email at kouture@hemmafashions.com

Every Company Needs Investment

I think that money or the lack there of makes most people apprehensive about starting their own business. However, there are dozens of ways to get around this problem. Though its not so easy to get someone to give you large sums of money, it's more possible than people think, myself included. Cindy and I were lucky enough to find a couple who believed in our idea and in Hemma's potential and chose to invest in our company! Best of all, they not only invested monetarily but are investing time, resources, ideas etc. This brings me to a very important point, Once you do have investors or know potential investors, you should ask your self :

• Do I get along with them as people? (You will most likely be spending large amounts of time sharing and communicating with them)

• Do they share my motivation and drive to make the business a success?

• What are you looking for in an investor?

• What do they want out of the deal?

• Do you trust them?

Its very important to find a good fit between you and your investor because hopefully they will be someone who shares more than just money with you (ie: information, knowledge, experience). Cindy and I thought about these questions and what was important to us, before we even found investors so that when we did, we were prepared! Prepare for opportunities, so that when they appear, your ready! Its more than just being at the right place at the right time. What we did when searching for investors:

1. INTERNET RESEARCH: We searched for grants in all fields we thought would apply. Who would give you money? Be very inclusive and search broadly at first not only specific to your industry but specific to who you are (ie: student, woman, person of color; were just a few of the criteria we looked into).
2. YOUR FAMILY: The closest people to you, who would probably be very supportive of you doing such a courageous thing like starting your own business. Ask them for money: parents, granny's, aunts, uncles.
3. USE YOUR NETWORK: Whether you are a student, employee, parent etc, use yoru network of people. They may be potential investors themselves or more likely than that is that they will know someone who would be interested in investing. Tell as many people you can about your business! You have to basically become your company, its biggest fan and cheerleader. The more people you tell, the more people will hear about your company and possibly want to contribute. That is pretty much how we met our investors.
4. READ as much as you can about business related issues, including tips on effective ways to get investment for your specific industry. One publication I would recommend is Inc. Magazine, read the magazine or articles online, its great for the new business owner! I also recommend SBA another organization that helps small businesses with a wide range of services from loans to counseling.
5. YOURSELF: Cindy and I invested our own capital at Hemma's inception and we did so willingly because we both really believed that we would see a return. We had both just graduated college when we decided to start Hemma, so we were not at all financially established, but that goes to show that you do not necessarily need large sums at the inception of your company.
6. HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN:

• Learn how to write a business plan by internet/book research and by looking at templates online or from friends
• Be very detailed when writing
• It's OK to not have all the answers about your business at the very beginning of writing your plan, the more you research, the clearer they may become
• Make the cover and writing style within very professional and concise
• A business plan is your way to convince someone that you have a great product, service or idea so treat it as such!

So now your ready to move your business to the next level. Good luck!!