Get To Know D'Lissa "BŁΞU" Mccord

Hi, I'm D'Lissa "BŁΞU" Mccord. I'm the designer, and founder of "BŁΞU HunnitZ". I'm currently 30 years of age, the oldest of 7 siblings, -& a daughter (of course) to two beautiful parents. Thou life hasn't been so lucky; I've always been protected. There was a point in life we're I was at my high. Then what seemed like overnight; life changed within a day. The 5th month of 2016; I watched an ex pass away in a fatal car wreck. Thou only my ex of 9 months, previously nearly 4 years we we're consecutive. The universe knew what was ahead of me, -& April placed what felt the closest to "Heaven"; within my eyes view. This person was with me through my nearest points of insanity. After watching my ex pass from this accident; it took years to recover. I mean; I appeared functionable on the outside, but I was hurting within. Little by little; I started losing me. Behind doors, I was explosive. From mental behavioral center, to sleeping in cars. You name it! One day my angel left; for most of what was happening in my life at that point... I was causing on my own; not choosing to heal. Not noticing, these things had effected my partner for years. December 31st, 2019; what seemt like heaven, left me. A few days later I lost my job. I've Slept between cars, "bandos", and finally outside. It was then; within the stars the logo of "BŁΞU HunnitZ". I saw an astronaut reaching for the stars. When your down, and out. All you really want is the money. The bag, The #BŁΞU. February 2020, I decided "Seek rebuilding my inner being". Chase my dreams, I'd always been "saucy". March 2020 moved to Kingstree, SC, and 3 days in found out I have spots on the kidneys. However no fear. I couldn't cop out, I needed me. My first test; Changed my diet, meditated more... AND BUILT "BŁΞU HUNNITZ". I'm here to let people know it's more than clothing, it's more than money. It's all that brings one wholeness. Blue in spirituality representing; Power, royalty, peace, abundance, Life, etc. To me "It's A LIFESTYLE", each day YOU create to make your reality. That's #BŁΞU! No matter what, Keep going Up gang P.S: It won't be me, if I didn't let Lakesha M. Scott know; I'm truly grateful for her presence throughout my darkest days. FB @bleuhunnitzgang IG@bleuhunnitzgang

Get To Know Alonna DeVille

Alonna DeVille, was born May 28th , at Engalls Hospital in Harvy IL. Raised in Markham, IL and various suburban cities surrounding Chicago. Her talents were recognized and developed at a young age. From the age of 4 she was in the church choir and eventually a soloists. She began recoding with an independent label as a group by the name of Rich Territory. Alonna then branched out to become a solo artist performing at local night clubs and gained her own clout. Alonna has won competitions, performed at numerous local night clubs And hosted local events. She was captured in several blogs and magazines about her hard work. From non for profit show at Job Corp with Young Creative Minds by Danette King to Marching along side Erica Kane protesting racial profiling in Chicago. She was then nominated for the people's choice award for the Midwest Urban Music Awards. Also received recognition for best music video "Lil Mama Bad" for the 2014 CMVA (Chicago Music Video Awards). Alonna has signed to Beastly Music Group she has also co starred in the stage play IF YOU LOVE ME will soon taking on movie roles and her future looks bright she recently dropped a mixtape with French company Cashback Mafia.Com called On Your Knees,Im The Queen...it has done over 80,000 plays and downloads,Wanted the mixtape has been released and has dubbed her the nickname “the lyrical assassin” and “underground’s most wanted”... her single "SluggN" has taken the underground by storm and has grown into a budding clothing line. Stay up to date with her Website Alonnadeville.com

Get To Know Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice Owner Dominique Cochran

One of the Midlands coolest businesses is opening a new location.. Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice, owned by Dominique Cochran, is opening its first storefront this weekend at 6729 Two Notch Road in Columbia. Ms. Cochran previously operated Z’s Cool Me Down as a mobile business. “Z’s Cool Me Down started in April of 2016. The Z represents my daughter, Zaliyah. She is the inspiration behind the brand. The goal was to build a business that we both can work together and contribute towards the city of Columbia.” Italian Ice is a sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit or other flavorings, similar to sorbet. It is made by the same process by which ice cream is made -- freezing the ingredients while mixing them. “It has a soft and smooth texture,” said Cochran. “It has no milk or dairy products. It is not something that will upset your stomach. Cochran says that all of her products are made with fresh ingredients. “The flavors that we have are made with fresh fruit,” Cochran says. “We use stuff that is in season. For instance, during watermelon season your Italian Ice is going to have real watermelon in it.” Other popular flavors include cherry, raspberry, blue raspberry, grape, grape raspberry, sour apple, pina colada, coconut, and chocolate. “Basically, any flavor that people like, we are able to make it,” Cochran says. At her new location, Cochran will also offer additional treats such as ice cream.“We have over ten flavors to choose from, and you can mix and match them,” Cochran said. “Our specialty ice creams are Sweet Potato Pie Ice Cream and Banana Pudding Ice Cream.” Cochran is inviting the public to come out for her grand opening this weekend. “Our grand opening is Mother’s Day Weekend on Saturday, May 8,” said Cochran. “The time is 12 noon - 8 p.m. We will have plenty of Italian Ice, Ice Cream and our specialty, pineapple bowls.” Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice is located at 6729 Two Notch Road. The new restaurant will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. It can be reached by calling (803) 312-3224 or via e-mail at ZsCoolMeDown@yahoo.com. To learn more, visit www.coolmedownitalianice.com or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram

RAW BODY PEIRCING CEO RAEGIN HAS HAD A PASSION FOR BODY MODIFICATION FOR 15+ YEARS

 

Raegin A. White is the owner of RAW Body Piercing. Raegin opened her first studio in 2016 located at 9557K Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC 29223. .RAEGIN HAS HAD A PASSION FOR BODY MODIFICATION FOR 15+ YEARS. Her interest in body piercing first started around age 13. Raegin was born and raised in New Jersey, she relocated to South Carolina with her parents in 2009 at the age of 16. Shortly after graduating high school she completed a piercing apprenticeship in 2012 in Gastonia, NC. Raegin was dedicated and focused on learning as much as possible about body piercing. In 2016, she decided to open her own studio and that is how RAW Body Piercing was established. RAW Body Piercing is DHEC licensed and all staff members have up to date certifications. Her second studio is set to open early 2022 located at 1431A Rushmore Rd Columbia, SC 29210. RAW has serviced thousands of clients across the Southeast Region. The mission of RAW Body Piercing is to help clients express theirselves through body piercing.

Get To Know Tiffany J

 

A NATIVE OF COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TIFFANY CANZATER IS A KINGDOM ENTREPRENEUR CHRISTIAN WOMAN WITH CREDENTIALS AS A MASTER HAIR CARE SPECIALIST, OWNER/OPERATOR OF QUEEN CITY DYNASTY, DYNAMIC HAIR DESIGNS, LLC AND FOUNDER OF DYNAMIC DANCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. SHE IS A BUSINESSWOMAN, OWNER, EDUCATOR, AND INFLUENCER THAT HAVE A HEART FOR CHANGING PEOPLE'S LIVES. TIFFANY’S FAITH IN GOD IS THE FOUNDATION FOR HER SUCCESS IN LIFE. AS A BUSINESSWOMAN, TIFFANY COINED HER DISTINCTIVE BRAND “TIFFANY STYLES.” SINCE THAT TIME, THE BUSINESS HAS TRANSFORMED AND THE REBRANDING HAS BIRTHED "I AM TIFFANY." HER TALENTS HAVE MADE A WAY FOR HER TO ENTER THE THEATRE WORLD PERFORMING AS AN ACTRESS/DANCER IN SEVERAL STAGE PLAYS. SUCH EXPERIENCE HAS MADE TIFFANY KEENLY AWARE OF WHAT IS TRENDING TODAY IN THE BEAUTY AND FASHION INDUSTRY. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS PRESENTED MANY CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS. HOWEVER, TIFFANY WAS DETERMINED TO RISE ABOVE THEM ALL, BY THE GRACE OF GOD. SHE STRUGGLED IN AN UNSTABLE MARRIAGE, WHICH RESULTED IN DIVORCE. YET, AS THE SAYING GOES, “WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, GOD CAN OPEN ANOTHER.” TIFFANY PUT HER HOPE AND TRUST IN GOD AND EMBRACED HER GOD-GIVEN TALENTS TO START A NEW LIFE. THROUGH ADVERSITY, SHE DID NOT GIVE UP BUT PRESSED THROUGH. SHE USED THIS AS AMMO TO HELP WOMEN TO SEE PAST OBSTACLES AND SEE OPPORTUNITIES. TIFFANY CHANNELED HER ENERGIES TOWARDS EARNING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN HUMANITIES FROM THE SCHOOL OF THE GREAT COMMISSION BIBLE COLLEGE, A DIPLOMA IN BIBLICAL STUDIES AND COUNSELING AT WORD OF TRUTH COLLEGE, AND A MASTER OF HAIR CARE LICENSE FROM ROYALTY BEAUTY AND BARBER. TIFFANY ALSO GAINED VALUABLE CERTIFICATIONS IN AREAS SUCH AS MARKETING, BRANDING, AND LEADERSHIP TO FURTHER HER IMPACT. AS A RECIPIENT OF MANY ACCOLADES AND GIFT PRIZES FOR HER QUALITY WORK, TIFFANY ATTRIBUTES HER SUCCESS TO MAINTAINING A CONSISTENT WALK WITH GOD, OBEYING HIS WORD, AND WORKING DILIGENTLY WITH A HUMBLE SPIRIT. TIFFANY OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED JESUS AS HER LORD AND SAVIOR IN 2010 AND IS NOW UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MY BISHOP WHO IS SENIOR PASTOR DR. WINFORD THOMPSON. IN 2012, TIFFANY FOUNDED A DANCE/FLAG MINISTRY CALLED “WILLING WORSHIPPERS” AND A COMMUNITY-BASED STEP TEAM CALLED THE “DYNAMIC STEPPERS,” TO MENTOR YOUNG PEOPLE BY COMBINING THE ART OF DANCE WITH BIBLICAL TRUTHS. THIS PROJECT THEN TOOK A STEP TOWARDS AN EVEN GREATER STEP. THIS STEP BECAME THE DYNAMIC DANCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THROUGH THIS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MORE LIVES HAVE BEEN IMPACTED. TIFFANY’S LIVES BY THE MOTTO OF, “YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE ROOM FOR YOU.” THIS IS WHAT PROVERBS 18:16 DECLARES. SHE WANTS TO GIVE ALL PRAISES TO GOD FOR THE GREATEST GIFTS OF HER THREE AMAZING SONS, KWAYSON, XAVIER, AND CASEY.  

Kelley Thomas: Empowering Women To Be Sexy At Any Size

 

Founded in 2012, Kelly’s Kloset is a purveyor of lingerie for plus size women rooted in the belief that women can be sexy at any size. With a product line that has extended beyond bras and panties to lingerie, swimwear, even Halloween costumes. Kelly’s Kloset is the largest Black-owned, plus size lingerie eCommerce store in existence. With over 300K social media followers and growing, the brand fills thousands of orders weekly with each piece selected by a lingerie beauty expert. The addition of natural bath and body products that are vegan and cruelty free has made Kelly’s Kloset a one stop shop for any lingerie beauty need. “I want women to feel a sense of inclusiveness, thoughtfulness, sexy, and, of course, confidence when they shop with us.” —Kelly Thomas, CEO The success of Kelly’s Kloset lies in the high quality of the product, unique and sexy designs, as well as reasonable prices that makes the offerings accessible to a growing consumer base.With a relaunched subscription box, Behind Klosed Doors, Kelly’s Kloset is able to provide loyal customers with a unique lingerie item that is specially chosen by a lingerie beauty expert. An exciting new boudoir tour launching in 2020 will bring a special photo shoot experience directly to fans who will be able to have a personalized photo shoot with a professional photographer. Kelly’s Kloset was founded by Kelly Thomas, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of business experience.

Business Spotlite: CEO of Kay Kayss Kids LLC Tria Gilliam

 

KayKaysss Kids LLC name originated from my daughter, Bella, calling my late Aunt Kimberly aka KayKay. My aunt passed away from cancer in December 2020. Before her passing, I told her all my dreams of wanting a children's clothing line and that one day will be Target, but I had no idea what I want to call it. When she passed away, I opened a journal, and on the very first page I wrote, KayKaysssKids....The rest is HER Story! KayKaysssKids, LLC was officially stamped in 2021. I have a great passion for children's future and their confidence so...I came up with a method to help boost their confidence and give their mommy's and daddy's a headache. Lol

Beauty Boss Sisters ft Alize Kelly & Tonjet Brown

 

Alize kelly & Tonjet Brown are two sisters that both launched beauty brands during the pandemic. The oldest of the two Alize Kelly owns Boss , which is a beauty eyelash company that produces high end mink eyelashes. She also sells ladies apparel & accessories. Kelly has grown her company immensely since launching, becoming one of the most popular beauty & fashion supplier in Columbia, SC. Brown's company on the other hand focuses solely on beauty. Tee's Beauty Boutique  sells a variety of beauty products such as lip gloss, makeup and more. Both sisters plan to launch e-commerce networks in the near future but if yoȺ want to check out their inventory you can follow them both at their socials @_queen_nayy & @xo_tonjet

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THE GOD MOTHER OF SC HIP HOP: TINA BUTLER

 

My name is Tina Butler 53 year old single mother of three children two sons 35 + 20 and a daughter 34 years old my oldest has cerebral palsy and still lives with me I'm originally from Denver Colorado my music influences come from the 80s early 90s my first album I had was is the Sugarhill Gang my music influences some of them were the Fugees Scarface Bone Thugs-N-Harmony I grew up with my mom playing ZZ Hill and Betty Wright while we clean house my nine-to-five job is working at Martin's Grocery on Old Percival Road the job I love and don't make much money at is supporting local artists the local music scene I've watched a lot of these artists grow into where they are now for about 5 or 6 years I'm originally from Denver Colorado been here in Columbia South Carolina since 2005 between working and taking care of my son use my spare time and a lot of my extra money to support and follow and sometimes transport local artists 2 venues in different cities in South Carolina North Carolina and Florida I've loved my music my entire life I surround myself with it at all time and I definitely believe that we have some super Talent here

Business Spotlite: Red Diamond Boutique Kayla Walker

 

What's A Diamond Girl? A Diamond Girl is a woman applying pressure she sprinkles glitter and leaves a mark everywhere she goes!! What started as a small self-owned local business has grown to be one of South Carolina's biggest and trendiest boutiques. Red Diamond Boutique resides in the heart of Sumter. The CEO Kayla Walker was born and raised in Pinewood South Carolina. One day she took a leap of faith and started her own business independently. The Red Diamond Boutique delivers every girls fashion needs and wants at an affordable price. Become a diamond girl and shine forever!!