Sonam Kapoor couldn’t be missed at the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Awards—certainly turning heads in a Monique Lhuillier Resort 2016 Floral Print Capelet and Strapless Full Skirt Gown:
Sonam stuck to the collection’s simple styling, adding red lips for a pop of color.
She’s stunning.
What do you think? Hot! or Hmm…?
In addition to our Breaking into Fashion Series, we will also start showcasing women making moves in the arenas of business, lifestyle, and more! Thus, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to a Bombshell You Should Know: Cherae Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Tastemakers Africa.
If you have ever aspired to travel to Africa, Tastemakers is an app you seriously want to consider! It offers a highly curated itinerary of the very best in all-local experiences across the continent.
We sat down with founder Cherae Robinson to find out more about the app, her motivations for starting it, and her tips for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
Robinson was an avid traveler-for-work (in other words, her job at the World Bank Agriculture Research Center CIMMYT kept her in airplanes quite a bit throughout South Asia, Africa, and Europe). She connected with a photographer in South Africa on a work trip and through that connection met an entire network of creatives on the continent contributing to the culture. These talented folks gave Cherae “a new lens on the African experience.” She called them “influencers and tastemakers in their own right” and felt quite strongly that she “couldn’t have had these sorts of experiences had it not been for the [creative community in fashion, food, and music].” She imagined this is exactly how others would want to travel in Africa; with that mission in mind, Tastemakers Africa was born.
Sounds like a simple story, and in many ways it was! But you may be intrigued to know that Tastemakers Africa launched in late 2014 as little more than an idea. Soon after her personal travels, Cherae drafted a business plan and put together a visual prototype of her app. She shared, “I didn’t know anything about building a business, but I knew how to ask for help.” She attended President Obama’s Africa Summit in Washington, D.C. in August 2014 and “talked to anyone [she] could about Tastemakers. [She] had a picture of what the app could look like and would literally walk up to people and show them [her] idea [to get their thoughts].” Through that process, Cherae found her first advisor and gained valuable feedback on her business model. It wasn’t until Cherae applied for the SheLeadsAfrica Pitch competition one month later and won top prize that Tastemakers Africa took off at hyper speed.
With $10,000 of critical funding, Cherae could finally hire a developer and build the app she had been envisioning. The two founders of SheLeadsAfrica, Yasmin Belo-Osagie and Afua Osei, became instant mentors for Cherae; with its visibility, Tastemakers Africa found its first formal investor. In a six-month period, she could hardly believe “her app was coming off paper into real life.”
Cherae and I were quick to talk about how Tastemakers Africa is different than the alternatives on the market. She shared, “Our whole ethos is about these amazing people and this lifestyle the world doesn’t know exists – this Afropolitan world. The way we built our brand was on people, lifestyle, and culture…this is very different from other travel startups that are just focused on the transaction. Of course, there is a transaction to be made at Tastemakers as well, but we’re offering a way to tap into these African narratives, becoming a part of this new culture wave through a travel experience.” She continued, “Everything I saw on the Internet [prior to Tastemakers’ launch] was ‘Go on a safari.” I couldn’t help but agree — there is certainly more to do in Africa than safari! Now some of you may be surprised to know that Cherae is not an African immigrant or even born in the continent. Growing up in Long Island, New York, Cherae embodied a curious mindset and “always dreamed of seeing the world despite some of the chaos she experienced” during her childhood. She attended Morgan State University on an academic scholarship and was quickly immersed in an internationally inclusive group of people that shaped her afro-centric view.
Her major in Biology and International Development led her to roles with CARE, the Center for Disease Control and CIMMYT in Mexico City. She credits “women [in her life] for stepping in to help her in some way or another…there was always one helping hand that didn’t allow her to fall through the cracks.” In listening to Cherae, I could hear how she felt truly #blessed and incredibly thankful that her venture had achieved much success at such an early stage.
Her advice for entrepreneurs: “1) It is the most clichéd one, but so true – just start! There is always going to be more to learn and more to do…not doing anything will never get you anywhere; 2) Get comfortable with being uncomfortable…entrepreneurship brings super high-highs and super low-lows. The idea of knowing what is in front of you is fleeting and 3) It is your business and nobody knows your business more than you. As you grow and involve more people in your business, you will get swamped with advice on what you should and should not do…some will be awesome [and] some will be bad. Just remind yourself of your Why.”
Loving her advice! If you’re still on the fence about traveling to Africa, take a look at the brand’s Instagram account for major visual encouragement! My final question to Cherae, what would she do with $20 on a Saturday in Brooklyn? Her answer: “a night at Casablanca, hoping that DJ MOMA is there and getting a drink (tequila)!” If you want to learn more about Tastemakers Africa, download their app here and follow @tstmkrsafrica and Cherae on Instagram!
What do you think of this Breaking Into Lifestyle interview? Let us know in the comments who we should feature next!
Source: @tstmkrsafrica
These Pink Lips made a loud statement at the 2015 MTV VMA Awards when Amber Rose and Blac Chyna graced the red carpet in their designs. The collection carries a strong, bold statement in the name of feminism and we are here for it! Today’s Bomb Product of the Day is the $350 denim Ladies First Jumper:
The denim utility jumper features ‘Ladies First’ in large black and white, hand painted print.
Go for a monochrome look by rockin’ a pair of denim sandals like this pair from UrbanOG.
Love this jumper! Perfect outfit for a ‘Cocktails with Claire’ mixer, brunch, concert, happy hour… or pretty much anywhere you’d want to make a statement.
You can purchase here. What do you think? Would you wear the Ladies First Jumper from These Pink Lips?
We’re always on the lookout for Bombshells doing their thing!
I met author Kyla Nicole at Ladies Who Brunch in Atlanta, and was excited to hear that she had come out with a book titled 15 Ways to Improve Your Reality:
She describes it as such, “ At one point, women symbolized strength, independence, dignity, and skillfulness. Now women are represented by baggage, insecurity, dramatization, and conniving. This book deals with truth – true issues that women have subjected themselves to and qualities that unfortunately are not often viewed as detrimental. Explore these topics with me and more: Gossip, Lying, Criticism, Bitterness, Late Nights, Relaxation, Determination, Being a Workaholic, Insecurity, Giving Back, Defining Success by Finding Authenticity, Building Lasting Relationships, and Taming your Emotions. These 15 topics will help you detach from society’s demands, learn what qualities to develop within yourself, and how to identify the real you!”
Sounds good!
Get yours here. Also, be sure to follow Kyla’s blog, www.KylaNicole.Org.
What do you think?
*More about the author:
Kyla D. Pruitt is the CEO and founder of KylaNicole, LLC (born and raised in Joliet, Illinois).
Kyla developed a passion for empowerment at an early age, dedicating her time and works to inspire, coach and invest in the minds and hearts of both men and women though the Kyla Nicole Brand. In stimulating development, self-awareness, and true authenticity, Kyla has accomplished her goals by engaging in and hosting a series of events including “Loud Discussions” panels which feature open discussions of a variety of life themes, helpful tools and concepts from her self-help book titled “15 Ways To Improve Your Reality and hosting the radio segment “’A VERY Loud Discussion’ “on 216 The Beat Atlanta. By redefining, reshaping, and redirecting mindsets Kyla aim to be a national asset, helping countless individuals overcome and strive in challenging hurdles within the journey of life.
Additionally, Kyla specializes in developing and building young entrepreneurs and small businesses from a legalistic approach. Often, many business fail because they don’t spend enough time developing and protecting their brand legally. Kyla has extensive training and an advanced background in laws, policies, and stipulations that will impact your brand. She offers a variety of services from outlining your LLC to drafting contracts, agreements, or reshaping your business plan Kyla can ensure your business is legally intact.
Khloe Kardashian isn’t playing with her Kocktails with Khloé wardrobe! She’s giving us moments like J.Lo on American Idol.
Her most recent ensemble? A $2,375 Balmain Tiger Mesh Dress:
Balmain’s fitted deep V-neck dress is crafted in a tiger stripe pattern of black compact mesh and rib-knit.
Pop on some Balmain peep toes and you’re good to go!
Splurge on her dress at Barneys.
What do you think of this look?
And is anyone a fan of Kocktails with Khloe?
One thing we know for sure is that celebrities sure do love lace. Whether vampy in black, ethereal in white or all the colors you can imagine, lace is something that any and everyone can wear. 
From babydoll dresses to full-out gowns, covered up to barely covered, lace can be worn by itself or as a complimentary touch of ‘pop’ to something else. Always adding a touch of femininity to an outfit, lace is the perfect something needed, whether sporting a trend or a classic piece.
Let’s take a look at 25 times celebrities have lavishly popped in lace of all shades, hues and ranges! Check out our curated gallery where we’ve got some fabulous picks.
Now show us how YOU rock lace! Send your submissions to submissions@fashionbombdaily.com by 8pm Thursday to have a chance in being featured for our popular roundup!
Today we’re heading out to the Weeeeeeest (as my Cali friends like to say) to see our Bombshell of the Day, Monjay from Los Angeles:
She says, ” Hey Bombshells! My name is Monjay and I currently live in Los Angeles, CA.”
“What I’ve found over time is that fashion host’s one of the most beautiful forms of self-expression.”
“I would best describe myself as a fashion chameleon, constantly playing with colors and textures.”
“Most days my style reflects my current mood which can be anything from rockstar boss babe to street style chic.”
“Fashion is the one place where I host my absence of fears and confidently execute styling any piece I desire.”
“As a fashion blogger I hope that at least one person finds confidence in my visual storytelling and uses my stories to build on their personal style.”
Monjay, girl you just gave me all the life I needed! I loved everything. First of all, your shots are amazing. But your looks really play on Cali chill with that trendy flare. Love it! Ya’ll stay up on Monjay’s style on IG: @thejaywalkerstyle or her blog: www.thejaywalkerstyle.com. What do you think of Monjay’s style, guys?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Celebrity Stylist Jason Bolden (Taraji P. Henson, Paula Patton, Gabrielle Union, Eniko Parrish, Tamera Mowry) has stepped into the world of design with a collection of sunglasses called JSN Studio.
The tastemaker tapped gorgeous client Eniko Parrish to model his line of look-at-me shades; in the images, she wears looks by The Row.
Cat eye, oversized, and classic, JSN Studio has several shapes that would work for any sophisticated fashionista.
Get a pair of your own for $258 at JSN.studio.
What do you think?
So, let’s get straight to it…
Olivia Pommier of Olivia La Fabuleuse is everything I aspire to be in life! She’s gorgeous, she’s successful and she’s the epitome of chic. After discovering this Parisian bombshell (via Claire), I knew she’d be an ideal contender for our Bomb Blogger feature.
Olivia’s blog consists of an impressive collection of all her latest ‘fits. This stylish mom effortlessly slays in every photo as her classic combinations inspire the masses. Although she maintains a clean and minimal aesthetic, this fashionista has mastered the art of owning each and every ensemble.
This style maven’s wardrobe staples include distressed denim, her signature Christian Louboutin pumps, versatile button-ups and the perfect statement coat. Oh, and let’s not forget her enviable purse collection! Olivia’s no-fuss approach to fashion proves that style can still be bomb without overdosing on the trends. Yes!
Slay on, hun!
Want to know more about Olivia? Well, see more of her amazing blog here or follow her via Instagram @olivialafabuleuse!
Thoughts?
Signing Out — Esmesha
Queen Bey brought Blue out for the annual Easter Egg hunt at the White House rocking a $1,298 Alice & Olivia Striped Mock Neck Coat:
The coat features black and white horizontal striping, is floor-length, and boasts a full-sleeve.
As you can imagine, her coat is now sold out pretty much across the board, however you can always check to see if it’s restocked.I love this jacket and want it myself (if I had the funds, haha). What do you think of her jacket? Hot or Hmm?
*If you must have it, get it here.
