Jewelry Designer @JLANIJEWELS

September 2, 2018 Ella

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Written by President ELLA

You ever meet someone so spiritually lit everything else they do shines, too? That's Lani, founder of JLANI JEWELS, and every single piece of jewelry she creates. I met her in a perfectly lit room at Calvin Klein, when I worked in the Advertising department and her mom worked in Finance. Her mom had organized a pop up and she was selling the cutest gold rings that said things on them like "love" "prosperity" and "bestie". I really just liked the girls' jewelry *shrugs* then I ended up really just wanting to have lunch with her -- and that's how I anticipate tons of people will feel soon enough. Today, those little rings have turned into a collection of masterpieces; gold and silver melded together by beauty, passion and lots of black girl magic. I want y'all to meet Ms. Nesbit today, because you're sure to love her tomorrow.

Animal Lover, Mike Holston AKA @TheRealTarzann

August 18, 2018 Ella

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Nature blows my mind everyday .... and now you wonder why I’m in love ❤️ Thank you @philthewolf for dropping Gems 💎

A post shared by Mike Holston (@therealtarzann) on Aug 8, 2018 at 4:07pm PDT

Written by President ELLA

This guy makes me proud. The amazing world of Instagram introduced me to TheRealTarzann, known to the government as Mike Holston, and I've been stuck since. His page is full of awe inspiring creatures and KNOWLEDGE. With each video, you actually learn -- and that is something I think we should all stand and applaud him for.

I have to be honest, I'm mostly proud he's a brotha. *Shrugs* Call it what you want, but I love to see men of color following their dreams, making the world a better place and spreading good vibes. It's inspiring to see a role model like Mike. Not saying all brothas don't embody this, but we just don't see enough of it in media, in my opinion. His educational videos were enough, but the co-signs from Will Smith and Diddy solidified the deal. I love that he takes the time to work with kids. The videos of him cleaning up and talking about and showing the effects of littering make me feel guilty, tho (as they should). He instills a beautiful sense of responsibility, community and his upbeat vibe is contagious.

Check out some of Mike's video's below and make sure to follow and subscribe to his Youtube.

Having a blast at @diddy crib 💪🏾✊🏾 God is good 🙏🏽 @jayprehistoricpets thanks for always providing the 🐉 on the west coast

A post shared by Mike Holston (@therealtarzann) on Aug 5, 2018 at 1:16pm PDT

Soul-Pop Duo (In)Body

April 23, 2018 Brittany Shawnté

Another spotlight, and more on the way! Today, we have soul-pop duo (In)Body, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Ryan Amador and producer/multi-instrumentalist Daniel Weidlein! Coming together as a group, Ryan and Daniel came up with the name (In) Body, which is a mantra for them.

Hip-Hop/Pop Artist & Producer - @DrewParks | @DrewParksOfficial

December 11, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Hip hop/pop artist, Drew Parks, originally from Detroit, is also a producer and songwriter, and has gotten major love from top networks and magazines like MTV, ESPN’s First Take, Billboard, Respect Magazine and VIBE. He started getting into hip hop around eight or nine years old, and became obsessed.

Christian R&B + Hip Hop Artist - @RahnAnthoni

November 25, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

I have the privilege to share the story of Christian R&B/hip hop artist Rahn Anthoni!

In addition to his experience as a TV host, Rahn effortlessly creates inspirational music with R&B, hip hop, and gospel elements, hoping to reach someone else with his words. “Music is soothing to the soul and, when you have the right lyrics, it makes life easier especially when it’s words of encouragement,” he said. “If a person is going through [an] issue in life, music can help.”

Chay Rodriguez, Creator of @GoalsthePodcast on Ups and Downs of Pursuing #GOALS

November 12, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shanwté

Glad to be able to feature another great person out here helping to impact others! If you or someone you know is actively working towards bringing awareness to a cause, promoting self- esteem, or working to make a difference in this world, visit my Features/Submissions page to see how to be featured!

Today, the spotlight is on Chay Rodriguez, entrepreneur and creator of #GOALS, a podcast “that caters to to the dream chaser, risk taker, and goal getter” in each of us. Chay uses the show to highlight the motivating lessons from entrepreneurs, which, in turn, pushes others to be greater and walk purposefully in their dreams and goals as well! When Chay reached out to me about the podcast and her story, I had to know more and then share her inspiring story with y’all.

Indie Pop Artist: @lwallermusic | @looselylauren

November 5, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Today, we have indie pop artist Lauren Waller! Growing up in L.A. and spending a good amount of time in central California, the singer said she has always been surrounded by music. Lauren’s father is actually a singer and musician as a hobby, and she and her brother even grew up taking piano lessons. Lauren also took on the drums for a while, until she realized, to her dismay, that her parents weren’t ever going to ever get her an actual drum set!

Singer/Songwriter @Nisan Joseph

October 14, 2017 Ella

Written by Brittany Shanwté

Here we have Atlanta-based neo-soul artist Nisan Joseph! Raised in Houston, TX, the artist revealed that he was brought up by traditional parents, who raised him on timeless gospel and old-school R&B, which eventually influenced his own sound and lyrics. Nisan actually didn’t start singing until he was a senior in high school after he was forced into choir as an elective. “It was pretty much fate, or in God’s plan, that I got into music,” he said. Currently, the singer is finishing up a chemistry degree at Clark Atlanta University, and is signed with Loud N Klear Entertainment, balancing school and music. Though Nisan admits that he has a love of science, he plans to focus completely on music after graduation.

Neo-Soul, R&B Artist @Just_KJames

September 10, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Neo-soul and R&B artist, K. James, whose music video for track "Koolin' " was recently featured on the site, has always had a great appreciation for good music with a message, containing real experiences. "Music has always been in my blood," K. James said. "Since I was 5 years old, I grew up listening to my mother’s radio full of artists such as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, R. Kelly, and The Temptations." He went on to add, "It has been a dream of mine to express my creativity through song, giving people something to relate to and making a living while doing something I love was all the motivation I needed to pursue this dream of mine."

Alternative Pop Singer/Songwriter - @MadyxMusic

September 1, 2017 Ella

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Alternative pop singer/songwriter Madyx! Born Michelle Blanchard, has wanted to be in the music industry since she was a kid. “When I was 8 years old, my parents bought me a guitar for my birthday and my life was forever changed,” she said. Growing up, Madyx’s parents also always played a variety of music from classic rock to country, and that helped shape her diverse writing style. After playing in a bunch of bands during high school, Madyx moved out to LA to really build her music career and even started a band called Life Down Here. “We made a pretty good name for ourselves: getting to open for Paramore, played a bunch of high schools across SoCal and several LGBT pride festivals in addition to the Warped Tour,” she said of her band experience. However, as she grew older, her musical style changed and she parted ways with the band, and branched out her own as Madyx! “It’s been a wild ride ever since,” the singer excitedly admitted.

Singer/Songwriter: @YojiMusic

July 29, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

R&B/pop singer, Yoji, was raised in London with a family of artists. With the support of her family, Yoji began learning how to play piano at the age of 8, but was trying her hand at song writing even before that. “I used to write songs in the playground with my friend and then perform them to everyone in a big showcase,” she said. “They didn’t really make any sense looking back but it was the best part of my day making music in the breaks.”

Playwright: Richard @lwcidr Lawrence with @makeufamousent

July 24, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Richard is the creator of upcoming inspirational and comical musical, Lord, Why Can’t I Do Right?, which premieres on June 17 at the Porter-Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur, GA. The stage play, directed by Shelly Garret (Godfather of Urban Theatre, Beauty Shop), is a powerful work about two brothers with their own demons and contradicting motives, who collaborate to start a church. “I honestly didn’t know I had this in me,” Richard admitted, attributing the vision of the play to God. The play stars Ashford Sanders, who is known for his appearance on Season 5 of BET’s Sunday Best, along with other social media stars.

Founder of @327cosmetics, @GNVAS

July 12, 2017 Ella

Written by PresidentELLA

Genevia inspires me. Every day, I decide what face to put on to face the world and she helps me decide. My former co-worker & fellow Aries has developed a phenomenal line of liquid lipsticks that remind me to be brilliant, resilient and beautiful. In June 2017, Genevia launched 3:27 Cosmetics, a beauty line for women who are comfortable with who they are; especially you, Brown Girl.

Poet: Jonte "@LukisPlace" Barrett

June 20, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Today on The Spotlight, we have brillianty talented and breathtaking poet Jonte "Luki" Barrett! Hailing from Washington, D.C. ("It's DC or nothing!" sje confidently said), Jonte started creating poetry back in 2007, and has recently started performing as Luki (pronounced "lucky"). In fact, she recently performed at the Moonz Conference 2016, an annual conference for fans of Wale to connect, support and build with each other!

When I asked her about her inspirations, Luki gave honor to the people in her life. "My grandmother [and] the dope people I do poetry with that are more than a squad but a family, have all inspired me to be a better poet and more importantly a better woman," the poet admitted.

French, Alternative Artist: @TaliscoMusic

June 2, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Music piqued Talisco's his interest at a young age, listening to his grandmother, who was Spanish, sing a lot, and Spanish music became his first inspiration. “I think it’s in my blood,” Talisco said of music in general. By 11, he had a guitar and by 13, he composed my first song. As he went on to create a career for himself, he found other instruments to get into as well. “I like tinkering with sounds,” the artist admitted, also getting into producing. In terms of his unique stage name, Talisco revealed that he took the name to “pay tribute to someone who mattered to me.”

Pop and R&B Singer: @IamJulianeMusic

May 26, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Juliane realized that music was what she wanted to do with her life after a label approached her with a deal when she was 15. “Unfortunately, I had to refuse their offer but I knew I was made for music and that waiting for the right team would pay off.” And it did! In October 2015, Juliane dropped her debut, self-titled EP, which she says is the introduction of who she is as an artists and a person to the world! “These are the sounds I love and create and this is who I am as a person. Sweet and friendly, a dreamer, but a real go-getter and not afraid to fight for what I want and believe,” she said.

Radio Host/DJ/Podcaster: @ADisElevated/@ElevatedLivin

May 21, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Today we have CBS Radio’s 98.5 KLUC DJ/radio host Alex "A.D." Davis! A.D. currently handles working at KLUC out in Vegas as the night jockey every Monday-Friday from 6p-11p. He also balances co-hosting the Fresh DOPE podcast, writing for music site GroundSounds.com AND operating the brand Elevated Livin’ LLC (Check out our spotlights on Elevated Livin' artists Sav and J. Smith)! We talked mainly about the podcast, some fitness and sneaker talk, and how A.D. balances it all!

Podcasters Chloe Zora and Chanel Glover of Overqualified & Drunk

May 14, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Last year sometime, the friends decided to crack the mic and throw their hand into the budding medium that is podcasting! Naming the show, Overqualified & Drunk , they describe the show as "raw, extremely jaded and uncut talk between two overqualified and drunk black lesbians living in New York City about spirituality, lesbian love and the two things that bind them together, music and booze."

Alternative Rock/Folk Singer @AlluriMusic

May 7, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Alluri got his start in music through his father, listening to western classical music. He ended up taking violin and piano classes for a few years, but never really enjoyed it, so he stopped. The artist really had little to no contemporary music around him in his formative years. Eventually, others in his family were able to bring that influence to him. His older brother ended up introducing Alluri to his first taste of western rock music. Alluri then began to play the guitar around the age of 13, after his cousin introduced him to bands Deep Purple and Pink Floyd, and he’s been playing ever since. “[It] wasn’t until I played a few gigs in Finland while I was studying there in 2011 did I want to pursue this seriously,” Alluri said of his music.

Pop/Rock Musician: @vandermscoffcl/ @vandermusicofficial

May 1, 2017 Brittany Shawnté

Written by Britttany Shawnté

Growing up on an industrial estate forty minutes outside of Sydney, Australia, Vander (born William Vandermade) revealed that he didn’t grow up with a lot of money. However, from his childhood, he learned to be grateful for what he did have and to have a positive outlook on life. “I wear that proudly on my sleeve today. And I think it in turn influenced the music that I connected with - music that was inspired by the working class,” Vander said. “U2, Bruce Springsteen, artists who started from nowhere but had the dream to be the biggest and the greatest acts in the world. I feel I connected to their roots and was also inspired by their ambition. I felt that with them, anything was possible.”