Black Friday Launch of POP SHOP NEWARK

Now more than ever, it is time to support your own community. Shop local this Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and more throughout the year. Empower the businesses that IMPROVE, & SUPPORT the lives of those around them. 

POP SHOP Newark 2014

at Gallery Aferro

73 Market St

Newark, NJ 

= Space : Newark, NJ's Sharespace & Incubator

=SPACE (also known as EQUAL SPACE) is a brand new sharespace & incubator that will be a magnet for creatives, techies & entrepreneurs of NJ, providing access to resources, co-working space & opportunities. 
Located at 89 Market St, downtown Newark, NJ, = SPACE strives to create a unique culture filled with  positive vibes. =SPACE will provide resources for startups, coaching for tech companies and a wealth of intellectuals to bounce ideas off. The next wave in Newark's enterprises will be born within these walls and will have access to the positive culture of its parent company MEDINA = CITI.
If you are an entrepreneur in need of space to work, conduct meetings or an environment for networking and collaboration, this is it! Features include indoor mini golf, wifi & internet, Socialisto coffee, yummy treats, and of course, office space and conference tables. Daily, weekly, and monthly plans are available.

So what are you waiting for? Claim YOUR space today at http://equalspace.co/ Connect on Facebook!

"Ready Or Not" Exhibit at the Newark Museum

I recently enjoyed a private press tour of Ready Or Not, a new exhibition at the Newark Museum that features the works of 40 NJ-based artists at different points in their careers, varying in practice and style. The curator and organizer of the show, Schlomit Dror, explained the complexities and inspiration behind some of the individual pieces during the tour, as well as gave us an idea of what is coming ahead. Fantastic performances, such as the one of opening night that took place in the 1784 Old stone School House found in the museum's backyard garden. And the upcoming jazz concert happening on July 10th from 3-4:30pm that fuses digital and instrumental sounds for an unique visual experience.
Every Thursday from now through August 7th has a related performance, which are all FREE with the suggested museum admission.
On the final night of the exhibit, September 6th, The NEWARK issue of HYCIDE will launch there, which is super exciting. I almost never miss the HYCIDE launch parties.

Besides all of the fab events surrounding the exhibit, the exhibit itself is really dope! Everything from sculpture to murals to paintings and performances and on-site installations are all included; making it an audio/visual multilevel experience like none I've ever experienced there. 

Get the full calendar of Ready or Not events at Newarkmuseum.org.

The Debut of The Brick City Design Market

Every Saturday, in conjunction with THE VINYL SWAP, come shop & mingle with the most talented indie fashion, accessory, and product designers in the tri-state area!
Vintage records spinning. Inspiring art exhibits. Food & libations abound in a chill atmosphere. Networking with the creative community. And SHOPPING the best designers around. Each & every Saturday at Seed Gallery.
Curated by me,  Meca McKinney of  
Jypsea ~Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods.

Brick City Design Market
12-6pm at SEED GALLERY
210 Market St. in Newark, NJ.
Free admission
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/659617510745878/

See you there! 

Haute Hangouts on Halsey Street

Halsey Street, without equivocation, is the best street in the city of Newark, NJ. As the land of my birth, I kinda feel like I became an expert on the city since leaving there in the 90s, entering college then the corporate world. I spent years defending the place to outsiders who refused to believe I came from such a "bleak" place and, as a result, I learned more about Newark's rich history.
But I digress! Enough about the city...let's focus on my favorite street there: Halsey Street. Located downtown, it runs parallel to Broad St from Washington Park to Lincoln Park. The enterprises below are on the blocks between Central Avenue (one block in from Washington Park) and Commerce Street.
Halsey is literally around the corner from my favorite Newark gem--the Newark Museum--and has been ahead of the curve in creating a chic, cosmopolitan row of cafes, restaurants, salons and boutiques. One spot more fabulous then the next. And with a Whole Foods opening there soon, Halsey St. will surely see a massive increase of popularity soon.
 Here's the lowdown:

The Coffee Cave:
45 Halsey St.
My go-to place in the area for salmon wraps, Italian sodas and homemade soups. Also known for its house music parties. It keeps strange hours but is usually open in the middle of the day, Monday-Friday.
Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Coffee-Cave/155658297829808 

Elbow Room:
41 Halsey St.

The latest addition to the Halsey St eateries is the Elbow Room which originates from Brooklyn and serves hearty comfort food with macaroni and cheese being the central sticking point. From cheeseburger mac & cheese to lobster mac & cheese, you are bound to found something for any macaroni & cheese lover. And you'll linger playing board games over dessert. 

http://www.elbowroombrooklyn.com

Art Kitchen: 

61 Halsey St.

Known first as Newark Art Supply, which had been around since I was a child, this retailer used to sell art supplies. The Newark Art Supply then later merged with a cafe. Now, the art supplies are gone and the name has since changed to the Art Kitchen. It's has a hipster vibe, pretty decor and serves sweet treats.

www.newarkartkitchen.com

27 Mix:
27 Halsey St.
A cool Southwestern, Asian, and Italian fusion restaurant and bar with a downtown vibe. Exposed brick walls, intimate outdoor seating in the back and delicious bites with  fair prices makes this a MUST-GO Halsey St experience.

http://www.27mix.com/

Luxe Boutique:
83 Halsey St.

Sexy, body-hugging dresses with equally sexy strappy stilettos are what you'll find at Luxe Boutique. If you need a freak 'em dress, this is the place to be! The boutique caters to its clients with fun shopping parties, brunches and other fab events.

https://www.luxenewark.com

Blush Spa & Lounge:
32 Halsey St.
I've never had their services but I have been inside twice. Hip environment with a pretty staff and an impressive list of pampering services.  If you're into faux lashes, the word on the street is that they're the best for lash extensions.

Marco Hall Boutique:
29 Halsey St.
Originally Karma Boutique, which featured the designs of Newark's own internationally-known fashion designer, Marco Hall. On December 7th, 2014, it will re-launch as the Marco Hall Boutique. Marco Hall is a genius at what he does. I had the pleasure of meeting him and watching him drape a new design on a mannequin. In minutes, he had a piece SO BAD, I was astounded. Not only is he extremely talented, but also fast---which is an oxymoron in the design world. He is a prized Newark design star. Can't wait to see the new shop!

St. James & Co.
25 Halsey St.
Finally, something for the fellas! Hi-end eyewear (the owner of shop, Cabral Miller,  is also the co-owner of Newark optometry shop, Elegant Eyes), leather man bags, silk ties, skin care, candles, and all the cosmopolitan urbane man needs to distinguish himself. The vibe is luxurious yet unpretentious there, thanks to the friendliness of the crew.

Other places of interest-
Lenzy's Health Bar:
I never been in but if they have all the natural goodies stated in the signage, I need to make that my next stop. It's been there for ages so it must be doing something right. I've seen quite a few shops open and close on Halsey over the last few years due to lack of support from the locals but this one has stood the test of time.

 

The Weave Bar:

1212 Raymond Blvd

(973) 733-2881

No, it's not directly on Halsey but just a block away on Raymond Blvd. I'm a natural chick BUT if I ever choose to indulge myself with a weave, trust and believe, this would be where I would do so. The owner is super sweet, the location couldn't be more convenience and the setting is totally chic! 

Enjoy your Halsey St. visit!
Meca xo

2 Fashion-Forward Events in North Jersey this Weekend

Born Again Vintage “The Collective” Boutique Opens in Montclair, NJ on April 5^th

New Boutique To Feature Sustainable Clothing and Indie Designer Apparel and Accessories

New York, NY— March 14, 2013— Author, designer and vintage connoissuer Bridgett Artise has teamed up with New York and New Jersey area independent fashion and accessories designers to create Born Again Vintage “The Collective,” a Montclair, NJ based vintage, recycled clothing and indie designer boutique. Artise, the co-author of the eponymous book “Born Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe,” (Random House 2008) and designer behind the Born Again Vintage recycled clothing line, has extended her brand to now include a retail shop that will cater to vintage and sustainable goods enthusiasts in the Montclair, NJ area.

Scheduled to open on Friday, April 5^th, Born Again Vintage “The Collective” will feature high-end, affordable, one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories brands by area designers. Offering a wide range of new and vintage apparel, the boutique serves as the newest addition to a handful of vintage and sustainable clothing shops in the area.

“Born Again Vintage the brand is known for its unique, exclusive pieces as well as its sustainability,” said Artise.  “ We launched ‘The Collective’ as an innovative and creative space that highlights independent designers, promotes sustainability and a provides an extension of our brand as a retail platform. We are thrilled to be bringing this concept to the Montclair community and look forward to providing a distinctive retail experience to the area.” 

In addition to its standard offerings, customers will have the chance to participate in workshops and seminars given by several of the featured designers, including workshops on teaching customers how to make their own recycled clothing. The store will also offer regular special events, shopping parties and fashion presentations as a means to include the local community in its endeavors.

The store will open with a launch event on Friday, April 5^th from 6pm – 9pm,  which will include a fashion presentation featuring designers from “The Collective.” Some of the participating brands/designers include: Clash and Lime, a line dedicated to “clashing everything together with a splash of lime,” as well as BUNNFUNN Collection, which is dedicated to simple, interchangeable vacation-wear pieces, casually-elegant holiday separates  and its signature fleece BUNNFUNN Body Wraps outerwear. Other designers include: Hollywood Foxx Jewelry, Lois Eastlund, Vernakular, D-list, Pomi Power, Butter by Keba, FSL Cosmetics, The Art of Fashion, Tess Home Living, Eldenwa Designs, Banjo and Bone , Beads by Blough, Love Me Like a Rock, Vintage Shaun, Metal Taboo and many more. 

Learn more about Bridgett Artise and Born Again Vintage at http://www.b-artise.com.

 

If want to be "in the know" about the most fashion-forward and innovative thing happening in Newark, this is it! Studio58 will premiere this wknd, a live tv studio taping of the best of international fashion/art/music talents who just happen to be from "Brick City" (my hometown). 2 incredible talented fashion designers will be interviewed and showcasing their work, celebrity designer Marco Hall and Tyrone Chablis.

 I'm hosting a designer meet & greet for my own line Jypsea Leathergoods. See you there!

Amanda Ebokosia: CEO/Founder of The Gem Project, Inc.

Source: thegemproject.org via The on Pinterest

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
My name is Amanda Ebokosia, 26, I am founder and CEO of The Gem Project, Inc. and freelance writer for various publications on topics of leadership, empowerment, and women issues.

The Gem Project, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that develops educational enrichment programs that hone leadership skills for youth and young adults, which address youth affairs and issues of their communities.Our focus is primarily the ages between 4-25, our programs involve: public speaking & debate workshops, lecture series, awareness luncheons/seminars, college campus marches, traveling awareness exhibits, and more.
Currently we do our programs through different participating sites which include schools, youth centers, colleges, and community centers.

We do a bulk of programs in Newark, NJ and are expanding to other areas by need.

Scholarship benefit to aid Dunrobin Primary School in Jamaica! One of our favorite events.

Source: thegemproject.org via The on Pinterest

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR CURRENT PATH?

This project first developed during my sophomore year at Rutgers University - Newark. In the Fall, I found out that my mother was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, fortunately she is a survivor. The start of 2006, I looked into how cancer affected youth. I knew then, I wanted to create something that was informative and inspired my peers to act. I did not want to create a breast cancer foundation-- So, I had an idea to address youth affairs in ways that were both creative and engaging through the development of various programs centered on leadership building, team-work, and self-expression.

We started our first program then, which was called, "The Gem Project Benefit Photo Shoot." The program involved having a photo shoot that would bring awareness to an issue that youth were concerned about. The photos generated, featured young adults holding up boards, which displayed facts about the present cause.We enlarged these photos life-size and entered them as a traveling awareness exhibit, going to different schools, including
Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology at the time.

It started out as a a single idea, that sprouted out to other ideas, which were then implemented as the programs we have today.

The Gem Project's vision is to create more purposeful enlightened leaders. We believe in fostering growth in the critical stages of life when self-awareness and developing a personal identity is more of a concern.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

People--- and at the root, life. People can create impact. "Impact" means different things for different people. I see impact as the ability to move and change something--anything. It could even be the ability to make someone else crack a smile. When you view impact as that, you can see that it is powerful.

http://amandaebokosia.com/2012/08/11/the-rug-underneath-our-feet/

I like to get away with the arts and like to do things that involve stimulating that side of me. I used to take on sculpture when I was younger now I just doodle in Adobe Photoshop -- because I can--- not because I am an "expert." I gain inspiration from simple things like--listening too.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING BY BEING YOUR
AUTHENTIC, CREATIVE SELF?

I am a freelance writer. I write for various online publications on topics that relate to what I am most passionate about. Most of the topics I currently right for are centered on Leadership and Women issues. I am using my writing as a way to strengthen my values and also branch outside into other projects. I do speaking engagements and recently developed a 12 week curriculum on Topics of Leadership. It is partially based off of books like, The Leadership Challenge, 7 Habits of Highlight Effective People, and Basic Black.

August 1, 2012, I held a free introductory class at the NCC Adult Learning Center in Newark, NJ. We discussed the 6 leadership Styles and 5 types of exemplary leadership and two games that involved finding solutions from different problems with leadership.

I plan on having the first session this Fall, starting mid-September.
I'm currently performing free introductory course into leadership for the month of August.

For information about that, you may e-mail: contact@amandaebokosia.com.

WHAT NEW PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON?

We have spent the summer looking for new talent and consolidating some of our programs and making them better. We are planning a summit that well attract thought leaders in February 2013.

The goal is to strengthen people as leaders and empower them to be who they are destined to be.







HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED and SUPPORT YOUR VISION?

We're always looking for volunteers and people to join our team. We can be reached, project@thegemproject.org or call: 973-506-9275.

People can fill out volunteer forms at:
http://thegemproject.org/

Join us on social media at:

http://twitter.com/thegemproject
http://facebook.com/thegemproject
http://pinterest.com/thegemproject

We're also on Linkedin too.

• • 
    

Recap of "Treat Yourself like Royalty" Trunk Show

Saturday was such a wonderful time. Much love and appreciation goes to Newark, NJ for coming out and supporting the event. It was intimate, fun and fabulous! The highlights of the trunk show, besides all of the exquisite shopping, makeovers, and pamper services; were the  Q & A session with stylist/boutique owner Corin Wright and an impromptu fashion show showcasing pieces from her well-edit vintage collection, my FUNKY FRESH line of hand-crafted leather accessories and handbags and the beautiful accessories from designer BNichole.

Stay tuned to find out the next event. Sign up to my mailing list to never miss an invitation: http://www.jypsea.com/#!contact

"Treat Yourself like Royalty" Jypsea Leathergoods Trunk Show

You take care of everyone & everything. On May 5th, it's HIGH TIME to take care of YOU! Join me and relax in a luxe, intimate setting while indulging in:

- An Exclusive Fashion Show
-Instant Beauty Makeovers
-Massage Therapy
-Decadent Desserts & Appetizers
-"Ask The Stylist" Q & A session
-Exotic Henna Tattoos + so much more...

You are WORTHY! You deserve it!
PS: Come early. First 25 attendees will receive deluxe gift bags!

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/225970504175620/

Press release follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact
Contact Person: Meca McKinney
Company Name: Jypsea Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods
Telephone Number: 609 227-7304
Email Address: jypsealeathergoods@gmail.com
Web site address: www.jypsea.com

Relax & Indulge at the “Treat Yourself Like Royalty” Trunk Show & Pamper Party

Newark, NJ, 4/27/12 — Join handbag-accessory designer/author Meca Mckinney of Jypsea Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods (www.jypsea.com) as she hosts a day of pampering and relaxation at Newark’s chicest hidden locale, Majesty Loft. Nestled in a non-descript building on at 194 Market Street on the 3^rd floor is the intimate, modern space known as Majesty Loft, which will serve as a beautiful setting for this fabulous event. Understanding that this is the time to release the stress of a long winter and transition into our spring/summer selves, Meca invites the public out to refresh, revive, and relax. Enjoy a fashion show, shop, and pamper yourself while noshing on decadent treats from chefs Zakiyyah Hasan of Many Mini Things and Chrissana Harris of Cookie Bottom desserts. And for those with questions about how to wear the latest trends or how to dress for their body types, the "Ask A Stylist" Q & A session will help you pull your look together with highly acclaimed wardrobe stylist Corin Wright.

Besides Meca’s line of “fabulously funky leather accessories”, NYC jewelry designer Bridgette Nichole of BE by BNichole (www.etsy.com/shop/bnicholeaccessories) will have her edgy and bold new line available.

Pampering services include spa treatments and massage therapy by Terina R Jones of Impressions-Body Solutions and exotic henna tattoos by artist/gallery owner Gizem Bacaz.

There will also be instant spring beauty makeovers by Jennifer E. Hill of J.Faces Makeup Artistry, swag bags and so much more.

Come relax, release, and indulge all of your senses with a day of treats fit for ROYALTY!

‘Treat Yourself like Royalty’ Jypsea Leathergoods Trunkshow & Pamper Party

Majesty Loft
194 Market Street, flr 3

12-3pm

Cost: FREE! Swag bags to first 25 attendees.
RVSP: https://www.facebook.com/events/225970504175620/

For additional information contact: mailto:jypsealeathergoods@gmail.com

Meca McKinney is the designer of Jypsea (pronounced gypsy) Leathergoods, a luxe line of handcrafted handbags and accessories made of the finest Italian leathers and exotic skins. She is also the author of “ENVISION: The Young Accessory Designer’s Guide to Collection Development” and teaches fashion design at the South jersey’s Center of the Arts in Marlton, NJ. Visit www.jypsea.com to shop her collection. Stay in touch on Twitter @jypseadotcom and Facebook www.facebook.com/jypsealeathergoods

About Corin Wright, Wardrobe Stylist/Boutique Owner
Corin has worked as a freelance wardrobe stylist for the past 10 years working with talents such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mike Phillips, Vibe Magazine, Lions Gates Films, Urban City Magazine and many more. She is the owner of Style Haven Boutique at 190a Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ. www.shopstylehaven.com facebook www.facebook.com/stylehaven

About BE by BNichole

BE by BNichole is an edgy and bold new line with artistic simplicity-factors that also embody the designer Bridgette Nichole. A cool and funky unisex ready to wear line incorporated with innovative designs featuring metals, precious stones, and daring statement pieces. BE by BNichole represents the customer striving to add effortless cool with a smidge of class to their everyday lifestyle. www.etsy.com/shop/bnicholeaccessories email bnicholeshop@gmail.com 

About Impressions, Body Solutions Mobile Spa Services by Terina R Jones,
Impressions brings the spa to you. Presenting professional massage therapy & spa services with a noteworthy experience in relaxation, reparation & rejuvenation.

www.impressionsbodysolutions.com   facebook www.facebook.com/impressionsbodysolutions
twitter @impressionsonu email Info@impressionsbodysolutions.com phone (732)216-7105

About Cookie Bottoms by Chrisanna Harris

Cookie Bottom offers customized catering specializing in gourmet cupcakes and bite size desserts. http://www.cookiebottoms.com phone 631-697-1127

About Zakiyyah Hasan of Many, Mini, Things LLC 

Chef Zakiyyah Hasan provides Personal/Private chef services for small private/intimate affairs. Customized appetizers is her specialty such as "Mini Grown Up Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches." Many, Mini, Things also features desserts such as "Cake In A Jar", decadent "Cake Pops" and "Mini Stuffed Cupcakes" for all occasions. No pork-based ingredients or products are used. email thegreatestchef@gmail.com phone (973) 508-2483

About Jennifer E. Hill of J.Faces Makeup Artistry Co., LLC
Specializing in Bridal, Runway, Airbrushing, HD Makeup and Photoshoots.

www.jfacesmakeup.com email J.Facesmakeupco@gmail.com

Exotic henna tattoos courtesy of GIZEM BACAZ
VISIONARY PIONEER
HTTP://www.newarkseed.com

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