“Coming from the Bottom Up”

Stemming from Detroit, Negash creates apparel for the black queens and kings that we are. Avery Norris shared with Blackpreneur that Negash started out as a school project. From research, Avery’s brother and CEO and Founder, Rocklin, found that nigga goes back to Ethiopia, pronouncing Naget, which means emperor. Doing further research, it was found that Negash is an Ethiopian village, and it also means “He who is bound to be King, he is next in line for the throne.” Negash developed like a royal butterfly, not originally being a clothing line. It was the name that they went by, which developed into a logo, and grew into a sneaker line. This beautiful butterfly transitioned in three years, starting 2007, fully developing in 2010, and continuing to grow.

Being born in Detroit, Negash strives to provide the correct clothing fit for us, while incorporating the Egyptian culture. Negash explains on their website, that the “ancient ancestral royal blood still runs through our veins.” So, why not dress like it? Negash started off with footwear, allowing them to create the stomping ground and space for more projects, like their signature jeans and belts, advertising their own designs. Of course these royalty originals swept Detroit away, but what makes their success more exciting, is their fan base worldwide. They provide style for the U.S and internationally.

This caterpillar grew into a butterfly because Negash “dared to dream bigger.” Avery explained that we have all the economic power, but if we do not use it correctly, we become last.

Besides contributing fashion to the community, Negash contributes ethical actions. With an increase of violence, Avery wants to make sure that he is not a “keyboard revolutionary,” staying active in the community, protesting, and representing Detroit correctly. Negash act as royalty in all aspects, from fashion to helping humanity.You can also dress as the queens and kings that you are by purchasing from their website at: www.Negash83.com. Follow them on twitter: Negash and like them on Facebook.

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“This is bigger than me,” Dione explains Lady Dione as she talks to Blackpreneur Magazine. This vibrant fashion designer understands that making clothes is her passion, but it is deeper than that. She further talks about black businesses and how we need support, and she wants to be an inspiration. “Part of my purpose is inspiration,” Dione soulfully shares. She wants to be able to push people, and let them know that they can do it, and they have support. Thinking about the black community, we realized that there are not any respected black designers, but we know that Lady Dione can change that.

The name, Bohemian Chic, does not do this clothing line any just. Mixed with vibrant colors, shapes, and prints, Dione makes sure that her line represents free spirits and simplicity. On her website, Lady Dione, she says that “everyone deserves to feel beautiful inside and out,” and she makes sure of that with her statement pieces, that represent “the black bohemian, nomads, and gypies.” Dione is a one woman show, doing everything by herself, from making the clothes, marketing, and selling. With so much to do, you could wonder how does such a busy woman keeps her energy up. Faith, is how she stays motivated. “I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual, and I talk to God every day.” She gives thanks to God for her journey, leaving us with the equations of: Passion + Talent + Resources = God. This is important, because Dione describe some situations as “lost art,” having all of the resources, but no talent or drive. Along with her faith, she gives motivation props to her family friends.

And to whom should we give our thanks to, for helping push the inspirational driven, one woman show, Lady Dione? She explained that it started in 7th grade, in English class. She was given a free write project, and with that project she drew girls with different clothes, and described them, and from there, she says, “I kept going.” Thus creating, Bohemian Chic. 

Lady Dione is an inspiration to us all. In the future, she’s working on a store in LA, spreading all of that vibrant fashion. Her advice to the up and coming? “Be business smart.”

Written By Tokay S. Stanley

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