2 Of The Best African Owned Luxury Lingerie Brands That Will Leave You Speechless
………
As you all know, I have been on the hunt for unique, hard to find, lingerie designs.
Ladies, it's been tough!
After selling a bunch of lingerie in my Poshmark Store, as well as posting my series of Friday's at Frederick's here on my blog, I began to wonder if there were any African lingerie Designers.
(I often play around with the thought of designing my own lingerie, seeing how much I love it so!)
There has been a ton of sexy African print swimwear out for some time now-but only a handful of black, African owned lingerie lines.
However,
These two amazing luxurious brands combined, can actually make up for the lack of African owned, and uniquely designed lingerie businesses.
Here Are 2 of the Best African Owned Luxury Lingerie Brands That Will Leave You Speechless!
Anya Lust
Thissss!
Dear Anya,
I was not expecting this! You have become one of my new favorite lingerie brands!
PS: I'm supposed to be doing some serious relocation savings, and you are a major distraction.
❤Tiffany Tene'
Krystle Kotara
When it comes to uniquely made styles and designs, Anya Lust takes the cake! Anya is short for the Igbo Nigerian Sun Goddess, Anyanwu.
Based in New York, Anya Lust luxury lingerie was launched in December 2015, by founder Krystle Kotara. (Where was I when she made her debut? Under a rock??)
Krystle Kotara passionately sets the scenes, for the ultimate online lingerie shopping experience!
The oh so romantic vibe that she creates on her website, speaks the language of subtle sensuality;
Pour a glass of Pinot noir, and dark chocolate while you shop…
Listen to sultry music,
Watch beautiful films,
Read enticing stories…,
This is just the beginning!
Boring Lingerie
Remember what I have been saying about simple lingerie on Friday’s at Frederick’s? Krystle feels the same way! She says this in an interview with Alexandra Spirer,
“One day, I was shopping for lingerie online and realized that I was so bored. So, I asked myself what made it so uninspiring. All of the models and the underwear looked the same — bland and boring.
Anya's Style
Made with the finest silk and lace from over 30 worldwide, sustainable Designers, Anya Lust is for the free spirited woman.
Her designs go from barely there, risque, erotic, and kinky, to pleasurably simple, trendy, hip, and delicately sophisticated.
Not only are you going to be blown away by Anya's sensuous, breathtaking lingerie, but you can be sure to get lost in an array of luxurious, and engaging experiences, while shopping on the site.
Browse through the lingerie guide, step into the fitting room, listen to their playlist to set the mood while you shop, get captivated by enticing story/ poetry style lingerie descriptions, find out how you can have your own private dining experience in New York, take some sensuality classes, read hot topic blog posts, and more!
Whether you are buying gifts for yourself, so that you can just lounge around and look delicious-or lingerie shopping for your partner, (there’s a men's guide available on the site) you will definitely be in lingerie heaven at Anya Lust.
Torlowei
While searching for African lingerie Designers on Pinterest, I came across Torlowei-after repinning one of her designs from BellaNaija online publication.
First thoughts?…Pure elegance!
Second thoughts?…Sheer elegance!
Patience Torlowei
Patience Torlowei, started working as a Fashion Designer after moving from Nigeria to Belgium in 1989.
Over a decade later, Patience moved back to Nigeria, in order to create jobs. In 2006, Patience Please was born-designing bridal clothes, and ready-to-wear attire.
Patience Please Nigeria Limited, became the first registered lingerie manufacturer in Nigeria.
The Esther Dress
After a few Americans who were in attendance at an event in Abuja Nigeria, took special notice of a dress that Patience designed for a friend, Patience beautiful array of art and fashion, became internationally known!
Patience Torlowei named the exquisite dress that she designed, after her mother Esther.
The Esther dress is displayed at the Smithsonian Museum, (The National Museum of African Art in Washington DC) and is the first piece of haute couture to join it’s permanent collection.
In 2008, Patience Added Lingerie to Her Company!
Torlowei Designs
Torlowei uses sustainable and biodegradable natural fibers, and strongly believes in producing quality, handmade designs, that promote healthy skin, and a healthy environment.
Her sustainable lingerie is primarily made with soft silk, satin, chiffon trim, and chantilly lace accents.
Patience also has a signature cloud silk bra padding!
As Founder and CEO, Patience doesn't outsource a single thing. All of her luxuries are Made in Nigeria!
Watch How Torlowei Uses Her Expertise To Teach and Train Aspiring African Designers!
*After seeing and hearing Patience Torlowei for the first time, I was greatly inspired! She reminds me of a younger version of my grandmother-I felt an instant connection.
Do you prefer a mixture of exotic sophistication, conservative elegance, or a little of both?
Shop!
and
Your new number 1 go-to’s for luxury lingerie!
10 Things I'm Doing Right Now To Prepare For International Living
If you check out my about me page under what to expect from my blog, I stated that I will be sharing my plans for international travel. Around this time last year, while I was writing that, most of my preparations were in my head.
Now, as my living situation, plans for the future, and short and long term goals have changed, I am taking action, and will be relocating within the next few months.
I am a firm believer of planning out as much as you can, doing extensive research, and moving with a specific mission or purpose.
I’m totally against going out on a whim, with very little money, to move anywhere, nationally or internationally. That will not work for me!
I know that even with the most meticulous plans, things can, and will change.
But again, I say if you have back up plans, ( My abcdef and g plans, have never failed me) 9 times out of 10, unexpected mishaps, and expenses can be avoided, or may not set you back as far.
10 Things I’m Doing Right Now To Prepare For International Living
1. Moving to a Less Expensive City and State
Since moving from Northern California while in my 20’s, Houston, Texas has always been my home base. I love it here! But it’s time to go.
Houston, you have been sooo good to me, and I thank you. I will be back to visit, but I must move on for good now.
Yes, I must move on to another city and state, where my expenses will be lower so that I can save more, and have the freedom to move about with fewer restrictions.
In my opinion, this is the best way to cut back on major expenses, while on your way towards traveling the world or moving internationally.
2. Budgeting Every. Single. Penny.
Seriously!
My personal spending is wayyyy out of control! And this is because I have gotten too comfortable….again!
When I looked at how much I could have saved (instead of splurging) just within the past 4 months, I had to put myself on a time out!
While I am proud of myself for keeping up with my personal expenses, as far as writing them down, and keeping receipts-so I at least know where my money is going, I definitely need to get rid of my impulse spending.
I am not only budgeting every single penny for my out of state move, but I also have a budget for my international travels as well.
I know exactly how much I will need to maintain my international lifestyle for 3, 6, and 12 months.
3. Meditation Visualization and Manifestation
Manifestation is speaking and acting as if you already have it.
(Without doubting, because doubting ruins manifestation.)
Throughout the day, I am constantly speaking my travel plans into existence. I am not only speaking of my plans out loud but talking in my head as if it is already so.
I see myself at certain locations, (visualizing) being very specific about the region and area in which I plan to travel and live.
I am constantly looking at pictures, and images of my exact REALITY location!
I don’t want to write, or say dream location, because the word dream sounds so far away, or as if it will never happen.
The video below isn’t in my top 5, because I just discovered Mei-lan a couple of months ago. I listen to this almost every night, and feel as if I am floating.
4. Networking
I was raised in Northern California, and have always been a multi-cultured type gal-constantly hanging out and making friends with people from different countries.
I have more international friends than I do Americans! Lol!
Soooo, I have made some new contacts and friends in the country in which I will be moving to-and I have long-time friends from the countries surrounding areas.
I am still observing certain groups, and location-independent businesses, so that I can connect with the right people, who have my same vibe, mindset, and outlook on life.
5. Research
To be honest, I have been around the people and researching the continent in which I will be visiting, and then moving to for 20 years!
As you already know, the world is constantly changing and will continue to change.
I can never learn too much, so I am still researching different cultures, governments, land, houses, presidents, cost of living, and lifestyles.
On each short trip that I take locally, I always research the cost of living, see what the jobs and businesses are like, and check on the rent and buying prices for apartments and homes.
I especially take note of the disposition of the people, and customer service-are they friendly? Family-oriented? Is this a seemingly happy community?
Other questions I ask myself-
Would this be a good fit for my kids? How would I get around? How much is transportation? Is it best to get around by car, bus, taxi, or uber?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living, relocating, and traveling to my destination country, or a certain side of town, versus living in its surrounding areas/countries?
6. Learning New Languages
How is it that my international friends know the English language so well, but I haven’t even taken the time to consistently learn their language?
So sad!
I should be fluent in many languages! I start off learning, then “get busy” and stop.
Now, I have to learn!
I am making it a habit to learn to read, write, and speak the languages of my friends, every time we meet-up, talk, or text.
7. Explaining The Moving Process To My Children
My kids are troopers! They all adjust to change quite well.
My oldest does not know how serious I am about my long-term destination as of yet. I am waiting to tell them in a special family meeting that I will be holding.
My long term location just got specific last month, and will greatly benefit my older and younger children, grandchildren, and my future grandchildren, whether they choose to stay or visit.
However, I am sure that they will not be too surprised-I have mentioned it to them quite a few times throughout the years.
8. Watching YouTube Videos
I have been getting a lot of great information concerning international travels on YouTube.
For the past 3 months, I have been binge-watching specific videos geared towards my destination.
(I’ve been binge-watching to the point where it is not exactly healthy on my eyes!)
One night, I stayed up until 4 am, watching videos, and taking notes. It was totally worth it!
9. Pinterest Pins
Pinterest is my new obsession!
I am pinning everything that has to do with traveling- from Africa to Asia, USA, Paris, and Island excursions.
While reading a lot of blogs about my future destinations, I take handwritten notes.
I can get pretty caught up on Pinterest too!
But again, I am seriously talking about my future here, so it is well worth the time!
10. Listening To Music From a Specific Country
I am listening to music that is from my reality destination. I’m no stranger to it, but hooked on it now, more than ever!
The rhythms, and languages, always takes me to that place, lifts my mood, and makes me even more excited about my trips!
Listening to music from a specific destination in which you want to live or visit, can be used for manifestation and visualisation too.
Example: I used music to take us back to Houston, Texas while we were living on the Corpus Christi Islands.
One day, I started to feel the energy of the city of Houston really strong. I then began to get flashbacks.
I felt so excited, seeing the faces of old friends, swimming around in my head. I found myself reminiscing about where I used to go, and what I used to do…
While searching online, I discovered that I could live stream both of the Houston radio stations that I used to always listen to. Why did I do this?
It was torture!
I began missing Houston even more. I felt that I was actually there. I said out loud, “I’m ready to go back to Houston!”
While dancing to, and enjoying some familiar tunes, my journey from the first day that I moved to Houston, until I left, was slowly being played before my eyes.
For 3 or 4 consecutive weekends, I listened to two of my favorite radio stations in “H-Town”.
Okay, I thought, I got my little “Houston Fix”. I’m satisfied.
I moved out of that phase, and sort of forgot about it.
A few months later, without even trying, we found ourselves living back in Houston, Texas.
*Sources Of Income
What is my mission for my destination countries? What would I like to accomplish there? Who, what, when, and where do I want to invest? How will I continue to create multiple streams of income overseas?
I feel that it is crucial to keep a list of all of my business skills, trade, and talents that would be of good use in my near future destination countries.
Sacrifice
There are a lot of things that I am willing to sacrifice in order to get to my reality destinations!
Should I just homeschool my kids, and call it a day?
For the past 5 years, I have been in the position where I do not have to work in, or out of the home-or even start new businesses.
But I do anyways, because I feel that would be very unwise of me not to-for I have a greater vision that I just can't sit on, or ignore.
Top 10 Places To Immigrate To Where Racism is Not A Big Issue
The foundation of The United States of America has been built on racism and oppression.
We can get mad, cry, sign petitions, riot, loot, tell everyone to speak out, and continue to say that something needs to be, or is going to be done.
But then what?
The constant killing of unarmed African Americans continues.
It keeps happening over, and over, and over, and over again. It hasn't stopped, and it won't stop.
It’s hard to shake a strong foundation.
After years of struggling and fighting for certain types of freedom that you should already have, sometimes it's best to immigrate to a country, where you will be celebrated and accepted.
Here are the top 10 places to Immigrate to where racism is not a big issue
Side Note: Top 8 places are in no particular order.
Something important to remember: The way in which most foreigners treat you here in the states, is usually the ways of their cultural upbringing, on how they should treat others, unless they have been taken advantage of.
Japan
Over the past 5 years, there has been quite a surge of African Americans migrating and starting businesses in Japan.
Unbeknownst to me, some African Americans had already been there for over 20 years.
2. The Philippines
Filipino people are said to be the most friendliest people on earth! They are huge givers, and from my experience, very loyal friends.
My cousin and I grew up with many Filipino friends in Northern, California. My cousin had even more Filipino friends than I. She speaks fluently in Tagalog, and has learned how to make Lumpia very well!
Her mother whom is my Aunt, still has close business ties with the Filipino community in her area.
3. Fiji
When I was younger, my mom had a best friend who was from Fiji. We would often go to her house, and she would come to visit us as well.
Every Friday, she would cook lamb curry for my mom. I remember that my mom used to try to get me to eat it, but as a pre-teen, I did not like the smell.
I am now in love with Chicken and Lamb Curry! Chicken Curry is one of my go to meals.
Our family spent a lot of time around my mother’s best friend, and her family of over 8 siblings.
People from Fiji are also said to be the most friendliest people on earth!
4. Canada
Another one of my mom's best friend is from Canada. She was like a big sister to my mother, and took very good care of her when my step-dad past away.
I had a Canadian couple who were Clients of mine, paying me very very well, I must say.
They had multiple businesses, and were always very professional.
Canadians are known to be friendly, respectful, organized, non-messy business minded people, with a low tolerance for lawbreakers.
5. Africa
Africa is huge! The beautiful Continent boasts 54 different countries. I am proud to have close friendships with Nigerians, Cameroons, and Kenyans, while living in Houston.
Once they know you are sincere, they will treat you like family, and go out of their way to help you when needed.
Every country and culture in Africa is unique, and has different beliefs, and traditions.
6. Central and South America
Yes, I know, it’s still a part of America, but very friendly non-racist people. My friends and co-workers from Columbia, Honduras, and El Salvador, always greet me with a kiss.
7. Cuba
Cubans are known to be happy whether they are rich or poor. Their culture is their prosperity! In the words of a Cuban man I ran into,
“In my country, we are very happy.. even if we have no money. Here in America, it’s go-go-go..money-money-money-and faces like this-(he made a tight serious face.)
8. Mexico
I’ve always seem to have had a ton of neighbors from Mexico in my adult years! They have shared traditional recipes, and have helped me to speak Spanish more fluently.
9. Almost Anywhere in Asia
Asians are all about respect. For the most part, they keep to themselves. Respect them, they will respect you. Don't bother them, and they won't bother you. The end. Lol
10. France
France won me over by accepting my favorite legendary entertainer Josephine Baker!
Research!
If you are drawn to your ancestral roots, or you feel drawn to a particular culture other than your own, it would be wise to immerse yourself in their community here in the States.
We live in a big big world with many systems that differ from the United States of America.
Now may be the best time to go out and explore which one fits you and your family.
Are there any other African American friendly continents and countries that you would like to add to the list?
5 Reasons Why Extended Stay America Has Been Able To Remain Open During Covid-19
During my last stay at Extended Stay America, all of the staff went above and beyond to make sure that I was well accommodated for in every way.
They left such a great impression on me, that I wanted to make them my second home, while traveling within the US.
As I observed their uniqueness, and what set them apart from other extended stay services, I also wanted to start recommending them to those who read and follow my blog.
Extended Stay America has been able to provide a whole new standard in hotel stays by offering long-term, transitional, and emergency stays at discounted rates.
Extended Stay America’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Haase, commented,
“I am proud of our Company’s performance during this period of pandemic and economic uncertainty. Thanks to the hard work of our nearly 8,000 employees and our franchisee partners every single Extended Stay America hotel has remained open through the pandemic, we have maintained relatively healthy overall occupancy levels, and we have not been forced to enact any wide-spread furloughs or staff reductions as seen by others in the industry. Our property teams have done a remarkable job keeping their colleagues and our guests safe while continuing to provide an essential service for their communities and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work.”
Mr. Haase continued, “March and April saw the highest RevPAR Index scores for STAY in the Company’s history by a wide margin. We believe that our positive RevPAR performance relative to the industry during this difficult time period demonstrates the resiliency of our extended stay business model and the unique characteristics of our business compared to traditional transient lodging brands. We are also pleased to see improved RevPAR and occupancy trends during the last few weeks compared to earlier in the nationwide response to the virus. We believe the Company is in a strong financial position to navigate through this crisis and well positioned as the economy reopens. Source-GlobeNewswire
Here are 5 reasons why all 634 Extended Stay America Hotels has been able to remain open, without much of a drop in occupancy during COVID-19
They provide special safety training for their employees.
Installed transparent shields at all front desks.
Provides gloves, masks, and other protective equipment to all employees.
Expanded their cleaning and disinfectant practices by making sure that all computers, lobby areas, credit card readers, company vans, handles, elevator buttons, and all other commonly touched items are regularly disinfected.
Provides Guest with more choices as to how Housekeeping cleans their room.
Extended Stay America is set up for temporary housing with full size kitchens, free wi-fi, cable, and suites that are larger than the average size hotel.
Because of their convenient and comfortable amenities, you will always be able to limit your contact with people, by not having to continue to go in and out of your room on a daily.
I am an affiliate of Extended Stay America. This means that if you click on the link above and book a stay, I may receive a commission.
9 Benefits of a Natural Pink Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamp
I am loving my pink himalayan salt crystal lamp!
I can't keep my hands off of it! It’s like my magic rock that I now have to caress several times a day!
Since I purchased it a week and a half ago, I keep it lit on top of my office desk about 80% of the time.
What are Pink Himalayan Salts?
Pink Himalayan salts are rock crystals containing potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium-What gives pink Himalayan salt it’s color, is that it also contains iron oxide.
These mesmerizing Pink Himalayan rocks comes from salt mines in Pakistan!
NOTE: Pink Himalayan salt contains small amounts of the above minerals, which makes it less salty than regular table salt.
1. Attracts humidity causing the surface of the salt crystal to become moist.
2. Creates a buildup of ions and removes moisture from your air.
3. Binds excessive positive ions with beneficial negative ions.
4. Naturally improves your indoor air quality by creating healthy negative ions.
5. Purifies it’s surrounding atmosphere due to which airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, and allergens as well as respiratory irritants and asthma triggers are unable to survive in that negatively charged environment.
6. Refreshens you and helps ease stress.
7. Helps to neutralize the “electro-smog” reducing allergens and irritants.
8. Creates potential soothing light effects for you from multi-colored salt crystals.
9. Can be used as a night light for a soothing sleep.
SOURCE-HemingWeigh Salt Lamps
What the Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp Actually Does for Me
A few moments after I plug it in, I feel an instant calmness and sense of peace.
The first night of usage, my nasal passages became really clear.
I normally do not have a hard time sleeping, but feel as if it gives me an even more restful nights sleep.
In the morning, I feel a natural purification of the air in my room.
The illumination that comes from the salt rock lamp is spectacular! Also brighter than I thought!
It definitely elevates my mood, every single time I plug it in!
At night it soothes, and in the daytime, it gives me a more focused and relaxed energy.
I also use it while meditating.
This year, I started adding Himalayan pink salt crystals to my bath water a couple of times a month, to remove toxins, and rid negative energy. (I will write a separate blog on this!)
I haven't had a pink Himalayan salt bath since purchasing my lamp.
It’s going to be veeery interesting to see how my energy reacts when I combine the two!
Do you have a Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp?
My First Fragrance from SCENTBIRD-ANGEL Mugler
As I was filling out some information online, (because I supposedly won a $1,000 shopping spree from Walmart) SCENTBIRD showed up as one of the subscriptions in which I would have had to subscribe to in order to win.
After finally figuring out that I would probably have to subscribe to at least 5 companies, spending approximately $100 or so to win, I stopped playing…gambling!
But it wasn't in vain!
Some of the products that were being presented to me were ones that I had always wanted to try, or had forgotten about.
Thank you sweepstakes! (Or whatever it was) because I totally forgot about SCENTBIRD!
I love perfume!
My obsession with designer perfume came at a very young age!
I was oh so fascinated with my Grandmother’s collection of expensive designer fragrances, which she had perfectly displayed on a beautiful vanity tray, on top of one of her dressers.
While she was preoccupied, I would go through every single scent, one by one.., open..,smell…, then pour, or spray.
MY GRANDMOTHER: “Tiffany, I don’t mind you spraying some of these, IF, you ask me first, but you cannot continue to waste this one-it’s the most expensive”. (It was CHANEL No. 5 Eau de Toilette.)
After seeing how much I loved testing out her perfumes every time we would visit, as I entered Junior High, my Grandmother began sending me small valves of FENDI every month.
She would also send me a variety of designer perfumes on special occasions throughout the year.
When I started High School, my Grandmother would make sure that she would call me before her visits, to ask me which fragrances she should bring.
First Impression of SCENTBIRD
Why would I want to subscribe to these small bottles every month, when I can just buy them full size?
But now that I am traveling more, I have had a change of heart about these “travel sprays.”
SCENTBIRD
When you sign up for SCENTBIRD, you get to choose 1 scent for the next 12 months.
For the month of April, I chose to receive one of my favorite scents ANGEL, by French Fashion Designer Thierry Mugler.
Can someone tell me why I thought that I was going to receive a tiny original designer bottle?
Oh well, the packaging is super cute, and the bottle is refillable.
ANGEL
While fragrance shopping for a lady whom my dad was dating, he discovered ANGEL.
(I remember the day oh so well, as I was pregnant with my now 11 year old. I only agreed to go with my dad, so that I could walk around the mall, and possibly go into labor…..and late that night (the night before Christmas Eve, I did!)
I liked the star bottle design, but I really did not like the scent at first!
It didn’t smell like a woman of my age.
ANGEL presented itself to me again 1 year later, while shopping for a new fragrance. This time, the seller urged me to sample the body creme.
I loved it!
I purchased the whole set, which included the perfume, body lotion, and body creme, and then fell in love with the perfume’s heavy lingering notes of chocolate and vanilla.
I began receiving many compliments and inquiries as to what fragrance I was wearing, practically every day!
It became one of my favorite signature scents!
SCENTBIRD travel size sprays are great to use for:
.Stocking Stuffers for Xmas
.Bridesmaids Gifts
.Testing new fragrances-If you don’t like, you can always give away as gifts, or resell them!
.Date nights, concerts, and events
.Long and short traveling excursions
For the month of May, I will be receiving my other favorite designer fragrance, Dolce & Gabbana The One.
Source:Scentbird.com
If you have never tried SCENTBIRD, or have tried in the past, and want to give it another go, you can sign up and subscribe below, and get your second scent for free!
*If you click on my special link below, I will be eligible to receive a free perfume as well. When you subscribe to SCENTBIRD, and 12 of your friends decide to subscribe, you will receive free perfume for the whole year!
