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It’s May. Yay!

Or blah… Here’s to perspective.

Over the years, I have become really sensitive. It’s not the “Oh my gosh, now I care about people and puppies” sensitive feeling. It’s deeper than that. It’s the awareness of energy that a co-worker is soul-hurt from their childhood and cannot seem to find peace when they interact with a client that resembles their father. Deep. (Are you…

On a brisk, beautiful autumn day in Brooklyn, New York, I was on my way to meet with a friend for bagels and business. I was in one of my favorite ‘lewks’ from my line and I was all smiles. He asked me to meet him at a B.O.B. (black-owned business) nearby called Radical Women BK, where I had the pleasure of meeting a fashion maven named Ashaka Givens and a new entrepreneur Natasha of Scat Cat…

I realized that I can’t really talk about ego unless I share how it relates to my daily life.  For me, it’s work.  Once upon a time, I had a client reach out to me requesting for me to return four (4) types of fabric scraps from previous orders completed more than eighteen (18) months ago. Confused, I asked the client to confirm that I understood the request. This request was officially confirmed…

Inner peace is the antidote to anxiety. A travel binge could help you find your inner peace.

Soooo…Anxious…

I literally sing Ginuwine’s song in my head whenever someone say’s “I’m So Anxious!” I do.

It’s 2019.  Congratulations!  We made it!  

As we start off the new year, I have been reflecting on the conversations I have had recently.  About a month ago, I stepped into ‘Holiday Mode’, which for me…

Marcus Machado: The Humility of a Prodigy

It’s been four years since the ‘Next Young Gun’ sat down with The Rolling Stone and the world was formally introduced to Marcus Machado, the guitar prodigy.  Since then, he’s released music, traveled the world playing along some of the greatest musical acts in Jazz, Soul, Rap, Rock’n’ Roll and more.  I was introduced to “M Drix” after his show at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York,…

Honestly, I tear up thinking about how I felt on this day when you arrived.  It was the first time in my life that I no longer felt alone.  Before you were born, I was always at Aunty Agnes’s house.  They had a grandma living there, so Mom and Dad used to drop me off over there when they needed a last minute caregiver.  Everybody loves the African Grandma.  Since I was always there, that means I…

R E | D E E M

T H | I N K It started with family.  The culture imbedded in my DNA motivated me to create a brand with a purpose.  The purpose that would cultivate connections with people around the world and promote African culture in a manner that was bold, and unapologetic.  With a name as unusual as Amyang, I wanted the offerings of the fashion brand to deliver styles that encompassed a timeless, unique…

I share because if you look to me for inspiration, know that my journey is far from picture perfect. Have intentions to become the best version of yourself in all that you do.

  I used to carry a heavy load. The picture proves this.

2011: I was living a lifestyle that involved constantly traveling (within the US) and I partied like a rockstar…I have never been shy around a camera, and only my closest family members mentioned to me that I may need to become more mindful of my weight gain. Weight gain was code for lifestyle. Over time, I realized that my lifestyle was not…

We Can Still Heal… No Wahala

Days have passed, the box office numbers are undeniably record-breaking, and the cast of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther has injected a rush of African Pride into our veins.  I don’t want to come down from this high, but we need a reality check.

  The flight to Wakanda offered by United is NOT REAL.  It’s sad.  I know.

The think-pieces promoting negativity around the production of this movie are…

Introducing Passport to Zuri

Reconnecting to Africa

The feeling of wanting to reconnect to Africa is real for many people that belong to the African Diaspora, yet they don’t know where to begin. A year ago, my best friend and I moved to New York City and took up residence in a humble apartment in Brooklyn to pursue our careers in ways we had only imagined.  Koku Gonza, an emerging International Singer | Songwriter, bought an…

A chance to play at 2017 AFROPUNK BROOKLYN is a game changer.

  The competition is real because each band is dope, but Shacar is magical.  Magical AF.

Ghost is on repeat in my playlist right now.  Listen and see why.

Shacar (ft. Santos) Courtesy of Paradice Records

If you’re in Brooklyn, make sure you check out AFROPUNK’s Battle of the Bands at the Knitting Factory.

  I Am Gayima

“I will never live in New York City.  Stop asking me to move there.  It is not for me. It’s for you.”

Well so much for that.  I currently live, eat, and breathe the mean streets of NYC all day.

Work by Design ~ Amyang Fashun Courtesy of Dior Davis Photography

Although it has taken some time to grow on me, I am starting to understand the magic that is New York City.  This is one of the only places in the world that allows me to be who I am without having to make the person next to me feel comfortable with who they are sitting next to.

African. American. Culture Curator. Hula Hoop Fanatic. Beauty. Cigar Lover. Woke AF.

New York City encourages my individuality.  It encourages me to be who I actually am without apology.  Someone in this overcrowded metropolis looks at me, sees me for who I am, and embraces me.  Every. Day. They embrace my fashion sense, my work purpose and my energy.  I can’t help but pay it forward.  I too embrace the individuality of others.  It’s a beautiful cycle of love.

They say that New York City is the loneliest city in the world.

Whatever.

You can have the most amazing conversation with a stranger in any bar in this city or while walking down the street.

  New York City is for THE INDIVIDUAL.

From New York, With Love,

I AM… Gayima

Images Courtesy of Richard Nwaoko Photography + Retouching by Capture Classic Media

Sounds pretty strange, right? However, to a large group of people, in particular, women from various countries around the world, it makes perfect sense and sounds pretty amazing.  And it was. Amazing.

It was awesome meeting bloggers and influencers in person that you see online, but meeting beauties from around the world like Bruna Vieira, a Curly Beauty and Business Woman who traveled from Brazil to attend shocked me.  How serious is the bond of curly women?  Super serious!   I briefly chatted with my Instagram Bae, emerging Supermodel Khoudia Diop, a Senegalese Beauty with the brightest smile and personality and realized that I love #Curlfest!  Then we saw OwnbyFemme! Curl Vibes!

Supermodel Khadia Diop #curlfest

My guess is that every curly person who attended #Curlfest has a “Curly Struggle” story.

Mine is as follows:

I went through a life-changing breakup and made the mistake of ending a 3-year streak of natural hair care.  The break-up was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made, but that relaxer and big chop… not so much.  Since then, I found my niche of personal style in the natural hair world and I am marching forward with a band of natural sisters, including my besties, one who is a certified Natural Hair Advocate, and Influencer.

Koku Gonza is “The Plug”.

Public Service Announcement: If your hair texture is in the range of 4, go follow her today.  Get your curl life together.  You’re welcome.

Courtesy of Koku Gonza on Instagram

As a 4C curl pattern lady with roots from Sierra Leone, West Africa, I can indulge in a variety of hairstyles, and I prefer extensions.  My style of choice is Big. Hair. Don’t. Care. Crotchet.   However, have you ever walked into a boardroom in Corporate White America Straight Hair America with a hairstyle like mine and received this welcome?

The Scary Boardroom Courtesy of The Googles

Better yet, are you guilty of staring at me when I walked into Corporate White America Straight Hair America boardroom to do my job? Because my hair style is bigger and better than yours?

Imagine. After the longest, most awkward silence, and/or annoying questions about my hair, I am required to smile and carry on, instead of going the fuck off, throwing a chair in the air, and walking out and sucking my teeth at The Scary Boardroom.

My. God.

Why is #Curlfest so important?  It is a safe haven for Curly Folks.

#Curlfest is a festival that I needed a decade ago.  Thanks to The Curly Girl Collective and their corporate partners, it’s a part of my new reality and a breath of fresh air.

~I AM GAYIMA~

Big. Hair. Don’t. Care. Crotchet.   Courtesy of Dior Davis Photography

2017 was #Curlfest’s fourth year and it was held at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York.

Curlfest 2017     Photography by Dior Davis

Highlights from my #Curlfest 2017 experience:

A lot of beautiful curly-haired people dressed stylishly.  Mostly women. Some children. A few fine as wine Gentlemen. (ijs)

Apparel & Accessories Vendors | Food Vendors | Hair & Beauty Vendors (offering deals!)

An energetic host and crowd that can dance well to the beat of the music played… and great DJs to keep everyone entertained

The selfie culture in full effect (And why not? It was great natural lighting all day.)

Saw/Met/Listened to a down-to-earth Icon that I grew up admiring.   He handed me a “She’s Gotta Have It” Fan (Currently nailed to my wall. True. Story. Sis.)

Film Director Spike Lee at Curlfest 2017 and I AM GAYIMA

If you love to be stopped for photo ops, have an appreciation for curls and the diverse beauty associated with curly folks, and enjoy festive music, #Curlfest is the festival for you. Bring your squad. Be beautiful. Be curly. Be unapologetic.

Koku Gonza. Vicrina En Vogue. I Am Gayima. Afua Boni.

  Squad. #CURLFEST Courtesy of Dior Davis Photography

  Did you attend #Curlfest too?  What did you think?  Leave a question or comment below.

~I AM GAYIMA~

As a Daughter of Sierra Leone, I am compelled to share my thoughts on a topic that seems to be the big white elephant standing in the middle of the room, being ignored by many. It is time to discuss a real issue that is plaguing the Sierra Leonean community.

Resentment.

The first escalator in the country went live at Lungi International Airport in Spring 2017, even though escalators have existed…

Deniro Farrar: A Dinner Conversation with the Leader of Cult Trap

The universe has a strange way of connecting people. About a year after first hearing about Deniro Farrar (a rapper being compared to Tupac Shakur), I was introduced to him at a private album listening party in Brooklyn, New York. He seemed pretty chill, but I didn’t hold a long conversation with him. The next day while reviewing pictures on my phone, I found a selfie of guy with locs and a…

Love Notes: Sophisticated Soul

Listening to LOVE NOTESis as if I had coffee with an old soul named Love and he shared his thoughts with me before beginning his day. Giving listeners a beautiful range of vocals in the form of sophisticated soul, Recording Artist Sam Trump delivers again. Calvin Valentine’s delivers excellent production, allowing the listener to enjoy the sensual instrumentation, while highlighting Sam Trump’s…

Support high excellence and achievements of Africans in the Diaspora.

The Honorees

They Inspire. They Motivate. They Break New Ground.

From global community service to innovative initiatives; literary accomplishments to mass media presence, interwoven with musical geniuses, Applause Africa’s African Diaspora Awards celebrates the accomplishments of each honoree for their outstanding achievements and contributions to our global community.

  On a chilly evening in…