Greetings.

I have chosen to create a separate page for my Feather Earrings.

Enjoy!

Visit my new page: Hover over the page header WIRE-WRAPPED EARRINGS and then click on FEATHER EARRINGS (WIRE-WRAPPED). Or simply click Feather Earrings beneath the PORTFOLIO menu.

You’re All Invited!

R & B Superstar Chrisette Michele Joins Black Women’s Blueprint with Esther Armah, Aishah Shahidah Simmons, Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Several Other Activists and Artists With A Special Monologue–for “Freedom Girls”

at

The National Black Theater of Harlem, Friday, February 24, 2012

and a Performance at

Catharsis, The Center for Women’s Development/Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, Saturday, February 25, 2012!

A Benefit Performance to Support Collaboration & Primary Prevention Programs on Sexual Assault.

Watch New Music and Video

To learn more about the upcoming event, visit- http://bwbregistration.webs.com/

MOTHER TONGUE MONOLOGUES
FOR BLACK GIRLS AND STOLEN WOMEN RECLAIMING OUR BODIES, OUR SELVES, OUR LIVES

MEET THE DIRECTOR AND CAST

http://bwbregistration.webs.com/mothertonguemonologues.htm

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/203858

The National Black Theater of Harlem

February, 24, 2012

6:30PM Reception | 8PM Show

A Benefit Performance To Support Collaboration And Prevention Programs On Sexual Assault.

Purchase Tickets

General Seats $25 | VIP $50

About Mother Tongue Monologues: “The right to make decisions about our bodies was primary. It was also important to claim the body as a site of pleasure power and possibility. We were making revolution. Our bodies were the occupied countries we liberated.” bell hooks, Talking Sex. The show brings together a cast renown poets, activists and actors offering inspiring accounts about Black women, girls and sexual identity, intimacy, consent, agency, pleasure, desire and the role of the erotic. They perform various notions of Black female sexuality from the “Jezebel”, to the “Tragic Mulatto”, the “Venus Hottentot” to the “Video Vixen”. They speak the words of Black feminists, womanists, sexual revolutionaries and share the feats towards sexual liberation that have taken place since the middle passage. The performance unearths the painful history of rape and sexual assault against Black women and girls in America, takes us to the place where we can change the conversation and the dominant narrative, dares us to engage in more progressive Black sexual politics, define “sexual revolution” on our own terms, celebrate our bodies and our sexual selves.

Friends, Family, Colleagues, Fellow Healers, Artists and Activists, forward to your network!

We’ll Be At Catharsis! A Full Day Conference for Emotional Justice. February 25, 2012 creating community with powerful healers, speakers, artists, movement builders and friends.

See Conference Information: http://bwbregistration.webs.com/ REGISTER TODAY!

http://bwbregistration.webs.com/registrationform.htm

STOP by my table to purchase some goodies. Also join me for a Healing Community Mural~

Catharsis: A Conference for Emotional Justice

Saturday, February 25, 2012

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

Founders Auditorium, Medgar Evers College

1650 Bedford Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11225

FREE for All Who Attend Mother Tongue Monologues | All Others $10

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

ca·thar·sis (k -thär s s). n. pl. ca·thar·ses (-s z)

 An emotional release, occurring through art…spiritual renewal… or release from tension through expression. Used in healing, cleansing, and transforming experience throughout history…Used in cultural practices, literature, drama, medicine, religion, and psychology.

Momma’s Hip Hop Kitchen Vol. 5 , “BE THE CURE!” is excited to celebrate our 5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY Concert and kick off International Women’s Month on Sat., March 3, 2012 at Hostos Community College in the South Bronx. Our goal is to initiate dialogue and inspire action in supporting healthier nutrition, more physical activity, and increased community involvement among women and their families through the vibrant culture of hip- hop. We will use hip-hop as a tool to address and bring awareness to both reproductive cancers (i.e. cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal) and breast cancer which disproportionately affect communities of color.

Stop by my table to purchase some goodies and for a Jewelry Lesson!

WE GET IT!!!! We see the women in our communities dying of breast and cervical cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, AIDS and domestic violence in our hoods all of the time. We know and understand that poverty is a human condition marked by substandard housing, low educational attainment, and subsistence-level employment. We understand that the poverty which plagues our communities has enabled high rates of unemployment, exposure to environmental toxins, and poor access to health care. Yes, WE GET IT!!! So we, at Momma’s Hip Hop Kitchen choose to BE THE CURE. We acknowledge that we cannot depend on our government to bring equality to these disparities. We can no longer wait for politicians and government officials to get it together. Time is running out for our families and communities who are in desperate need of proper healthcare. It is up to US to use preventative measures to lessen the mortality rates.

Fast Facts:
African American women have the highest breast cancer death rate among minority women—32.8 per 100,000 population. Latinas have the third highest death rate death rate of 15.0 per 100,000.
In 2011, more than 12,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. Most of these women are younger than 55. Women suffering most severely from this disparity include African American women in the South, Latina women along the Texas-Mexico border, white women in Appalachia, American Indians of the Northern Plains, Vietnamese American women, and Alaska Natives.
Sexually transmitted HPV infection is believed to be responsible for 90 to 95 percent of all cervical cancers.
Momma’s Hip Hop Kitchen, Vol. 5: Be the Cure! will assist in introducing healthier alternatives to our families and communities. We believe that hip-hop is a healing instrument that can be used for mental, emotional, and physical wellness. We encourage you to become a b-girl, deejay, emcee or graffiti artist who will disseminate positive information and create a more holistic culture.

Artists that will be rocking:

Guerrilla Queenz (Los Angeles)
Full Circle Soulsistas
Mahina Movement
Xclusive Step Team
Rhyme Like a Girl
Not Enough Mics
NeNe Ali
GNU
BigNay The Ice Queen
Adrienne Mack-Davis
Narubi Selah
PrECiOSA
MC Beats
Las BomPleneras (Chicago)
Pelham Academy Eagles
Aisling Peartree
Bianca Raquel
Miss Marianna
Ashley August
J.F. Seary
DJ Brina Payne
The Legendary DJ Chela

Come join us for our 5th year anniversary concert! Join educators, students, environmentalists, visual artists, health advocates, doctors, nurses, food co-ops, DJ’s, emcees, b-girls, poets, artists, dancers, healers, organizers and activists in the birthplace of hip hop

http://www.mhhk.org/

Shop Locations

Divine Designs ~ for the (god’is) in you. Rediscover, rejoice, and reclaim your connection to the earth. Goddess essentials for your earthly needs, a jewelry collection of wire, clay, and semiprecious stones.

Each piece that I create is a-one-of-a kind wearable art. When you are not wearing it, you will want to display it. They are simply beautiful and everyone will be talking about them!

St. Anthony’s Outdoor Market

I am so honored to have the opportunity to be a vendor at the St. Anthony’s Market. I will be at the Market this Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th.

• St. Anthony’s Outdoor Market is located in SOHO directly on the sidewalk.
• At: West Houston Street between Sullivan Street and Thompson Street.
• Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Map it!

Please connectwith me for more information.

Thanks. Hope to see you there! Drop-by, even if it is just to say, “Hello.”

1. Create an email account, if you do not already have one (e.g., hotmail, gmail).

2. Go to: New York State’s Online Permit Assistance and Licensing website

• http://www.nys-opal.com  and click on Click here to start then choose your Business Type in the Search box at the bottom of the page. (Set aside at least an hour to fill out, this is just part one.)
• I typed in: Vendor
• You then choose what type of Vendor. If you choose Street Vending, you then answer the questions listed and click continue. For those of you who want step by step support, please continue to read below; otherwise  skip to #3 below.  I am going to walk you through this with the answers I selected.

1. Street Vending # of Employees: 0
2. Legal structure: Sole Proprietor
3. Select New Business and then click continue.
4. Will you hawk, peddle, vend or sell goods, wares or merchandise from a portable stall on the street or highway? Yes and then click continue.
5. Are you an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States and a veteran of any war or have served in the armed forces of the US overseas? I am not so I selected: No and then click continue.
6. Will you operate a food or beverage vending business? No and then click continue.
7. Would you like general information about starting or expanding a business? No and then click continue.
8. Would you like information on employer obligations? No and then click continue.

3. It will then take you to the Customized List of Links page.

• Check off the Ability to Apply Online Box, the Apply Online Box for your Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax, and the  Apply online for the selected applications.
• STOP DO NOT CLICK SUBMIT JUST YET! Click Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and apply first. You will need it to complete your application!

3.1. Apply online to get your EIN immediately.

• Click  www.irs.gov. (Now this page can be a bit confusing. Was I right?) Go to the bottom left section entitled, Online Services. Now click: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online

OKAY, NOW TAKE A DEEP BREATHE. I AM HERE FOR YOU. Ha ha ha!

• Click APPLY ONLINE NOW then begin your application by clicking on Begin Application.
• Legal structure:  Click Sole Proprietor and then click continue. (Remember this is what I chose, since I will work alone.)
• Again click Sole Proprietor and then click continue.
• Click continue.
• Why is the Sole Proprietor requesting an EIN? Select Started a new business and then click continue. Fill out all of the required fields (name, social security number, Sole Proprietor) and click continue.

At this point, I could not go any further on the application as I already have one. However I kept a Word Doc copy of my application and I suggest that you should as well. The site will as well.

• Continue to follow the EIN Assistant prompts. There are five steps that you will have to take:

1. Identity (Remember you are the Sole Proprietor).
2. Authentication
3. Addresses
4. Details
5. EIN Confirmation

What your business/organization does?: I choose, Other.

• You will be asked for your Principal Business Activity:

Choose what is best for you, remember this is what I entered and it may not be true for you. Enter the correct answers for you.

1. What your business/organization does: I choose, Other.
2. Principal products/services: I choose, Artist

• For the Additional Sole Proprietor Information:

1. I choose No, for the first five questions.
2. Reason for Applying: STARTED A NEW BUSINESS.

And just like that the end of step 3.1. Click submit (it may take a bit of time).

OKAY, SO HOW ARE YOU FEELING? EXCITED BUSSINESS OWNER? A BIT DRAINED? NO WORRIES ALMOST DONE. Oooo Saaaaaa!

Congratulations! Your EIN has been successfully assigned. SAVE IT FOR YOUR RECORDS!!! Do not have a printer, save the the entire page as a word document.

3.2. Apply for you Sole Proprietorship (Legal Structure)

• I skipped this step, however if it is necessary to file it. Click Sole Proprietorship and follow the  directions given to you.

3.3. Now back to Step 3. NOW YOU CAN CLICK SUBMIT.

Have we gone in a circle? Yes. Two steps forward and two steps back, ha ha ha! Imagine if you had to do this alone, I was crying at this point. Together, we can do it!

• Fill in all the required fields that are in bold.

1. For Legal Name: I entered my First and Last Name.
2. For question 3, you now enter your assigned Employer Identification Number (EIN#).
3. For question 11. Select Individual (Sole Proprietor).

• Once you have answered all of the questions click continue.

At this point, I could not go any further on the application as I already have one.

• Submit your application and you will receive Confirmation Receipt with your O.P.A.L ID number. Again as recommended save a copy for your records.
• Use your OPAL ID in any future correspondence regarding the applications you completed during this session. Also, use it to track your application status.
• Track your application at http://www.nys-opal.com.

Before I continue with Step 5. Please note that you will receive a Written Notice (in about a week or two) with your assigned Employer Identification Number (EIN#), keep it in a safe place and if possible scan and/or copy it. You will only be given only one notice and you will also need the information stated on this form to file your taxes.

Yeah! With your new license comes the added responsibility of paying taxes! But more on that later.

5. Wait to receive your New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Certificate of Authority in the mail.

Congratulations! You are certified to be an Sales Tax Vendor!

I received my certificate in about two months with an enclosed packet explaining my Vendor Responsibilities, how to Register as  Sales Tax Vendor and so much more.

Now! Even, if you NEVER MAKE A SALE (my certificate has been catching dust on the shelf for about a year now) of your amazing art on the beautiful streets of NEW YORK, it does not absolve you from taxes; one still has to file taxes. You can do it free online at www.nystax.gov. You will be sent more information filing taxes in the mail, as well.

Also remember to keep this in as safe space. You must display your certificate at your place of business (e.g.,cart, wagon, table, stand, truck).

Again Congratulations!

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6. Research & Learn all you can on Vending Laws.

There several different laws and rules for vendors in New York State, but as I am an artist. I will stick to what I have found in this area.

I will attempt to give you a brief Glossary of Terms to better understand the vending rules.

Sales Tax Vendor: You are now a Business owner and as such, a trustee of New York. As a trustee, you are responsible for collecting and paying taxes. You are now legally able to make taxable sales.

Follow the steps 1-4 above to become NYC Sales Tax Vendor.

Tax ID Number: This is the identification number on your New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Certificate of Authority located in the box on the top right hand corner, which certifies you as a NYC Sales Tax Vendor.

• You will need this number to apply for your vendor license and/or sell at street fairs, on the street, at events, parks and so much more. If anyone asks you for you Tax ID# to sell your artwork or participate in an event, please follow see steps 1-4 to obtain one. (Remember it will take time. Apply at least two months ahead of time.)

General Vendor License: You must have a General Vendor license if you sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public place.

• Visit: New York City Department of Consumer Affairs to find a full description and instructions on how to apply for your vendor license.

Expressive Art Vendor: Anyone who sells artwork, including paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures whether original or mass-produced. Anyone who sells newspapers, periodicals, books, pamphlets, written matter or other expressive matter whether original or mass-produced.

• New rules for Expressive vendors went into effect on May 21, 2010. There have been many restrictions and limitations added that designate the Who? What? When? and Where? of vending in NYC.
• You do NOT need a General Vendor license if, you are an Expressive Vendor.
• Many people are under the impression that as long as an item is “Hand-Made” that the (PEP) Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers  and the (NYPD) New York Police Department can not confiscate your items, or if it is “Mass-Produced” that the enforcers could confiscate your goods, this is not the case. Please arm yourself with the new NYC Parks and Recreation Vending Rules. 
• You can also read the CITY RECORD for FULL RULES FOR ALL STREET VENDORS.

Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit: You will only sell merchandise from a booth or stand at an authorized Street Fair (e.g., street fair, block party, or festival).

• Please go to the Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit to find a full description and instructions on how to apply for your vendor permit to sell merchandise at an authorized Street Fair.
• There some Street Fair and/or Event Organizers who obtain a permit for all of their vendors, in that case, you will only need you Tax ID# (that is if they request one).

7. Own this process. Go beyond the basics.

I recommend that with your Vendor Certificate and/or License that you a keep a copy of the  CITY RECORD and the NYC Parks and Recreation Vending Rules. I find (PEP, NYPD & Business/Building Owners  included) that many people are confused about the NYC Vending Laws and Vendor Rights.

Robert Lederman (NYC Artist Activist) is a great resource for obtaining information on Artist Vendor Right’s and The NYC Artist Struggle to Fight Unjust Laws that Violate First Amendment Rights.

• You can also join, support, or become aware of the Struggle of NYC Street Arts by getting involved with A.R.T.I.S.T (Artists’ Response To Illegal State Tactics) founded in 1993. ARTIST is about the struggle for full First Amendment vending protection involving the sale of art on NYC streets and in Parks. Also join or visit this Yahoo group to stay up-to-date on media clips, BID information, court rulings, lawsuits and 250 protest photos. Also up on read “The Basics” for all art vending info, as well as,  New York City vending law OR NYC vending laws with legal citations.
• If you plan to Vend Jewelry, Crafts or T-shirts in NYC, I think you should read, Vending jewelry, crafts or tee shirts in NYC: what are the actual laws and policies regarding this type of vending on the street or in NYC parks? By: Robert Lederman, President of A.R.T.I.S.T. 7/09
• Also research what techniques other street artists have used to protect themselves.

I have read that jewelry does not constitute as “expressive matter” therefore, you would need a General Vendor License (see above) to sell your pieces. I have also read that  Wearable Sculpture Artists believe that their pieces are in fact expressive as they are sculpture.

I do, too!

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The East Harlem Business Capital Corporation is another great resource for our community. It provides a BusinessWise Course, a Business Course for Womyn, as well as, a host of other business development services at community prices. Classes begin today!

• The Nine Week BusinessWise Course covers:

1. Benefits/problems with owning your own business
2. Your credit: What is it? Why is it important? How can you improve it? How to read your credit report?
3. What is a Business Plan? Why do you need one? What are the parts of a Business Plan?

I so want to take this course. I have heard so many wonderful things about it. I believe that there is a new course starting this week!

8. Make it Real.

So in order to share my process with you, I have looked in my Jewelry Journal to retrace my steps. I have also added the sage advice received in the past four years. So here goes!

I won’t bore you with all the details as to how I started out making jewelry, however I will share the steps that made Divine Designs for the (god’ is) in you, real.

• Dream it! So, what would you like to create? What would you like to share with the world?
• Create it! Make pieces to your hearts content. Make work with your friends (Thanks Dee!) during sleepovers. Find your Voice. What will your business look like? What will you sell?
• Name it! What is your business name? I have always wanted to create the Lively Arts Collective, a gathering place for artist to share and simply be, as well as, heal through the gift of the arts. I actually had a contest to name my jewelry line. It was so fun!

The Poor Man’s Copyright. This was shared with me by Great-aunt, Marie Hyppolite, a former paralegal. I wrote the name of my business in an envelop with all the company details and sealed it. While visiting her (she lives out of state) I went to the Post Office and had it sent to my home. The key is to never open it.

I just looked at the envelope. Oh my! It is dated August 22, 2005. Six years baby! Woo hoooo!

• Share it! Carry a sample of your work. Wear it! Tell your friends, family, and all your social networks.

Business card, make some. My first 250 free cards were from Vistaprint. I remember paying about $8.00 for shipping. (Not so free, huh? ha ha ha.) I now make them by hand. Oh yes! Exchange contact information. You may be waiting for a call form someone who has lost your card. Didn’t get the call, call them!

Contact List, create one or have a little book on hand. Organizing 101, but it is also true for you. Write down the contact info. of everyone who stops by your table or buys your work. You can then keep them updated or your next steps or new work.

ASK! Strike up conversations with other Street artists and vendors. Let them know you are new to the game and would love some support lifting off. DON’T BE SHY! You will be surprised at how awesome the vending community really is. Remember in every conversation there is room for opportunity.

Make Requests. Anything is possible and the world is full of open doors. Walk in! Vendors will be more than happy to support you. What did momma say, “Ask and you shall receive!” (Ooops, or was that the Lawd?)

Network. Talk to community organizers, event planners, people in the know, the person sitting on the train next to you, museum shops, local business owners, heck tell everyone and let them know that you need support and/or information how to get your stuff out there!

Portfolio Albums. I started out by uploading pictures to my social networking site and sharing them with my friends and asking them share it as well. Do not forget to watermark your images.

Document your work and/or process. Get into the habit of taking pictures of your work or process. They will come in handy for your portfolio, website, blog, or simply to catalogue your pieces. Make informational videos. Keep a journal. A year from now when you want to re-visit a piece you only have to check your notes or photos. Priceless!

Did you know that if you create a YouTube video and you get more than one million hits, you get $$$? Yes, I did not know that either. Thanks Patty Dukes for that jewel.

9. Take it to the NEXT STEP. Make a Plan.

These last two points are interrelated. A little over a year ago, I reconnected with a friend, Mekesia Brown, who is a great artist and web designer. I do not remember how the conversation came up, but we started talking about our current dreams. She was launching her Site Play her Web Design business and I wanted to create The Lively Arts Collective, as well as, feature my artwork online.

She requested that I take on my life powerfully and DO IT! Make IT HAPPEN! Go FOR IT! She also graciously offered to support me in my journey! Well, more than that she offered to create my website and blog for free! So in sharing my dream, it became real, just like magic.

• Plan it! Her biggest gift to me was a plan. She helped me to break down every component of my business plan (in my case what my website/blog would look like as well).  Free style it at first! Make a wish list of everything you would want your business to include. Please do not think of money or limitations. With all things possible, WHAT would it look like?

10.   Push it even further. Spread the Word.

Once you have have set all of the above in motion:

• Create a blog and/or website. Your plan and the documentation of your work will become the basis of your site, as mine did.
• Create a social network Fan page. Have all your friends and family visit it, Like it!
• Join sites, like Etsy, where you can showcase and sell your work.
• Post images of your work with blog communities or ask other artists to Spotlight you art!
• Create your own community Market or Street Fair.
• Have Jewelry Party.
• Facilitate Jewelry-Making Workshops (in whatever, art form you are concentrating in).
• Give out free-samples.
• Let people enter contests to win free items.

P.S I am looking for an artist to Spotlight in my Featured Artist Section for next month. I am recommitted to supporting others as I am continually loved everyday by my community. Simply Connect with me and in the Subject line write Feature my Art.

Now , GO! Create and sell, sell, sell to your hearts content.

I really hope that I inspired you to do it. Not that hard really? Good Bye to limitations and restrictions. Here comes Possibility!

And most of this process was FREE. Oh did I forget to mention, you can do almost all of this without spending a dime? Oooops! See now all your thoughts on I can’t afford this! or I can’t do this! have been kindly swept out the door. Remember this is how I did it, research how other artists set out to fulfill their dreams.

Enjoy!

Rediscover, rejoice, & reclaim your connection to the earth. Divine Designs for the (god’ is) in you.

Interested or inspired by the collection? I would love to hear what you think. Connect.

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~*))o((*~.May the circle be open, yet never broken .~*))o((*~.

Ozuna ~ He who takes chances

Ozuna, 2011. Cowrie, Grnet, and Pyrite, Fine Silver Wire-Wrapped Lock Wrap Adjustable.

I created this wrap for a dear friend this last Winter season. He recently cut off his locks and sent me this picture. Three cheers to new beginnings!

Thanks for the picture.

Interested or inspired by the collection? I would love to hear what you think. Connect.

Survive ~ She who makes magick happen

                                             Survive, 2011. Resin Buttons, Silver Wire-Wrapped Earrings. Adjustable.

For more earrings, please visit the Wire-Wrapped Earrings page.

Interested or inspired by the collection? I would love to hear what you think. Connect.