Judith Ruiz-Branch, News Writer at WGN / Multimedia Journalist / Freelance Model
Jewelry: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Dress: GUÁGE by Ashley “Dolél” Spearman
Shoes: Kham'ryn B.
“Beauty for me has never been mainstream: it’s the quirky, edgy, hard, soft, and everything in between. I believe the most beautiful people in the world are the ones that cannot be identified by one race or culture. The mixture of cultures, races and color is the most beautiful thing to me. And to know God touched and created it all … nothing is more beautiful than that. When I see beauty I see confidence, uniqueness, vibrancy, strength, history, and culture. I personally empower women by being a great example of what a woman should be. Mistakes and all, I still carry myself as a beautiful woman should be. So, I would like to say that I do my best to empower women on a daily basis, but I have to admit that I fall into the unhealthy behavior as well. But, I think each of us who participated in the “She’s In Color” campaign is definitely taking a big step in the right direction to empower each other, and women as a whole.” –Judith
Headpiece: Stylist's Own
Jewelry: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Jumpsuit: Fashionable Addictions
Asjhra Harper, Executive Producer for “The PWithers Experience” on WVON 1690AM / Spokesmodel for Conjure Cognac and Atlantico / Radio/Television Personality / Motivational Speaker / Philanthropist / Image Consultant for JH’RAMOINYE
Earrings: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Necklace: Fashionable Addictions
Ring: Stylist's Own
Top: Everything Lovely
Pants: ADNARAMFemme
Shoes: Kham'ryn B.
“Beauty is defined by the make-up of a woman, and the many elements a woman possesses. Beauty exemplifies a woman’s noble character, humility, and diligent heart. Beauty is an unfailing presence and is marked when it’s graced. The quality of beauty has to be attained and takes hard work. Carrying a free spirit and strength gives fortitude and defines the definition of true beauty. A woman striving everyday to exemplify these qualities is beauty. Women are empowered by the many roles I take on and the accomplishments I've achieved. Faith is birthed in my spirit and inspires women because they actually see another woman living her life according to faith. Women are inspired to birth that same faith in them, so they tap into their unique talents and qualities to overachieve and accomplish the unthinkable. My purpose is empowering women to be an icon for their own purposes. Many women don’t know and understand their place on this earth. The most incredible feminine creation is a woman. Beauty is an empowered woman, and I’m set out to show women how to possess those hidden qualities.” –Asjhra
Earrings: Fashionable Addictions
Bracelets: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Top: CalleeaVatein
Pants: CalleeaVatein
Cassandra C. Smith, CEO & Founder of PREMIERE Models, Inc. / Freelance Fashion Coordinator / Mentor & Presenter for REACH Leadership for Girls Swag & Substance Mentoring Workshop
Earrings: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Rings: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Necklace: Pink Bubblegum Boutique
Top: Fashionable Addictions
Skirt: Everything Lovely
Shoes: Kham'ryn B.
“Finding beauty in ourselves is really simple, because in all cases it comes very naturally. My definition of beauty is being ‘yourself.’ We are all beautiful and unique: It’s one of the only things in life that we do not have to ‘practice to perfect.’ When we fail to be ourselves, we are cheating ourselves and the world. I came to this realization during a church service one day. My pastor (Dr. Horace E. Smith) said, “Your life is not your own; you have a responsibility to your community.” Then, it hit me: I am blessing someone by ‘being myself.’ When I am not myself, someone is missing out on a blessing. I found that I have several passions and abundant opportunities to share myself with the world. I now make a conscious effort to empower not only women, but all people–-whether I am complimenting someone’s outfit, commending someone’s work, offering someone a smile or one of my cheesy jokes (I have several). I want someone’s day to improve because of something I said or did."
–Cassandra
Earrings: Pink Bubblegum Boutique
Ring: Jewel Junkie Jewels by Kameelah Harris
Blazer: ADNARAMFemme
Dress: Fashionable Addictions
Zanah Thirus, Marketing Communications Major and Senior at Columbia College Chicago
Headpiece: Adela Red
Top: ADNARAMFemme
Skirt: ADNARAMFemme
Gloves: Adela Red
Bracelet: Stylist's Own
Shoes: Kham'ryn B.
“Beauty, to me, is anything that separates you from the crowd. Women who embrace who they are without comparing themselves to others are absolutely beautiful to me. I personally empower women through my lifestyle. I never thought it was okay for a woman to be thrown into a category or objectified. Women can be whoever they want. We can live however we want. We can make decisions for ourselves and we deserve to be treated equally. I don’t believe in gender superiority or that a woman has a specific ‘place.’ I support and respect women who are executives, serve in the military, practice medicine, etc. Women who don’t take no for an answer are my biggest inspirations.” – Zanah
Headpiece: Adela Red
Dress: GUÁGE by Ashley “Dolél” Spearman
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Styling:
Aaja Corinne The Brand
www.facebook.com/AajaCorinneTheBrand
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Photography, Retouching & Graphics:
Mike O Images
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Makeup:
Flawless Beauty by Nicole
www.facebook.com/pages/Flawless-Beauty-by-Nicole/343330125739198
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Hair:
Jamal-Rashad
www.facebook.com/ambrose.mcflyy
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