Cece In The City

Tag: beauty

  • 🌸 Nature, New Bites & A Much-Needed Reset in Gainesville, GA 🌸

    Yesterday, I had one of those soul-soothing days that you don’t even realize you need until you’re deep in it. I packed up my thoughts, my neck fan (my summer BFF!), and hung out with a friend for a little escape to the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville.

    Now listen, don’t let the word “Gainesville” fool you. While it’s smaller than the bustling Atlanta location, it carries its own charm, character, and calm. Nestled in the heart of North Georgia, this garden is actually an extension of the original Atlanta Botanical Garden and opened in 2015. Fun fact: it was built on land once home to a grand estate, and today it’s a blooming retreat filled with curated trails, colorful floral displays, and all the serenity your spirit can handle.

    We got there early—before the sun had fully clocked in for the day. It was warm, high 80s, but not melt-into-the-ground hot, thank goodness. My trusty neck fan came through like always! As we wandered through rose-lined paths and beneath shady trees, I felt the stress I’d been carrying slowly fade into the breeze. There’s just something about being surrounded by nature, hearing the birds sing their morning songs, and exchanging good convo with a friend—it’s therapy without the co-pay.

    The people were so friendly too! Everyone seemed to be on the same wavelength—just out there soaking in the beauty, smiling, and vibing with the Earth. Pure peace.

    But you know me… the day wasn’t complete without a little foodie adventure. We ended up at a local gem called The Cream in Duluth —and babyyyy, let me tell you! I stepped way out of my comfort zone and tried octopus fritters. Yes, you read that right. OCTOPUS. And guess what? They were 🔥. Golden, crispy, and surprisingly delicious. The texture? Perfect. The flavor? On point. Sometimes, your taste buds just need a passport and a little courage!

    Moral of the story: Don’t let the name scare you—just taste it. You might surprise yourself.

    By the time I got home, I was worn out in the best way. Tired body, full heart. That little Gainesville getaway reminded me how healing nature, connection, and good food can be.

    If you’re ever in North Georgia, carve out a few hours for the Botanical Garden in Gainesville and end it with a bold food move. You won’t regret it. 💚

  • LeAri Beauty Unleashes Glamour: A Night of Beauty, Business, and Beyond!

    Hey beauty enthusiasts and proud family members and Friends! 🌟

    I’m thrilled to spill the beans on an absolute gem – my cousin’s venture, LeAri Beauty! 🚀💄 If you’re all about glam and fabulous beauty products, you’re in for a treat. Trust me; her creations are pure magic. Check out the dazzling array at http://www.learibeautybox.com – you won’t be disappointed!

    Now, let’s rewind to the epic launch party that went down – it was nothing short of amazing! The venue was buzzing with excitement, good vibes, and the sweet scent of success. And yes, I got to do some serious networking, all while soaking in the atmosphere of creativity and ambition.

    Picture this: My cousin, the CEO extraordinaire, working her magic and taking charge of her business like a true boss! The launch was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for all things beauty. From the sleek product displays to the chic ambiance, every detail reflected her commitment to excellence.

    As her proud family member, I can’t help but gush about how awesome it was to see her stepping into her role as a business maven. The journey to success is always an inspiring one, and this night was a celebration of the incredible strides she’s made.

    As we usher in 2024, I’m eagerly anticipating the greatness that lies ahead for LeAri Beauty. Trust me; it’s going to be a year filled with sparkles, success, and endless possibilities! ✨🎉 Stay tuned for more glam updates, because LeAri Beauty is about to conquer the beauty world, one beauty at a time. 💋

  • Swanky Spa Parlor x Xen Aesthetics, Mother & Daughter Duo, Partner to Offer Luxe Spa Services for Adults and Children!

    Swanky Spa Parlor x Xen Aesthetics, Mother & Daughter Duo, Partner to Offer Luxe Spa Services for Adults and Children!

    It’s Official! Swanky Spa Parlor and Xen Aesthetics have partnered to provide spa services for both adults and children! The Swanky Spa Bus has been a mobile miracle, known for the best, interactive spa parties that pull up to your door! Their objective is to empower girls to be ambitious and to believe in themselves, as well as promoting self-care and empowerment. 

    The Swanky Spa Bus is excited to introduce their NEW in-spa, stationary location, The Swanky Spa Parlor, which is open for business for kids! Owner Carmen Johnson has teamed up with her daughter Dezra Johnson and her Skin Spa, Xen Aesthetics, to offer the total package for everyone! They stand behind their premium quality services and uniquely luxe experience, as they welcome the community to come in and treat themselves or their loved ones.

    The doors are open and their team is ready for everything from Swanky Spajama Parties for the kiddos to HydroGlow Skin Facials for adults. — Given the perfect timing of the Mother’s Day Holiday, they are welcoming mother-daughter duos, sibling dates, BFF Days, and individuals who are looking to unwind and get pampered. 

    Black-owned Spa businesses have been thriving tremendously and we love to see it! — More of the BIPOC community is prioritizing mental health and therefore prioritizing things like self-care and rejuvenation. We are also seeing more legacy building and generational wealth strides, which is liberating! Through this dual spa partnership and family business build, Carmen and Dezra are doing just that! They are providing quality resources and building a legacy for their family at the same time. 

    It is safe to say that Fayetteville, GA has gained another gem and we are proud to be amongst the first to share the news with you! 

    Connect with Swanky x Xen:@swankyspabus

    Info@swankyspaparlor.com

    hello@xenskinspa.com

    560 N. Jeff Davis Dr. Fayetteville, GA 30214

    678-884-5555 


    More About Carmen Johnson

    Carmen Johnson is the founder of The Swanky Spa Parlor and the Swanky Spa Bus, formerly Pamper Us Pretty Spa for Girls. She is a school teacher from Atlanta, Georgia. Carmen has over 20 years of experience in teaching children from various backgrounds. As a bonus, Carmen is certified in the State of Georgia as well. After retiring, my vision was to provide in home and in spa services to girls. The Swanky Spa Parlor empowers girls to Be Confident. Be Smart. Be Beautiful.

    We are a girl’s spa company specializing in Birthday Parties, Princess Parties, Tea Parties, Themed Characters, Posh Sweet 16 parties, candy buffets, and dessert tables. Our mission is to build a generation of confident girls, thus enabling them to thrive in society. We celebrate education and entertainment while providing a fun filled environment. We promote self-esteem, positive body image and personal development. We incorporate (S.T.E.M.) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math integrated our Spa parties.

    All of our parties are custom designed- themed based. We have trained staff to meet the needs of every client. Our goal is to make your princess dreams come true. Let us transform your home, venue, hotel or just no fuss have it on the bus! into an ultimate spa experience.  Have you booked yet?  Contact Us @ (770) 369-9956

    More About Dezra Johnson:

    Dezra is a graduate of Elaine Sterling Institute a renowned and internationally recognized school of spa education. She is committed to providing state- of- the- art treatments. Dezra believes  that  every client deserves professional attention in a relaxing ,  clean and safe environment. She specializes in skin treatments and the beautification of skin. Dezra also offers teeth whitening, Derma facials, Jelly facials, Red Light therapy and laser treatments. 

    Dezra Johnson has watched her mother trailblaze in business and is committed to join the legacy movement of ownership and service. Dezra is passionate and dedicated to the beauty, wellness and esthetics of spa culture, and she is excited about being the perfect partner to her mother’s kid spa wonderland! She is bringing the “Xen” vibes of relaxation, peace, comfort, and self-care to her clients. Her products are safe and are made with top quality formulas, in order to provide the best results. 

    The Mother/Daughter Duo is the perfect team providing a one-stop-shop for your family’s pampering needs! 

  • Journey of Diahann Carroll

    Diahann Carroll was a trailblazing African American actress, singer, and model who broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of black entertainers. Her talent and beauty made her an icon in the entertainment industry, but her impact went beyond just her performances on stage and screen.

    Born in 1935 in the Bronx, New York, Carroll began her career as a model and won the title of Miss Bronze America in 1954. She then transitioned into acting, and in 1959, she became the first black woman to win a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway musical “No Strings.”

    Carroll’s breakthrough role came in 1968, when she starred in the groundbreaking television series “Julia.” The show, which was the first to feature a black woman in a non-stereotypical role, made Carroll the first black woman to star in her own network television series. She played the titular character, a widowed nurse and single mother, and her performance earned her an Emmy nomination.

    Carroll continued to break down barriers throughout her career, including becoming the first black woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series for her role in the 1980s drama “Dynasty.” She also made history as the first black woman to play the lead role in a television series in 1984’s “The Diahann Carroll Show.”

    Outside of her acting career, Carroll was also a talented singer and released several albums throughout her life, including the 1960s classic “Diahann Carroll Sings Harold Arlen.” She also made a name for herself in Hollywood, starring in films such as “Claudine” and “Paris Blues.”

    Carroll’s impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. She paved the way for future black actresses and performers and showed that it was possible for black women to lead successful and celebrated careers in entertainment. Her talent, beauty, and grace will continue to inspire generations to come.

  • Lexi Proctor (Curlanistas)

    Did you miss the interview we did with @curlanistas make sure to check it out. You do not want to miss

    Watch “WIB magazine interview with Lexi Proctor on her business Curlanistas and her Hair Care Products” on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/tdJNaUEqp2U

    Anchor
    https://anchor.fm/where-it-begins/episodes/WIB-magazine-interview-with-Lexi-Proctor-on-her-business-Curlanistas-and-her-Hair-Care-Products-er9nua

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/17AQhIwoEoQ9n9sUuX59wu?si=HPvUNlOZQJO-xNP8PoHIGg&utm_source=copy-link

  • Interview with Lena Mingo

    Did you miss the article we did on  Lena Mingo. As she talks about her journey and beauty

    Make sure to check it out https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_june_2022_final

    Get your printed copy
    https://wib-where-it-begins.mailchimpsites.com/

    Thanks and enjoy your day

  • Interview with Jassi Rideaux

    Did you miss this article???

    Check out the article we did on @jassirideaux as she talks about
    her business

    Download on

  • Interview with Madison Carter

    Interview with Madison Carter

    By: Where it Begins

    Q. Tell everyone who Madison is?

    A. I am a 15-year-old model, Instagram Influencer, and makeup guru.

    Q. How did you become a Beauty Vlogger?

    A. I decided to become a Beauty Vlogger when I gained a fan base from my clothing and accessory line called Eye candy. I then was interested in creating my own cosmetics line and started to promote that through my IGTV series “Saturdays with Sass.

    Q. Can you give us any beauty tips for our readers?

    A. I know it sounds corny, but practice does make perfect. Every artist continues to learn and expand their skills so there is no right or wrong way to apply makeup. 

  • Interview with Sean Fisher

    Interview with Sean Fisher

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Q. Tell us more about who Sean is?

    A. As it pertains to my personality. I would say, “I’m an optimistic, open minded, multi-faceted and overzealously positive individual, Radiating Kindness is second nature to me. As an artist I display versatility and I’m an individual that you can’t put into one singular box. I had humble beginnings that shaped me into the person I am today.

    Q. Looking at your work it is so unique. How do you come up with your designs?

    A. Some of my makeup designs are manifested from experiences I’ve had from the part and translated into a makeup look. Also, my work is created by referring to other artists’ work and replicating it onto my body. This allows me to tailor it to be more on brand for myself or give it an entirely different meaning.

    Q. I see you were selected by Ultra Cosmetics Congratulations, How do you feel about that?

    A. I am absolutely elated about this opportunity! Today this is one of my biggest accomplishments and I’m honored to have been selected to represent Ohio for the Ulta Beauty Collective.

    Q. Tell us about your journey in doing cosmetics?

    A. My interest in makeup started at the age of 14. I was solely doing it to present myself in a more feminine way that aligned with how I felt on the inside. But I began to see some of my favorite beauty artists on both YouTube and Instagram makeup and how they used it to fully transform themselves. 

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_teen_june_2020_final_04_

  • Interview with Monique Glover

    Interview with Monique Glover

    By: Where It Begins

    Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?

    A. I’m Monique Glover founder of LaMonique Cosmetics which is an all-inclusive mineral based curated brand of aromatherapy cosmetics created with micronized minerals and freeze-dried minerals.

    Q. How would you define your purpose?

    A. My purpose is for LaMonique Cosmetics to become a household name and to be able to provide all lovers and consumers of cosmetics with affordable health-conscious products that are truly non-toxic.

    Q. What has been the most challenging building your career?

    A. The most challenging part of becoming an entrepreneur was funding. It took quite a while to get established enough to qualify or business assistance so therefore I self-funded many of most of my product production early on. 

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_july_2022-final_4