A Day in the Life : My first time in Denver Colorado

At last years Afropunk I met a jewel attending the festival from Denver Colorado. She initially recognized me as the natural hair model from the Today show 60 second hair segment gone wrong. After we discussed the show, her friends shopped the collection and we exchanged contact information. When she reached out a few months later to ask if I would be interested in hosting her launch party for Curls on the Block x Crowned Curls in Denver Colorado I immediately said yes. Both companies mission is to promote positive images and self-love for natural women of color. Curls on the Block creator developed a curriculum incorporating STEM to educate young girls about natural hair. 

I had an amazing time at the event. Check out the photos from the event below! 

2017 Forward Conference-Keynote Speaker

I was a keynote speaker for the Forward Conference in Washington, DC January 6-8. A 3 day interactive experience featuring 4 keynote speakers and 30 guest speakers provide inspiration and insight on how to move ideas forward, successfully. NBTM the company behind the conference connects individuals of varying ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, life aspirations, and career achievements helping them to hone their ideas and creative abilities, through a supportive, global network.

I had the opportunity to connect and share my journey with young professionals. It was an honor to share the stage as a panelist with Miss Jessie's Founder Miko Branch. As a young entrepreneur it was inspiring to sit next to a pioneer.  The weekend was inspiring and I left feeling re-energized. The next Forward Conference is March 2018 in NYC, mark your calendars it will be one you don't want to miss. Visit the Forward Conference website HERE for more info.

Check out pictures from the conference below! 

AFROPUNK 2016 x MADE BY MALYIA JEWELRY- POWER TO THE PARTY-RECAP

We returned for Afropunk Brooklyn 2016 and this year was better than ever! I loved connecting with all the people who discovered our brand for the first time and the jewels who returned and remember us from last year. Leading up to Afropunk I was super nervous, even more than the first time I was selected from hundreds of applicants to be a vendor. This year my expectations were much higher because I wanted to improve from my freshman year and perfect my festival pop-up. 

The love and energy was overwhelming and my main focus was engaging with everyone that stopped by the booth. I enlisted my best friend and girlboss wedding and event planner Michelle to keep me as sane and organized like she does her brides on their big day. The most popular pieces were our "Commitment Issues" nose cuff, "Boundless" Choker, "Perpetual" wrap necklace and "Venus" Body chain. By the end of day 1 most of the top sellers were sold out. 

Afropunk is more than a festival it is a collective of individuals overflowing with creativity and self-love. The #BlackGirlMagic, #MelaninMagic, #CareFreeBlackGirl, #_____ add any collective self-love hashtag and chances are it's on full display and I'm here for all of it.  One of my favorite things to do is venturing away from the booth to check out all the dope looks. This year everyone came with their fashion A game. In my opinion the fashion at Afropunk rivals that of fashion week and lets be honest the majority of designers draw inspirations from street style and events like Afropunk. This year their was no shortage of inspiration. 

I missed most of the performers but had the chance to watch Ceelo and Ice Cube. They were amazing! Next year I'm posting "I'll be back in 20 minutes" sign so I can catch so more performances lol.

Thank you to everyone that stopped by to say hi and shop with us! Welcome to the Made by Malyia Jewelry tribe! See you next year! 

Check out the pics below! Check out my feature with Refinery 29 Click HERE

Day 1 August 27,2016

Thanks for stopping by Jewel Analise 

Made by Malyia Brand Ambassador and friend Ryan "MuuFasa" rocking our "Splitsville" faux septum

A beautiful jewel rocking her new "Commitment Issues" nose cuff! Thank you for stopping by love! 

The power puffs were a major hit! I loved this hairstyle. I felt powerful and playful!

Shocked we are ready to go for Day 1. 

Refinery 29 Portrait photographer Wayne Lawrence

Day 2 August 28, 2016

Even more excited for Day 2!!

Soaking up some sun and recharging for Day 2? We see you queen!

Michelle's excited for Day 2 can you tell!

Dripping in Made by Malyia Jewelry! 

Show these beautiful people how you rock your Made by Malyia Jewelry Michelle! 

There's always time for a selfie right? lol

Me and my best friend Michelle 

Our friend Herman stopped by Day 2

Our friend Jeremy

My nephew AJ and Sister Vanessa.