HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

“Happy Women’s International Day! Today we honor women globally. Women’s day is a day that is celebrated every year on the 8^th of March as a way to show appreciation to all woman. For years women have made tremendous contributions that has shifted societal views that once limited us to being home-makers to now being actively involved in a more powerful, social, political, and economical settings. It wasn’t always easy. Many of our female predecessors have fought really hard to break the molds of societal norms placed on us. Today we still face some of these same challenges, however we continue to take great leaps for the sake of shaping the world around us. I am thankful to have women to look up to from the past and present. For that reason I wanted celebrate women’s day by highlighting a group of fearless, phenomenal, triumphant women from all walks of life. When I think of all the women that are in my life historically, I think of women like my mothers, my sisters, and my friends that are constantly pushing the limits and achieving the impossible. I totally admire that! The inspiring thing is, I have a myriad of women surrounding me that I’d love to highlight as well, however that would require an entire novel-sized book because there’s so many of them. So for now, I thought I’d share a small snippet of a larger group of amazing women that I know and share a common interest with. They are what I call game changers who’s stylish, God-fearing, and graceful women. They’ve not only made major contributions in their respective fields but they’ve also positively impacted my life in some shape or form, and today I honor them.

(Photos by Ariana Jones and Marc B.)

Let’s Meet These Phenomenal Women… 

ARIANA JONES

(Lead Photographer)

Meet Ariana. She’s swift with the lens and quick with capturing candid prized winning shots. We had the privilege of having Ariana as our lead Photographer for our shoot today. I’m so proud of Ariana and excited to see a young woman such as her pursue a career in professional fields that is usually dominated by men. As an aspiring photographer, she continues to perfect her craft and push her self beyond the limits. She is talented and skilled at what she do. Ariana has shot some amazing photos and has built quite a portfolio! She’s a student, photographer, supportive friend, amazing big sister, and a fearless bold woman climbing the high mountains of influences. Go Ariana!

JOY SSEBIKINDU

Joy Ssebikindu is a “Double ‘Dore” having graduated from Vanderbilt University with not only her BA in Sociology and Child Development, but also her M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shortly after finishing graduate school, Joy moved to Atlanta in pursuit of a career as a mental health therapist, where she continues to provide therapeutic services today. She joined the Veritas Collaborative team in June of 2014 as an Outreach Associate based in the metro Atlanta area. Joy is a first generation Ugandan-American and is passionate about living an anchored life – a life filled with hopeful reminders of where her hope lies, in Jesus Christ. In her free time, Joy enjoys spending time with loved ones, running, thrifting, and writing (be on the look out for her blog coming soon).

OUTFIT DETAILS: White Blouse-Top Shop, Turndown Collar Wool Coat-Target, Accessories- Toothpick Cords J.Crew

DARILYN MAY

Darilyn May is an Engineer by day and a personal Chef and health enthusiast by night. As the owner of May I? she spends a lot of her time devoted to helping and supporting millennials living that busy careered-filled professional life understand the benefits of prepping healthy foods while learning basic cooking skills to live better and develop healthier eating habits. She isn’t just limited to that, Darilyn also provides her cooking and catering services to everyone and anyone in need of it. When she’s not catering an event or engineering a major project, she’s probably in her kitchen experimenting with new recipes she’s thought of off the whim. Darilyn is a dynamic woman who’s changing the lives of people one recipe at a time. For info about Darilyn and her services, she can be found at www.plancookhost.com, IG: @plancookhost, or Pinterest & Facebook: @May I?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Brown Leather Booties-Consigment Store, Beige Pants-MACY’S, White Embroidered Shirt-Target, Long Sweater-H&M

WANESHA SPENCER

Wanesha Spencer is what I like to call a renaissance-woman. She’s an overall woman who has a passion and dedication to change the lives of people. With so many titles under her belt, Wanesha spends most of her time devoted to philanthropy work in various communities across various states like Florida, Georgia, and New York to name a few. She’s a sensational writer and an amazing poet. This St. Petersburg native first earned her degree from the University of South Florida and then transitioned over to Atlanta, Georgia to work vigorously with non-profit organizations throughout the city. Wanesha recently founded the ELLA PROJECT LLC, which is an organization that prides in providing project based services to empower and build communities and their families. Wanesha has a big heart for people and for that she is a phenomenal woman. For more info about Wanesha, you can find her on IG: @theellaproject

OUTFIT DETAILS: Nude Sweater, Knitted Scarf, and Suede Pencil Skirt- Windsor Apparel. Camel Colored Booties- Traffic, Accessories- Catos.

CARA-MARIE FINDLAY  |  YOLANDA PAYTON

(from left to right)

CARA-MARIE FINDLAY

Cara-Marie Findlay is an accomplished Atlanta-Based Freelance Writer and Public Speaker. When Cara’s not busy furnishing her online Blog www.FindlayHouse.com, or snorting from laughing too much, this Sterling Content Caretaker is harnessing the power of words and funneling them into do-good actions to build a better global community action-brick by action-brick. She has a brilliant mind and an fantabulous heart. This is a woman of character and strength. To know her is an honor. For more info on Cara’s blog and webpage, she can be found on IG:@ Findlay House Blog

CARA’S OUTFIT DETAILS: Sandy brown Slacks-KHOL’S, Basic Long Sleeve Top, MACY’S, Heeled Sandal-Steve Madden, Oversized Scarf- H&M

YOLANDA PAYTON

Yolanda Payton, a Georgia native is a first year high school science teacher with a passion to bridge the educational gaps from the higher levels. She is actively involved in current educational reforms, such as teacher development, teacher leadership, character education, and overall student achievements. During her spare time, Yolanda contributes her services as a member to a variety of professional organizations and educational affiliations like GA Noyce Scholars Program and The National Science Foundation (NSF). Yolanda is not only smart but she also has a passion for science and a desire change the issues that are in our educational systems.

YOLANDA’S OUTFIT DETAILS: Faux Leather Camel Jacket-TJ MAXX, White Buckled Pencil Dress-Calvin Klein, Brown Leather Pointed-Toe Boots-Nine West

KELLI CASTON  |  KATIA BOWERS

(from left to right)

KELLI CASTON

Kelli Caston works as a professional Project Manager for the Process Improvement department of her company. Known for her bold, eclectic, and regal styles, Kelli is definitely a woman of many gifts and talents. She is known for wearing many hats because she’s that awesome! Outside of her work environment, Kelli has a keen eye for fashion and a love for the arts. This lady is an amazing singer, has acted, modeled, coordinated numerous events and weddings, and even designs. There’s pretty much nothing she hasn’t done. From professional to chic, she’s definitely a fearless woman of God with lots of style that can’t be placed in a box.

KELLI’S OUTFIT DETAILS: Long Sleeve Crop top- ZARA, Sheer Lace Dress- Consignment Store, Booties-Steve Madden, Accessories- Target, OPAL ring-gifted from grandmother.

KATIA BOWERS

Katia Bowers is a student of Psychology at Georgia State University in Atlanta Georgia. Katia has a heart for the youth – especially young women. Her passion for these young girls has led her to extend her time to volunteer at various centers, church outreach, and local community programs over the years. Currently, Katia volunteers at the Cobb Pregnancy Services Center where she’s consistently pouring into the lives of young women. But that’s not all! Katia is also a motivational public speaker and an avid writer. Although this Haitian queen is a busy woman, she has some new forthcoming projects in the works. Be on the lookout for the launching of her anticipated blog website coming soon. In the meantime, you can always reach Katia on IG: @purestjewel for inquiries.

KATIA’S OUTFIT DETAILS: Trench Coat-Consignment Store, Silk Top-Charlotte Russe, Pencil Skirt-Banana Republic, Suede Pumps- Forever 21, Accessories- Forever 21

 DANJE DAVIS  |  JHANELLE ADAMS

(pic from left to right) 

DANJE DAVIS

Danje Davis, a gentle and meek spirit with a quiet strength about her. This is a woman of access and connections. She’s been in her field for many years and know the ropes. After receiving her collegiate degrees, Danje migrated to the city of Atlanta byway of Colorado to pursue her goals. Currently, she is the Producer for Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley radio on V103/CBS and the Producer of Real Estate 101 with Mary Gill on News & Talk Radio on 1380 WAOK/CBS. Miss Davis has gained an ample amount of experience in talk radio as well as producing shows. Danje has spent some time dedicating her services to her Delta Sigma Theta sorority as well as other volunteering ventures to help others in the media and mass communications field. Danje is also a business woman that provides PR, videography, and social media branding services through her D&D Media Company. You can find Danje on Instagram @DDMedia32 and at www.v-103.com.

DANJE’S OUTFIT DETAILS: Brown Leather Boots-Target. Denim Pants-H&M, Knitted Sweater-JC Penny.

JHANELLE ADAMS

Jhanelle Adams is originally from Jamaica and is an athlete and graduate of Georgia Tech University. This young woman is the epitome of strength. Having to break barriers and kick down doors she’s earned her way through the grace of God. She’s a young professional tackling education from a different angle. Jhanelle currently works as the director for Member Services at the Georgia Charter Schools Association. She spends a lot of time volunteering where she can. When she’s not diligently working to provide equitable services for her charter schools across the state of Georgia, Jhanelle is alongside her husband running and operating her independent Traveling Agency business Journey To Eden, where she provides traveling services to customers. Jhanelle is a woman of strength, power, and passion. For more info, you can find Jhanelle on IG @nellieboo_21.

JHANELLE’S OUTFIT DETAILS: Silk Top- H&M, Hi-Low Silk Brown Skirt-Banana Republic, Scarf-Gifted from a friend, Brown Wedges-Justfab, and Accessories- Charming Charlies.

…and then there’s me

I am Haitian-American-Cameroonian originally from Miami, Florida. I’ve worked as an educator for many years and have found it to be rewarding. I was fortunate enough to earn my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a M.Ed in Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment (CIA) in education, and a Ed.S in Educational Technology. During my tenure as a teacher, I spent time dedicating many hours of volunteer work to tutor, sponsor, and service children in need from the elementary level. Although I love teaching and adore children, I found myself in a box and wanted to break free from it – and so I did! I’ve always had a passion for fashion and design. My passion is what drove me to be the founder and owner of Blessed and Chic LLC. A fashion & lifestyle Blogger. The owner of La Blessed and Trè Chic Image, Curating, & Consulting Company, and the business woman that I’m developing into today. I could not have done these things without the support and encouragement of women that I look up. I have so many women around me stepping out on faith, that I’m left with no choice but to be challenged to be better and do greater things. I am extremely grateful for the village of women I’m surrounded by and even more thankful for them allowing me to be apart of their lives.

To all my sisters, mothers, aunts, daughters, and grandmothers…Happy Women’s day to you!

(Candid shots taken by Ariana Jones and Marc B)