HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Happy International Women’s Day. Today we reflect, honor, and take a moment to recognize the many contributions of women globally. From the stay-at-home mommies to the boss ladies running a major corporation in her high heels, all the way to my mamas juggling multiple hats, titles, and roles while still maintaining their sanity…you are doing the dang thang and we see you sisters, yaassss, we see you boo!

Since my last International Women’s Day post, so much has happened, and sadly in 2019, women are still in this fight for equal pay, rights, and fair opportunities in comparison to our male counterparts. It is a continuous uphill battle, however, I’m very hopeful and extremely encouraged because let’s face it…women are resilient and will continue to break barriers and create more and new paths for many more after us. Thankfully, while there are setbacks, we’ve made tremendous leaps and bounds. So many of our female predecessors have truly fought to break the stereotypes and objections we’ve faced. I am thankful for these women and their many sacrifices. As I reflect on all women today, I am more and more inspired to create opportunities and pathways for young girls to utilize and walk in their God-given gifts and talents. As we celebrate yet another year of strength, grace, and power, I can’t help to think of women in my peripheral like my mother, sisters, and just women I see day-to-day making a difference in this world.

This year I wanted to highlight a special group of phenomenal women-prenuers, influencers, change-makers, advocates, and all around bosses in their fields of influences. These women are fearless, intelligent, and oh-so-powerful. Watch out world, because they are here…Happy International Women’s Day!

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Meet Detroit’s Finest, Allanté Hicks.

Allanté is a loving daughter, sister, wife, advocate, and powerhouse for the voiceless. For the past 12 years, Allanté has worked in the healthcare and social services fields servicing the homeless and underserved populations locally throughout the city of Atlanta and internationally. Her specific areas of servicing include orphans, trafficked youth, and educating the public about organ donation.

“I’d like to think of myself as a change maker. My life goal is simply to be an outward manifestation of Gods love for all people. Rather locally or international, I am passionate about caring and advocating for the least of these and will do and go, wherever He leads. Currently, like most of the world and our favorite girl, former first lady Michelle O, I am becoming…evolving and transitioning the way I go about fulfilling my goals, leaving behind what I’ve always known to fearlessly pursue everything else God has for me.”

What’s next? Allanté is currently working on launching a very special project that’s dear to her heart. “I’m super excited can’t wait to share with the rest of the world.” Stay tuned! On top of all the amazing things Allantè is apart of and doing, she has recently launched a brand new podcast that she co-hosts with her great friend Rhana, titled “The Dwelling,” as they tackle some real-life topics and current events. Allanté is a true example of having a servant’s heart. If you want to keep up with all that Allantè has going on, please hit that follow button at @xoAllante on IG and also follow the @thedwellingpod on Instagram and Facebook.

Outfit Details: Ripped Denim: Target, Sequin Top: Boohoo, Studded pumps: Lola Shoetique

Meet our Ghanaian Southern-Belle, Esquire Rachel Bibanga.

Rachel is one you’d describe as a multi-talented silent force, moves in silence, but can pack a punch when it comes to offering knowledge and recources for running a business. Rachel is a business legal branding strategist and an attorney. Her business, The StartUp Pro, LLC, empowers female entrepreneurs with the tools they need to run their business from the ground up. Her expertise is in making sure that her client’s businesses are fully protected and also profitable. Some of her clients consist of attorneys, doctors, event planners, personal trainers, salon owners, schools and non-profits. Rachel is also licensed to practice law by the state of Georgia, receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and her law degree from Emory University. After law school, Rachel practiced family law, but as a self-taught web and graphic designer, she longed for the opportunity for more creativity and color in her profession. She took a leap of faith and started her own business, seeing the need for practical legal advice geared to entrepreneurs that were also in the process of securing branding for their businesses.

Today, through consulting, teaching and designing, she helps small business owners with the legal knowledge and branding they need to not only become profitable but to also protect those profits. When Rachel is not helping business owners in their businesses, she enjoys traveling the world, DIY crafting, and spending lots of time with her husband Daniel and toddler Caleb.If you’d like to receive consultation, business advice, or in need of a web & graphic designer, Rachel is your girl. For more information about her services, check out her website at www.thestartuppro.com and hit that follow button on her IG @thestartup_pro.

Outfit details: Blazer & Top: H&M, Striped Skirt: Target, Booties: Dolce Vita, and Accessories: Kohl’s.

Meet Boss Lady Madiha Merchant:

Madiha is a licensed attorney in the states of Georgia, Florida, and Illinois. Currently, Madiha works for a boutique technology company where she focuses on creating business contracts and ensuring compliance, particularly related to data security. In addition to working a full-time job, Madiha alongside her husband Azim, manages and run their own business, Azim Manjee Consulting, LLC– which is a Microsoft cloud service company that provides professional cloud development services to small and medium businesses.

On top of all the boss moves Madiha juggles effortlessly, she also has a big heart and advocates for families and animals. “Some of my passions are volunteering and animal advocacy. Glitter of Hope is an amazing non-profit organization that helps refugee families by providing them with access to basic needs, medical services, and educational programs. Every year, we host a carnival where refugee children get together and have a fun-filled day with food, games, prizes and arts & crafts. My favorite part about the carnival is getting to know the children and seeing the joy on their faces while they have a carefree day.”

In addition to serving the community, Madiha is very passionate about advocating for animals, especially pups needing a home and family. “This year, I am looking to also volunteer at the Fulton County Animal Shelter. I have a soft spot for this shelter because this is where Azim and I adopted our handsome pup, Wesley. I’d love to spend time with the animals there – whether it’s playing fetch or taking them for walks, I want help to brighten up their day.” For services and information about her business and non-profit, follow Madiha on Instagram @madiha_m

Outfit details: Blouse: Khan el-Kalili, (Cairo, Egypt), Pants: ASOS, Coat: Piazza Italia, (Florence, Italy), Shoes: Michael Kors, Dillard’s, Bag: Tory Burch, Nordstrom.

Meet “The” Talented Mrs. Davida White:

Davida is an Engineering Project Manager at the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), where she manages scope, schedules, and budgets for the transportation projects in Northern Georgia and Metro Atlanta regions. Davida has managed various large scaled projects ranging from bridge replacements, streetscape enhancements, and DLT’s to new roadway construction.

When Davida is not overseeing and executing the technical ingenuities in her role or being an innovative engineer, she manages her many gifts and talents with such elegance and grace. A woman-prenuer in her own right, she has many talents under her belt. For one, Davida enjoys dancing, as she’s been part of many professional dance groups performing at a myriad of venues and professional settings. Davida also has a thumb for sewing. During her free time, she enjoys sewing all sorts of amazing pieces. Davida has designed and created custom pieces from dresses to designer clothing for family and friends, modifying, enhancing, and perfecting her seamstress skills. Her dream is to one day start her own clothing line in the near future hoping to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces…but that’s not all! In addition, Davida and her husband Chris operates and manage their online automotive business, The Rising Sun Depot by procuring automobile merchandise, accessories, and car parts for customized cars, and assists her husband with administrative sales at local car shows. Davida is indeed multi-talented! Want to know more about what Davida has going on? Check her out at #VidaKWhite, #therisingsunbrand on Instagram, and trsdepot.com

Outfit Details:

Black Body Suit: Rainbow, African Print skirt: Imperfections by ZOE, and Black Peep Toe Heels: Wild Pair.

Meet Mrs. Ifie Natasha, The Regal Nigerian Queen:

Bold, regal, fierce, brave, are a few words oozing off of Ifie. As self-described, she’s somewhere between Lauren Hill, Nola Darling, and Jesus Christ, and might I add as one with a beautiful passion for the Arts. She’s indeed the manifestation of a picturesque art piece coming to life filled with nothing short of unmeasurable talents and skills. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, born and raised in Atlanta, GA., Ifie has spent the last 8 years as a spoken word artist, writer, and entrepreneur telling stories that connects to the shared human experience.

Through her company Life On Top, she creates brands and content that help everyday people, entrepreneurs, and companies strategize their next and best moves. Ifie uses bold narratives to create safe spaces for people to have fun, gain clarity & engage in honest, risqué discussions. She is a wife, a mother of two, a published author and a recent graduate of SCAD’s Masters in Business program. Determined to help the world live free and embrace their truth, she is devoted to developing life-changing content through her words, imagery and bold narratives. Want to know more about Life On Top and read some amazing pieces, follow on Instagram @ifienatasha, @thelifeontopinc, and search ifienatasha.com.

Outfit details: Top: NY collection, skirt: Ankara by Anna (custom-made), Hat (Dorfman Pacific), Boots: Wild Diva

Meet The Stylish Isabella Wang:

Isabella, originally from China, has three passions in life, her dogs, traveling the world, and all things designers. Isabella currently holds a senior business analyst role at the Home Depot, working on various projects like process improvement and building of new tools. When Isabella isn’t working diligently as an analyst, she’s made time over the last few years participating in numerous types of charity work from Toys for Tots to helping and providing aid to survivors recovering from hurricane disasters.

Isabella, like many, has a huge soft spot for dogs, as she has two pups of her own. “I have two furry friends that I adopted one is a shitzu, age 11 and one is a Maltese age 9. They have been the best friends, companions, and support I could ask for.” Isabella wants to use her love of dogs in efforts to bring awareness and volunteering her time in assisting with rescuing dogs too. “I’m looking forward to joining an animal rescue service this year. I believe the world can be a better place if we all do a little more than we are asked for.”

Aside from all the wonderful things Isabella is doing, she also loves to travel. Each year she travels domestically and internationally with her husband and also enjoys taking her furry guys along for the ride and being stylish along the way. Isabella is the true meaning of serving in style! Want to know more about Isabella next moves follow on Instagram @imisabellalol.

Outfit Details: Top: Theory, Vest: Ashley B, Skirt: Alice + Olivia, Shoes: Miu Miu, Bag: Chanel

Meet Rhana…The Black Girl Magic Factor

Rhana Gittens is a writer and teacher from Lauderdale Lakes, FL, currently studying for her doctorate in communications at Georgia State University. Her research focuses on the intersections of critical race and critical rhetorical studies. As a polished published author, Rhana has written quite a few publications. Her most recent, “What if I Am a Woman?” reflects on the speeches and politics of Maria W. Stewart, one of the first Black female political speakers.

Through research and work, Rhana aims to enlighten and share the empowerment of the voices of Black women who resist oppression looking for a world that is both righteous and just. Rhana’s work expounds on Black Girl Magic and it’s power to dismantle the failings of society to repair the soul of community.

In addition, Rhana currently teaches college communications, media, and visual studies courses. She truly enjoys writing and teaching writing strategies to students of all ages. When she isn’t teaching and writing, she is an avid Netflix binger, reader, podcaster (The Dwelling Podcast) and enjoys time with the girls. Rhana also spends her time doing volunteer work, focusing on homelessness and teaching Sunday school. Rhana is one powerful woman doing it for the culture. If you’re interested in wanting to learn more about Rhana and what she’s got going on, please check her out at RhanaGittens.com and follow on Instagram @justrhain3.

Outfit details:Leather Jacket, White Crop Top, Yellow Maxi Skirt: Express, Over-Knee-Boots: Guess

Meet the Author-Fashionista, Travelista, Bloggelista…

I’m Martine Bibanga, I am the founder, owner, and chief Fashionista of Operations (CFO) at Blessed and Chic LLC and Blog. I absolutely love all things fashion. I am an educator saving lives daily and a blogger sharing my world of fashion with beautiful people like you. I desire to use my love of fashion as a way to bridge the gap towards healing and teaching others how to walk in complete freedom. I’ve always believed that fashion is the outward manifestation of what’s going on inwardly, and in knowing that, it allows me to create a platform to educate other women on how to fashion themselves from the inside out.

When I’m not blogging or working, I’m somewhere jetsetting and traveling the world with my husband. I’ve traveled all over domestically and internationally. My favorite aspect of globe-trotting the world is being able to meet new faces and finding style inspirations from the many people I come in contact with. Currently, I assist my husband run our family photography business Akomi Photos, and make time to perfect a few of my own ideas. My goal this year is to launch some of these projects I’ve been working on in the near future. Above all that, my ultimate dream is to one day design and create custom couture pieces for all women ranging between a Forever 21 budget to the ones living that Hermès lifestyle.

I began the International Women’s Day highlights back in 2016, because I wanted to write a special tribute about everyday women working hard, living life, and making a difference in their fields. I was inspired and really urged by God to highlight these specific beautiful women you read about today. I am honored to have shared a glimpse of what they do and hope you’ve found some sort of inspiration as I did. Today we salute these women! Today, we salute all women!

Outfit Details: Striped pant suit-ASOS, Kotto Mongolian faux- fur coat- Rent The Runway, Shoes- Miu Miu, Bag- Gucci.