Meet Yasmin (Yassy) Brown, a Houston Mogul in the making. Yassy graduated from Eisenhower High School and headed straight to college for Fashion Design. Yassy decided she wanted to be more than just a Fashion Designer, so she started her own Modeling Agency by the name of “Haute Model Management” (HMM) with some of Houston’s Hottest Models, and influencers under the HMM brand. Yassy also won an award for Houston Hottest Modeling Agency.
Yassy has done a plethora of Fashion Shows and has produced and co-produced more than eight Amazing Fashion shows of her own. Yassy has been one of Houston’s Runway Extraordinaire Coaches for the past seven years and counting. She became a Model Teacher at Barbizon USA until she decided to part ways with the company to pay more attention to her brand and family. Although good things came to an end for Yassy Brown in the Modeling Scene. Yassy didn’t stop there, she took time off to spend quality time with her family Omar, Brayden, & Kai.
A New Beginning…
In 2018 Yassy decided to come back in the Fashion Scene to take 2019 by storm, and she did. She has had successful sold-out model Runway Workshops, became a Runway Director for Haute Houston, and produced her fifth Successful Fashion show under the name “Fashion Haus” alongside her team members: Kia Renee & Felicia Eboni.
Now working on her sixth Fashion Haus Show. Outside of Fashion, Yassy also has an organization by the name of “MomsofHTX” that is open for all mothers who are seeking support and friendships. MOMS OF HTX is set around daily activities that appeal to moms and children of all ages. Yassy Brown has made a Platform for Houston’s Fashion Scene since 2010 by giving models, photographers, designers, and interns opportunities to make a name for themselves and to show what Talent Houston has to offer in the industry. She has made a BIG Impact in Houston and does not plan on stopping anytime soon.
Who/What is your source of motivation?
My children are my motivation as far as starting my own company. I also wanted to make changes within the fashion world.
What makes your brand/business stand out?
Haus of Brown stands out because we make something magical. We appease the client in that we make them feel seen and heard and help them bring their vision to life and more.
How do you set new standards for your industry?
We are setting new standards by keeping up with current trends and setting new ones.
Aside from products or a provided service, what intangible things do you hope your clients gain?
Experience, Knowledge, Values, Culture, Communication
Women in Suits Event
Mixed Talk Media had the pleasure of attending Yassy’s recent event, Women In Suits. The enegery was eletric. The fashion was haute.
Women and men both rocked suits as they networked, shopped, and soaked in the vibes from the DJ. Vendors with great finds and valuable resources lined the event.
During the event there were fun games that kept the crowd engaged, an opportunity for entrepreneurs to share about their brands, and an award ceremony to spotlight entrenpreuers who are dedicated to their cause, brand, and community.
Do you have a non-profit, small business, or agency? Could a $5,000 grant help your business?
Women Empowering Change has opened their 2022 Pitch IT! Programpurposed to provide entrepreneurswith recognition, valuable tools to pitch their brand in the marketplace, and financial support.
Who: Open to entrepreneurs of nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and agencies. When: Consists of 3 Rounds Described Below Where: Online & In-Person
Round 1 | 30 Spots
NOW-APRIL
Enter Online (FREE Early Entry)*
Join WEC & Mixed Talk Radio Founder Shunte Gamble LIVE on air! (Entrant Selected Date)
Entrants must purchase a Two Day VIP Summit Pass.
Round 2
MAY-JUNE
Mixed Talk Magazine Cover Contest (Online Voting for ALL Entrants!)
Mixed Talk Magazine Cover Photoshoot (FREE for Contest Winner)
Radio Interview
Round 3
September 23rd Summit Day 1- Pitch IT! Masterclass
September 24thSummit Day 2- Pitch IT! Contest (Each entrant will have 30 seconds to share all about their brand.)
Summit Day 2- Catalyst 4 Change Leadership Award Ceremony & $5,000 Grant Presentation
ALL SELECTED Entrants are entered into the Magazine Cover Contest!
*Entry is free until April 1, 2022. Is it $50 thereafter.All entrants must have a registered business that makes less than $200,000 per year.*All entrants must meet the criteria listed in the 2022 CFC Awards Waiver. Grant size is $5,000 and dependent upon attendance of the summit Masterclass and Pitch IT! Score.
My name is Ebony Robert, born and raised in Orlando, Florida. I recall our family struggling; everything was being foreclosed and repossessed. My mother needed help, so she moved us to Louisiana after my father passed away to be closer to her family.
My father was a member of First Baptist Church of Pine Hills; he was also a member of Greater Orlando Legal Services, National Association for Advancement of Colored People, and Jones High School Alumni Association. He was a civil rights activist and a community worker. He was also an Army veteran of World War II. My mother worked two-three jobs to provide for us. After I completed High School, I started college. I obtained two master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education.
While my husband and I raised our five handsome sons, I taught full-time. Tapping into my love for beauty, I started handcrafting hair and skincare products that helped my sons with their problematic skin issues. I wanted to give my mother the world after she gave us everything she had. She worked so hard and deserved the best.
>>The Brand <<
We are a handcrafted brand that enjoys bringing you and your family products that work. Our products are multicultural and diverse. They are designed for any consumer who desires a natural toxin-free product. We make our products daily and in small batches.
When did you start your business?
I started my business on June 17, 2017.
Entrepreneurship is a journey of many steps. What keeps you motivated?
Our motivation is to help our customers achieve a natural skincare and hair routine free of harmful chemicals and healthy for a beautiful and radiant outlook.
What makes your brand stand out?
We support natural and organic beauty journeys through a unique customer relationship. We are committed to providing quality and safer alternatives for skincare and hair growth. We understand our customer’s needs and beauty goals through outstanding customer service.
For years, many companies have based their mission and standards around making women feel prettier about themselves. I like to tell my consumers to own their natural beauty without looking like the women they see in the magazines.
How do you work to understand your customer’s needs?
Customer service is important because it is a great way to build relationships with clients. By simply listening to a customer, beauty service providers can learn a lot about their needs and preferences. This not only makes the job enjoyable but also shows care and sincerity.
Aside from products or provided services, what intangible things do you hope your clients gain?
I hope that our customers gain trust in our brand.
List your Top 4 Products
Our Turmeric line is one of our best sellers. It’s great for dark spots and acne.
Our Booty scrub kit is another top seller.
Our feminine care products are unique. It’s keeps everything on track.
Our Hair care products provide women with the results they are looking for when it comes to overall hair health.
“Building your dreams takes time. Just remember, never give up on your dreams; when life knocks you down, keep going! Someone is praying for you to make it.”
Simply Fancy Boutique hosts its Grand Opening this Saturday, December 11th, at 8700 Commerce Park, Suite 134 in Houston, Tx. Doors open at 11 am.
You are invited to sip tasty selections and shop their latest fashion collections. This event is free and perfect for the woman who’s looking to shop!
Stop by Saturday, December 11th, at 11am.
Event: Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, December 11th Time: 11am-4pm Location: 8700 Commerce Park, Suite 134, Houston, Tx 77036
About the Brand
Simply Fancy is a women’s apparel boutique that features elegant and classy fashion design. We offer stand out prices that will simply compliment your pockets and your style. Our sizes ranges from small to 3x. Simply Fancy Boutique want to bring confidence and happiness to every woman who shop with us.
Our brand is designed for black and brown skin tones. Ebony’s Beauty Hair and Skin Care products are formulated with natural ingredients That are sure to give your hair and skin the love it needs.
As a savvy, multifaceted, well-rounded entrepreneur, with a readiness to assist you in living your best life Sabrena established Sabrena Cross Consulting which serves as the brand’s umbrella to her Professional Makeup Artistry business, Certified Lifestyle Coach business, Visual Fashion Stylist business, and Mentorship. Sabrena’s 25 plus years of experience, education, and wealth of knowledge were in part gained from her study of Psychology, multiple certifications, and her tenure at MAC Cosmetics, where she served as a Master Makeup Artist and manager. She also owned and managed her personal beauty salon. Sabrena is prominent in the beauty and fashion industry, along with her other business ventures. Not limited to such, she also applies her expertise to relationship cultivation and life advancement.
In an ever-evolving beauty and fashion industry, Sabrena serves as a Professional Makeup Artist and Stylist with a strong passion for enhancing beauty, creating fashion, and applying the artistry of cosmetics. Possessing a desire to make a total-person impact, Sabrena also serves as an Imagine Consultant and Beauty coach who executes a unisex approach of encouragement and coaching. As a companion to her empowering abilities, Sabrena is a Certified Lifestyle Strategist, Self-Discovery Life Coach, and Inspirational Speaker with a strong belief that life begins with self-love and authenticity. Transformation is encouraged by Sabrena in comparison to a caterpillar morphing into a colorful butterfly.
On the platform of stage productions, photography studios, television series, and social affairs, you will find the finished work of Sabrena’s makeup and fashion creations. Her work has been seen and featured on Bravo TV Network, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Ms. USA Pageant, many commercials, local networks, countless national platforms, magazines and so much more. Over the life of her career, Sabrena has had the opportunity to build a clientele base that includes, but is not limited to, brides, wedding parties, YouTube/social media influencers, Ms. Texas, male and female models, stage production cast members, musicians, actresses/actors, reality show stars, film, fashion shows, and celebrities. Sabrena has also been gifted the opportunity to through her Coaching practice a range to assist individuals in discovering their purpose and how to live their dreams through strategic vision building and self-awareness.
Having an extremely compassionate, selfless, and crafty mother, as well as a talented father who was an entrepreneurial craftsman, carpenter, and cowboy, there was no way Sabrena was going to escape her destiny of being a Creative.
Continuing in what she loves, Sabrena is the CEO of Sabrena Cross Consulting, Owner and CEO of ReTailored Love by Sabrena Boutique, Founder and owner of Butterfly Kiss by Sabrena Cosmetics, Founder of Butterfly Effect Foundation, Founder of Goal Digger Academy, and Founder of The Spotlight Project.
When did you start your business?
I started my career and business journey over 25 years ago as a licensed Cosmetologist doing hair and eventually evolved into makeup. 2021 marked 20 years as a self-taught Professional Makeup Artist and a little over 10 years serving as a Life Coach and Fashion Stylist.
What motivated you to start your entrepreneurial journey?
So many individuals have struggles we are unaware of, self-esteem issues that are layered under superficial things, destructive tendencies, lack of positive body positivity, traumas that are buried, or limited awareness of how to enhance one’s beauty or how to properly do so. We believe that everyone deserves to look their finest, regardless of their shape, size, color, or creed. Your wardrobe should inspire you, bring life and inspiration to your daily lifestyle. So, being able to assist in peeling back some of those layers and helping find the lost confidence, hope, or just simply looking in the mirror and feeling good about oneself is the motivation behind starting the company.
We need the details. Tell us more about your brand.
Sabrena Cross Consulting is the umbrella or Sabrena Cross Beauty (makeup), ReTailored Love by Sabrena (boutique), Bling with Sabrena (jewelry), Goal Digger Academy (coaching and mentoring), and personal shopping. We are one brand with multiple experiences. Our business embodies all things image and beauty. As a collective, we are a brand beyond beauty, centered and focused on body positivity, self-love, and self-care. Our company has been blessed to take on some really big projects and business deals. We change lives one makeover at a time. Just call us the self-esteem booster! Have you had your dose yet?
How does your brand stand out?
This brand/business stands out and is set apart because we are truly a “One Stop Shop…The Beautique”! Establishing a great relationship and connection with each client/customer is of great importance to us. It allows us to cater to the uniqueness of every client/customer. We pride ourselves on having the ability to make every customer/client feel like our number one priority because they are. Our goal is to always deliver first-class service!
How do you set new standards for your industry?
SC sets new standards by making an internal difference as well as an external one. So, we’re not in the business of masking flaws, we wish to help heal trauma, help embrace flaws, help see new possibilities, help explore your uniqueness, heighten confidence, give hope and so much more. For those who may not face certain struggles, we thrive off the push they provide us. When it comes to clothing, we strongly believe just because they sell it in your size, doesn’t mean it’s for you. We encourage our customers to focus on items that fit properly for their body type. Ultimately, we are more than just services; we offer an EXPERIENCE.
How can we support you?
-Makeup: The Beauty Look -Styling: The push to step outside of your comfort zone -Clothing: Our pieces are known for their uniqueness -Coaching: Our Goal Digger Academy -Cosmetics: Our Velvet Lippies (they are amazing)
What do you love the most about working with your clients/customers?
The absolute best part about working with our clients is the energy, joy, and positive vibrations that each client/customer exudes from our services or products. We love tapping into individuality and pushing the boundaries of one’s comfort zone!
Aside from products or provided services, what intangible things do you hope your clients gain?
Sabrena is in Mixed Talk Magazine Vol. 2 Click Cover to Read | Page 8
“Confidence is a superpower, once you start believing in yourself and your brand, the magic starts to happen. Always remain true to yourself, your vision, your assignment, and the success will follow.”
Volume 2 is fresh from the Mixed Talk Media oven! This year was a year of firsts. We are honored to feature 13 amazing entrepreneurs, 12 are our 2021 Catalyst 4 Change Award recipients, our growth this year, and a message for the soul.
Who’s Inside
Congratulations to Alexis Harrold Winner of the 2021 Mixed Talk Magazine Cover See Feature
[ 8 ] Feature Story | MUA Sabrena Cross
CFC Leadership Awards [ 16 ] LaVonia Tryon [ 18 ] Sonjia Pelton-Sam [ 19 ] Tamie Ross [ 20 ] Great Douglas [ 21 ] Tiara Matthews [ 32 ] Feature Story | Alexis Harrold
CFC Radio Awards [ 22 ] Czarina Lynell [ 23 ] Arthur Milton-Porter III [ 24 ] Therese W Gamble [ 25 ] Faye Carter [ 26 ] Teia Acker-Moore [ 28 ] Feature Story | Andrena Phillip
We are accepting entrepreneurs for our 2022 WEC $5,000 Pitch IT! Grant. -All entrants will be automictically entered into the MTM Cover Contest complete with a photoshoot (Houston, Texas location). -All entrants will receive a 2022 Catalyst 4 Change Award -All Entrants will be able to Pitch their brand for the opportunity to walk away with a $5,000 Grant.
Meet Precious Jones, owner of 11:11 Vibes By Precious. While perusing social media, I came across a post for what I thought was dessert! Yes, I thought I saw delicious jarred desserts. After a second glance, I realized the dessert was, in reality, a candle. That blew me away! Pun intended. Intrigued, I clicked onto her profile to see all the beautiful creations she had to offer.
Tell us alittle about yourself.
I’m 31 years old and a mother of four children. I’m from Dallas, Texas. I am a serial entrepreneur. I began my business in 2012, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until 2020.
Who/What was the motivation behind starting your company?
As a kid, I always loved the smell of candles; my mom kept them around the house. My motivation behind starting candle-making was because of the aroma of a burning candle, the fire from the flames relaxing me, to the candles looking so realistic. Being able to create them the way I choose brings out my inner child and my creativity.
Do you make a variety of aromas?
I specialize in sweet scents, but I have aromatherapy scents as well.
What is the best part about working with your customers?
Connecting with candle lovers and leaving them with a product they just love and is uniquely different.
Please leave a short message of inspiration for entrepreneurs reading today.
No matter what business you wanna start, start that business without a business plan! The same God that gave you the vision will give you the clients. Just Start!
Love it! Sometimes we think we have to have it all figured out. Taking the next step is equal parts faith and choice. From there, we can build a plan that will support our future growth. I second that! Start today and see where tomorrow takes you.
It’s been a year! What a year it has been. Have you ever had a feeling there was more to the story, the dream, the person? More you could do. That was me. 2020 brought many changes, some good and some least desirable.
However, one thing it gifted me was time to think on pause. Time to receive instructions for my next step. Time to reflect on the transitions my businesses have undergone.
All Twisted by Design, where I sold my handmade jewelry. Total Beauty Ladies Events, where I began to produce monthly events in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Then BBU! Magazine (Beautifully Being U!) was launched as I began to meet so many inspiring community members and leaders. I wanted to spotlight entrepreneurs, causes, and events in Houston.
Ahhh, Women Empowering Change INC burst forth. WEC is now a nonprofit organization purposed to support entrepreneurs, the community, and its leaders.
After a trip down memory lane, I came to one pressing call; teach the world. HOW!?! I called my mom for support. She encouraged me to dig deeper. Shout out to my mom! I love you. I wrestled with the voice I heard so clearly until the how was clear. Start a radio station!
I was finally getting somewhere. Now I wondered, “How do I do that, what website would it go on, what about BBU! Magazine, and WEC”?
I digress here for a sec. If frustration or a million questions are hitting you, take joy in this stage our your process. If you lean into what is frustrating you or the questions you cannot seem to answer, you will eventually arrive at your solutions. Many times our first response is to flee whatever troubles. Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves for not having the clarity we desire. When we pause, listen, reflect, seek support if needed, and lean in, we find the answers that have been waiting there all along. Keep going. You got this!
I did what I just shared. I paused, listened, reflected, sought support, and leaned in. Sure enough, there were all the answers I needed for that stage in my process.
I took the first step; NAME. I wrote out names that were impressed upon me and then called my dad for help. Without missing a beat, he said, “Mixed TALK Radio.” Shout out to my Dad. I love you!
BOOM! DONE! Now, where does Mixed Talk Media go? LOL!
WEC housed BBU! Magazine at the time, but I knew that was not the place. I also knew that BBU! Magazine needed a makeover.
Mixed Talk Media emerged as the new home for Mixed Talk Magazine, Mixed Talk Radio, and our media content.
A year later, I am writing on our new digital media site to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY MTM!
With time has come growth! Look how we have grown.
Mixed Talk Media
-All about spotlighting life and business. -Share Your Story with Us!
-Streams live 24/7 Music -Talk Shows Monday- Friday 4-4:40 pm CST -LIVE Talk Shows starting November 2021 -Affordable Advertising Rates -Studio for live DJs