YOUNG SHANK...CUTS DEEP

                                                            http://t.co/nHQMQ1nT
Driving to meet YOUNG SHANK...I had so many thoughts running across my mind. Like...."soooo typical...of course he would be late"....and "I wonder if he is as mean as he looks". Previously we were suppose to meet at a different location, but it was Friday...and I had to respect the fact...that YOUNG SHANK was at the barbershop getting fresh. I mean the man had just recently cut off his infamous braids less than a year ago. So I was a lil curious to see what his new makeover looked like ...close up. Not used to being on the Maple Hts. side of town...I was searching for the barbershop he requested I meet him at. Just when I thought I was lost...I noticed a shiny...and I mean ridiculously shiny 72 Cutlass, White and Green, with rims I cud fit inside of comfortably, and Juveniles 400 Degrees cd on the console...posted in front of the barbershop. I was thinking "soooo typical...hmph...he would get the best parking spot".
Walking up to the barbershop....I had already fixed my "serious, oh no you didn't not be on time face", I busted thru the door and quickly scanned the shop for YOUNG SHANK. I glanced right over him at first. Only because I was expecting someone different....I don't know...maybe a more "thuggish" kinda guy. When my eyes brought me back to the very 1st chair in the shop, YOUNG SHANK kinda looked at me...with a serious kinda face. I walked straight up to him, and then.....suddenly..my "serious face,  oh no you didn't not be on time face"...vanished. I found it amazingly difficult to have an attitude. The moment you look at YOUNG SHANK...he gives a look of..."what's the word, I'm listening" kinda look. I stuck out my hand and he pulled his hand out from under the hair cape he was wearing. We shook hands and proceeded to get to know each other.
As his female barber continued to cut his hair, I noticed a few things. YOUNG SHANK is very handsome! I mean from his old mix tape covers of him being skinny, with braids...to a mature fade, and clean face...he is handsome. As I began to talk to YOUNG SHANK, I noticed that this is a real man. Whenever I would ask him a question...he would automatically look me dead in my eyes and answer it. YOUNG SHANK always looks you dead in your face. Most people are unable to do that...because most people aren't real..or need to fish answers to question out of their ass. Not YOUNG SHANK, you can look in his eyes and see...that this man has lived life, and you can also see...that this man...has depth to him, a story to tell.


Q. Why did you cut off your braids?
A. HA! Oh you silly for that question..lol...I don't know...I was going for a more "Grown man look", plus I was having trouble pulling the lightskin girls...lightskin girls don't like braids.

Q.What is your fascination with gangsta Danny Greene?
A. Danny Greene....he was a strong man, he did things his way, he was loyal to people he fucked with, he wasn't afraid of anything...he inspires me to be strong and handle my bizness, and look out for my family.

YOUNG SHANK and RAY JR. LEGIT PAPER

Q.You used to push your music hard, why did you stop rapping for so long?
A. I mean...I love making music....but then it started to seem like everyone was tryna make music. Before I knew it...my fans...had suddenly become my competition. It was difficult to separate the real music from the fake.

Q.What is different about this new Mixtape "Kill The Irishmen" from your others?
A. I finally felt comfortable enough...to step outside of the "box". Don't get me wrong, I know I'm known for "Trap Music", I love "Trap Music"...but I like other stuff too....it's more to me and my lifestyle besides "trappin".

Q.What other Artists do you enjoy listening to, who do you connect with with?
A. Man......I really dig J.Cole, AZ and Nas. I would love to work with Lil Boosie...but that won't be happening for awhile. People don't really know that I love "story telling" type music. I like Jay-Z too. I don't listen to much to Kanye West tho. I mean...I don't know...he comes off as a lil to arrogant for me. Not dissin him...just...I can't vibe with that. I'm more of a laid back kinda guy.

Q. What Cleveland Artists do you appreciate and respect?
A. Man...I fucks with BRAVO! His music is amazing! CASA too! They are on a song on my mixtape called "Don't Know". I had to do a song with those cats...lookout for them..they've got next!



As YOUNG SHANK's barber spins him around in the chair to work on the back of his fade, we continue to talk...YOUNG SHANK suddenly get's serious with his face. He looks at me as if he really wants me to listen and understand something. If you met him...you can almost tell when he needs your full attention. An obvious leader with the ability to control a person's attention with just his eyes...I found myself focused, staring at him...waiting to hear what he needed to tell me...he looked at me and said " Look...I'm all for "party" music", I've made party music before...but..I don't like..when the music is no longer real"...




Q. What do you mean by music being "fake"?
A. I mean...back in the day..the things I rapped about, or other rappers rapped about...is what we were really doing. We really had the things we said we had in our songs. We really lived in the places we said we lived in. Everything we rapped about was true...that was our life. Now...you've got all these young guys, out here watching videos..and listening to rap songs and trying to imitate what they see or hear. I'm not saying all rap is fake. But I am saying that...some of the things that cats are rapping about, they don't really have, or they aren't really living the life they say they are.Why would you want to live in the projects...you should be trying to move out. 

Q. Why is this unrealistic music harmful to our youth?
A. Cuz...dudes are out here catching cases, and collecting bodies...just cuz that's what they hear on some songs. Don't rap about it, til you actually have it. Then you will really know what you are talking about.If you live in the burbs, then rap bout the burbs.

Q.How does your music identify with people?
A. I think everyone has been thru something in life. Every single person has gone thru things, some more difficult than others. Everyone has a story to tell. Most people can relate to what I'm saying.


Q.Do you get a lot of artists passing you their music?
A. YES! Tons of music comes my way. I listen to about 70% of it. I honestly do. Most of it is just ok...but for the most part, I try and give people a chance. Some people just need a chance.

Q.How did LEGIT PAPER get started?
A. I mean...it's always been me, Ray Jr, Cha$e, and Prem....we started the label. I love my team. We've all been down with each other since day 1. I live for my team. We can't be shook.

Q.What kind of girls are you into dating?
A. HAHAHAH hhmmm let's see....I like lightskin girls, with natural hair...I love girls with natural hair. This might sound crazy...but I like my girls to be a lil ratchet. Ok Ok...maybe ratchet isn't
 the right word...I'ma just say "ghetto"...I enjoy a girl that's kinda "ghetto", I like loud talking girls lol.....

Q.You seem to be a neutral guy in the city. You can go to any hood...but you rep Garden Valley. Do you still live in  Garden Valley?
A. Look...I love where I'm from...but who wants to always live in the projects. A person's goal should be to move out of the projects. I love Garden Valley, but I don't wanna go back to live. I wanna go back to give back. Hopefully one day I might be living in a suburb or something.

Q.Would you ever leave Cleveland?
A. NOPE! I'm not going anywhere!

Q.If you weren't rapping, what would you be interested in doing?
A. Iv'e always wanted to go to school for cars....I enjoy working on cars.

Q. Why did you paint your Cutty Green and White?
A. Hahaha Danny Greene!

Q.What's your style..you don't seem excessively  flashy?
A. Im not into big jewels and stuff really...I just recently stepped my sneaker game up with the J's and stuff. I'm into True Religion...I only wear True Religion. Probably cuz I don't know what else to shop for.

Q.Do you have kids?
A. Naw...no kids yet...I'd love to have kids. I'm not sure yet bout getting married...but 1 day I'd love to have some kids. I don't know....maybe in the next couple of years...I might get 1 of these girls pregnant lolololol

Q.Your last Mixtape Jim Brown, what was it you wanted people to understand?
A. I wanted people to know that...I was broke! No joke! I mean...sometimes people misjudge certain people, and try to count our pockets. I mean we are struggling sometimes too. I once had zero dollar, then i had 40g's...and you know what...I lost it all...40 damn g's. Life has it's ups and downs...

Q. Your new mixtape  "Kill The Irishmen"...What do you want the people to get from it?
A. I want people to respect me, to understand me. I've grown a lot with this city.

Q.Do you have a lot of family support?
A. My mom was killed in front of me when I was younger.My mother used to rap I was told.My brother passed away , and my step-dad has almost 25 kids. I love my family tho....I live for my family and my team. My family means everything to me.

Q. Why did you decide to rap again?
A. Honestly.....for tha bread, to take care of my family, secondly...I love making music and I had some things I wanted to talk about. I want to be a role model for these cats out here. I want people to know it's cool to do the right thing.I want to build a platform to give back. Last year some people don't
know...but LEGIT PAPER fed 150 families for the holidays. We are constantly speaking at schools and trying to save the youth.

Beefy,Dre Prada, Oj
"Loyal Always"

As YOUNG SHANK is turned around 1 more time....I notice him searching his chair and pockets. He casually pats himself down and says "ugh...where's my other phone"...he finds his keys hanging off the chair, and later finds his 2nd phone. Just as he finds it, the other phone starts to ring. YOUNG SHANK looks at the screen and says "This is my brother right here...calling from jail"..he continues to look down and quietly says to himself almost ..."This is a jail phone"...most of YOUNG SHANK'S family and friends are either dead or locked up. Looking at his face when he talks about it...you can see sadness in his eyes. Even tho YOUNG SHANK is known throughout Cleveland, as the famous"Trap Rapper", hood and hard....he is surprisingly quiet, nowhere near soft...but you can see the scars of life written on his face. When he speaks of his family, you see light in his eyes, he suddenly looks extra focused. YOUNG SHANK is on a mission. We talk more about his lifestyle. YOUNG SHANK doesn't smoke or drink. You won't catch him out much at the club...because he says "it's to much going on, I'd rather be at home safe, chillin". He enjoys dining at the exclusive Pier W, where tables look over the water as the sun sets. YOUNG SHANK....with his name I assumed he would be covered in tats. To my surprise...he only has a big 1 on his forearm. It reads L.A( Loyal Always) with his homies names on it. When asked if those were his friends that had passed away he said "no, but why should you wait til a person is gone...to show them appreciation?" 

YOUNG SHANK's barber interrupts to ask him if he would like his face cleaned up. He replies "yeah go on head and take the goatee off, and make it look natural". YOUNG SHANK has really grown into his own. He is loyal, and determined to live life for himself...he doesn't really care who doesn't like his choice to do right...as best as he can. YOUNG SHANK ...now finished with his cut, pays his barber and heads out the door to his Danny Greene mobile. He stands looking off into the sun, barely squinting..kinda of lost...in his thoughts....

Q.What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
A. That I'm mean, I'm really actually very silly sometimes. I'm not always happy either. I don't think anyone is.

Q. What is one thing you want to say to Cleveland?
A. STOP SNITCHING

YOUNG SHANK eases into his ride, after thank you's and a hug. His car is loud...in a good way. He pulls off with everyone staring at him in awe. After meeting YOUNG SHANK I have a new admiration for him. It's difficult..almost impossible at times, for a person like himself to change and live a "normal" life. But YOUNG SHANK is proving so many wrong. He's is attempting to give back to his city, make good REAL music, and run with LEGIT PAPER. RESPECT THIS MAN! XOXO

@YoungShank
Bookings and inquiries 
@JvisionFilms

EXCLUSIVE Q & A With BELLA NAE

              http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/17445/bella_nae_expect_the_unexpected.html

In a word full of chaos... I have found a shortage of the things that I love. Glitter shadow, pink lipstick, sneakers, bamboo earrings, pop music, and female music artists have seemed almost impossible to find in 1 spot or person lately. I mean Beyonce...well she popped out Blue Ivy, Ciara...well she's like a "model" or something, Lil Kim...uhhhhh...yeah (*love her but...yeah ok), Katy Perry...she doesn't rap, and Kei$ha must be on vacation somewhere or something. So where does a person like me turn to when in need of all of these people and things combined? BELLA NAE of course!!!!!
When Quincy aka Big Heff, suggested that I take a listen to an artist he has been working with...I will admit...I kinda yawned... like "ok ok....who's this new chic". Quincy assured me that I would love her. Since he has yet to prove me wrong (*cept for pina coladas, n absolute together) I trusted him and gave a listen. Let's just say...I instantly became curious and excited to see a visual to put with the music I was hearing. Once I was able to youtube BELLA NAE I was automatically infatuated (not in a weird way) but in a "can't take my eyes" off of BELLA NAE way. The girl is extremely beautiful...ok ok....I would say perfectly beautiful. One after another I couldn't stop looking at her youtube videos. What's incredible about BELLA NAE is that she infuses a lil bit of rap, r n b, and pop all together. It makes her music super fun and super sexy to listen too! When watching BELLA NAE she' exhilarates
innocence, sexiness, confidence and playfulness. Her amazing fashion style is addictive. BELLA NAE mos def has her own style. Kinda of like a modern day pin up Betty Paige kinda look, meets sneaker head , meets glitter and big hair. Oh gawd!!!! Her Hair!!! (*don't be jealous ladies...its all her own natural hair!)
BELLA NAE's music is just down right FUN!!! No matter if you are male or female you will enjoy listening to BELLA NAE. From the cover to Drakes "Take Care", where she succceeded with making it her own,using her whispy soft voice, and sincere lyrics. Or to the bubbly, energetic "Ab Fabb", where she kinda introduces you to her musical style and provides you with a few aggressive lyrics, that seem sweet when delivered by her tiny voice. She has the voice that's very "proper" and sexy. This girl could tell you she stepped in dog crap...and she would make it sound sexy! BELLA NAE is mos def 1 of a kind and the musical world is her's at the moment. Just avoid stereotyping BELLA NAE as a "pop princess". She's more than just pop...and with that being said...let me invite you to a lil Q & A with BELLA NAE!!!

Q. Do you write all of your music? 
A. YES! I write all of my music, including my raps. My management sometimes asks me to "tone it down" a lil, or maybe even "turn it up", but for the most part...they have given me full creative control over my music. Not to sound "cocky"...but my team trusts  my creative choices. They know that if I am sent into the booth, there is really no need to worry...I always deliver.

Q. What was your upbringing like?
A. I was raised in Inglewood California. I wouldn't say that I had everything I ever wanted as a child, but I would say that for the most part...my parents provided me with basically everything I wanted..sure there were a few things I didn't get when I wanted. Fashion was everything when I was in high school. When my parents wouldn't get me the new Jordan's that were coming out, I would take my Air Force 1's and sell them off to my friends and make the money for my new sneakers!

Q. What is your relationship like with your parents?
A. OMG! My Mom and Dad are awesome! My parents always filled me with tons of LOVE. My Mom and I built an early line of communication. Even when I was younger I was always able to talk to my Mom about almost anything. I was the kid that didn't really have a curfew. I got to do pretty much whatever I wanted to do...in a responsible way. There was a lot of trust between my parents and I when I was growing up. My Dad filled me with tons of knowledge. My dad always told me to "Always be aware of your surroundings". Til this day I always keep that thought in the back of my mind.

Q. How would you describe your music in 3 words?
A. Fun, Real, and Edgy

Q. Who would you love to collab with?
A. Hhhmmmm....I think WIZ n I would make some awesome music together. He has his own style, and you can really tell that he has grown as an artist from when we were first introduced to him.  I love Kendrick Lamar, I would like to work with him...and Nicki Minaj...she's awesome!

Q. Do you have a stylist or do you style yourself?
A. I do all of my makeup and styling. I love fashion, I love mixing different kinds of things together, but 1 day I would love to have a stylist...sometimes things get kinda hectic.

Q. What's your favorite pair of sneakers?
A. OOhhh I love sneakers! I prefer Nike High Tops, I usually only wear low tops while I'm working out. I love the 10's, and 7's.

Q. If you were trapped on an island....what 3 things would you have to have with you?
A. Food, Water, and a Solar Powered IPod! WOW! See...how I just think of things that are cool lololol...solar powered IPod...they mos def need to invent that!

Q. How was SXSW?
A. SXSW was AMAZING! It was my first time there! It was soooo many acts and sooo many different kinds of artists. Everyone was really nice and open to my music. I had a great time performing!

Q. What are you emotions when singing live?
A. Nerves, confidence...sometimes I get nervous about the sound system. Sometimes you can't hear yourself, but I trust myself so I just go with what I'm feeling. If you feel it, they will love it. 


Q. Where is your dream venue to perform?
A. Which ever holds the most people!!!!

Q. What's it like to tour with mostly male artists?
A. It's fun at times...of course you get guys that will try and holla at you all the time. I keep it professional, and I demand respect at all times. I'm focused on my career as a female artist, sure at times my girls may say "oohh he's so cute"...but my mind is focused on my music.

Q. Are all the girls in your videos...really your friends?
A. Well...actually...we kinda knew each other before...but after the videos were shot...we are now really cool with each other, they are all very sweet girls.

Q. Are you signed with a label?
A. YES! Mahoning Valley Records/ Universal!

Q. If you are not a "pop princess"...then who are you?
A. I wouldn't be turned off if you referred to me as a "pop princess"...that's flattering as well...I just don't ever want to be put inside of a box, my music is more than just "pop"..I will let my fans decided on what they would like to call me...for now...I'm BELLA NAE.XOXO

                                           
@TheRealBellaNae

"YOU'VE BEEN SERVED"...BY MZCAMILLE

"They have to respect your work, and when they don't...I fight harder, I'm not going anywhere" -MZCAMILLE

If you are in Cleveland....Im mos def positive that you have attended 1 of our many clubs, bars, or social networking events. If you had the opportunity to be a part of some of Cleveland's most exciting events....then you should mos def find time to thank MZCAMILLE. Who is MZCAMILLE? Unless your address belongs to the rock you have been living under...there is no way possible that you would need to ask this question. MZCAMILLE is the beautiful, independent, mother, wife and motivated local bartender...and creative genius behind some of Cleveland's largest social networking events and 1 of Cleveland's most amazing Entrepreneur's.

Let us start ...where so many things have started....FACEBOOK. Some people use Facebook to make the world aware their "relationship status", or post pics of food (*yeah I love posting food flicks) or upload silly youtube videos. From the start MZCAMILLE has struck gold with her Facebook Networking Abilities. She is able to do party and event invites via the internet...without seeming overwhelming and annoying. MZCAMILLE learned early how to collect a large group of followers, grab their attention....and then *BAM*...she hits you with a flyer for an exclusive upcoming event. You can't help but want to attend every event she creates...because unlike other event planners...MZCAMILLE puts tons of thought into what she is creating and promoting. All of her social networking events are generated with depth and substance. She's not throwing "parties" just to throw them. MZCAMILLE attempts to provide events that unite the whole city of Cleveland. Especially young professionals that would love to work with other young professionals. MZCAMILLE is not only sexy...the woman is intelligent, and has the drive and heart of someone that you will mos def see at the top of the world soon.
If you think you may have seen MZCAMILLE before...that could be a possibility. She has been a bartender for more than 10+years. Starting out at some of Cleveland's premier clubs. Theatricals (*only the most beautiful and elegant strip club ever...EVER...Cleveland had seen ...RIP Theatricals), THE OFFICE...another Cleveland spot that was the place to be awhile back, Beethovens, Legacy Lounge, Visions, Luxe...and the oh so elegant and exclusive EXECUTIVE LOUNGE, where MZCAMILLE is currently Head Bartender. You can find her there most nights, looking flawless with her amazing hair. (*MZCAMILLE knows she can rock a hairdo!* head roll finga snap)
Besides being a bartender...and not just any bartender...a damn good bartender, MZCAMILLE attended The Ohio Center For Broadcasting. She is co-host of "The 411 In 216" from the ladies point of view, an internet show about 216. You are probably thinking when does this superwoman have time to sleep? I'm still trying to figure it out myself. MZCAMILLE also manages several artists in the Cleveland area, promotes music for the city, takes care of her kids, and still manages to be fly...all the time.





"I feel there are so many strong, intelligent women
 out here that go without being noticed. I hope to keep pushing for us...to be front runners" -MZCAMILLE

MZCAMILLE only has 10 fingers...(*last I counted) and trust me they are all touching some kind of wonderful business opportunity for herself and the city of Cleveland. With her own company "Party Girlz Ent", a mobile food spot (*look for it this summer), her own possible social networking site, fashion line, and killer drinks....MZCAMILLE is an amazing role model for all women. Her strive and dedication is admirable, and she does it with such class...never underestimate the power of a strong black woman..."Hey Bartender...salude" XOXO






http://facebook.com/mzcamille.dabney
@MZCAMILLE

SMACK DOWN BY SMACK CITY

I would never like to think of myself as being "prejudice" or "bi-partial" to certain people or things. But as a human I have grown into "stereotypes" and preconceived notions about certain things. This includes music. I am learning to have a more "open ear" for music and where it comes from. With that being said....while tweeting my life away (as usual) I ran across SMACK CITY. I must admit...I was a little skeptical...but only because I noticed SMACK CITY was reppin Oakland, California. I f*ck with Cali music all day. I love Bay Area music, and Dre n Snoop, Dj Quik, Too-Short...you get my point. I hold Cali music with the highest regards. I mean the bar has been set high from previous west coast rappers. So I was surprisingly entertained when I actually heard Mook Tha Prezadent, and Chuck Smiff of SMACK CITY. I was expecting your stereotypical west coast...smooth, bubbly...oil slick, pimp kinda swag to make you feel extra cool music, seat leaned back into the backseat music. Instead SMACK CITY pulled out the gate with all of the above...and had the nerve to add a lil...well actually a lot of down south swagu to the sauce, with a deep country bounce to it. I had to go back and make sure these fellas really were from Oakland. Somehow they have found a way to infuse west coast, and down south beats together. . I am very critical when it comes to music that makes me bob my head. Of course the beat can carry any song...but SMACK CITY has 2 lyricists that both pull  their own weight. Its entertaining to see that SMACK CITY has NOT allowed certain stereotypes to box their music into 1category.

www.youtube.com/MookThaPrezadent

"GET ME"

Their music makes you dance, ride, or shake ya dreds...*if you happen to have dreds. Speaking of dreds (*go ahead..shake em!!!)

Waka Flocka is featured on"SMACK CITY's "In The Sky", produced by KE On Tha Track. It's awesome to see new musical talent emerge from the west coast that is unexpected and worthy to be added to my iPod playlist. Make sure you check out SMACK CITY and look forward to the drop of their upcoming mix tape soon! WESTSIDE(*throws up fingers in shape of "W")XOXO

Instagram  - mookthaprez

@smackcitymook
@smackcitysmiff
www.hoodtube.com
www.Mp3spinners.com
www.wearebay.com

*Booking inquiries smackcityfam@gmail.com

BIG HEFF PRESENTS "TURN UP" (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

BIG HEFF has officially released the much anticipated, exclusive TURN UP music video!!! Summer would NOT be Summer...without a hot Summer Anthem. If you are a fan of Cleveland Music ...and it's artists (RAY CASH, Cj Platinum, DRAFT P1CK, Ez WHITE, Pooh Gutta, and KPT) like I am...then I'm mos def positive you have been searching the net... looking for this official TURN UP video. Look no further. It's with much pleasure and excitement ...that I invite you to TURN UP!!!!! XOXO

IN THA LAB...WITH DESIGNER DONALD HAYES

DESIGN LAB INC.

Okkkkkk...sooooooo...when I received a personal invite to the Grand Opening of Design Lab Inc.....let's just say...I damn near pissed on myself! It takes a lot to get me excited! Ok...well maybe not a lot, let's just say that to be personally invited to DESIGN LAB INC.is a great honor! I mean sheesh....I was on my way to meet DONALD HAYES himself, and finally get a chance to see closeup...all the wonderful designs he has been creating! I've met DONALD HAYES a couple of times...but I became a true fan of DONALD HAYES after I saw Cleveland radio personality TROPIKANA wearing one of his creations, a unique black vest he designed for her on her birthday. I thought that there was no way possible this DONALD HAYES guy was capable of creating anything more original and spectacular than her birthday dress....but then I saw TROPIKANA's heels! (*mouth waters) The heels were encrusted with gems, and bling...each rhinestone placed with thought and expertise. AMAZING!!!!! 

Myself in DONALD HAYES

On my way to the GRAND OPENING, many thoughts were chopped and screwed like in my head.(*slow, deep, thoughts) Like...."oh boy...another "loft"event". Loft events used to be a rare venue for an event in Cleveland. Now they pop up randomly...usually the crowd is over capacity in the loft, and before you know it....the "lofty" feel..no longer feels so "lofty". So as I climbed the stairs inside the building, I noticed the typical painted hardwood floors, exposed brick and new paint smell. When I approached the door to the DESIGN LAB INC. I noticed a lil paper sign that read "Design Lab Inc.". I was thinking..."uh oh"...such a lil sign....then I cracked the door, in an attempt not to bust up the party...and boy...was I SURPRISED!!!!!!!!

DESIGN LAB INC.

As soon as you open the door to the DESIGN LAB, the first thing u notice is space. Its an ENORMOUS space!!! All of the space has been utilized in a way that makes you feel free, with room to explore yet not at all cluttered! My eyes were racing around the Lab...looking up and down, scanning the brick walls, soaking it all up. There are huge beautiful windows...allowing the warm sunlight to beam thru! The ceilings were high...creating the illusion that we were inside a industrial factory! The sun had so many windows to seep thru, that it filled the Lab and gently kissed each and every single person. When I walked in the Lab I noticed that everyone there looked amazingly beautiful. The sun was dancing on everyones skin. Everyone looked sun kissed and dazzling. I quickly realized this wasn't your "average" grand opening. There was the finest cheese...*but not so fancy...that you wanted to spit it back out in your napkin. There was wine...my glass stayed full, there was music playing...not to loud, not to overly booming....just enough music to make you wanna dance your way throughout the loft and check out the fashion. There was a red carpeted runway...*work it , work it *head roll finga snap.

The energy in the Lab was unique, and free-spirited. Each and every single person in attendance gave off a vibe of creativeness, acceptance, and joy for  DONALD HAYES and the other designers Grand Opening. Each designer had their work on display. All items were available for purchase. Of course stylist MYKE MYNDED led me over to DONALD HAYES collection. *I will never front like I'm a big "fashion know it all"...I'm a girl on the go. (Throw me in jeans and sneakers and I'm outty). But as soon as I saw the collection...I let out a lil "eeekkk". Immediately my eyes locked on a pink dress. The front had leather like triangles shooting from the shoulders. The back of the dress had a deep "U" shape, which showed off my back, but not my bra (*that takes tons of thought as a designer). The fabric was light and stretchy, which is hard to find without looking "trashy". This dress was a dress... created by someone that know's what a real woman is looking for. The geometric shapes, sexy material, and simplicity of the dress made it a must have for myself. 

Myself and Designer DONALD HAYES
* Donald Hayes original dress

Stylist MYKE MYNDED and Myself
@MykeMynded

It's hard to find couture when you are "curvy, thick, and big-butted" like myself. Somehow DONALD HAYES has managed to design designs for all women. His collection was unique, and  futuristic. I never in a million years would have thought that I'd be wearing a DONALD HAYES original piece. Speaking of DONALD, he was quietly ringing out purchases, and being his shy, quiet, humble self. His eyes danced when he saw me in the dress he had created. DONALD HAYES is a quiet man. He's always warm, sincere and friendly when you see him. I felt very honored to be wearing his work. He's not one for the "spotlight"... you won't catch him boasting or bragging...even tho he has every right to toot his own horn *toot toot*

DONALD HAYES collection is truly a beautiful , creative expression....of a man attempting to make women feel comfortable and sexy, n a mos def 1 of a kind way. It won't be long until we see DONALD HAYES at fashion week in New York or Paris. He is most deserving of the praise everyone was giving at the GRAND OPENING OF DESIGN LAB INC. There were many fashion socialites in attendance. MYKE MYNDED who is also stylist, SILK with her infamous beautiful purple hair, Mz. Cream Of The Crop was seen floating around, and many others flowed in and out of the Lab until nightfall. DONALD HAYES has done a remarkable job at opening the door to fashion in the city. I left the DESIGN LAB feeling exclusive, happy, and satisfied. Hats off to DONALD HAYES *work it....work it XOXO

DESIGN LAB INC.

3143 W.33rd

Cleveland, Ohio

44144

thedesignercoop.com
@loveandrock
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