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Drums Please!!

Summer, Summer, Summertime...

Time to Sit Back and Unwind...

Summertime...

Here It Is

The groove slightly transformed

Just a bit of a break

From the norm

Just a little somethin'

to break the monotony

Of all that hardcore dance

That has gotten to be

A little bit out of control, it's cool to dance

But what about a groove that soothes and moves romance

Give me a soft, subtle mix

And if it ain't broke

Then don't try to fix it

(Don't try to fix it)

And think of the Summers of the past

Adjust the bass and let the alpine blast

Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme

And put your car on cruise and lay back

Cause this is Summertime!!!

Summer, Summer, Summertime!!!

What better way to open my Summer 2021 Newsletter than with the lyrics of the ultimate Summer anthem and theme by none other than

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince?

For the past month, I've been dropping sneak peek photos on my social platforms teasing about this very special newsletter. But I never exposed why this particular edition is so special. Allow me to do that now.

Somebody cue Tony! Toni! Toné!

Today Is A Special Day...

It's Not Just Any Day...

"It's Our Anniversary!"

My Summer 2021 Newsletter marks the official one year anniversary of  of the Allured By Design™️ Newsletters. To say I'm proud and excited is an understatement!!! I'd been contemplating for the last few years producing a newsletter on my platform that would allow me the opportunity to connect with you all in an even deeper way.

However, due to my very busy and demanding work life and professional career in the Film Industry...I was very concerned about adding more to my already heavy plate.

First and foremost, I wanted to ensure that I'd be able to make the time to commit. In addition, I absolutely wanted to ONLY produce and put out my best work, even in the form of a newsletter. Those of you who've been rocking with me for hot minute, already know my motto is

"Go big or Go home."

And, if I couldn't produce newsletters that were both mentally and visually stimulating and inspiring, there was simply no need for me to embark on this journey. Nonetheless, I'm so very happy (and proud) that I figured out the best way to make it happen and be consistent with it,

all while still being present and active in all other roles in my life.

I also teased on my social media pages that for this particular newsletter, I worked with a Guest Photographer that captured the most amazing, editorial, dope, stylish and colorful shots EVER!!!

Allow me to finally reveal who SHE IS!!!

None other than New Orleans own, Lifestyle Photographer,

Wyshonda Elise of Wyshonda Elise Photography.

https://www.wyshondaelise.me/

Let me take a minute just to share with you all how dope Wyshonda really is. Because I firmly believe in celebrating people and giving them their praise and flowers while they're still here.

But first let's go back to the beginning for clarity's sake and how this Summer photo shoot with Wyshonda came to be...

But, real quick let's indulge in another dope visual shall we?

Now all of my day ones know that Stacy Marks of

Stacy Marks Photography is both my primary and the official Photographer for all things of and for my brand,

Allured By Design™️.

That's still the case and hasn't changed, as Stacy and I have worked together for years building, growing and developing the official photographic and editorial style and look for my brand.

As a Designer and Creative with a Film background, I know how utterly important it is to establish a look and be consistent with that look.

After all, it's how your audience comes to know you, how they learn what to expect from you, how they become familiar with your work and the type of work you put out there.

Essentially, the look and aesthetic of your brand becomes your calling card. And, ultimately it's what opens doors for you and creates opportunities mixed in with talent, skill, hustle and grind of course.

So I knew very early on when I first launched Allured By Design™️ back in 2016, that I wanted to build, grow and establish the look of my brand with one main Photographer. 

However, I've always been open to mixing it up and bringing in other creatives to work with from time to time...

from Photographers, Videographers, Graphic Designers, etc...

Wyshonda is indeed one of the Photographers I'd been wanting to work with for YEARS!!! She and I both are huge fans of each other's work and knew we needed to partner together on a creative project. But for the longest, our schedules were always conflicting and just didn't align.

But, as they say or as we all know...Everything in "God's Timing" right? Because how amazing and profound is it that for my one year anniversary of my newsletter launch,

Wyshonda and I FINALLY made MAGIC happen together?!?!

And, I cannot be more proud of the work we produced!!!

We began early talks about this shoot back in the Fall of 2020.

Originally, Shonda was slated to shoot my Spring 2021 Newsletter. However, knowing that the Summer edition would be the anniversary issue, where the theme would be all about celebrating the beautiful colors of Summer...

It just made more sense to introduce you all to Wyshonda Elise in this one. Because no one captures the authentic gorgeous colors of not just the city of New Orleans but beautiful black skin quite like Shonda.

She is indeed a NOLA culture bearer, capturing the raw beauty of this city and the people in it from behind her lens. She is organically inspired by color and her surroundings. In addition, Wyshonda has the unique gift of seeing beauty in just about any and everything.

When I tell ya'll this lady is obsessed with turning any moment into a full blown photo shoot!!! Oh and she can shoot for HOURS on top of HOURS!!! So much to the point, that I told her if she didn't turn the camera off and stop shooting, I would be the one talent and creative that would quit and walk away from my own shoot. 🤣

Look, I had on heels, OK!!

And, this Heffa just refused to stop shooting...knowing good and well it was HOT and I was TIRED and ready to wrap it up, since BEEN!!!

Yet, I remained a trooper through my hurting feet and allowed

Wyshonda to do what she does BEST!!!

CAPTURE IT AND SHOOT!!!

And, man did she ever?!?!

I mean seriously...

Do ya'll not see the beauty in these visuals?!?!

Wyshonda's work never ceases to AMAZE ME!!!

When Wyshonda and I first began to conceptualize and brain storm the look and theme for this shoot, we knew immediately that we wanted to shoot in the historic Faubourg Marigny area of New Orleans where the 7th Ward meets the Upper 9th Ward. The Marigny (as it's popularly called) is known for it's rich, vibrant colors and artsy exteriors.

The entire area is a playground for color lovers with a collection of colorful homes and artistic graffiti and art displayed on many buildings within the Marigny. The area is named after Creole real estate developer and politician, Bernard de Marigny with its main street, Elysian Fields Avenue being named after Champs-Élysées in Paris.

If you've been following me for a while, then you already know I'm a HUGE lover of history!!! I not only collect beautiful books to display within my home...but I actually do read them. In addition, I'm a thoroughbred NOLA born and raised woman that really enjoys reading and learning as much about my city (both the good and bad) as I possibly can and its connection to Africa, Europe and other parts of the world by all that inhabited the colony of New Orleans in its early days.

And, here I am...my ancestors wildest dreams, daring to dream my own big dreams, working to manifest them, be bold and unapologetically creative and ambitious while doing so. Producing a photo shoot with a fellow black female creative in an area that was once the family plantation for the Marigny family. Not only am I, but...

WE ARE OUR ANCESTORS WILDEST DREAMS!!!

All Photo Stills by Wyshonda Elise Photography

What's even more special about my anniversary newsletter is that not only did I work and partner with one black female creative...But even better, I partnered with TWO! In my Film career, more often than not, I work with a lot of male creatives. And, even in my Design career, that's oftentimes the case as well.

So imagine my excitement at the fact that I'd be working with a female as my Guest Photographer to shoot super dope visuals.

But also another NOLA born and raised female entrepreneur who's both a Fashion Stylist and the Proprietor of her own online boutique.

The ever so fabulous all white dress for my photo shoot was provided by 7 Luxe Boutique, founded by Ashanta Green.

Ashanta and I go waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy back, since high school.

We have literally been knowing each other since we were thirteen years old. Had homeroom together all four years of high school, even went to college together and spent most of our late teens and early twenties partying and drinking it up in the clubs, spending all of our money on clothes, traveling out of town together,

attending family functions and experiencing milestones together,

been through highs and lows together...

Yet always ready to have a grand ole' time together!!!

Saying all of that to say...Shanta or "Shan" as I call her, is FAMILY!!!

So it was a no brainer that Shan and I would soon partner our brands and find a fun and creative way to not only work together,

but also empower and support one another.

In celebration of our very first partnership, but definitely not our last,

7 Luxe Boutique is now offering up until August 4, 2021

15% off of ALL items and purchases on their website to all of my email subscribers and social media followers. See both the website link and coupon code to type-in at checkout below...

Website: https://7luxeboutique.com/

Code: ALLUREDBYDESIGN

Because of all of the beautiful and luscious colors of the Marigny,

it only made sense to rock an all white ensemble.

Wyshonda and I wanted the colors of the exteriors to have its own identity without my wardrobe taking away from anything. Also, I'm a huge fan of rocking all white in the Summertime. It is indeed the one season where I generally rock neutrals and whites the absolute most. But honestly even after Labor Day, you can still catch me rocking white because I'm just a rebel like that.

And, hell I look good in white, lol.

No but seriously, while Springtime is all about the beauty of pastels...Summertime is all about the annual all white parties.

Here in New Orleans we celebrate all white linen night during the Summer and just a host of gatherings, festivals and events where all white is either required or strongly recommended.

When my newsletter debuted in Summer of 2020, I went against code and rocked an all black ensemble instead. But if you know me well, then you know I do just about everything with intention. I launched in the middle of a global pandemic, we were all dealing with the stress of the virus, being on lock down, civil unrest in our country, police brutality and a presidency that at the time was a complete and utter joke and embarrassment to our democracy.

In short, BLACK was exactly how I was feeling!!! And, absolutely unapologetic in how and why I was feeling the way I did and still do.

In truth, the civil issues going on in our country last Summer was the catalyst that led me to launching my newsletters at that exact time.

For me it was simply now or never. It was important to me to use my platform to not only share pretty visuals of the interior of my home, but to also use my voice and speak out about what I was feeling, what I was seeing and what we were all experiencing day to day simply by waking up to see life play out daily on the news.

Also, there was absolutely no way we'd shoot in the Marigny, have me rock a dress from a black owned boutique, be shot by a black photographer, bringing forth all of our best energy and creativity,

all while being our ancestors wildest dreams, without shooting in and outside of the newest black owned coffee shop in the area,

Baldwin & Co.

Absolutely everything about Baldwin & Co. is dope, dope and more dope!! Clearly that's my word, lol!! The staff and baristas were so welcoming, kind and accommodating to me and Wyshonda.

They allowed us to be free and open in their location and shoot our hearts away with no restrictions or limitations. Yet, of course we were very respectful as it is indeed a place of business.

And, not only were the staff amazing, but the patrons of the business were all excited and pausing in between placing their orders, working on their laptops and reading literature...all just to watch us shoot and create photography magic. In all honesty, it's become a bit of a thing or quite often when I'm shooting a newsletter, since most of them are always shot in either high traffic or popular areas of New Orleans, that people will pause and watch and take it in.

I'm always so very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to connect in person with fellow New Orleanians and/or tourists and visitors that follow my brand. But I must say, this shoot by far garnered the most attention. So many people stopped what they were doing just to share a kind word with us. To share how much they loved my ensemble, how much they loved my braids, how much they loved every pose they saw me doing, and even how much they anticipated receiving the newsletter.

It was all love.

We felt it and we received it.

And, we send it right back

By sharing it all with you in this newsletter.

What We’re Up To

I always make it a point to remind you all what the purpose of my newsletters are in each quarterly edition.

So allow me to do that now for both my old and new subscribers...

Every quarter you'll receive a seasonal newsletter delivered directly to your inbox. The Allured By Design™️ newsletters are used as a way to go beyond the world of interiors and home decor. And, more of a way to connect with you all if possible on a deeper level by addressing things going on in our world and things that we may all be dealing with in some form or fashion.

My newsletters also serve as an opportunity for me to highlight my hometown and most favorite city in the world, New Orleans...showcasing a mixture of beautiful city exteriors and cultural landmarks. But most importantly, my newsletters are meant to be a source of light and hope, especially in today's world where there's so much darkness. If I can provide just a brief moment of joy and happiness into your lives through my newsletters, then I've done my job...

And, it's my absolute pleasure.

I hope that in this past year, (for those of you that have received all of my newsletters since day one), do feel a bit more connected to me. I hope that I've been able to inspire, shed light, and give you all hope about your life and the future...even while or if I've been struggling with things in my own life. I also hope that you've been able to learn something new in each newsletter I produce. I do my best to share some kind of historical reference in my newsletters or just some kind of cool or interesting fact that I'd like you all to know.

And, sometimes, I've even shared some heavy things. But again, that's the sole purpose...to connect with you all in a deeper way and not just surface. For we all know that life is not just 365 days of beautiful Summertime sunshine. I'd like to believe that we all work to do our very best to navigate the obstacles of life as they come our way and take the good with the bad.

Which brings me to my next point...I'm finally at a point in my life where I'm really working to see even the bad or unfortunate things as a lesson that I can use to still propel me forward. I have such big goals and dreams for the future and I have no time to waste on the negative. Trust me when I tell you, doing that is both EXHAUSTING & DRAINING!!!

But I do have time to focus ONLY on the positive and executing the work it will take to manifest my dreams into solid reality.

With God's blessing and favor of course.

Now that's not to say that there won't be hard or challenging days.

Sadly that comes with the territory. It simply comes with LIVING!!

But I'm learning daily that I was made to BEND and NOT BREAK!!

As you all go through hardships and obstacles in life in this season to the next, remember that...

We're all created and designed to...

BEND NOT BREAK!!

Because it is indeed Summertime, I'd like to share a few things you all can expect from me this Summer season. I have a lot of new video content that I'll be dropping on my social media platforms.

So be sure you're following me on both Facebook and Instagram where I share daily and seasonal Home & Lifestyle inspiration.

I'm currently on a brief break from coordinating any film projects, as I just most recently wrapped up work on a Disney+ show titled

"The Crossover" Executive Produced by best selling Author,

Kwame Alexander and Directed by George Tillman, Jr. 

I'm heading out of town later this week for a quick and fun trip in the

Big Apple, one of my other favorite cities in the country. I used to live in New York when I was fresh out of Film School.

I did my very first major television internship in New York with

BET Network. Also my Husband is born and raised NYC...so New York has long been a favorite city of mine to play and frolic in.

After New Orleans of course, because I'm WHO DAT all day, err'day!!!

⚜️

However, the energy of New York is simply like none other and I'll be there spending time with my creative twin flame, my very good and dear friend, Tarrie Alexis, Founder & Host of IGTV Series The Pour TV. 

I have some very BIG things I'm working on for my brand and just being around Tarrie having brain storming pitch sessions with him, all while having a FANTABULOUS time always does my creative mind the absolute best!!

Ya know, kind of like the saying, "Milk does a body good."

Hanging w/Tarrie does my mind good.

Upon my return, I'll be gearing up to start work on another Disney project. My deal (contract) isn't completely finalized yet, but I'm in early talks to coordinate another big project for the Mickey Mouse company. I've been very blessed to be one of Disney's preferred New Orleans

Film Coordinators that they reach out to first when they have film and television projects coming to NOLA. It's a blessing indeed, as my film work is what allows me the opportunity to continuously build, pour and invest into my design brand.

Speaking of, I'm so excited about the many things I'm working on behind the scenes for my brand. My Husband and I have this thing that we like to do where we sit and discuss our dreams and goals...

personal, professional and collective dreams as a married couple.

We pray about them and then release it all to God. From there, we get to work on the things we want to achieve and manifest as God will allow and bless it to happen. Over the 4th of July weekend, we had such an amazing prayer session where we both came to the table with our long list of dreams and goals. We each sat and carefully listened to one another call out the things we want and the things we'd like to build together in our marriage.

We prayed before we begin reading from our individual lists and then we prayed after we finished. As we said our closing prayer, tears just streamed from my eyes. It's very surreal and hard to explain but I became overwhelmed with emotion because in my heart I truly believe and feel that EVERYTHING (every single thing on both of our lists and even the things that haven't made it to our lists yet) will indeed come to pass. I don't think I've ever believed as much as I did and do right now.

Now that's not to say that there won't be challenges ahead and moments of doubt or uncertainty. But what I do know is that my Husband and I have this new phrase we've begun incorporating into our lives that we're determined to not only live by, but to also design and create the very kind of life we want and see for ourselves.

However, let me be clear...that's also not to say the lives we currently live isn't already amazing. We're very aware of our blessings and thankful for them. Yet, we're always working to elevate and dare to dream even bigger. For we know, trust and believe that there are many others that are connected to our dreams. And, as God blesses us to manifest our goals and dreams, those connected to us are simultaneously blessed.

At this current time, I won't share with you all what the phrase is that Hubbie and I have begun incorporating into our lives. But in due time, I promise I will. Because when I do share, it'll all make sense, as I plan on taking you all along the journey with us.

As I finally begin to bring this lengthy anniversary newsletter to a close,

I'd like to point out that if you're brand new to my blog or to my email list and would like to catch up on previous newsletters beginning from the 2020 debut, click on the links below...

2020 DEBUT Summer Newsletter

2020 Fall Newsletter

2020 Christmas Newsletter

2021 New Year Newsletter

2021 Spring Newsletter

Also, you can always head to the home page of my website and peruse about, where you'll always find all of my current video content.

To head there, click here.

In this hot and sweaty season of Summer...

I hope you all wear lots of white to not only stay stylish but also to keep cool. I hope that the rich and vibrant colors of the Summertime find you wherever you are. I hope you all make lots of time for fun in the sun and perhaps get a chance to lie on a beach somewhere either in the

United States or abroad. Just be safe where ever you go, of course, as the pandemic isn't completely over.

Most importantly, I hope you all get a chance to create your own lists of the lives you truly desire and want to live. Release them to God and into the atmosphere. Do the work and allow God to manifest the very things you've asked for within your lives.

And, because it's Summertime, I'll leave you with not only an assortment of alluring visuals, but also with these final lyrics from

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince...

It's like the Summer's a natural aphrodisiac

And with a pen and pad

I compose this rhyme

To hit you and to get you equipped

For the Summertime

Summer, Summer, Summertime

Ooh Summertime

Time to Sit Back and Unwind

⚜️

Until next time...

⚜️Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler⚜️

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